A Person With Inferior Ability Returns From Demon World

The gymnasium for the entrance ceremony was located at the back of the H-shaped school building, which was entered through the school gates and emerged in front of them. As they walked out, Ichigo suddenly looked at Yuto with a sideways glance. 　They were talking about their junior high school days, and there was something he remembered about Yuto. 

It was a year ago now. 　It was a year ago now, after the spring break when Masato started his third year of junior high school, when he took a long break. Now that I think about it, I feel that there were many things about Masato that made me wonder. 　When they were about to enter the third year of junior high school, there was a terrorist bombing in Shinagawa, Tokyo. 　It was reported to have been a terrorist attack on a politician, and the building above the headquarters of a major corporation was completely destroyed. 　And that wasn't the only thing that caused a fuss. The fact that there was a discrepancy between the facts and the news reports caused an uproar on the Internet and other media. 

The targeted politician was not actually there. 

or something like that 

The way the building broke down is not a bomb. 

"There's very little coverage of it, even though the actual disturbance was not at the building site, but at the aquarium on the other side of Shinagawa Station. 

Rumors abounded about the incident, and many occult websites claimed that it was not the work of humans, and it became an uncontrollable incident. 　Unfortunately, Masato and Masato's mother were unlucky enough to be at the scene of this unprecedented incident. 　Yuto and his son were caught up in the incident, and in the confusion of the incident, Ichigo heard that Yuto's mother had gone missing. 　Immediately after that, Masato fell ill due to heartache, and was absent from school for three months after the spring break. 　According to the media reports, there were no deaths or missing persons, but after Masato's return to school, he hears the story from himself and wonders if something was wrong with the incident.　And Ichigo had also looked it up on the internet and other sources. 　This story itself was strange, but that wasn't what Ichigo had a problem with right now. 　The problem is that in such a situation of Yuto.......he, who was supposed to be his best friend, had not even gone to visit him once. 　It's not that he didn't know where he was. Yuto had been recuperating at his parents' house for a long time. In the past, Ichigo had visited Yuto's house several times. 　Also, he didn't dare to go there because of the situation of Yuto at that time. 　Then why? 　Remembering this makes Ichigo's heart ache.... 　The reason for this is......... 

I had forgotten. 

It's not that he forgot to go to visit her. 　He forgot that he had a friend named Yuto.... 　Surprisingly, Ichigo, who is a friendlier person than expected, falls into self-loathing every time he remembers this. 

(No matter how much it's the end of spring break, how could he forget his own best friend...) 

We walked through the school building and arrived at the entrance to the gymnasium. 　Inside the gymnasium, pipe chairs were neatly lined up, with a sign that said to sit at your leisure. This school, he thought, was kind of appropriate, and Ichigo was still thinking about that time a year ago. 

That wasn't all. 

If Ichigo was the only one who had forgotten about it, it might be in case. But at that time, even the same classmates, other than himself, didn't seem to remember Yuto. 　Even the same homeroom teacher from second year took attendance and read out Yuto's name, "Huh? He tilted his head. 　Ichigo looked at his best friend beside him now and wondered if he was that underrepresented.　I think. 

(Only Shirasawa-san seemed to be different.... What in the world was that all about? 

Yes, at that time, Mari was the only one who maintained the same relationship with Yuto as before. In fact, seeing that also caused Ichigo to think of Yuto. 　Relatively soon, Ichigo had repaired his relationship with Yuto, but Mari was tilting her head in the direction of her other classmates' extraneous attitude towards Yuto. 　Later on, Masato returned to class and struggled to catch up on his delayed studies. There was a great deal of help from Mari at that time, and after a slight delay, Ichigo also helped, but not as much as Mari. 　He also recalled that even though Yuto was behind in his studies at that time, he was still studying like a demon. There seemed to be a reason for that........ 　As far as Ichigo knew, this was the only school that Yuto had taken the exam for. Could there be a reason for that?　I think. 　And one more thing. 

Actually, it was the same today........ 

A moment ago, in front of the school gate, Ichigo saw Yuto's face for the first time, it was Yuto!　I remembered. Until then, he had completely forgotten about Yuto. 　So, in front of the school gates earlier, Ichigo tangled with Yuto as if to shake off the guilt that was boiling up in him. 　For a moment, Ichigo made a complicated expression, unbecoming of this boy....... 

(I don't think I'm that unsympathetic of a man, though...) 

With that in mind, Ichigo walked into the gym with Yuto. 　At one of the arranged pipe chairs, Mari was sitting with a girl who seemed to be meeting up with him earlier. 　That girl, whom Ichigo had also seen, was immediately recognized as Mito Shizuka, who was on the same kendo club as Mari in middle school. 　Mari noticed us and beckoned us over, pointing to the two empty seats next to her. 　Seeing this, Masato and Ichigo passed between the parents' seats and tried to get to the seat next to where Mari and the others were sitting. 　As they do, Ichigo asks them a question without hesitation. 

'Yuto,' 

What? 

What's going on with you this spring break? 

Yuto stopped moving with a jolt from where he was about to sit. 

''Nah, why?　Nah, it's nothing. Hey, hey, I was just out for a minute. 

Seeing Yuto, who was so disconcerted that it was that obvious, Ichigo, on the contrary, felt weak. 　And that, more than anything else, was also the usual Yuto that Ichigo knew. 

''Oh ... something, forget it. Forget about it.'' 

(Well, let's not think that makes any sense... it's not like me...) 

Hey!　Yuto. Hurry up and sit down, it won't be good for everyone around you! 

Oh, I'm sorry. 

Shunning, Masato sat down next to Mari's right side. Ichigo sat down next to Masato, even more to his right. 　The place is still buzzing, and one can sense the unique atmosphere of the entrance ceremony. 　Yuto also looked around and felt a bit nervous and happy about the upcoming entrance ceremony. Although the mood is delayed compared to the surrounding students, it finally becomes uplifting. 

''Speaking of which, Mari-chan, where's your aunt?'' 

'My mom isn't here. I tried to get her to come, even though she's busy, but it won't be long and I told her she didn't have to come. 

Mari's mother, Yukie Shirasawa, is a part-time lecturer at the university. Her major is ancient Chinese history. 　Ichigo's house was told to at least go to the entrance ceremony alone, and his parents did not come. 　 

''It's nice to meet you. I'm Mito Shizuka. It's nice to meet you. Oh, I know you, Hakamada-kun. We were in the same class in the first and second year of junior high school, you know. 

'Yeah, see you soon!　Mr. Mito. 

Ichigo puts his hand out in front of both Yuto and Mari, who are in between, and asks the energetic girl to shake his hand. 　 

''..........'' 

''You........cry a lot today, don't you?'' 

'What?　Shizuka, what are you talking about?　We were in the same class with you in ninth grade, weren't we? Besides, we're in the same middle school, and it's not normal for us to have never seen them at all. 

'What?　Huh?　What?　You went to middle school with him?　I mean, were you in the same class in eighth grade? 

At Shizuka's surprised reaction, Yuto's tears increased even more. 　Shizuka hurriedly clasped her hands together. 

''I'm sorry!　Um, um, I, yes!　I'm forgetful. I even forgot the breakfast I had today, and, besides, I've forgotten to put on my underwear in my sleep more than once! 

Ichigo was beside himself, thinking that he was talking about something amazing, but more importantly, he was huffing and puffing at the fact that Shizuka had said he didn't know Yuto. 　Just like that time..... 　Ichigo turned a serious face to Yuto, looking at him with concern and as if to see how he was doing. But the actual Yuto is still the same as usual. 　It's the same Yuto as usual. 　Ichigo can't help but look at Yuto with an indescribable face. But Masato is 

No, I don't mind. I don't mind it at all. You've always been a bit thin in the shadows. I've always been a bit thin, especially with women. My hair will be thinner in the future. I did remember Mito-san, but that's not the point... 

Oops. Fail, fail. Isn't that funny?　I don't often forget about people........ 　Hmm?　...So you know Mari?　Ah! 

Shizuka reacted as if she finally remembered, but Mari seemed to be more concerned about other things than that exchange between the two of them. 

''Yuto. More than that........did something happen during spring break? 

No, no, no, no... 

Yuto's face was shadowed by his face, and his shoulders hung down without strength. 

''Oh, I'm sorry........ Not!　I was just talking with Hakamada-kun, right?　What happened to you over spring break? I'm asking you! 

Apparently, Mari was going to question this matter eventually. 

''Eh?　Huh?　Why?　It's nothing. 

So why are you upset? 

Yuto is busily touching his eyebrows and ears. Shizuka stared at him with amusement. 　Then Shizuka snaps her fingers in a gesture and then bites back with a cheerful voice without any evil intent. 

''Ah!　The way you freak out, you're a woman!　I smell a girl!　.........hmmm, you said you were out earlier. That means........ 

The resilient girl crosses her arms and nods as if to say, "Hmmm," I'm starting to understand. 　Then she completely ignores the cringing Masato and wannabe Mari and starts talking again. 　It's also Shizuka, who puts her index finger and thumb to her chin in a bit of a master detective style. 

'The other spring break.......they met by fate on a trip. In that unexplored land, feelings that they had never felt before sprouted.... And the young pair... 

Stop!　Stop!　What's that!　What's the afternoon song?　Why would you do that! 

Yuto leans up to interrupt Shizuka's reasoning. Mari's shoulders are trembling even more. 　Then, this time, from the opposite side of Shizuka, right next to Yuto, a voice with the acting voice of a bad friend 

"...after the act, they firmly promised to meet again, and each went back to his own hometown. 

Hey! 

When Yuto tries to raise his voice, it clatters and clatters!　The sound was drowned out by the heavy bass of the 　What's going on with Yuto, too?　and the source of that heavy bass sound. 　 　Sweat flowed from Yuto's forehead. 　 

'Here and there, an act?　This, this ... act!　It's so impure!　Yuto!　You're a man! 

No, wait a minute!　Now that's a complete wet dream.　Are you two going to be pissed off with your fantasies?　I am! 

I'm not mad at you! 

When Mari blackmails him, Masato shuts up in frustration. 　Satisfied, Ichigo locked eyes with Shizuka. 

'Hmm. I've already forgotten the rudeness of forgetting someone's name earlier, and on top of that, this airless conversation. Mito Shizuka........ Why in the middle........don't do it. 

'Hakamada-kun.....you do it too. But I wanted at least one more phrase at the end. 

'Oh, hmmm ... so what about this kind of thing?　''The one where they didn't know that the fruits of their love had already come to fruition at that time...'' 

That's great! 

It's not a good idea!　Don't build a friendship at the expense of one good citizen! 

Regardless of Yuto's weary expression, the bad guy 

So it wasn't a woman, was it? 

When pressed like that, Yuto pulls a face and shuts up. 

''........Ho. That's an interesting reaction, Yuto-kun. Hee, surprising, unexpected. Did you really find a girl you like? 

With a nasty face, Ichigo put one elbow on Yuto's right shoulder. But his gaze was turned to Mari next to him. 

''........Ta, that's definitely an interesting story. But it's bad enough to ask about something so personal. I'm not interested.'' 

Crossing her arms and legs, Mari's voice trembled slightly, though she looked calm and collected. 

''That's right. There's no way Shirasawa-san is interested in that, right? Shirasawa-san has a great boyfriend candidate, you know. Well, if you find someone you like, I'll support you as my best friend. 

Mari's face tightens for a moment. 

It's not like I'm a boyfriend candidate!　We're just friends! 

Ichigo said, "Huh?　Really? He responded smoothly. Then, Shizuka glanced at Ichigo, but Ichigo passed it off as well. 　Then, regardless of the slightly soured air, Shizuka clapped her hands and said in a cheerful voice. 

''Well, let's do this then, Doudu-kun. We'll help you with that girl. Don't be shy, just ask us for help!　I'm going to teach you from the very beginning what a woman's heart is, Mari. 

'What?　Umm, yeah. So, yeah.... 

'No, so........that's not how it's going to be,' Yuto started to say, and then an announcement came in. 

"Err, we will now hold the ninety-second entrance ceremony of Horaiin Jilin High School." 

Yuto stopped talking and looked forward with a sigh. When the announcement was made, the gymnasium was rapidly filled with silence. 　The entrance ceremony begins, and the vice principal gives a formal greeting first on the stage, and it seems that the vice principal will also be the hostess as well. 　Then, sequentially, the principal of the school greets us as planned. 

"Then the principal of Horaiin Jirin High School, Mr. Soichiro Takano, the principal of Horaiin Jirin High School, says a few words to the new students." 

Amidst the obligatory applause, a principal in a fine tuxedo stood in front of the microphone with a dazed gait from his seat at the far end of the stage, lined up diagonally to the left of the stage. 　From the looks of it, he appeared to be quite elderly. 

"Yeah........" 

In the silence, speak up first. 

"Ladies and gentlemen, enjoy your high school life................. That's all." 

Everyone in the audience was like, "Huh? I was stunned. Then the head teacher from earlier comes out. 

"Ladies and gentlemen!　Applause!　When I say clap, I mean clap!" 

The atmosphere in the hall was somewhat unpredictable, but there was a great deal of applause. 　But "It was better than a long story" and "Great speech! And you can hear a surprisingly positive voice talking about it. 　Amidst the applause that covered the audience, Yuto 

(...is that your grandfather's acquaintance?　(I mean, really, you always know your grandfather...) 

It was something of a bummer. 　After that, the ceremony ended without a hitch, with a school song that we couldn't sing yet and a talk from the student council president. 　After the ceremony was over, as Mari had said earlier, the class list of the new first year students was distributed. 　Once the class list was distributed, all the new students stood up and began to move to their respective classrooms. 　The four Yuta people also stood up and happened to focus on Yuto's class list, which was opened first. 

''Oh!　Yuto!　We're in the same class!　....Huh?　Mito-san too! 

'Oh!　Really!　Nice to see you again... 

The three of them got excited and exchanged high fives and handshakes. 

(.........Huh?　(Speaking of which........what about Mari? 

When Yu and the others found out, they sounded very depressed. 

''It's just me ... no.'' 

""Oh." 

But you know what?　Mari. I'm in the next class!　We can have lunch together! 

.......... 

Yeah, that's right!　Shirasawa-san. I'm so honored to be in the class next to you, Shirasawa-san. 

.......... 

Yuto gets a sharp look from Shizuka and Ichigo... and... ha! 

'Mari!　Look! 

Masato, do not talk. 

Yes..... 

Why is it just me? 

On the class list, Masato, Ichigo and Shizuka were in Class D, and only Mari was in Class C. 　The four of them start moving to the classroom, with Mari in the lead, silent. The three at the back of the class head to the classroom solemnly while looking out for each other. 　There are two school buildings on a rather large site, each with four floors. In the first school building, there were classrooms for first and second year students. 　In silence, the four of them, along with a group of other new students, headed to the new first year's classroom. 　When they arrived at the classroom, there was still about thirty minutes to go, so the four of them checked the seating chart posted on the blackboard, put down their belongings, and met up in the hallway.　 　Yuto's seat was on the rightmost corridor side of the front row, with Ichigo to the left of Yuto and Shizuka's seat further left behind him. 　Mari, who was now in the next class, came right over and looked through the door at the front of Class D to see Masato's seat, which put him in a slightly better mood and hurried everyone down the hallway. 　Mari's seat was at the back of Class C, on the side of the hallway. In terms of positioning, the classrooms were different, but it was close to Masato's seat via the back doorway of Class C and the front doorway of Class D. 　As they gathered in the corridor, Mari started talking in her usual tone, and the three of them felt relieved. 

''Hey, do you know how this school decides which seats to take?'' 

Yuto and the others nodded their heads. If it's the order of names, then Yuto's surname is Dou Dou Dou, and it's strange that he's in the front of the class. 

The truth is, the seating order is determined by the order of grades on the entrance exam. In addition, the classifications are also divided into males and females, from first place to ABCD and so on. 

Ichigo looks a bit uncomfortable. 

''Heh. It's kind of divisive, or maybe it's just not nice.' 

In the past, without considering the ratio of male to female students, the ratio of strength in each class at the athletic festival became distorted because of the order of their grades, so they stopped that right away. 

'Of course! What if you're in a class with fewer girls! 

Ichigo's voice is a little loud. Yuto is quieting him down so-so beside him. 　Then, "Ah! And Yuto raised his voice loudly. 

(.............................So, no way.) 

Me!　Possibly the best in the class! 

No, of course not. 

Mari easily denied it. 

''..........'' 

'The seats are in order of bad grades, front right to front left, second row left to right, and so on, zigzagging backwards. 

'What?　So that means.... 

''Yes. So it's been confirmed that Yuuto is the lower single in his grade. 

Yuto heard that and, come to think of it, he felt like the girls were concentrated in the back. 

'I........it was a close call. Thank goodness I passed. If I made a mistake, was I a high school dropout? No, no, I'm not going to be able to do high school anymore. I'm really happy. 

Alone, Yuto was heartily patted down. 　 'You should be grateful to me, Yuto. 

Thank you for that. 

Yuto replied, looking a bit complicated. Ichigo chuckled a bit at that. 　So, Ichigo asked Yuto the question he had been asking since before. 

Why are you the only school to take the entrance exam for this school?　As I recall, you've only been to one school this time, right? 

When Shizuka heard that, she made a face that was truly surprised. 

''Eh!　Du Du, in contrast to your appearance, you're very strong. Even Mari has been to four schools, including the slipstream schools. 

At Shizuka's question, Mari, who knows what's going on, looks pitying or rather reluctant. 　And Yuto scratches his head. 

''Yeah, I was going to tell you anyway, so I'll tell you......... Actually.......... 

We had no money and this was the only school that allowed us to pay everything from tuition to stakeout fees -? 

So.... 

Living on your own since high school, sending no money home? 

'Yeah. Isn't that how you normally react? 

"Wait ... what the hell is that?　You said you were going to live with your grandfather most of the time, didn't you? You're going to leave your old man?　Besides, were we really that poor?　Your house. 

"Look I didn't leave home. I got kicked out of the house. 

And for the third time.... 

"Yeah! 

'Well, let me explain...'