Discussing the Plan

In Yasuda-sensei's office, Ichinose and Takahashi Rin-sensei sat with the Class B students, ready to discuss Ichinose's proposal in detail.

However, the first thing Itozawa noticed was that Yasuda-sensei's office had the atmosphere of an aquarium.

Posters of underwater ecosystems hung on the walls, and the bookshelves were packed with books about hydrology and Fluid Dynamics.

Yasuda-sensei first asked Takahashi-sensei to sit across from him, then invited the other students to find seats wherever they liked.

Ichinose sat beside Takahashi-sensei, cleared his throat, and spoke first. "Yasuda-sensei, after discussing it with Takahashi-sensei, I think maintaining and cleaning the equipment in the Logistics Room is very important, and Special Water's cleaning power is irreplaceable. We hope you can make a special batch of water suitable for delicate cleaning..."

Yasuda-sensei frowned. He wasn't sure he had time to do it, and was about to refuse.

Then the rest of Ichinose's sentence reached his ears.

"...That way, Takahashi-sensei can apply to the school to include maintaining the equipment in the Logistics Room as part of the students' evaluations. That would improve the efficiency of equipment maintenance. But we'll still have to trouble you to help with the weekly deep cleaning, Yasuda-sensei."

Yasuda-sensei's deeply furrowed brow seemed to relax a little as he heard the second half of Ichinose's sentence.

His gaze shifted from Ichinose to Takahashi Rin-sensei, and a barely perceptible glimmer flashed in his eyes. The corner of his mouth twitched slightly, as if he were suppressing some kind of emotional stir.

His guarded posture eased. He leaned forward, folded his hands on the table, and relaxed completely. His gaze returned to Takahashi Rin-sensei, this time with a hint of anticipation.

Then he coughed lightly and cleared his throat. "Since this is to improve the efficiency of equipment maintenance, I'd be happy to help."

Watching him change, Ichinose smiled. He was pleased not only because his guess had been right, but also for Takahashi-sensei's sake.

However, Yasuda-sensei soon began asking him questions in earnest. "But how can we make sure the students use the Special Water effectively instead of wasting it?"

Ichinose answered at once. "We'll establish detailed procedures and a supervision system. Every student who takes part will need to be trained and learn how to use the Special Water properly. We'll also set evaluation standards to ensure that each cleaning session achieves the expected results."

Takahashi Rin-sensei added, "We can also set up a reward system. We could give Energy Stones to students who perform exceptionally well, encouraging them to participate more actively."

Yasuda-sensei pondered for a while, then said, "This plan sounds reasonable, but we need to consider the safety of both the people and the equipment. The cleaning process may involve dangerous machinery, after all, so we have to make sure the students stay safe."

As he spoke, he couldn't help sneaking glances at Takahashi-sensei.

Even Itozawa could see what was going on now, so he promptly spoke up. "We can hold safety training before every cleaning session to make sure everyone understands the potential risks and how to handle them. We can also put you in charge of supervision to ensure the procedures are followed strictly."

Yasuda-sensei gave Itozawa a satisfied look, pleased with his suggestion.

Yasuda-sensei said, "It looks like you've thought this through very carefully. I'm willing to give the plan a try, but we should start with a small-scale test and see how it goes."

Ichinose and the other students all looked excited. They knew this was a good start. Ichinose said, "That's great, Yasuda-sensei. We'll prepare a test plan as soon as possible and keep in touch with you and Takahashi-sensei."

Yasuda-sensei nodded in satisfaction, then finally brought up their evaluation. "As for the evaluation, is there anything I can do to help you?"

Ichinose excitedly explained their evaluation task. "We have to prove to the teacher of the neighboring class that we can clean the water in the swimming pool."

Yasuda-sensei nodded. "That's easy. You're in Class A, right? Hoshimiya-sensei is very reasonable, so you don't need to worry."

"Uh, we're in Class B."

Yasuda-sensei couldn't help frowning. "Class B? Whether it's Majima or Sakagami, they're both a pain to deal with."

Seeing Yasuda-sensei frown, the Class B students grew anxious.

But Yasuda-sensei quickly offered his support. "Don't worry. You helped me, so I'll help you. Worst case, I'll fight them. But I'll need..." He glanced at Takahashi-sensei again.

Takahashi-sensei rolled her eyes elegantly. "Do you think I wouldn't help?"

Yasuda-sensei chuckled, patted his chest, and promised them his support.

The discussion went on for a while, with everyone offering their own thoughts and suggestions. In the end, they reached a preliminary agreement and decided to begin testing the plan over the following week.

Yasuda-sensei stood up, his expression serious and earnest. "Then it's settled. I hope this plan succeeds—not just for the evaluation, but for the benefit of all of us."

Takahashi Rin-sensei stood as well, her smile warm and encouraging. "I believe in you, Class B students. Let's work together to make this plan a reality."

When the discussion ended, the Class B students left Yasuda-sensei's office full of confidence and anticipation.

Yasuda-sensei and Takahashi Rin-sensei stayed behind in the office, continuing to discuss the plan's details and how to present it to the school to ensure it would be approved.