Chapter 30: Early Graduation

As sunlight crept through the curtains, Zaboru stirred awake, his mind buzzing with excitement and determination. After a quick shower and breakfast, he grabbed his school bag and headed to Hibana High, ready to set his plan into motion.

The morning classes passed in a blur, his thoughts consumed by what he would say to Headmaster Kaoru Sayama. When the lunch bell rang, Zaboru wasted no time, making his way to the headmaster's office.

Knocking lightly on the door, he heard a calm voice from within. "Come in."

Inside, Kaoru Sayama sat behind her desk, her attention on a stack of documents. She looked up as he entered. "Oh, a student? Please, have a seat. State your name and what you'd like to discuss."

Zaboru bowed politely and sat. "Headmaster Sayama, my name is Zaboru Renkonan from Class 12-A. I'd like to apply for early graduation."

Kaoru raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Early graduation, you say? And why do you wish to graduate early, Renkonan-kun?"

Zaboru met her gaze with determination. "I want to start my own business, Headmaster."

Her expression shifted slightly, a mix of surprise and skepticism. "A business? What kind of business, and do you have your parents' approval?"

Zaboru nodded confidently. "I do. The business is focused on video game consoles, something I've been working on for a while now."

Hearing this, Kaoru couldn't help but feel slightly unimpressed, but she kept her professionalism intact. "I see. Well, if you have your parents' approval, here's the form. Fill it out and have them sign it. Bring it back tomorrow, and if there are no issues, you can start the test right away."

She handed him a form, and Zaboru accepted it with a polite bow. "Thank you very much, Headmaster. I'll bring it back tomorrow."

---

After school, Zaboru returned home, finding his mother in the kitchen and his father still at work.

"Mom, I need you and Dad to sign this form," he said, explaining the early graduation process.

Keiko smiled warmly as she read the form. "Of course, Zaboru. I'm proud of you for taking this step." She signed it without hesitation, then handed it back.

Later that evening, Zanichi returned from work. After relaxing with a cup of tea and a session on the ZEPS console, Zaboru approached him.

"Dad, can you sign this form? It's for my early graduation."

Zanichi glanced at the document, then at his son. "You're really serious about this, aren't you?"

"Absolutely," Zaboru replied, his voice resolute.

Zanichi chuckled and signed the form. "Alright, it's done. Good luck, son."

"Thanks, Dad!" Zaboru beamed, clutching the completed form.

---

The next day at lunch, Zaboru returned to the headmaster's office and handed in the signed form.

Kaoru reviewed it and nodded. "Very well. Here are five test papers. You need to complete them before the school day ends. You can use the special room beside the warehouse storage. It's quiet and ideal for focused work."

Taking the papers, Zaboru headed to the designated room, where he found Yumi-sensei waiting.

"Zaboru-kun, I didn't expect you to opt for early graduation," she said with a sigh. "The school year is only five months away."

"Five months feels like forever, Yumi-sensei," he replied with a smile. "Let's get started."

Yumi nodded and gestured to the desk. "Alright, sit here and begin."

Zaboru quickly got to work, his mind sharp and focused. With his Deep Dive ability, he recalled every piece of information with perfect clarity. Having completed college in his previous life, these high school-level questions were a breeze.

'This is almost too easy,' Zaboru thought, filling in the answers with confidence.

Yumi watched him work, impressed by his speed and composure. 'This boy is something else,' she mused.

After just 1 hour and 40 minutes, Zaboru stood up. "I'm done, Yumi-sensei."

She blinked in surprise. "You still have over an hour left. Are you sure you didn't miss anything?"

He scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "I'm sure. I double-checked everything."

Yumi sighed and took the papers. "Alright. I'll evaluate them later, and you'll get your results tomorrow. Good luck, Zaboru-kun."

"Thank you, Sensei." He bowed and left, returning to his class for the rest of the day.

---

The next morning, Zaboru was called to the headmaster's office. Kaoru greeted him with a rare smile.

"Congratulations, Renkonan-kun. You passed with a perfect score." She handed him a temporary graduation certificate. "Here's your proof of graduation. The official certificate will be given with the other students in six months. Until then, you're no longer required to attend school."

Zaboru's heart swelled with pride. "Thank you so much, Headmaster!" He bowed deeply.

Kaoru nodded. "You're welcome. Good luck with your business, Renkonan-kun."

As Zaboru left the office, the realization hit him—he was finally free to pursue his dream. The next step? Building ZAGE.

To be continued…