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Chapter 24: Gotoh Hitori's Last-Minute Escape
🕑 Added 2025-02-03 12:46:09 +0000 UTCAfter an hour of repeated testing—
Minami Shouji finally figured out how to use the "Lifetime of Regret" guitar.
First, he had to fully immerse himself in a certain emotion.
Second, he had to play with complete focus.
Both conditions were absolutely necessary.
If he was just practicing chords, finger placements, or hand positioning, the guitar didn't produce any special effects at all.
Strange as it was, at least it wasn't completely useless.
Setting the "Lifetime of Regret" guitar aside, Minami Shouji thought about what he should do next.
Another simulation?
…No, not right now.
The lingering emotions from the last run were still weighing on his mind, making it difficult to move on.
That left only one reasonable option—
"I guess I'll just study."
He wasn't in a relationship yet, but at least he could focus on his academics.
Minami Shouji reached for a textbook.
The version of himself in the simulation had barely studied at all—he had only managed to get into the University of Tokyo, and even then, he didn't make it into the Medical School.
Frankly, Minami Shouji wasn't satisfied with that result.
Since the simulation version of him had failed in this regard, he would make up for it in real life.
As for what he had planned for tomorrow after school—
"I should return Gotoh Hitori's guitar first."
With a pen in one hand, he simultaneously reviewed his coursework and planned out his next steps.
Multitasking like this wasn't difficult for him.
The Next Afternoon – After School
At the front gate of Shuka High School—
Kessoku Band was gathered outside.
"So this is Shuka High, huh… It really gives off an elite vibe."
Ijichi Nijika curiously peeked through the gates.
Many students in Shuka High uniforms were walking out, holding English vocabulary flashcards in their hands, memorizing them as they walked.
From within the school, the sounds of club activities and athletic practice could be heard.
"Yep, just as expected from a top-tier school."
Standing at the school gate, Nijika sighed in admiration.
Her pale yellow side ponytail swayed slightly with her movements.
"It's really not that special, Nijika-senpai. You're over-exaggerating."
Standing beside her, Kita Ikuyo—who also attended Shuka High—felt a little embarrassed.
"Shuka is just a normal high school."
"A school that ranks in the top three for Tokyo University admission rates is not a 'normal high school,' Kita-chan."
Nijika raised a finger, speaking with a mix of admiration and envy—
"Not only does it have exceptional academic resources and top-tier faculty, but it also provides extensive opportunities for artistic and athletic development. On top of that, it has a rich selection of club activities and a vibrant school festival culture. Shuka High is currently ranked as the number-one dream school for middle school students in Tokyo."
"Flattering my alma mater won't get you any favors."
With arms crossed, Yamada Ryo spoke in her usual deadpan tone.
She casually flicked her short blue hair, exuding her signature cool demeanor while also shooting Nijika a disinterested glance—
"Outsider."
"Wake up, Ryo, you and I went to the same school."
"That was the old me. The new me is 'Yamada Ryo of Shuka High.'"
With an unwaveringly serious expression, Yamada Ryo declared—
"If you're willing to kneel down and lend me money for lunch, then I might still be the same Yamada Ryo you knew."
"Here she goes again…"
Nijika twitched at the corners of her mouth.
But she knew her bassist well enough by now. Instead of arguing, she turned to Kita Ikuyo.
"Honestly, we came here because we were worried about Bocchi, but… how does someone like Minami Shouji even exist?"
"He's studying at a school filled with academic monsters, and yet he consistently ranks as the undisputed top student."
"What kind of superhuman is he?"
Nijika felt a strange sense of pressure just thinking about it.
"I think he's a typical isekai light novel protagonist. He probably reincarnated into modern Japan, fused with another soul, and gained cheat abilities."
Yamada Ryo tilted her head slightly, offering her personal theory in an oddly serious tone.
Nijika turned to her, speechless.
…It was clear that Ryo was putting genuine effort into spouting nonsense.
"Well… I don't know much about Minami-senpai personally, but I do run into him sometimes when delivering materials to the second-year teachers' office."
Kita Ikuyo temporarily ignored Yamada Ryo's nonsense and tried to provide something more factual.
"Wait, Kita-chan, you've seen Minami Shouji before?"
"Not exactly—at first, I didn't even know who he was. But…"
Kita raised a finger and gave an example—
"Even in a crowd, he stands out. There's this… 'aura' about him."
"Seriously? No way someone like that exists."
Nijika found it hard to believe.
It wasn't uncommon for students in the same school to unconsciously overhype their top performer. She figured Kita's perception of Minami Shouji had likely been exaggerated due to all the praise he constantly received.
"I actually think people like that do exist."
For the first time in a while, Yamada Ryo spoke up with a rare tone of sincerity.
"Huh? What makes you say that, Ryo?"
Curious, Nijika leaned in, expecting some profound insight.
But Yamada Ryo simply placed a hand on her chest and said—
"Because I am one of them."
A brief silence followed.
"...Okay, sure. Whatever you say."
Nijika half-heartedly waved her off.
She then turned back to Kita, her golden ponytail swishing through the air—
"Since you've seen Minami before, can you tell me what he was doing the first time you saw him?"
Know your enemy, and you'll never lose a battle.
Before negotiating with Minami Shouji, she wanted to learn as much about him as possible.
What did he do during his free time?
Did he chat with friends? Was he the center of a social circle? Did he have his own close-knit group?
Under Nijika's expectant gaze, Kita Ikuyo hesitated, then slowly answered—
"Uh… he was studying?"
"Huh? Studying?"
Nijika blinked in surprise.
"Then what about the second time you saw him?"
"Still… studying?"
"And the third time?"
"I think… he was studying then, too." Kita let out a nervous chuckle.
Come to think of it, she had seen Minami Shouji many times—
Each time, he was sitting at his desk, completely focused on his studies.
Around him, students were chatting, laughing, discussing video games, and enjoying their youth.
Yet Minami Shouji remained entirely unaffected, immersed in his work as if the rest of the world didn't exist.
Such intense focus and self-discipline…
It was impossible to ignore.
But—
"He was just studying the whole time!"
Ijichi Nijika clutched her head in frustration.
Not a single useful piece of information!
What kind of study monster was this guy?!
…Well, whatever.
Shaking her head, Nijika forced herself to drop all those distracting thoughts and refocused her energy.
Then, she turned to the person beside her and said,
"Forget it! Thinking too much won't help. Bocchi, let's go get your guitar back."
Silence.
The air was still.
No one responded.
Nijika paused, blinking in confusion, before glancing toward the spot where Gotoh Hitori had been trailing behind them.
It was… completely empty.
At some point—without anyone noticing—she had disappeared.
"Bocchi bailed at the last second?!"
Ijichi Nijika stared in disbelief.
The battle hadn't even started yet—why had their own teammate already surrendered?!
