Meanwhile.
Hokage Building, Mission Assignment Area.
Teacher Ibuki stood at the counter, filled out the last form, and handed it to the Staff member.
The Staff member took the form and nodded.
"Starting tomorrow?"
"Yeah."
Teacher Ibuki answered, then turned and walked out of the Hokage Building.
The night breeze swept past, carrying a hint of chill.
He took a few steps, then suddenly stopped.
"Shoot..."
Teacher Ibuki patted his pockets.
He'd forgotten his keys.
He must have left them at school.
He let out a sigh without thinking, turned around, and headed back toward the school.
Today had been one thing after another.
First, he'd failed to keep the class under control, then something had almost gone wrong, and now he had to go back for his keys.
As he thought about it, he suddenly felt a little tired.
"Am I really cut out to be a teacher?" Ibuki Toru asked himself under his breath.
There was no answer.
Only the sound of the wind blowing past.
When he reached the school, he pushed open the door and turned on the hallway lights.
His footsteps echoed through the empty Teaching Building.
He reached the office and pushed open the door. The moment he stepped inside, Ibuki Toru froze.
On his seat sat a bright golden sunflower, accompanied by little white flowers, blooming quietly in the moonlight.
He slowly walked over and looked down at the bouquet.
A piece of paper was tucked underneath the flowers.
He pulled it out and unfolded it.
It was in Rin's handwriting.
"Teacher Ibuki:
You seemed unhappy today, and we were worried about you.
We got you these flowers. We hope they'll cheer you up a little.
You're the best teacher we've ever met.
Thank you for teaching us every day.
Rin"
Below it