Episode 1: Misaki and self-introduction.
Spring, the season of encounters.
Although it is a very common saying for this season, but there’s definitely no better word to describe a child who’s about to enter elementary school than this.
South Kazaoka Elementary School. It is located on a hill near the forest and has over fifty years of history. The number of children there is small, only about one hundred fifty children all grades combined, so there’s only one class for each grade. 1
Inside the classroom after the opening ceremony. The new first grade students, who had just experienced their first time going to school in group and also their first ever opening ceremony, is already growing restless. Fourteen boys and eleven girls, twenty five students in total. Some of the children already knew each other since nursery school, but most of them don’t know anyone around them, probably because there’s a lot of elementary school in this neighborhood, and also because the commuting problem. That’s why even though they wanted to play around already but they just can’t, that’s the current situation.
As for Tosaki Yui, she’s already nervous, acting fidgety while looking at her sister-in-law’s back that’s sitting in front of her.
Because the seating order is based on alphabetical order, Tosaki Misaki ended up sitting in front of Tosaki Yui. Although Yui really wanted to talk with Misaki right now, but it’s difficult to do so because around her is really quiet, and also because Misaki is sitting majestically so much so that she doesn’t dare to talk to her. And the teacher is already in front of the blackboard in the first place, so raising her voice right now is probably not a good idea. Yui has no choice but be patience for now.
Thud. The hoomroom teacher who had just finished writing her name in large hiragana on the blackboard, turns around with a relaxed smile on her face.
“Nice to meet you everyone. I’m Okamoto Rei. Please call me Rei-sensei from now on.”
As for Okamoto Rei, she is a female teacher who was in charge of the last year’s class that has just graduated, and she’ll turn twenty nine this year. Since homeroom teacher at this school basically moved up a grade along with the class they taught, it means that she and the other twenty five children is going to spend the next six years together.
Six years ago, Okamoto was just a new teacher back then, and she was very nervous at her job. Because of that the children would always make fun of her, but now with six years of experience, she’s now more relaxed at her job and has a more dignified appearance than before.
For a while after gruduation ceremony, Okamoto has been feeling all worried about the children that has graduated because she can’t and hasn’t forget about them yet. However before the spring break is over she cut her hair short, coming here to the new class with refreshed feelings.
And of course, she has already remembered every child’s face and name during the spring break by staring at the name list all day long.
Alright, it’s time for the new first grade again!
Okamoto took a deep breath and said cheerfully.
“Then let’s call my name together everyone. One- two, Rei-senseiー”
……
“Ah, eh? Everyone doesn’t sound very cheerful thoughー?”
Okamoto looked at the children with bewildered look. Among the teachers, first graders are very well known as aliens who can’t understand human language.
If you treated the children as aliens in public place you’re going to get in trouble for sure, that’s why most new teachers often disagree what their senpai described the first graders as, but no matter how much you loved children, if you have to deal with a bunch of children who acts purely on their instinct alone, you’ll eventually get sick of it. And at last, understand why they said so.
However, right now the twenty five children in front of Okamoto were very quiet and obedient as if she’s teaching a high school students that has really high GPA.
……That’s good and all but, ehー?
She sweeped her eyes around the class. A lot of children here are sitting very obediently…… Ah, some of them are still nervous too, how cute. Eh, why is that kid holding a hand mirror? Awawawa, that kid over there has snot running out of the nose Ummmm, that kid there seemed to have a big attitude……
……This is no good Rei, calm yourself down. If the children looked down on you from the start, then there’ll be no peace in the future.
Okamoto told herself so while feeling a cold sweat running down her neck. She gripped the hand hidden behind her back tightly, before making the best smile she can and said.
“Seems like everyone is pretty nervous aren’t you. Ahahaha, then first let’s all introduce ourselves!”
……
“Let’s!!”
……
“Anyone who don’t want to introduce yourself please raise your handー!”
……
“Alright, looks like everyone want to introduce yourselves! Then first person is, Amagiri Hayato-kun!”
“Yes.”
Oh, he replied back!
She finally received a reaction from the children at last, and now Okamoto can breath a sigh of relief. The boy called Amagiri who has a slightly long hair stands up with his hands on the school bag on the desk.
“My name is Amagiri Hayato. I strived to be a worthy successor to my family’s swordmanship dojo, which is why I wanted to do my best in my studies. I am pleased to be everyone’s acquaintance.”
Clap clap clap, a sparse applause. Okamoto is so surprised that she almost open her mouth wide, but somehow managed to keep her dignity as a teacher going.
“Okay, thank you. So Hayato-kun, do you have anything you liked?”
“I do not have any favourites nor hated. But, if I had to say so…… then I’d say that I like someone that are alike to Anpanman.”
“……Okaーy, thank you very much. Then next, Itou Shizuru-san!”
“Yes!”
Ohー, what a cheerful reply.
This, this is what I wanted! thought Okamoto while leaning forward a little to keep a close look at this girl’s self introduction. The girl softly swayed her long hair that almost reaches the floor, then put her hands on her chest before speaking in a calm voice that is quite easy to understand for a child of her age.
“Itou Shizuru, I’m the big sister!” (Onee-chan)
So she’s a big sister huhー, I wonder how old is her little sister?
“That’s all!”
“Okay, thank you. I see, so Shizuru-chan is a big sister right.”
“Yes! Please call me Shizuru-nee from now on!”
“Ahhahaha. Is that what your little sister calls you?”
“That is, not yet……”
“Oh my, so is your little sister still a baby?”
“No, I’m the only child you know?”
……Hm?
“You’re the big sister, right?”
“Yes, I’m the big sister.”
……Eh, is this self-proclaimed?
“Uh, un, thank you. Nice to meet you.”
“Yes! Nice to meet you too!”
“Okay. Then the next person――”
One after another, the children continues to introduce themselves. As Okamoto listened to the children’s introduction, she was amazed and wondered at just how much the early childhood education has changed over these past six years. However, it was only the first two kids that gave off strong personalities, as for the rest of the children’s self introductions were in tolerable range, which gradually made Okamoto able to regained her composure.
“Okay, thank you. Then the next person, Tosaki Misaki-chan!”
“……Un.”
Oh my how cute, thought Okamoto. Neatly-groomed hair and round face, also big eyes. Her stature is small, about one head shorter than other children, and her small body movements to match it.
“Misaki. Nice meet, you.”
“Okaーy, nice to meet you too.”
Seeing Misaki politely bowed her head, Okamoto couldn’t stop herself from breaking into a smile.
So cute, this is too cute.
“Misaki-chan what is your favourite food?”
“Food?”
“Un, food.”
“……Cake.”
“I seeー, so it’s a cakeー”
……What’s with this girl, why is she this cute?
The appearance of this girl after many continuous strong personality kids’ self-introduction, looks like an angel to Okamoto’s eyes. That’s why she subconsciously tried to lengthen the talk for as long as possible. But as expected of a twenty nine years old, she was able to suppress her emotions with reasons.
“Thank you. Then next person, Tosaki Yui-chan.”
“Ye-, yes!”
Oh my, seems like this girl is really nervous isn’t she. Ummm, she and Misaki-chan are sisters right? If I remembered correctly, this girl is born in April, and Misaki-chan in February.
“To-, Tosaki Yui! Seven years old! My favourite food is, the beef and potatoes stew my mom made, and my least favourite food is tomato, but I’ll do my best to eat them! Nice to meet you!”
Ohー, as expected from the big sister, she’s very proper isn’t sheー
Okamoto applaused. Although she seemed nervous at first, but after she spoke up it seems to disappear completely. After she sat down on the chair, Yui have a satisfied look on her face.
After that is Nakamura, Nagura, and Nanasaki in order, and then the next girl who made Okamoto gulped in nervousness. As the next girl is the girl who never let go of her hand mirror, and Okamoto can already expected her strong self-introduction even before she started asking for it.
Okamoto’s smiling outside but her inside is extremely cautious, and then she called that girl’s name out.
“Nanamori Rumi-chan.”
“Yeーs☆”
After hearing her name called out, the girl placed her hand mirror on the desk, before standing up with lively movements. After that she stretched out her index and middle finger and place it above and below her eyes, winked once and swayed her long hair which was parted in two, before she starts speaking with high-spirited voice.
“Everyone’s idol, Rumirumi deーsu☆ Everyone’s very lucky to be here with meー☆ With Rumirumi’s charm everyone’s going to be head over heels for me♪ But, since Rumirumi is everyone’s idol, so you boys, please keep that in mind, rumimin☆”
……I felt like, as if time has just stopped.
Thought Okamoto. She sincerely regretted for misjudging her.
Her impact was much greater than what she initially anticipated.
And that kind of speech is really of old era.
However she herself, is a teacher.
If a teacher who is assigned to a young students class can’t even handle something of this degree, then what else can that person even hope to achieve.
“So cuteー, what kind of idol do you want to be in the future Rumi-chan?”
“Of course, it’s the kind of idol that can sing, dance and talk! My album is going to have a million sales without even needing to sale any handshake tickets along with it☆” 2
Her speech is of old era but her dream is in the present era!?
“Un, good luck okay, I’ll be rooting for you.”
“Thank youー! Everyone too, please support me okay☆”
After spinning at the spot once, Rumi sat down with very satisfied look.
Okamoto felt as if she just used up a yea’s worth of mental strength, but at the same time, she also felt strangely relieved because she felt like if she can overcome that, there’s nothing else she can’t overcome. with that in mind she continued the self-introduction.
“Okay, next is Homura Souma-kun.”
“……Umu.”
……Eh?
Okamoto blinked repeatedly. When she take a closer look, it was the boy who had been sitting there with his eyes closed and his arms crossed all the time since he took his seat. He leisurely stands up, and for some reason he then covers his face with his right hand.
“Homura Souma is my namesake. Six years of age, the enlightened one who knows the truth of this world. Mine intellect has already surpassed the such of compulsory education, but in order to escape the tracking of a certain organization, I have entrusted myself to this educational facility. My special ability would be that I can summon the great daemons lurking in the deep abyss below, unfortunately however with the lack of magical power in this mortal plane I could not summon them…… Fu, frightened aren’t you? But fret not. For I, wishes to have an intimate relationship with you all. Therefore, rest assured. That’s all.”
……
Okamoto is already frozen stiff while still having a smile on her face.
“So ummm, Souma-kun, do you have any favourite food?”
“Such a foolish question. I do not prefer any specific offerings. As in the end, everything will equally be turned into my flesh and blood.”
This-, surely an anime or something has influenced him a lot, no doubt about it.
Okamoto forced herself to believe so, then asks the next question.
“……What about the food you don’t like?”
“Bell peppers.” 3
“……I see.”
Okamoto can finally breath a sigh of relief at his childlike answer, unlike his previous unchildlike speech.
There’s definitely a revolutionary changes in the world of pre-school education in these past six years. And although I’m not informed about any of this, but still, these children are still my precious children. And even though some of them might be a bit extreme in personality, but surely that wasn’t a bad thing. As a teacher, what I should do is to lead each of their unique personality in a positive direction.
With renewed determination, Okamoto calls the name of the next kid.
It’s going to be an extraordinary six years for sure, she thought from the bottom of her heart.
Episode 1: Misaki and self-introduction.
Spring, the season of encounters.
Although it is a very common saying for this season, but there’s definitely no better word to describe a child who’s about to enter elementary school than this.
South Kazaoka Elementary School. It is located on a hill near the forest and has over fifty years of history. The number of children there is small, only about one hundred fifty children all grades combined, so there’s only one class for each grade. 1
Inside the classroom after the opening ceremony. The new first grade students, who had just experienced their first time going to school in group and also their first ever opening ceremony, is already growing restless. Fourteen boys and eleven girls, twenty five students in total. Some of the children already knew each other since nursery school, but most of them don’t know anyone around them, probably because there’s a lot of elementary school in this neighborhood, and also because the commuting problem. That’s why even though they wanted to play around already but they just can’t, that’s the current situation.
As for Tosaki Yui, she’s already nervous, acting fidgety while looking at her sister-in-law’s back that’s sitting in front of her.
Because the seating order is based on alphabetical order, Tosaki Misaki ended up sitting in front of Tosaki Yui. Although Yui really wanted to talk with Misaki right now, but it’s difficult to do so because around her is really quiet, and also because Misaki is sitting majestically so much so that she doesn’t dare to talk to her. And the teacher is already in front of the blackboard in the first place, so raising her voice right now is probably not a good idea. Yui has no choice but be patience for now.
Thud. The hoomroom teacher who had just finished writing her name in large hiragana on the blackboard, turns around with a relaxed smile on her face.
“Nice to meet you everyone. I’m Okamoto Rei. Please call me Rei-sensei from now on.”
As for Okamoto Rei, she is a female teacher who was in charge of the last year’s class that has just graduated, and she’ll turn twenty nine this year. Since homeroom teacher at this school basically moved up a grade along with the class they taught, it means that she and the other twenty five children is going to spend the next six years together.
Six years ago, Okamoto was just a new teacher back then, and she was very nervous at her job. Because of that the children would always make fun of her, but now with six years of experience, she’s now more relaxed at her job and has a more dignified appearance than before.
For a while after gruduation ceremony, Okamoto has been feeling all worried about the children that has graduated because she can’t and hasn’t forget about them yet. However before the spring break is over she cut her hair short, coming here to the new class with refreshed feelings.
And of course, she has already remembered every child’s face and name during the spring break by staring at the name list all day long.
Alright, it’s time for the new first grade again!
Okamoto took a deep breath and said cheerfully.
“Then let’s call my name together everyone. One- two, Rei-senseiー”
……
“Ah, eh? Everyone doesn’t sound very cheerful thoughー?”
Okamoto looked at the children with bewildered look. Among the teachers, first graders are very well known as aliens who can’t understand human language.
If you treated the children as aliens in public place you’re going to get in trouble for sure, that’s why most new teachers often disagree what their senpai described the first graders as, but no matter how much you loved children, if you have to deal with a bunch of children who acts purely on their instinct alone, you’ll eventually get sick of it. And at last, understand why they said so.
However, right now the twenty five children in front of Okamoto were very quiet and obedient as if she’s teaching a high school students that has really high GPA.
……That’s good and all but, ehー?
She sweeped her eyes around the class. A lot of children here are sitting very obediently…… Ah, some of them are still nervous too, how cute. Eh, why is that kid holding a hand mirror? Awawawa, that kid over there has snot running out of the nose Ummmm, that kid there seemed to have a big attitude……
……This is no good Rei, calm yourself down. If the children looked down on you from the start, then there’ll be no peace in the future.
Okamoto told herself so while feeling a cold sweat running down her neck. She gripped the hand hidden behind her back tightly, before making the best smile she can and said.
“Seems like everyone is pretty nervous aren’t you. Ahahaha, then first let’s all introduce ourselves!”
……
“Let’s!!”
……
“Anyone who don’t want to introduce yourself please raise your handー!”
……
“Alright, looks like everyone want to introduce yourselves! Then first person is, Amagiri Hayato-kun!”
“Yes.”
Oh, he replied back!
She finally received a reaction from the children at last, and now Okamoto can breath a sigh of relief. The boy called Amagiri who has a slightly long hair stands up with his hands on the school bag on the desk.
“My name is Amagiri Hayato. I strived to be a worthy successor to my family’s swordmanship dojo, which is why I wanted to do my best in my studies. I am pleased to be everyone’s acquaintance.”
Clap clap clap, a sparse applause. Okamoto is so surprised that she almost open her mouth wide, but somehow managed to keep her dignity as a teacher going.
“Okay, thank you. So Hayato-kun, do you have anything you liked?”
“I do not have any favourites nor hated. But, if I had to say so…… then I’d say that I like someone that are alike to Anpanman.”
“……Okaーy, thank you very much. Then next, Itou Shizuru-san!”
“Yes!”
Ohー, what a cheerful reply.
This, this is what I wanted! thought Okamoto while leaning forward a little to keep a close look at this girl’s self introduction. The girl softly swayed her long hair that almost reaches the floor, then put her hands on her chest before speaking in a calm voice that is quite easy to understand for a child of her age.
“Itou Shizuru, I’m the big sister!” (Onee-chan)
So she’s a big sister huhー, I wonder how old is her little sister?
“That’s all!”
“Okay, thank you. I see, so Shizuru-chan is a big sister right.”
“Yes! Please call me Shizuru-nee from now on!”
“Ahhahaha. Is that what your little sister calls you?”
“That is, not yet……”
“Oh my, so is your little sister still a baby?”
“No, I’m the only child you know?”
……Hm?
“You’re the big sister, right?”
“Yes, I’m the big sister.”
……Eh, is this self-proclaimed?
“Uh, un, thank you. Nice to meet you.”
“Yes! Nice to meet you too!”
“Okay. Then the next person――”
One after another, the children continues to introduce themselves. As Okamoto listened to the children’s introduction, she was amazed and wondered at just how much the early childhood education has changed over these past six years. However, it was only the first two kids that gave off strong personalities, as for the rest of the children’s self introductions were in tolerable range, which gradually made Okamoto able to regained her composure.
“Okay, thank you. Then the next person, Tosaki Misaki-chan!”
“……Un.”
Oh my how cute, thought Okamoto. Neatly-groomed hair and round face, also big eyes. Her stature is small, about one head shorter than other children, and her small body movements to match it.
“Misaki. Nice meet, you.”
“Okaーy, nice to meet you too.”
Seeing Misaki politely bowed her head, Okamoto couldn’t stop herself from breaking into a smile.
So cute, this is too cute.
“Misaki-chan what is your favourite food?”
“Food?”
“Un, food.”
“……Cake.”
“I seeー, so it’s a cakeー”
……What’s with this girl, why is she this cute?
The appearance of this girl after many continuous strong personality kids’ self-introduction, looks like an angel to Okamoto’s eyes. That’s why she subconsciously tried to lengthen the talk for as long as possible. But as expected of a twenty nine years old, she was able to suppress her emotions with reasons.
“Thank you. Then next person, Tosaki Yui-chan.”
“Ye-, yes!”
Oh my, seems like this girl is really nervous isn’t she. Ummm, she and Misaki-chan are sisters right? If I remembered correctly, this girl is born in April, and Misaki-chan in February.
“To-, Tosaki Yui! Seven years old! My favourite food is, the beef and potatoes stew my mom made, and my least favourite food is tomato, but I’ll do my best to eat them! Nice to meet you!”
Ohー, as expected from the big sister, she’s very proper isn’t sheー
Okamoto applaused. Although she seemed nervous at first, but after she spoke up it seems to disappear completely. After she sat down on the chair, Yui have a satisfied look on her face.
After that is Nakamura, Nagura, and Nanasaki in order, and then the next girl who made Okamoto gulped in nervousness. As the next girl is the girl who never let go of her hand mirror, and Okamoto can already expected her strong self-introduction even before she started asking for it.
Okamoto’s smiling outside but her inside is extremely cautious, and then she called that girl’s name out.
“Nanamori Rumi-chan.”
“Yeーs☆”
After hearing her name called out, the girl placed her hand mirror on the desk, before standing up with lively movements. After that she stretched out her index and middle finger and place it above and below her eyes, winked once and swayed her long hair which was parted in two, before she starts speaking with high-spirited voice.
“Everyone’s idol, Rumirumi deーsu☆ Everyone’s very lucky to be here with meー☆ With Rumirumi’s charm everyone’s going to be head over heels for me♪ But, since Rumirumi is everyone’s idol, so you boys, please keep that in mind, rumimin☆”
……I felt like, as if time has just stopped.
Thought Okamoto. She sincerely regretted for misjudging her.
Her impact was much greater than what she initially anticipated.
And that kind of speech is really of old era.
However she herself, is a teacher.
If a teacher who is assigned to a young students class can’t even handle something of this degree, then what else can that person even hope to achieve.
“So cuteー, what kind of idol do you want to be in the future Rumi-chan?”
“Of course, it’s the kind of idol that can sing, dance and talk! My album is going to have a million sales without even needing to sale any handshake tickets along with it☆” 2
Her speech is of old era but her dream is in the present era!?
“Un, good luck okay, I’ll be rooting for you.”
“Thank youー! Everyone too, please support me okay☆”
After spinning at the spot once, Rumi sat down with very satisfied look.
Okamoto felt as if she just used up a yea’s worth of mental strength, but at the same time, she also felt strangely relieved because she felt like if she can overcome that, there’s nothing else she can’t overcome. with that in mind she continued the self-introduction.
“Okay, next is Homura Souma-kun.”
“……Umu.”
……Eh?
Okamoto blinked repeatedly. When she take a closer look, it was the boy who had been sitting there with his eyes closed and his arms crossed all the time since he took his seat. He leisurely stands up, and for some reason he then covers his face with his right hand.
“Homura Souma is my namesake. Six years of age, the enlightened one who knows the truth of this world. Mine intellect has already surpassed the such of compulsory education, but in order to escape the tracking of a certain organization, I have entrusted myself to this educational facility. My special ability would be that I can summon the great daemons lurking in the deep abyss below, unfortunately however with the lack of magical power in this mortal plane I could not summon them…… Fu, frightened aren’t you? But fret not. For I, wishes to have an intimate relationship with you all. Therefore, rest assured. That’s all.”
……
Okamoto is already frozen stiff while still having a smile on her face.
“So ummm, Souma-kun, do you have any favourite food?”
“Such a foolish question. I do not prefer any specific offerings. As in the end, everything will equally be turned into my flesh and blood.”
This-, surely an anime or something has influenced him a lot, no doubt about it.
Okamoto forced herself to believe so, then asks the next question.
“……What about the food you don’t like?”
“Bell peppers.” 3
“……I see.”
Okamoto can finally breath a sigh of relief at his childlike answer, unlike his previous unchildlike speech.
There’s definitely a revolutionary changes in the world of pre-school education in these past six years. And although I’m not informed about any of this, but still, these children are still my precious children. And even though some of them might be a bit extreme in personality, but surely that wasn’t a bad thing. As a teacher, what I should do is to lead each of their unique personality in a positive direction.
With renewed determination, Okamoto calls the name of the next kid.
It’s going to be an extraordinary six years for sure, she thought from the bottom of her heart.
