Seire Private Academy.
The Faculty Office.
*BAM!* The sound of a palm slamming against the desk’s surface echoed throughout the room, loud enough to make several teacups on the opposite table tremble.
The teachers, who were busy grading assignments or drafting lesson plans, flinched, their shoulders rising in a reflexive jerk.
However, as soon as they turned and saw the culprit—a woman in a white lab coat with long black hair that was slightly disheveled—they exhaled in a collective sigh of relief.
It was Hiratsuka Shizuka.
She was a teacher of Modern Japanese whose charms were frequently overshadowed by an intimidating aura and a habit of resorting to violence.
Her colleagues merely exchanged glances, offering understanding smiles before returning to their respective tasks.
They were used to it; Hiratsuka was currently in a phase of “mental distress” brought on by a string of failed blind dates and mounting pressure from her family to marry—a pressure fueled by their growing concern that she was unmarketable and would remain single for the rest of her life.
At this moment, Hiratsuka did not care about her image.
She stood with ragged breath, her eyes flashing with exasperation as she thrust a sheet of paper—a Future Path Aspiration Survey—toward the male student standing casually in front of her.
“Yamabuki!
Do you really not take your future seriously?
What on earth is this?!” She pointed at the “future goals” column, which was filled in with handwriting that was far too neat for such a ridiculous answer.
“Your chosen career path is to become a salted fish?
Do you want me to hang you out to dry in the heat of the field so you can shrivel up properly, huh?!” “Don’t mess with me, Yamabuki!” In the face of the legendary Iron Fist’s fury, the student remained standing tall.
His name was Yamabuki Yuuta.
He had black hair and an appearance that could be described as slightly above average—neat enough not to be called a delinquent, yet too indifferent to be called a model student.
“Haaah…
Hiratsuka-sensei.” Yuuta let out a long sigh, his eyes fixed in a weary gaze that seemed far more mature than his years.
“You don’t seriously believe I actually want to become a fish in the literal sense, do you?
As a teacher of Modern Japanese, you should be aware that ‘salted fish’ is just a metaphor.” “It’s internet slang referring to someone who is lazy, has no ambition, or just wants to lie around doing nothing.
I’m simply being honest about my aspirations.” A cross-shaped vein throbbed on Shizuka’s forehead.
This wasn’t the first time they had locked horns, but Yuuta’s ability to counter every reprimand with irritating logic always managed to ignite her short fuse.
“I know that, you idiot!
What I’m taking issue with is your nonchalant attitude toward your own future!” She took a deep breath, attempting to lower her blood pressure so she wouldn’t actually throw a punch inside the faculty office.
“Yamabuki, you have to think about your future more seriously.
You’re already a second-year high school student; there’s only one year left before you graduate.
The world is harsh, and I don’t want you to have regrets in the future just because you were too lazy while you were young.” Seeing the trace of genuine worry behind the teacher’s fierce expression, Yuuta could only massage his temples.
He knew Hiratsuka was the type of teacher who cared too much—the kind of person who would meddle in others’ business if it meant she could help her students.
“Sensei, don’t forget my background.
I am a Yamabuki.” “The Yamabuki Group is a giant conglomerate with immense economic influence in Japan.
Its impact is on par with the Shinomiya Family, the Momobami Clan, the Koenji Family, and the Suzuki Family.
These five conglomerates are the pillars supporting this country’s economy.” “Unless I suddenly become an irredeemable gambling addict, even if I decided to live a life of daily extravagance, I wouldn’t be able to spend all that wealth until the day I die.” “In short, I was born wealthy and have already achieved financial freedom.
So, why should I work hard?
You only live once; isn’t it a waste of time to chase ambitions I don’t need, when all my material needs are already more than met?” “…” Silence.
The faculty office suddenly went quiet.
A few teachers who were eavesdropping nodded slowly.
It made sense.
If they were in Yuuta’s position, they would probably do the same.
Yuuta’s logic was deeply pragmatic.
In this competitive world, if someone was born with a “silver spoon,” the motivation to fight in the mud would naturally fade.
Unfortunately, Hiratsuka was not the type to agree with that kind of mindset.
“There are four people in the current Yamabuki generation, right?” She tried to present another perspective.
“An older sister, a younger sister, you, and your twin sibling.” “Aren’t you worried about having to fight for the inheritance rights of the Yamabuki Group against your own twin?
If you lose, you might be exiled, given only a small allowance, and forced to live a mediocre life in some remote place.” Historically, Japan adhered to a traditional household system.
Lineage, the family name, and assets—all had to be passed down through the male head of the house.
Even though modern laws had changed, the mentality of “protecting the family name” through a male heir remained strong among the conglomerates.
Yuuta’s older and younger sisters could be disregarded.
They would eventually marry into other families.
The heir to the Yamabuki Family would be decided between Yuuta and his twin—Yamabuki Arisu.
In Hiratsuka’s mind, Yuuta was in a dangerous position if he didn’t immediately prove his worth to the family.
“You watch too much television, Sensei.” Yuuta rolled his eyes with a look of annoyance.
“The Yamabuki Family motto is Perfection.
Compared to me, who is just average, Arisu is a perfect figure—both academically and physically.
Arisu has been prepared since childhood to lead the family in the future.” “Our relationship is harmonious, not full of intrigue like the royal families in movies.
And for your information, I’ve already told my parents that I have no intention of competing with Arisu.
I have officially renounced my rights of succession.” Yuuta finished his explanation with a light shrug of his shoulders.
“As long as I can live a peaceful life without having to worry about money, that is more than enough for me.” “…” Hiratsuka was stunned.
She had prepared various lectures on hard work and honor, but they all crumbled in the face of a student so honest about his laziness that he was willing to give up immense power.
“It’s decided!” she suddenly exclaimed, startling Yuuta.
“To change this irredeemably lazy nature of yours, there is one place that is perfect for correcting your twisted character!” “Follow me!” Without giving Yuuta a chance to voice a protest or any other logical excuse, Hiratsuka grabbed his arm and dragged him out of the faculty office.
They walked briskly down the school corridor, leaving behind a faculty office that had returned to silence, filled with unanswered questions.