HA1 16.1 - Punishment
Staff Office, Small Meeting Room, 16:30, three teachers sitting and facing each other.
Isamu Sensei, English teacher and homeroom teacher for class 2A.
Watanabe Sensei, math teacher and homeroom teacher for class 2B.
and
Maria Sensei, physics teacher for second year.
The three teachers got together to discuss the punishment for three second-year students who skipped class from Monday through Thursday, and missed the monthly test for physics.
Isamu Sensei calmly opened the meeting, "Before we discuss the punishments for Hide, Takeo, and Shizuka. Maria Sensei, can you tell us the results of their follow-up tests?"
"Sure," as she handed over three answer sheets, Maria Sensei continued, "Hide's score is 9.7, Takeo's score is 8.6, and Shizuka's score is 3.2."
In an instant, Isamu Sensei turned his gaze towards Maria Sensei. "I realize that lately Hide's score for every written test never below 9.5, but why Takeo only got 8.6 for the physics test. Takeo is your golden boy, isn’t he?"
"The result also surprised me." Maria Sensei took a deep breath before continuing, "In the follow-up test I put two problems for university students. So, the highest score they can achieve should only be 9.0."
"Seriously, how did Hide solve the problems?” Isamu Sensei asked in puzzle tone. “His change is too drastic."
Watanabe Sensei calmly added, "I never said it before. But actually, Hide's average score for this month is 9.6. It is the second-highest average score at national level. And please don't ask me how he achieved it, because it also confuses me."
"I see. It seems that Hide's IQ test in 6th grade, which scored 161 is not a mere gossip," Isamu Sensei said.
"Well, as now I have another golden boy, I'm no longer interested in punishing them," Maria Sensei blatantly said.
“I’m also losing interest to punish them as Hide and Takeo turn out didn’t neglect their study,” Watanabe Sensei calmly added, "Not to mention, the supervisor of Karate Club has informed us that Shizuka is doing solo training for next month's competition and begged us to understand, because the pressure from becoming two-times national champion in a row is not light.
While Takeo's Father comes and tells us that Takeo and Hide went to Hakaido to talk to their co-worker who came from abroad about their contract as a freelancer at a programming company.
And even if it's a bit strange that they all went to Hakaido at the same time, I know Takeo's father very well and he is a serious jerk who would not condone any irresponsibility, not to mention support it. So, I believe in him."
After slightly nodding Isamu Sensei proposed an idea, "Instead of usual punishment, can I include Shizuka and Hide in the outdoor competition in October? As for Takeo, we can assign him as library clerk for a week."
"I don't mind, but as far as I know Hide's physical capacity is low. So, are you sure about that?" Watanabe Sensei curiously asked.
"Actually, I believe Hide's physical potential is very high,” Isamu Sensei confidently explained, “After a few months of proper training, I'm sure he will become another triumph card for Hiking Club."
"In that case, I don't mind. However, if his academic achievement is dropping, then please cross him out from the outdoor competition," Watanabe Sensei pleaded in serious tone.
Isamu Sensei firmly nodded and replied, "Roger."
The three teacher then closed the meeting, and Isamu Sensei immediately rushed to counseling room where the three students awaited for their punishment.
---
In the counseling room, three students sat next to each other. Shizuka whose hair was disheveled while her face showed an expression of crushing defeat. Physics, math, and chemistry were her biggest nemesis. So, the test for those three was a bitter uphill battle for her.
Hide, who was busy copying a notebook belonging to a girl in his class. He had to bribe the girl with one pop cycle for every notebook, but he didn't mind.
And
Takeo who busy worked with his tablet. Since last night, he had tried to track down Takeshi Torumada but he got zero results because Takeshi's smartphone was not active. Then, a few minutes ago he tried his luck when he found Leader Torumada regularly visiting Kibo International Hospital. As a result, he found Takeshi's name was listed in the patient database.
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Takeo then started the conversation, "Hide, I found Takeshi Torumada. He was being treated at Kibou Hospital. He had a head injury a few days ago and still hasn't woken up until now. Member of the metro police are also always on guard in front of his room."
"What building?" Hide casually asked.
"Eastern Complex, VIP ward next to a big laboratory building. I will get the layout and enter the surveillance system tonight."
"I see." Hide sighed deeply while Otsu Shimamura's image filled his mind. "This hunting will become a little tricky."
"Why so?" Takeo asked with a puzzled face.
"There is a researcher in TDRC lab who recognized me. Her name is Otsu Shimamura and she always comes to the lab at night on an irregular schedule."
"I will tag her, so you can avoid her when you are there."
"Yup."
Shizuka, who had been silent for a while suddenly said, "Why do you talk about the hunt for Takeshi as if I’m not here?"
"You have left the club. Once you receive your money, we will separate our way for good," Hide casually said.
"Yup, you are out, bye-bye," Takeo flatly added.
"Damn Twig, it seems you don't feel any loss if I leave the club."
"Why should I? After you leave my share will become bigger."
"This cold bastard. . . " Shizuka slightly snorted before continuing, "I cancel it."
Hide immediately turned his eyes to Shizuka and said, "Sorry, but it's not that easy."
"What do you mean?" Shizuka asked with a sharp tone.
"After I eliminate Takeshi, a big and serious job is already waiting for us. So, no half-baked resolve this time."
Steel determination immediately filled Shizuka's eyes to the brim. "As long as we don't kill innocent people, I'm capable of doing almost anything."
"That's the problem. There is no guarantee that in the future we will not kill innocent people." Hide was silent for a moment before continuing, "Please, make your decision carefully. This time, there is no turning back no matter what circumstances you will face. You have time until tomorrow."
Takeo then added, "I also had to pass the same process after my first hunt."
"I see," Shizuka replied weakly.
At the same time, Isamu Sensei entered the counseling room and the three students rose to their feet in unison.
---
Fifteen years ago, the most prestigious outdoor competition for high school students in all of Nikko was born. The outdoor competition included hiking, rock climbing, slope racing, and cross country navigation. It was held every October on Hakka Plateau, Hakaido. Therefore, the competition was known as Hakka Outdoor Competition.
The main sponsor was Kirishima Family. They are a rich farmer family in Hakaido who was somehow not well known in Nikko. The Kirishima Family provided individual prizes of 60,000 Ren for the first place winner in each competition, followed by 30,000 Ren for the second place, and 15,000 Ren for the third place.
At last year's Hakka Outdoor Competition, Sayaka managed to lead Hiking Club to become the second winner in hiking and rock climbing.
Isamu Sensei gave the above explanation to Hide, Takeo, and Shizuka vigorously, without noticing the complicated emotions that appeared on their faces. Then, he delivered the punishment that the three had to bear.
"Takeo will become library clerk for a week, while Hide and Shizuka will join Hiking Club for this year's Hakka Outdoor Competition." After a wide grin, Isamu Sensei continued, "Hide, you had already promised me to help Hiking Club."
"I still remember it and will gladly do it," Hide calmly replied.
"I don't mind helping in the library," Takeo expressed his agreement.
"I need to ask Karate Club’s supervisor firs," Shizuka replied.
"Okay," still in a cheerful tone Isamu Sensei said, "Except for Shizuka, punishment for Hide and Takeo will take effect from Monday."
After slightly bowing to Isamu Sensei, the three then exited the counseling room.
---
Totsuka Tower, Fujimura Kato's Office, 17:16.
Kato cheerfully accepted two 1-kg gold bars that Hide handed. The two gold bars were produced by a well-known company from Kanadia, just like the five gold bars that Hide gave him a few days ago.
Kato then said, "If you don't mind, I will use the same rate as the previous gold bars."
Hide firmly replied, "I don't mind, and sorry for coming here after working hours end."
"Hide, every day I come home from here at nine at night, so don't worry about it."
"Thank you."
Kato smiled, nodded, and then said, "5.4 million Ren per gold bar, so the total value is 37.8 million Ren. How do you want to distribute it?"
"I'll withdraw 22.8 million in cash. As for the rest, please put it into my account and Aizawa's. I also want to take Takeo's debt note."
"Roger, and what reward do you want for your deposit this time?"
"Dining voucher in some mid-class restaurant."
"Only dining vouchers, without other vouchers such as shopping or gym membership?"
"Dinning voucher is more than enough."
"I'll take care of it right away, just wait a moment."
"Okay."
As Kato called his staff, Hide sipped his orange juice.
*****