Enrollment

April 1908

I was set to enroll in the elementary division of Gakushuin (the Peers' School).

The Takashiro family, being of daimyo lineage, had the privilege of sending their children to Gakushuin. Whether it was a coincidence or part of some greater plan that I was reborn as the eldest son of the Takashiro family in 1901, I didn't know. But either way, it was a stroke of luck for Soryu.

"It's finally happening."

Liliel stood tall, puffing out her chest, and spoke to Soryu with her hands clasped behind her back.

"Yeah, everything starts now."

Soryu sat in a chair, resting his elbows on the desk and clasping his hands in front of his nose as he muttered.

"Pfft... Ahahahaha! You're so funny! Such an otaku!"

"Liliel, you're laughing too much! You're the one who set this up!"

"Somehow, ever since our souls merged, I've started to understand your 'triggers.' It's kind of nice, feeling myself becoming a degenerate (angel)! But seriously, you're such an otaku! How much anime have you watched? How many manga and light novels have you read? Going through your memories is never boring!"

"Well, maybe this was all part of 'God's plan' for this moment. This is the secret weapon I'll use right after enrolling."

Soryu grinned as he patted the stack of over 30 books he had written himself.

Gakushuin Elementary Division Entrance Ceremony

Soryu was placed in the same class as the Imperial Grandson, who would one day become the head of state. This was essential for Soryu's plans.

He had abandoned the idea of staging a coup in Japan to seize power and use 21st-century technology to eliminate war worldwide. Instead, he adopted a new approach: getting close to a charismatic figure and using their influence to guide Japan and change the world.

To do that, he had to earn the trust of the Imperial Grandson and become his closest confidant.

So, Soryu expressed his desire to attend Gakushuin to his father, Ryutaro. Overjoyed, Ryutaro appealed to his old acquaintances in the army, emphasizing how exceptional Soryu was and how suitable he would be as a classmate for the Imperial Grandson.

Ryutaro's recent invention of the "Type 40 Adjustable Drafting Ruler," which had significantly improved the army's design work, also worked in their favor.

"Soryu, you must become close to His Highness and subtly but strongly promote the fact that you have an unbelievably adorable sister!"

Well, I guess that's fine. But in this era, the elders in the Genro (elder statesmen) decide who becomes the Imperial consort. It's sad, but that's the reality...

And so, Soryu happily became a classmate of the Imperial Grandson.

The entrance ceremony began with a speech by the school's principal, Nogi Maresuke.

Nogi Maresuke was a war hero who led the Third Army during the Russo-Japanese War, fighting at the Battle of 203 Meter Hill and capturing Port Arthur. He had lost two sons in that war.

Recognized for his achievements and character, and as a substitute for the children he had lost, he was appointed principal of Gakushuin by Emperor Meiji.

After the ceremony, His Highness and the rest of us moved to the classroom. The self-introductions began, with His Highness going last.

"I am Takashiro Soryu. I aim to excel in both academics and sports and become a loyal retainer who can support His Highness in the future. My hobbies are inventing new machines and playing football (soccer)."

I kept it safe and simple.

The other students' introductions followed. Each one boasted about their family's titles, their fathers' or ancestors' achievements, and pledged to become loyal retainers to His Highness.

'That's not really a "self"-introduction, is it...'

As I was thinking that,

"I am Ōmisaki Taro. I want to become the best football player in the world and show the strength of Japanese men to the British Empire!"

'Hmm! "Ōmisaki Taro"! What a spicy name. He's like a boy born to play soccer!'

Ōmisaki's father was a teacher at Tokyo Higher Normal School and coached the soccer team there. His family held the title of viscount.

In my past life, I had been an advanced soccer player who aimed for national championships. Ambitions began to bubble up inside me.

'Alright! I'll form a soccer team with Ōmisaki and win the national championship! No, we'll win the first World Cup in 1930! And we'll win the Olympics too, making Japan the strongest soccer nation in the world! With me and Ōmisaki, we can do it!!'

I immediately petitioned Principal Nogi to procure a child-sized soccer ball.

"Hey, you're not forgetting your original goal, are you?"

Liliel sighed in exasperation.

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A/N: Thank you for reading Chapter 9!

I'm thinking of writing the story of Ōmisaki and soccer as a side story later on.

Using 21st-century soccer techniques and tactics to defeat powerhouses like England and Germany sounds like it'd be really fun to write!

I'll continue working hard to bring this story to its conclusion, so if you thought, "This is interesting!" or "I want to read more!" I'd be thrilled if you could bookmark and rate the story!

If you didn't find it interesting, feel free to rate it "★☆☆☆☆"! I'll use it to improve!

Your feedback is incredibly helpful for my writing!

Criticism like "The pacing is slow," "I don't understand," or "This feels derivative" is also very welcome!

When my motivation is high, I'll even sacrifice sleep to keep writing!

Thank you for your continued support!