Staff Office, Small Meeting Room, 04:30 pm, three teachers sitting and facing each other.

Isamu Sensei, English teacher and homeroom teacher for class 2A.

Watanabe Sensei, math teacher and homeroom teacher for class 2B.

and

Maria Sensei, physics teacher for the second year.

The three teachers got together to discuss punishment for three second-year students who skipped class from Monday through Thursday, and missed the monthly test for physics.

Isamu Sensei calmly opened the meeting, "Before we discuss the punishments for Hide, Takeo, and Shizuka. Maria Sensei, can you tell us the results of their follow-up tests?"

"Sure," as she handed over three answer sheets, Maria Sensei continued, "Hide's score is 9.7, Takeo's score is 8.6, and Shizuka's score is 3.2."

In an instant, Isamu Sensei turned to Maria Sensei. "I realize that lately Hide's score for every written test never below 9.5, but why Takeo only got 8.6 for the physics test. Isn't Takeo your golden boy?"

"I was surprised too." Maria Sensei took a deep breath before continuing, "In the follow-up test I put two problems for university students. So, the highest score they can achieve should only be 9.0."

"Seriously, How Hide solves the problems? Isn't his change too drastic?" asked Isamu Sensei.

Watanabe Sensei calmly added, "I never said it before. But actually, Hide's average score for this month is 9.6. It is the second-highest average score at the national level. And please don't ask me how he achieved it. Because I was also confused about it and chose not to share it for now."

"I see. It seems that his IQ test when he was in 6th grade, which scored 161, is not a mere gossip," muttered Isamu Sensei.

"Well, now I have another golden boy in physics, so I'm no longer interested in punishing them," said Maria Sensei blatantly.

Watanabe Sensei immediately added, "Also, as the Karate Club's supervisor, Yuno Sensei has already informed us that Shizuka is doing solo training for next month's competition and begged us to understand. Considering that the pressure of being a two-times national champion in a row is not light.

Meanwhile, Takeo's Father comes and tells us that Takeo and Hide went to Hakaido to talk to their co-worker who came from abroad about their contract as a freelancer at a programming company.

It's a bit strange that they all went to Hakaido at the same time, but I know Takeo's father very well and he is a serious jerk who would not condone any irresponsibility, not to mention support it. So, I believe in him."

After slightly nodding, Isamu Sensei then proposes some idea, "Instead of usual punishment, can I include Shizuka and Hide in the outdoor competition in October? As for Takeo, we can assign him as library clerks for a week."

"I don't mind, but as far as I know Hide's physical capacity is low. So, are you sure about that?" asked Watanabe Sensei.

Isamu Sensei confidently replied, "Actually, I believe Hide's physical capacity is far higher than what he showed. Also, after a few months of proper training, I'm sure he will become another triumph card for Hiking Club."

"In that case, I don't mind. However, if his academic achievement is dropping, then please cross him out from the outdoor competition," plead Watanabe Sensei.

Isamu Sensei firmly nodded, then replied, "Roger."

The meeting was then closed, and Isamu Sensei immediately rushed to the counseling room where the three students awaited their punishment.

- - - - -

In the counseling room, three students sit next to each other. Shizuka whose hair was disheveled while her face showed an expression of crushing defeat. Physic, math, and chemistry were her biggest nemesis. So, the test for the three subjects was a bitter uphill battle for her.

Hide who was busy copying a notebook belonging to a girl in his class. He had to bribe the girl with a stick of ice cream for every notebook, but he didn't mind it.

And,

Takeo who was busy with his tablet. Since last night, he had tried to track down Takeshi Torumada but he got zero results because Takeshi's smartphone was not active. Then, a few minutes ago he tried his luck when he found Leader Torumada regularly visiting Kibo International Hospital. As a result, he found Takeshi's name listed in the patient database.

Takeo then started the conversation, "Hide, I found Takeshi Torumada. He was treated at Kibou Hospital. He had a head injury a few days ago and still hasn't woken up until now. A member of the metro police is also always on guard in front of his room."

"What building?" asked Hide casually.

"Eastern Complex, VIP ward next to a laboratory building. I will get the layout and enter the surveillance system tonight."

"I see." Hide sighed deeply while Otsu Shimamura's image filled his mind. "This hunting will become a little tricky."

"Why?" asked Takeo in a puzzled face.

"There is a researcher in the TDRC laboratory who recognized me, her name is Otsu Shimamura and she always comes to the lab at night on an irregular schedule."

"I will tag her, so you can avoid her when you are there."

"Yup."

Shizuka, who had been silent for a while, suddenly said, "Why did you talk about the hunting against Takeshi as if I wasn't here?"

"You have left the club. Once you receive your money, then we will part for good," said Hide.

"Yup, you are out, bye-bye," added Takeo.

"Damn Twig, it seems you don't feel any lost if I resign from the club."

"Why should I? After you resign I will get more shares."

"This cold bastard. . . " Shizuka slightly snort before continuing, "I cancel it."

Hide immediately turned to Shizuka and casually said, "Sorry, but it's not that easy."

"What do you mean?" asked Shizuka with a sharp tone.

"After I eliminate Takeshi, a big and serious job is already waiting. So, no half-baked resolve this time."

A determination as hard as steel immediately filled Shizuka's face. "As long as we don't kill innocent people, I'm more than capable of doing almost anything."

"That's the problem, there is no guarantee that in the future we will not kill innocent people." Hide was silent for a moment before continuing, "Please, make your decision carefully. This time, there is no turning back no matter what circumstances you will face in the future. You have time until tomorrow."

Takeo then added, "I also had to pass the same process after my first hunt."

"I see," Shizuka replied weakly.

At the same time, Isamu Sensei entered the counseling room and the three students rose to their feet in unison.

- - - - -

Fifteen years ago, the most prestigious outdoor competition for high school students in all of Nikko was born. The outdoor competition includes hiking, rock climbing, slope racing, and cross country navigation. Held every October on the Hakka Plateau, Hakaido. Therefore, the competition was known as the Hakka Outdoor Competition.

The main sponsor was the Kirishima Family. A rich farmer family in Hakaido who was somehow not well known in Nikko. The Kirishima Family provided individual prizes of 60,000 Ren for the first place winner in each competition, followed by 30,000 Ren for the second place, and 15,000 Ren for the third place.

At last year's Hakka Outdoor Competition, Sayaka managed to lead the Hiking Club to become the second winner in hiking and rock climbing.

Isamu Sensei gave the above explanation to Hide, Takeo, and Shizuka vigorously, without noticing the complicated emotions that appeared on their faces. Then, he delivered the punishment that the three had to bear.

"Takeo will be the library clerk for a week, while Hide and Shizuka will join the Hiking Club for this year's Hakka Outdoor Competition." After a wide grin, Isamu Sensei continued, "Hide, you had already promised to help the Hiking Club."

"Yup, I still remember it," said Hide

"I don't mind helping in the library," said Takeo.

"I need to ask Yuno Sensei's opinion first," Shizuka replied.

"Okay," still in a cheerful tone Isamu Sensei said, "Except for Shizuka, punishment for Hide and Takeo will take effect from Monday."

After slightly bowing to Isamu Sensei, the three then exited the counseling room.

- - - - -

Totsuka Tower, Fujimura Kato's Office, 05:16 pm.

Kato cheerfully accepted the two 1-kg gold bars that Hide handed. Both were produced by a well-known company from Kanadia, just like the five gold bars Hide had given him a few days ago.

Kato then said, "If you don't mind, I will use the same rate as the previous gold bars."

Hide firmly replied, "I don't mind, and sorry for coming here after working hours end."

"Hide, every day I come home from here at nine at night, so don't worry about it."

"Thank you."

Kato smiled and nodded, then said, "5.4 million Ren per gold bar, so the total value is 37.8 million Ren. How do you want to distribute it?"

"I'll withdraw 22.8 million in cash. As for the rest, please put it into my account and Aizawa's. I also want to take Takeo's debt note."

"Roger, and what reward do you want for your deposit this time?"

"Dining voucher in some mid-class restaurant."

"Only dining voucher, without other shopping vouchers?"

"Yes."

"I'll take care of it right away, just wait a moment."

"Okay."

As Kato called his staff, Hide sipped his orange juice.

*****