Chapter Text
There are a few academic traditions more significant then the school opening ceremony. Held at the beginning of April, it as an event in which parents, teachers, and students gather to celebrate the glory of the Japanese education system. This year's ceremony marked Aya-chan's last year at Shiagari Middle School. My precious flower will be preparing for her high school entrance exams before I knew it. My paternal pride grows knowing Ayano was the top of her class for the last two years running. No one even came close to her test scores.
“Darling, it's starting,” Ryoba said. We were gathered in the school gymnasium waiting for the principal's opening remarks. For a high quality school such as this I was constantly disappointed about the low quality folding chairs. Full grown adults are obviously not child sized. A few rows in front of us Ayano and Midori sat with the other students. Midori kept turning around and waving at us. Kuchiro gave some excuse about having to do inventory. I didn't even bother asking for freebies this time. I just grabbed the green haired headache and left. At this rate I was going to end up giving her away at her wedding.
The principal told the same story of the school's founding however many years ago. Something about its continued mission to educate the youth to be upstanding citizens. Shameless promotion for a local high school disguised as the importance of entrance exams. Test scores, student success, come on man it's the same spiel every year. The only thing you change is what part of the curriculum is most important. It's either math and science or literature and civics. Pick one and stick with it.
“Our old headmaster's speech were far more interesting.”
“Shuyona? I thought he retired after....the investigation,” I said.
Shuyona had a mental breakdown following Ryoba's mission to procure me. They never did find that poor girl's body. (It's under the cherry blossom tree. I know it is. Where else would Ryoba hide it?) Akademi's fate was still in question when we graduated. Guess they were that determined to keep the place open despite all the bad publicity.
“He took a leave of absence. Rio says he's back at the helm. He'll be so excited to meet Ayano,” Ryoba sighed. “I don't know what I'll do if she doesn't get accepted.”
I take it back. Let your grades slip, Ayano. Do what you must to stay away from that cemetery. Akademi High is a magnet for the murderous, the supernatural, and everything in between. Ryoba wasn't the only terror that stalked its halls. The school was brand sparkling new when we entered freshman year. By the time all was said and done it was forever stained by the Aishi legacy.
After the applause for the principal died down the homeroom teachers were paraded out. I took a vague interest in the faculty. Shiagari's standards and requirements for teaching staff were notorious. I never had reason to doubt that Ayano was receiving a quality education. She was respectful and studious, the perfect student.
I scanned the lineup. Most of them were conservatively dressed women with stern faces. The oldest looked to be about Ryoba's age while the youngest looked fresh out of university. They introduced themselves and declared which class they were assigned followed by their expectations.
“They didn't say Ayano's class.”
Huh? Which was that again? Yes, 3-1. The other two third year classes were covered but not hers.
“Unfortunately, Rana-sensei was unable to make it to the ceremony. She will be teaching Year Three, Class One ,” the principal intoned. Late on the first day? What kind of example where you setting for the children? Murmurs began to pick up among the parents. I wasn't alone in my assessment of the irresponsible sensei.
“Parents and students may now visit the homerooms. We shall dismiss by year.”