-3- Personally entrusted

As a school, Advanced Nurturing High School has a campus far larger than any other school.

Within the heavily guarded walls of the campus, there are not only teaching buildings, school facilities, gymnasiums, sports fields, and student dormitories but also entertainment and commercial facilities like karaoke, cinemas, coffee shops, and clothing stores. It resembles more of a small commercial district than just a school.

In fact, located in the heart of the metropolis, this school's campus is said to exceed 600,000 square meters, making it sufficient even as a shopping district.

Students dressed in red uniforms casually utilize these facilities, leaving the newly enrolled students curious and amazed. They have to suppress their excitement and, following the entrance guide, head to their respective classrooms.

However, Hori is an exception.

Upon entering the campus, Hori directly heads to a specific place.

"The Principal's Office..."

Hori looks at the doorplate, then shifts his gaze to a letter in his hand.

When students receive admission to Advanced Nurturing High School, they get an acceptance letter with an entrance guide to familiarize themselves with the new environment. In Hori's acceptance letter, along with the entrance guide, there is an additional letter.

The letter is an invitation.

It requests Hori to visit the Principal's Office immediately upon arrival at the campus.

Hori is certain.

"Among all the students, I'm probably the only one who received this unique invitation."

After saying this, Hori withdraws his gaze and knocks on the door.

Before long, a voice comes from inside.

"Please come in."

Upon hearing this, Hori doesn't hesitate, pushing open the door to the Principal's Office.

A spacious and luxurious office appears before Hori.

Inside this expansive and luxurious office, a person is sitting behind a desk, looking at Hori as he enters, revealing eyes filled with anticipation.

"Welcome to Advanced Nurturing High School, Mr. Nanaya."

The person greeting Hori is a middle-aged man with an extraordinary presence, approximately forty years old.

"I am the chairman of the board of directors of this school; you can call me Sakayanagi."

Introducing himself as Sakayanagi, the middle-aged man says.

"Chairman?" Hori raises an eyebrow, asking, "Isn't it the Principal?"

Hori thought he was going to meet the principal, not the chairman.

In private schools in this country, the chairman of the board of directors holds a position equivalent to the superintendent, ranking higher than the principal. In other words, the person appearing before Hori is the highest authority figure in this school.

This might not be a big deal in other schools, perhaps just indicating an illustrious background. However, it's different in Advanced Nurturing High School.

Because this school is a government-sponsored institution for nurturing talents.

Being appointed as the chairman here indicates that the person is highly positioned in the political arena of this country.

Perhaps a single statement from this person is enough to make headlines, and a decision could influence the country's policies.

"Someone like you, I suppose there's no need to specifically meet an ordinary student like me?"

Hori straightforwardly expresses this.

This statement makes Chairman Sakayanagi show a somewhat wry smile.

"If even you are considered an ordinary student, then there might be no ordinary students in this world."

Sakayanagi shifts to a kinder expression.

"Meeting you is just my personal desire, and I borrowed the Principal's Office temporarily."

Chairman Sakayanagi looks at Hori solemnly.

"I really want to see what a person recognized among that clan as an unprecedented perfect prodigy is like."

Chairman Sakayanagi's words are sincere.

Presumably, this should be true.

"The position of chairman is something I inherited from my father. It signifies nurturing useful talents and pillars for the country, the meaning, philosophy, and policy of this school. I've always held a welcoming attitude toward outstanding talents."

This is the reason Chairman Sakayanagi wanted to meet Hori.

"I believe that you are one of the few talents even throughout the history of this country," Chairman Sakayanagi says with a smile. "So, I couldn't resist the urge to meet you."

Upon hearing this, Hori falls into silence.

However, he doesn't find it surprising.

After all, Hori himself is well aware.

Given his circumstances, such attention is only natural.

As long as Hori carries the surname "Nanaya," no matter which country he goes to, he will attract the highest level of attention and consideration.

Of course, whether it's for good or bad reasons, it remains the same.

The Nanaya clan is such a presence.

"Additionally, I have been entrusted by your father to deliver something to you."

Chairman Sakayanagi suddenly changes the topic.

"He said, 'Don't forget what belongs to you.'"

With these words, Chairman Sakayanagi takes out a box.

It is a rectangular box slightly larger than a palm.

The box looks quite old, indicating its considerable age.

Hori gazes at the box, as if knowing what it contains, and comments, "That shouldn't be something a student is allowed to carry, right?"

In response to Hori's remark, Chairman Sakayanagi nods.

"Indeed, according to the school rules for ordinary students, carrying such things is not encouraged." Chairman Sakayanagi smiles and continues, "However, I believe you won't misuse this item. Besides, this is something personally entrusted to me by Mr. Kiri, so let's consider it an exception."

With that, Chairman Sakayanagi pushes the box forward, seemingly indicating for Hori to take it.

Hori closes his eyes, then, after a moment, approaches and takes the box as if exhaling the complex emotions within him.

"I've received it," Hori says calmly. "Well then, I'll take my leave."

Hori turns around, ready to leave the Principal's Office.

Just then...

"May I ask you a question?"

Chairman Sakayanagi's voice comes from behind.

This time, unlike the previous friendliness, the voice sounds both calm and deep.

The atmosphere around them suddenly changes.

However, this is unavoidable.

The upcoming question is of significant importance.

"Why did you choose to enroll in this school?"

Chairman Sakayanagi inquires.

"As far as I know, it seems like you made this decision unilaterally, even ignoring opposition within your family. I'm curious about the reasons behind your choice."

This question makes Hori pause in his steps.

His figure freezes in place.