Demon Slayer: I was taken home by Shinobu Kocho at the beginning.

In the past, Tatsuya Kamio would never have arrived this early, but today he'd give the graduating seniors some face.

Outside the gymnasium, it wasn't just Tatsuya Kamio and his classmates who came to see off the senior students; students from other classes and even other grades were also waiting there.

This school, which is not very humane, has strong bonds between students, but the relationships formed through club activities are also quite solid.

A significant number of students received help from senior members of the club.

"There are so many people."

"This shows that our school's club environment is pretty good."

Kamio and Shiina chatted casually for a while, and then the gymnasium door finally opened, officially marking the end of the graduation ceremony.

This period is basically the only time left for graduates and current students to have a formal final exchange.

The third-year students were announced to be dismissed and filed out of the class. Most of them had bright expressions, even those who had not graduated from the class.

However, some students did not smile, including some from the class.

Horikita Manabu was immediately surrounded by a large crowd as soon as he came out; this guy is really popular.

"There wasn't much of a sense of frustration on the faces of those seniors who didn't graduate from the class."

Upon hearing Shiina mention this, Tatsuya Kamio smiled.

"Although those who graduated from lower-ranked classes cannot take a shortcut to their dreams, since they were able to persevere for three years in such a cruel school environment, they should be more adaptable to harsh environments than the average person after entering society."

Whether it's further education or employment, as long as you have the ability, most things can be achieved even without special privileges.

Although it's unclear whether the school initially intended to do this, it's now showing a clear trend.

After Tatsuya Kamio finished speaking, he noticed that Shiina was looking at him with a strange expression.

"What's your expression?"

“No, I just think that Tatsuya sometimes says things that make a lot of sense.” Shiina smiled. “Ah, I saw the senior from the tea ceremony club. See you later.”

"Yes, there's someone I'd like to meet too."

After parting ways with Shiina, Kamio Tatsuya walked toward the two people not far away.

"Long time no see, Yoshida-senpai."

"Kamio, it has indeed been a long time." Yoshida Arata smiled and then looked at his female companion, "Saya, this is Kamio-kun."

Standing next to Yoshida Arata is a girl named Kiuchi Saya; the two are a couple.

"So you're Kamio-kun. Thank you so much for the training camp."

A sincere smile appeared on Kinouchi's face.

"I only did something insignificant," Tatsuya Kamio said with a faint smile. "But judging from what Kiuchi-senpai said, you must have successfully graduated from the class."

“Yes, I used my personal points to transfer to my current class after the last exam.” Kiuchi Saya nodded with a smile. “Otherwise, I probably wouldn’t have been able to go to Tokyo University with Shinta.”

Today is March 24th. The results of the University of Tokyo's independent admissions should have been released by now, so Yoshida-senpai really did get into the University of Tokyo.

That's really impressive; it's amazing that they can achieve this in such a learning environment as this school.

In addition, Kiuchi's words also revealed a piece of information.

That means the school wasn't lying; the 2000 million points really could be used at the last minute to go to class.

Moreover, students who graduate from the class can indeed go to the schools they want to attend.

"So, Yoshida-senpai got into the University of Tokyo? Congratulations!"

"Thanks so much, Kamio-kun!"

Yoshida Shinta thanked Kamio Tatsuya again with a serious expression, and then pulled Kiuchi Saya to bow very solemnly to Kamio Tatsuya.

This was a great gift, but Tatsuya Kamio accepted it.

The reason why Kiuchi Saya was chosen was actually because of some kind of connection with Yoshida Arata; otherwise, Kamio Tatsuya could have chosen someone else to be the mole.

Therefore, Tatsuya Kamio accepted this gift without any qualms.

"But university should be starting soon, right?"

"That's true. At Tokyo University, the entrance ceremony is on April 1st, so there's not much time left for spring break."

Yoshida sighed.

"After all, the third-year seniors were still fighting for their final exam just a few days ago."

“That’s true, because many people want to seize the privileges of the class.” As he spoke, Yoshida looked in Horikita Manabu’s direction.

There were still many people gathered there, including not only second-year students but also quite a few first-year students.

Wow, is this guy really that popular?

"Horikita didn't relax until the very end. He persevered for three years and finally graduated as a classmate. He's really amazing."

Yoshida's tone was full of admiration.

However, in Tatsuya Kamio's view, people like Yoshida, who have no hope of graduating from class but still continue to work hard, are admirable.

It's more like it's terrifying, because once people accept the idea that graduating from the regular class is a shortcut, they'll likely give up on themselves once they lose hope of advancing to the next class.

Therefore, Tatsuya Kamio felt that people like him, who were unaffected and even managed to work hard in a school with a poor learning atmosphere and eventually get into the University of Tokyo, were even more terrifying.

"Things should be empty by now, so I won't bother you any longer, Yoshida-senpai, Kiuchi-senpai."

"Good luck, Kamio-kun, don't fall off your throne in class."

"Oh? Have you heard about the third-year students too?"

"After all, to have made the leap from Class C to Class A in less than a year is a remarkable achievement, even among all previous students, so the school has also conveyed this to us."

"I'll do my best."

"Well, I wish you good luck in your military campaigns!"

"Thank you for your kind words. Please take good care of yourselves, seniors."

After exchanging pleasantries with Yoshida, Kamio Tatsuya headed towards Horikita Manabu.

After a period of socializing, there aren't as many people surrounding him anymore.

Like Tatsuya Kamio, a second-year student also seized the opportunity and headed towards Manabu Horikita.

"Congratulations on graduating from class, Horikita-senpai. You're really something, you didn't cause me any trouble in the end."

Even Nagumo offered his blessings at this time.

Facing this junior who had once caused him trouble, Horikita Manabu did not give him a hard time, but instead wore a gentle smile.

"After all, we're not in the same grade anymore. Even if you want to interfere more deeply, things won't turn out the way you want in the end."

“Yes, ah—so right now I absolutely hate the fact that I was born a year later than you.” Nagumo sighed, seemingly genuinely. “Even though the person in question is someone like me, could you please shake my hand at the end?”

"Of course, I have no reason to refuse."

Then, the two clasped each other's right hands, and Horikita Manabu gave Nagumo his advice.

"A long year awaits you; go and enjoy a fulfilling campus life."

"Yes, I will do my best during the short period after you are away. I will turn this place into a truly meritocratic school, because I am ready."

When Horikita heard Nagumo's words, he nodded and even gave him an encouraging look.

Upon receiving Horikita's gaze, Nagumo revealed a rare, happy smile.

“You regret that you are younger than me, and I also regret that I cannot see the school you built with my own eyes. If I had experienced it firsthand, I might understand you to some extent.”

Horikita Manabu and Nagumo Masaru represent two extremes in their views on the school's system. Horikita Manabu intends to abide by the school's traditions, while Nagumo Masaru wants to break these conservative rules.

Just like their names suggest, they went in opposite directions.

However, after hearing Horikita Manabu's words, Nagumo's face showed a satisfied smile.

"It's just graduation, not a matter of life and death. If you want to know, I'll tell you when Senior Nagumo graduates next year."

"You're here too, Kamio."

Nagumo looked over at Tatsuya Kamio.

"Of course, I had to come since Horikita-senpai has taken such good care of me."

Nangumo smiled, then looked back at Horikita Manabu.

"Thank you for your recognition, Horikita-senpai. With the authority of the student council president, I have a general idea of ​​what you want to do in the future. When that time comes, I will continue to follow in your footsteps."

"It's too early to talk about these things now, Nagumo. You should focus on school matters first." Horikita Manabu neither agreed nor refused.

Undeterred, Nagumo turned his attention to Tatsuya Kamio.

"Kamio, I heard you led your class to promotion to a higher level. You did a great job."

"It's all thanks to the students' hard work; I only made some insignificant contributions," Kamio Tatsuya said, sticking to the same excuse.

“Excessive modesty is just hypocrisy.” Nan Yun shook his head. “But next, I’m going to make a slight change to the school’s rules.”

"Is it the model that focuses more on individual skills, as mentioned before?"

“That’s right.” Nan Yun nodded. “I’ve recently been proposing a few exams that combine all three grades. If the school approves, we might have a showdown.”

The exams were all mixed together...

"Since Senior Nagumo wishes, then I have no choice but to oblige."

Tatsuya Kamio's willingness to fight surprised Nagumo, but then a smile appeared on his face.

"This is truly unexpected. I thought you would continue to avoid the fight."

"Things are different now, and a lot has happened here too."

Even if it's just to repay the board, Tatsuya Kamio is determined to work hard.

"Alright, it's almost time. I still need to see the seniors in the soccer club. Goodbye, Horikita-senpai."

After saying goodbye, Nan Yunya left.

"It seems your sister is planning to come over. In that case, I won't bother her any longer."

Kamio Tatsuya glanced at Horikita Suzune, who was walking towards them from a distance.

After being prompted, Horikita Manabu also turned to look over.

Chapter 289 Mr. Yuecheng, now you can only deal with me within the rules.

"Congratulations on your graduation, brother."

Horikita Suzune looked completely different from before.

If it were the previous Horikita Suzune, she probably wouldn't even be able to speak properly when facing her older brother Horikita Manabu, but now she can stand in front of him with dignity.

"You've come, Suzune."

"Yes, because starting today, my brother will be graduating from this school."

After speaking, Horikita was silent for a moment, and then her expression became slightly uneasy.

"I'm sorry, brother, I probably won't be able to graduate from class."

Hearing his younger sister's words, Horikita Manabu sighed inwardly.

He also knew about the situation in the first year. There was no hope in class struggles, so if Horikita Suzune wanted to graduate from the class, she could only use points to transfer to another class.

"Rinne, I thought you were no longer fixated on things like class and class D."

“I’m no longer fixated on that point. Wherever I am, I will continue to move forward. And you just said that, didn’t you, brother?”

The knowledge gained at this school will become the most important treasure in my life and will be very useful.

Even so, I will strive to find my way in this school, hoping that if one day I stumble and fall on this path, my brother won't despise me.

Horikita Suzune's face showed a very rare, playful smile.

But as I laughed, tears started to fall.

Then, Horikita Suzune started crying in front of Horikita Manabu, just like a little child.

"I'm sorry, brother, it's all my fault. I realized it too late. If I had understood sooner, our relationship wouldn't have been like this..."

Seeing the heartbroken and distressed Horikita Suzune, Horikita Manabu smiled and then embraced his beloved younger sister.

“That’s enough, Suzune. I’m glad to see the changes in you before I leave.” Horikita Manabu released his younger sister and looked at her face as he said softly, “Although I don’t know if your changes are good or bad, I’m sure they are better than before.”