The Other Ayanokoji

Chapter 102

The history class was droning on and on, as usual. I sat at my desk, my head resting in my hand, eyes half-closed. I was bored out of my mind.

Chabashira-sensei walked to the back of the class, right to my desk.

"Ayanokoji-san, can you please tell me the significance of the Meiji Restoration?"

I sighed and stood up, giving a stretch. I glared at Chabashira-sensei but begrudgingly answered.

"The Meiji Restoration was the restoration of imperial rule in Japan in 1868," I said without hesitation. "It marked the end of the Tokugawa shogunate and the beginning of the Meiji period, which was a time of rapid modernization and industrialization for Japan."

Chabashira-sensei raised an eyebrow. "Very good," she said. "But can you tell me more about the specific events that led to the Meiji Restoration?"

"The Meiji Restoration was the result of all sorts of things,  such as the rise of the samurai class, the decline of the Tokugawa shogunate, and the influence of Western powers."

Chabashira-sensei nodded. "Good," she said. "And what were some of the key reforms that were implemented during the Meiji period?"

I continued to answer Chabashira-sensei's questions, even though I was still half asleep.

After a few minutes, Chabashira-sensei stopped questioning me.

She turned to the class and said, "Ayanokojii-san has demonstrated a very impressive knowledge of Japanese history. I hope that you will all take her as an example."

I shrugged. "Putting effort in has never been my thing," I said. "But I guess I know my stuff when I need to."

Chabashira-sensei just shook her head.

I immediately slumped back into my chair and closed my eyes, going back to sleep.

Finally the bell of the day rang, and students began to file out of the classroom. I remained seated at my desk, my head resting on my arms.

Chabashira-sensei walked over to my desk and tapped me on the shoulder. "Ayanokoji-san," she said. "Class is over."

I opened my eyes and yawned. "Oh. Right."

I stood up and stretched. "I don't know what it is about this class that makes me so sleepy," I said. "But I'm always half asleep by the end of it."

Chabashira-sensei narrowed her eyes. "I think I know why," she said. "You're not putting in enough effort."

I shrugged. "Putting in effort has never been my thing," I said. "But I still manage to pass your class, so I don't see the problem."

Chabashira-sensei sighed. "Ayanokoji-san," she said. "You're a very talented student. You have the potential to be one of the best students in this school. But you're wasting your potential by being lazy."

I shrugged again. "I'm not wasting anything," I said. "I'm just living my life the way I want to live it."

Chabashira-sensei's anger flared. "Ayanokoji-san!" she shouted. "You're being ridiculous! You need to start putting in more effort, or you're going to regret it!"

I looked at Chabashira-sensei coldly. "I'm not afraid of regret, unlike you," I said. "And I'm not going to change my ways just because you tell me to."

Chabashira-sensei was about to say something else, but I interrupted her.

"Well, if that's all," I said. "I'm going to go now."

I turned and walked away, leaving Chabashira-sensei standing there alone.

Chabashira-sensei watched me go, her face flushed with anger. I teleported but before I disappeared, I saw Chabashira-sensei stare at the sight. Uh oh.