Our Teacher is a Yakuza Princess

Chapter 5

It was then that the nurse ran up to the table and told Yankumi that something had happened to Uchi. They all exchanged looks, then ran after her to the school office. Shin saw a familiar scene. Accusing teachers, a worried parent, and a sense of complete powerlessness emanating from the student in question.

They ignored the Head Teacher's minion's demand to leave, and could only watch from the sidelines. Yet this time was different. This time Yankumi was there. Shin knew how this normally played out, but waited, hoped, that this outcome would be different.

"He'll need a week off to recover," the Head Teacher said with loud disapproval. Shin had no idea who 'he' was, but he was sure the kid deserved it. Uchi didn't fight without a good reason.

"Uchiyama, what were you fighting about?" Yankumi inquired gently.

"If you can't give a reason, there's no way the fight is justifiable." Minion Washio gloated.

Not helping! Shin wanted to shout at him.

"Uchiyama, answer me!" Yankumi said with a hint of authority.

"Haruhiko!" His mother whispered, begging.

Shin knew exactly how Uchi felt. Everyone around him, saying his name in tones of anger, disapproval, disappointment. Retreating into a unresponsive shell would only last for a little while before there was an explosion.

"Other students received honors, but you ruined everything!" Head Teacher added the last straw. "Are you prepared to be punished?"

To Uchi's credit, his voice was clear and under control. "I'm quitting school."

Shin could almost feel the shock hit the guys in front of him and melt into him as well.

"I've thought about it before. Thank you for taking care of me." And with that, he rushed out, ignoring the cries from his mother, from Yankumi, and from his friends. While Yankumi and the guys headed to the bathroom to think and talk (why the bathroom?), Shin thought about what Uchi's next step would be. He thought about Uchi's mother passing out from overworking, and Uchi's anger at not being able to help. He remembered Uchi staring at the 'Help Wanted' sign in front of one the restaurants they went to.

Sure enough, he saw Uchi talking to the manager inside. Shin looked at the park across the way until Uchi came out.

"Shin." He was a little surprised, but not much. Shin was the first one any of them went to for help, and often made a habit of showing up to help without being asked.Good grief, it sounds like I'm Yankumi.

They walked for a bit in silence, until Shin asked, "You really going to quit?"

"Yeah. My mind's made up."

"Oh." Shin nodded. "You know, I always thought it didn't matter whether I went to school or not. But recently, for some reason, school's gotten interesting." He smiled a little as he realized how true that really was. "Ever since that weird new teacher showed up." Things have been different. It isn't students vs. teachers anymore. There's a bridge.

"Yankumi, huh?" Uchi said softly. Shin turned, as if to say, Is that her name?, then grinned and nodded. Uchi had noticed the difference too.

"Uchiyama!" Speak of the devil. Here's old bridge-maker herself.

"I heard about Teradamari bullying the puppy you were taking care of." Ah. Uchi would beat up someone for that, no question. "That's why you beat him up"

Uchi sighed, then walked away.

"Uchiyama, what you did was wrong, but that's no reason to quit school." She was walking quickly, in order to keep up with Uchi's long strides.