Chapter 1
Before I get started, allow me to introduce myself.
My name is Kyoshiro Kuhara. I'm an eighteen-year-old Japanese American. I'm six feet tall and I weigh 196 pounds.
From a young age, I was trained in intense athletic and academic disciplines by my father, Kyosaburo Kuhara, who has a background as a SEALs operative.
At the age of ten, I enrolled in the elite training program of White Falcon, a private military firm where my father was an executive. I excelled in both military exercises and academic assessments, achieving record-breaking scores that enabled me to complete my education by the age of twelve.
After I graduated, I became a special employee candidate at White Falcon. I was involved in security and logistical support on the ground, took part in crime prevention seminars, and formed strong bonds with the local community. I received several accolades at the company, including a gold medal in a violin competition, first place in a bantamweight mixed martial arts event, and an overall win in a logic puzzle challenge.
Afterward, I engaged in a range of international assignments that involved protecting VIPs, controlling riots, and dismantling criminal syndicates, ultimately earning the Excellent Employee Award.
During a mission in Venice to safeguard a young, widowed CEO last year, I unexpectedly fell into a fervent love affair with her. Ultimately, our connection was fleeting, lasting only a single night.
That’s basically the life story of me, Kyoshiro Kuhara.
Over the course of my eighteen years, my journey has been characterized by smooth experiences and, importantly, worthy of admiration.
While everyone thought I would inevitably follow my father's path, join the US Navy SEALs, and become a key figure in national defense. Instead, my life has taken an unexpected turn.
Kyoshiro Kuhara . . . How do you always manage to exceed our expectations so damn effortlessly?
This is where Gosaisei Private Academy comes in.
I, Kyoshiro Kuhara decided to enroll in a high school far across the Pacific Ocean, in Japan.
The academy is a haven for young prodigies blessed with talent and a relentless drive for pushing their limits beyond just courageous efforts.
Everyone, myself among them, thought that this school was tailored for a special individual like Kyoshiro Kuhara.
It was amid constant cheers of the crowd that the gifted Kyoshiro Kuhara strode through the school's hallowed gate made of brick and iron.
The days of youth pass in the blink of an eye. Or, as the adage suggests, time flies like an arrow.
Three months after enrollment, Kyoshiro Kuhara showcased his burgeoning talents without restraint . . .
Kyoshiro . . . Kyoshiro! Kyoshiro Kuhara! You are the worst underachiever in the history of this wonderful academy! Dozing off during my class, in this esteemed school? What on earth are you thinking, you fool?!
It was grim.
Awfully grim.
My head was slumped on the school desk.
From between my lips, parted like a wound, a thin line of drool trickled down.
Wake up, you worthless good-for-nothing! How many times must I remind you you'll get points deducted for sleeping in class?
A teacher's responsibility is to ensure that their students grasp the material fully . . . Isn’t that what you get paid for? It sure is a difficult profession to be in, huh?
As I yawned and lifted my head, there stood Professor Honma, his bald scalp reddening, glaring fiercely in my direction.
Even though he was quick to scold and kick students out of class, he was a good teacher who always ensured we showed up for the next class.
If only students like you would learn quicker, my job would be a bit easier.
You know, there's a more straightforward approach to reach that goal.
And what is that exactly?
Have you considered retiring? You're getting on in years, Professor. If you keep shouting like this, you might land yourself back in the hospital.
The professor's voice, pushed to the limits of his vocal chords, reverberated across five classrooms, and reaching roughly 120 students. Naturally, I was the only one who had the sense to cover my ears in time.
And once the yelling ended, I was, once again, the only one kicked out of the classroom.
At Gosaisei Private Academy, gifted youth found a nurturing environment that fostered growth in every way possible.
These so-called promises were the first thing one would see in the school's lengthy brochure.
The bold claims were backed by research institutions and profit-driven corporations located in Gosaisei City.
Over a thousand organizations invested in and offered their technology to recruit the future's brightest minds.
By attracting young talents from all over the globe and nurturing them to their fullest potential, the school aimed to produce geniuses capable of revolutionizing their fields. It was this daring ambition that brought the school to life.
The July sun hung high in the sky, and despite the air conditioning, the school building didn't feel particularly cool. I opted to walk in the shaded parts of the hallway.
As I headed towards the exit of the school building, I ran into two students in lab coats, their presence accentuated by the sticky brightness of the fluorescent lights. At that moment, I caught a sound of a tongue clicking from behind me.
Or rather, it would be more accurate to say they clicked their tongues loud enough for me to hear.
They probably knew that Kyoshiro Kuhara was a renowned underachiever and a slacker.
In this academy where diligence was revered, they looked down on Kyoshiro Kuhara, who frequently arrived late, left early, and failed to perform well in academic tests.
And that was fine by me.