Early the next morning, Kazuo left the school. Considering that he was going to meet someone, he even specially put on the cheap suit he had originally intended to wear for interviews.
He had originally arranged to go to Fuchu Racecourse with Hayakawa to watch a race, but after their phone call last night, he had to personally find Hayakawa to apologize and explain the situation.
Fortunately, Hayakawa was very understanding and immediately said it was nothing, and that they could arrange to watch a race another time.
However, perhaps sensing Asama Kazutomi's serious expression and realizing something might have happened, she asked if there was anything she could do to help.
Kazuo then took the opportunity to inquire about the situation, specifically who the Ms. Kawakami that Mr. Yamaji had mentioned was.
The answer he received was quite surprising.
Although Chairwoman Akikawa is the current primary head of the academy, there are several other directors in the upper echelons. Aside from Yoshida, who is retired but still holds an honorary position, the others are, in fact, more or less involved in the academy's management.
And Ms. Kawakami is the secretary to one of these directors; clearly, this matter is also at the behest of the person behind her... Furthermore, even Ms. Hayakawa, the academy's secretary, was unaware of the decision to recommend Narita Taishin's withdrawal.
This was rather intriguing... "The Rinkai Line is now arriving at Odaiba. Next stop, Odaiba."
Hearing the announcement on the Yurikamome train, Kazuo had no mind to appreciate Odaiba's beautiful scenery.
Even the excitement he felt the first time he rode the Yurikamome was completely overshadowed by another emotion.
Looking at the time displayed on his phone, it was almost time for his appointment with Daijin's mother.
He had gotten Daijin's mother's phone number from Mr. Yamaji last night and, after explaining his purpose, had specifically chosen to meet in the morning.
The meeting place seemed to be at Daijin's mother's workplace. To be honest, this was his first time conducting a home visit as a teacher.
But—
There was no time for him to savor that feeling now.
.
Odaiba, Flower Shop, Farver
According to the address found online, this seemed to be a very popular flower shop.
Located near the Odaiba mall, the shop, though not large, had a very warm and lovely decor. It was small yet exquisitely designed.
The wooden interior was filled with fresh flowers and green plants. Although the decor looked rustic, the lighting design used in the shop had a touch of modernity, and a giant floral art piece was displayed in the center of the store.
Bouquets were arranged on either side outside the shop, and various flowers and hanging plants made one feel as if they were in a fairy tale.
When Kazuo first arrived at the location, he saw a beautiful woman standing outside the shop, meticulously tending to the flowers.
Although her features had been somewhat eroded by time, her delicate face and gentle, graceful demeanor made one imagine that she must have once been a woman who captivated many.
Her face bore some resemblance to Daijin's, and with her long hair tied up, she looked very elegant and serene.
What was even more striking was that she was also an Uma Musume. Looking at her, Kazuo was almost certain that she was the person he was meant to meet today.
Narita Daijin's mother, Narita Yuriko (Lily).
After tidying himself up slightly, Kazuo walked up to her.
"Excuse me, are you Narita Daijin's mother? I am the teacher who arranged to meet you today. My name is Asama Kazutomi!"
She, who was watering flowers with her head down, looked up slightly at his words and was momentarily surprised to see such a young man.
But upon realizing who Kazuo was, she quickly composed herself: "You are Daijin's Trainer? Please excuse my rudeness. My name is Narita Yuriko. I apologize for troubling you, Trainer, to come all the way here. Let's discuss the details inside the shop."
"Alright..."
Following Yuriko into the shop, Kazuo was drawn to the indoor scenery; merely being there felt like a healing and cleansing experience for the soul.
On the badge pinned to Yuriko's chest, who was dressed in a work uniform and apron, it clearly read:
"Farver Acting Manager Narita Yuriko"
"Asama Trainer, please sit here."
Yuriko led him to a booth inside the shop. It seemed the store also provided a space for customers to rest and relax while choosing flowers.
After seating him there, Yuriko went to the back. A short while later, she returned with a tray holding two cups of fragrant, freshly brewed tea.
"It smells wonderful... What kind of tea is this?"
Kazuo immediately became interested in the tea before him. It didn't seem to be made from tea powder, but rather—
"This is our shop's custom-blended cherry blossom rose tea. It has calming and purifying properties."
Yuriko said as she sat down.
Kazuo took a small sip, and his eyes instantly lit up.
The fragrant floral tea had the rich taste of roses, and it also seemed to contain a blend of fruit flavors and a pleasant, sweet aftertaste similar to black tea.
"This is really good..."
Kazuo couldn't help but exclaim, but then he quickly composed himself and said:
"I came here today specifically for Daijin. Regarding Daijin's situation... I presume you've already received the news, haven't you?"
Upon hearing this, a hint of worry appeared on Yuriko's face. She sighed softly: "Yes... To be honest, I was very surprised when I received the news, but what I'm more worried about now is Daijin herself... The effort she put in to get into the academy... and now she's being advised to withdraw... To be honest, I don't even know how to tell her now."
"Mr. Yamaji said he would come here today to work with me on Daijin's mindset... But honestly, even I haven't prepared myself yet."
"Regarding this matter—"
Kazuo adjusted his sitting posture and said with an extremely serious attitude: "I specifically came to see you today to ask you to stand on the same side as me."
"..What?"
"I absolutely cannot accept the academy's decision to recommend withdrawal. So, I want you to assist me. I want to help Daijin prove herself, prove that she has the ability to establish herself at the academy."
"You... aren't here to inform me of the decision, are you?"
"No... I came to help Daijin... I want to become her Trainer. Therefore, I will not let any of this happen, so—"
"I earnestly ask you to reject the academy's decision, communicate and negotiate with them, and buy us more time!"
--+--
T/N: Although I'm an inexperienced Editor, I do have a Patreon account! Although it seems like I don't have many supporters right now, my webnovel will be released in full every day, and the advanced chapters will be uploaded to Patreon.
It may not be worth it now, but who knows, it might be different in the future. Who knows!
patreon.com/TripleCrown07
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