Rei Ao had no idea what decision Eriri might have made.
But he believed Kaori could calm Eriri down.
For now, he had his own matters to attend to.
He was currently in Hiratsuka Shizuka's office.
The entire recess had been taken up; he hadn't even had a chance to get cozy with his "little girlfriend."
"Shizuka-sensei, you asked for me?"
In private, he could call Shizuka anything he liked, or have her call him "Daddy" when they were playing around—no problem.
But at the moment, Kirisu Mafuyu was also in the room, so of course he'd mind his tone.
Indeed, Hiratsuka Shizuka asked him here about something that involved Kirisu Mafuyu.
Hearing Rei Ao forgoing any affectionate address, Shizuka quietly sighed in relief—especially with this strict teacher Kirisu Mafuyu present.
She explained to Rei Ao:
"Actually, Mafuyu-sensei here has a request for you."
Rei Ao looked at her.
Kirisu Mafuyu wore a completely different air of authority compared to at home, speaking formally:
"Yes, Rei Ao-kun. I have two students who would like to learn from you..."
She then briefed Rei Ao on her two "problem" students.
Shizuka was surprised:
"They're still persisting with that?"
So she was also aware of Furuhashi Fumino and Ogata Rizu's situation.
"Yes, and it's giving me a real headache,"
Mafuyu admitted, perplexed.
"They both have extraordinary gifts, yet each insists on taking the path in which she has no talent. I just don't get what they're thinking."
"Well, I don't see any problem with pursuing their dreams. People like that deserve respect."
Kirisu Mafuyu frowned at him, staring into his eyes:
"But don't you think it's a shame to waste such talents?"
"It is a shame." Rei Ao shrugged.
"But respect and regret aren't contradictory. It can be a shame, yet still worthy of respect.
Also, it's their life, not ours. They're the ones who have to take responsibility for their own choices."
He wasn't wrong at all.
"But I'm their teacher,"
Mafuyu said through clenched teeth:
"I don't want them to waste that talent."
"Then what's your purpose in calling me over? Wasn't it about them wanting to learn from me?"
At a loss for words, Mafuyu sighed inwardly.
She actually did admire the girls' unwavering dedication to their dreams, so she still wanted to give them a chance—even if the odds were slim.
"Rei Ao, how do you see this request?"
No matter the case, this chance depended on his willingness. She was aware of that.
"You mean have me teach them, or help them with study methods?"
"Right. Since your own drastic academic jump is plain for everyone to see, they see you as their last resort."
Rei Ao stroked his chin and gave his reply:
Having him teach or tutor?
Not just boring— it'd be a total waste of time.
He couldn't devote his precious free time to those two alone.
He would rather spend that time with anyone else, wouldn't he?
Forget it; even throwing a party in the "Kabaneri" world or going to "Akame"'s world to lounge around as Emperor enjoying the harem—both were far more appealing.
He was a man who enjoyed women, but there were many ways to pursue that. Teaching them was not on his list.
Mafuyu wasn't too surprised.
She'd come prepared for a rejection.
Rei Ao had no shortage of money, nor was he wanting for a girlfriend or anything else—why would he bother with the hassle of tutoring?
Letting out a slow breath, even though she was disappointed, Mafuyu still expressed her thanks:
"I'll let them know your answer. Sorry to have troubled you."
"It's no trouble. I'm sorry I couldn't help you, Mafuyu-sensei."
They exchanged a few polite words and left in turn.
Furuhashi Fumino and Ogata Rizu got word of the outcome from Kirisu Mafuyu.
Both left, heads hanging in dejection.
Mafuyu said helplessly:
"So that's that. I hope you'll think carefully about my advice, and talk with your families. Time is running short."
Tokiwadai Middle School Cafeteria.
Being a prestigious girls' school for the wealthy, the cafeteria was quite lavish—fitting for these young ladies' status.
Misaka Mikoto arrived alone today. She didn't line up for food; she scanned the entire hall sharply, searching for someone.
Finally, her gaze locked onto a single person.
A honey-blonde-haired girl with a slender waist, long limbs, and a figure too developed for a middle schooler.
Mikoto marched toward her, only to be blocked halfway by an expressionless-eyed student.
"Please do not approach any further."
The girl raised a hand, preventing Mikoto from getting closer to the heavily guarded target.
Mikoto clicked her tongue in annoyance.
"Shokuhou Misaki, do you love controlling people that much?"
The honey-blonde girl, presumably Shokuhou Misaki, paused her elegant meal. She lifted her head, her large golden eyes shimmering with a starry pattern, and smiled slyly at Mikoto:
"Can't be helped—my ability is what it is. Also, I'd rather not have some random violent savage looming over me while I eat."
A "random violent savage"?!
A cross popped on Mikoto's temple. Fuming at being verbally skewered, she glared back:
"Not only do you speak with a nasty tone, you love pulling weird stunts. That stuff in my head— was that your doing?!"
Shokuhou Misaki blinked.
Something in her head?
That left her puzzled.
"What are you even talking about?"
With a raised brow, she strongly suspected Mikoto was making trouble out of nothing.
"You really don't know?"
"No idea what sickness you have. Don't bother me."
Misaki had no interest in dragging this out—she still had a meal to finish. Seeing Mikoto remain unmoving, Misaki showed her displeasure by taking a remote from her purse and pressing a button toward Mikoto.
A blue electric arc flickered at Mikoto's forehead; she felt a sudden headache.
"Tch, your ability is honestly revolting."
Shokuhou Misaki clicked her tongue as well, evidently displeased. She had tried to activate her "Mental Out" on Mikoto by pressing the remote, but her power was completely neutralized. Just now, it had been blocked by Mikoto's electromagnetic barrier.
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