The Kaijou Affairs

Encounter IV: Blackmail

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Encounter IV: Blackmail

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A sheet of paper abruptly enters into my field of vision, snapping me out of my state of trance. I stare down at it, noticing the red markings all over it. At the top right corner is a single digit grade and at the top left corner is my name. I take my test paper from Takeuchi-sensei, staring at it, unable to comprehend what I did to deserve such a grade. He tells me to see him after class. I hate history.

“Hamasaki-san, I understand you just transferred here?” Takeuchi-sensei says, eying me suspiciously.

“That is correct.”

“I understand that it may be difficult to adjust to such a new environment, but grades like yours are unacceptable. That last test was 20 percent of your grade.”

“I... I apologize...”

“I think it would be best if I had a talk with your parents about—”

“Wait!” I said, “That is unnecessary!”

“I'm sorry?” Takeuchi-sensei says as if he was offended that I had interjected. “Hamasaki-san, I don't think you understand the severity of the situation you are in. Your parents must be notified.”

“No,” I interject again before he had the chance to continue. At this point I could see that Takeuchi-sensei was getting annoyed. I cleared my throat. “W-What I mean is... I think that with your...” I pause, trying to find the appropriate words, “superior skills in teaching, I can definitely grasp the subjects and points I am failing to understand in class right now should you allow me some more time to catch up in class.”

“Well...” Takeuchi-sensei begins, “You are correct.” I gape at his shameless acceptance of my flattery, but am grateful for his naivety nonetheless. “I am great at teaching, aren't I?” He chuckles to himself. Creep.

I nod to reassure him. “Oh, sure. You are absolutely amazing, sensei. I heard you even coach our basketball team. I even wanted to apply for the team's manager once cause of all the wonderful stories I have heard,” I say, trying to butter him up. “Too bad that spot is already taken!” Unfortunately, my plan backfires.

“Ah! You have heard that have you? Well, actually... We do have an opening now.”

I stare at him with a blank look on my face. “Huh?”

“It just so happens that we are in need of a manager for our team. You will be joining, won't you?” he asked. I felt like his words were blackmail, with my grades hanging on the line.

“Yes... Of course.”