Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

"Just what the hell am I doin'?"

Behind the building of Gehenna Academy, the very embodiment of disorder that would make even a crying child fall silent, that man was listlessly smoking a cigarette in the twilight.

In the distance, he could hear gunshots, explosions, and the cries of some strange pancake-shaped creatures.

He was called "our sensei" by the students of Gehenna.
By students from other schools, he was called "Gehenna's Sensei."

It happened right after the General Student Council President disappeared and a sensei was dispatched to the Federal Investigation Club, Schale.
The missing person herself had left behind a new policy, which was then implemented.

Namely, the "One School, One Sensei" system.

Kivotos, which up until now had been an amalgamation of thousands of schools while cutting teaching staff as outdated personnel who only incurred labor costs, had now implemented a policy that ran counter to the times.

In other words, it meant, "Let's assign at least one adult sensei to each school."

And so, a large number of adults from the outside world, which has exchanges with Kivotos, came and were assigned to each school.

There were senseis who taught studies properly as teachers, and there were senseis who completely neglected studies and spent their time playing and lazing around with the students.
He, known as Gehenna's Sensei, was the latter.

This Germanic man in his late thirties looked like a delinquent soldier, completely opposite to the image of his homeland.
His functionally beautiful coat was worn out and looked like it hadn't been washed in a while.

After having skipped off the path to success onto a side road, he had somehow been ordered to be transferred to this crazy school.
Finding it utterly ridiculous, he hadn't been taking his duties seriously at all.

Gehenna Academy, which touted freedom and chaos as its school spirit, was truly a melting pot of chaos.
The students acted freely and as they pleased, with many skipping classes and spending their time playing.

That alone was bad enough, but this school was one of the so-called "Three Great Schools" of Kivotos, a super-massive school.
If he tried to confront and lecture each student individually, the work would never finish even in hundreds of years.

Due to his unserious attitude, he was neglected even by the student council, Pandemonium, and treated with scorn by the Prefect Team.
He was already treated as if he wasn't even there.

"Ah!! It's Sensei!!"

"Were you smoking again?"

"Smoking is prohibited at school, you know!!"

When he came out to the field side, noisy gyaru girls spotted him and called out to him.

"Shut the hell up.
The school rules here only forbid students from smoking."

"Ahh, excuses again!!"

"Shouldn't Sensei be working?"

"We heard Schale's Sensei is doing amazing things!!"

"Ahh, that young guy."

Periodically, the senseis from each school were supposed to have meetings in Schale's large conference room.
Effectively, with the sensei in charge of the General Student Council's Schale acting as the facilitator.
He thought of that guy as a pitiful fool, earnest, young, and shouldering burdensome hardships.

Recently, according to the Prefect Team, he had saved Abydos High School, which was on the verge of closure, together with the female sensei in charge of Abydos, who was apparently an OG (Old Girl/Alumna) of that school.

"My friend in the Prefect Team said she wished our sensei was like that too!!"

"Yeah, yeah. We also heard Trinity's Sensei became popular right after being assigned!!"

"That unpleasant old man. Well, those sheltered girls at that prestigious girls' school wouldn't know a good man from a bad one anyway."

He recalled the face of the old gentleman assigned to Trinity General School, which had long been hostile to his assigned Gehenna Academy.

"You shouldn't talk like that about that sensei, he's a grandfather!!"

"Hahaha!! I never thought you lot had the decent sentiment of respecting your elders!!"

"Ahh, he said it!!"

"More importantly, Sensei, you're free anyway, right? Wanna go to karaoke with us?"

"Oh, that's right, I forgot because of Sensei!!"

"Our service coupons are about to expire, so we gotta use them up!!"

"Hmm, killing time at karaoke today doesn't sound too bad."

Gehenna's Sensei stroked his unshaven beard and grinned.

"Then let's go, let's go!!"

"Sensei's treat!!"

"Ah, you brats, that was your plan all along!!"

He and the students left the school gate, laughing like that.

"Hey Sensei, you said it when you took the post, right? That we could come to you for advice."

Suddenly, on the way to the karaoke place, one of the students said.

"Huh? You got some worries or somethin'?"

"You should consult with us~"

"Ehh, but you guys don't think about the future at all!!"

"Well, yeah!!"

"I'm not smart either!!"

They laughed like that.

"I'm no good at studying and all, but like, about future anxieties, or rather, I don't know what I want to do, you know?"

"What's that, you got hobbies or somethin'?"

"Nope!!"

"Hmm, you're typical modern kids, you lot."

He gave a wry smile to the student who said it with a smile.

"In your room, you just watch videos or somethin' all the time, right?"

"Whoa, Sensei's a psychic?"

"See, just as I thought. Hey, what do you think the difference is between adults and kids?"

He posed that question to the children.

"......Sensei, you said it, right? That it's okay for kids to fail."

"That's right. You remembered well.
An adult's mistake can be irreparable. But a kid's failure can be laughed off. Even if it goes poorly, I can bow my head together with you.
So, go ahead and try whatever interests you. Then, if something clicks, set your sights on it as a future job and try studying for it."

He said that to the children who were looking up at him earnestly.

"It's okay to lack talent and hit a wall.
Setback is growth. Work you find enjoyable isn't necessarily what you're good at.
The video streamers you like probably look like they're having fun, but in that industry too, those retiring young are endless. There's no easy job."

"Then, what should we do if we hit a wall that seems impossible?"

"You don't have to confront it head-on. Work within a line where you won't break yourself, know your limits, and gradually step up.
Don't aim for the top from the start. First, take care of your body and mind."

"Somehow, that sounds kind of vague..."

"Of course it is!! Once you find a more concrete goal, come consult me again!!"

Laughing, the sensei said this to the young people who didn't seem to quite understand.

"First, try anything. Even if you mess up, I'll go easy on you, as long as it's not drugs.
Even if you get a boyfriend, just make sure to use contraception, okay?"

"Ugh, Sensei, you're so pervy!!"

"You bet! Men are wolves. Never let your guard down!!"

And so, chatting and laughing, they emerged into one of Gehenna's few relatively safe urban areas.
And today too, students were energetically engaging in a gunfight.

"Ah, Sensei, it's dangerous."

"I told you, it's bad if you get hit by a stray bullet."

The student accompanying him raised the shield she carried, holding it in front.
The other two students also flanked him, as if to protect him, hands going to the guns they carried on their backs.

"Ooh, my bad.
...Are those students from our school that the Prefect Team is fighting?"

"Nah—, probably delinquents who've recently come over here."

"Thanks to Sensei's inauguration speech, our students have been quiet lately."

"...That's considered quiet?"

He muttered to himself, recalling that there had been a shootout in the cafeteria today.

"Whoa, a tank's come out.
Do delinquents these days have stuff like that? Are they starting a war or something?"

"Ever since the General Student Council President disappeared, things have been kinda like that, you know—"

Even Gehenna students, who have no interest in politics, seemed to know about that incident.
Taking the binoculars offered from a student's bag, he checked the situation and chuckled through his nose.

"Prefect Team has good training, but their methods of operation are textbook and boring.
The delinquents too, they'd be better off studying or doing part-time jobs before driving tanks or shooting guns."

'Maybe they're too stupid to get it,' he muttered, lowering the binoculars.

"Ah, looks like it's over."

"So it seems. Well then, well then, shall we go mess with them a bit?"

Grinning, he approached Prefect Team members handling the post-battle cleanup.

"Hey, the frontline commander is Iori, huh."

"...Hello, Sensei."

Iori had been giving orders to her subordinates, but her attitude stiffened abruptly when he entered her field of view.

"Do you have some business here?"

"No, I'm heading to karaoke with these kids now.
You guys coming too? It'll be fun."

"I still have work to do, so if you'll excuse me."

Saying that, Iori turned her back to head off and assist with the withdrawal.

"Iori, I think you'd be better off adopting tactics that make more use of your breakthrough power.
It's good to focus solely on command, but you'd probably utilize your abilities to the fullest if employed as infantry. Also, maintaining your focus is an issue."

"Huh, Sensei. You can actually give proper advice."

"That's why I told you guys, if you don't set more concrete goals, I can't give advice either."

The group walked away, talking noisily among themselves.
Iori glared at his back as he left.

　§§§

A certain location in D.U.

He had found his way to an oden stall set up in a corner of the bustling downtown area.

"Phew, nothing beats a drink after work!!
Boss!! Another cup!!"

"Coming right up."

The dog-like shopkeeper served him another cup of hot sake.
As he drank his sake, picking at the oden, a new customer lifted the noren curtain and entered.

"Ah, Gehenna's Sensei. Good work today."

"Ohh, Schale's Sensei. Planning to have a few drinks too?"

"Yes. If you don't mind, let's drink together."

Schale's Sensei ordered a draft beer for now.
A well-chilled beer was promptly served.

"Chilled beer, huh. I learned that drinking beer chilled makes it crisper after coming here."

"I see. Let's definitely have a toast then."

The two clinked their cups together in a toast.

"I heard. Seems like you're doing great work."

"I haven't done anything. It's just the students working hard."

"Encouraging that hard work is your role."

And so, the two continued drinking.

"...I heard. About your inauguration speech."

"Probably doesn't align with your educational philosophy, right?"

"I believe we, as senseis, should be responsible for the students' futures."

Upon arriving at Gehenna Academy, Gehenna's Sensei investigated what kind of school it was and filmed a certain video to make his presence known to the students.

Its content was like this:

"To all students of Gehenna. I am the one who has been assigned as sensei to this school starting today.
You might be thinking that with a new faculty member arriving, something might change, but rest assured!!
I will not meddle in your way of living!!
In return, I will bear absolutely no responsibility for your futures!!"

In the video, he used gestures, and the production value involved a dimly lit room with only a candle flame illuminating him.

"Whether you drink alcohol or smoke cigarettes behind my back, I won't scold you. Though I don't know about the Prefect Team.
Gehenna Academy's school spirit is said to be freedom and chaos, but have you ever thought about the responsibility that is the price of that freedom?"

He posed this question to his students watching the video.

"Ah, I don't mean to lecture. But as your sensei, I must teach you the facts. Consider this a little lesson.
You students are children. Most things can be undone. That's the difference between you and adults.
So, let's talk about mistakes that can't be undone."

This was his first and last lecture.

"You're at that age too. You might get boyfriends, go on dates, get handsy, go to love hotels, and end up doing it without condoms, without thinking of the consequences.
At such times, you might end up making a kid.
Suppose you come crying to me then. 'Please, do something about it.'
But, to me, in that situation, you are not the children. The kid inside your belly is the child. You become parents, and at that point, you are no longer children."

He slowly took out a cigarette, lit it, and began smoking.

"Of course, I'll deal with it appropriately even then.
But I won't allow you to cry and wail like children. Because making a kid brings responsibility. That's the price of freedom.
Kukuku, sorry for the graphic talk.
But rest assured, Gehenna Academy students are all delinquents, right?"

He said this with a mischievous expression.

"Guys like me and other proper men, society won't bother with idiots like you.
Your future is clear: standing in back alleys with random men to earn quick cash, wasting your youth like that, then past thirty complaining about being used up or whatever, holding a grudge against society, growing old and decrepit, and being ignored by everyone. That's your obvious future."

He smiled brightly.

"Therefore, students of Gehenna Academy!!
Go ahead and revel in your freedom while you can!!
Because Gehenna Academy is a wonderful school that does NOT guarantee your future!!
That's all for my first and last lesson!!
If you dislike that kind of end, and if I'm acceptable, I'll hear you out. Other schools' senseis, or even adults close to you, are fine too.
Look at yourselves, think carefully, and act. That's all from me."

This few-minute-long video garnered millions of views in a short period.

"Schale's Sensei, since when did you become their parent?"

Gehenna's Sensei lit a cigarette and exhaled white smoke.

"I get that the students are cute, but mixing work and personal feelings isn't good.
Of course, if they ask for help, you lend a hand. That's a sensei's role.
But if you waste time on fools who squander their own value, and then a student who's seriously studying is in trouble, what will you do? You only have one body. Which will you prioritize?"

"I treat all students equally."

"I see. First come, first served. Or rather, it's about luck, huh."

"......"

"Sorry. I don't mean to be mean.
You should play to your strengths. Anything else unimportant, just throw it to us."

"Somehow, I'm being treated like the leader among the other senseis, but is that really okay..."

"...Well, can't be helped, right?"

The Federal Investigation Club, Schale, possesses several extrajudicial authorities.
Its position was clearly different from that of other schools' senseis.

"Well, if it comes to it, the senseis from Trinity or Millennium will lend a hand too.
For now, let's forget the unpleasant parts of work and drink."

"...Yes, you're right."

"Got any complaints? Spit them out. Oh, right, which student's your type? Tell me!!"

"P-please, spare me that!!"

And so, on this day too, the uneventful night of the senseis deepened.

This is a story of Kivotos, advancing along the rails of such a peculiar forked path.

: Gehenna-Sensei

A laid-back free spirit embodying Gehenna's school spirit.
A frivolous idler during the day, but takes serious earnestness towards students seeking help.
Has a Germanic appearance based on Gehenna's origins, wears a military coat, an outlaw-type active-duty soldier. Has combat and command abilities, but they rarely surface as the students themselves are generally capable.

I tried writing a school-personification-type sensei idea like this. Kind of like that manga where they personify countries?

I just wrote it on a whim, so it's more of a spur-of-the-moment, disposable piece.
If there's demand, I might write more, but please don't get your hopes up.

Chapter Text

Trinity General School.
A prestigious school of high status even within Kivotos.

Its history stretches back hundreds of years, and it is said to have been hostile and fiercely clashing with Gehenna Academy even before its integration into the present-day academy form.

That said, such violent conflicts are a story from the very distant past.
Everyone has forgotten about such things and is engrossed in internal political struggles.

For Urawa Hanako, student life was exactly that reality.

Trinity, composed of many factions, is colored by the checks, alliances, betrayals, and rebellions among these factions.

Of course, the majority of students are unrelated to factional struggles, and most of them are serious and strongly sense of justice.
At the same time, she knew that was only the part exposed to the light for other schools to see.

The insidious exchanges among factions form class-based caste systems and become breeding grounds for bullying.
Family background and grades are self-imposed shackles, and each faction is eager to recruit top academic achievers.
To expand their faction, or to protect themselves from the machinations of other factions.

Betrayal, deception, trickery, and undermining each other.
Even if they are elegantly having a tea party on the surface, insidious kicking is happening at their feet below.

It was only natural for someone with her sensitive sensibilities to grow weary of such a situation.

Trinity encourages an afternoon tea time every day after classes end.
For most students, it's just a time to chat with friends, bringing their own snacks. But for students engrossed in politics, it's a time for political strife.

On this day, Hanako was also trying to hurriedly escape from the school grounds back to her dormitory.

"My, if it isn't Hanako-san."

In the garden near the cathedral, she heard a familiar voice.

"My, Sakurako-san. Good day."

There was Sakurako, who had brought out a white table and was enjoying tea.
She wasn't alone. An elderly man—the one who had recently monopolized Trinity's gossip topics—was seated opposite her.

"We were just talking about you. Would you care to join us for tea?"

"Oh, is that alright?"

Hanako's outward persona, the mannerisms of a lady ingrained over many years, responded in that way.

"Sir, it's alright, isn't it?"

"Yes, a lovely lady. Would you keep this old body company?"

Such a corny line, when spoken by him, had style.
He wore a custom-made three-piece suit impeccably; his other attire also seemed high-quality but well-maintained from years of use, exuding an elegance unreachable by students within the school. A handkerchief was tucked in his chest pocket; perhaps due to his age, his legs were bad, so he carried a cane; a tasteful bowler hat rested on the tea table.

A gentleman—if you searched for images on a search engine, this would be the template, the ideal elderly gentleman, was there.

The "One School, One Sensei" system.
A policy that reversed the times in Kivotos, triggered by the legacy left behind by the missing General Student Council President.
He was the one assigned to Trinity.

Since he was assigned to Trinity General School, there wasn't a day without hearing talk about him within the school.
Which faction he had tea with that day, which faction could win him over to their side—just such vulgar topics.

For a girls' high school like Trinity, adults were rarely seen. At this moment, even Hanako succumbed to curiosity.

"Then, I shall join you."

During this time, when Hanako still barely maintained her lady-like decorum, she displayed her courtesy with a bow.

"My, Sensei, you were a diplomat, weren't you?"

Sakurako showed an elegant surprise.

"Yes. Though, it wasn't such a grand thing.
I merely spent all day, every day, drinking tea with foreign friends."

True to his words, one could see he was very particular about how to make tea.
There were many students picky about tea, but this was the first time the two of them saw not a single gap to exploit.

"Sensei, why did you come to Kivotos?"

"A friend of mine is involved in negotiations with the General Student Council here regarding royalties for weapons manufacturing in Kivotos.
He invited me, asking if I would like to be assigned as a sensei to Kivotos.
As you can see, my sons have long been independent, and I lost my wife. I wanted to see children's figures up close again."

Upon hearing that it was a place full of such heavenly, beautiful children, with Sakurako replying, 'My, Sensei, you're such a flatterer,' Hanako observed the two of them from beneath her lady's mask.

"For someone like you, Sensei, who came from outside, how does this Kivotos appear to you?"

Hanako asked him.

"Hmm. Let's see. This isn't to look down on you all, but I found it surprising."

"Surprising?"

"According to a certain paper, when they separated men and women into age-based groups and had them live, the results showed that groups of young teenage females formed the most cruel societies."

He began speaking lightly.

"In our world, in many countries, women's suffrage wasn't recognized until modern times historically.
Our predecessors probably understood from empirical rules that politics wasn't suited for women. Of course, great politicians like Her Majesty the Queen of my homeland and others, who attained their positions through effort and such, should be praised.
However, there are many confirmed cases of failure in political forms created by women-only towns, women-only political parties, or female groups.
Oh, of course, political forms consisting only of men have far more failures!!"

At his tasteful black joke, the two also couldn't help but let out a smile.

"Considering such cases, I was shocked when I came to Kivotos and saw its history.
The major schools are mostly girls' schools, and the governing bodies of each school are unified as female.
In our political world, one is still considered young even at 50.
You all are very young, yet you govern very rationally.
I humbly think this is extremely interesting and something to be proud of."

'I see, that's interesting,' Sakurako nodded as if impressed.
Hanako also nodded similarly.

"Sensei, what do you think about the 'One School, One Sensei' system?
I've heard that some ill-mouthed people are saying the General Student Council called in adults to sell Kivotos to them, and such."

"Oh, is that so... There are people who say such things?"

At Hanako's question, Sakurako seemed shocked.

"Fufu, that's a misdirected opinion."

"I think so too."

"Lady, what does Urawa-kun think about this policy?"

Saying that, he brought his teacup to his mouth, showing a posture of listening to Hanako's opinion.

"I think it was necessary for the diversification of perspectives."

"Oh? Meaning?"

"You know about Gehenna's Sensei's speech, right?"

"Yes, he is a vulgar man, but he understands his role as a sensei. That video was precisely that."

He continued like this.

"I hear the students of Kivotos leave this world at a certain age.
Meaning their life experience is clearly limited.
Fufu, the only thing this old body can beat you at is that life experience.
In my opinion, the reason Kivotos is overflowing with so many delinquents is that there was no one to talk about experiences beyond that certain age."

There are many adults in Kivotos too.
Within Trinity's grounds, many adult staff come and go.

But none of them cared about the students' futures.
Naturally. This world, Kivotos, is a children's world. The children themselves are the rulers; there are no ruled subjects who worry about the future of their rulers.

"That's precisely why I can't help but hope that our experiences can become one of the guideposts for your lives."

That's why the idea of adults ruling children is misdirected, he said.

"In other words, Sensei, you have no intention of getting involved in Trinity's internal politics?"

"Hmm. I think we senseis should, after all, exist as symbols of each school.
Mediating when opinions differ among tea party members, accompanying them during diplomacy, correcting course alongside the other sensei when children take actions disadvantageous to their own schools...
I think we should properly respect the students' autonomy. The Schale Sensei seems to share that opinion."

Hanako thought. He intends to be neutral, adhering to the middle way, as a figure who uses his background correctly to stand alongside the students.

"That's precisely why I want to offer a word of criticism for Gehenna Sensei's method.
A school is a place to add value to students.
His method was one that devalued the school. Even if it was the quickest way."

Hanako felt she caught a slight glimpse of his true feelings beneath his gentlemanly conduct.
Of the cold, ruthless part of him, who loves children and acts with responsibility.

"That's right. From what we've heard, quite a number of children have appeared who want to stop being delinquents. It seems it had an effect, but I also can't help but think there might have been a better way."

Sakurako, hearing his words, lamented the children wishing for a second chance.

"Well, the senseis from smaller schools with more time on their hands seem to be exploring ways to reach out to those girls who lament the current situation, and whether the policy of assigning a sensei to each school is a success or failure will be judged by posterity."

He concluded the topic in that manner.

"...Thank you for the valuable conversation.
Oh my, it's already time for prayers."

"Hmm. Though our sects differ, I too serve God. May I join you?"

"Fufu, the pleasure is mine."

And so, this tea party came to a close.

Watching his retreating figure as he put on his coat alongside Sakurako, Hanako thought he was an inscrutable person.
That proud, child-loving, humorous, yet somehow cold-eyed old man.

A few days later, Schale's large conference room.

Even this large conference room, which could easily accommodate hundreds, was insufficient to hold all the senseis from every school in Kivotos.
Senseis from schools with certain problems attended this meeting, but senseis from major schools were expected to participate every time.

"Gehenna's. May I have a moment?"

"What is it, old man?"

Naturally, the sensei in charge of Gehenna and the elderly sensei in charge of Trinity also met face to face.

"The other day, regarding that treaty matter, I held talks with your student council alongside Hanekawa-san..."

"Ah, is that so. I didn't know."

"The talks themselves went well.
Though Hanekawa-san was quite upset."

"Well, that's good."

Gehenna's Sensei said, seeming uninterested.

"While the substance was nil, talks can be considered minimally successful if they allow building connections.
There's no need to decide everything at once. After that, it's about repeating meetings and deepening exchanges. If you know the preferences of the student council members over there, I'd appreciate if you could tell me."

"Ah, I see. I'll casually ask students who have friends among the student council members."

"Can't you ask Pandemonium directly?"

"Impossible."

Gehenna's Sensei shrugged his shoulders with a frivolous gesture.

"You've heard it too, right? Not long ago, Gehenna had a super scary student council president.
It's like that villain from your children's stories—'that person whose name must not be spoken.'
Makoto is a fool and an idiot, but I see her as someone who will act when push comes to shove.
Can't get close to the political core, and even approaching the Prefect Team just makes both sides wary."

"I see. Don't push yourself over there either."

"Of course not. I'm just lazing around every day."

Trinity's Sensei looked directly at the young man before him.

"At the very least, be careful of stray bullets."

"That's something everyone here is prepared for.
Kivotos is a super-gun society that'd make even Americans pale, you know?
Nobody who isn't willing to risk their life for the kids' sake would come to this Kivotos."

"Even so, that doesn't mean it's alright for young people to lose their lives."

Gehenna's Sensei snorted.

"You'll croak first."

"Be that as it may, that treaty concerns Kivotos's power balance.
You should also act cautiously over there."

"Look who's talking."

Gehenna's Sensei narrowed his eyes and said this.

"You don't think for a second that such a treaty could ever be established, do you?"

He thoroughly disliked this old man who, deep down, coldly surveyed and factored in the children's efforts.

"But it can serve as a stepping stone for the next peace.
Kivotos was sufficiently stable as it was before.
Then, rather than new relationships, fleshing out existing ones is far easier and more manageable. Above all, it's less prone to interference."

"Totally boring old man."

"If you gamble and fail, it's the children who get the short end."

To the hawk-like gaze not shown in front of the children, Gehenna's Sensei shrugged his shoulders again, saying "Yeah, yeah."

"Well, we can talk more about that stuff later in a momo-talk with Schale's Sensei too."

"Goodness gracious. Modern electronic devices are hard on old eyes."

As Trinity's Sensei said that and looked at him, his gaze was directed somewhere completely different.

"Waaaah... The business I co-invested in with Serika-chan, the money was stolen and run off with. Hyakkiyako Sensei, what should I dooo?"

"Hey, you. There's no way such a sweet deal exists, right?
Go consult with the Valkyrie Sensei over there."

At the end of that gaze, a young sensei with green hair wearing a cheap-looking recruit suit and a beautiful sensei with black hair, fox ears, wearing a flashy kimono were talking.

"Oh, it's Hyakkiyako's Sensei. As sexy as ever, huh. I'd definitely like to get closer to Abydos's Sensei too."

"......"

Trinity's Sensei let out a sigh.
An old man's troubles were never-ending.

: Trinity Sensei

A proud elderly gentleman embodying Trinity's nature.
Usually interacts amiably with children as a genial old man, but his inner self excels at building connections through cold, calculating methods and controlling people's hearts.
A typical British gentleman, a politically specialized type, former diplomat.

I thought if Trinity were personified, it'd probably be a sensei like this.

Next time, maybe I'll do Millennium or somewhere around there. For now, I thought I'd put out the senseis for the three major schools.

Chapter Text

"Sensei, Sensei, seriously, where are you!!"

Yuuka was running around the campus of Millennium Science School.

Her objective was clear.
She was searching for the sensei assigned to her school.

"Ah, Yuuka-chan. If it's the sensei, she was at the outer plaza."

"Got it, thank you!!"

Based on information from passing students, she corrected her destination.

And thus, she found the person she was looking for.

"Sensei... what are you doing?"

Yuuka's cheek twitched.

"Hey Yuuka, can't you tell by looking?"

Millennium's Sensei was grilling meat and vegetables skewered on sticks over a barbecue grill.
Many students from within the school were also in front of the barbecue grill, grilling meat and vegetables together.

"It's a barbecue."

"I can see that!!"

"HAHAHA!!"

At Yuuka's reaction, the sensei—she—laughed as if amused.

"Why are you having a barbecue!?"

"The Super Food Research Club said that for efficiently ingesting nutritional value, it's rational to make it into a powder and mix it into smoothies.
However, that's tasteless!! Adding flavor to super food powder, sprinkling it on skewers, and ingesting it while having fun together with everyone at a barbecue. That's how you maximize nutritional value, satisfaction, and happiness."

"You just want to have a barbecue, don't you!?"

"Excellent!! As expected of Yuuka, you're good at verbalizing things!!"

"Anyone would reach the same conclusion!!"

Yuuka dutifully retorted.

"Now, now, look, they're just done, so you have some too."

"...Well, if you insist."

"There's salt flavor, BBQ sauce flavor, and Energy Drink flavor."

"No, what on earth is Energy Drink flavor..."

Accepting a skewer seasoned with the safe salt-flavored super food powder, Yuuka bit into it.

"Ah, it's delicious!!"

"You see, everyone!!"

But at that moment, the sensei spoke to the other students participating in the barbecue.

"Yuuka ate it too, she's an accomplice!!
This barbecue is on the Seminar!!"

"Eh, ehh!"

"Sensei, I'll go buy premium Wagyu beef right now!!"

"Snacks and Energy Drinks too, let's go shopping!!"

"Thank you, Yuuka-san!!"

The students, with a clatter, cheerfully headed off to shop.

"Make sure to get receipts!!"

"Even if you get them, I won't cover the expenses!!"

Yuuka let out a sigh.
She was at her wit's end with the outrageous sensei before her.

This American woman, wearing a lab coat over a business suit with her long blonde hair tied up haphazardly, was the sensei assigned to Millennium.
A woman in her late twenties, typical of the research-oriented type, showing interest in nothing beyond minimal personal grooming.

And, befitting her assignment to Millennium, she was a top-tier genius among the many senseis who came to Kivotos.

Yuuka thought: There's more Momoi now.

"...Sensei, it's time for the meeting in the Seminar."

Suppressing various emotions, Yuuka said that.

"What, already that time?"

She was distinctly different from the senseis of the other two major schools, Gehenna and Trinity, who kept their distance from politics.
Namely, she directly participated in and voiced her opinions on student council activities.

Of course, she had no authority whatsoever. She was just called 'sensei,' treated the same as other adult staff.
But already, the Seminar, the student council, could no longer ignore her.
To the extent that Yuuka, effectively the number two of the Seminar, came to fetch her personally.

Millennium Science School is a specialized school classified as a newcomer in Kivotos, with a history of only about thirty years.

Its philosophy is to explore all science and technology in order to elucidate the proposition called the Millennium Problem, to search for the granular stars that should be the solution.
In short, it's a philosophy of 'even a useless gun might hit something if you fire enough shots.'

That said, they couldn't fund foolish research.
Tightening that was the role of Yuuka, the Seminar's accountant.
Frankly, it was a disliked role, but Yuuka believed it was necessary. That it was rational.

This school's rise to prominence was truly a story of the last few years.
Compared to super-massive schools like Gehenna and Trinity, it didn't come close in terms of campus size or student numbers.
But it was no exaggeration to say that the geniuses gathered at this school were now leading the cutting edge of science in Kivotos.

Yuuka had seen with her own eyes many times how breakthroughs occurred: machines invented by certain students becoming widespread, genius hackers devising groundbreaking programs installed in every electronic device.
The Kivotos of her childhood and the Kivotos of now had developed to the point of being different worlds.

The core of that exceptionally rare science and technology was Millennium Science School.
Now, everyone acknowledged that this school stood shoulder to shoulder with historic schools like Gehenna and Trinity.

Yuuka, who effectively held the purse strings of such a school, did not consider herself a genius.
Other students might say 'no, that's not true,' but she believed she earned her position through effort.

As a fact, around her thronged exceptionally rare geniuses who surpassed her.
That's why Yuuka, that day, witnessed firsthand a new genius being added to this school.

Due to the General Student Council's policy, senseis were to be assigned to each school.
Yuuka was indignant. Because the salary for that personnel, i.e., the operational cost of that policy, was to be borne by each school.
Even though Schale's Sensei's salary came from the General Student Council, she thought.

That said, even for the formidable General Student Council, suddenly employing thousands of adults was impossible.
Distributing the burden was self-evident. Moreover, compared to the share Millennium paid to the General Student Council, it was a trivial expense.

She was the one who greeted the woman who would come to be called Millennium's Sensei.

"Nice to meet you, Sensei. I am Hayase Yuuka. I handle accounting for this school's student council, the Seminar."

At the school gate, Yuuka introduced herself like that to her, who had arrived by taxi.

"Ah—, yeah, nice to meet you."

Getting out of the taxi, she languidly received the receipt, and without introducing herself, said that.

"Um, well, for now, I'll give you a tour of the campus!!"

"Sure, keep it brief."

Yuuka thought: She's different from Schale's Sensei.
Recalling the earnest young man she had met, she couldn't help but compare.

"Sensei, what would you like to do at our school?"

Yuuka asked her that.
The senseis assigned to each school were largely given free rein in their activities.
Unlike the Federal Investigation Club Schale, where Schale's Sensei belonged, no specific activity objectives were set.

"Casually."

"Eh?"

"I'll just casually do things I feel like doing."

It was a blank-slate answer, unbelievable.
If it were grading an exam answer from the Seminar, it would undoubtedly be a zero-point response.

"Um, I've read your profile.
Company management... it says you've done subcontracting for research institutions, right?"

"Mostly left to subordinates and secretaries. If you don't make money, you can't eat."

"W-what specifically did you do?"

Subcontracting for research institutions, in other words, contract research.
Businesses, etc., put up money, saying 'please do this research,' and you carry it out and report the results.

"Hmm, electronic circuits for children's toys, making vaccines for diseases and computer program viruses, and then drawing up missile blueprints, all sorts of things."

"...Eh, you're joking, right?"

Each was a different field. She was saying she handled several fields that a single specialist would pursue over a lifetime.

"A certain genius physicist once said:
'If you can retrieve the necessary knowledge when needed, you don't need to memorize it.'
In other words, when executing a requested research task, you just learn what's needed at that time. It's simple."

"...I don't think that person meant it that way."

There are many geniuses at Millennium.
The Seminar's apex, the student council president nicknamed 'Big Sister' within the school, Rio, is also this type of genius who is not understood by those around her.

Yuuka thought: There's more President now.
At that moment, her footsteps, walking through the campus, stopped.

"...Uh, was it... Eucalyptus?"

"It's Yuuka."

"That drone over there, was it developed here in Kivotos!?"

"Eh, yes, I believe it's a test flight of a drone developed by our Engineering Club."

Yuuka pulled up her mental schedule, checking the applications within the school's controlled airspace before saying that.

"A type I don't know!! Kivotos is practically in a state of isolation, so it's true that unique science and technology have developed here!!
Truly Unbelievable!! Honestly, I wasn't keen on coming, but I'm glad I did!!"

"Y-yes..."

"Please arrange for me to meet that drone's developer!! I also conceived that type of drone, but excluded its practicality at the conceptual stage—its uses were too limited, and the projected cost didn't justify the results!! How Romantic!!"

Yuuka thought: There's more Utaha-senpai now.

Soon after, mumbling to herself, she fell into her own world. Yuuka was bewildered.

"Um, Sensei, you're also knowledgeable about aeronautical engineering!!"

"...Ah, of course!! I'm an omnipotent genius, you see. I pride myself on having no intellect superior to mine!!"

Yuuka thought: There's more Himari-senpai now too.

"Well then, let's go, Eucalyptus!!"

"It's Yuuka, I said!!"

After that, Yuuka was dragged around by her even after school.
She was a mass of curiosity, deeply interested in Kivotos's unique science and technology.

At first, she seemed like someone who wouldn't have any interest in children, but each time Yuuka met her, she witnessed that tendency... improving?

"Sensei, were you holed up in some clubroom again?"

"...Ah, I was having a discussion with the Ancient History Research Club about the differences between modern Kivotos's science and technology and the robot technology produced from ancient civilization ruins."

Here we go again, Yuuka thought.
With momentum to cover all the school clubs, she was engaging in heated debates with various students every night until lights-out.

And Yuuka was sensing it.
She was updating Kivotos's uniquely developed science and technology into her own brain at a frightening pace.

"My, my, interacting daily with these carefully selected, brilliant students makes me envy their originality and sensibility.
I can't help but realize my own brain has hardened. Is this what youth is?"

"W-well, Sensei, you're still quite young yourself..."

To her own sensei who said such things, Yuuka could only give a wry smile.

"Hmm, it truly feels like rejuvenation.
In my student days, there was no such stimulation.
If student life is this wonderful, I should have just taken a year here instead of hastily getting a PhD!!"

"...I'm glad you've come to like our school, Sensei."

Yuuka said that from the heart.
Because she truly seemed to be enjoying herself.

And then, about a month later, she suddenly submitted a report during a Seminar meeting.

"Yuuka, I'm submitting a proposal regarding budget allocation for the Seminar's various clubs."

Though she was more childish than Yuuka expected, she was a proper adult.

"As a result of my observations of each club, 81% of them are indoors!!
This won't do!! It simply won't do!!"

"E-erm, Sensei. What exactly is the problem?"

Noa, perplexed by the sensei who had suddenly barged into the meeting, said that.

"Researchers require a certain degree of social skills, you know.
Presentation skills to sponsors are a prime example.
I too was once a hardcore nerd and even had my research stolen by collaborators. Just holing up in clubrooms and immersing yourself in research all day long is a no-no!!"

The Seminar students were overwhelmed by the sensei's energetic smile.

"The current Seminar budget allocation seems based on results, but I argue we should shift to a policy focused on cultivating forward-looking presentation skills!!
Meritocracy is understandable, but this is a school. Research doesn't always yield results; results are fickle. I believe failures and slumps should be accepted too!!
I believe the essence of a school is not practical gain, but sending forth students!!"

Sensei, someone murmured.
Yes, over these few weeks, she had become a "sensei."

As she herself had said, she had updated herself into a sensei.

"What do you think, Big Sister?"

She threw her argument to Rio, who was participating in the meeting via hologram.

"...For designing student capabilities, your proposal, Sensei, can be judged as rational.
I can understand your perspective is something we lack.
But first, I think we should try it experimentally, starting with clubs that have a track record."

"Then, I'll adjust the proposal accordingly."

Yuuka thought: After all, there's more President Rio.
Rio was a genius who had changed Millennium's systems through numerous reforms and achieved results. The Millennium of today also existed thanks to her.

A monster who chooses the optimal solution without listening to others' opinions.
Their sensei was also that type.

"Everyone, I've been impressed by this school's philosophy.
All of you here are a team. A research team sharing the same proposition."

She, the sensei, addressed the students.

"Let us complement each other's talents, help each other when tired, support each other, and unite to advance for the development of science and technology, for contribution to society, and for the sake of the students belonging to this school!!"

Yuuka and the other Seminar students accepted their sensei with applause.

"I see, fascinating. I wonder how she, our sensei, will act as a variable..."

In a room that could only be thought of as a dimly lit server room, Himari, who had been monitoring her movements, stared at the surveillance camera monitor and said that.

Her gaze intersected with the holographic Rio's.
The hacking connection was severed, and the screen's power went off.

"I'm looking forward to it, Rio."

The beautiful girl who seemed fragile smiled faintly and whispered that.

: Millennium Sensei

An outrageous female researcher symbolizing the genius gathered at Millennium.
Manifests abilities rivaling genius students in various fields over short periods, but is extremely fickle and doesn't last long. A type loyal to her own interests and curiosity.
Currently, she has set her mindset as a 'sensei' and is reveling in the youth she couldn't experience during her own student days, together with the students.
Or perhaps, it's precisely because she grows alongside the students that she can be called a sensei.

Even though Millennium students are mostly science majors, they are easily swayed by emotions, so I interpreted Millennium's personification as female.
Millennium Sensei, amid a setting where students are mostly indoors types, I made her deliberately action-oriented.
She's the type of sensei who sees herself in Rio, so she'll likely advise and guide her in various ways.

Next time, I think I'll go with Abydos's Sensei, whom I've hinted at several times. Uwaaaah...

Chapter Text

This is Abydos High School.
A super-massive school said to have once boasted power rivaling even Gehenna Academy and Trinity General School.

However, its glory had completely withered away due to repeated disasters.
Its total student body had dwindled to a mere five.

"Ahh, sorry, Ayane-chan, Serika-chan.
To have things turn out like this right after you enrolled..."

Hoshino, setting up barricades in front of the school gate, gave a wry smile as she said that to the only two new students.

"No, we knew about Abydos High's dire situation even back in middle school."

Ayane, while helping Serika set up barricades made from repurposed hurdles on the grounds before the gate, said that.

"I was the same.
But I never imagined we'd be targeted by a delinquent group."

Serika let out a sigh, securing the barricade.

Yes, Abydos High School was currently under repeated attacks by a local delinquent group called the "Katakata Helmet Gang."

"Valkyrie is useless with their talk of self-governing authority this and that, and the General Student Council's response has been 'just get out already' since I was even younger."

Serika's resentment was understandable.
The General Student Council had already deemed Abydos High School incapable of operating as a school.
Encouraging transfers to other schools was a sensible response from a governing body.

In a sense, perhaps these five, clinging to this hopeless school buried in sand, were the abnormal ones.

Even so: those who loved their hometown, those who had nowhere else to go, —and those who kept watch over the giant graveyard that was the school.

For them, leaving this place was not an option.

"Ah, but, have you heard?
Starting soon, they say an adult sensei will be assigned to every school?"

Nonomi, carrying five barricades bundled together, said that with a smile.

"I heard too. It was a news topic."

Shiroko, arranging ammunition boxes, also looked up and joined the conversation.

"Too little, too late. A failing school like ours will definitely be left for last!!"

Serika, emotional, spat those words out.

"But, that Schale place that was in the news last week?
That sensei said they'd be arriving at almost all Kivotos schools simultaneously, right? Sounds kinda interesting, doesn't it?"

"What are you talking about, Hoshino-senpai!!"

Serika, appointed as the accountant for the Abydos Foreclosure Task Force, showed her anger, fuming.

"Did you see the notice from the General Student Council!? The hiring costs for those so-called adult senseis are on us!!"

Abydos High paid over seven million yen in monthly interest to the bank.
Being told to shoulder the cost of one more staff member on top of that made her feel it was unjust, and rightly so.

"Now, now, calm down, Serika-chan."

"...You're right. Let's think of it this way. Regardless of the reason, we're gaining manpower."

While Hoshino admonished the agitated Serika with a listless expression, Ayane voiced that positive take.

"That's true... Right now, there aren't any students or staff who would come to this school even if we paid them..."

Nonomi voiced the current situation, sounding a bit lonely.

"I don't know much, but adults are different from us kids.
Then, they might change the current situation."

"You're dreaming too much, Shiroko-senpai."

Serika continued working, acting prickly.

"Dreams, huh..."

Yes, miracles don't happen—Hoshino knew that fact, that reality, all too well.

The senpai she admired had clung to a fleeting miracle only to be betrayed by reality.
Though she was a hopeless person, she didn't deserve to meet such an end.

"Yeah, expecting anything is pointless..."

Muttering that, Hoshino went back to the school building to fetch supplies. Nonomi watched her small retreating back without saying a word.

About two weeks later, the day arrived.
The "One School, One Sensei" system was finally implemented, and senseis would be deployed to each school starting today.

"Um, I've made contact now.
Should someone go to meet her?"

"Yeah, I think that's better. The Abydos Desert is famous for getting lost even in residential areas."

"Even if she is an older adult. We should show respect in person, right?"

Shiroko nodded at Ayane, who was exchanging messages on MomoTalk, and even Serika gave a reluctant affirmation.
For the children of Kivotos, adults were like that. Merely vague neighbors, without even the tangible sense that they themselves would one day become one.

"Ah, she says meeting her isn't necessary.
She says she can get here on her own."

When Ayane sent a message saying she'd go meet her, that was the reply she got.

"Nn, is that okay?"

"Fine, isn't it? That's what she said."

Serika said dismissively. She was disassembling and maintaining her beloved firearm, preparing for battle with the Helmet Gang.

After that, Ayane continued exchanging messages for a while.
Nonomi, who was checking ammunition in the committee room, suddenly glanced at her.

"Ayane-chan, you seem to be having a lively conversation?"

Nonomi noticed Ayane's face softening into a smile.

"Ah, yes. It turns out the sensei assigned to our school is apparently an OG of Abydos High."

"OG means she's a woman."

"Well, we're a girls' school, so of course."

The members, who had vaguely imagined an adult to be male, voiced that impression.
Schale's Sensei being male might have also influenced that image.

"She's concerned about Abydos's current state, and she's talking about how happy she truly was to be able to return to her alma mater after graduating."

"Is that so!? That's wonderful!!"

Hearing that fact, Nonomi also smiled happily.

"Somehow... I thought adults were ultimately just outsiders, but she's a graduate of our school..."

The edge left Serika's words, and a sense of solidarity from being in the same situation softened her attitude.

"That's good. Maybe this time, things might actually work out."

"Yeah, yeah!! I have to tell Hoshino-senpai too!!"

"Speaking of which, where is Hoshino-senpai?"

"Maybe she's taking a nap in some classroom again."

The two second-years left the clubroom to go look for her.

"But, it's not like she was a complete stranger."

However, Serika's expression clouded over.
Ayane looked at her classmate.

"It just means she couldn't change Abydos's situation while she was a student here either."

"Serika-chan..."

To Serika, who was somewhat pessimistic, Ayane couldn't say anything.

The location changes to the last urban district of Abydos.

Hoshino had visited one of the many towering buildings there.
Arriving at a specific floor by elevator, she caught her breath and opened the target door.

"I've been waiting for you, Takanashi Hoshino."

In the pitch-dark room, the darkness stirred.
Light from the gaps in the window shutters revealed its true form.

A grotesque figure. Excluding any exposure of skin, dressed almost like a businessman. However, from the neck up, a sinister, cracked-light pattern ran through the darkness like fissures, merely mimicking human-like eyes and a mouth.

A man in black—the adult Hoshino called him.

"What's the urgent summons for?"

Hoshino spoke with a tone and gaze of utter weariness, never shown to her juniors.

"That is, of course, regarding the matter we previously proposed, hoping you would consider it positively... is what I'd like to say."

Kuh, kuh, kuh—the grotesque figure laughed.

"Takanashi Hoshino, do you believe in miracles?"

"...What are you talking about?"

To Hoshino, this grotesque figure was merely an annoying presence who had been trying to recruit her since long ago.
Ultimately, he was just another irrelevant stranger, and she had no way of knowing his true character.

"Ah, from that look, you haven't met her yet."

"What are you trying to say? Trying to recruit me into some religion or something?"

"Not at all."

The man in black denied it with an amused, high-pitched laugh.

"A child like you probably wouldn't understand the magnificence of our enterprise."

"Yeah, right. So, if we're done, that's it, right?"

"Takanashi Hoshino. Do you believe in miracles?"

The man in black asked Hoshino again.

"Miracles... they don't exist."

She declared as much.

"Is that so. Although I haven't been in Kivotos for that long, either, I've encountered many inexplicable phenomena leading up to now.
However, this recent incident is on a different level from anything before."

The grotesque figure intensified the eerie light forming its face and said that.

"If miracles do not exist. If that is the correct answer, then how should we interpret this recent incident?"

The man in black stood up from the work desk.

"Or perhaps, the facts you observed were mistaken."

Looking down at the lower floors through the gaps in the window shutters.

"A truly fascinating case..."

"......"

"Oh, are you still here?
Or have you decided to accept my proposal?"

"Tch, enough already."

Hoshino, not understanding and showing irritation, turned on her heel.
To her, the man in black spoke.

"According to a myth passed down in a certain region of the outside world that has exchanges with Kivotos, it is said that after death, a person's body and soul are separated, and resurrection is achieved when the body returns to the soul in the underworld.
If that is neither a miracle nor anything of the sort—"

Thud. His words were cut off by the sound of Hoshino closing the door.

"Seriously, every single one of those adults..."

Hoshino understood.
Adults were beings who would unflinchingly exploit, deceive, betray, and entrap children.

At first, they all approach kindly, and eventually reveal their true nature.
That's how they selfishly take from children.

That's why, when Hoshino heard an adult sensei was being assigned, she had not the slightest intention of trusting them.
If they harmed her and her friends, even if she had to play the dirty role to drive them out, even if the worst-case scenario meant ■■■■ them—

Hoshino's heart was utterly desolate.
Since her first year, since that time, since losing her senpai.

It had been days of regret, pain, and penitence.
Days of trying to prevent her juniors from suffering the same fate.

But the countdown to collapse wouldn't wait.
What would happen to her juniors after she graduated?

What about next year's incoming students? And the year after that, and the next?

Everything slipped through her fingers like the sands of Abydos. Every day felt like being forced to watch it happen.

Hoshino swore. Never, never would she lose anyone again.

Ah, precisely because of that—.

"Ah, Hoshino-senpai!!"

Returning to Abydos High's school building, returning to the Foreclosure Task Force's clubroom.

"Sorry—, everyone. I overslept and was late."

"Honestly, Hoshino-senpai!! The sensei has arrived!!"

"We were just talking about you, Hoshino-senpai!!"

The reliable Ayane was angry, and the prickly Serika was smiling.

"I too only heard stories from Hoshino-senpai, I never thought I'd actually meet her."

"Nn, just as I heard, looks kind of weak."

Nonomi, Shiroko, were looking at Hoshino.

"Hoshino-chan."

She, the adult sensei, was looking at Hoshino.

Her appearance was almost unchanged, aside from wearing a cheap-looking recruit suit instead of the Abydos High School uniform.

She was Hoshino's senpai, Kuchinashi Yume herself.

"A, a, ah—"

Hoshino's brain couldn't process that fact immediately.

"Uh, um... I'm back!!"

The same smile as back then, the same voice as back then, the same, same, same, same────.
But, there was no halo. Haloes always appear on awake students. It wasn't there. Meaning, she was deceased.

"UWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!"

Beyond shame or appearances.
It was a scream from the depths of her heart, her soul.

Even Hoshino, who should be a powerhouse possessing Kivotos's greatest mysteries and indisputably among the top five of all students, genuinely cowered in terror, screamed, and ran away.

The voices of her juniors trying to stop her couldn't be heard.

A ghost!! A vengeful spirit, appearing in disguise!!
She came to resent the worthless junior she had been, to seek revenge!!

Tormented by such chaotic, unrealistic thoughts at the peak of confusion, Hoshino headed for one destination.

A grave marker where the remains of her benefactor rested—something no one had been told about, something that shouldn't be known.

It was unkempt, half-buried in the sand.
A crude grave marker, just a cross made from a large stone and fencing, stuck in the ground.

"It's a lie, a lie, a lie, a lie—!!"

Half-mad, she parted the sand, dug up the ground with her hands.
Her fingers, far more valuable than other students', became tattered as she uncovered the grave of her benefactor, built by her own hands.

"I-It's not here—"

There was nothing there.
Inside the coffin procured from a neglectful funeral director was empty.

No corpse, no bones.

"Why—, how!?"

"—Hoshino-chan"

She was embraced from behind.
A familiar warmth, the softness pressed against her head.

"Can you hear? I'm alive?"

Thump, thump—a heartbeat sounds.
Perhaps from running, it beats at a very fast rhythm.

"How... why, what's happening..."

"You know, I don't really understand it either."

The voice coming from above her head was exactly as it was when left behind in her memories.

"Back then, when I was caught in the sandstorm and collapsed... for some reason, I woke up in a hospital in the outside world.
I was hospitalized ever since, and one day, my diploma arrived."

"......"

"I studied at university, and I came back to Kivotos.
Because I couldn't leave Hoshino-chan all alone, and I have to do something about Abydos High School!!"

She couldn't accept reality.
No—what even is reality when the deceased has returned and stands before you?

"I'm, I'm sorry—, Yume-senpai!!
Back then—, I didn't mean to say those things!!"

"Yeah, I know. Hoshino-chan is a kind girl, after all!!
Ehehe, thank you, for protecting the school in my place."

Tears flowed.
Her emotions caught up to reality.

"And, to have been blessed with such wonderful juniors...
Hoshino-chan became a good senpai too."

From afar, the voices of Hoshino's juniors could be heard.
Voices worried about Hoshino.

"...Yes—"

Whether this was a miracle or an illusion, Hoshino didn't know.
But either was fine.

Because this was her reality.

"Huh, my diary? Oh, come on, Hoshino-chan, what are you saying? I'm sure I stored it properly here."

Yume—no, Abydos's Sensei—casually took out a study notebook titled 'Fun Banana Picking' from the student council room in the annex building. Her name was properly written on it.

"Th-that can't be, I'm sure I searched there thoroughly!?"

"Now, now, you must have just overlooked it, surely."

'That can't be,' Hoshino was convinced.
Hoshino had searched every corner of this annex building where the Foreclosure Task Force was based for Yume's diary.

And yet, she pulled the diary from a drawer that shouldn't have any tricks like a false bottom.

"Here, this. It might be late, but..."

She offered it to Hoshino with both hands.

"I hereby officially appoint Hoshino-chan as the Student Council President of Abydos High School!!"

"...Yes, Yume-senpai."

Hoshino simply accepted it.
Though it was just that simple scene, the juniors peeking through the door gap let out an "Ooh—."
It was precisely a coronation moment.

"Alright everyone, let's make sure that this time, we make Abydos bustling with people like the old days!!"

"Yes, Sensei!!"

And so, their reality continued.

Yes,... reality would continue.

Some time after that...

"Hey, everyone!! Listen, listen!!
We found out the location of a storage vault for artworks left by the ancient student council inside a school building Kaiser was excavating!!"

And so repeated—a suspicious group in swimsuits, swinging shovels in the middle of the desert.

"Yume-senpai!! Are you absolutely sure it's this location!?"

"Yeah, this time, absolutely no mistake!!"

"Again!? Do you have any idea how many times that is? A 'once-in-a-lifetime request' is supposed to be just once, you know!?"

"W-waaah, Hoshino-chan's sharp words are so nostalgic... why won't you be as nice to me as the other juniors are?"

"You're an adult now, stop whining!!"

"Th-that's right, Hoshino-chan—, I've become an adult, so you can respect me a bit more, you know?"

"Adult card spending limit: 50,000 yen."

"......"

"I've never heard of that, Yume-senpai!!
Such a low spending limit!! How little trust do you have!?
You said you'd treat us, but at the end, last time at the ramen shop, Nonomi-chan ended up paying, didn't she!?"

"W-waaah..."

"Hoshino-senpai is so lively."

"Yeah, yeah!! It's the first time we've seen Hoshino-senpai like that, right?"

Watching the two swinging their shovels noisily, Shiroko and Nonomi said that.

"Um, but still, the meaning of doing this in swimsuits... augh."

"Ayane-chan—, are you okay!?"

Serika, who was right beside her, held onto the physically weak Ayane.

"You rest over there in the shade.
We'll definitely find the legacy of the old student council!!"

Serika said that with a radiant smile.
All Ayane could do was nod, saying "Okay."

And so, their reality continued.
That itself might have been proof that miracles do not exist.

: Abydos Sensei.

A sensei who embodies the inescapable reality of Abydos High School, once a student named Kuchinashi Yume.
The current state of the school and the students constantly spinning their wheels is the very essence of her character.
Therefore, the personification of Abydos High School is entirely symbolized by the existence of Kuchinashi Yume.
The cruel fact that ultimately, they couldn't change anything on their own tells the story that her appearance is neither a miracle nor anything of the sort.
Nevertheless, they held onto hope and looked forward. It was only a little longer until Schale's Sensei would visit Abydos.

Next, I think I'll write about Gehenna Sensei from the perspective of a Gehenna student.
The author is also human, so receiving high ratings and feedback will let me continue writing happily and stress-free. Honestly, I didn't expect this much reaction up to here, but if you're willing, I'd appreciate it.

Chapter Text

Within the autonomous district of Allied Hyakkiyako Academy, yet another traditional festival was about to be held.

Its name: Hyakuya Spring Cherry Blossom Festival. Often abbreviated simply as the Sakura Festival.
A traditional festival, and in Hyakkiyako, which thrives primarily on tourism, it's one of the major events to attract visitors.

This school has a history of having been formed into a school through a coalition, much like Trinity, after a brutal conflict.
Because of that, its characteristic is the absence of a clearly governing student council.
Instead, the Yin-Yang Club essentially serves the role of the student council, acting more as coordinators for clubs and committees than as rulers.

It's precisely because of such a structure that this school's club activities include many that stand out compared to other schools.
For this festival, they were united in their preparations.

"Hey, doesn't it feel like there are a lot of tourists this year, even though preparations are still underway?"

A student setting up a stage for the event, looking around the shopping street, said that.
The festival day was still nearly a week away.
Hyakkiyako is a relatively small school even in Kivotos, so it can't pour in personnel and funds like the three major schools. To keep the budget down, the students are diligently handling the preparations.

As she said, the tourists seemed to be about 20% more than usual somehow.

"Eager, aren't they? Maybe everyone's looking forward to the festival."

"No, no, that's not it."

The student assembling the framework next to her denied it.

"Look at those people. Aren't most of them men?"

"Ah, now that you mention it, you're right."

Adult residents of Kivotos seemed restless, checking the time and their surroundings.
There were female residents too, but overwhelmingly more men.

"Sh-should be about time, right!!"

"Yeah, according to prior info, it seems so!!"

You could hear residents dressed as dogs or cats having such conversations.

"Was there some event today?"

"Ahaha, no, no, those people are... that."

That student said with a wry smile.

"—They came to see the Sensei."

Ahh, hearing that, the student next to her also understood.

"Well, she's being touted as 'the foremost beauty among the senseis'!!"

"An acquaintance in the Yin-Yang Club said it's thanks to her that tourists have increased."

As the students were talking like that.

"Ah, she's here!! It's Hyakkiyako's Sensei!!"

At that voice, all the tourists simultaneously turned in that direction.

A woman appeared, dressed in a flashy black kimono with a cherry blossom blizzard pattern woven with gold thread throughout, protecting herself from the sun with a bright red paper parasol.
Her fair skin was accentuated with minimal makeup; her hairstyle was like that of a traditional Japanese doll girl, yet the contrast with the bewitching allure of her expression made it difficult to guess her age.
She was slender; was she as young as the well-developed students, or a mysterious mature woman who could captivate even the same sex?
Or perhaps, as the black-furred fox ears swaying atop her head suggested, a country-toppling enchantress fox.

She was the sensei assigned to Allied Hyakkiyako Academy.

"Sensei, as popular as ever, I see."

A student wearing a tengu mask next to her, holding the parasol, said that.
Members of the Mouryo Troupe surrounded her as if guarding her on all sides.

"Honestly, every single day, never gets old, does it?
Well, that's exactly what we intended, though."

The sensei slightly lifted the corner of her lips in a scornful smile.

"I never went to school, you know.
Can't teach any studies. But I can teach all kinds of ways to captivate as a woman."

She proceeded down the main street of the shopping district.
Like a grand courtesan (Tayū*1) from the pleasure quarters.

"A woman's value changes based solely on how she captivates.
I was once called a fox-possessed freak and sold for a pittance, too.
But I polished myself desperately, and if I use allure and call it sorcery, well, you see the result."

The many tourists were glued to her.
Men and women, old and young.
But there were those looking at her with admiring expressions.

They were the students.
She was showing the students an example.

"Amazing, she's truly tamed the Mouryo Troupe..."

The student setting up the stage said that.
Around her alone, you'd almost think cherry blossom petals were swirling in an illusion.

No, that's wrong. They were real cherry blossom petals.
It was exactly the season for cherry blossoms now. Real cherry blossoms were scattering, adorning her surroundings.

It was perfect staging, a perfect show.
Spreading information that she passes through here at this time every day, drawing attention.
Her selling point: the most beautiful woman among the thousands of senseis.
Seeing this spectacle, no one would be able to deny it.

"Sensei will later provide an official photo! Those pointing cameras or phones will be shot without warning!!"

The Mouryo Troupe students said that while intimidating the surroundings with their firearms.
The surroundings erupted in noise. Even that was part of the pre-planned performance.

"How silly. But it's also interesting to see how high we can drive up the price by releasing just one photo..."

"Yin-Yang Club will be angry, Sensei."

"Well, I'd be shocked if Chise-chan got mad at me."

The sensei covered her mouth as if hiding a yawn, then glanced flirtatiously at a random tourist to gloss over it.
It seemed as if she smiled at a specific someone, but that tourist appeared to be a married couple, and the wife smacked his head.

"...Sensei, can I really become happy? I'm an idiot, you know."

"Stuff like that, just catch yourself a good man.
Men are idiots, so as long as you have charm, they don't care about intelligence."

"Is that so? I wonder if I can get married..."

"But I hear there's also the freedom not to marry nowadays."

At that student's words, the sensei laughed, "Hahaha—!"

"That's that modern diversity and all that, right?
But those women who energetically cling to the internet inside their rooms like that are saying they're superior to men because they can bear children, aren't they?
Well then, doesn't that mean a woman's happiness is marrying a good man and having his children? Unanimous agreement."

She patted the head of the student holding the parasol, who seemed anxious about the future.

"Just come follow me. I won't make you regret it."

"Yes, Sensei!!"

To the student who seemed ticklish and embarrassed, the sensei smiled.
It was at that moment.

Kaboom! A rocket launcher warhead exploded nearby.
Thump, thump—the Mouryo Troupe students appeared, weapons in hand.

"What now, again?"

The sensei narrowed her eyes.

"Sensei!! We'll drive you and those traitors out of this district today!!"

"Our school is not a vulgar school that puts women on display!!"

"We'll blow away scum like you who defile this school's traditions!!"

Street Mouryo Troupe's street faction loudly declared as they intruded.

"Good for you, you lot. Just by wearing a mask, you can claim tradition.
What, you're probably around fifteen, right? The tradition under those masks seems pretty shabby."

"Sh-shut up!!"

"Hey, do you know why weird old men and women tell their juniors to respect their elders?
It's because they have nothing else to be proud of!!"

Even the tourists burst into laughter at this.
Truly, there stood a delinquent group that had nothing to be proud of except the tradition of the organization they belonged to.

"Tradition is something you create yourselves. That's why you're pathetic.
Before envying others, polish yourselves. Then, become able to be proud of yourselves."

The sensei gently admonished them.

"You girls are cute even without hiding your faces behind those masks, aren't you?
We can never have enough hands; why don't you all join in preparing for the festival? You'll regret it if you don't play with friends while you're young."

"Ugh, annoying!! Shut up, you hag!!"

"Yeah, this old hag!!"

"We have youth on our side!!"

"Hah?"

Completely out-argued, the brats retorted half-crying. The sensei was irritated.
Then, at the edge of her vision, Momoyodou store clerks, hearing the commotion, came running.

Seeing that, she grinned.

"Hey, you brats!!"

Her voice suddenly took on a threatening edge, making the Mouryo Troupe members shudder.

"Are those guns in your hands just for show!?
Well then, shoot if you can shoot!!"

Kyaa—! Pina's high-pitched scream echoed around.

"Go on, shoot!! Don't hold back, shoot!!"

'It's that famous line from the yakuza movie!!' someone, a yakuza movie fan, shouted.

"If you're truly part of the organization, then follow through and shoot!!
Well then, what's wrong!? Can you only shoot those with halos, you damn fools!!"

The delinquents were overwhelmed by the sensei's intensity.
Even though it should have been an act, it was too well-performed.

"Sis!! I'll lend you a hand!!"

"W-wow, I'll help too!!"

"Sensei, please don't push yourself!!"

The Momoyodou members appeared, one of them with sparkles in her eyes.
After that, the Inner Discipline Club rushed in, and the Mouryo Troupe was driven off.

Then, ding-dong-ding-dong, Nyate's voice came from broadcast devices around the area.

"Ahem— The above was Hyakkiyako Sensei's 'Extreme Wife Yakuza Show'—"

"What? What was Nyate watching?"

The surrounding tourists, thinking it was a real show, began applauding.
How ridiculous, the sensei muttered with a detached expression.

"Sensei, please don't do anything reckless!!"

"That's right, we were scared out of our wits!!"

"Yeah, yeah, save the scolding for later."

The sensei was being scolded by her guard students and looked fed up.

"Sensei— no, Boss!! Please let me be your underling too!!"

"Pina, you already have enough charm, so I have nothing to teach you."

"No way—!!"

Instantly shot down, Pina returned to her friends.
Shizuko and others were guiding tourists to their café.

"Sensei, good day. Please don't overdo things."

"What, now is it Mimori's turn to lecture me?"

Mimori smiled elegantly and denied it, saying "Not at all."

"Sensei is one of the goals, one of the points I aim to reach.
For me to lecture you..."

"Enough with the flattery."

Mimori's definition of a 'Yamato Nadeshiko'—a model Japanese woman—is a woman who is modest yet elegant, intelligent, and strong-willed.

By that definition, the sensei, who attracts flashy attention, doesn't fit.
That's why she said, 'Enough with the flattery.'

"No, seeing how you immediately acted to please Pina-san.
The tourists were enjoying it too, and I'd like to learn from that flexibility."

"I thought I had nothing to teach you either, but there is one thing."

"Yes, what is it?"

"Hide that cleverness. Men find wives smarter than themselves annoying, you know.
You're learning cooking, right? Make him dependent on you in something, anything. Otherwise, his eyes will wander to other women."

Well, I don't think you lack judgment regarding men, though, she advised.

"...I understand. I will also strive to cultivate an eye for men."

"They say marriage is the graveyard of life, but even after starting a family, you mustn't let your guard down. Love cools; you have to keep adding fuel to keep it burning until you reach the grave.
If it cools down, you'll start wondering what you've been working so hard for all this time."

Those were words meant for Mimori.
Advice that even if she achieves her goal and becomes happy, if she becomes dependent on a man and is betrayed, she might despair over her own life.
Yes, she was telling her not to become infatuated with and blind to the ideal of becoming a wonderful bride.

"I'm rooting for you. Well then."

"Yes, thank you for your guidance and encouragement."

The sensei started walking with her guards in tow.
A procession of specters and goblins for one, becoming the new famous attraction of Hyakkiyako.

Mimori bowed her head, seeing the sensei off.
She thought: As expected, I understand nothing.

Even she, called a mind-reader, couldn't see through the heart of that sensei.
Like the surface of a lake on a dark night, murky black and reflecting nothing.

What she first felt was awe.
She felt the difference in caliber as a woman. She was a life mentor who had experienced all the bitterness and sweetness.

And then, she gained a new goal.

"Waaah, thank you for hearing me out..."

"Abydos's Sensei, why are you more of a handful than your students?
Well, with those two big weights hanging, you'd have plenty of suitors, I guess. But before that, I'm worried some flesh-peddler might kidnap you and sell you off to a bathhouse or something."

Hyakkiyako's Sensei's recent worry was this particularly hopeless young sensei among the many peers.

"The adults on our side keep death, sexual desires, and such at a distance for the children's sake, but you're different, right?
Even if they say you can earn umpteen thousand yen an hour, don't go with them, okay?"

"O-okay..."

"Stand tall, you have your children there, don't you?"

Yes—, the dejected Abydos's Sensei replied.
Valkyrie's Sensei also said he'd track down the culprit, so they'd probably be arrested soon.

"Well, the money probably won't come back, though."

"Waaah..."

But in most cases, money stolen by criminals doesn't return.
She thought about lending her money, but didn't because from that moment, the relationship wouldn't be equal anymore.

"Alright, the meeting's about to start. After that, I'll treat you to something delicious, so cheer up, okay?"

"Eh, really!?"

"What, you're already quite energetic even without a treat."

At Abydos's Sensei, who slumped saying 'aww,' she smiled, saying 'just kidding.'
She was the type who rather liked people who were a bit of a handful.

*1: A title for the highest-ranking courtesan in the Yoshiwara pleasure quarters that existed in the Edo period. Nowadays, saying 'oiran' might be more recognizable.

: Hyakkiyako Sensei

A kimono-clad female sensei with a shadowy presence, offering glimpses of the darkness hidden beneath Hyakkiyako's splendor.
Personified as a bewitching beauty, interpreting the attention-grabbing aspect of the tourism industry.
True to being Hyakkiyako's Sensei, a fox-possessed youkai; likely not the age she appears.
Having lived long, she gives advice to students based on extensive experience. Naturally has no interest in politics.
Incidentally, she speaks in Kyoto dialect for the Japanese flavor and also as the author's preference.

Next time, from Schale's Sensei's perspective. Since the major senseis have all appeared, I plan to write about what the meeting is like. A plan. I said it twice because it's important!!

Chapter Text

"'One School, One Sensei System?'"

This was about a week after Schale's Sensei arrived in Kivotos.
He was receiving an explanation from Rin at Sanctum Tower, where the General Student Council is located.

"Yes, we only recently became aware of it as well.
It was right after you restored Sanctum Tower's administrative authority for us."

"So it's a policy to assign a sensei to every school?"

Reading the materials Rin handed him, the sensei said that.

"Yes. We hadn't been informed of anything.
Everything must have been intended by the missing General Student Council President."

"Rin-chan..."

General Student Council President.
The head of all student council presidents, the representative of all students in Kivotos.

"In a sense, her disappearance might be a form of taking responsibility for both inviting you, Sensei, and this policy.
The position of General Student Council President is not that of a dictator.
Policies must go through parliament, have budgets allocated, and time must be allowed for proclamation and implementation to all schools.
Be it the establishment of SRT, one must say her autocracy was excessive."

Rin spoke, emphasizing the weight of responsibility in that position.
The sensei sensed the complex tone in her words.

"She was a friend, wasn't she?"

"...She truly was a charming person, like a cat. But I wish she hadn't been so cat-like as to disappear without even showing how she died.
Regarding her, we will search for her down to the last blade of grass and hold her properly accountable in parliament."

Rin's glasses glinted.
The sensei felt as if the Shittim Chest had vibrated for some reason, but there was no notification. He judged it to be ghost vibration.

"The selection and invitation of the senseis seem to have already been completed.
How on earth did she manage this many people...? Even Aoi was at her wits' end, saying we couldn't manage the employment costs for this many."

Rin mentioned it seemed the employment costs would likely be borne by each school.

"But honestly, it might be a relief.
It's only been a week since I came here, but I'm already swamped with paperwork..."

The sensei, who wasn't good with paperwork, felt a little relieved.
Adults chosen by the General Student Council President herself were being assigned to each school.

Handling just Schale's duties was already overwhelming.

"For you, Sensei, in addition to the 'on-duty' students assisting you, we plan to appoint a 'vice homeroom teacher' from among the senseis on a rotating basis to ensure Schale's transparency and for the purpose of understanding and smoothly carrying out operations."

Explanations from Rin about the sensei's procedures and duties began.
And one week later, the sensei gave an introductory speech to the senseis right before their assignment to each school, and they scattered to various parts of Kivotos.

And then, one month after the policy's implementation.

Today was the scheduled joint meeting.
They were to utilize Schale's large conference room, hear the senseis' opinions, sift through problems at each school, and regularly discuss how to address them.

"Thank you all for gathering here today."

Schale's Sensei was publicly known as the representative of the senseis from each school, both internally and externally.
As the facilitator, he stood before the senseis who could be accommodated in the venue.

He thought: Among them were not only many older than him but also adults with achievements and honors.
Even so, the senseis here recognized him as their representative, responding to his earnestness. I must do well, he thought.

"First, regarding the meeting flow, I believe we should center the discussion around the senseis from the three most influential schools."

Rin, serving near him like his secretary, said that.
She and only one other student were present.

"That would be best.
While we are in equal standing, unfortunately, the influence on each school is not equal."

The gentlemanly Trinity Sensei said that.

"Yeah, that figures. But while forming factions among ourselves might be one thing, let's not bring the students' politics into this."

Gehenna Sensei, the active-duty soldier, suggested that while factions might arise, they should keep student politics out.

"Ehh, what a bother. Do I have to say something too, it seems?"

And the somewhat spaced-out Millennium female sensei said something like that.

"Then let's prepare separate seats for you three."

Rin said that and prepared a table and three chairs on the front side.
The three senseis moved there, and in front of their table, triangular placards with the school names 'Trinity Comprehensive Academy,' 'Gehenna Academy,' and 'Millennium Science School' were placed.

"Then, since it's the first time... please share what you have felt in Kivotos."

Many senseis raised their hands, and Schale's Sensei indicated one.
That sensei stated the name of the school he was assigned to and said this:

"First, even though I had heard, I felt the gap in values between us regarding the fact that gun prevalence is almost 100%."

I figured, Schale's Sensei nodded.

"This is strictly a personal opinion, but I oppose students possessing guns.
My previous occupation was a teacher, but the children here treat gunfights far too casually, and even if shot by a bullet, it's only a grazing wound. I believe the problem is that they don't realize the terror of violence."

"I share that opinion."

Another sensei raised his hand and said that.
Go ahead, Schale's Sensei prompted him to speak.

"This is personal, but I grew up suffering abuse from my mother.
At first, my mother would apologize after hitting me, but gradually that stopped, and violence became a matter of course.
Yes, that's right. Violence is something one becomes accustomed to. That is precisely why I cannot help but worry about the current situation.
In the future, is it good for them to advance into society still accustomed to violence? Wouldn't that be detrimental to them?"

Many senseis nodded at his words.

"Indeed, you all are correct.
The moment one resorts to the means of violence, it's tantamount to refusing dialogue.
Appealing to reason through discourse—that can be said to be our common sense as well."

Trinity's Sensei stated that.

"That's easy to say, but it's not like those kids are going to come to our world after graduating, right?
The children of this world have their own ethics and common sense, and at the very least, we can't impose ours on them."

Gehenna's Sensei countered like that.

"You all signed documents when you came here, didn't you?
Agreeing not to bring ideologies or discrimination from our world here.
Respecting the autonomy of the students here and encouraging their growth. That should be our fundamental principle."

"Let me say this as someone from a gun society herself."

Millennium's Sensei, who had seemed uninterested, continued after his words.

"Taking guns away from them is impossible.
For them, guns are fashion, an expression of their individuality.
Even if we now understood that the clothes we wear as culture are bad for our health, you couldn't just take clothes away from everyone, could you?"

At Millennium's Sensei stating the facts, many senseis groaned, looking troubled.

"However, it's a fact that it's bad for education!!"

One sensei said that without even raising his hand.

"Indeed. One bullet is estimated to be equivalent to a student being punched once.
However, a gun can fire dozens of bullets per second.
If we consider one magazine to have 30 rounds, can you call it normal to be punched 30 times in an instant?"

The discussion proceeded smoothly.
Everyone was rational, seriously discussing what would be best for the children.

Then, one sensei raised his hand.

"You there, please."

"Yes! I am Red Winter's Sensei!!"

The large Slavic man who announced his name loudly, wrapped in a bulky, layered fur coat, had wide-open eyes and an expression that seemed not quite sane.

"You all think having guns is bad for education, don't you? But I don't think so!!"

Red Winter's Sensei began heating up on his own.

"Listen, that person, isn't he..."

"Ah yes. The famous self-proclaimed activist internationally wanted."

Millennium and Trinity's Senseis said that, loud enough for Schale's Sensei to hear.

"I have long believed that superior regimes acquired through struggle are what guide the people, and have acted accordingly!!
However, in our world, my activities were treated as heresy!!
I couldn't help but think that was due to the ignorance and indolence of the mob!!"

Red Winter's Sensei, heating up arbitrarily.

"Why is that? I understood after coming to Kivotos.
Why my ideas weren't accepted—it's because people die!!
The students under my charge engage in struggles daily, seeking the correct regime and policies—what a marvelous, unceasing drive for improvement!!"

He even shed tears of emotion, speaking about how wonderful his students were.

"Please do not dismiss their struggles as mere violence and discard them!!
I am experiencing firsthand how they throw themselves into struggles where no one dies or suffers, living vibrantly!!"

Most senseis here thought: Ah crap, he's one of those.

"Ah— yeah, we get that each school has different cultures, yeah.
Uh, Schale's Sensei, let's move to the next topic, shall we?"

"Y-yes..."

Prompted by Gehenna's Sensei, whose eyes were darting around, Schale's Sensei urged him to take his seat.

"Um, then, I'd like to discuss issues at each school in order."

The moment he changed the topic, someone immediately raised their hand.

"Yes, you there, please."

"Yes. I am one assigned to Highlander Railroad Academy."

A seemingly very earnest East Asian sensei, dressed exactly like a train conductor, introduced himself.

"First, let me say this. Why—can trains operate in Kivotos?"

"...? What is the intent behind that question?"

At the question directed at Rin, she couldn't understand and responded as such.

"It's a gun society, everyone carries guns as a matter of course—fine, I'll accept that.
However, our Central Control Center, the student council, receives daily reports of gunfire incidents involving vehicles, and on top of that, hijackings occur every few days!!"

Whoa, someone said.

"In my country, there exists a group of 'monkeys' that invariably appears when rare vehicles are in operation, but I am forced to admit that even those lowlifes, with their brains screaming 'idiot,' 'die,' 'pay up,' still possessed intelligence!!
If it were the railway company I belonged to, we would judge that we couldn't ensure safety—not for a single day, we couldn't even operate a single train!!"

He began scratching his head vigorously, showing his frustration.

"As for my damn kids, they ruin the functional beauty of trains!!
Can you understand how I felt, almost fainting when I saw a rapid-fire cannon installed inside a carriage!?
Timetables must run beautifully and perfectly, yet there's no record of that being maintained!!
With this, how on earth are we supposed to protect Kivotos's logistics!?
I came to Kivotos because I wanted to see, I was so looking forward, so excited to see Kivotos's trains!!"

Highlander's Sensei finally broke down, holding his head and crying.
The senseis sitting on either side comforted him, saying, "It's not your fault," "We really understand how you feel."

"Um, regarding that issue, let's discuss it later with the relevant school involved..."

Seeing Rin making a very apologetic, pained expression, Schale's Sensei could only say that.

"Schale's Sensei, may this humble monk also speak?"

"Yes, please."

The next to raise his hand was a middle-aged monk wearing a kesa and carrying a pilgrim's bag.
A deep woven hat was placed before him; he was exactly like a komuso monk who had stepped out of a period drama.

"My assigned school, Arius... where might it be located?"

"Eh, you don't know which school you're assigned to?"

"Um, please wait a moment."

While the large conference room had taken on a strange atmosphere thanks to Highlander's Sensei, Rin began checking on her smartphone.

"...My apologies. Even the General Student Council has not been able to ascertain the location of that school."

"My, how unexpected..."

"The last record is from over a decade ago when they rejected a support request from us... Trinity Sensei, have you heard anything?"

"Unfortunately not. However, it is a grave situation not to know the location of the school one is assigned to.
I shall also inquire at the tea parties."

Trinity's Sensei nodded emphatically in response to Rin's words.

"My, my, that would be most helpful. I was beginning to think that wandering Kivotos aimlessly might be the Buddha's will. Your assistance is most humbling.
Form is emptiness, emptiness is form... I am grateful for this encounter and opportunity."

Arius's Sensei deeply bowed his bald head.

"May I speak next?"

Schale's Sensei called on the next sensei.

"Frankly, Kivotos's crime rate is abnormal.
Delinquent students who have become criminal organizations are running rampant.
Unless we seriously implement support and rehabilitation for them, it will not be a fundamental solution."

That sensei continued further.

"Also, I feel the autonomy of each school is too strong.
Part of it is that the police organizations in each autonomous district are not functioning as a deterrent, but the fact that public safety relies on autonomous organizations run by children is something we can do little about."

I see, Rin nodded.

"Superintendent Kanna, what are your thoughts on this?"

"Yes."

The other student present, Kanna from Valkyrie Police Academy, stood up.

"I understand the senseis' concerns.
However, this is largely a matter of convention. Even my organization, Valkyrie Police Academy, a police organization directly under the General Student Council, only has influence around D.U."

Feeling as if she was making excuses to the adults, Kanna continued her response.
It ended with 'requires further examination,' and that topic concluded. Kanna sat down.

Kanna glanced sideways at the sensei assigned to her school.

"...What is it, Kanna? Do you need something from me?"

At the end of her gaze was the sensei—a large dog with white fur, an oversized dog beyond description, with a police cap perched on its head.
Sensing the gaze, Valkyrie's Sensei opened his eyes and looked at Kanna.

"No, it's nothing."

Kanna averted her gaze from the giant dog that used human speech.
Why is my sensei not even bipedal? she thought, feeling it was unreasonable.

"Is that so? If we're done, then sweets. Give me donuts."

"...Understood."

Fubuki must have been feeding him, Kanna inwardly scolded her subordinate.

"As for the senseis, the General Student Council President did establish a school to train a special forces unit to combat high-priority crimes that surpass autonomous rights... SRT Sensei, how are they?"

The one Rin directed the conversation to was an unusual man.
A man in military uniform, wearing a werewolf mask like one you'd wear for Halloween.

"Huh? Me? The kids under my care, their training is coming along."

He, who had been half-asleep, shrugged.

"I told 'em I can't show my face 'cause it's messed up, and they got all haughty, but now they're obedient as kittens to me.
I've put 'em through special forces training that even Marines would cry uncle, pumpin' dozens of rounds into 'em every day."

That training where even several rugged adults drop out? Millennium Sensei's dumbfounded voice was audible even to Schale's Sensei.

"They had the ability from the start. Their minds are still immature, but well, youth has its pros and cons. Once they gain experience, they probably won't hesitate to dedicate their lives for Kivotos."

"You bastard!! They're just kids!! Is there a need to go that far!?"

An enraged sensei addressed SRT's Sensei, who was cheerfully talking about education bordering on abuse.

"Shut up, you peace-brained amateurs!!
My students are handpicked elites gathered from all over Kivotos.
Elite volunteers who chose the path of soldiers. They're different from the brats at your place who waste their youth without a thought!!
So what if they're kids? Are you saying they're the same as child soldiers who had no choice but to fight!?"

An intensity that even Gehenna's Sensei, who knew the real battlefield, felt a cold sweat, feeling pressured.

"Think carefully, you white-collars.
Kivotos's security is on a knife's edge.
For example, suppose. Suppose I, with my adorable students, rebel against the General Student Council. Suppose twenty or so small schools dissatisfied with the General Student Council join in, all at once."

The wolf-masked man looked around at the senseis present.

"Who would fight us then?
Any school sensei willing to become the General Student Council's pawn and fight, raise your hand."

No one raised their hand.

"See? Something like this, even I can do easily. Who can guarantee others can't?
The current Kivotos is standing on such a precarious balance.
Chief Executive Rin, make sure to convey that well to those naïve executives. Okay?"

He's warning us, Rin shuddered. He already knew the debate about dissolving SRT was happening in the Administrative Committee.

"Don't worry, I'll keep a proper rein on 'em.
So please, take your time reorganizing their chain of command."

"...Understood. We will consider it with Defense Office Director Kaya."

Rin could only say that.
None of the other senseis could rebut him. Because his sense of crisis was genuine.
That too is struggle, Red Winter's Sensei was nodding emphatically.

Next, another sensei said this:

"What has become of the General Student Council President who invited us?"

"Currently under search."

"We are searching along both lines—incident and accident—but her trail has completely vanished."

Following Rin, Kanna answered.

"In my country, the Vice President would succeed, but what happens here?"

"Hmm, a political vacuum arising is not good."

Millennium and Trinity's Senseis asked Rin.

"For now, with the senseis' assistance as well, administration is operating without issues."

"...No, no, weren't you listening to the dismal state of this meeting?"

Even Gehenna's Sensei showed confusion at this.

"I don't want to say this either, but it's been a month, right?
Given she's been missing for weeks even before we arrived, we have to proceed assuming she's hiding for some reason or her survival is hopeless."

Gehenna's Sensei's point was valid.

"Hmm, what does Schale's Sensei think?"

As a matter for the General Student Council, Trinity's Sensei asked Schale's Sensei.

"I haven't met her face-to-face either, but I want to trust her, who believed in us."

"That's just pretty words, isn't it?"

Hyakkiyako's Sensei, seated in the front row, muttered.

"Believe what you want, that's fine.
But us saying that just means other kids get inconveniced, right?
Well then, I'll believe too. Will that settle things nicely?"

"Could you please give them, the students, just a little more time?"

Please, Schale's Sensei bowed his head.
Even while thinking it naive, the senseis present found it difficult to refuse.

"I am powerless. All I can do is believe in them.
But even in this short time, all my students are filled with wonderful potential. I want to be a strength for such students."

To Schale's Sensei's words, the other senseis groaned, troubled.
Everyone present knew Schale's Sensei had stood by the students during the Abydos incident and saved a critical situation.
How many senseis here could have done that?

"I too want to believe Schale's Sensei's words."

One sensei said that.

"I came to Kivotos as a teacher wanting to do true education.
The school I was at had a culture of covering up scandals; students mocked teachers, calling anything harassment, and if you advised them even a little, their parents would come raging into the staff room like madmen.
What is true education? I believe it's facing each student individually, sometimes scolding them, guiding them for their future."

Like him, that sensei said.
Schale's Sensei raised his face at those words.

"The General Student Council is also a 'student council,' after all."

"It's strange to treat them as children when they're much more capable than us."

The tension in the room eased.
Thank you, he bowed his head once more.

"I also agree with Schale's Sensei's words."

Trinity's Sensei said that, and Gehenna's Sensei glanced at him suspiciously.

"But let's set a clear deadline.
If one cannot fulfill their duties, no reason will be acceptable in society.
For now, let's observe until summer. We can decide anew at the meeting then."

He said they couldn't wait any longer.

"...Thank you, Senseis."

Rin took off her glasses and wiped the bridge with a handkerchief.
However, a voice tore through her relief.

"Rin, was it? Don't cry!!"

It was Hyakkiyako's Sensei.

"You're in politics, aren't you? Or is it just make-believe?
Politics is a man's world. You can't show tears."

Everyone else was startled because the atmosphere had been good.

"Stand tall. If a female politician shows tears, stupid media will happily come for that picture.
They won't want your political ideals, just your crying face.
And then the people will mock the female politician who uses tears as a weapon."

The Kronos-affiliated sensei who was about to raise her camera quietly put it away.

"If a woman wants to go out into society and fight, she has to be strong. Remember that.
A woman should only use tears to ensnare a man. If you use it too often, you'll just become pathetic."

"Yes, yes!"

"Well then, it was a good lesson, wasn't it?"

The male senseis were intimidated by her sudden outburst. Conversely, the female senseis' eyes were shining.
Hyakkiyako's Sensei, having said her piece, was idly fiddling with her nails as if nothing happened. It was the moment the hierarchy was established.

And so, the first joint meeting ended.

"Schale's Sensei, they're all a bunch of strong characters, huh. But we'll cooperate too, so hang in there."

"Yes, Gehenna's Sensei."

"Hmm, you are not alone. We wish for you to grow as a sensei, using us as examples while keeping your ideals."

"Thank you, Trinity's Sensei."

"Well, if you're in trouble, my kids' science power can probably handle anything, so let me know anytime."

"That's a great help, Millennium's Sensei."

After the meeting ended, Schale's Sensei was approached by one sensei after another.

He thought: I am not alone.
That he had these reliable, albeit slightly odd, many companions.

: Schale's Sensei

A student once asked, "Why does Sensei work until late every day?"
The exhausted sensei replied jokingly, "Maybe because I'm the only one?"
That student thought: Then, if there were many senseis, Sensei and everyone would be happy.

That concludes the introductions of the senseis from each school.
About one person? One creature? "Not a personification," you say?
Then are you saying to foist that donut-eating incompetent fat cop onto Kanna!? That's cruel!!

The senseis from each school are like heroic spirits summoned by Schale's Sensei, composed mainly of people whose wavelengths match, all of them fond of children and fully prepared. They came to Kivotos ready to die.
I think the original sensei's greatest misfortune is the lack of understanding peers who share the same perspective.

From next time, I plan to write about the senseis as seen by their students.
Also, I'd like to try a survey or something. If you're willing, please participate.

Chapter Text

Gehenna Academy, in front of the main school building's gate.

"Ah, it's Sensei—"

"Sensei, good morning!!"

"Hey, you lot."

In the morning, Gehenna's Sensei stood in front of the school gate and held out his palm at a slightly elevated position. Energetic students gave him high-fives as they passed.

"Sensei, teach me next time!"

"Yeah, sure thing!"

"Yay! I'll invite lots of friends and bring snacks too!!"

"Hahaha—, sounds good. But you gotta study seriously, okay? If you just wanna make noise, I'm leaving."

"Oka—y, I got i—t!!"

The students waved as they walked into the school.
The sensei also waved, seeing them off.

Then, the sound of a gunfight began nearby.
Students on their way to school turned their faces toward the noise but quickly lost interest, seeming uninvolved.

"Why won't you apologize for stepping on my tail!?"

"I am apologizing!! You're the one who suddenly started shooting!!"

"What's with that attitude!? I can't feel any sincerity!!"

"Hah!? Are you asking for a shakedown or something!?"

Students ran to school while exchanging gunfire as if it were just a light shoving match.
However, perhaps due to lack of proper training, the bullets flew off in completely wrong directions.

Sigh, the sensei let out a deep breath.

"What the hell are you guys doing?"

"Ah—, Sensei—, You're blocking the way—"

"Don't suddenly jump out, Sensei—!!"

Because he intervened, the students raised their gun muzzles.
Vaguely, the students avoided harming the senseis.

Not because they understood the penalties, but because students are sturdy and difficult to kill without deliberate planning.

For the students of Kivotos, that intent to kill is the true taboo.
Precisely because they themselves are hard to kill, death is terrifying.
Like feeling anxious imagining death before falling asleep in bed. That's the kind of values they have.

That's why senseis, who could easily die from a single bullet, are worryingly fragile to them.
The sensei thought: Perhaps that hesitation itself was what the General Student Council President hoped for.

"Hey, don't go firing guns first thing in the morning."

"Oww—"
"Gyah—!"

The sensei grabbed the two students who were shooting at each other by the scruff of their necks and clonked their foreheads together.

"See? Mutual punishment. Now apologize properly. If you can't apologize for doing something wrong, you're done as a person."

"O-okay, sorry..."

"Yeah, me too..."

"Good. That's fine. You two know each other?"

The two students, who properly apologized, shook their heads.
They said they were in different grades and classes.

"Well then, you two, consider this fate. Why not try hanging out after school?
There's no rule saying you can't play together just because your grades are different.
I'm free anyway, so let's go get ice cream or something together. My treat."

"Eh, really!?"

"Thank you, Sensei!!"

The sensei made that promise and sent the students off.

Many students came to school to study properly. I have to protect those kids, the sensei thought, waving his hand.

"Oh, if it isn't Iori. Morning."

"Good morning, Sensei."

Iori gave a stiff, hurried greeting and quickly entered the school.

"Ah, that Iori.
I'm sorry, Sensei. That child was rude."

Chinatsu, who happened to be arriving at school at that moment and saw it, came before the sensei and bowed her head.
Even though she was younger, she acted like an elder.

"Nah, it's fine. Back in my homeland, guys were like that too, all rigid and stuff. Frankly, I wasn't well-liked.
Punctual to a fault, thrifty, diligently following the rules—seeing sincerity, simplicity, and fortitude as virtues."

"Fufu, that doesn't quite match the image I have of you."

"I actually liked those guys, you know? Mainly because they didn't make me uncomfortable."

Chinatsu could only smile awkwardly at his words, which were hard to tell if they were a joke.

"But this 'following rules' thing can be tricky.
Many of them absolutely refuse overtime work. So you guys should also manage things moderately and wisely."

"...Yes, I will convey that to the head prefect."

It seemed like the sensei was pointing out the system of the Prefect Team, where overtime every day and working on holidays were taken for granted. Chinatsu bowed her head as if ashamed and headed toward the school gate.

"Honestly, you're kids, you should spend holidays having fun.
Lowering work performance like that defeats the whole purpose of responsibility. Being too serious is something to think about too."

"That's rich coming from you."

While muttering to himself like that, someone called out from behind.

"I heard you have a culture of spending holidays at home with family.
However, according to reports, you seem to be idling around with students even on Sundays."

"Whoa, she's here."

"What do you mean 'whoa, she's here'!!"

She was none other than Ako, the number two of the Prefect Team, serving as the Administrator.

"Sensei, you are the face of the school!!
Please act with more discretion!!"

"Ah—, yeah, yeah."

"What is that dismissive attitude!?"

"Well, I get told that every time we meet."

The sensei was treated as an eyesore by Ako.
It seemed they just didn't get along.

"I get that the school spirit is free and all."

The sensei looked at Ako and said this.

"Why don't you dress with more discretion yourself?
The other day, when you dropped documents in the hallway, I could see up from behind. I pretended not to look, but the other students were snickering."

"Ah—, that time!?
I thought it was just about dropping documents, but, a, ahh, seriously!!"

Instantly, Ako turned as red as a boiled octopus.

"And Sensei—, that's sexual harassment!! I'll report you to the General Student Council and have you fired!!"

"No, it's an issue with your fashion sense, right?
It's way too unreasonable to show your underwear yourself and then complain."

"I wasn't showing it off!! You pervert—, you lecherous teacher—!!"

Ako spat out such parting words and hurriedly passed through the school gate as if fleeing.

"Next time, bend your knees properly when picking things up!!
Don't get careless just because it's a girls' school—!!"

"I know that!!"

When the sensei shouted that, a dutiful reply came back.

Location changes to the Prefect Team headquarters reception room.

"That concludes today's notifications.
Everyone, please carry out your duties without issue today as well."

President Hina was giving the morning operational briefing to the executives and section leaders.

"Now then, does anyone have a report?"

"Yes, yes—, President Hina!!"

"...What is it, Ako?"

Hina looked back at Ako, who was standing behind her at an angle.

"Let's find a weakness of that sexually harassing, lecherous pervert man and immediately petition Pandemonium to fire him!!"

"Oh, that? Please handle it on your side."

"Why are you being so dismissive!?"

"Because I know it won't go through anyway."

Hina was well-acquainted with Ako's personality, so from her attitude, she could tell Ako was probably blowing some trivial matter out of proportion.

"Besides, we shouldn't get too involved with our sensei."

"Why not!?"

"He's carefully gauging the power balance within the school.
I can see he's not taking sides with either Pandemonium or us, avoiding actions that would strengthen either side's power.
According to the Intelligence Department, he's frequently in contact with Trinity's Sensei, mutually serving as balancers within their respective schools."

Gehenna's Sensei's movements were constantly monitored by the Intelligence Department.
He seemed to understand this himself and was avoiding conspicuous actions.

"Moreover, if we expel him and then our school lacks a sensei during that treaty matter, what would the public think?
Makoto and the others also value face; expelling him is simply impossible."

It was a purely political judgment.

"But—, contacting Trinity's Sensei might be aiding the enemy!!"

"Ako, we shouldn't meddle in the dealings between adults.
Schale's Sensei, Gehenna's Sensei, Trinity's Sensei—none of them are interfering with our methods, are they?"

That was the distinction between students and senseis.
For now, they were maintaining an appropriate distance from each other; adults and children were interacting.

"Besides, regardless of the other side, our sensei is not in a position to access confidential information.
The students who interact with him are mostly general students with no interest in politics.
Claiming it's aiding the enemy is quite a stretch."

"Ugh..."

Perfectly refuted, Ako groaned.
And she nodded, saying "Understood," to the admired Hina.

"...President Hina, it almost sounds like you don't want to touch that frivolous man."

"What are you trying to say, Iori?"

"Regardless of Ako-chan's argument, I can't accept that a man who lazes around playing every day is the face of our school."

Hina didn't respond to Iori's words and looked out the window.
In her line of sight was the main school building.

Recently, the sensei and the students who admire him had done a major cleaning, removing graffiti from the walls.
Gehenna does have a Beautification Committee, but delinquent kids dirty things faster than they can clean, making it virtually ineffective.
Within Gehenna, cleanliness is maintained only in places like the Prefect Team headquarters.

But now, the walls of the old, historic school building had regained their whiteness.
That itself was the symbol of Gehenna's face, of their sensei.

"Lately, gunfire sounds have decreased in the main school building."

"Eh, that's true, but..."

Gehenna's main building is the very den of Gehenna's chaos.
Illegal circles, illegal clubs—people who think nothing of violating school rules occupy it, acting as they please.
Even the Prefect Team finds it foolish to crack down on every single thing, so they don't make a fuss unless there's serious trouble.

"Yesterday, I heard a usage permit was applied for the main building's music room, it was accepted, and a legitimate club activity took place."

"...Eh, you're joking?"

Gehenna students are the kind of people who think application forms are only good as nose-blowing paper.

"The one who mediated that and got the occupying group to leave was apparently the sensei.
He went alone, and the occupying group didn't fire a single bullet, it seems."

"...Did Sensei use magic or something?"

It was precisely the kind of event that made one suspect that.

"Iori, did you properly read Sensei's background?"

"Um, I heard he was a soldier over there."

"He was apparently a former intelligence officer, specializing in military intelligence.
I heard he turned down promotion to be transferred to Kivotos."

"He's an elite?"

For an elite to be dealing with kids at a school like this, Iori thought it was practically a demotion.

"Does that background pose some problem?"

Chinatsu tilted her head and asked Hina.

"He is, our sensei is on the students' side. The proper students' side, that is."

"Eh?"

"The other day, some students who also left the main building caused trouble, so I inquired about the circumstances.
And then────"

"U-um, Sensei didn't say anything to you, right?"

"We were just looking for a new place for ourselves to do activities, and it turned into a bit of a shootout, but we didn't do anything bad!!"

"P-please, don't tell Sensei about this—"

Many students present shuddered.

"For Sensei, freedom is something to be given."

The white main school building proved it.

"Have you heard, everyone? It seems Fuuka-san acquired a rare delicacy in that building and is holding a tasting event!!"

"Eh, really!?"

"Wow, I'm excited☆"

The Gourmet Research Society members stormed into one of the buildings in Gehenna's autonomous district.
A car with the Lunch Club's name was parked there, making it seem certain Fuuka was inside.

"Hey, you lot. Been wanting to see you."

However, what awaited them was their sensei, sitting at a table set in a stark, empty room, eating meat spaghetti.

"...Oh? Where's Fuuka-san?"

"Ah, that was just a pretext to lure you out."

Twirling his fork, the sensei wound up the spaghetti and put it in his mouth.

"...Why did you call us here?"

Akari sensed an unusual atmosphere and asked him.

"I wanted to ask you something.
Are you my students? Or are you just beasts I can't reason with?"

The four looked at each other.

"Um, what are you trying to say?"

Frustrated by the incomprehensible question, Junko said that.

"I had you investigated.
Seems you've been quite flashy with your activities.
Well, youthful folly is one thing, but isn't it too much?
Stealing ingredients, blowing up shops, kidnapping Fuuka... Do I have to start by teaching you basic human rights?"

The sensei smiled as if troubled.

"...Am I to understand you want us to reform our ways, is that what you're saying?"

The club president, Haruna, straightened her posture and said that.

"Yeah, I'm genuinely concerned about your futures.
Frankly, it's tough, but I'll accompany you on an apology tour if you do it now. As for compensating the damages, with your abilities, it shouldn't be too difficult.
I think your activities can be turned into something wonderful, depending on how you do it.
Hey, won't you listen to your sensei?"

"Sensei, if you investigated us, you must understand, right?
Our activities are not something to be dictated by anyone."

Haruna asserted that.
Yeah, yeah, Izumi also raised her voice.

"Hmm, troublesome. I guess my sincerity still isn't enough?"

Perhaps out of boredom, the sensei lit a cigarette.

"Sensei, smoking while eating is unacceptable."

"Yeah. I knew you'd say that. So, let me pose you a problem."

Then, the sensei slowly pressed the lit end of his cigarette into the plate of spaghetti.

"Wha—"

"Haruna, you can't stand people who desecrate food, right?
Then blow me up. If you can't, I'll tell all of Kivotos that your so-called convictions are only that strong."

He stood up from the table.
The four stepped back, seemingly pressured.

"This problem has two answers. Either you kill me, or I kill your childish so-called convictions.
What do you think happens if you kill me? The school will absolutely never forgive you; don't think expulsion is the end. You'll be hunted down thoroughly across Kivotos, and I'll have you chained at the bottom of a prison for decades.
On the other hand, what if I kill your convictions? It just means you were trash who used pursuit of knowledge or convictions as a shield to do whatever you wanted.
...My sincerity. Understood now?"

"Th-that's cowardly!!"

"That's right! I-immature of you!!"

Izumi and Junko raised voices of condemnation, but he was smiling.
Mocking the pitiful mice caught in his own trap.

"Even if you get through this, don't think it's over.
Next time, I'll do the same in a public place and call your names.
I'll just be the useless old man who wastes food, but what about you?
I can almost hear the voices online. 'Why didn't they blow him up?' 'So the Gourmet Research Society were just worthless terrorists after all.' 'They showed their true colors.' ... I'll thoroughly disgrace you."

The children shuddered at his "sincerity."
He was using his own life as a bargaining chip to force the four to reform.
It was madness.

"The internet these days is scary.
I'm talking to you like this because I believe you can be reasoned with."

He moved to take out another cigarette.
Then, something like a card fell from his chest.

It was someone's student ID.

"That, that student ID..."

"Ah, this? You're also happy that those idiots from the Hot Spring Development Club have been scattered lately, right?
I'm giving their president a 'task' right now. I won't return this until she finishes it."

For students, their student ID is the most important thing after their own life and gun.
Without it, there are restrictions on accessing public services, and they can't touch the account linked to its e-money function.
Student registration—for students, it's their very human rights.

"That girl wouldn't listen no matter how much I persuaded or pleaded.
'Romance is important,' 'if I think there's a hot spring there, then there is.'
So I gave her a 'task.' If she loves digging for hot springs that much, I said 'then dig one up and show me.'
...Right about now, she's probably digging bare-handed in the frozen ground of some Red Winter backwater all alone."

The sensei looked at the four.
Checkmate. With that, he passed his turn.

"As your sensei, I have an obligation to send you out into society.
I'm respecting your freedom and giving you a choice."

He thrust reality upon the four.
That as long as you live in this world, freedom exists only within the unfreedom of society's framework.
And those who deviate from it cannot be left unchecked.

That was his education.

"Now choose. Kill me, kill your own souls, or...
Or one more: complete my task. Which will it be?"

They answered.

"I see. Remember this well.
Those who threaten the freedom and dignity of others are not granted those things themselves."

The sensei removed the cigarette ash from the meat spaghetti on the table and devoured the rest in one go.

"Gehenna's school spirit is freedom and chaos.
As the sensei here, my freedom is also affirmed.
No complaints, right? After all, it's what you've been doing.
Well then, as your sensei, I'll give you a task."

To the frightened girls, the sensei said this.
With a gentle smile, as if to reassure them.

"I checked all your SNS accounts.
The restaurants you introduced were indeed delicious.
But conversely, you never mentioned why the shops you blew up were bad.
Just remember as much as you can. Submit a report on the reasons you blew them up, the causes.
Then post those as part of your activities online.
I don't intend to infringe on your methods, your freedom.
Information depends on how you use it. Will you be terrorists, or guardians protecting food safety? I'll be watching."

"Did you hear— the Gourmet Research Society blew up another shop that was doing food adulteration, fake origins, and label swapping."

"I know, I know. The one that was bulking out rice with plastic, right?"

"Scary, isn't it, Sensei—"

"Mh? Yeah, I guess."

At the students' voices, he looked up from his smartphone.
The MomoTalk app was displayed on the screen, the last message reading: 'Will get permission before hot spring development from now on I'm reflecting please forgive me I'm so cold I might die I want to soak in a hot spring.'
After leaving it on read, he turned back to the students.

"Ah, speaking of which, there's a shop the Gourmet Research Society introduced nearby! Let's go, Sensei!!"

"Huh? Trying to get me to treat you again? Alright—, but only if you all get over 80 on the next test."

"Ehh—, then we have to have another study session."

"We'll just end up eating too many snacks and getting fat again—"

The students around him smiled; though from different classes and grades, they were good friends.
He had to protect their futures and their youth. He couldn't let them be sacrificed by those who disregarded others.

To do that, he exercised freedom and responsibility. That was Gehenna's Sensei.

Chapter Text

Hasumi was dissatisfied.

This was, for her, the second round of talks with Gehenna's Pandemonium, made possible through Trinity's Sensei's efforts.
The sensei had approached it with thorough preparation.

Investigating the other side's preferences, preparing gifts, entertaining them with meals and tea.
It almost looked like he was being subservient to Gehenna, and frankly, Hasumi felt her own sensei's approach seemed weak.

Moreover, these were talks for the Eden Treaty, yet the content was empty.
They were entirely dominated by Chairman Makoto's trivial small talk and self-praise.

"Fufufu."
"Kikiki."

The talks were amicable.
Even that Makoto, when dealing with Trinity's Sensei, seemed to refrain from the attitude she showed last time—mocking Hasumi's appearance upon seeing her and enraging her.

"I hear from your sensei that the students of Gehenna Academy are all full of energy.
Our school's students are a bit too reserved; I'd be more at ease if they ran around the garden a little. So, how is he? Is he doing his job properly?"

Trinity's Sensei mentioned the other school's sensei.

"Ah, that janitor?"

In response, Makoto sipped her tea and said this:

"Well, isn't he working hard?
The other day, he was cleaning graffiti off the student council building with some students.
Maybe getting carried away, the Beautification Committee even petitioned for a budget increase. Well, the kind Makoto-sama appreciated their initiative and granted a modest budget increase!!"

As Makoto spoke, Iroha, seated next to her, glanced at her.
Trinity's Sensei keenly observed that gesture.

The one who often retorted to Makoto's statements as if in a comedy skit said nothing.

"I see! Campus beautification is directly linked to students' heightened awareness.
Chairman Makoto's judgment is extremely sound."

"Kikiki, right?"

"Being as astute as you are, you must already have prospects for after the treaty's conclusion. I'd love to hear them.
Since both academies will join hands as equals, proper inter-school exchanges must begin, I imagine."

Hasumi looked at her sensei. This was the first time since the talks began that he broached the treaty.

"Well, indeed. For over a hundred years, direct exchanges between Gehenna and Trinity have been few and far between.
Even events like the Halo Festival ultimately had the General Student Council mediating.
However!! There's no problem at all!!"

"How so?"

"First, we will scrutinize clubs, etc., from Trinity that wish to interact, and begin by requesting activity permits in your autonomous district.
Full-scale events and large friendship gatherings will likely come after observing how that goes!!"

"Makoto-senpai... are you sane?"

Next to her, Iroha said this with a shocked expression.

"Senpai saying something so reasonable...
Hasumi-san, did you mix something bad into the food?"

"What do you mean!?"

Hasumi raised her voice.

"Hahaha, Chairman Makoto remains as unique as ever.
I'm envious of Gehenna's Sensei. My students rarely speak their true feelings to me."

"Right!! I've been chairman for a long time, but this is the first time I've had a proper conversation with the Trinity lot!!"

Kikiki, Makoto laughed. Iroha also nodded slightly.
That's your own fault!! Hasumi was internally seething.

The talks concluded in an amicable atmosphere from start to finish.
As usual, nothing was decided, Hasumi thought.

In the limousine on the way back, the sensei murmured.

"The Eden Treaty will likely be dissolved either before its conclusion or immediately after."

"...What do you mean?"

Hasumi's anger hadn't cooled, but his words brought back her calmness.

"Chairman Makoto didn't seem interested in the treaty itself.
Moreover, she looks down on our school. She will probably brazenly scrap the treaty to crush our standing in a manner convenient for them."

"So that's what you think, Sensei."

"That's merely my observation. It would be futile to convey this to the Tea Party members.
Kirifuji-kun, the proxy host, is single-mindedly fixated on concluding the treaty.
I heard the conservative factions of both schools were moving things forward, but this is concerning."

It was a very strong statement. He was satirizing the top of the school.
He was analyzing the current situation with a cold detachment that Hasumi and other students had never seen before.

"Sensei. Please tell me the specific basis for thinking that way."

Striving to remain calm, Hasumi asked as if looking down at a chessboard, seeking guidance.

"Unbelievable as it is, I hear Gehenna students don't submit document applications, etc.
In other words, if Chairman Makoto's earlier words are true, inter-school exchanges will remain as before, with their students simply doing as they please."

"......"

Hasumi was speechless.

"In fact, the likely outcome is merely giving them a pretext to operate within our autonomous district. Even if they cause problems here and we protest, they'll probably handle it half-heartedly."

"As I thought—, every single one of those Gehenna people—"

"Hanekawa-kun. You are in a position of leadership. Please be mindful of conducting yourself as a lady."

"...Yes."

Admonished by the sensei, Hasumi suppressed her anger.

"Further talks with Pandemonium are likely pointless now.
Hanekawa-kun, can you arrange a meeting with their Prefect Team next time?"

"Yes, I will apply to those above. It may take some time, though."

"Hmm. I'll leave it to you."

The sensei said that and looked out the limousine window.

"Real authority and ceremonial authority being separate, huh. Gehenna Academy has quite a troublesome political system."

"Could you let me off around here?"

"Here? Sensei, it's still far from the school."

"Hohoho, for maintaining the health of this old body, a walk is indispensable."

Understood, Hasumi instructed the driver.

Trinity's Sensei got off the car at a corner of the Trinity autonomous district.

For a while, he walked as his words suggested, then sat on a bench in a deserted park at night.

Tap, tap... In the feeble light of a streetlamp, footsteps echoed as someone approached.
It was Gehenna's Sensei.

He sat down beside the bench where the old sensei sat.

"Is there no one listening in?"

"No, I have trusted students of mine keeping watch. Wiretapping is impossible."

Hmm, the old man nodded.

"I wish to have talks with Prefect Team President Sorasaki. Could you arrange that from your side?"

"It'll cost money."

Gehenna's Sensei answered immediately.

"How much?"

Trinity's Sensei asked.

"Hey, how much do we need?"

Gehenna's Sensei's voice echoed in the park.

Immediately, a single gunshot rang out.

"She says one million."

"Hmm, if that paltry sum will suffice, I shall provide it."

At the old man who nodded impassively, Gehenna's Sensei inwardly bristled at this nobleman's sense of money.

"I got the talks wiretapped, but that's hopeless."

"The chairman over there didn't seem aware of your activities, though."

"Yeah, Iroha's probably stopping the reports.
That one hates trouble, and viewing me—who keeps my distance from politics—as dangerous would just increase hassles."

Chuckle, chuckle... Gehenna's Sensei laughed.
It was all part of his calculated actions.
He had a complete grasp of the personalities of Pandemonium members he'd hardly ever met.

"Abandoning a student in the deepest part of Kivotos... that's going too far."

"Oh? So what would you do?"

"Revoking their student registration should be enough."

"That might work for Trinity students. That fool couldn't be reasoned with.
Do you think I enjoyed doing that?
Would you ask a bear not to attack humans? That's missing the point. Are you some wannabe brainless environmental activist?"

Gehenna's Sensei took out a cigarette and lit it.

"You highborn folks probably wouldn't understand, but even if you put garbage in a bin, it doesn't just disappear on its own.
You have to hire professionals to process it. If you just leave garbage lying around, you'll only earn resentment from your surroundings."

That's why he got his hands dirty to clean up.
It was just that simple.

"Schale's Sensei will be angry if he finds out."

"That guy's still young, too much of an idealist.
In a few years, he'll mature nicely, I'm sure."

"Until then, we support him, is that it?"

With a single sigh, Trinity's Sensei stood up.

"Then, I'll be in touch again."

"Yeah."

The old man left the park.

After finishing his cigarette slowly, Gehenna's Sensei said this:

"Tomorrow, before noon, a report will come in that the wanted Problem Solver 68 is causing trouble in Gehenna District 66.
To deal with that troublesome bunch, President Hina will have no choice but to go there herself.
Moreover, for some reason, delinquent groups will start causing major disturbances simultaneously in districts all over. The Prefect Team's forces will be dispersed, and the violent criminal might get away. How dreadful."

Saying that, he stood up and left the park.

"Payment into the usual shadow bank account."

"Right."

Aru, who had been leaning against the streetlamp at the entrance with her arms crossed, watched the sensei's back.

"...Kuh, so cool, Sensei—.
Yes, this is what I wanted to do!!"

"Aru-chan, try to keep the serious mood a bit longer."

Mutsuki, who had been keeping watch, looked amusedly at Aru, whose eyes were sparkling with excitement.

"But Mutsuki, this is the ideal outlaw I've always dreamed of!!
Mingling in the shadows as a freelancer, handling jobs coolly, having suave exchanges... Sensei, thank you."

"I'm glad Aru-sama seems to be enjoying herself."

Seeing her like that, Haruka appeared, smiling.

"Well, our sensei doesn't skip out on payments or anything."

"We were surprised when he first asked us to submit reports on our work results and success rates, right?"

At Kayoko's words as she emerged from between the trees, Mutsuki replied like that.

"He's probably analyzing our specialties and reasons for failure to allocate suitable work.
The success rate for jobs from Sensei is 100%."

"It seems he has various other pawns besides us."

Well, I don't remember becoming a pawn, Mutsuki smirked.

"I prefer Schale's Sensei; he's more fun to mess with."

"W-well, I like both senseis!
Schale's Sensei is a collaborator, and our sensei tells me I'm a proper student who can support herself—!"

Aru's expression was now completely like that of a little girl playing make-believe with an adult who humors her.

"But Boss, our next opponent is that Hina. Isn't a million yen too cheap?"

"Ah, don't worry! We're just messengers, so we just have to relay that!!"

To Kayoko, who poured cold water on the idea, Aru asserted that.

"Yes, Aru-sama!! We'll kill everyone in the Prefect Team except Hina!!"

"Well, we have to create that situation first, I guess."

Even so, it's our job, Kayoko began simulating the situation.

"Let's do it, everyone. High-end yakiniku today!!"

"Aru-chan, don't try to splurge immediately just because we got money for today's job."

And the next day, they were utterly and thoroughly thrashed by Hina...

"Kikiki—"

"That expression, you're plotting something, aren't you?"

In the car on the way back to the Gehenna dormitory district, Makoto wore a malicious smile.

"Iroha, honestly, if I told you, you'd make a fuss, so I thought I'd keep quiet until the last moment."

"Starting from there, it's full of things to pick apart..."

"This Makoto-sama has secretly joined hands with those Arius folks planning a coup in Trinity!!"

Arius? Iroha frowned.

"Ah... I can't believe they still exist.
Senpai, do you know what kind of place that school is?"

Even a talented woman like her had it buried in the depths of memory—a school forgotten by history. That's what Arius was.

"I don't!! But they've apparently held a grudge against Trinity since long ago.
I have secretly succeeded in contacting their sensei and requesting cooperation."

"Haa, well, better than being told at the last moment..."

Iroha sighed, thinking I'll have to look into them, which added to her workload.

"They seem to be acting separately; I plan to have a joint meeting next time Arius students make contact.
Kukuku, those Trinity fools, I'll show them!!"

"Is that so."

Now then, how should I handle this troublesome person, Iroha began weaving troublesome thoughts in her mind.

While the situation progressed beneath the surface for two of the three major schools, events were also about to unfold around Schale's Sensei.

The morning news featured Kronos News Agency boldly starting a live broadcast with this headline:

'SRT Special Academy: Four Believed to be RABBIT Squad Occupy Kousagi Park, Claiming Protest Activity!?'

And so.

The train running on the forked tracks began to pick up speed.

Chapter Text

"Starting tomorrow, a sensei will be assigned to our school as well."

Those words didn't cause any stir.

This is the dormitory of SRT Special Academy.
Its school building, personnel, training content, and missions are all classified to the general public.

The elite among elites, selected from all over Kivotos.
Those gathered here are not just ordinary high school girls. Each is a soldier who has undergone rigorous training at this age.
Unlike other schools, casual conversation would earn a stern reprimand.

Until now, this school had no teaching staff.
Through self-study with textbooks and BDs and thorough training, they became elite.
There is no place for slackers; one couldn't even enter here in the first place.

It was such a strict environment.
Now, members of the third-year squads take turns acting as instructors, teaching their juniors their know-how.

And now, a new sensei was being assigned to them.

"He belonged to the special forces of a major power, resigned afterward but traveled to conflict zones to train and guide numerous special forces units. A veteran among veterans, versed in counter-terrorism, disaster response, counter-intelligence, special forces warfare, and more."

The day's instructor, Yukino, informed the members.

"Such a person will guide us to improve our capabilities!!
All members, receive the guidance with respect!!"

Yes! The students from each squad raised their voices.
Everyone was full of anticipation.

Their hearts raced with excitement at being trained by such an amazing person.

And then, this man arrived.

"Hey, you lot are my students? You really are just teenage brats."

A man in military uniform wearing a very realistic werewolf mask that covered up to his neck.
Aside from being male and not seeming as old as one might expect, nothing was discernible.

Even the students were understandably perplexed by the appearance of such an eccentric man.

"Starting today, I've accepted the duty of being your instructor, your sensei.
Even so, I was somewhat famous in the industry, called 'Wolf Face.'
I'll turn you into proper killing machines, so nice to meet you from now on!!"

Lightweight. His seemingly frivolous attitude pushed the students' distrust to its peak.

"Um, why are you wearing that mask?"

One student raised her hand and asked.

"My face got burnt by napalm. If you saw my face, you might cry."

He shrugged and answered as if joking.

"Sensei, we are the elite of the elite gathered from Kivotos.
We have undergone rigorous training until now. Please stop making light of us like that."

That was Miyako.
She had overcome SRT's harsh selection tests and trained until this day.
She had that pride.

"At the very least, there's no reason to be treated like children by someone who doesn't even show their face."

As Yukino from the FOX squad, lined up next to him, tried to step forward, he stopped her.

"My bad."

Unexpectedly, he bowed his head.

"You're right. I won't treat you like children."

Raising his head, he looked at them with a steady gaze.

"On the contrary, I won't even treat you as women. No, I won't even treat you as human."

"Wha—!?"

"That's why you lot, don't call me 'sensei.' Others aside, I have no right to be called that.
Just call me 'instructor.' Got it, you bratty bitches!?"

"Y-yes!!"

The students replied in unison.

"I've already hammered your profiles into my head."

He turned and looked at the members of the FOX squad.

"I heard you're the top squad.
But that's garbage from today. Throw it all away."

"Yes, Instructor!!"

"Add 'Sir' at the beginning and end, you damn brats!!
From today, you lot are just Dutch dolls with blood and flesh running through you!!
Just good for getting my dick hard, trash used for masturbation tissues!!"

His vulgar insults were so extreme that even Yukino and the others were taken aback.

"What's with the response!? If you're young, even if you're ugly, you should be able to squeal for an old man!!
Hurry up and get my thing up!!"

"Sir, yes sir!!"

"Good response! I thought you were tuna, you bunch of assholes!!"

The merciless insults made even Kurumi, a student with walnut-like pride, tremble with humiliation and even brought tears to her eyes.

"You lot are holes. Just holes because you're young. You have no other value.
Seriously, I'm jealous. Just being young gives you use value."

The elite students understood.
This is an educational technique used to break soldiers' spirits, mentally reconstruct them, and reconstitute them as a military unit. That's how they enhance collective self-esteem and strengthen cohesion.

However, this is primarily training for stress management, targeting those who seem vulnerable to stress. It's not indiscriminate abuse.

"You there, fox hole. Name?"

"K-Kurumi, sir!!"

And just as expected, she became the target.

"What's with that tone!? Are you a tsundere just like your looks!?
That archetype isn't popular these days, you know. How are you supposed to handle a man's thing with that washboard, show me."

"Sir, no sir!!"

"Ah, my bad. You don't even know how to do laundry, you're worse than a prostitute!!
Might as well stick it in a fried tofu pouch!!
From today, you're 'Tsundere Fried Tofu.' That's your nickname now, be happy!!"

"Sir, yes sir!!"

"You look like you want to say something, honor student p●ssy."

"Sir, no sir!!"

Seeing her comrade insulted so badly, even Yukino's expression changed.

"You have a face that looks like you'd pamper a man and then probably get shot in the end!!
Doing things no one asked for diligently, only to be thrown away at the end!!
It suits you perfectly!! I'll call you 'Onagon.' Happy!?"

"Sir, yes sir!!"

"I can't hear you!! Was it you, Onagon!? Are you telling me to stick my dick in the mouth of the fish you brought and jerk it off!?"

"Sir, no sir!!"

The sensei's, the man's gaze, turned toward the lowerclassmen lined up by squad.
They flinched and trembled.

"Your name, rabbit head."

"Sir, Tsukiyuki Miyako, sir!!"

"I see. Unlike those fox holes over there, you don't have rabbit ears attached!!
You're the RABBIT squad... no, the 'Rabbit-like Rabbit Squad' works!! Wild animals native to Kivotos. Now, make your noise!!"

"Sir, yes sir!!"

The four members of the RABBIT squad desperately shouted that.

"Rabbits don't have vocal cords, you idiots!!
Can't you be louder!? You're not rabbits!!
Or are you sticking fingers in your holes and masturbating!? You're not rabbits, but you're always in heat, you lot!!"

"Sir, yes sir!!"

"You there."

"Eeek!?"

Pointed at by him, Miyu trembled fearfully.

"You think you can attract men like that!? Louder!!"

"S-sir, yes sir!!"

"What's with that moe voice!? I'll call you 'Piggy Moe Voice Bait.'
Now, stick out your ass and oink for the pigs with that voice!!"

"Sir, yes sir!!"

"Do you think the voice pigs would be satisfied with that!?
I'll make you scream until that sickeningly sweet moe voice goes hoarse, until the voice actor changes and you get flamed!! When you become obsolete, it's straight to the trash bin, got it!?"

"Sir, yes sir!!"

"You next to her?"

"Ugh, Saki, Instructor, sir!!"

"You have a face that looks like you'd let someone have a go if they begged!!
To think you'd do it for free, how utterly contemptible!! That's your level of value, isn't it, you free hole!?"

"Sir, no sir!!"

"You're wearing a helmet, so I'll call you 'Free Helmet.' Like a character in an ero-social game whose H-scene you can see from an event distribution!!
As for the last one of you..."

"(Thump-thump...)"

"You're fine."

"Eh—"

Moe was skipped.

After thoroughly insulting the students, he returned to his original position.

"You're all a bunch of virgins only good as doujin material, at the level of love dolls, but rest assured!!
I'll use you up, and as battle-hardened fuckholes, I'll stick a photo of you plastered on a wall with your asses out, doing a double peace sign!!
Only then will you finally return to being human!!
You'll graduate from being toilets worth less than ten yen a pop and become cleaners who sweep away the shitheads throwing Kivotos into chaos!!"

The sharp, piercing gaze from beneath the werewolf mask shot through them.

"Until you become human again, I'll make your lives have no entertainment other than hating me. Be prepared!!"

Sir, yes sir! the students screamed at him.

And then, a month of hell began.

Their sensei thoroughly bullied them, both physically and mentally.

He nonchalantly applied the special forces training that makes 80% of robust adults drop out, completely stripping away their capacity for thought.

They crossed Red Winter's extreme cold regions, climbed Gehenna's volcanic areas, raced across the Abydos desert, swam and traversed the Odyssey Maritime School's waters.
If they fell behind even a little, insults and gunfire from the sensei's beloved firearm followed.
He became the first sensei among all senseis to actually shoot at students.

He imposed particularly harsh training on the third-year squads, separate from the lowerclassmen squads.

"Hah, hah—"

"What's wrong, Onagon? Do you think you can catch a man's attention like that!?
As you wish, I'll give you my dick!!"

The bullets from his beloved revolver rained down on Yukino.

They did ground combat, underwater combat, HALO jumps with their bare bodies, and then were made to climb mountains using only the buttstocks of their guns.

Later, the third-year squads who completed the training called "The Month of Hell" were heroes.

Returning to the dorm lounge, the third-years told the juniors about how harsh it was.

"In the Abydos desert, Yukino here fell into quicksand!! Went plop!!"

"S-stop it, Kurumi, that story..."

"That was brutal. Quicksand is a bottomless pit, so when we pulled her out, she was covered in mud and had to take off her gear and clothes."

"We still had to run 5 km afterward, so Yukino let the mud dry and then ran like that."

Niko and Otogi also laughed, teasing their squad leader.

"Quicksand mud is a breeding ground for bacteria. If you get abrasions, it can cause tetanus... There was no other way."

Yukino, her fox ears drooping, said that with embarrassment.
Kurumi continued the story happily.

"When we reached the rendezvous point, the instructor's eyes went wide. He immediately figured out what happened and offered his own canteen, saying, 'Wash yourself with this.'"

"Did you appear naked in front of the instructor, Yukino-senpai!?"

"I hid the front with my gear properly!!"

As the juniors teased, laughter erupted in the lounge.

"The instructor was a crazy bastard who followed along in our training, but even he was showing signs of dehydration by the later half, right?"

"Well, he kept that mask on the whole time."

"Yukino was worried too."

"It was because of my mistake..."

After such trivial moments of respite, it was time for classroom lectures and practical exercises.

Upon checking SRT's textbooks and educational BDs, he declared them "lifeless" and threw them away.

"Anti-government forces are deployed here, launching an assault on the military headquarters.
A desperate crisis. If it were you, where would you move to overcome this situation?"

In the classroom, he drew a tactical diagram on the blackboard with chalk and asked the students sitting in chairs, receiving the lesson.

"Yes, if it were our squad, we'd prioritize rescuing VIPs at point B!!"

"No, wait, isn't allied rescue the urgent issue here!?"

"There's a group of refugees here!!"

The problems he posed were all from real killing fields.
A merciless world where lives and dignity were utterly taken from each other.

"Look at this, you lot."

The sensei had summoned them to the field and brought in over a dozen iron cages.

Inside were dogs.

"I'm giving you an assignment. Each squad takes one of these dogs, by any method you choose────kill it."

At his command, the students trembled.

"These mutts here are all slated for euthanasia because they bit and killed people.
Meaning, they are enemies that have harmed citizens. Kill them."

Fearfully, the students carried it out.

Shooting them with their beloved firearms, strangling them with bare hands, killing them after torture.
Finally, they buried the lives they had taken in a corner of the school grounds and erected simple graves.

And so, their training was more or less complete.

"Everyone, well done enduring such harsh training up to this point!!"

The sensei addressed them lined up on the field.
They were different people from a month ago.
Everyone's expressions were hardened, the light gone from their eyes, emanating a sharp, dangerous atmosphere like ravenous beasts.

"You have graduated from dolls and become apostles guarding Kivotos!!
I am proud of you!! I think of you as my own children!! I will gladly accept even your bullets!!"

"Sir, yes sir!!"

The students responded in unison.

"But, the days of training are not over!!
I'll tell you what you should do next!! We will conduct field exercises!! No training surpasses actual combat!!"

Saying that, he gave them missions.
The SRT students scattered to various locations, conducting combat and intelligence operations while concealing their identities.

After such days continued for a while, one day during a meeting when the sensei was absent, Miyako said to Yukino.

"Yukino-senpai. May I have a moment?"

"What is it, Squad Leader Tsukiyuki?"

"......"

Miyako hesitated slightly before saying this.

"The field exercises Instructor imposes on us... aren't they simply an abuse of authority?"

That was it.
Their sensei was deploying SRT squads under the guise of 'field exercises' or 'field training.'
That was clearly a violation of regulations.

Only the General Student Council President could command SRT.
Their sensei's status was merely that of a teaching staff member.
He should have no command authority whatsoever.

"...All exercise and training contents are reported to the Defense Office.
And the instructor commanded me: 'If I ever betray you, shoot me without hesitation.'"

"Yukino-senpai!!"

Unable to bear it, Miyako raised her voice.

"The instructor has no authority to command you!!"

"But he is not betraying us."

"I cannot accept that!!"

Miyako's argument was valid.
He had no command authority over SRT. Their current actions, while having a pretext, were completely in a gray area.

"SRT is the highest law enforcement body in Kivotos!!
It should never be exploited for private purposes!!"

"Private purposes, private purposes, you say?"

Yukino went to her desk and thrust out a bundle of reports summarizing all the exercises and training conducted so far.

"Every single one involves eliminating high-danger criminal groups, investigating the realities of corrupt corporations and leaking that information—all work that contributes to society!!"

Miyako was overwhelmed by her intensity.
Simultaneously, she realized the senpai she admired had changed.

"...I heard that within the General Student Council, there's talk of dissolving this school due to its detached command structure."

"Wha—!? That's..."

"We must show achievements and loyalty to the General Student Council.
To fight those who threaten Kivotos's peace, there is no other way."

Yukino also had a pained expression.
She too understood that Miyako was right.
In a society governed by law, armed forces must not be used for private purposes.

But that correctness was a precarious one that risked their own destruction.
Special forces are not units meant to leave glorious achievements.

They must carry out dirty work, covert operations, and entrapping enemies as part of their mission.
Yukino was worried about Miyako's correctness.

"...I also understand that Squad Leader Tsukiyuki is right.
However, I have no choice but to obey the instructor. The others are the same, I'm sure.
But I want you to understand. No one is doing this out of self-preservation."

"That is deception!!"

Miyako shouted.

"Proper procedures, proper methods!! And, proper justice!!
Isn't that the SRT's ideal!?"

"Nothing you say to me will change anything."

Yukino admonished Miyako like this.

"You should petition the instructor with your opinion tomorrow."

Knowing it would mean parting, she could only say that.

The next day during homeroom, Miyako appealed to her sensei.
Earnestly, from the bottom of her heart.

"Phew."

He sighed and looked at Yukino.

"Why wasn't she filtered out during the ideological screening stage?"

"The selection of personnel is done by the General Student Council President."

I see, he said somewhat sadly.

"Yukino. Place the entire RABBIT squad on suspension."

"Understood."

"Yukino-senpai!!"

"Consider it fortunate you're not being expelled. Cool your heads for now."

Yukino said that impassively.

"Wait a minute!! That includes us too!?"

"Th-that's right, Instructor!!"

"Collective responsibility? Seriously..."

Even the other members of the RABBIT squad were perplexed by this.

"I will definitely work to have our missions retroactively authorized.
You are all like my own children, whom I hold dear. So Miyako, I will also strive to dispel your doubts."

"Shut up!! You have defiled our justice!!"

Miyako pointed her gun at him.
But faster than that, every SRT student pointed their guns at her. Yes, even her own squad members.

"...Well, you lot were almost too obedient, a bit lacking.
It's more interesting to have a bit of a rebel like this."

The werewolf-masked man looked at Miyako and laughed.
Even with a gun pointed at him, he was completely unperturbed.
The very one who made them undergo training to kill.

"Stay confined until this matter is over."

He jerked his chin.
Immediately, the SRT students rushed and subdued the RABBIT squad members.

"I won't allow someone like you to...!!"

"Hey—, that includes us too!?"

"Eeek!!"

"Everyone, go a bit easier!!"

And so, they were all thrown into the brig together.

"U-ugh..., what are we going to do now..."

Miyu started crying inside the brig.

"Of course, we have no choice but to have that man removed!!"

"I don't think the current environment is bad, but to be treated like this..."

To Miyako, who showed her determination, Saki also seemed dissatisfied with this treatment.

"But, ultimately, Miyako, it's your fault, right?"

"That's right, dragging us into it."

"That's why I'll appeal to the public and have it rescinded!!"

Miyako glared at Saki and Moe, who were complaining.

"The operation is tonight. We escape from here, take our gear, and stage a protest to expose SRT's current state!!"

"Hey, hey..."

"What's that, sounds fun!!"

"No, no..."

Even Moe agreed, leaving Saki bewildered.

"Let's take out some flashy weapons while we're at it!!"

"Yes, the more public attention we get, the better!!"

"...Sigh, guess I have to go along with it."

And so, the four escaped from the SRT grounds.

"Is it really alright to let those girls go?"

In the dim instructor's room, Yukino asked her sensei, bathed in moonlight.

Thump. As he tossed his mask onto the table, he said:

"I told you, didn't I? That you all, and those girls too, are so dear to me it doesn't even hurt to have you in my eyes.
We are all one family, a single unit.
We can laugh and forgive a bit of mischief like that, can't we?"

He smiled with a face that was more than half burnt and disfigured.
It was affection, and also pity.
A unit that has shared hardships and joys is bound by a deeper bond than blood ties.

This was his form of love, his education.

"They're also only fifteen. I remember doing similar things when I was young. Let's respect those girls' autonomy.
So Yukino, you don't need to be so tense either."

"...Yes, Instructor."

As if truly treating her as his own child, the man stroked Yukino's head and said that reassuringly.

: SRT Sensei

A man in military uniform with a werewolf mask, symbolizing the precariousness of SRT Special Academy.
Both foxes and rabbits are prey animals; his wolf mask signifies that the students belonging here are ultimately the used ones.
Acting on their own without a master is also fitting behavior for the personification of this school.
Yet, despite such a suspicious appearance, his actions are consistent. All for justice and for the peace of the people.

For the next installments, I plan to do Valkyrie Sensei, Millennium Sensei, or Arius Sensei in some order.

Chapter Text

"Well then, I'm off on patrol for today as well!!"

That day, Kirino left the Public Safety Bureau office as usual and headed out for her daily patrol.

And as she passed through the entrance hall and stepped outside, he was there.

A white dog. A dog too huge to be merely called large, curled up and lazily closing its eyes.

"Sensei!! You're here today!!"

"...Kirino."

The dog called "Sensei" opened his eyes and spoke in human language.
His deep, low-pitched voice sounded like that of a strict man or an elder.

"What business do you have with me?"

"No, nothing in particular. I'm just about to go on patrol, Sensei. Since you're here, why not take a walk or something?"

"Treating me like a small creature?"

"No—! Sensei, you're always sleeping inside the school, I just thought it might not be good for your health..."

Whuff, he exhaled a breath.

"The people here smell too much of gunpowder for my liking."

"Eh? This uniform should be brand new today though..."

"Not what I meant..."

He looked at the pure-hearted Kirino with slight annoyance.

"Besides, Sensei, you are the symbol of Valkyrie!!
If you patrolled like I do, I'm sure the citizens would feel reassured!!"

"...A symbol, huh."

Hmph, he snorted through his nose.

"You humans are always like that. Worship things arbitrarily, then forget them if they turn out different.
...That said, I have my own thoughts on the matter."

Thump, he heaved his body up.
Wah—! Kirino stepped back in surprise.
His physique was as impressive and imposing as a horse that might compete in draft horse racing.

"Might as well, nothing else to do. Could kill some time. Let's go."

"Eh, Sensei, you'll accompany me!?"

"You were the one who called out to me."

"Wow, I'm so happy!! Then, let's proceed with the patrol!!"

Following the energetic Kirino, the sensei lumbered along.

When a dog walks, it might bump into a stick — when walking in Kivotos, you bump into a gunfight.

"Kyaa—!! Robbers!!"

Even in D.U., which could be called Kivotos's capital, it's not much different.

Several delinquents wearing helmets were storming a convenience store.

"Put all the cash from the register into this bag!!"

"Ee, eek!"

"We know there's an alarm button there, put your hands up!!"

One pointed a gun threatening the clerk, while the others kept watch or stuffed boxed lunches into bags.

"That's far enough!!"

The entrance chime sounded, and Kirino leapt through the automatic door.

"I am with Valkyrie!!
Everyone in the robbery group!! Surrender, drop your weapons, and get face down!!"

Showing her student ID, which also served as a police ID, she pointed her gun muzzle at the criminals.
But the robbers just exchanged glances.

"What do we do? It's just one of them."

"Probably just a patrol. Even if an alarm was called, this is too fast."

"Tch, annoying, but it's probably just a Valkyrie girl."

The robbers decided on a response.
They all simultaneously aimed their guns at Kirino.

"A, awawa, We're outnumbered!?
And with my shooting skills—!!"

Numerous bullets were fired, and Kirino flew back out through the entrance she'd just used.

"Don't let her escape! If she calls backup, it'll be trouble!!"

The robbers chased Kirino outside the convenience store.

"Hey, was it cloudy today...?"

One robber looked up, and there was a huge mouth lined with sharp fangs.

"Gy, gyaaaaah—!!"

She, helmet and all, was bitten and then tossed, drawing a large arc in the air, forced to enjoy an aerial stroll of about 50 meters.

"Wha, what the hell are you!?"

The robbers were shocked at the sight of Valkyrie's Sensei, but they were promptly slapped down by his huge front paws as if he were giving 'paw' shakes.
Pinned to the ground by his front paws, they couldn't move.

"Ah, thank you, Sensei!!"

Kirino handcuffed the robber who had bounced on the ground several times, dazed, and thanked him.

"Don't just charge at enemies out of mere chivalry. Do you want to die?"

"A, ahaha, sorry..."

Kirino bowed her head as he admonished her, having disarmed the robbers pinned by his paws.
Later, students from the Security Bureau, alerted by the report, took the robbers away.

The two resumed their patrol, but...

"Wow. So fluffy~"

"A huge doggie!!"

Elementary school-aged students, who happened to be on their way to school, began clinging to the sensei.
He sighed and resigned himself to it, staying put.

"This is Valkyrie's Sensei, you know."

"Eh? So he's a police officer?"

"It's true, he's wearing a police officer's hat!!"

"W, well... That's more of an identification thing... As for whether Sensei is a police officer... Ah, n-no no, yes, Sensei is a police officer!!"

The serious Kirino almost said something that would shatter the dream but managed to stop herself at the last moment, saying that with a smile.

Before long, saying they'd be late for school, the children ran off.

"...Children are good. They're just pure."

Watching the children run off, he murmured that.

"Sensei, as expected of being called a sensei, you really love children!!"

"I won't deny it enough to say it's wrong."

A passive affirmation. Kirino felt a slight unease at that.

"Sensei, you came to Kivotos because you love children, didn't you?"

"That's a little different."

He said this.

"I simply didn't want to stay in the other world anymore."

"Do you know, Kirino? It's said that Kivotos was once considered a divine country where eight million gods resided."

During the patrol, Kirino listened to his story while smiling and waving at citizens.

"I didn't know that. But the reality is completely different, isn't it?"

"Indeed it is. I too... and His Majesty were the same."

"His Majesty?"

"His Majesty was defeated by the invaders and declared himself not a god.
Just like me, an incarnation of the sun god—the people believed that and fought.
Similarly, I too have fallen from being a divine beast to merely a large dog."

He spoke these words filled with melancholy.

"Time passed, and the current Majesty, seeing me with too much time on my hands, said this:

'Why not try training as a police dog?'"

"Eh? So, Sensei, you really were a police officer!?"

No, he shook his head at the surprised Kirino.

"There were various reasons, but I was simply too large for humans.
Whether I bite or pin someone down to subdue them, it's dangerous for humans.
Even so, there were still things I could do. However, there were protests from a pitiful group that still believed I was a divine beast.
In the end, I was only asked to serve as a symbol for the police."

It was painful, he soliloquized.

"I was occasionally made 'one-day station chief' in various places, but one day, His Majesty, taking pity on my circumstances, proposed this:
'Why not go to Kivotos?' I thought it was better than staying there, so I came here."

"So that's how it was..."

The pain of one's desires and abilities not aligning—Kirino understood that all too well.

"But, Sensei!! Sensei, just like you helped me earlier, you should be able to perform as a police officer!!"

Kirino said that with a smile and an expression full of expectation, but...

He turned his face away with a hmph.

"No."

"Eeeh!?"

"I didn't expect this place to smell so strongly of gunpowder. It's enough to twist my nose."

"P-please don't say that, Sensei!!"

As Kirino clung to his body...
A call came through on her radio.

"Yes, this is Kirino."

"Students engaging in armed protest activities confirmed at Kousagi Park in Shiratori District. Security Bureau personnel are responding, but the situation is not favorable. Nearby personnel are requested for backup."

Hearing that, Kirino frowned slightly.

"That's troublesome, it's a bit far."

"Kirino, which direction?"

"Um, it's that way."

"Understood. Get on."

The sensei crouched down and said that to Kirino.

"U-understood!! Excuse me!!"

Resolved, Kirino clung to his back.
There was, of course, no saddle, so she just held onto his fur.

"Now, let's go."

And then Kirino screamed.

With astounding leaping power, he jumped onto house roofs, ran up building walls, and raced through the concrete jungle.

The ride was almost the worst imaginable.
For her, the sensation of floating in all directions disrupted her sense of balance to the point she didn't even know what was happening to herself.

After several minutes of such hellish time...

"Kanna is there. That must be the place."

"Wh-wha—, Chief Kanna is there!?"

While shocked that her superior was directly at the scene, Kirino, raising her head, ended up dizzy.

"Kanna."

"E-Eh—, Sensei!?"

He arrived at tremendous speed yet landed with light steps, killing his speed to stop.
Everyone present was stunned by his and Kirino's appearance.

"Wh-what an unexpected development!!
That is Valkyrie's Sensei—what a dynamic entrance!!"

Members of the Kronos News Department, broadcasting this protest from among the onlookers, shouted.

"And Kirino too, what are you doing!?"

"S-sorry, Chief... I heard the radio call and had Sensei bring me..."

"I-I see..."

"Are you alright, Kirino?"

Regardless of the slightly taken-aback Kanna, Schale's Sensei showed concern for the dizzy Kirino.

"Ah, ah—, Schale's Sensei!! You're here too!!"

"Yeah. Rin-chan asked me to.
Valkyrie's Sensei, thank you for the trouble of coming."

"Hmph... indeed."

For some reason, Valkyrie's Sensei was curt with Schale's Sensei.

"A-and the, the combat situation!?"

"The Security Bureau and Public Security Bureau personnel were just wiped out moments ago."

"Whew, since I was the only one left, I was in a real bind."

While Kanna looked like she'd bitten a bitter bug, Fubuki shrugged and said that.

"What are you saying!? The citizens are scared, aren't they!?"

"Where exactly are they scared?"

Ignoring the fired-up Kirino, Valkyrie's Sensei yawned and looked at the onlookers.

"Well then, I shall return. I don't like those TV people."

"W-wait, Sensei."

As he turned his body around, Kirino grabbed his fluffy fur.

"Now is the time to do what you should as a police officer!!"

"......"

He looked at Kirino, then looked at Schale's Sensei.

"Stop it, Kirino. What kind of attitude is that towards our sensei!?"

"......"

He looked at Kanna. It was a familiar face—an expression prioritizing appearances over pride.

"Doughnuts."

"Eh?"

"If you don't give me doughnuts, I won't work."

"Ehh..."

Kanna was perplexed.

"If it's doughnuts, we have some at our place, so let's eat them later, Sensei."

"Then, fine."

"Thank you, Sensei!!"

"Now, get on."

"Yes—... huh?"

And so, Kirino ended up riding on his back again.

"Ah, Sensei, that area is a minefield—"

"We'll just jump over it."

Carrying Kirino, he launched a frontal assault.

"Fubuki, can you handle the sniper in the meantime?"

"Yes, Sensei."

Under Schale's Sensei's command, everyone moved.

"Haah, I never imagined it would come to this..."

"Now, now, Kirino and the others seem to be handling it well too."

Perhaps because the situation was too unstable, Kirino's gunfire was actually hitting.
Even though the opponents were elite special forces, they probably had never faced a cavalry unit combining such mobility and mass.

To begin with, even a large dog is stronger than an adult human.
A trained human versus a trained giant dog. Which is stronger was clear.

"Here."

As if fetching a thrown ball, Valkyrie's Sensei returned carrying a dazed Saki and Miyako in his mouth.

"The other one is supposed to be brought by Kirino."

"It seems Fubuki neutralized the sniper too."

At the reports from the two senseis, Kanna sighed in relief.

"Sensei, please don't do anything reckless. What if you get hit?"

"Gun bullets only fly straight. They're easy to dodge."

"That's not the issue..."

Even so, Kanna looked at the onlookers.
The Kronos people seemed to be getting excited.

"No, thank you for protecting our pride."

"Hmph."

To the bowing Kanna, he turned away.

"I just wanted to eat doughnuts."

"Then, why don't we go buy some together afterwards?"

He looked at the smiling Schale's Sensei and turned away again.

He thought he disliked him.
He thought he disliked that sun-like smile that reminded him of the past.

: Valkyrie Sensei

A fallen divine beast sensei representing Valkyrie's diminished authority.
Expressing Valkyrie, the messengers of the gods, as a giant dog once revered as a divine emissary.
Proud, fond of doughnuts, and particular—at the individual level, he embodies the excellent Valkyrie students themselves.
Possesses some of the highest combat power among the senseis, but being a dog, he is completely useless as a police officer.

Next time, I think I'll do Arius's Sensei.
I'll return the perspective to that side for now.