Chapter 3: The New Teacher's [X] Is Inspirational
The room was cloaked in a hazy morning light, casting soft shadows on the worn-out tatami mats. Nariyuki Yuiga stirred from his sleep, his ears catching a persistent buzzing sound that tugged him back to reality. With bleary eyes, he rose from his futon, feeling the absence of something crucial. Panic swept over him as he realized his eyeglasses were nowhere to be found.
"Oh no, not again, Kazuki," he sighed, frustration etching into his voice. This was a recurring prank that his mischievous younger brother delighted in playing.
As he circled the room, squinting to compensate for his blurred vision, a sudden presence made itself known behind him. Before he could react, a pair of hands gently placed his glasses back onto his face. It was Mizuki, his younger sister, her voice laced with both admiration and concern.
"Onii-chan, Kazuki stole your glasses again and wore them to impersonate you. You truly are a wonderful brother," Mizuki said, her words carrying a mixture of awe and warmth. "Our little brother and sister idolize you."
Nariyuki adjusted his glasses, the world around him sharpening into focus once more. He let out a weary sigh, his brow furrowing with a hint of self-doubt. "Mizuki, I'm not yet the brother I strive to be for the three of you. I haven't even finished high school, and we're still living in this rundown place."
Mizuki's lips pursed momentarily, a fleeting expression of concern crossing her face. But in an instant, her smile returned, radiating unwavering confidence. "I am certain, without a doubt, that you will achieve great things someday, Onii-chan! You're giving it your all, just like me. I even scored 90 percent on my last exam!"
The atmosphere in the room shifted, infused with Mizuki's unwavering faith and determination. Nariyuki couldn't help but be touched by her unwavering belief in him. As he gazed into her eyes, a flicker of hope began to take root within his heart, dispelling the shadows of doubt.
Nariyuki's eyes widened, a radiant smile illuminating his face like a burst of sunlight breaking through the clouds. He couldn't contain his overwhelming pride for his younger sister's achievement. With a gentle motion, he reached out to pat Mizuki's head, a gesture filled with warmth and affection. "I'm so proud of you, Mizuki."
Caught off guard by her big brother's praise, Mizuki's face flushed with a mixture of embarrassment and joy. She stumbled, her knees giving way as if she were unaccustomed to such high praise. Nariyuki swiftly bent down, his caring nature guiding him to help her back up. "Hey, Mizuki, snap out of it! It's not the end of the world yet," he reassured her with a playful tone, extending a supportive hand. "Come on, let's go eat breakfast together."
Nariyuki's smile persisted as he and Mizuki walked hand in hand towards the inviting aroma wafting from the kitchen. The tantalizing scent mingled with a sense of warmth and familiarity, promising nourishment for both body and soul. As they entered the kitchen, Nariyuki's eyes landed on the table, adorned with a delectable dish of omelette rice, lovingly prepared by Mizuki for him and their twin siblings.
His heart swelled with gratitude at the sight. A surge of appreciation washed over him, filling the room with an atmosphere of unwavering sibling love and closeness. Nariyuki took a moment to cherish the scene before him, acknowledging the unspoken bond that united them, a bond that surpassed the challenges they faced.
As the siblings shared their breakfast, the absence of their mother loomed over them like a familiar specter. Nariyuki's gaze fell upon the empty space where his mother's presence should have been, her early morning work routine a constant reminder of their challenging circumstances. His brows furrowed in contemplation, a swirl of determination and concern intermingling on his face. "Mom is out working again. When can I help our family get out of this situation?" he pondered silently, his fingers absently tracing the contours of his face.
Amidst their meal, Mizuki's eyes sparkled with curiosity, her voice brimming with eagerness. "Onii-chan, how was the cram school yesterday?" she inquired, her youthful face illuminated with genuine interest.
Nariyuki paused, his chopsticks hovering above the bowl of rice. He took a moment to reflect on his recent experience. "It was both great and surprising," he began, his voice carrying a mix of excitement and apprehension. "There was an abundance of information to absorb and comprehend. However, a minor setback arose when the teacher erased the board too quickly for me to keep up," he confessed, a hint of frustration lacing his words.
With unwavering belief, Mizuki's face lit up like a beacon of unwavering support. Rising from her seat, she moved swiftly, wrapping her arms around her brother from behind, embracing a gesture of unconditional encouragement. "I know you can do it, Onii-chan! You're the smartest person I know!" she exclaimed, her words filled with absolute conviction.
The atmosphere in the room shifted, charged with the power of Mizuki's faith in her brother's abilities. Nariyuki felt the warmth of her embrace, the weight of her unwavering trust uplifting his spirits. A gentle smile curved his lips as he soaked in her words, a newfound determination taking root within him.
Their shared determination enveloped the room, infusing it with a renewed sense of purpose. With Mizuki's arms encircling him and her faith anchoring his resolve, Nariyuki felt the weight of their familial bond, a source of unwavering strength as they ventured forward. They would face the trials ahead, armed with the unbreakable support they found in each other and a shared determination to break free from the shackles of their current situation.
Mizuki's infectious grin mirrored the radiance of the morning sun as she soaked in her brother's gratitude. "Yes, thank you, Mizuki. You've started this day off as amazing as possible," Nariyuki expressed with genuine appreciation, his voice brimming with warmth.
With the meal coming to a close, Nariyuki rose from his seat, a sense of purpose emanating from his every movement. Methodically, he gathered his study materials, placing them into his trusty bag. As he reached the door, he turned to face his siblings, his eyes filled with determination. With a wave, he bid them farewell, his voice carrying a blend of excitement and urgency. "I've got to go now!"
"Goodbye, Onii-chan!" Hazuki and Kazuki chimed in unison, their small hands mirroring the motion of their brother's wave. Their synchronized farewell reverberated through the room, a testament to the deep connection shared among the siblings.
Nariyuki stepped over the threshold, the door closing behind him with a soft click. The outside world greeted him, the sunlight filtering through the leaves of nearby trees, casting dappled patterns upon the ground. He followed his usual path, each step propelling him closer to the cram school, his destination for the day.
As he walked, Nariyuki reached into his bag, retrieving a set of well-worn flashcards he had diligently crafted in the past. These cards served as a mnemonic aid, designed to reinforce crucial information in his studies. Immersed in his thoughts, he traversed the familiar streets, the world around him becoming a mere backdrop to his determined focus.
Time slipped away, swift as a fleeting breeze, and Nariyuki's footsteps led him unconsciously to his destination. In a blink, he stood before the classroom, his surroundings seemingly transformed by the power of his concentration. A surge of anticipation surged within him as he grasped the door handle, pushing it open to reveal a world brimming with knowledge and opportunity.
Little did he realize that his journey, both inward and outward, held the promise of growth and discovery. As Nariyuki stepped into the classroom, his flashcards clutched tightly in his hand, he took his place among fellow students, ready to embark on a new day of learning, unaware of the profound impact it would have on his journey of self-improvement.
"Hey, smarty-pants Junior!" A mischievous voice called out, slicing through the air. Nariyuki's ears perked up, but he chose to ignore it, his focus fixated on securing his seat of choice in the bustling classroom. Yet, the voice persisted, growing louder and more insistent until it became impossible for Nariyuki to pretend he hadn't heard it.
With a resigned sigh, Nariyuki turned to face the source of the commotion. "Oh, hey. Good morning, Kominami-senpai," he greeted her, his voice laced with a touch of apology. He gestured toward his hand, revealing the flashcards he held. "I'm sorry I didn't hear you earlier. I was a bit preoccupied."
Itsuki Nakano, a spirited figure with a shock of red hair and glasses perched on her nose, approached the pair. Her hands found their way to her waist, an air of playful curiosity emanating from her. "What are those?" she inquired, her gaze fixed on the flashcards that Nariyuki skillfully shuffled between his fingers.
"These are flashcards, Nakano-san, and good morning to you," Nariyuki explained, a hint of pride seeping into his voice. His fingers danced across the stack, their movements as swift and precise as a maestro's baton. "They serve as mnemonic aids to help me reinforce important information. They've been quite useful in my studies."
"Good morning, Yuiga-kun!" greeted Itsuki, her vibrant red hair framing her face as her hand made a graceful gesture. A radiant smile adorned her lips, casting a glow of warmth upon the room. "I had a great time with both of you last night," she continued, her voice filled with a hint of nostalgia. "And Yuiga-kun, can you please lend me those later? Those flashcards look quite interesting."
Nariyuki nodded, a soft expression of agreement on his face. "Of course, Itsuki. You can have them right now," he replied, extending the stack of flashcards to her. Each card bore Nariyuki's meticulous handwriting, a testament to his dedication and resourcefulness.
Itsuki's eyes sparkled, mirroring the twinkling stars adorning her hair. Gratefully, she accepted the flashcards, cradling them gently in her hands. "Thank you, Yuiga-kun. I promise, I'll bring them back to you later," she affirmed, her voice brimming with sincerity.
Just as their conversation reached its peak, another voice emerged, cutting through the air with infectious energy. "Itsuki-chan, Junior, there's fantastic news for us this morning!" Asumi's words rang out, her tone carrying a contagious excitement. Itsuki and Nariyuki turned their attention toward Asumi, their eyes widening in anticipation. Asumi's voice soared, her words delivered with a volume that could almost reach the ears of their classmates.
The room filled with a charged atmosphere as the news settled upon them. The highest rating bestowed upon their work by a renowned food critic ignited a spark of triumph within their hearts. It was a moment of triumph and validation, a testament to their hard work and unwavering dedication.
A wave of genuine admiration washed over Nariyuki as he processed the news, his eyes shimmering with pride. "Wow! Congratulations, Kominami-senpai!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with genuine enthusiasm. He couldn't help but let his hand gently pat her head, a gesture of affection and congratulations that caused Asumi's cheeks to flush with a rosy hue. Her heart fluttered at the warmth radiating from Nariyuki's touch, his support resonating deeply within her.
Itsuki, wearing a sly smirk that hinted at hidden knowledge, chimed in, her voice carrying a playful tone. "Congratulations, Kominami-senpai! You all deserve it," she affirmed, her words accompanied by a mysterious glint in her eyes. It was as if she held a secret that added an intriguing layer to the situation.
Asumi motioned for both of them to draw closer, her expression serious and focused. Intrigued, Nariyuki and Itsuki leaned in, eager to hear Asumi's words. "Thank you, both of you," Asumi whispered, her voice tinged with a note of caution. "I just want to make sure that my work there remains a secret. I prefer not to be recognized by people outside of our workplace, especially among our classmates here. Got it?" Her words hung in the air, the weight of secrecy adding an air of intrigue to their shared achievement. In that moment, Nariyuki felt a sudden, gentle pinch on his skin from his right side, causing him to instinctively yelp in surprise. "Ow!" he exclaimed, his reaction instantaneous.
The sound of the bell echoed through the classroom, signaling the start of class. The students, including Nariyuki, Asumi, and Itsuki, returned to their seats, their movements accompanied by a sense of purpose and anticipation. Their seats were nestled within the penultimate row, positioned closest to the back door. Nariyuki occupied a central position, flanked by Itsuki on his right and Asumi closest to the edge.
In the midst of this routine, a commanding figure made his entrance, drawing the attention of everyone in the room. The man exuded an air of authority, his well-built frame adorned with sunglasses that lent him an aura of mystery. With a bamboo stick in hand, he emanated the unmistakable presence of a dojo master, an enigmatic figure whose arrival hinted at a significant shift in the atmosphere of the classroom.
The classroom settled into a palpable hush as a commanding presence entered, his aura demanding immediate respect. With an air of authority, he greeted the class, his bamboo stick held perpendicular to the ground as if it were a ceremonial sword, evoking both curiosity and apprehension. In unison, the students responded with a tone of utmost respect, their voices forming a harmonious chorus of "Good morning, sensei!"
"Please sit down," he instructed, his voice carrying an air of no-nonsense authority. The students complied, their movements swift yet careful, as if aware of the significance of the moment. As the room fell into quiet anticipation, the man proceeded to introduce himself, his words punctuating the air like a declaration.
"I'm Sota Miyamae, the head teacher of Saegusa Seminar," he began, his voice carrying an undertone of unwavering determination. "In this seminar, I expect to witness nothing less than a minimum of 100% improvement in your grades." With his bamboo stick raised, he pointed it toward the students, his gesture commanding their attention and respect. "If any of you intend to approach this class with a lax attitude, be prepared to face the consequences of my bamboo stick."
Nariyuki's thoughts swirled as he absorbed the stern yet resolute declaration. "Wow, the principal of this cram school is definitely strict," he mused inwardly, his curiosity piqued. Casting a glance to his right, he caught sight of Itsuki, her expression a mixture of nervousness and apprehension, beads of sweat glistening on her brow.
The room was taut with tension as Miyamae-sensei's voice resonated once more, the weight of his words directed at Itsuki. "Alright, Miss Itsuki Nakano," he called, drawing her into the spotlight. Slowly, she rose from her seat, the eyes of her classmates on her. "So, you're the newest student assistant, huh?" Miyamae-sensei continued, his tone scrutinizing yet tinged with a hint of curiosity. "I have high expectations for you. I assume Ms. Shimoda has already informed you about your responsibilities?" His words hung in the air, creating an unspoken connection between teacher and student, expectations and potential.
Itsuki's response stumbled forth, a hesitant acknowledgment that carried an undercurrent of tension. Nariyuki, attuned to the nuances of her emotions, had already detected her unease the previous night. "It's pretty obvious, isn't it?" he mused inwardly, a subtle smirk tugging at the corners of his lips as he observed her.
Miyamae-sensei's voice sliced through the quiet, firm and commanding. "Let's begin the class now," he declared, his presence dominating the room. His words held an air of authority, echoed by the distinct cadence of his speech. "Remember, unlike other instructors, I won't erase the board too quickly. I want all of you to absorb and remember every detail of what I say, understand?" His gaze swept over the class, his intent clear and uncompromising. "And anyone who is caught talking or sleeping will face the consequences," he added, his words punctuated by a meaningful flourish of his bamboo stick.
As the gravity of Miyamae-sensei's words settled upon the classroom, a palpable tension lingered in the air. Nariyuki, unprepared for the intensity of the delivery, felt a jolt of surprise course through him. It was as though an image of a fearsome, masked demon had momentarily manifested beside him, causing his heart to race in response.
Amidst the weight of expectations, the class unfolded, guided by Miyamae-sensei's unyielding determination. Nariyuki's keen observations highlighted the stark contrast between this instructor and the others. "Miyamae-sensei is so enthusiastic and passionate in teaching," he mused, his pen dancing idly in his fingers. "He may be strict, but it's evident he wants us all to learn efficiently. He goes out of his way to ensure even the tiniest details are accessible to my other classmates, repeating them to help those who struggle to keep up."
In this sea of focused concentration, Nariyuki found himself immersed in the rhythm of the class. Miyamae-sensei's presence demanded attention, yet his dedication to effective teaching was undeniable. As time flowed onward, Nariyuki's respect for his new instructor deepened, his own determination mirrored in the diligence of those around him.
Nariyuki's gaze shifted toward Itsuki, who sat beside him on his right. He couldn't help but notice that her apprehension had remained unyielding. "I'll talk to her later and maybe share her feedback on today's lecture," Nariyuki silently resolved, his determination to support his friend unwavering.
Across the room, Kominami-senpai exuded an air of tranquility, her calm demeanor a stark contrast to Itsuki's visible nerves. As Miyamae-sensei's words flowed, she adeptly transcribed her notes, her movements graceful and fluid. Every so often, her gaze flickered toward Nariyuki, a subtle yet undeniable undercurrent of curiosity in her stolen glances.
With a sense of finality, Miyamae-sensei's voice resonated through the room, marking the conclusion of their session. The words held an air of respectful closure, guiding the class toward the end of their time together. "We shall see you again on the next day," he announced, his tone gracious and authoritative.
The attention shifted back to Itsuki, who stood poised to fulfill Miyamae-sensei's request. "Itsuki, please distribute the sample exam questions about the topics we discussed to all your classmates," he instructed, his words delivered with a polite yet firm tone.
Itsuki rose from her seat, a newfound determination evident in her demeanor. With a respectful bow, she acknowledged the task at hand. "Yes, sensei," she responded, her voice steady and unwavering. The earlier nervousness that had clung to her seemed to have waned, replaced by a quiet resolve as she moved forward to fulfill her responsibilities.
Itsuki assumed her role with an air of quiet efficiency, moving through the rows of desks as she distributed the sample exam questions to her classmates. Meanwhile, Miyamae-sensei's voice remained a steady presence in the room, punctuating the atmosphere as he addressed the students. His sunglasses, perched upon his face, seemed to anchor his authority, adding a touch of enigmatic charisma to his demeanor. "I almost forgot," he interjected, his tone carrying a mix of gravity and wry amusement. "Here in this prep school, we always conduct mock exams weekly. The sample exam questions you have now offer a sneak peek of what lies ahead in the actual exams." Adjusting his sunglasses with a measured gesture, he emphasized, "Remember to focus on self-study. And if, by some chance, I find any of you slacking off, rest assured, this long bamboo stick won't hesitate to remind you of your responsibilities. I assure you, I'm not joking!" With that, Miyamae-sensei gathered his belongings and exited the classroom, his departure leaving behind a lingering sense of both awe and trepidation.
The school bell resonated through the room, announcing the arrival of lunchtime. The students shifted, the air buzzing with a sense of anticipation as they prepared for the break.
"Nakano-san!" Nariyuki's voice rang out, his tone filled with a mix of warmth and familiarity.
Itsuki turned towards him, her expression a blend of curiosity and acknowledgment. She made her way to his seat, her footsteps a testament to the camaraderie they had forged amidst their academic pursuits. As she reached him, she offered a smile and a simple question. "Hey, Yuiga-kun. What's up?" Her words carried a sense of genuine interest, underpinned by the connection they shared as classmates and friends.
