"The man whose interests are all outside is never satisfied with what is necessary, but is perpetually hankering after something more and better which, true to his bias, he always seeks outside himself." - Carl Jung
March 1st Evening Tokyo city centre
3 months prior to entrance ceremony On April 1, 2060...
Within the night of the Tokyo, the sound of guitar was emitted. A melodic sound echoing through the hallway of an apartment. In the seventh-floor apartment, a young man was playing with the guitar. The melody is "I do" composed by 911 group.
"I'll be by your side, till the Day I Die"
"I'll be Waiting Till I hear You Say I Do"
"Something Old, Something New"
"Something Borrowed, Something Blue"
"I'll Be Waiting Till I hear You Say I Do"
Until the door was knocked three times.
tap
tap
tap
Someone knocked on the door. Yamasaki Isao stopped playing with the steel-string acoustic guitar. Yamasaki opened the door, and witnessed an above-average height, middle-age man approximately in his early 40s. They met once. If he recalled correctly, his name is Saeki Katsu.
"Good evening, Isao-kun. It was a beautiful melody you performed just now." Saeki complimented with casual tone and a glimpse of happiness
in his voice.
"Thank you. What is it that brought you here?" - Yamasaki accepted the compliment, and wanting to get to the matter. He knew Saeki would not come here without a serious reason.
"Would you let me in? It would be awkward to have a conversation here." - Saeki asked to continue the discussion in his room. The matter was too important to be left for an outsider ears. As they the popular saying goes "wall have years".
Yamasaki nodded and open the door to let Saeki enter the apartment.
They both settled themselves comfortably in the dining room.
"Tea? Coffee? water?" - Yamasaki asked to be polite to Saeki.
"Black Coffee, if you may." - Saeki had no reason to refuse free drink, especially coming from a person like Yamasaki.
Yamasaki nodded and went to prepare coffee.
- "I can't believe it..." - Saeki asked bewildered.
"What do you mean?" - Yamasaki knows what the man insinuates, but remained silent:.
"A person of your caliber settle for such a lifestyle" - Saeki was be confused discerning the discrepancy between the current Yamasaki anc the last time he saw him.
"Is there something wrong with that?" - Yamasaki inquired if there is anything wrong to live how he sees fit.
Pouring hot water unto coffee, Yamasaki carefully gave it to a his esteemed guest.
"Delicious. You can make even a simple things taste like to the next level." - Saeki complimented Yamasaki. He had no idea coffee made by Yamasaki is so delicious.
"So, what is it you wanted to talk about?" - Wanting to get straight to the point, Yamasaki asked the stranger.
"Very well. I will get straight to the point. Isao-kun, we need your help."
Saeki decision was to be straightforward with Yamasaki.
"We?" - Yamasaki was confused. He had some ideas, but nothing conclusive.
"Before that, let me ask you a few things." - Before addressing the central topic, Saeki wanted to confirm few things with Yamasaki.
"What is it?" - Yamasaki responded, having no problems to answer Saeki's questions.
"Are you aware of the institution called Advanced Nurturing High School (ANHS)?" - Saeki was curious how Yamasaki would respond.
"I am." - Yamasaki's response was curt.
Advanced Nurturing High School (ANHS) - an institutional facility which supposedly guarantees 100% employment for the graduates. The ANHS's objective is to produce Japan's future leaders. Naturally,
students who want to secure a bright future for themselves, attempt to be a part of this high school.
Yamasaki was sceptical for several reasons.
First of all, 100% employment guarantee. No institution would be able to ensure that all students of all classes would be allowed to receive
such a reward equally with no strings attached. This 100% specifically must refer to a target group of students. Those students have to meet specific criteria. Is it based on academics? Unlikely.
Political incentives behind ANHS establishment aside, ANHS is an environment where students are to be provided with opportunities to develop skills, and aptitude for self-improvement to advance themselves. Academic ability alone does not suffice to warrant to put so much taxpayers' money on this institution just to produce "superior" people. As such, it is safe to assume there are students out there with abilities beyond academics. Physical abilities, leadership, social skills, et cetera.
Positions in the leading universities and workplaces are limited.
Naturally, it is not much of the stretch to assume there is a competition between students. The question is, based on what? on academic ability alone? Unlikely. For example, If Class X is the strongest and Class Z is the weakest there would be no point in competition. Naturally, some degree of unfairness is unavoidable. However, if all the superior students are at the top and the inferior students are at the bottom, Class Z would have no incentive to compete and class Y students would get complacent. As such, the classes would have to compete in the special assignments assigned by the school.
The truth is, out of curiosity, Yamasaki did some investigation on the ANHS selection criteria. Through social media, and networking he was able to identify some of the ANHS graduates who were attending a university in the town. Yamasaki made contact with some of them and asked some questions about ANHS's inner workings.
The first time Yamasaki approached a graduate student, he was so shocked to the point he almost fell from his chair. For some reason, he was hesitant to talk about it. He asked why he was doing this, Yamasaki lied by telling him he was doing an assignment for a school project about Japan's education. ANHS is publicly known as a leading institution with renowned reputation. It would not be strange if there are people who want to learn more about it. Yamasaki did not attempt to ask anything too specific. A general idea on ANHS inner workings is enough for a person non-student of ANHS. After some small talk, graduate shared with Yamasaki that there are 4 classes in each year. 40 students per class: 20 girls, 20 boys. What piqued Yamasaki's interest is that he told me that as a reward for entering the school, each student was awarded a monetary reward. That's when the true inquiry began.
What happened afterwards?
That's the story for another time.
"I, no, we want you to enter this school, Isao-kun." - Saeki replied with a serious expression.
"Why me?" - Yamasaki wanted to get more details.
"You are the only person who fits the criteria." - Saeki answered vaguely.
"I don't follow." - Yamasaki was discontent with an ambiguous response.
"In the near future, ANHS is going to be the fight for survivall, in literal sense." - Saeki responded suggesting the matter will become more serious if left unintended.
"This has nothing to do with the ANHS class competition is it?" - Yamasaki knew it was the case, but asked solely for confirmation.
"Yes. There are people out there who want to extend their influence in Japan, and potentially beyond. ANHS is merely a stepping stone." - Saeki replied. ANHS is one of the leading high-schools. Several students attending this school are the children of affluent families, belonging to an upper echelon of Japanese society.
"And who are these people?" - Yamasaki wanted to get as much information as possible before pondering the deal.
"Unfortunately, we only know of the target few. And even among those whose identities are known, we can't do anything about it without causing a major public outcry." - Saeki's response was an indirect way of admitting that the consequences would be too severe if the truth came out of the public.
"And how I am connected with all of this?"
- "Isao-kun. Are you aware of the "the world of white"?"
"The world of white"? Don't tell me it is what I am thinking it is." - Yamasaki contemplated.
"It is as you think Isao-kun. As they say, the past has a way to get to you."
"In addition, there are several others out there that will disrupt the ANHS environment in an unnatural manner. However capable ANHS students are, they are still only high schoolers. They are no match for "them"."
"What do you want me to do about it?"
"Isao-kun, we were left with no other choice but to turn to you. You are the only one who meets the criteria" - Saeki responded with the sincere plea for cooperation.
"A vague request. An unfathomable danger. Doesn't sound too appealing does it?" Yamasaki was not having a positive impression about this agreement.
"Indeed. I am fully aware of the responsibility we are trying to place you with. As shameful as it is, you are the only one who meets the conditions to complete the assignment."
"Meaning?" - Yamasaki wanted Saeki to cut to the chase and inquired to the main concern.
"Isao-kun, "they" are coming for you. Even if you stay out of sight, they won't rest until they find you". - Saeki insinuates an imminent problem in ANHS won't stay there.
"..."
Yamasaki evaluates advantages and disadvantages. ANHS is isolated from the rest of the world. Restriction of freedom does not sound appealing to him at all. He is not particularly concerned about school competition though. Yamasaki is fully aware of his talents. He was confident he would be able to blend in within ANHS with little difficulty.
If anything unexpected happens, he will adapt. It's simple as that.
In addition, if "they" will come to this institution, left unchecked, multiple problems will arise, and eventually he will get involved in this manner either way. That being said, if they all gather to one location, the amount of collateral damage they can do will be limited. Even though "they" pose an undeniable threat, Yamasaki was confident he would be able to complete the assignment if it is within the school grounds. Besides, Yamasaki does not want innocent bystanders to suffer for things beyond their understanding which could have been easily prevented.
"Very well. I accept this job." - Yamasaki accepted the job, after a thorough analysis.
"Thank you, Isao-kun." - Saeki was visibly relieved after hearing those words.
Truth to be told, Saeki Katsu was sceptical whether Yamasaki would accept this deal. Three years ago, Saeki, has met Yamasaki Isao. A mahjong match between a professional blind master player and Yamasaki. Yamasaki Isao, being only fifteen-year-old, already possessed an intellect, intuition, shrewdness, boldness, and luck that ordinary people could only dream off. Multiple nicknames have been given to him: "A-Once-In-The-Century Genius", "Man of the Divine Realm", "The Infallible Yamasaki".
In addition, Saeki's boss who has witnessed Yamasaki's talent in person characterised Yamasaki Isao as a being with the intellect of the God and the calmness of the Devil. In terms of competence and trustworthiness, Yamasaki Isao was the only they could entrust to complete this mission.
Not to mention, there is a matter about that "place". Saeki has only heard the whispers about that place. Nothing particular. He does not know whether Yamasaki has been there or not. All Saeki knows that his boss had a grim look with a glimpse of sadness on his expression after mentioning the words "the world of pure whiteness". An average man like Saeki could not understand the decisions of those in the position of power, the complexities, and the intricacies of the political world. All he knew is that this young man in front of him is a key player in the political grand chessboard who will determine the future of ANHS, Japan and maybe even beyond. Fortunately, Yamasaki accepted the request. This alone, brough Saeki an immense relief.
"I have several questions in mind" - Yamasaki wanted as much information as he could
"Ask. I will do my best to answer." - Saeki nodded understandably.
"How will you inform me about the situation?" - Yamasaki asked an obvious question.
As mentioned earlier, ANHS has a very serious constraints towards contacting the outside world from the inside. With no information on the enemies movements, Yamasaki will face difficulties.
"We will have several measurements in place. We will issue you a private phone, which you could safely use to contact the outside world without violating ANHS school rules and regulations. Next, we will place an informant within the ANHS. That person will inform about everything that you need to know, or if any unexpected changes will occur".
"When "they" will come?" - Yamasaki asked the second question.
Yamasaki knew that even with their influence, they can only infiltrate with limited number of personnel.
"Most likely, during your second-year. Even though they already laid the foundation to enact their plans, they cannot do it so right away without arousing suspicion." Saeki responded in more or less the way Yamasaki expected.
What profile the faculty members will receive? There is no way the higher ups would allow an "external factor" into the school with no information on their background. I didn't attend school at all." - Yamasaki raised an important question.
The truth is, Yamasaki Isao has never received a formal education.
Primary school, junior high. A Japanese student is expected to go through all these stages to qualify for high school. To attend high school is optional. The same can't be said about primary school and junior high. Yamasaki Isao is homeschooled of a sort. Yamasaki does not believe that the person in the top position of the leading education institution would accept an unknown factor to their prestigious school.
"Boss has made preparations. He has friends who are acquainted with the chairman. He only knows what he needs to know. No more, no less.." - Saeki responded.
Saeki does not really know what his boss or his superiors are doing in the upper echelons of Japanese society. All he knows is that everything is going well so far.
"I see. Is there anything you would like to tell me?" - Yamasaki asked the final question, wanting to be certain there are no loose ends.
"No, I am confident you will be able to figure the rest on your own. Now, I will take my leave. There is a lot of paper work that needs to be finished" - Saeki responded concealing the truth that he will be the one accountable to get the exam admission questions, and prepare a time date for an interview.
Yamasaki decided to follow Saeki to the door to politely excuse him.
- "We are counting on you, Isao-kun." - Saeki stated with seriousness, and a glimmer of hope placed on Yamasaki.
Yamasaki nodded. Yamasaki closed the door behind Saeki.
"Things don't go as expected, do they?" - Yamasaki thought to himself.
The truth is, Yamasaki saw this coming years ago. He knew that "they" won't sit idle being aware that Yamasaki Isao is no longer in the frontlines of battlefield.
Compared to the upcoming battles that will occur in the near future, class competition will look like a quarrel amongst children for a toy. He knew that there is a lot more to ANHS than meets the eye. He already came up with the ways to gather information on ANHS, its students, its faculty members, employees.
"Time flows constantly. It does not care about those who are struggling at all, huh?" - Yamasaki thought.