Sakura Pavilion.
Walking under a gently swaying cherry tree, Shinichi used his finger to dig a hole that had been recently filled up.
He took out the tin box he buried with his own hands, opened it, and found that the graduation certificate, guard papers, and examination papers were all missing, leaving only a note at the bottom of the box.
"Really, they're going to take the exam, and even give me a prize..." Shinichi turned the note, and found two lines of words on the back that weren't there before.
"From now on, the three of us will happily study together!" ——Furuhashi Fumino.
"Even if I graduate from these seven days, Shinichi-san is still my teacher, please tell me more knowledge in the future. ——Ogata Rizu.
"...I didn't say that I would continue studying with you after this." He whispered, but a smile appeared on his face involuntarily.
Putting the note in his left breast pocket, he immediately sat down on the ground, leaned against a tree trunk, and closed his eyes lazily.
It's very warm.
It was not just the temperature of the wind, nor was it only the temperature that Furuhashi, Ogata, and Yotsuba pressed against the chest, like someone who kept saying "You are not alone" behind him, dispelling all troubles, bringing spring-like warmth.
On the path of learning, even if there were many people around, he would have to go alone in the end. At first, he thought so.
His knowledge is his, his experiences are his, and no one can share his loneliness and pain. He has seen such a tragic scene of death.
Only the word "study" could accompany him to the end and also deeply entangled in the soul of the other world, carrying on this persistence.
But people change.
And the speed of change is so fast that people can't react in time. When he regains consciousness, he is no longer alone, and suddenly someone is following behind him, and he can't let go.
Even if he relieved himself of the responsibility of teaching them, some things would not leave him with time. Even if he wanted to leave, those two people would tug at his clothes and ask him to stay, right?
Haha, what an arrogant idea.
But for now, let him be a cocky person for a while
"...Let's go back."
Showing a bright smile towards the night sky, Shinichi put his hands in his pockets, and walked casually towards the maze's exit.
...
Shinichi returned to the student guidance room.
Mafuty, who was leaning against the wall, raised her eyebrows slightly, and was about to say something.
Shinichi asked before her.
"Sensei, after I left, did you secretly say that I was cute?"
Mafuyu gave him a slight glare with her cold gaze.
"No, why should I say you're cute..."
"That's good." Shinichi smiled, and that smile made Mafuyu a little confused.
Did Shinichi find anything during the tens of minutes he was out? Why did she feel like he was relaxing.
And...
Shinichi returned to where he was leaning, and took out a book and started flipping through it casually and comfortably, despite the fact that Mafuyu was staring at him.
Putting aside the fact that she wasn't nervous at all anymore, what was with this casual attitude? Originally, Mafuyu wanted to say a few words to enlighten him, but now it seemed that she was worrying too much...
(However, it is also good.)
Mafuyu closed her eyes.
As a teacher, there's nothing more fulfilling than seeing a student thrive.
Whether it's Furuhashi, Ogata, or even Shinichi, they all let Mafuyu see the progress of this week's students.
Yes, they have worked hard, and it is precisely because of their hard work that their current appearance is so dazzling, and their confidence is so dazzling.
Mafuyu couldn't help but say something in her heart.
(You won this bet, Asada-san...)
Regardless of the talent ideas battle, or whether they can pass the quiz.
The "educator" who could lead them on that path from now on would be none other than him.