Class D

Advanced Nurturing High School, Class 1-D

Takahashi Shinma observed his classmates with a blank expression. He knew Rokusuke Takagahara—they'd crossed paths a few times before. Takahashi's assessment of him was a free-spirited genius with exceptional observational and analytical skills.

As for the others...

A short-haired girl with a very cute face had already blended in with those around her. Impressive social skills—she'd probably hold considerable sway in the class going forward.

In the corner of the classroom, a gloomy-looking boy sat with a blank face. The boy seemed to sense Takahashi's gaze and looked back at him. After a brief moment of eye contact, they silently averted their eyes.

Sharp one. If I'm not mistaken, this guy's probably a genius, Takahashi thought. But he didn't care. He'd seen plenty of geniuses—and all of them called him the genius.

The bell for class rang, and a young woman in a suit walked in. Her long hair was tied back in a ponytail.

She didn't comment on the noise in the room. Instead, she launched straight into introducing herself.

"Welcome to Class D, everyone. I'm your homeroom teacher, Chabashira Sae. I teach Japanese history. Since this school doesn't change homeroom teachers, barring any unforeseen circumstances, I'll be your teacher for the next three years. Nice to meet you all."

Takahashi noticed some students starting to whisper about the teacher.

Already forming cliques? Not very united, are we. Well, it doesn't matter, as long as it doesn't get in the way of me coasting through.

Chabashira Sae tapped the podium to get everyone's attention.

"The opening ceremony will be held in the gymnasium in one hour. Also, I'm going to explain the school rules now, so listen carefully. The student ID cards in your hands can also be used as credit cards. The points on them can buy anything on campus. You can think of points as money. You currently have 100,000 points. At the beginning of each month, the school will distribute a certain amount of points. And all points are provided by the school. I should also mention that one point equals one yen."

After Chabashira finished, the class erupted into commotion.

For Japanese high school students, 100,000 yen a month was a pretty big deal.

Takahashi ignored the noisy atmosphere and closed his eyes, savoring Chabashira's words.

Points can buy anything on campus. At the beginning of each month, the school will distribute a certain amount of points. "Anything"? "Certain"? Vague wording. So points aren't just for buying goods, and the monthly distribution isn't necessarily always 100,000.

Interesting.

"Once the points are credited to you, it's up to you how you use them. If you think you don't need to use them, you can transfer them to someone else. However, please don't engage in intimidation. The school's penalties for bullying are quite severe."

Takahashi opened his eyes slightly. Severe penalties only apply if there's evidence, though.

Chabashira looked at the lively class and gave a faint smile.

"Alright, if there are no questions, class is dismissed. I hope you all have an unforgettable school life." With that, she left the room.

Was that a sneer just now? Hmph. Interesting. Very interesting. Looks like campus life is going to be rich and colorful.

While everyone was still cheering over the 100,000 points, a handsome boy with blue-green hair stood up.

"Could I have everyone's attention for a moment?"

The class turned to look at him in unison.

"Well... from today on, we're all classmates. To help us get along better in the days ahead, could everyone please introduce themselves? That way, we can become friends faster."

"I'm for it."

With a chorus of agreement, the boy started his introduction.

"My name is Hirata Yosuke. You can call me Yosuke. I really like playing soccer. I hope you'll all take care of me from now on."

A very standard introduction. Good-looking, sunny, athletic hobby—that'll make him popular with the girls. The girls around him are practically drooling. This Hirata Yosuke will probably become the class leader, Takahashi thought as he listened.

"My name is Yamauchi Haruki. I am the most outstanding creation of the Black House, a Flying Mist."

Ahem, back on track.

"My name is Yamauchi Haruki. I'm the ace pitcher of the baseball club. My jersey number is..."

"My name is Kushida Kikyo. None of my middle school classmates came to this school with me, so I'm all alone. That's why I want to remember everyone's faces and names as quickly as possible and become friends."

So her name is Kushida Kikyo. Seems very friendly. Wonder if there's a contrast waiting to happen.

"I'm not doing any introduction. That's kid stuff." The speaker was a redhead who looked like a total delinquent. After speaking, he kicked his desk and left the room.

Hot-tempered. That's going to make people dislike him. And easy to manipulate, too. Heh.

More students left after that. One particularly aloof, pretty girl caught Takahashi's attention. She's that sharp guy's deskmate, isn't she?

This little incident passed with a few words from Hirata and Kushida.

"Next up is you. Would you like to introduce yourself?"

"Sure. Hello everyone, my name is Takahashi Shinma. I have a lot of hobbies, but I'm not 'specialized' in any of them. I hope you'll all take care of me from now on."

"Um... well... I'm... Ayanokouji Kiyotaka. Um... I don't have anything I'm good at... Um... I'll try my best to get along with everyone. Please take care of me."