The Back Garden of Destiny

-In order to live a good life in this world, please continue to work hard~

Tokyo Advanced Nurturing High School is a special school established with the goal of cultivating the talent that will support the future of Japan, famous for its state-of-the-art facilities and 100% advancement rate.

Just today, this massive campus, located in Tokyo and extending onto an island isolated in the sea, welcomed a guest—a low-key yet luxurious black sedan slowly drove through the gate inspection. A young man in casual black attire stepped out alongside his butler, led personally by the principal of the school.

The principal wore a gentle smile, spreading his hands to welcome the young man of profound background:

"I didn't expect that young master Sakamoto would also be interested in our school. Come to think of it, I have met your father a few times. I am also curious what the offspring of such an outstanding figure would be like," the principal expressed his admiration again, his eyes filled with satisfaction:

"You are simply as outstanding as your father." The slightly portly principal reached out a hand toward Sakamoto in a friendly manner.

As expected of a family that truly holds the lifeline of Japan, even a principal I have never met before treats me, a "Sakamoto," with such respect. Perhaps in his eyes, my arrival signifies that the Sakamoto Family also intends to invest in Tokyo Advanced Nurturing High School.

With the help of the powerful Sakamoto Family, this project, which began over twenty years ago, could go even further. Sakamoto, what a truly interesting surname...

Such thoughts arose in Sakamoto's mind, and at this moment, he felt a hint of interest in the "game" that was this school.

Yes, Sakamoto Shunichi. His external identity is the young master of a major conglomerate, but in reality, his soul comes from another world, a citizen of an ancient country with a history spanning five thousand years.

And as a top-tier player in that country's gaming circles, Sakamoto was the first to successfully clear a plot simulation game titled Classroom of the Elite.

"Hello, Principal of the Advanced Nurturing High School, I am also looking forward to your school..."

Sakamoto pulled out a slender hand and gently shook the principal's, responding to the goodwill radiating from the other party in a flawless manner.

After a simple greeting, The two, led by the principal, headed toward the office deep within the school.

The pleasantries along the way soon ended, and an exquisite wooden door appeared before them.

The principal knocked on the wooden door with a hint of respect:

"Chairman Sakayanagi, the distinguished guest has arrived."

"Please, come in."

The principal straightened his attire and once again offered Sakamoto a standard smile.

"Then I shall take my leave. Please go ahead, young master Sakayanagi."

"No problem."

Even though it was the other party's home turf, Sakamoto acted as if he were the master of the place, watching the man leave.

He then stepped into the room.

Unlike the traditional Japanese layout, the office had a simple Western-style design.

On the large desk sat an exquisite, modern-style incense burner, emitting a faint fragrance, and several scrolls of calligraphy hung on the surrounding walls.

Directly in front sat a man in a formal suit, the special chairman of the school—Sakayanagi Morinari.

"Young master Shunichi, please sit." Sakayanagi did not have a shred of the arrogance of a big shot, simply saying with a smile.

Sakamoto's smile remained unchanged as he sat in the leather chair, while the white-haired, burly butler stood quietly by his side.

"Uncle Sakayanagi, I trust you have been well."

As if it were some kind of code, the butler who had followed Sakamoto for many years immediately opened the briefcase brought from the car, took out an item wrapped in silk, and placed it before Sakayanagi.

After meticulously completing this, the butler returned to his previous stern demeanor.

"Thank you for your hard work, Uncle Tian."

Sakamoto nodded slightly, not forgetting the elegance of a conglomerate's young master, and began to introduce the item taken from the briefcase to Sakayanagi. He elegantly removed the silk, revealing a piece of calligraphy. The brushwork was vigorous and powerful, highlighting a unique, soaring atmosphere against the pristine white scroll.

Sakayanagi's eyes brightened slightly as he carefully examined the calligraphy.

"Is this Inscription on the Wall of Xilin written by Mr. Sakamoto himself?"

"Yes, my father told me that you once traveled with him to Mount Lu in China. Seeing such a magical sight, you told him that you wanted to see the work of the poet who came to Mount Lu and left behind such an eternal masterpiece with your own eyes."

"That was merely a sigh of mine at the time. The original works of the ancients have perhaps long since faded away in the passage of time. I didn't expect Mr. Sakamoto to still remember."

This time, a clear smile appeared on the face of the high-ranking chairman. He poured tea for Sakamoto, and the atmosphere between the two was very relaxed.

"How is Mr. Sakamoto's health?"

"My father's health is as robust as ever."

"Indeed, a powerful figure like Mr. Sakamoto would never be affected by his health. I fear he realized this long ago and began to engage in physical training."

Sakamoto could tell that Sakayanagi Morinari respected his father very much. Unfortunately, for this figure, Sakamoto, who had just arrived in this world, had never met him; he only existed in Sakamoto's memories.

"That said, other people who don't know the truth might think that young master Shunichi came to this school because of Mr. Sakamoto's request."

Sakamoto maintained his elegant posture.

"But after interacting with you, young master Shunichi, I know very clearly that this must be your own idea."

Sakamoto did not answer, instead casting his gaze upon the calligraphy on the table.

"Uncle Sakayanagi must have read this Inscription on the Wall of Xilin."

"Yes, when I returned from my trip to Mount Lu, I had already read this treasure that has been passed down through the ages."

"Then, Uncle should be very clear about the meaning expressed in this poem. I think the answer is already very clear."

"So that is how it is. When Su Shi observed Mount Lu, he felt a sense of insignificance because he could not see its true face, simply because he was within the mountain itself. Therefore, one cannot view matters from only a single perspective.

The Advanced Nurturing High School project is the same. To some, it is merely a parasite wasting national resources, though of course, they cannot deny the contribution this school makes to Japanese society (the goal of its establishment being to cultivate the talent that supports the nation).

Sakamoto Shunichi, you must be curious as well. Since one cannot grasp the full picture, it is better to experience it firsthand.

By the time you graduate from this school, I imagine you will also become a prominent figure who influences Japanese society."

Elderly men always carry an unconscious air of preaching when speaking to the younger generation. Sakamoto neither denied nor responded to this.

"So, Sakamoto Shunichi, are you certain you wish to enroll in the Advanced Nurturing High School?"

"That goes without saying. The master will support whatever decision Sakamoto Shunichi makes."

Before Sakamoto could speak, the butler at his side answered conscientiously. His task was to represent the Sakamoto Family, accompany the young master to meet Sakayanagi Morinari, fulfill his duties as a butler, and then depart.

The tea served for the reception had not yet fully cooled.

At this moment, Sakayanagi had already risen, his tone carrying a sense of inquiry, or perhaps, confirmation.

"Sakamoto Shunichi, from this day forward, you shall be enrolled in Class 1-A of the Advanced Nurturing High School."

Chapter 1: The Garden of Fate

-In order to live well in this world, please continue to do your best~

Tokyo Advanced Nurturing High School is a special institution with the primary mission of cultivating the talent that will support the future of Japanese society. It is renowned for its state-of-the-art facilities and a 100% advancement rate.

Today, this massive campus, located in Tokyo and extending onto an island isolated in the sea, welcomed a guest. A low-profile yet luxurious black sedan passed the school gate inspection and drove in slowly. A young man in black casual attire stepped out alongside his butler, led personally by the principal of the Advanced Nurturing High School.

The principal wore a gentle smile, spreading his hands to welcome the young man of such profound background:

"I never expected that you would be interested in our school, Sakamoto Shunichi. Come to think of it, I have met your father a few times. I am quite curious to see what the offspring of such an outstanding figure would be like." The principal expressed his admiration once more, his eyes filled with satisfaction:

"You are every bit as excellent as your father." The slightly stout principal reached out a hand toward Sakamoto in a friendly gesture.

As expected of a family that truly holds the pulse of Japan; even a principal I have never met treats me, a "Sakamoto," with such respect. Perhaps in his eyes, my arrival signifies that the Sakamoto Family intends to invest in the Advanced Nurturing High School.

With the help of the powerful Sakamoto Family, this project, which began over twenty years ago, could advance even further. Sakamoto—what an interesting surname indeed...

Such thoughts arose within Sakamoto. At this moment, he felt a flicker of interest in this "game" known as the Advanced Nurturing High School.

Yes, Sakamoto Shunichi. His outward identity is that of a young master from a major financial conglomerate, but in reality, his soul hails from another world—a citizen of an ancient country with a history spanning five thousand years.

And as a top-tier player in that country's gaming circles, Sakamoto was the first to successfully clear a plot simulation game titled Classroom of the Elite.

"Greetings, Principal of the Advanced Nurturing High School. I am very much looking forward to my time at your esteemed institution..."

Sakamoto extended a slender hand to gently shake the principal's, responding to the goodwill radiating from the man with flawless grace.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, The two were led by the principal toward an office deep within the school.

The small talk along the way soon ended, and a delicate wooden door appeared before them.

The principal knocked on the door with a hint of reverence:

"Chairman Sakayanagi, the distinguished guest has arrived."

"Please, come in."

The principal adjusted his attire and offered Sakamoto another standard, professional smile.

"I shall take my leave now. Please, go ahead, Sakamoto Shunichi."

"No problem."

Even though it was the other party's home turf, Sakamoto acted as if he were the master of the house, watching the man depart.

He then stepped into the room.

Unlike the traditional Japanese layout, the office featured a simple Western style.

On the expansive desk sat a modern, exquisite incense burner, emitting a faint fragrance, and several scrolls of calligraphy hung on the surrounding walls.

Directly in front sat a man in a formal suit—the special chairman of the Advanced Nurturing High School, Sakayanagi Morinari.

"Sakamoto Shunichi, please, have a seat." Sakayanagi spoke with a smile, devoid of the arrogance often found in powerful figures.

Sakamoto's smile remained unchanged as he sat in the leather chair, while the white-haired, burly butler stood quietly by his side.

"Uncle Sakayanagi, it has been a while."

As if it were a signal, the butler who had served Sakamoto for many years immediately opened the suitcase brought from the car and removed an object wrapped in silk, placing it before Sakayanagi.

Having completed this with meticulous precision, the butler returned to his previous, solemn demeanor.

"Thank you for your hard work, Uncle Tian."

Sakamoto nodded slightly, maintaining the elegance of a conglomerate heir, and began to introduce the item taken from the suitcase. He gracefully removed the silk to reveal a piece of calligraphy. The brushwork was vigorous and powerful, highlighting a unique atmosphere of soaring ambition against the pristine white scroll.

Sakayanagi's eyes brightened slightly as he scrutinized the calligraphy.

"Is this Inscription on the Wall of Xilin written by Mr. Sakamoto himself?"

"Yes, my father told me that you once traveled with him to Mount Lu in China. After witnessing such a miraculous sight, you mentioned to him that you wanted to see the works of the poet who left behind that timeless masterpiece at Mount Lu with your own eyes."

"That was merely a fleeting sigh of mine at the time. The original manuscripts of the ancients have likely been worn away by the passage of time long ago. I never expected Mr. Sakamoto to still remember."

A clear smile appeared on the face of this high-ranking Chairman. He handed the tea to Junichi, and the atmosphere between the two became very relaxed.

"How is Mr. Sakamoto's health?"

"My father's health is as robust as ever."

"Indeed, a powerful figure like Mr. Sakamoto would never be hindered by his health. I suspect he realized that early on and began engaging in physical training."

Junichi could tell that Sakayanagi Morinari held his father in high regard. Unfortunately, having just arrived in this world, Junichi had never met the man; he existed only within the memories of Junichi.

"Having said that, others who are unaware of the truth might think that Young Master Junichi came to Advanced Nurturing because of Mr. Sakamoto's request."

Junichi maintained his elegant posture.

"But after interacting with you, Young Master Junichi, I know very clearly that this must have been your own idea."

Junichi did not answer, instead casting his gaze toward the calligraphy on the table.

"Uncle Sakayanagi must have read Inscription on the Wall of Xilin, right?"

"Yes, I had already read this timeless treasure after I returned from my trip to Mount Lu."

"Then, Uncle should be very clear about the meaning expressed in this poem. I think the answer is already quite clear."

"So that's how it is. When Su Shi was observing Mount Lu, he felt a sense of insignificance because he could not fully grasp the true face of the mountain, hence the line 'I cannot see the true face of Mount Lu, because I am in the midst of the mountain.' Therefore, one cannot view things from only a single perspective.

The Advanced Nurturing project is the same. To some, it is simply a parasite wasting national resources, though they cannot deny the contribution of the school to Japanese society. (The goal of the school's establishment is to cultivate talent that supports Japanese society.)

Young Master Junichi is curious as well, aren't you? Since you cannot understand the full picture, it is better to experience it for yourself.

By the time you graduate from this school, you will surely become a major figure who influences Japanese society."

Elderly people always carry an unconscious sense of preachiness when speaking to their juniors. To this, Junichi neither denied nor responded.

"So, Young Master Junichi, are you certain you wish to enroll in Advanced Nurturing High School?"

"That goes without saying. The Master will also support Young Master Junichi's decision."

Before Junichi could speak, the butler at his side answered conscientiously. His task was to represent the Sakamoto Family in accompanying the young master to meet Sakayanagi, perform his duties as a butler, and then depart.

The tea served for the guests had not yet fully cooled.

At this moment, Sakayanagi had already risen, his tone carrying a sense of inquiry, or perhaps, affirmation.

"Young Master Junichi, from this day forward, you will be enrolled in Class 1-A of Advanced Nurturing High School."