An ordinary profession creates the world's strongest

No matter whether they were originally kind-hearted common people or how much they longed for their son's return, it had nothing to do with Shi.

He had come to explain himself personally, showing his utmost sincerity and consideration. To Hajime, Hiyama Daisuke was still an "enemy" who had killed "someone he valued."

Hajime's cold gaze made the Hiyama family understand this clearly.

He had no idea what the Hiyama family would do in the future. However, Hajime had no intention of retracting his declaration, and he would show no mercy.

Hajime will not stop Aiko, Shinji, and Yoshiki from intervening in this matter. However, he is always monitoring the movements of the Hiyama family.

As for the Shimizu family, the outcome wasn't satisfactory either, but the direction was different from the Hiyama family's. The Shimizu family seemed more concerned with the public's opinion than the truth about their son's life or death.

What they feared most was that what Aiko and her classmates knew about Yukiri's evil deeds would leak out in some form and become known to the world. The Yukiri brothers' reaction was particularly noticeable.

Regardless of whether what Hajime and the others said was true or not, if Yukiri was still alive, what would happen if he came back alone? If he was ostracized by the other companions who were abducted with him, the consequences would be even more disastrous. Rather than this, it would be better...

With this in mind, the Shimizu brothers made some rather stubborn demands of Hajime and the others. If Yukitoshi truly died, his death must be discussed as a heroic act, and any words or actions that would damage the Shimizu family's reputation must be avoided at all costs. They demanded these things from Hajime and the others.

Although the Shimizu couple were still worried about Yukitoshi's safety, they eventually made the same request considering their brothers' future. They also insisted that everyone sign a confidentiality agreement just in case.

It was Aiko who was furious at the Shimizu family, and it took a lot of effort to appease her.

In the end, the situation was temporarily resolved thanks to Hajime's "intimidation." However, the Shimizu family still seemed wary.

That's all for now. The scene returns to the classroom.

After hearing what Hajime said, Taniguchi Suzu, who was visiting the Nakamura family with Hajime at the time, narrowed her eyes and laughed to join in the conversation.

"But, um, Nagumo-san is right. If we're just chatting about memories, there's nothing wrong with that."

None of the classmates understood her feelings.

"Although this is embarrassing for you Nakano-san..." Ling continued.

"Uh, no, it's okay, it won't happen. Right, Yoshiki?"

"That's right, Taniguchi. You shouldn't worry about us. Regarding Nakamura... Of course, we're not completely free of resentment, but if we say that, we'll never be able to face Shirosaki and the others."

The two were unable to stop Daisuke's evil deeds, and they didn't even notice it. In the end, Kaori was the one who suffered the most, and Shizuku's heart was also deeply hurt.

Kaori and Shizuku slowly shook their heads in denial at Yoshiki and Shinji who looked embarrassed.

"Don't worry about it. It's nothing now. It's all in the past."

"If you keep treating it as a taboo and constantly causing tension over it, it'll be even worse, right? So, don't worry about it."

Kaori and Shizuku's kindness not only made Shinji and Yoshiki feel better, but also relaxed the atmosphere of the entire class.

"By the way, Nanyun-san. Thank you for helping me find the Nakamura family cemetery." Ling continued.

"Since you've sincerely asked her mother for help, of course I have to help you. Besides, I'm just using the compass to find someone, so don't take it to heart. Have you been there?"

"Um."

Eri's death occurred within the now-destroyed "Divine Realm." Furthermore, her final words, which took place in a mysterious dimension, inaccessible even to Shizuku and the others, were heard by only Suzu. Suzu attempted to personally convey these words to Eri's mother. Unfortunately, Eri's mother ultimately refused to accept them.

In this case, Ling asked the other party to at least tell her the location of the Nakamura family cemetery. However, no matter how much Ling begged, she still got no answer.

"However, that's not Huili's grave, and there are no relics to pay tribute to her, so there's no point in finding the grave." Ling said with a smile, narrowing her eyes.

"Don't be silly. You should find your own meaning, right?"

Ryutaro flicked her forehead.

"What are you doing!?"

Ling protested angrily, but Ryutaro's expression was exceptionally gentle as he said to her:

"As long as it comforts your heart and makes you feel Eri's presence, then anything is fine, isn't it? Anyway, don't go alone. Take me with you next time."

"...This is really annoying. Don't be so arrogant, Ryuutarou."

“Why do you say that!?”

Suzuita's face grimaced, while the other girls showed the delight of having discovered some gossip. Ryutaro, on the other hand, bore the scorn of the boys. They looked like they were about to spit at him at any moment.

Just at this moment, the bell rang and Aiko came into the classroom.

"Alright everyone, please take your seats! Morning class meeting is about to begin—Huh? What's this atmosphere like?"

Seeing the caring atmosphere among the girls and the murderous atmosphere among the boys made Aiko twitch nervously.

◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇

Then, start the first class of the day.

The person currently standing at the podium is Mr. Asada, the mathematics teacher. His striking appearance is characterized by his narrow, fox-like eyes and neatly combed hair. He is also known for his enthusiastic guidance of his students.

Because he often called students to the student counseling room to lecture them, the school's counseling room was called the Asada Classroom among students.

Now, the strict Mr. Asada's fox eyes scanned the classroom. When they fixed their gaze on Hajime, they narrowed even further, becoming a single line. He always did this, as if he had come to see Hajime as a thorn in his side.

"Nagumo, you solve this problem."

"Yes, Sensei."

Today, as usual, Hajime was mercilessly called upon to come to the podium and solve the problem on the blackboard. As Hajime obediently responded and stood up, several bursts of laughter echoed throughout the classroom. In the blink of an eye, Ryutaro and the others were slumped over their desks.

"~~I think that's the case, Sensei."

A pig-like laugh echoed out. It was Shinji. He couldn't help himself. Beside him, Yoshiki was shaking so much that the table rattled.

"You guys again! What's so funny!?"

Teacher Asada was furious and showed an attitude that he would not tolerate it today.

Every time he clicked on a question, there would be snickers in the classroom. Perhaps this made Asada feel like he was being laughed at.

"I'm sorry, Sensei. I'll take care of these guys."

Hajime's eyebrows drooped, a look of regret on his face. Nana snorted. Taeko, sitting next to her, clutched her stomach. Yuka pinched the back of her hand desperately, tears welling in pain.

Junshi was shaking from trying to hold back his laughter, and he spoke his true feelings in a trembling voice.

“Nan-Nan Yun is speaking so respectfully… It’s so out of place…!”

It wasn't just the uniform; Hajime wasn't suited to speaking in a respectful tone. This seemed to be the reason.

"It's only natural to speak politely to the teacher!"

"You're right, Sensei. These guys are idiots. I'm truly sorry."

"Stop that, ahhhhhh!" several girls cried out in agony. "Our Demon King won't bow to anyone!" someone else sighed. Apparently, not all the students found it funny; some were genuinely saddened.

It seemed that no matter what the situation was, Hajime's polite tone of voice was unacceptable to his classmates in every way.

The classmates all knew that Hajime was polite when speaking to the parents of other classmates and elders like Tio's grandfather, Edel, but he couldn't accept it except for these people. Why was that?

However, compared to before, I'm much more used to it now. It seems that it will take some time for everyone to get used to it completely.

"Nagumo, do you understand your position?"

"What do you mean, teacher?"

"What I'm saying is that your position as the 'Returners' is very delicate. Yet, as the leader of the Returners, you incited your classmates to ridicule the teacher. This only harms your position, not helps it. Don't you understand?"

There's still some unease about returning students returning to school. That's why we've set up these isolated classrooms. The teacher is right. If a returning student's words or actions violate the rules, who knows what kind of criticism they'll face.

The teacher explained it so clearly that the whole class understood it no matter what, and they all sat up straight.

"Teacher, you misunderstood. They were making fun of me, not you. To be clear, I am sincerely grateful to you. Please believe me, teacher!"

Hajime said this. Suddenly, the entire class's expressions twisted into grotesque shapes. The Demon King's attitude was so earnest. It was like a scene from a school idol drama. Of course, Hajime was speaking the truth, but to the other students, the scene was simply bizarre.

Of course, Mr. Asada's fox eyes have noticed the changes in the students.

"...Nagumo. Credibility must be accumulated through daily words and deeds."

"That's what the teacher said."

"And your words and actions, no matter how hard you try to hide them, will always reveal your true feelings. I've heard that you seem rather undisciplined when it comes to interacting with the opposite sex."

Asada-sensei said this, while glancing at Yue, Shia, Kaori, and Shizuku in that order.

"I simply cannot tolerate a frivolous person like you. Your presence will have a negative impact on the diligent students. Aren't you ashamed?"

I'm one of the students, too. Is it necessary to say this to me? — Hajime muttered to himself, but he still listened to the teacher's lecture with a submissive look on his face.

"...Hajime, should we punish this guy?"

Lord Yue's eyes became fierce, and the message transmitted through "telepathy" also clearly revealed his displeasure.

"No. He was the first teacher willing to teach us."

In fact, after the incident a year ago and this return commotion, many teachers in the school have resigned.

Not only do the teachers at the school have to deal with media interviews and sudden harassment for days, they are also asked for explanations by a large number of parents of students and other people who have no connection with the school, and they are even subject to complaints.

Teachers aren't saints; everyone has their own lives to live. Facing such pressure, it's natural and understandable for teachers to request a transfer or even change careers because they can't handle it.

Even though the principal endured the pain of blood in his urine and tried desperately to hire new teachers, most of these teachers and the teachers who had not resigned were unwilling to teach this class when the returnees were about to return to school.

Among them, Mr. Asada is the first teacher willing to teach in this class.

Therefore, although he seemed to be inclined to regard Shi as a thorn in his side, Shi was truly grateful to this teacher.

"Nagumo, are you listening?"

"Yes. It's absolutely wrong to socialize with someone who doesn't have the same sex as you. I understand."

Asada-sensei's eyelids twitched stiffly, as if he was about to say, "How dare you say that!?" Then, his gaze shifted to Yue, Shia, Shizuku, and Kaori in that order. It seemed he already knew their relationship with Hajime.

However, besides this, Hajime also discovered something else.

(Hmm? Just now…)

Hajime narrowed his eyes slightly, as he felt for a moment that there was something strange in the teacher's eyes.

This teacher was known for his sarcastic and pessimistic views. However, the way he looked at Yue and the others just now seemed to contain a hint of disgust, in addition to these emotions.

The teacher seemed deeply inspired to guide the students today and began to lecture them. The students looked at each other, their expressions as if to say, "We're wrong... but is it really okay to skip class?"

The lecture emphasized the importance of observing discipline and rules. The teacher's correction was perfectly reasonable, so Hajime accepted it with an open mind. Then, he received another telepathic message.

"Mr. Hajime, Mr. Hajime."

"Hmm? Shia, how's it going?"

"To be honest, Asada-sensei used to talk to me sometimes."

"What did he tell you?"

"He asked me about the relationship between you and me in depth, and sometimes he would even tell me about your past..."

At first, I thought the teacher was saying these words out of concern for Hajime because of the changes she had seen in him. However, Shia had experienced a difficult life and was very discerning about people.

"But... sometimes I vaguely feel like he's deliberately trying to give me a bad impression..."

Shia's tone was slightly annoyed. However, she had no clear evidence, and Asada-sensei was one of the teachers Hajime was truly grateful to. Furthermore, given the delicate position of the Returner, Shia didn't want to cause trouble, so she just listened to the teacher with a smile.

"Also, it seems that Miss Kaori, Miss Shizuku, and Miss Yue have also encountered the same thing."

Hajime had distributed telepathic instruments to the entire class. There were no restrictions on who could transmit them, so the entire class could now hear the telepathic messages. Hajime looked at Kaori and the others, who nodded in response. Their expressions were somewhat annoyed.

Honestly, Hajime knew that the relationship between him and them was not accepted by the common sense. Therefore, it was reasonable to use a more stern approach to persuade teachers who were particularly enthusiastic about guiding their students.

Therefore, they didn't take the teacher's lecture particularly seriously. However, like Shia, they also vaguely sensed the teacher's ill will towards Hajime.

"Hey, why didn't he come to guide me?"

"Do you want to be taught?!"

Hajime ignored Ryutaro's complaints and looked at Asada-sensei again.

Before being summoned, Hajime often dozed off in class, and naturally the teacher had a bad impression of him. So even if he was being taught harshly, he should still be willing to learn. That was what Hajime had originally thought. However...

(Generally speaking, if a student has a problem, isn't it the student himself who should be given guidance?)

From this point of view, the teacher's behavior does seem to have some emotional motivation beyond instructing students, especially the teacher's behavior today.

It could also be that Yue and the others haven't shown significant improvement in response to the teacher's guidance, causing the teacher to now be almost unable to suppress his accumulated emotions.

"Anyway, maybe I should find an opportunity to have a heart-to-heart talk with my teacher."

The classmates were all surprised by Hajime's opinion, saying things like, "Huh? It's not torture...?" and "It turned out to be so smooth..."

"Tsuki, come with me after school. I think it shouldn't be a problem, but... depending on the situation, it might be necessary for Asada-sensei to understand."

"...Well, leave it to me! My "Divine Words" will be fully demonstrated!"