Kamiyā Yuu's attitude wasn't particularly friendly. From the very beginning, his goal had never been to make Kamiyā Sora permanently drop out of school. He intended to arrange an extended leave of absence for her.
If he had stated that from the start, it would inevitably have led to a lengthy argument. He wanted the school to understand his determination to stop Kamiyā Sora from continuing her studies for the time being, while also allowing himself to relax those restrictions slightly under the school's insistence and ultimately achieve his true objective.
Smiling faintly, Kamiyā Yuu said unhurriedly,
"Thank you, Chairwoman Maezono, for being so responsible. It's clear how seriously your school treats its students. However, if something were to happen to my sister, no amount of responsibility assumed by the school would help me. I understand your reasons for insisting that she continue attending school, and I also hope to give her high school life a proper conclusion."
"Then, Mr. Kamiyā, you shouldn't come to such a decisive conclusion. A hasty judgment will only have a major impact on Kamiyā's future."
Homeroom teacher Furukawa Ōhira raised his brows and spoke in a reproving tone.
Faced with a tone more suitable for scolding a student, Kamiyā Yuu was momentarily stunned. Then he shook his head with an amused smile.
"As far as I know, my sister doesn't have any friends at school. That's probably the most important reason I'm insisting on this."
"Friends are important, but once she enters university, she'll have plenty of opportunities to make good friends. Especially at a top university like the University of Tokyo, where she'll come into contact with the future elites of society."
Chairwoman Maezono leaned back in her office chair and smiled calmly. Beneath her frost-white hair, her eyes remained remarkably sharp despite her age.
Kamiyā Yuu immediately shook his head.
"My greatest wish is for her to make friends during high school. Of course, I'm not saying it's the school's responsibility that she hasn't made any. I understand her personality quite well. I'm merely stating an important reason why she no longer needs to remain here. As for universities like the University of Tokyo, I never intended to let her waste her time in a place like that anyway."
"Mr. Kamiyā, what exactly do you mean by—"
Furukawa Ōhira was about to question him in dissatisfaction when Chairwoman Maezono raised a hand to stop him.
The University of Tokyo was the dream of virtually every high school student and teacher. Producing even a single student admitted was a source of immense pride for a teacher. It was much like teachers in China constantly emphasizing Tsinghua University and Peking University.
Chairwoman Maezono sighed.
"If those words are coming from you, Mr. Kamiyā, then they aren't entirely unreasonable. Even among all University of Tokyo graduates, very few could surpass your achievements. Still, Kamiyā is a student of our school. I hope you'll consider all factors and think about this more carefully."
It wasn't that there were no University of Tokyo graduates wealthier than Kamiyā Yuu. However, in terms of worldwide reputation, there wasn't a single animation director in Japan who could compare to him. The mountain of awards swept up by the film adaptation of 'RWBY' throughout Europe and America was enough to elevate Kamiyā Yuu to godlike status among animation directors.
Furukawa Ōhira looked at Kamiyā Yuu with surprise, unable to understand what the chairwoman meant. Had this young man, in his early twenties, really achieved more than many University of Tokyo graduates?
Seeing that the time was right, Kamiyā Yuu stopped dragging the conversation out. After pretending to consider it for a moment, he proposed:
"How about this? During the national standardized exams and other major examinations held by the school, I'll have my sister return to take the tests. She has already mastered most of the knowledge taught in Japanese high schools and even universities. Remaining in school won't allow her to learn much more. At the same time, I can guarantee her grades won't decline significantly. This would allow her high school life to conclude properly while also ensuring her health isn't compromised. What do you think, Chairwoman Maezono?"
Furukawa Ōhira frowned deeply, looking as though he wanted to object but ultimately remained silent, waiting for the chairwoman's response.
Chairwoman Maezono also found it difficult to continue pressuring Kamiyā Yuu. Though he was young, he had more than enough capital and resources. He could easily provide Kamiyā Sora with a better path forward. This compromise was effectively a win-win solution.
Gently rubbing the glasses in her hand, she sighed.
"Since you're so determined, Mr. Kamiyā, the school cannot continue forcing the issue. The national standardized exam is, after all, a turning point in life. Many people undergo new changes, make new choices, and discover new opportunities because of it. From what you've said, Kamiyā truly does not need to remain in school. I'll arrange a long-term medical leave for her and won't concern myself with attendance requirements. As long as she returns to our school to take the national standardized exams, that will be sufficient."
...
After leaving the chairwoman's office, homeroom teacher Furukawa Ōhira led Kamiyā Yuu to Kamiyā Sora's classroom.
He still needed to collect the belongings she had left there.
"Ahem, everyone, quiet down! This is Mr. Kamiyā Yuu, Kamiyā's older brother. Due to health reasons, Kamiyā will likely not be attending school for most of the remaining term."
After entering the classroom, Furukawa Ōhira first introduced Kamiyā Yuu and then briefly explained the situation.
Standing at the podium, Kamiyā Yuu smiled and said,
"My sister has caused everyone some trouble during this period. Because of her health, she plans to recuperate at home for an extended time. It's not a serious illness, so there's no need for everyone to worry excessively."
Whispers immediately spread through the classroom.
Some discussed how different Kamiyā Yuu looked compared to Kamiyā Sora. Others speculated about her health issues. More of them were curious about Kamiyā Yuu himself.
As Kamiyā Sora's brother and a public figure, his achievements had circulated widely throughout the class. Several boys who loved 'RWBY,' 'Magical Girl Nanoha,' and 'Puella Magi Madoka Magica' were practically fidgeting in excitement, unable to sit still.
Kamiyā Yuu gave a slight bow before walking over to Kamiyā Sora's desk to pack her things.
Just then, he felt someone tug at his suit jacket.
Without even turning around, he saw a delicate-looking boy quietly extending a sheet of paper and a pen toward him.
In a low voice, the boy said,
"Director Kamiyā, I really love the animations you've produced and have admired you for a long time. Could I have your autograph?"
Kamiyā Yuu was slightly surprised. He hadn't expected anyone here to recognize him.
Taking the pen, he casually signed his name and shook his head with a smile.
"I'm just an animation director, not some celebrity."
"Compared to those entertainers, I think your talent deserves far more respect."
Andō Shū's sincere admiration made even Kamiyā Yuu feel a little embarrassed.
However, the moment the signature was finished, Andō Shū immediately received pleas from several boys who shared the same interests.
"Andō! Andō! Get one for us too!"
With Furukawa Ōhira glaring nearby, none of them dared act too openly.
Turning around, Andō Shū whispered disdainfully,
"Weren't you all saying you didn't like Director Kamiyā's works? What's with asking for autographs now?"
"But this is the real person! And the recent developments in 'Puella Magi Madoka Magica' have gotten us interested too! Andō, please! The restaurant by the station—order anything you want!"
"Oh~?"
Andō Shū raised an eyebrow, clearly tempted but still pretending to hesitate.
"We'll throw in dessert afterward, too, Andō! Don't get too carried away!"
The students farther away exchanged looks and made threatening gestures through gritted teeth.
"Hah~!?"
Andō Shū wasn't intimidated at all.
The dessert alone had nearly convinced him already. Upon hearing that, he simply smiled and held up two fingers, indicating that one meal wouldn't be enough.
The boys farther away immediately wailed.
"Fine! Fine! We were the ones being arrogant! Lord Andō! We'll agree to whatever you want!"
After this round of quiet bargaining, Andō Shū finally turned back to Kamiyā Yuu and said somewhat embarrassedly,
"Mr. Kamiyā, could you give me three more... no, four more autographs? Quite a few classmates are devoted fans of your works. Also, my older sister has recently become completely obsessed with your latest project, 'Puella Magi Madoka Magica.' I even recommended the entire 'RWBY' series to her!"
"Thank you for your support. I never expected my signature to be worth a full meal. If only I could pay for things with autographs in the future."
Kamiyā Yuu chuckled teasingly.
He had seen all of Andō Shū's little dealings and felt no dislike toward him. If anything, it made him think this sort of high school life seemed rather enjoyable.
Holding the pen, his right hand moved swiftly and smoothly.
The rapid strokes were so fast that Andō Shū almost felt dazzled.
In less than twenty seconds, a simple sketch of Homura Akemi from 'Puella Magi Madoka Magica' had appeared on the sheet of paper.
"What's your name?"
"Ah—ah... Andō. Andō Shū."
"This autograph is for you. Personally, I think a signature by itself is a bit too plain. Besides, I don't want to keep disrupting your class."
Smiling, Kamiyā Yuu handed him the special autograph.
Andō Shū's eyes immediately lit up.
The drawing depicted Homura Akemi standing in the wind, her long hair flowing behind her.
Although it had taken less than twenty seconds to draw, it felt superior to works that many artists spent hours creating. It was simple and refined while perfectly capturing the character's charm.
What impressed Andō Shū most was Homura's gaze.
With only a few shadows and lines, Kamiyā Yuu had conveyed the conflict and vulnerability hidden deep within her heart.
"Thank you very much! I'll treasure it forever!"
His excitement made Andō Shū forget he was still in class.
He stood up and gave Kamiyā Yuu a deep bow.
The action instantly attracted the attention of everyone in the classroom.
...
After collecting everything Kamiyā Sora had left at school, Kamiyā Yuu returned to the apartment where they had previously lived.
He had already hired a moving company to transport all the necessary personal belongings to the new apartment. What remained here were mostly old pieces of furniture.
Kamiyā Yuu wasn't the sentimental type.
Rather than clinging to old objects and making do with them for the sake of nostalgia, he'd rather use better things and create better memories.
After confirming there was nothing important left behind, cleaning out the food from the refrigerator, and returning the furniture to proper positions, he spent over an hour making sure nothing had been overlooked before finally closing the apartment door with satisfaction.
Although he had barely interacted with the other residents, he still prepared some daily necessities as farewell gifts before moving away.
For neighbors who weren't home, he entrusted the gifts to nearby residents for safekeeping.
Japan had a rather strange phenomenon compared to China—
The wealthy lived in apartments, while the poor lived in detached houses.
This largely stemmed from differences in land systems and housing concepts.
Japanese people believed that once one left the central urban areas, detached houses were everywhere. As a result, owning one wasn't particularly remarkable. Furthermore, detached houses required substantial annual land taxes.
Of course, the truly rich ignored such concerns.
For example, the place where Uehara Etsuki lived was a massive detached residence within Tokyo itself, typically valued at over a billion dollars and practically impossible to buy regardless of price.
In most Japanese anime, films, and television works, protagonists living in less prosperous areas usually reside in detached houses. If the story took place in a bustling metropolitan district, they generally lived in apartments.
Kamiyā Yuu had originally intended to buy a detached urban residence as well. Unfortunately, such properties in Tokyo were exceedingly rare unless located in declining districts. Most had long since been purchased, and the remaining ones were astronomically expensive.
Left with little choice, he settled for a luxury apartment.
After driving back to the new residence, Kamiyā Yuu visited his neighbors and presented them with bottles of premium wine.
People who could afford luxury apartments in central Tokyo were generally individuals of status. Giving daily necessities as gifts would have seemed rather cheap.
After exchanging a few polite words with them, he returned to his apartment and began organizing the items that had been moved over.
First came a large pile of clothes, which he carried into the bedroom.
As expected, Kamiyā Sora was still sleeping while hugging the gray-black rabbit plush he had given her.
She wore a pure white slip nightgown. Portions of her jade-like skin were exposed, soft and inviting like delicate pudding.
Her peaceful sleeping face was more flawless and exquisite than any expensive doll, radiating a beauty that seemed untouchable.
The sleeping princess sensed movement in the room.
She drowsily opened her eyes and saw Kamiyā Yuu arranging clothes in front of the wardrobe.
The cold, detached look she often had upon waking gradually regained some life.
Hugging the rabbit plush, she stretched lazily and sweetly before saying in a gentle voice,
"Good morning, Yuu."
"It's not morning anymore. Lunch will be ready in about an hour. Go wash up first."
Kamiyā Yuu answered casually.
After finishing one box of clothes, he returned to the living room and brought in another.
Most of the clothes inside belonged to Kamiyā Sora. Spread out, they could easily fill two large wardrobes.
Most were Gothic-style dresses.
A smaller portion consisted of high-end custom outfits specially ordered online according to Kamiyā Yuu's tastes—cheongsams, business uniforms tailored to suit Sora's figure, classical maid outfits, and yukatas blending Gothic and traditional Japanese styles.
"Mm."
Kamiyā Sora slowly sat up in bed.
Watching him hang each garment neatly in the wardrobe, she eventually climbed down from the bed and pointed toward an ordinary outfit.
"Yuu, that one. Bring it over."
The garment in Kamiyā Yuu's hand was a simple white Gothic dress, one of the styles she wore most often.
After thinking for a moment, he still placed it inside the wardrobe and instead pulled out a black business suit for comparison.
"Today is your first official day working at the company. How about something a bit more formal?"
"That's fine."