Chapter 48: University Choice
Hachiman knew the reputation of the University of Tokyo.
As the top university in Japan's Kanto region, the proportion of female students had never exceeded 20% for a long time.
Concerns like being unable to marry, parents refusing to invest in education, and employment after marriage were factors preventing female enrollment from increasing. Some female students even told others, "I study over in Shibuya."
In contrast, boys took pride in entering the University of Tokyo.
To Hachiman, this was utterly inexplicable.
But even more inexplicable was that Hikigaya Komachi had applied to the University of Tokyo.
She had clearly said things like, "I heard the boys at Todai are the most arrogant."
With these complicated emotions, after seeing off the Mariya sisters, Hachiman made a call to Kushinada Mikumo.
"Long time no see, Lord Hachiman." Kushinada Mikumo looked bewitching, her voice even more so, yet carried a trace of seriousness.
Hachiman's impression was: fairies just love to act up.
"Is my sister with you?"
"Yes, she's currently playing in Sunlight."
Sunlight? How did she end up there?
"How did she end up there?" Hachiman frowned. "Anyone else with her?"
"Quite a few classmates. The princess heard about the earthquake in Sunlight and the resulting strange phenomena, so she invited many friends to play. Among them is a little cat, very interesting and worth cultivating."
You mean the black cat, right? Middle-school-level emotional fluff, teary-eyed, either touched or angry.
"Bring them back. Sunlight is unsafe now," Hachiman ordered. "How long to return?"
"Tomorrow, perhaps. The terrain isn't great here, so it will take some time."
"Fine. Contact me when you reach Chiba."
Hachiman ended the call with a "snap," then dialed again.
On the line was Amakasu Touma.
Hachiman rarely showed a good face to male members of the Committee, but Amakasu Touma was an exception, though at first, he hadn't been treated nicely either.
Men were foolish creatures; after sharing a drink, they somehow became friendly.
"Hikigaya-sama, any instructions?" Amakasu Touma's voice on the phone sounded weak.
He must have indulged in Jianlibao again, sounding so frail. But you, as a ninja, how can you indulge!
Internally disdainful, Hachiman said: "My sister seems to have applied to Todai. Quickly, reject her. You have a lot of yokai over there, right?"
"Yes, it started happening recently." Amakasu Touma's voice sounded strange, as if Hachiman could hear him breathing, but he quickly ignored it, because…
"But before this, our colleagues had already let her pass, and school is about to start. There may not be time to cancel her admission."
Damn… she actually got in?
Hachiman couldn't help but marvel: never judge a book by its cover—small-chested sisters can really be smart.
"Alright, we'll talk later." Hachiman hung up again.
Then he went to take a shower and sleep.
When his alarm woke him, it was around 8 PM.
Hungry, but he didn't want instant noodles.
He decided to go eat at Yuuko's place.
Ten minutes later, he walked into Yuuko's small shop.
As usual, two little girls were at the door doing greetings. What was unusual was that Yuuko herself was lounging on what looked like a cross between a chair and a bed, smoking a big cigarette and ignoring customers.
"You're here again?" Yuuko's voice was full of reluctance.
"Yeah, nothing to do," Hachiman replied, glancing around. "What about that guy who didn't buy anything and owes you a ton? What's his name? Kimihiro?"
"It's Kimihiro Watanuki." As the door opened, a high school student walked out, scarf around his neck, carrying a plate of mixed noodles.
In Hachiman's eyes, Kimihiro Watanuki was a character with a story.
Japanese high school students were not to be trifled with.
A mysterious, quirky shop, an even more quirky shop owner, plus a high schooler? Definitely a dangerous combination.
Kimihiro looked more mature, evidently having done a lot of work with Yuuko.
"Here, for you." Hachiman hadn't finished thinking when Kimihiro handed over the noodles. "Hope it suits your taste."
"Anything special today?" Yuuko straightened up, assuming a very proper posture, which surprised Kimihiro. He thought he was seeing a fake Yuuko.
Hachiman took the noodles, politely thanked him, and devoured them. Delicious.
Then he answered Yuuko's question.
"Nothing. Just wanted to chat."
"About what?"
"About my sister applying to Todai. She applied and got in. I'm thinking whether she should consider another school." After eating, Hachiman took a tissue from a nearby girl and continued, "These noodles are really good."
"Hmm… I was supposed to eat that myself." Yuuko propped her chin on her hand, looking puzzled. "But Todai is an excellent university. Don't you want your sister to receive an excellent education?"
"One thing at a time," Hachiman waved his hand. "I just don't want her going to Tokyo."
"I see… got it." Yuuko nodded, then said to Kimihiro, "Your friend is a little sister fanatic."
"We've only met a few times," Kimihiro said. "Friend isn't the right word, but…"
He paused, then nodded firmly. "Todai isn't easy. If she manages to get in and misses it because her family disagrees, she'd be heartbroken."
He nodded to himself while saying it.
Hachiman thought this made sense. Komachi was strong-willed. Denying her could provoke rebellion, which wouldn't be good.
"So I should respect her decision?" he asked.
"Of course. You didn't get into Todai yourself. Blocking your sister from attending due to prejudice… I'd call that beastly rather than foolish," Kimihiro said bluntly, staring at Hachiman.
Hachiman: "…."
For appearances' sake, he decided to forgive Kimihiro's bluntness. The guy was still alive—truly a miracle.
Since interfering with Komachi's university choice wasn't a good idea, Hachiman's choice was obvious.
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