1. Hikigaya Hachiman Desires Victory
At just sixteen years old, Hikigaya Hachiman gained a new understanding of life ever since a strange memory appeared in his mind.
"People are born on different starting lines."
"Physical strength, intellect, appearance, sensitivity—and then, money."
"To classify people directly as winners or losers based on those, I deeply agree."
Lying on a hospital bed, Hikigaya Hachiman meticulously peeled an apple with a small knife. The peel came off in one clean strip, and the juicy flesh was neatly arranged in a fruit bowl, then presented to the woman in front of him.
"So, Miss Haruno, if you're hoping I'll play some make-believe family game with your sister, forget it."
"I'm a busy man."
Hikigaya Hachiman stared at the voluptuous woman in front of him, watching as she took the apple, brought it to her cherry lips, and bit into the juicy flesh.
"Hikigaya-kun, you're surprisingly mature," Haruno clapped her hands softly, her gaze full of open admiration. "So, what kind of deal are you proposing?"
"Help me get into a school for your high-society types, preferably one with lighter academic pressure," Hachiman stated his demand without hesitation.
Having graduated from Sobu Middle School, the moment he found out that his homeroom teacher in high school would be Hiratsuka Shizuka, he began planning his escape. Not to mention Yukinoshita Yukino had been dragging him into that service club nonsense for the past two years—he'd had enough.
Those two women had completely consumed the time he could have spent earning money. His long-standing life plan had been thrown into disarray by their interference.
Anywhere but Sobu High would do. So Hachiman decided to fake an accident with Yukinoshita Yukino during school and ended up hospitalized with an injury.
"A noble school?" Haruno raised an eyebrow. "As far as I know, Hikigaya-kun, your family's financial situation isn't exactly ideal. Why...?"
Now that she understood what kind of person Hachiman was, Haruno didn't bother with pretenses. The boy in front of her was someone who could talk with her as an equal.
"Because I want to make friends in high society—preferably female ones," Hachiman made no attempt to hide his arrogance and ambition in front of Haruno. He felt that she and he were the same type of person—ambitious.
Although there was still a gap in their family backgrounds and age, it didn't affect the mutual recognition they felt for one another.
"I see. Then, what is it you're aiming for, Hikigaya-kun?"
"Simple—fame and fortune!"
"Maslow's top three levels of needs."
"Fame—I already have it. What I need now is money and power!"
"And what about sex?" Yukinoshita Haruno leaned in toward him again, her mature and ambiguous gaze locking on the innocent-looking boy in front of her.
The so-called "sex" was an exaggerated term used by Haruno; more tactfully put, it referred to social needs.
Hachiman averted his eyes, unable to look directly at the pale, smooth abyss in front of him. "Ahem, that's not something I'm pursuing at this stage."
"I see. There is a school that fits your requirements quite well. However, its entrance fee is a one-time payment of 5 million yen, and on top of that, each semester has an additional high tuition fee."
Haruno sat back, pulled out her phone, and laid the school's information in front of Hachiman.
"Here."
"This is... Hyakkaou Private Academy?"
Hyakkaou Private Academy.
"A school with 122 years of history and prestige. Its students are either rich or noble. Academic requirements are minimal, but the graduation rate is nearly 100%. As long as you stay in for three years without dropping out, a successful life is practically guaranteed, Hachiman."
Haruno's gaze was sly as she cupped her cheeks in her hands, watching Hachiman pore over the school's information.
"Looks great. Can you help me transfer in?" Hachiman was intrigued. The school's promotional page showed a beautiful environment, luxurious facilities, and top-tier faculty. If what Haruno said was true and they didn't care too much about academics, then it was the perfect choice!
This would be the starting point of his journey toward wealth and power!
"Of course. But the school has very strict screening criteria for admissions. Even I would need to make a trade to recommend you."
"Also, you've already missed the enrollment date. Hikigaya-kun, are you really not considering attending the same school as Yukino?"
"That girl seems to like you quite a bit. The Yukinoshita family is wealthy, and my father happens to be a member of the Chiba Parliament, you know~"
"No thanks. If I don't earn it myself, it'll be meaningless. Besides, Miss Haruno, the way you're acting now doesn't seem like someone trying to recruit a brother-in-law at all."
Hachiman remained unmoved, calmly refusing Haruno's temptations while plotting his path to Hyakkaou Academy.
The 5 million yen admission fee wasn't a problem for him. He had saved all the royalties from his previous writing—more than enough to cover tuition.
Ah yes, the royalties—that mysterious memory in his mind. Hachiman considered it a gift from nature.
As of now, he was already a very famous mystery novelist.
"All right, I'll help you. But what are you offering in exchange, Hikigaya-kun?"
Now that they acknowledged each other as kindred spirits, there was no such thing as a free lunch. If he wanted Haruno's help, he had to offer something of equal value in return.
So, what did he have to trade? Hikigaya Hachiman sank into thought.
Seeing this, Haruno didn't interrupt him—she quietly popped more apple pieces into her mouth.
"How about a yet-to-be-published mystery novel?" Hachiman said solemnly. In Japan, mystery novels held a prestigious status. Unlike niche genres elsewhere, a bestselling mystery novel could make someone a major literary figure, a celebrity—even ensure a worry-free life from then on.
"A gift for Miss Haruno. You can have anyone sign their name on it, and I guarantee the quality won't be below that of my previous work, Byakuyakou."
"Hmm… It's not particularly useful to me, but since it's something from you, Hikigaya-kun, fine."
"It's a transaction—a deal."
Yukinoshita Haruno rolled her eyes at Hachiman. "Fine, fine, a deal!"
Saying that, she sent a message on her phone right in front of him. Not long after, a short reply came through.
[Approved.]
"Happy now?"
"Very. As for the novel, I'll go complete my discharge paperwork now. I'll send the manuscript to you as soon as I get home, Miss Haruno."
Hikigaya Hachiman immediately pulled back the blanket on the hospital bed. He was already fully dressed, clearly having anticipated this outcome. That made Yukinoshita Haruno feel unexpectedly annoyed—she felt she had agreed too easily.
The more she thought about it, the more she felt like she'd been taken advantage of.
Hikigaya adjusted his hairstyle and was just about to leave the hospital room.
"So, Hikigaya, what's the solution to The Mystery of Eastern Astrology?"
Hachiman didn't answer her question. He simply raised a hand and waved it behind him. "If you've read my books, Miss Haruno, then you should know—I'm 'challenging the reader.' I won't reveal the answer until I've gained enough fame and attention."
"That guy..." Haruno muttered, watching Hachiman's figure walk away. "So sly... what a shame—still too young."
The thought of how Hachiman would react once he entered Hyakkaou Academy made Yukinoshita Haruno's lips curl into a stunning smile.