Having finished her well-supported argument, Yukinoshita Yukino looked at Tanaka Masao and asked,
"What I said makes sense, right? What do you think, Tanaka-kun?"
In response, Tanaka Masao could only nod frantically.
"You're right. I defined things too hastily before. I should have gathered sufficient evidence and reasons before drawing a conclusion."
He really couldn't afford not to back down—if this kept going, he wasn't sure what Yukinoshita Yukino might do next.
Take a step back, and the world opens wide.
"Since you've realized your mistake, Tanaka-kun, you should be more careful next time."
Yukinoshita Yukino also let out a sigh of relief.
[By using sound logic and solid reasoning, I successfully persuaded him. I really am amazing.]
Perhaps because she was in a good mood, Yukinoshita Yukino unusually allowed Tanaka Masao to rest an extra ten minutes.
During the break, the two chatted idly.
"Tanaka-kun, midterm exams are coming up. How's your preparation?"
"Midterms?"
Tanaka Masao froze for a moment.
School had started in April. He had transmigrated during Golden Week in early May, and now it was already mid-May.
Without realizing it, he had been in this world for half a month.
Here, the school year started in April, with a one-month summer break in August.
Midterms were held right at the end of May.
Seeing the blank look on Tanaka Masao's face, Yukinoshita Yukino immediately knew he wasn't aware of this.
"Sōbu High is very strict about academics."
"If you fail an exam, you have to take a retest. If you fail the retest, you'll be prohibited from participating in club activities, and you'll have to stay after school, on weekends, and even during summer vacation for remedial lessons."
"And if you fail too many times, you might even have to repeat a year."
"Huh? It's that serious?"
Tanaka Masao was genuinely shocked. This was completely different from his previous life.
Back then, only the final exam mattered. How you performed along the way didn't affect anything.
There was no such thing as forced retention either—repeating a year only happened if you couldn't keep up and applied for it yourself.
"Of course."
Yukinoshita Yukino sighed, feeling helpless at Tanaka Masao's lack of concern.
"If you don't mind me asking… how were your entrance exam results, Tanaka-kun?"
"Th-this… well…"
Tanaka Masao's gaze darted away, his voice dropping.
"I think my ranking was… 191."
"191…"
Yukinoshita Yukino thought for a moment.
"If I remember correctly, there are only about 191 students in our year, right?"
"That seems to be the case…"
At this moment, the top-ranked student and the bottom-ranked student were gathered together in this tiny Service Club room.
After a brief silence, Yukinoshita Yukino asked,
"Tanaka-kun, how has your recent study routine been? How much time do you spend studying after you get home each day?"
"My study routine?"
Tanaka Masao thought about it.
"During first and second period, I'm usually really tired from morning training, so I tend to doze off.
Third and fourth period are okay, though I sometimes get hungry.
In the afternoon… it's warm and cozy, perfect for sleeping.
When I get home in the evening, I do homework for about thirty minutes, then check my phone, play on the computer a bit, and go to sleep."
After hearing about Tanaka Masao's daily routine,
Yukinoshita Yukino completely gave up on expecting anything from his grades.
"Let's slow down the weight loss plan for now. Tanaka-kun, you should first find a way to improve your grades and at least make sure you can pass your exams."
"Otherwise, if you end up having to attend remedial lessons later, you won't even have time to lose weight."
"Alright."
Tanaka Masao nodded in agreement.
Honestly, he didn't really care about grades at all.
But he definitely didn't want remedial lessons—especially not on weekends or during summer vacation.
Seeing that Tanaka Masao agreed, Yukinoshita Yukino continued,
"Improving your grades also helps ensure that you can focus on losing weight later, so this can be considered part of the request."
"From now on, we'll reduce your morning run from one hour to thirty minutes. The remaining time will be for rest, so you can stay alert during morning classes."
"After school, training will be canceled and replaced with make-up lessons. I'll design a reasonable review plan based on your situation and try to get you to a passing level."
She was very clear about Tanaka Masao's positioning.
He didn't need high scores—just passing was enough.
And that goal was extremely easy to achieve.
Most of the exam content was very basic; as long as he could secure those points, it would be sufficient.
"Okay, then I'll be in your care, Yukinoshita-san."
Tanaka Masao was actually quite confident in himself.
He believed that with his intelligence and his abundant exam experience from his previous life, a mere midterm exam would be a piece of cake.
He had already trained for half an hour that afternoon.
Yukinoshita Yukino didn't make Tanaka Masao continue.
She needed to go back and to compile the exam material, come up with some questions, and test Tanaka Masao's level so she could create a review plan for him.
The two left school together. When they parted ways, Yukinoshita Yukino reminded Tanaka Masao to review properly that night.
...
Tanaka Masao got home unusually early.
And for once, he wasn't completely exhausted—his condition was actually pretty good.
As for the studying Yukinoshita Yukino had told him to do,
Tanaka Masao figured there was still plenty of time. Playing for a bit before studying wouldn't hurt.
He pulled out a manga and started reading it with great interest.
From time to time, he burst into laughter at the comedic scenes.
Before long, the front door opened.
"I'm back."
It was Jahy's familiar voice.
Watching Jahy dash to the fridge, grab a drink, and start gulping it down, Tanaka Masao, who was lying on the couch, sat up and asked,
"So, how was your first day of school?"
Jahy walked over with her juice, saying proudly,
"It wasn't bad at all. Everyone in the class has already submitted to my majesty's authority."
"I even found a few qualified subordinates."
Jahy was naturally very outgoing, not shy around strangers at all, and she exuded confidence, so she quickly blended in with others.
On top of that, children tended to be simple-minded and admired capable people.
With just a little effort, Jahy gained several friends.
Watching Jahy excitedly talk about everything she had seen and experienced that day, Tanaka Masao remarked,
"Looks like you've completely integrate the human world already."
"That's right, that's right. I've completely integrate the human world…"
As she spoke, Jahy's voice gradually grew quieter, and the excitement on her face slowly faded.
"N-no, wait. Why did I integrate the human world so quickly? My goal is to rebuild the Demon Realm!"
A week of comfortable, carefree living had almost made her forget her mission.
"The human world is terrifying. Without realizing it, one falls into corruption and loses their resolve."
"I can't keep indulging in this. Starting tomorrow, I'll search for magic stones and rebuild the Demon Realm as soon as possible. I must leave this place."
Seeing Jahy suddenly regain her ambition, Tanaka Masao wasn't surprised at all.
"I've heard that speech who knows how many times. And every time, it only takes one meal before your resolve is completely gone."
Jahy bristled like a cat whose tail had been stepped on.
"What did you say? Are you looking down on me?"
"This time I'm serious. Tomorrow—tomorrow morning, I'll head out early to search for magic stones!"
Seeing the determination in Jahy's eyes, Tanaka Masao asked,
"Then what about school? Are you planning to skip classes?"
"Skip class…"
"…Never mind. Let's wait until the weekend."
The great Jahy was once again stopped in her tracks by schoolwork.