[Points: 284,000]
Seeing that line of text, Watanabe Tetsu felt an instant urge to max out his stamina—but he held back. Points could be exchanged in an instant; if he ever needed higher stamina, he could do it then.
Exercising regularly not only saved points but also cultivated a healthy routine and trained his willpower. Over time, it would reflect in his confidence. This wasn't something a mere 10 points of stamina could bring.
A calm sea never makes a skilled sailor, and a comfortable environment never produces great figures. If he could, Watanabe Tetsu wished he could put that as the motto on his "School Advancement and Career Survey Form."
'The world should bow before me.' Looking back now, he shuddered at the thought. How embarrassing.
Cheerful and light-footed, Watanabe Tetsu returned to the music classroom. He scanned the room and spotted the band president in the crowd.
"President Komatsu," he called.
Misaki Komatsu turned around. "Watanabe Tetsu? Does this have to do with Rin-san?"
"No," Watanabe Tetsu replied. "I want to apply to practice oboe in your music classroom."
He added, "Don't worry. I won't disturb your training or rehearsals. If it ever becomes a problem, just tell me, and I'll leave."
Misaki Komatsu smiled.
"Your practice doesn't bother anyone anyway, so you won't disrupt us. It's fine. By the way, why not just join the band?"
"Join the band?"
"Yes. If you join, you can use the classroom freely and even receive guidance from Senior Hayami."
Misaki Komatsu gestured to a woman with an elegant "madam" hairstyle, who offered Watanabe Tetsu a gentle smile.
"I'm Kaoru Hayami, principal of the oboe & bassoon section."
Watanabe Tetsu recognized her as the same senior who had kindly suggested on Monday that he find a teacher.
"Senior Hayami, I'm Watanabe Tetsu. If I join now, will it be a burden for you?"
Right now, the band was fully focused on the competition. Taking precious time to teach a beginner would indeed be troublesome. If it weren't for the difficulty of explaining where the money came from, he could have just hired a private teacher.
Misaki Komatsu laughed and placed her hand on Hayami's slender shoulder.
"Hayami is both the section leader and the only bassoon player. Whether Rin-san likes it or not, she has to perform."
"Misaki!" Hayami groaned helplessly.
During this period, Watanabe Tetsu had learned some instrument basics: every instrument had its own embouchure, and switching instruments often meant starting from scratch. If the original mouth position wasn't ingrained, it could be forgotten entirely.
In this case, swapping between oboe and bassoon was the most common choice. There were many similarities, which made Misaki's decision to have Hayami guide him entirely reasonable.
"But don't underestimate Hayami just because of that," Misaki added proudly. "Her skill is indisputably top-notch!"
"And don't forget Asahi Mai," Hayami said with a warm smile.
"You two share first place!"
Ignoring Komatsu's playful comment, Hayami turned to Watanabe Tetsu.
"I will guide you without affecting my own practice. I hope you'll join the band and the oboe & bassoon section."
"Then it's settled," Watanabe Tetsu said. He didn't ask why the other oboe player wasn't teaching him; he wasn't about to waste their training time anyway.
"Wait a moment!" Misaki Komatsu skipped off and returned with a membership application form.
Watanabe Tetsu filled it out, and she clenched her fist, exclaiming, "The band rules over Kamikawa one step further!"
"What?" Watanabe Tetsu blinked, caught off guard.
After Hayami explained, he understood: Komatsu's declaration wasn't exaggeration—her wish was for the entire school to be part of the band. Naturally, that was impossible.
The band didn't pay, didn't provide accommodations, and didn't assign romantic partners. Membership was purely voluntary.
After submitting the form, Watanabe Tetsu followed Hayami to the oboe & bassoon practice room.
Smaller than the low brass room, barely bigger than a pair of palms, it was empty.
He didn't ask where the others had gone, but even as lunch break neared its end, only he and Hayami were present. A bad feeling gnawed at him.
"Senior Hayami, where's the oboe section member?"
Hayami put down her bassoon-like instrument, her eyes reflecting a hint of helplessness.
"Watanabe-san, please tell Rin-san: the oboe section member, Sato Ritsuko, does not intend to participate in the selection."
As the sole oboe player, even if her skill was only "can play" level—enough for most bands given the oboe's difficulty—she would normally have been selected for A-group.
Refusing the selection was an entirely different matter. Clearly, she opposed Rin-san being the advisor.
This was not good.
Watanabe Tetsu, however, smiled. He was curious to see how Rin would solve this. Today promised a series of interesting developments.
That afternoon, during combined home economics class for Class 1 and 4, Watanabe Tetsu stirred flour in his hands and sidled up to Rin, who was diligently handling ingredients in her apron.
"Rin-san, I have good news and bad news."
"Watanabe-san, I don't need any more flour," she said, rolling takoyaki on the griddle with expert hands.
"Ah, sorry," he said, wiping off the extra flour he'd accidentally spilled—only to smear even more. He gave up.
"Which do you want first?" he asked, grinning.
"The bad news." Rin continued rolling the takoyaki without looking up.
"The only oboe player in the band has joined the rebellion."
Rin paused in her movements. "And the good news?"
"For the Human Observation Club, I've boldly decided to infiltrate the band alone and become the new oboe player!"
"Lies."
"I've joined the band to help it conquer Kamikawa."
"Speak honestly!" Rin frowned, her tone saying clearly: 'I don't have time for your jokes right now.'
Watanabe Tetsu slammed the dough into the bowl, flour-covered fingers tapping Rin teasingly. "Stoic and aloof—I like it."
Rin turned, her stern expression breaking into a smile. She skewered a takoyaki with a toothpick. "Try this."
"Huh? Ah, thanks." He took a bite.
"How is it?"
"Tastes like love," he said.
"Love?" Rin blinked.
"Spicy, stinging, tears streaming down—doesn't that sound a lot like love? Pain and pleasure at the same time?" He wiped his eyes with the back of his hand.
Rin rested her chin on her hand. "To taste love in mustard—humans are truly incredible. More careful observation and research are needed."
She skewered another takoyaki.
Watanabe Tetsu quickly stepped back. "No, no, not necessary. I only joined to use the music classroom. The original oboe player is indeed against you."
"Why can't people just try their best?" Rin popped the takoyaki into her mouth.
"Is that okay?" he asked.
Rin followed his gaze to the toothpick in her hand. "You said this? I thought I'd ease your taste with something normal, but you seem to cherish 'love' so much."
"Of course. My loyalty lies with Misaki."
"Tell that lie to your Misaki."
After school, the rain paused and the late afternoon sky painted the elevated corridor crimson. Rin continued the selection.
From over eighty members, more than sixty finally participated. Numbers were sufficient; the only problem remained the oboe section.
Though Watanabe Tetsu also played oboe, he wouldn't reach a competent level until next year.
Spending 30,000 points to instantly become a "musical genius" using the intelligence discount? Absolutely not.
Better to use points on firearms, martial arts, politics, or commerce—anything useful for taking advantage of Misaki's maternity leave or even boosting charm.
But for a minor daily difficulty that wasn't even his own? Watanabe Tetsu refused to waste his hard-earned points.
In reality, all that was needed was Rin or Misaki going to the principal—the ten student council members wouldn't stand a chance.
Rin insisted on handling it herself, while Misaki secretly wanted the Human Observation Club to fail, or only act if she herself became the band president.
After the selection, everyone gathered in the music classroom. Rin stood on the podium.
"From today, all members must train at school even on weekdays. The band's curfew is nine p.m."
Immediately, voices arose:
"7 p.m., I have cram school!"
"I have work at night too!"
Kamikawa Private Academy, in outsiders' eyes, was a school obsessed with deviation scores, producing little else but intelligent loners. Many students were indeed busy with studies, regarded as socially awkward.
Rin clasped her hands, signaling for silence. "Considering this, I've applied to the school for permission: the band can stay until midnight. I will also help you with your studies."
"..You? Help us?"
"Ridiculous! Do you think being number one makes you great? Our club has top-ranked members too!"
Rin's expression didn't change. Her voice, cold and oppressive, quieted the room instantly.
"Results speak for themselves. Aside from the monthly concerts, I will participate in seniors' monthly exams. If I cannot take first place, I will withdraw."
Even Watanabe Tetsu couldn't help a quiet, impressed "huh."
Unlike others who doubted her, he marveled at her bold, confrontational style. Did she not know tact? Every obstacle was meant to be overcome with sheer skill.
Sometimes, dealing with people required more than skill.
For instance, now.
Watanabe Tetsu stepped forward. "Treat this as a study session."
"A study session?"
"Exactly." He nodded. "We have the top humanities and sciences students here. Arrogant, perhaps, but I'll answer any study questions from other members. No problem."
Don't underestimate a newcomer. The exam covers the whole academy. Even if they were to take the seniors' tests, they'd place in the top twenty.
Rin, however, was slightly annoyed by Tetsu boldly ranking himself above the top science student.
The band murmured among themselves, their expressions showing growing interest.
"And," Tetsu added, smiling, "staying late, training until your fingers ache, studying in the lit music room at night—doesn't that feel like youth?"
It was a magical, captivating smile. People were drawn to the lips, the nose, the eyes, and finally the person as a whole—like being enchanted by someone's irresistible affection.
Perhaps because of that smile, perhaps because of his words, their hearts stirred, and they smiled in anticipation.
"Support," Asahi Mai's calm voice spoke first.
"I support too!" Aoi Itsuki immediately raised her hand. "I've wanted to consult Rin-san and Watanabe-san about study methods!"
"I support too!" Haruko Hanada shyly but firmly raised her hand.
The entire low brass section followed suit.
Watanabe Tetsu shot a grateful glance at Asahi Mai. She blinked twice, simple but deliberate.
Although ordinary, Tetsu felt she was sending a subtle signal.
Empty classrooms at night? Restrooms? Corridors? Too risky!
"Since Mai-san agrees, we also—"
"Studying together seems fun too."
"I always play on my phone and snack alone at home. Staying here will help me improve!"
"Me too, studying alone is slow!"
"But what about going home at midnight? Dangerous?"
"Walking together as a group—what's the risk? You can sleep at my place, or I at yours."
"That sounds exciting! Like a training camp!"
Listening to the chatter, Watanabe Tetsu looked proudly at Rin.
"Thanks," she whispered, almost drowned by everyone else's voices, then turned away.
"Remember, we are here to train and study. Be ready to suffer until you feel like dying!" Her cold face addressed the excited group.
"Now, begin training!"