In March, cherry blossoms in Tokyo were just about to bloom. During this season, the streets were filled with tourists from all over the world eager to enjoy the spectacle.
Schools across Japan were also preparing to open, and the start of the academic year was just around the corner.
Toru woke up shortly after five in the morning. He went out for a half-hour jog around his neighborhood.
After returning, he made a simple breakfast and ate while watching the news on his iPad.
His cheat only increased the upper limit of his physical potential. To fully utilize it required his own effort and discipline.
In other words, even with the enhanced capabilities, he still needed to train his body over the long term in order to push it beyond ordinary limits.
From this alone, it was clear that Toru was a highly self-disciplined person. He didn't simply rely on the system to boost his stats. The system wasn't that convenient.
Everything he had now, he earned through his own effort.
At six thirty, after showering and changing into casual clothes, Toru left home, got into his Panamera, and headed for Bunkyo Ward in Tokyo.
Today was the entrance ceremony for Tokyo University, and Toru needed to arrive early.
As the top scorer on the Tokyo University entrance exam, and with his agreement, he was to give the speech as the freshman representative during the opening ceremony.
Toru would never turn down a chance to stand out.
It wasn't that he needed to show off, but if he planned to enter politics, fame was essential.
Cabinet positions were decided through internal elections and deals, but in order to become a politician in the first place, one had to win votes in national elections. The more well-known you were, the easier it was to attract support.
So-called democracy was actually just an illusion. Not everyone could even qualify as a candidate, and when it came to adult voters, most just voted with their feet.
Especially in Japan, city council campaign slogans were often bizarre, turning elections into pure comedy.
When voters cast their ballots blindly, democracy didn't really exist. The whole process was just a performance.
Being the freshman representative of Tokyo University was already an overwhelming title. At the very least, it proved one's competence and status as a social elite. Toru would never let that kind of opportunity go to waste.
Just past seven, Toru arrived at Tokyo University's main campus. The short drive showed his current residence was only about five kilometers from the university.
As Japan's top university, Tokyo University's opening ceremony was an important event. The entire campus was decorated with banners and streamers. Many freshmen had arrived with their parents, proudly celebrating their child's acceptance.
Early in the morning, the university was already bustling. Students and parents smiled brightly, pride clear on their faces.
Even those admitted with the lowest scores were still among the best students in Japan. They hadn't guaranteed success yet, but they were only one step away from it.
In the President's office, Toru met with the university's president, who had been waiting since early morning.
"President Fujii."
"Ah, Fujiwara-kun. Come in, don't be shy. Please sit."
Fujii Teruo greeted him warmly and gestured for him to take a seat.
The President, in his early fifties, was thin with a long face and an intellectual air.
He had once been an engineering professor at Tokyo University.
"I read the speech you wrote. Some of the wording is sharp, but this is Tokyo University, the highest academic institution in Japan. Academic freedom is encouraged here."
"The speech will be delivered entirely in English. Is that okay for you?"
Fujii poured a glass of water. He didn't carry any bureaucratic airs and seemed very approachable.
"President, didn't you look at my resume? I studied in America starting my second year of high school. English is practically my first language. Of course, giving a speech in English won't be a problem."
Toru replied with a somewhat helpless tone.
President Fujii slapped his forehead and laughed. "Right, right, my mind's been a mess lately. I completely forgot."
"With your grades, I imagine you could've gotten into Harvard or Yale without issue. Why did you choose Tokyo University instead?"
Although Tokyo University was prestigious, compared to America's top universities, it was a step below.
"I plan to develop my career in Japan. Compared to studying in the US, Tokyo University is a better fit."
Toru didn't mind stating his intentions clearly.
President Fujii recalled some background information about Toru.
This boy was a descendant of the Fujiwara family. If he planned to establish himself in Japan, then attending Tokyo University made perfect sense.
The people you meet here would undoubtedly go on to become future elites in Japan's political and financial circles.
For example, graduates of the Faculty of Law often went into the National Police Agency. Those who made it in were practically guaranteed to become senior officials.
At the top levels of Japan's police force, it wasn't much different from an East University alumni reunion. Tokyo University practically dominated the system.
Commissioner Hakuba, Superintendent General Hattori Heizo, and others had all graduated from Tokyo University.
Without a degree from Tokyo University, getting promoted within the police force was nearly impossible.
"With your talent, Fujiwara-kun, you'll have no problem handling this entrance ceremony. Go get changed and come with me to the Auditorium shortly."
"Understood, President."
Toru agreed without hesitation.
He took out his cap and gown from his bag and changed in a small partition of the President's office.
President Fujii gave a thumbs-up and smiled. "Fujiwara-kun, with your looks, I don't know how many girls at Tokyo University will be chasing after you."
Toru replied, "I heard there aren't any beauties at Tokyo University."
The President coughed awkwardly and sighed. "There aren't many girls here, what can we do? Even if they qualify, most girls choose Waseda or Keio instead."
Girls from Tokyo University were practically regulars on matchmaking rejection lists.
Once people heard a woman graduated from Tokyo University, they'd assume she wasn't cut out for marriage or domestic life. With most men being insecure, it was hard for them to find good partners after graduation.
In Japan, these women were considered undesirable in the dating market and often had to focus entirely on their careers.
Likewise, the boys at Tokyo University weren't interested in dating girls from their own school. With such a small number of female students, there weren't many options to begin with.
Why not look for girlfriends at other universities instead?
Toru and the President chatted as they walked to the Auditorium.
Inside, the upperclassmen were busy preparing.
Hosting the entrance ceremony at a student level, especially for Tokyo University, was no small task.
It was also the best time for campus clubs to recruit new members, so the upperclassmen were eager to make an impression and expand their ranks.
"Haruno, look at that guy walking with the President. Is he the freshman representative?"
"Wow, he's really good-looking. Totally different from the bookworms we usually see."
An enthusiastic upperclassman tugged on the arm of a short-haired beauty beside her, pointing forward in excitement.
Yukinoshita Haruno followed her gaze. A perfect smile rested on her face, though internally, she wanted to say, Even if he's handsome, it's not your turn to chase him.
Unlike her sister with a slight chuunibyou complex, Haruno was socially savvy and understood people well.
Despite her inner complaints, she said with a bright voice, "Miyuki, such a handsome kohai. Want to go after him?"
She nudged her friend's shoulder playfully.
"Let's not. I don't think someone like him would be into me."
Miyuki hesitated for a moment, then backed off.
Haruno encouraged her. "How do you know unless you try? Besides, our Miyuki is super cute."
Flushed with joy from the compliment, Miyuki grinned widely. She wasn't stunning by general standards, but compared to most girls at Tokyo University, she was definitely one of the prettiest.
As expected, Haruno had a way with words.
"You're the goddess of Tokyo University, Haruno. Why don't you give it a shot?"
Miyuki quickly shifted focus, noticing Haruno's calm expression. She added,
"…That kohai will definitely be popular. And he's the freshman representative. If we can get him to join our Karate Club, it'll raise our club's profile too."
Seeing Haruno's thoughtful look, Miyuki clung to her arm and added, "Please? Just help me get a chance to meet him, Haruno. Please?"
Haruno, pressured by her friend's persistence, gave in.
She also felt Miyuki had a point. From a practical standpoint, this new student, who would surely become the center of attention, could be a major asset if recruited into their club.
"Alright. I'll do it. After the ceremony, I'll go talk to him."
Haruno was never one to hesitate when it came to taking action.
(To be continued.)
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