Chapter 25

Wearing a simple t-shirt, wrapped in one of my black track suits with three stripes—a style I stock a lot of in my wardrobe—I figured there was no point in wasting time choosing clothes.

"Masamune, are you sure? You can relax for a bit after all the busy years you've been through."

"Yeah, it's fine, Gramps."

"HAHAHA! Good, good! Now that's what a pro should do."

"Right. I'm off then."

"Be careful of the neighbor's dog!"

I open the door, wondering what kind of mad dog Grandpa was talking about.

My elementary school is close to our new apartment. It only takes me 15 minutes to walk there, and the walkability in Tokyo is better than in most other cities around the world, except it's confusing at first. But, there's no trash, slums, or homeless drug addicts on the streets.

Another thing: transferring to Japan is quite annoying. After all, I have to repeat a year. Schools in the UK run a year faster. They start in September and end in July, whereas here in Japan, school starts in April and ends in March. Education systems are so confusing.

Arriving at the school gate, I saw kids in casual clothes carrying bags as they entered. I followed the flow. With the memories I had, I found my way to the teachers' room in no time.

"Ah, you're Makabe Masamune, the transfer student from England, correct?"

"Yes."

I met a plain-looking guy with glasses, wearing a track suit. He was leaning back in his chair, seeming busy with paperwork scattered across his desk.

The man hummed. "You've been assigned to my class, Makabe. My name is Takeuchi Ao, your homeroom teacher," he introduced himself nonchalantly.

"Understood."

He nodded and stood up. "…Follow me."

As I followed this teacher. I've met a lot of people in my time, and he seemed like the typical guy who had lost his way and ended up as a teacher. With a single glance, I could already tell he didn't like his job.

Arriving on the second floor, Takeuchi entered the 6B classroom as I stopped at the entrance.

"Well, apparently... we have another transfer student," he said, glancing to his left as the room began to grow loud. "Come."

I nodded, but he stopped me.

"Change your shoes to uwabaki."

"Uwabaki?" I turned back and noticed the shoes like sandals lined up in the locker. "Right..."

I sighed. Why was I sighing? I did as he said. As I entered the classroom…

"Whoa!"

"Is he the transfer student?"

I stopped beside Takeuchi and turned to face my new classmates.

"Introduce yourself."

I exhaled. "Makabe Masamune."

With a simple and effective introduction, I saved myself a lot of energy by not socializing with these kids.

"That's it?"

"Boring."

"His face and style... not bad, I guess?"

"Are you nuts?"

The class began making comments as the teacher beside me sighed.

"Makabe, your seat will be next to Nishimiya. Alright, let's start the homeroom…"

I made my way to my seat. It was in the middle group, second from the last row. Sitting down, I placed my bag beside the desk—wait. This setup feels strangely nostalgic.

Schhh!

Hearing the screech of a chair from my right, I turned and saw a notebook open.

"Oh?"

I glanced over at the sender—my deskmate. She smiled at me, and I tilted my head in curiosity. She quickly flinched, grabbing the notebook and holding it up to cover her face. Slightly puzzled, I shifted my focus back to the notebook.

Hello. Nice to meet you.

My name is Nishimiya Shoko.

I'm deaf. I'll use this notebook to communicate. Please write here if you want to talk to me about something.

I'll be in your care.

Wait—hold on. I turned back to look at her. Bobbed pink hair, and her name... It all makes sense now! That's why this place feels so familiar! A sudden wave of sadness washed over me—poor girl. Does this mean I've been reborn into an anime world?! Is that why everyone here has such colorful hair and eyes?

I moved my right arm to wave and signed to her, {Hello. Likewise. My name is Makabe Masamune.}

She seemed surprised. Her eyes widened slightly, and I noticed they were a bit wet. She quickly replied, {You know... sign language?}

I nodded—

[Would you like to see your potential partner rating?]

No! What the hell, man? She's a kid. Chill out. But seriously, Ms. System is trying to hook me up right away, again.

Tap. Tap.

I turned my head back to Shoko, who looked at me worriedly, {Is something... wrong?}

{No, no. It's fine.}

She sighed in relief and smiled at me.