Practical Classroom: Kaoru Hanayama's Classroom of Merit

Inside the spacious gymnasium, freshmen, upperclassmen, and faculty members gathered together.

The freshmen, from Class A to Class D, were arranged in four formations, with Kaoru Hanayama naturally standing at the end of the boys' line in Class D.

Amidst the solemn classical music playing from the speakers, Hanayama, slightly bored, cracked his neck and turned his gaze to Class C, who were lined up next to him.

"Hey, that's in the way! Squeeze in a little tighter!"

"Huh? What are you talking about, kid? I'll beat you up!"

The formation in Class C was in such a chaotic state that it was almost unbearable to look at. Several male students were shouting loudly, pushing and shoving each other, and bumping shoulders.

In the center of that scene stood a long-haired man with his hands in his pockets and a maniacal smile on his face.

(...it's practically a gathering of low-level thugs.)

Huashan internally gave this assessment. From the perspective of the violent world he inhabited, calling that group of people "delinquents" was an understatement; they were nothing more than a bunch of ill-mannered brats.

They possessed not a shred of deterrence, nor did they carry any sense of responsibility. They were just a bunch of cheap thugs making a racket in groups.

If you get into that class, it's pretty obvious that you'll be embroiled in pointless disputes every day.

Next, he looked at the B class's line on the other side.

In stark contrast, Class B was unusually neat, with equal spacing between the front and back.

Most people stood upright facing the podium, and occasionally female students would exchange glances and smiles, creating a harmonious and bright atmosphere.

(Is this what they call a gathering place for top students?)

That was an outstanding group for the students. However, it was absolutely incompatible with Huashan himself.

He doesn't deny their existence. In a peaceful world, people like them are the right kind of people.

However, the world they live in is too different; it's not the kind of people the yakuza should be interacting with.

Then, Huashan's gaze fell on the furthest point—the A class at the very front of the line.

(…What is that?)

Hua Shan's thick eyebrows twitched slightly.

On the first day of school, the freshmen, who should not even have known each other's names yet, stood ramrod straight without the slightest disorder. There was no whispering, not even a glance from them.

Strict discipline might be proof of excellence, but what Huashan saw was not strength.

(Lifeless; the youthful vigor and enthusiasm unique to young people have been completely shaved off.)

What comes to mind for Hanayama is the image of office workers walking with their heads down on the neon-lit streets of Ginza or Shinbashi.

The students in Class A are undoubtedly excellent. However, they seem to have accepted the fact that they are being systematically trained at too early a stage.

Huashan inwardly scoffed.

Clenching their fists for their beliefs, bleeding for resisting the unreasonable—these are the very people furthest removed from that primal vitality and romanticism.

In the eyes of a man like Huashan, there was no group more boring or cramped than this.

(Utterly boring.)

Huashan quietly withdrew his gaze.

And then, finally. He looked down at the ranks of his own Class D, which were spread out before him.

"Hey, look at that! That girl in Class B, isn't she super cute!?"

"Oh really! Oh no! I absolutely have to get her contact information right now!"

A few meters in front of Huashan, Yamauchi Haruki and Ike Kanji were craning their necks to comment on the girls from other classes, engaging in vulgar conversation while smirking.

"Hey, idiot. You're too loud. You'll get yelled at by the teacher."

Standing to the side, Takeru Sudo crossed his arms and clicked his tongue in reproach, but Sudo himself was also shaking his leg incessantly.

"Everyone, please be a little quieter. The principal's speech seems to be about to begin."

Although Hirata Yosuke gave a wry smile, he still reminded the boys in a gentle voice.

"Hey guys, this is the entrance ceremony! Show us something cool!"

Kikyo Kushida winked, half-jokingly sounding a warning to them, before continuing her chat with the group of girls, including Megumi Karuizawa.

They were incredibly undisciplined, their posture was all over the place, and they kept talking non-stop in private.

Overall, the class was restless and impatient; even with flattery, it couldn't be described as a disciplined and excellent class.

However, Huashan's fierce expression softened slightly.

(...not bad.)

It's neither rigid nor entirely filled with empty platitudes. It's just a collection of a motley crew of rascals.

(This place called Class D might actually be a surprisingly comfortable place to stay.)

......

The principal's lengthy lecture, which had been echoing in the gymnasium, finally ended, and soon after, he issued the order to dismiss the students.

The freshmen gathered in groups according to their respective classes and began to leave the gymnasium.

The time ahead will be their first period of free time in this highly secluded advanced high school.

"Ah—it's finally over! It was so long!"

"Hey everyone, how about we go somewhere to shop together next? We just got 100,000 points!"

Among the group in Class D, Ike and Yamauchi were the first boys to shout, followed by a few bursts of laughter in agreement.

Yosuke Hirata, who quickly sensed the atmosphere, stood in the center of the class circle and made a suggestion with a gentle and tactful smile.

"If you don't mind, how about we all go to Beech Tree Shopping Center for a cup of tea later? We can also use it as a class get-together."

The boys, including Yamauchi and Ike, immediately took the bait, and many girls agreed as well. The group grew rapidly, seemingly forming a collective.

Of course, Hirata racked his brains and mustered up the courage to speak to Kaoru Hanayama, who was standing there exuding an overwhelming sense of intimidation.

"Hanayama-kun, would you like to come along if you don't mind? I'd like to chat with you more."

"...I'll pass. I still need to buy some daily necessities."

Huashan solemnly refused with concise words.

I'm completely unfamiliar with everyone in Class D right now. If I join their tea-drinking and chatting circle, it's obvious what will happen to the students around me.

Everyone would just become vague and evasive, probably even their hands would tremble as they held their coffee cups. Huashan isn't the kind of man who doesn't know his place.

"Oh, I see? It's a bit of a shame... Well, let's do it together again next time if there's a chance!"

Hirata seemed to breathe a slight sigh of relief, but at the same time, a hint of regret appeared on his face for failing to invite Hanayama. He left without pursuing the matter further.

Huashan nodded to him and walked alone toward the huge shopping mall.