[TL/N: Read my new work - Anime Group Chat in a Doomsday World!]
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Shuchi'in Academy – Archery Club
Shuchi'in Academy is a prestigious institution, known for its state-of-the-art facilities. Among its many clubs, the Archery Club stands out, particularly because of one individual whose presence elevates the club's reputation to unparalleled heights.
'Swish!'
An arrow sliced through the air, landing squarely in the bullseye.
'Exhale.'
The archer, a slender and elegant figure, let out a soft breath. Her presence exuded an aura of icy detachment, one that seemed to warn strangers to keep their distance.
She was Shinomiya Kaguya, a cold beauty whose charm lay in her untouchable elegance—a beauty to be admired from afar, yet never approached lightly.
As the eldest daughter of the Shinomiya family, Kaguya hailed from one of the wealthiest conglomerates in the entire country, boasting assets worth a staggering 200 trillion yen (approximately 2 trillion USD). Even Alexander couldn't rival her family wealth.
Not long ago, her family had spent 100 billion yen on a single Devil Fruit, which was already an unimaginable amount for most. Yet, compared to the Shinomiya family's fortune, it was merely a drop in the ocean.
"Miss," came a soft voice from behind her. "Three minutes ago, Alexander Chase was appointed as an honorary teacher at our academy by Dean Adolphe."
The speaker was Hayasaka Ai, Kaguya's personal maid—a master of all trades, effortlessly efficient and ever so composed.
"How do you already know that?" Kaguya asked, turning to her maid with a questioning look.
Hayasaka pulled a discreet earpiece from her pocket and smirked slightly. "I planted a bug in the principal's office."
Kaguya's expression flickered with mild amusement. 'Even the principal's office? That's so typical of Hayasaka.'
"This Adolphe is truly clever," Kaguya remarked, her tone contemplative. "With the world now aware of the phenomena involving the heavens, everyone is scrambling to associate themself with Alexander.
"I heard the Fujiwara family is even considering matchmaking schemes between Alexander and their daughters. And now, the principal has effortlessly turned him into a teacher here."
Her insight was razor-sharp. "You remember the Devil Fruit auction from some time ago, don't you? Our family spent 100 billion yen to acquire one. The competition wasn't just limited to us—other conglomerates and even nations were bidding."
Hayasaka Ai nodded in agreement. "A Devil Fruit in the 'One Piece' world is worth 100 million berries. If we consider the purchasing power, that's only a few hundred million yen—a thousandfold difference. Is it really worth it?"
"Of course, it's worth it," Kaguya replied without hesitation. "In this world, apart from heaven-defying luck, only Alexander could pull off something like this.
"Shuchi'in Academy happens to be in City H, where dangers are all too common. With Alexander as our honorary teacher, the academy is likely to remain safe from major incidents.
"Moreover," she added, a hint of foresight in her voice, "the publicity this brings will likely make Shuchiin the most renowned academy in the entire country."
'Clap, clap.'
A round of applause echoed through the club. Kaguya turned to see Alexander and Chika approaching. Saeko and Tohka had already been escorted to their classrooms, leaving Alexander and Chika free to tour the academy.
Alexander had overheard Kaguya's remarks as he approached. He couldn't help but admire her ability to succinctly summarize Adolphe's motives.
Yet something puzzled him. "Why is Kaguya so cold? That doesn't quite match what I know of her," he mused silently. His thoughts wandered to the various facets of her personality he had heard of—Ice Kaguya, Love-struck Kaguya, Childish Kaguya, and others. Judging by her demeanor, it seemed this was from a time before she became vice president of the student council.
"By the way, Chika, are you a freshman or a sophomore now?" Alexander asked casually, hoping to pinpoint the timeline.
"Me? I'm a freshman, the same grade as Kaguya-chan," Chika answered cheerfully.
Her response confirmed Alexander's suspicions. 'So this is the very beginning of the story,' he thought.
Turning to Kaguya, Alexander introduced himself. "It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Alexander."
Kaguya nodded gracefully. "Shinomiya Kaguya. It's a pleasure to meet you as well."
Despite her cold nature, Kaguya knew how to treat people with respect. While Alexander wasn't as wealthy as the Shinomiya family, his strength and reputation were undeniable. She didn't doubt for a moment that, if Alexander wished, he could topple their entire family effortlessly.
Her courteous attitude left Alexander feeling at ease. Observing her archery uniform, he couldn't help but ask out of curiosity, "Are you practicing archery?"