After graduating from university, both of them had careers of their own. At that time, the mayor personally came to ask them for help, hoping they could help nurture the children, even if they only taught for one year.
The mayor's sincerity and consideration for the future were also worthy of respect.
So, after giving it some thought, they both came back.
Sojiro had it a little better than Ito. He loved the scenery of Itomori Town, and paintings of its landscapes sold quite well. As a painter, he could find material anywhere.
That was why Teacher Ito was more easily irritated.
"Then..."
Sojiro glanced at the seat next door. "Teacher Yukino isn't coming today either?"
"...Yeah, she's extending her leave," Teacher Ito said.
He was not only the PE teacher, but also the homeroom teacher and dean of students. Matters involving leave were all handled by him.
"By the way, I've heard some things—about her dispute with a third-year student..."
Sojiro seemed to be choosing his words. "I don't think those things could possibly have happened. And aren't you pursuing her? So if you stood up for her..."
"I'm still gathering evidence and testimony," Teacher Ito said.
"..."
As Sojiro spoke, he continued flipping through the students' homework before finally standing up.
"What is it? All of a sudden?"
"I found a promising one."
Sojiro pulled out a drawing. "I want this child to develop individually."
Ito looked over and found that the copied drawing Sojiro had pulled out bore a sixty-percent resemblance to Sojiro's oil paintings.
"T-This drawing is good?"
"...You wouldn't understand. The brushwork is quite good. It's still a little stiff, but with training, it could turn out well. Besides, the mayor gave us an assignment, so it wouldn't do not to make some progress on