Practical Classroom: Kaoru Hanayama's Classroom of Merit

In late July, sweltering air enveloped the artificial island located in Tokyo.

The first semester of the Advanced Education Institution is coming to an end.

Standing in front of the podium, Chazuki Sae read out the students' names and their final exam results in a cold voice.

No one was expelled for failing a grade, and even problem children like Sudo and Ike barely passed.

Huashan stared silently at the answer sheet that had been returned to his desk.

Mathematics: 48 points. English: 52 points. Modern Chinese: 55 points.

(...Is this the best you can do?)

In the world of Yakuza, effort and process are not the objects of evaluation; the result is everything.

He stayed up all night working out the special workbook that Horikita had made for him, taking his studies even more seriously than he did his business with the Hanayama Group.

However, the result was a score that was only slightly above the passing mark.

(I really feel bad for Horikita.)

Just as Huashan was thinking this, a figure quietly stood beside him.

What are you feeling lost about?

Turning around, I saw Horikita Suzune standing there.

She was holding a stack of answer sheets with nearly perfect scores.

"I'm so sorry, Horikita, for not being able to produce results despite receiving so much guidance from you."

When Hanayama frankly expressed his frustration, Horikita sighed softly and quietly shook his head.

"Since we've already avoided failing, that's a satisfactory result. Besides... everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses."

Horikita stared into Hanayama's eyes and continued directly.

"You've already done your best. So... there's no need for that look. Stand tall."

There was neither sarcasm nor ridicule there, only pure and sincere comfort for Huashan.

Hanayama stared at Horikita's profile as if surprised, then unconsciously relaxed his lips.

"Quiet."

Chazhu tapped the blackboard lightly with chalk.

"With that, the entire schedule for the first semester has come to an end. I'm quite surprised that not a single student dropped out."

A faint, yet sinister smile appeared on Chazhu's lips.

"For those of you who have survived this tough semester, the school has prepared special benefits."

A slight commotion arose in the classroom.

"The school will be offering a two-week luxury cruise for all students during the summer break. All onboard entertainment facilities will be available for your use during the voyage. Enjoy yourselves!"

At that moment, Class C's enthusiasm reached its peak.

"Really!? A luxury cruise ship... you mean one with a swimming pool and a buffet!?"

"Wow! Summer vacation is the best!!"

In the classroom filled with joy, Hanayama, contrary to his usual quiet demeanor, slightly raised the corners of his mouth.

(...a treat for the guests. Not bad.)

In the world of yakuza, it's common for team leaders to treat their younger members to a seaside banquet after a major conflict or mission.

For Huashan, a vacation is the perfect way to relax their stiff bodies from studying for exams.

......

Under the scorching summer sun, a luxury cruise ship resembling a giant castle is moored in Tokyo's harbor.

The first-year students, who are about to embark on a two-week sea voyage, are waiting to board the ship in their respective class lines.

"Wow, this is amazing... It's huge! This ship...!"

In the long queue waiting to board the ship, Ike Kanji exclaimed in amazement, his mouth agape.

Most of the students were wearing the school-designated uniforms or similar casual clothes, dragging their suitcases.

However, at the end of Class C, Hanayama was wearing an oversized Hawaiian shirt with gorgeous patterns of southern style and highly breathable shorts.

He wore enormous sunglasses, and on his very broad shoulders he carried a huge, professional-grade fishing rod.

No matter how you look at it, it looks like the attire of a VIP from the underworld heading to a private island.

"It's really hot today."

Huashan greeted his classmates casually.

Faced with his overly upright demeanor, everyone forgot to complain and froze in place.

At that moment, Karuizawa Kei stepped out from the group of female students.

She sighed, looking speechless yet strangely endearing.

"Wait a minute, Hanayama-kun... honestly, isn't your outfit a bit too over-the-top? Are you planning to make a movie?"

Karuizawa, now under Hanayama's protection, no longer fears him.

Rather, it would be more accurate to say that she has begun to skillfully master how to communicate with this extraordinary man.

Huashan slightly pushed up his sunglasses and pointed towards the sea.

"There should be rules for vacations. Wearing stiff clothes to go out to sea is disrespectful to the ocean."

Faced with his completely unrepentant attitude, Karuizawa smiled wryly and said, "Ahaha... Well, the uniform is indeed very hot."

At that moment, Horikita Suzune spoke up while rubbing her temples.

"Hanayama-kun, no matter what, you're getting a little too cocky."

"Huh? Aren't you on vacation?"

Huashan squinted and answered with an expression of utter certainty.

"Even though it's a vacation, it's still part of a school activity. The way you're acting, you don't look like a proper student on a trip at all."

"Don't worry about such trivial matters. After we get out to sea, I'm going to fish for sailfish."

After finishing the fierce battle in her studies, an area she was not good at, Huashan had completely switched to vacation mode.

For the next two weeks, no matter what others said, he planned to thoroughly enjoy his holiday.

Chabashira Sae, who was organizing the queue, sighed deeply when she saw Hanayama wearing a Hawaiian shirt, then simply pretended not to see him and looked away.

"Oh, oh, oh! Let's follow Hanayama's example and jump straight into summer vacation mode!"

Sudo smiled and loosened his tie. Most of the students in Class C were also infected by Hanayama's enthusiasm and became more relaxed.

"I wish I could catch a big one."

Huashan inhaled the sea breeze deeply and slowly took steps toward the passenger ship's gangway.

The special time of midsummer, surrounded by heat and the sound of waves, is about to begin.