Tokyo University Auditorium. The opening ceremony for the new batch of students was underway.
As Japan's top university, longed for by countless students, even the entrance ceremony itself attracted national attention.
The auditorium was packed. Freshmen in their academic gowns, along with their parents, filled every seat.
Photographers hired by the university documented the entire ceremony. Some livestreamers, having received approval, were also broadcasting the event online.
"Hello everyone. I am Fujii Teruo, the President of Tokyo University. First of all, congratulations to all new students. Welcome to Tokyo University. Starting today, you are officially students of this institution..."
Fujii began his speech with a welcoming message.
At most schools, students dreaded listening to the principal's long-winded speeches. But here, things were different. This was Tokyo University—Japan's highest academic sanctuary. For many high school students, sitting in this auditorium and listening to the President speak was a lifelong dream.
So in contrast, every person in the hall, whether students or parents, sat upright and listened intently.
Especially the new students. Their faces were full of pride and confidence.
Several upperclassmen helping with the ceremony glanced at the incoming class and started grumbling.
"This is why I can't stand freshmen."
"Look at those chuunibyou expressions. Do they think they're invincible?"
"They'll realize soon enough that no matter how much admiration they once received, they're just average compared to the geniuses here."
"I've seen so many break down once they hit that wall. They start acting humble real quick."
A third-year senpai muttered, watching the proud, peacock-like new students with a smirk.
"Didn't we all go through this? Remember how full of ourselves we were when we first got here?"
Another senpai laughed.
"That's true... Hey, look over there. Isn't that Yukinoshita Haruno from the second year of the Faculty of Politics and International Studies? Why is the university goddess helping with the ceremony?"
"Goddess? Come on. Even if she's beautiful, would anyone actually want to date a girl from this school?"
That single remark shut all the guys up.
Tokyo University girls were notoriously hard to deal with. They lacked the traditional sweetness and demureness expected of women, and many lacked the "family-oriented" values that were still popular in conservative circles. They were seen as strong, opinionated, and impossible for most men to handle.
In the dating world, Tokyo University girls were considered terrifying.
Just then, one of the senpai muttered, "Isn't it just because you know you'd never have a chance with Haruno?"
Awkward silence followed.
Well, in the end, school didn't matter. If a girl was beautiful, that was what mattered most.
The real reason most guys weren't interested in girls at their own university was simple—too few beauties, and the ones that were pretty were way out of reach.
About ten minutes later, President Fujii wrapped up his speech. His pacing had been calm and measured.
After stepping back from the mic, he announced, "Now, please welcome this year's freshman representative, Fujiwara Toru, to the stage."
Applause echoed throughout the auditorium.
Wearing his academic gown, Toru stepped up onto the stage.
"Is that the freshman representative? Damn, that guy is way too good-looking."
"I heard he also ranked first on this year's entrance exam."
"For real? First place and that face? How are we supposed to compete?"
"Good thing I don't plan to date anyone here, or I'd be single all four years."
The male students groaned in defeat.
In stark contrast to how Tokyo University girls were often avoided, the male students here were practically marriage gold.
Many women across Japan hoped to marry a Tokyo University graduate.
As Toru stood behind the podium, people noticed he wasn't holding a script. Was he planning to give his speech off the cuff?
There was a ripple of surprise.
Improvised speeches weren't easy. It wasn't just about memory, but the ability to communicate clearly and with emotion. Even the President had used a prepared script.
Toru looked over the packed auditorium. These were Japan's future elites.
But to him, they were nothing. Not even worthy of being his stepping stones.
"This is an unfair world."
Toru placed both hands on the podium and said it clearly, without hesitation.
"You think that because you've made it to Tokyo University, you've become Japan's chosen ones. You believe that in this sacred hall, fairness exists and you'll compete on a level playing field."
"But you're wrong. Completely wrong. In fact, entering university, entering Tokyo University is the beginning of unfairness."
The auditorium fell into stunned silence. No one had expected such an opening from the student representative.
Curiosity filled the room. What was he going to say next?
Especially the parents. Their expressions lit up in interest. So this is Tokyo University. Even the speeches are this bold, not that same old 'congratulations and best wishes' fluff.
"Life is inherently unfair."
"Some are born male. Some are born female. And in this society, the treatment of men and women is drastically different."
"Men are expected to be strong. Women are assumed to be weak. When conflict arises, men are expected to yield."
"Is that fair? No. It's not."
"Why should men yield? If we're going to scream about equality, then those double standards should be abolished."
"Some are born with a silver spoon. Their fathers are executives. Their grandfathers are high-ranking officials. They had a Ferrari waiting for them the day they were born. Others? They'll never even touch a model car."
"Is that fair? It's not."
"And you..."
Toru's voice grew more impassioned. His hands moved as he spoke. His tone, gestures, and conviction stirred something deep within the audience.
"And you are beneficiaries of this same unfairness. You got into Tokyo University. You say you worked hard."
"Sure, you did. But there were others who worked just as hard—harder even—and they didn't make it."
"Why? Because maybe you were born smarter. Maybe your talents just happened to line up with academics. And those others? No matter how hard they tried, they just couldn't catch up."
"Is that fair? No. That's just dumb luck. And you got it."
Toru paused, pressing his palms flat against the podium. His sharp gaze swept across the auditorium. The room was so quiet, you could hear the breath of the person beside you.
"And here, you'll face even greater unfairness. Everyone is a Tokyo University student now. Everyone's wearing the same gown. No one's better on paper."
"But when you graduate, you'll learn something painful. Even if you have the best grades, even if you're the most capable, you'll lose the job to someone else."
"Why? Because their family runs the company. Because their uncle's a director. Because your excellence doesn't matter when you're up against nepotism."
"You will lose to unfairness."
"Can this unfair world be changed? Of course it can. If one day, I become the Prime Minister of Japan, I will make this world fairer."
"I will bring you fairness. Fairness. And f***ing fairness!"
"But until that day comes… Welcome to the 'Unfair World.'"
Toru turned without another word and walked off the stage.
The auditorium was silent. Then, a few seconds later, it exploded in thunderous applause.
Some people were stunned. Others clapped like mad. The whole venue erupted like a packed stadium.
The freshmen were unmoved. Still deluded by their chuunibyou mindset, they believed they would be the exception. That unfairness applied to others, not to them.
Most of the applause came from the parents. They knew better. They understood that while Tokyo University was a head start, there were still many who were born in Rome while others had to walk.
But what shocked people most were Toru's final words.
Running for Prime Minister? Was he serious? Or was this all just some edgy joke?
His speech hadn't sounded like something from a student at all. It felt more like the kickoff to a campaign rally. Some even started thinking of that infamous MAGA slogan from across the ocean.
Whatever the case, Toru's bold and unconventional speech had instantly burned his name into everyone's memory.
"In this age of entertainment and noise, if you want to be noticed, you have to break the mold. The same goes for elections."
"Why do politicians spend so much money on campaigns, TV ads, and street speeches? Because people don't think deeply. They vote for what's in front of them. They vote for fame."
Toru let out a quiet laugh to himself.
Not far away, Haruno watched him leave the stage, interest sparkling in her eyes.
"Haruno, what are you thinking about?"
Her friend, Miyuki, asked curiously.
"Nothing at all."
Haruno smiled and shook her head.
But in truth, she was thinking… If her little sister had been here, Yukino would definitely have scoffed.
That girl would've said, If this world is unfair, then it should be changed, not by voting for some guy like Fujiwara Toru.
"Hey, Haruno, you better hurry! Other clubs are probably going to try and snatch up Fujiwara-kun too."
Miyuki urged her.
"I know."
Haruno curled her lips into a perfect, elegant smile and walked forward confidently.
(To be continued.)