Hurt each other!

　　After helping Mafuyu unload the materials in the cupboard, the two sat facing each other, awkwardly for a few seconds before Mafuyu spoke.

　　"There are two things I seek for you this time, the first is this."

　　She turned the document over, handed it to Shinichi, and gave a brief explanation.

　　"The multi-school talent exchange meeting is held once a year. Only students who have made outstanding achievements in a particular field can be recommended, and grades are limited to the 2nd year of high school. Shuchi'in Academy has three places, and I recommend you."

　　Shinichi glanced at the solid character at the information, then glanced at her.

　　"I just have outstanding academic achievements. In terms of overall quality, there should be better options than me."

　　Mafuyu said calmly.

　　"Last year's record, Shirogane Miyuki, Shinomiya Kaguya, and Fujiwara Chika participated. If they can go, of course you can too."

　　They?

　　Shinichi thought about it. Needless to say, Shirogane Miyuki had risen to the highest positions in the academy with his hard work and charisma, so he was naturally qualified to participate. Shinomiya Kaguya is a famous female genius, Fujiwara Chika also has a reputation for being a musical genius and fluency in multiple languages. Although the brain is strange, it still can't be underestimated.

　　Coupled with the bonus of being a member of the student council, it was only fitting that the three of them stand out and represent Shuchi'in Academy to participate in this Multi-School Talent Exchange Gathering.

　　"So... Sensei recommended me since I'm also a member of the student council?"

　　Since he thought that there was nothing to mention except his grades, Shinichi took a guess.

　　Mafuyu looked slightly displeased.

　　"The student council is certainly one point to add to, but it is not absolute. This school has many talents, so it pays more attention to comprehensive talent that can be compared outside the school, rather than just using outstanding talent as the evaluation standard."

　　"For example, ranking 1st in 2nd year. It talent is not only reflected it his academic achievements, but also in all aspects of excellence. This is off the list... I said it, and you know what I mean."

　　Shinichi nodded.

　　"Simply put, it doesn't matter if that person is talented or not, as long as it is above standard, whichever student pleases Sensei's eye, they should choose that student?"

Mafuyu glared at Shinichi who was slandering the teacher for five seconds with a scary look.

　　Then she closed her eyes, and maintained her usual calm demeanor.

　　"Of course. Anyway, I recommend you for this position in my hands. There will be an interview soon. Please prepare well."

　　"Can't I say no?"

　　Mafuyu opened her eyes and looked at him.

　　Their gazes met, confirming whose will was stronger.

　　After an unknown amount of time, Mafuyu spoke first.

　　"...This is an opportunity to learn, communicate with more different talents, broaden your horizons, and help you in the future."

　　Shinichi answered calmly.

　　"Even if I were to rank first, my level isn't up to a level that can represent a school to participate in this kind of exchange meeting. My only laudable strength is just studying, and I don't deny the fact that exchange meetings can bring me improvement."

　　"But for schools, the focus of the exchange meeting is on 'comparison' and 'honour', so it has to be offered by a higher education institution with the best grades and is worthy of talent pool like Shuchi'in Academy, only the first ranked can play."

　　"From this point of view, rather than recommending me, Furuhashi or Rizu..."

　　Mafuyu finally cut him off.

　　"You weren't as confident that day as you are now."

　　 Shinichi frowned slightly, and his tone became firmer, "The two are not comparable."

　　"Why not?" Mafuyu looked at him seriously, "You believe that you can lead them through my exam, why don't you believe that you are enough to represent the school to participate in the exchange meeting?"

　　"Where does your self-confidence come from? Why did you lose it? If you can't tell me clearly, this recommendation won't be left to anyone else."

　　Shinichi fell silent under her persuasive gaze.

　　After a while, he slowly lowered his posture, but he didn't intend to accept.

　　"...Even if I'm certain that I won't embarrass the school, that doesn't mean there aren't any better candidates than me."

　　"You don't need to worry about that. I let you go for the interview. It is up to you whether you are chosen or not."

　　Mafuyu spoke decisively.

　　"Regardless of whether you have to undergo an interview or whether you will relinquish these qualifications once the interview is successful, as a Sensei, I am only giving you an opportunity to showcase your talent. Besides, I have no right to interfere."

　　Shinichi's eyes widened slightly as if he heard something strange.

　　"My own talent...?"

　　Kirisu stared at her astonished expression, a faint smile helplessly appeared on that cold and serious face.

　　"Didn't you say it yourself? The only thing worthy of praise is studying."

　　"Since that's the case, let the people of the other schools see what kind of brilliance even these Sensei of Shuchi'in Academy possess 'study talent'."

　　Shinichi looked away, avoiding her trusting gaze, causing a change in his expression.

　　After a moment of hesitation, he finally sighed.

　　"Sensei still remembers what I said back then."

　　"I thought it was just a child's joke, but I didn't expect you to be able to practice it."

Mafuyu said word by word.

　　"The most important thing is the belief you reject, and the brilliant light it emits, I also want you to see it."

　　"I couldn't help but laugh at that time, I only felt that words and deeds were too weak, but when I thought of what you said before, 'persistence in learning, obsession with exploring the unknown, and stupid compulsion. On matters that outsiders don't understand, I'm willing to devote my entire life to this'..."

　　Shinichi suddenly interrupted her words.

　　"Oh, that's enough, please don't say anymore."

　　"?" Mafuyu tilted her head, looked at him covering his face and humiliated, "Weird. This is what you said yourself, why…"

　　Shinichi's face hidden under his palm trembled.

　　"'I've made up my mind a long time ago. Rather than let them hate me for my indolence in an unfortunate future, it's better to become the villain who destroys their foolish illusions now!'"

　　"!?"

　　Mafuyu felt that this sentence seemed a bit familiar...

　　Before she could react, Shinichi's next sentence actually came out with her voice.

　　"'I just knew that! Because... I'm like that too!'"

　　It was like playing back the conversation the two of them had that day on a tape recorder.

　　So, Mafuyu finally understood that Shinichi was retaliating with fire, and told her why he had such an embarrassing reaction!

　　"You ....."

　　Staring at her in disbelief, Mafuyu's lips trembled slightly, and red colored her beautiful and glamorous face. Shame appeared on her face.

　　Shinichi hid his expression under his palms, his ears were red but he was aggressive, and a familiar female voice came out.

　　"'For their own good, as Sensei... Me and ask you.'"

　　Mafuyu supported her blushing face.

　　"'If talent lets us unleash all our own possibilities, then I will show you the magic of hard work!'"

　　"'If you don't stop them before it's too late, then the culprit will be me as Sensei, do you understand this truth?'"