Chapter 1
Here is Chapter 1 of Yamazaki's route! Translating was done by yuugs and shizuumi. Proofreading done by shizuumi, kuririn, yuugs, and dei-hime.
―― June ――
As the calendar turned to the next page, our uniforms turned to summer ones as well.
In April and May, I was so desperate to get used to high school life that the months just flew by….
‘Lately, I think I’ve finally made a place for myself in my life at Hakuo Academy.’
Of course, it was still an environment meant for boys, so I still felt a little out of place. But thanks to my reliable friends and teachers, I was living a fulfilling life at school——
Two months have passed since I began high school. It was a clear and sunny morning in June. When I came to school, immediately after entering the building, the first thing I felt was an odd atmosphere.
As I climbed the stairs, just as I turned onto the landing——
Chizuru Yukimura: "Wah!?"
???: "Ah!"
I collided with the student rushing around the corner, and ended up falling on my butt.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Ow…"
Susumu Yamazaki: "Yukimura-kun? Sorry…"
Hajime Saitou: "I told you not to rush, Yamazaki. Are you alright, Yukimura?"
I looked up into two faces I recognized. Saitou-senpai was holding a textbook under one arm. He held out his hand to me.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Ah… yes, I’m alright."
Trying not to overthink it, I grabbed his hand and he pulled me upright.
Chizuru Yukimura: "…Thank you for that."
Chizuru Yukimura:: "I’m sorry, Yamazaki-senpai. I wasn’t being careful."
As I bowed deeply to the two of them, I noticed a second year textbook had fallen to the floor.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Isn’t this your textbook, Yamazaki-senpai?"
Susumu Yamazaki: "O-Oh, did I drop it? …I didn’t notice. Thanks."
Chizuru Yukimura: "……"
Something was off. Yamazaki’-senpai’s eyes had kind of a glazed look, and there were dark circles underneath them. Saitou-senpai also looked tired.
This seems…
[Are you alright?]
[Are you not getting enough sleep?]
Chizuru Yukimura: "Um...are the two of you alright?"
Hajime Saitou: "...Us? Why do you ask?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "I might be jumping to conclusions, but….you look really sick."
Susumu Yamazaki: "No...we’re fine. Don’t worry about us. Saitou-kun and I, see, late into the night, we’ve each been...um...well, we didn’t get much sleep last night."
Chizuru Yukimura: "I don’t really get it, but if you two are having a rough time, it’s would be best to take a break in the infirmary—"
Susumu Yamazaki: "No! I can’t rest! This next class is the one I’m most worried about."
Hajime Saitou: "Indeed, Chemistry is expected to be particularly difficult this time around. You’ll regret it if you don’t thoroughly prepare."
Susumu Yamazaki: "Exactly. Although I’d like to rest... In any case, thank you for worrying about us, Yukimura-kun."
With that, the two of them wandered staggering, down the stairs to the floor below. It made me worry for them in another way entirely; they were sure to run into someone again in that state.
Chizuru Yukimura: "They’re both studying so much they look sick."
Was their class really that important…? I watched their weary figures until they disappeared down the hall before continuing on my own way.
All morning, the school had been filled with chattering students. The hallway before the classrooms was especially lively. Maybe it was because classes hadn’t started yet. Having gotten to know them over the last two months, I exchanged greetings with my classmates in the hall as I headed to my classroom. On the way, I saw familiar faces in the distance and suddenly stopped in my tracks.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Heisuke-kun and Okita-senpai?"
I thought that was a freshman classroom. Why would two sophomores be there? It would be time for Homeroom soon…
[Call out to them]
[Leave them alone]
Chizuru Yukimura: "Heisuke-kun, Okita-senpai!"
I called out to them, waving. Both of them noticed me and immediately came over.
Heisuke Toudou: "Yo, Chizuru. G’morning!"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Morning, Heisuke-kun. Did you guys just come back from practice?"
Souji Okita: "Yep. Been working like dogs all morning."
They were part of the kendo club, which often met in the morning. On days when there was morning training, Heisuke and I couldn’t walk to school together. I got a bit lonely those days… But seeing him trying his hardest made me happy.
Chizuru Yukimura: "But why are you guys here? This is a first year classroom…"
Heisuke Toudou: "That’s… well, the thing is… We were just passing by…"
Souji Okita: "Why not be honest? This guy came by ‘cause he was worried about you."
Heisuke Toudou: "Ah! Hey, Souji!"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Worried…about me?" I blinked in surprise. Heisuke rubbed his head and mumbled.
Heisuke Toudou: "I mean, you’re surrounded by a bunch of guys, right? I’m worried they might pick on you or something."
Chizuru Yukimura: "No, no, I’m alright. I’ve made a lot of friends in my class these past new months."
Souji Okita: "There you go. Yet here he comes anyway, worrying his little head off about you. Pretty stalker-ish vibes, don’t you think?"
Heisuke Toudou: "W-Who you calling a stalker! I’m not anything like one!"
I smiled at Okita-senpai’s and Heisuke-kun’s bickering.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Anyway, guys, I think the bell’s about to ring."
Heisuke Toudou: "Oh, crap! You’re right!"
Souji Okita: "Well, we’ll probably see you at lunch later."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Yup!"
After seeing them off, I went back to enter the classroom…
When I did, I took out my textbook and notebook to get ready for class. The bell rang as soon as I’d finished, and I heard the sound of the door opening.
Sanosuke Harada: "Take your seats, guys. Homeroom’s starting."
As Harada-sensei came in, everyone rushed to their seats.
Classmate A: "Stand! Bow!"
Sanosuke Harada: "All right, morning!"
Everyone in class: "Good morning!"
Sanosuke Harada: "Time for attendance…is what I was going to say, but it seems like everyone’s here. Raise a hand if not."
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "You can’t do that if you’re not here…"
Ibuki-kun startled me by suddenly speaking up. A laugh escaped me before I could stop myself. Harada-sensei did make jokes like this at times. He really was a friendly, kind teacher.
Sanosuke Harada: "Now then, you all started school two months ago, and now it’s June. With that being the case…Though you might already know this, our school’s midterm exams start in two weeks! Make sure to study diligently, you guys. Put your feet up and slack off, and who knows what horrors you might be tempting?" Harada-sensei smirked as if he knew something we didn’t.
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "Horrors…?"
Sanosuke Harada: "If you think this’ll be the same as tests back in middle school, you’ll be in for a bad time. As you all know, Hakuo Academy has a teacher that’s much more passionate about educating its students than other schools do."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Passionate about educating, meaning–"
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "…It’s Hijikata-sensei, isn’t it?"
Sanosuke Harada: "Well, so it goes. Following a certain teacher’s suggestion, there’ll be penalties for students with lower scores. Those scoring less than 50% in a subject will receive a special homework assignment, and must clean all the school’s windows."
Everyone in class: "……"
As Harada-sensei with his explanation, everyone in class got paler and paler.
Sanosuke Harada: "Below 30% gets you cleaning corridors on top of the additional homework… And below that, the punishments get extra special."
Chizuru Yukimura: "'Special,’ he says…"
Sanosuke Harada: "Below 20% means doing a problem set, weeding the school yard, and a week of additional classes!"
Classmate A: "Whaaaaat?!"
Sanosuke Harada: "Sorry, but it’s already set in stone. Don’t like it? Then study like there’s no tomorrow. I don’t think anyone should get lower than 50%. If you study then you’ll be in the clear, right?"
While listening to Harada-sensei, I recalled what happened this morning. The reason why Saitou-senpai and Yamazaki-senpai seemed so off was probably this.
Chizuru Yukimura: "……"
While I didn’t mind studying, there was no way I’d want extra homework.
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "What would that guy do to me if I got myself stuck in supplemental classes…?!" Ibuki’s face drained of all color, and he hung his head.
This was going to be difficult. I would have to brace myself… The midterm exams would begin the week after next. Although I thought June’s hardships were over, the real battle was just around the corner.
After morning classes had finished, it was finally time for lunch. ‘Am I worrying too much about the tests? I feel kind of weird today,’ I thought.
Chizuru Yukimura: "I should go to the cafeteria for the time being."
Heisuke-kun and Okita-senpai were probably waiting for me…After quickly putting my school supplies away, I headed for the cafeteria.
For Hakuo Academy students, there were essentially three ways to get lunch. Some students brought a bento from home, and some bought their lunches at the school store. But the most popular lunch choice was to buy a meal from the cafeteria.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Wow…"
The school lunches were all delicious and affordable. It was no wonder they were so popular. I usually brought a bento, but sometimes I didn’t feel like having one. Since it was so popular, it was jam-packed by the time I got there.
Genzaburou Inoue: "Hey, you there! Line up properly! There are plenty of meals to go around…Hey now…! Don’t argue over the rice! Remember your manners and share!"
The beloved school chef, Inoue-san, was also managing the cafeteria. It looked like he was doing a good job sorting the students out, as usual.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Heisuke-kun isn’t here yet, huh…?" ‘I’ll get in the way if I stand and wait here. What should I do?’ the moment the thought passed through my mind…
???: "You’re in the way. Move."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Huh…?"
A voice rang out from the other side of the crowd. Immediately afterwards, the masses parted, splitting into two. Imperious as ever, the figure which emerged between them was…
Chizuru Yukimura: "K-Kazama-senpai…"
Amagiri-senpai and Shiranui-senpai pushed away annoyed students left and right, creating an empty clearing in the otherwise crowded cafeteria.
Chikage Kazama: "Chizuru…? For us to meet here of all places… How serendipitous. As I thought, there is a strong bond of fate between us. Don’t you agree?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Wha–"
Kyou Shiranui: "Is it? You go to the same school with the same cafeteria. Wouldn’t it be weirder if you didn’t see each other?"
Kyuuju Amagiri: "It is strange, now that you mention it… That you have never encountered each other here until today is rather more mysterious."
Chikage Kazama: "……"
Kyou Shiranui: "Don’t sound like much of a bond to me."
Chikage Kazama: "……No matter. Whatever the peanut gallery says, rest assured that our meeting today was destiny. As such, I will have your lunch prepared. Order whatever you wish."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Huh?!"
Chikage Kazama: "What’s wrong? There’s no need to hold back. Even if you want everything on the menu, I won’t mind."
Chizuru Yukimura: "That’s not what I’m worried about…! At any rate, treating me to so much is unfair to you!"
Chikage Kazama: "That modesty is a virtue of yours, but I insist that it’s fine. ….Or is it something else? Does the cafeteria food not suit your palate?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "T-That’s not the case at all! It’s delicious! It’s just that……"
As I shook my head, the number of people waiting for food was increasing. Maybe because of how we stood out in the middle, other students couldn’t get in line…The people who were stuck around us were getting angry. ‘W-What should I do…?’ I was so conflicted that I could feel tears starting to form in my eyes. Then–
???: "You again, Kazama!!"
An ear-splitting yell descended upon us.
Toshizou Hijikata: "Just what do you think you’re doing, harassing the female student in the middle of the cafeteria? Can’t you see she’s about to cry!?"
Chikage Kazama: "Ha. How ludicrous… You say that as if I were the one who made her cry."
Kyou Shiranui: "…You say it, Amagiri."
Kyuuju Amagiri: "Well, I can say we never intended in the slightest to make her cry…"
Toshizou Hijikata: "Then why is she holding back tears? …And why is everyone packed like sardines in here? Out with it."
Chikage Kazama: "My wife’s eyes are full of tears due to her gratitude for my superb generosity. As to the cafeteria, it just happens to be crowded today. To falsely accuse a single student of being responsible is unbefitting of a teacher such as yourself."
Toshizou Hijikata: "There’s a suspicious clearing around you and you only! Put two and two together, and it can only be your fault!"
Hijikata-sensei and Kazama-senpai always fought like cats and dogs, and their terrible relationship was infamous at school. Sparks flew the moment they met, and it only ever grew more and more extreme.
Chizuru Yukimura: "……"
When I saw Hijikata-sensei coming earlier, I thought everything would be sorted. It relieved me from the bottom of my heart… But far from improving anything, the situation seemed like it was only going to get worse.
Chizuru Yukimura: "…W-What do I do…?"
[Stand and watch]
[Forcibly break them up]
‘Trying to interfere from the sidelines may make things even more complicated.’ Thinking that, I decided to keep my mouth shut for the time being. But in the end…
Toshizou Hijikata: "Looks like I was right! It doesn’t seem like she asked for your ‘superb generosity’!"
Chikage Kazama: "That is due to a difference in values. It seems that a lowlife like you has yet to be able to understand my excellent resourcefulness…"
…There was no sign of the dispute stopping anytime soon. While I squirmed on the sidelines, someone called out to me from the side.
Heisuke Toudou: "Chizuru! Sorry we’re late! Class went on longer than normal."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Heisuke-kun, Okita-senpai…!"
Souji Okita: "What the? What’s all the fuss about? Why’s it so crowded here?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Right, actually—"
After I briefly explained the situation, Heisuke-kun and Okita-senpai looked amazed. While Hijikata-sensei and Kazama-senpai glared at each other with murderous intent, Heisuke-kun and Okita-senpai looked at the pair and sighed.
Souji Okita: "How about we leave them to it and head off? If you don’t hurry, you won’t get to eat."
Heisuke Toudou: "Right, right. Our lunch break’s gonna end! I’m already hungry too…"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Oh? …O-Okay…" ‘Would that be alright…?’
Genzaburou Inoue: "Hey, Toshi-san and Kazama-kun, what’re you doing!? You’re holding up the line for everyone!!"
The teachers’ confrontation weighed on my mind, but…Inoue-san shouted to rein in the situation. Hearing his booming voice, I turned around and left the pair.
Souji Okita: "Chizuru, over here."
With our meal sets on our trays, we found Okita-senpai sitting at an empty table. I’d chosen meal set 'A’. Drinking a cup of warm miso soup always relaxed me.
Heisuke Toudou: "Ahh, it’s so good…! I worked out so much this morning, I couldn’t wait for lunch!"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Good work with training this morning, you guys!"
Heisuke Toudou: "I’m sorry I couldn’t walk with you to school because of that…But in the end, morning’s the best time of day to be working up a sweat."
Souji Okita: "Well, it gets hot during the day this time of year, so I get sluggish when school ends."
Heisuke Toudou: "You said it… But lately we got club members who study in the middle of morning practice. You can’t focus on training if you do that."
Souji Okita: "The entire school’s been on edge. I don’t know whether it’s the tests or the punishments, but it’s a real pain."
Heisuke Toudou: "Well, the one who’s most on edge would be Hijikata-sensei."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Speaking of which… You’re both in Class 2-1, so isn’t Hijikata-sensei your homeroom teacher?"
Souji Okita: "Yep. He’s all busy ruining the mood at school and being pissy about it, what with embodying the root of all evil and all, and causing a good amount of trouble."
Chizuru Yukimura: "The… The root of all evil…?"
Heisuke Toudou: "I mean, earlier, the reactions from everyone felt different than usual."
Chizuru Yukimura: "…Now that you mention it…"
You could call it a kind of insecurity hanging over everyone… There was no mistaking that the air felt heavier than usual, at least to me. Midterms were about to begin, after all. ‘I wonder if the tension is spreading…’
Heisuke Toudou: "Oops, we ended up talking about the tests even though I wanted to forget about it for lunch."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Ah… Sorry about that, Heisuke-kun."
Souji Okita: "No, there’s no reason for you to apologize. This is his fault."
Heisuke Toudou: "That’s right—wait, no, it’s not! You’re the one who brought up the tests, right!?"
Even though Heisuke-kun shot a disgruntled look at Okita-senpai, he heaved a deep sigh right after.
Heisuke Toudou: "Anyway, it’d be better if the tests just, like, disappeared…"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Don’t say that. We should study hard anyway."
Heisuke Toudou: "N-No, that… Well, I know that, but…"
Souji Okita: "……"
While Heisuke faltered in his mumbling, Okita-senpai looked at him and grinned. At some point, he snapped a picture before I’d even realized he’d taken out his phone.
Heisuke Toudou: "Whoa!? Souji, what’re you taking pictures of!?"
Souji Okita: "You’re not photogenic at all, are you?"
Heisuke-kun slumped his shoulders, and Okita-senpai grinned at him, eyes full of laughter.
I said to them…
[Is it that hard?]
[The rules may be too strict…]
[Studying daily is important.]
Chizuru Yukimura: "It’s best to study a little bit every day anyway, so how bad could it really be…?"
While I wondered this aloud to myself, Heisuke nodded stiffly.
Heisuke Toudou: "Y-yeah, right…? You’re saying that guys who get good grades from studying normally shouldn’t be scared of tests?"
Souji Okita: "Heisuke. Your voice is shaking."
Heisuke Toudou: "N-N-N-Nuh-uh."
Souji Okita: "Well, tests are supposed to measure students’ competence, anyway. So don’t you think studying more beforehand kind of defeats the purpose?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "...I...I guess that’s one way to look at it…"
Nonetheless, I had better study anyway. Just to be safe.
...I continued to eat my lunch, thinking on it.
As the days went by, the older students, who already knew how severe the penalties were, grew more and more desperate. Seeing them also made us grow more anxious as well, as freshmen. The strange tension that enveloped Hakuo Academy just kept growing stronger.
And then…
―― 7 days until the tests ――
While we studied for our tests day after day, Harada-sensei looked around at our exhausted faces and grinned from his podium.
Sanosuke Harada: "Looking good, guys. It looks like you lot finally understand how serious we are about our tests."
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "What does he mean, 'looking good’? This is just agony…"
Sanosuke Harada: "Hey, don’t say that. It’s not like I don’t get what you’re going through. Just think of this as a rite of passage. This is what you signed up for enrolling into Hakuo Academy. There’s no turning back now. Anyway, just do your best."
Everyone in class: "……"
What he said was irrefutably correct. Everyone lost the will to argue, and went silent.
―― 6 days until the tests ――
That day, I ran into Kazama-senpai in the corridor without expecting to. Naturally, Amagiri-senpai
and Shiranui-senpai were shadowing him, as usual.
Chikage Kazama: "Chizuru. Less than a week remains until testing begins. Are you studying properly?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "I am. I’m working at my own pace, and it’s going fairly well, I think…"
'How about you, Kazama-senpai?’ …I felt like I didn’t even need to ask. Why? Because he seemed plenty calm, a smug smile spreading across his face.
Chikage Kazama: "These students growing so flustered over mere high school tests is truly unsightly. Don’t you think so?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Uh… T-That’s…"
Kyou Shiranui: "Uh, no, 'cause high school students are bound to freak out over high school tests. Rather than unsightly, it’s just normal.
Kyuuju Amagiri: "…Kazama-sama. If we do not depart soon, you will be late for your next lesson."
Chikage Kazama: "Hmph. Whether or not I attend any classes, there’s not a single thing the test will cover that I won’t understand… But very well. Let us show our faces in class for today. Well then, I bid you farewell."
I was left standing alone in the hallway, overwhelmed as Kazama-senpai swaggered off with an arrogant look on his face.
―― 5 days until the tests ――
Chizuru Yukimura: "Good morning, Saitou-senpai."
Hajime Saitou: "Is that you, Yukimura? Morning."
Chizuru Yukimura: "You still have disciplinary committee work in the mornings even though we only have five days until the tests. That must be hard…"
Hajime Saitou: "No, it’s important to accumulate knowledge on a regular basis in order to study properly. So there’s no point in panicking just before a test."
Just what you’d expect from Saitou-senpai…
Hajime Saitou: "However, all sports and culture clubs have suspended their activities for the tests. So since Heisuke’s not with you, he must be late. One strike for him."
Chizuru Yukimura: "N-No, he’s on class duty today, so he should’ve arrived before me!"
Hajime Saitou: "Come to think of it, he might’ve passed by a short while ago…"
Looking at him more closely, I could see the dark bags under Saitou-senpai’s eyes. On the surface, he looked as dignified as ever, but his grip on his pen looked a little shaky, too. Perhaps Saitou-senpai was staying up late studying too…
―― 4 days until the tests ――
On Saturday, I was studying in my room, when suddenly my cell phone rang.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Okita-senpai…?"
‘A message with a picture attached, as usual. Let’s have a look…’
He’s making a peace sign at the camera, with an odd-looking plushie hanging from his hand.
"I won a toy that I thought you’d like. I’ll give it to you at school. I’ll bring it up to your classroom for you."
Chizuru Yukimura: "……"
‘What kind of tastes does he think I have? Moreover…’
Chizuru Yukimura: "Even though it’s a Saturday with tests right around the corner, he still finds time to fool around!"
―― 3 days until the tests ――
It was Sunday morning.
I decided to do a little sweeping by the front door for a change of pace. At that moment, Heisuke-kun appeared, staggering.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Heisuke-kun?! Are you okay…!?"
Heisuke Toudou: "Chizuru… Mornin’…"
He had terrible, dark bags under his eyes and his eyes were hollow. He was so exhausted that he couldn’t even walk straight.
Heisuke Toudou: "I-I’m on the verge of falling asleep… So I’m running a lap around the block. Must…stay…awake…"
Chizuru Yukimura: "But if you don’t sleep a little, you won’t last until the test!"
Heisuke Toudou: "No way! I’m not done studying yet! I’ll totally flunk it!! Don’t stop me, Chizuru! Don’t stop me! I’m not ready to die yet!"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Wait, Heisuke-kun! A whole lap around the block is too much no matter how you look at it—"
I tried to stop him, but he’d already run off… While watching his disappearing figure staggering in zigzags down the road, I could only pray for his safety.
―― 2 days until the tests ――
During recess.
I gathered my class’s printouts and brought them to the staff room…
Toshizou Hijikata: "……"
Hijikata-sensei, looking particularly annoyed, was sighing deeply. He looked no better than the students, just as exhausted by pre-test frenzy.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Is something wrong, Hijikata-sensei?"
Toshizou Hijikata: "Those guys are so tired from cramming that they sleep through my classes. Because of them, I’m screaming my lungs out every morning. Classes are a key part of test preparations. Their priorities are all backwards!"
Chizuru Yukimura: "…You’ve been working really hard…"
‘I think they just stay up all night studying out of fear of punishment…’ Even though I understood Hijikata-sensei’s concerns, I couldn’t help but smile wryly.
―― At last, the day before the test ――
Chizuru Yukimura: "Finally, it’s tomorrow…"
At the end of the school day, while I was putting away my textbooks, I glanced to the desk beside mine…
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "……"
Ibuki-kun sat here, engrossed in his studies, showing no signs of getting up to go home.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Ibuki-kun, aren’t you going home?"
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "Ah… I wouldn’t be able to study even if I did. Since Serizawa-san’s there…"
Ibuki-kun often mentions him when we talk. It seems like he doesn’t get along with this ‘Serizawa-san’. With him looking so cornered, I could only bring a forced smile to my lips.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Do your best."
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "You too."
He gave a little smile, and then, as if he were clinging onto his desk, dived back into his books for the test.
At that moment…
Chizuru Yukimura: "?"
I noticed my phone vibrating in my pocket and took it out. A message notification came up on my screen.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Oh, it’s from Osen-chan."
Osen-chan is my friend who attends Shimabara Girls’ High School not too far away from my academy.
—–
Sub: Will you be okay for the test?
Chizuru-chan, are you going to be okay for the tests?
I can’t take it anymore~!
I just want to run away from it all~!
But, after we get through these midterms, we definitely need to hang out!
I will survive them on your moral support, Chizuru-chan!!
—–
Chizuru Yukimura: "I see. They have tests at the same time as us. Shimabara High is a sister school to Hakuo Academy, come to think of it…"
"Jeez, Osen-chan…"
Having read her message, I decided to reply right away. ‘But what should I write?’
[I’m looking forward to it!]
[Let’s concentrate on studying!]
Chizuru Yukimura: "'I’m looking forward to it!’ …and send."
I think it’s easier to persevere when there’s a prize waiting for you after all the struggle.
A short while after I sent it, Osen-chan replied.
—–
RE: Will you be okay for the test?
Definitely!
Let’s both do our best!
—–
Chizuru Yukimura: "Hehe…"
I could feel my motivation grow with Osen-chan cheering for me.
"Well, I should go over my notes one last time before the test…"
I finished getting ready and took my bag, leaving the classroom.
Then…
As I was halfway to the student entrance, I heard footsteps coming from the hallway and looked up.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Ah, Yamazaki-sen—"
Susumu Yamazaki: "......"
He dashed past without noticing as I called out to him, looking horribly panicked. He looked completely flustered. What had happened to him...?
As I turned my head and asked myself that, my eyes unintentionally caught a fountain pen lying on the floor.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Did Yamazaki-senpai drop this? ...I should go and give it to him."
If I hurried, I could still find Yamazaki-senpai. Thinking that, I went in the direction he went in.
As I looked around while walking, before long, my eyes caught the nameplate on one room in particular.
Chizuru Yukimura: "If Yamazaki-senpai hasn't left, I think he should be in here, then...? ...Excuse me!"
Keisuke Sannan: "Oh, an unexpected guest! Good day, Yukimura-kun. Are you unwell? Or injured? I have good medicine if you're not feeling well..."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Ah, no, it's nothing like that."
In the infirmary was the school nurse, Sannan-sensei, and Yamazaki-senpai. When I found Yamazaki-senpai, I let out a sigh of relief and approached him.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Yamazaki-senpai, I think you dropped this, so I came here to give it back to you."
Susumu Yamazaki: "!!! T-Thank you, Yukimura-kun! Thank you so much...! I'd only just now noticed that it was gone and started worrying where I might have lost it."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Oh? Well, um, I brought it back to you now..."
For some reason, his pale face suddenly turned so joyful. ‘Was that fountain pen that important to him...?’
Susumu Yamazaki: "No, you really saved me. You see, it's not my pen. I borrowed it. If I had really lost it, my life would've been in danger..."
Keisuke Sannan: "Yamazaki-kun."
Susumu Yamazaki: "I-I mean, it's nothing!"
At Sannan-sensei's quiet voice, Yamazaki-senpai's spine went straight as a rod in a panic.
Chizuru Yukimura: "So, you borrowed that pen? Then, whose is it?"
I thought it'd be strange for a student to have a pen like that.
When I turned my gaze towards him, Sannan-sensei smiled and nodded.
Keisuke Sannan: "Correct. I was the one who lent Yamazaki my pen when he forgot his pencil case. Hmhm. It's quite an old-fashioned fountain pen, don't you think?"
Hearing Mr. Sannan's question, I got a little worried, and said...
[I haven't used one before…]
[I think it suits you]
I knew that there existed stationery from a long time ago, but...
Chizuru Yukimura: "I wouldn't know, since I never used one..."
I spoke candidly after getting my bearings, and Sannan-sensei gave me a slight, wry smile.
Keisuke Sannan: "...I guessed as much. There are plenty of writing utensils that are much easier to use nowadays, after all. Well, tomorrow is the big day. You two should go home early and give it one last review to brush up."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Y-Yes!"
Susumu Yamazaki: "I'll be taking my leave, then."
Yamazaki-senpai and I each bowed our heads saying our goodbyes before leaving the infirmary. After we finished getting ready to go home, we left school together.
Susumu Yamazaki: "Thank you once again. You really saved me when you found that pen."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Oh, don’t worry about it."
Susumu Yamazaki: "No, no. The other day I was so absent-minded that I bumped my head into yours by accident as well… I've been nothing but a nuisance to you lately. I feel obligated to do something about it."
Seeing him thank me again, I shook my head with a smile.
Chizuru Yukimura: "If you're talking about our collision the other day… Looking back on it now, I thought you and Saitou-senpai looked oddly tired. It was because you were studying for your tests, weren't you?"
Susumu Yamazaki: "Yeah. We have penalties for our tests, so we can't afford to slack off. But even without the penalties, I'm already a second year. I have to start preparing for my entrance exams."
Even though he'd barely become a second year, he was thinking as far ahead as taking college entrance exams… It really made me feel that he was a dedicated person and passionate about his studies.
Susumu Yamazaki: "So what about you, Yukimura-kun? Are your studies going well?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Thanks for asking, Yamazaki-senpai. I think they're going well this time around."
Susumu Yamazaki: "I see..."
He looked worried earlier. But after listening to what I said, he smiled with a sigh of relief.
Susumu Yamazaki: "I'm sure you have a lot of things to worry about as well, but if you ever happen to have trouble with anything, you can always let me know."
Chizuru Yukimura: "I-I'd feel bad if I went that far. I'd be a burden on you."
Susumu Yamazaki: "Not at all. You shouldn't think like that. It's normal for older students to look after their younger peers, right?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Thank you so much, Yamazaki-senpai."
Susumu Yamazaki: "Well then, let's head home before it gets dark. If I recall correctly, your house is in the same direction as mine."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Yep!"
With how diligent he was, I also had to follow his example. Yamazaki-senpai had started to walk ahead of me, so I hurried up to chase after him.
The day of the test had finally arrived. It was time for the real thing at last. I studied as much as I possibly could, but I was worried…
I was still feeling nervous when I passed through the school gates.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Good morning, Yamazaki-senpai."
Susumu Yamazaki: "Morning, Yukimura-kun. The tests are happening today, at long last."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Yes..."
Susumu Yamazaki: "How did your studying go? I used up some of your precious time yesterday, which was the day before the test, to boot..."
Chizuru Yukimura: "It's fine!"
I quickly cut him off. I didn't want to be the reason why he made such a guilty expression.
Yamazaki-senpai gave a sigh of relief as I did. His features softened as he started speaking again.
Susumu Yamazaki: "Speaking from experience, the freshmen tests weren't that difficult. So... Try to let loose a little when you write them. Don't take yourself too seriously. If you get so nervous that it stops you from showing off what you're really capable of, then you'll have worked really hard for nothing."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Thanks for the advice."
He gave me a small nod, looking happier somehow.
Susumu Yamazaki: "Let's both do our best. Best of luck."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Yeah!"
We parted ways at the school entrance, heading towards the shoe racks for each of our grades...
The tests finally began… I answered all the ones I could, and I did my very best on the other ones!
Minigame Victory
Chizuru Yukimura: "Right. I think I did well."
‘I think I can avoid all the penalties with this.’
I got through the test one way or another, and let out a long sigh of relief.
Then, several days later...
Chizuru Yukimura: "Yes...!"
I saw the test results posted in the hallway, and the tension left my shoulders as relief flooded me. Kaoru looked at the same notice board from beside me, and shrugged his shoulders.
Kaoru Nagumo: "Well, that's how it is. You did pretty well on your first test."
Susumu Yamazaki: "...Yukimura-kun, Nagumo-kun. How did your first midterm test go?"
Yamazaki called out to us, also looking relieved I knew he'd probably gotten a good grade.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Oh, Yamazaki-senpai."
Chizuru Yukimura: "It was fine. Fortunately, I was able to get through it without any trouble!"
Kaoru Nagumo: "Only idiots would get penalized from questions of this level."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Come on, why don't you just be honest instead of saying things like that...?"
Keisuke Sannan: "Carelessness makes for a powerful enemy, Nagumo-kun. You are in high school. While it is unfortunate, there will be many times where you will have to study hard."
Shinpachi Nagakura: "Right, right. The scope of the tests are still narrow for you lot."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Sannan-sensei! And Nagakura-sensei, too...!"
Nagakura-sensei had shown up, laughing and wearing a grin on his face.
Shinpachi Nagakura: "I say that, but don't worry! Teachers are allies of hard-working students, after all!"
He clapped Kaoru's shoulder with a smack, and Kaoru pulled a face.
Yamazaki-senpai was there looking after Sannan-sensei. Being surrounded by so many teachers and seniors, I swore to myself that I'd do even better next time.
At last, the tests were over, and the results had been announced…The tension gradually seeped out of the school, and everything slowly went back to normal.
After school, after the test results were announced…I was on my way out of the school building to return home when…
Isami Kondou: "……"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Just now…was that Kondou-sensei?"
Kondou-sensei went around to the back of the school. When I saw that, I paused. ‘There isn’t anything over there, so where is he going…?’ I thought it was kind of mysterious. And so, egged on by my curiosity, I jogged after Kondou-sensei. I went further behind the school… I’d never set foot back here before. After reaching his destination, Kondou-sensei suddenly stopped.
Isami Kondou: "……"
‘What is this place…?’ Towering in front of me was an old gate, and my eyes widened. ‘To think there was such a place here, right on academy campus…’
Isami Kondou: "……"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Um…"
Isami Kondou: "Hm… Yukimura-kun? Why are you here?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "I’m sorry. I saw you heading this way, and curiosity got the better of me…"
Isami Kondou: "Ahh, so that’s what it was."
Kondou-sensei smiled in understanding, and turned his gaze back towards the gate. The old wooden door was shut tightly, looking like it hadn’t been opened in a long time. It had been two months since I began studying at Hakuo Academy, but I never knew such a place existed until now.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Um, Kondou-sensei. What is this place…?"
Isami Kondou: "‘The Shieikan.’"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Huh?"
Isami Kondou: "…That’s what it was called, at least. There used to be a swordplay dojo here by that name."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Used to be?"
Isami Kondou: "Yes. As you can see, it’s closed now. There are no students here; there’s no one at all. But the teachings of that dojo are certainly still being passed down… That’s what I believe."
There was a look in his eyes; almost as if he were lost in a different time, far from the present. I got the feeling that this must’ve been a very important place to Kondou-sensei.
Isami Kondou: "I always come here whenever I want to return to my roots…This place, the Shieikan, is Hakuo Academy’s starting point."
Kondou-sensei put his hand on the place where I expected the sign must have once hung, and his eyes shut, lost in nostalgia.
…'Shieikan.’ As if to confirm the word, I mouthed it to myself. That name… I felt as if I’d heard it before…
Chizuru Yukimura: "……"
Looking at me as I thought about it, Kondou-sensei smiled and kept talking.
Isami Kondou: "Yukimura-kun, it looks like the sun is about to set. Don’t you think it’s time for you to head home?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Oh, right. That’s true. It’s already so late…"
Isami Kondou: "By the way, I heard from Toshi. It looks like you got some magnificent test results this time around."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Hijikata-sensei said that?"
Isami Kondou: "Yes, you’re the most talented woman in the history of Hakuo Academy! It truly is magnificent!"
Chizuru Yukimura: "…Thank you very much."
There was no hint of lies or flattery in Kondou-sensei’s cheerful words… I remembered how he delivered them while walking away, and I felt a little embarrassed.
Isami Kondou: "A student has a duty to study, so I want you to continue trying your hardest! But of course, it’s not just your studies. If you also have fun living your everyday life at Hakuo Academy… As this school’s principal, I’d be very happy!"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Yes!"
Returning his nod as he smiled, I looked back at ‘Shieikan’ only once. He had called it the ‘starting point’ for the school. I wonder what that meant…? Questions along those lines came to mind, and I couldn’t help but wonder at such a mystery…
Anyway, I would do my best from here forward. I smiled, in high spirits.