Chapter 76: Dinner with Principal Fujiwara
Watching the scene unfold before him, Haruka didn't make a sound. Instead, he quietly slipped away.
No matter the circumstances, prying into someone else's 'hobbies' was rude. Especially when it involved someone connected to him.
If it were anyone else, he might have asked about it or investigated privately. After all, it was certainly a curiosity—a massive piece of gossip material. But if it was this socially anxious little creature...
Haruka's meager conscience didn't allow him to do certain things.
Besides, it wasn't something worth investigating deeply. It was just a girl playing music for cats. The world was full of wonders; if people could do unspeakable things with lizards, then nothing was impossible.
However...
Haruka glanced back. The faint sound of the guitar could still be heard. He looked around.
This corner happened to be in a spot with very little foot traffic. No wonder no one had discovered her yet. But if she did this here often, being discovered was only a matter of time.
That, however, was none of his business.
Haruka walked away, his steps taking him further and further into the distance.
Back in the alley.
Bocchi's guitar melody gradually came to a stop.
***
After retrieving the roster from Hiratsuka-sensei, Haruka headed toward a certain restaurant.
The Principal was waiting for him there.
He was clearly going all out, playing the role of the gracious host trying to lure in new talent.
Booking the meal, waiting for him personally... normally, the subordinate would be the one waiting for the superior.
This gave Haruka a ominous feeling. He felt that he might have been too careless this morning by not asking for more details.
There was definitely a catch to this competition.
When Haruka arrived at the upscale restaurant, the Principal was already waiting at a table.
"Principal, sorry to keep you waiting."
The Principal looked at Haruka with interest.
To be honest, Haruka's current behavior didn't seem like that of a normal high schooler. The Principal had already investigated his background this afternoon.
He shouldn't possess this kind of psychological quality—remaining calm in the face of crisis and composed in front of important figures.
But it didn't matter. In the end, he was just a small fry. No need to overthink it. Of course, geniuses get special treatment, so the Principal playing the gracious host made sense.
"No need for formalities, Kasugano-kun. Please, sit."
"My real name is Takumi Fujiwara. Just call me Fujiwara," the Principal said warmly.
Haruka's internal alarms went off immediately.
The enthusiasm of a superior was always fake. If someone in charge suddenly treated you with great warmth, you had to be careful—they probably wanted you to pay with your life!
When they went overboard with the niceness, they were usually setting you up to owe them big—and they'd collect when it mattered most.
Of course, it wouldn't be that exaggerated in modern society. But that competition was likely extremely important to him.
'Should I have asked for more?'
'No, he's the Principal and I'm just a student. Don't get greedy.'
Making this judgment in his mind, Haruka put on a humble smile. "Fujiwara Oji-san..."
The two exchanged pleasantries.
Haruka, with his intellect fully online, didn't find these hypocritical conversations with Principal Fujiwara repulsive.
Because this was an inevitable situation for social creatures. At most, it was a bit annoying. If he were the superior, or the one making the rules, he naturally wouldn't have to play these social games.
Principal Fujiwara finally revealed some details about the competition.
It didn't exceed Haruka's expectations. This competition wasn't some national or world-class event, but it wasn't exactly small potatoes either. It was actually the Three-School Joint League!
"Kasugano-kun, you must understand. As one of the three prestigious high schools, if Sobu High shows weakness, we will pay a heavy invisible price—including but not limited to teaching resources. So, this old man has no choice."
"As long as you take first place in this exam and prove your strength, you can represent our school in the competition. That way, at least we won't lose in a humiliating way," Principal Fujiwara said.
Clearly, he wasn't even thinking about actually winning first place. But as long as they showed up and didn't make fools of themselves, he could pull some strings to safeguard most of their benefits. It was still better than just forfeiting outright.
Haruka was also thinking.
The Three-School League.
Shuchiin, Hyakkaou, Sobu.
Interesting...
For him, this finally seemed to have the fun of a challenge.
"Alright. No problem."
The two continued to chat happily.
However, Principal Fujiwara didn't tell Haruka many specific details about the Three-School League, and Haruka didn't ask further.
Soon, they were done eating.
Haruka prepared to stand up, but his body froze for a second. In the lobby, he seemed to spot a familiar figure.
No, just someone who looked similar.
He saw a young woman in a kimono—who resembled an older version of Yukino Yukinoshita—and a young woman walking up to the upper floor together. Of course, their position wasn't at the front; they were actually at the tail end, following behind a group of impeccably dressed people.
"Kasugano-kun? The upper floor is the ballroom. People come here to 'connect' emotionally… but mostly to network and talk business. Did you see someone you know?"
"Not really. I was just thinking how glamorous high society looks."
"Haha! Keep working hard, Kasugano-kun. Your future is promising."
Haruka responded with a smile.
***
Nighttime.
Haruka stepped out of a black sedan.
"Take care, guest."
"Mm. Please give my regards to Fujiwara Oji-san when you return."
"Yes."
Subsequently, the black sedan drove away, and Haruka returned home.
"Onii-chan?" Sora looked at him curiously.
"What was that car just now?"
"Nothing. That was the Principal's car. I just did a small favor for him."
"Mm. I left you a late-night snack. Remember to eat it."
After saying that, she went upstairs on her own without waiting for Haruka's response.
Haruka shook his head and went to the kitchen. Sure enough, there was an insulated container sitting there.
He opened it. Inside was a serving of chicken soup, complete with a drumstick.
It was emitting a delicious aroma.
***
Late at night.
Lying in bed, Haruka recalled the events of the past two days. It was quite interesting.
The simulation hadn't mentioned any of this.
As expected, the simulation only provided a possible future; it wasn't fixed.
Moreover, there were many things the simulation didn't reveal or explore.
For example, the socially anxious Bocchi playing guitar for cats, the Three-School League that didn't appear in the original simulation, and Yukino Yukinoshita's sister and mother whom he might have seen tonight...
Right.
Today was the second day of the Simulator update. By twelve o'clock tomorrow night, the three days would be over!
This time...
Who should he choose to simulate?
Haruka frowned and began to think in advance.
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Hand over all of your Power Stones!!
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