Chapter 162: Let Me Copy Your Homework

"Why did you go silent all of a sudden?"

"N-no, I'll definitely do my summer homework…" Rinji said, sweating bullets.

"That's great to hear," Kaya said with a smile. Then her tone turned icy. "You haven't even opened your homework book, have you?"

"O-of course I have."

"You haven't done it, have you, Rinji?"

"…"

After a moment of silence, Rinji replied flatly, "Aunt Kaya, why does summer homework even exist? Isn't summer break meant to give students time off? Homework defeats the whole purpose."

"Knew it. You didn't do it."

Kaya sighed.

"Summer homework is to enrich students' break time and help them review and fill knowledge gaps."

"Aunt Kaya, I'm ranked number two in our grade. Can't I skip homework?"

"Nope. Even if you were dead last, you'd still have to do it. If you don't finish it before school starts…"

Gulp.

Hearing her voice from the phone, Rinji swallowed hard.

"I'll tell your mother."

"You're a demon!!"

"There's no helping it. Your mom told you when you came to Japan—you're to listen to me." Kaya said calmly. "There's no point telling your idiot dad. It's more effective to talk to your mother."

"You'd resort to snitching like that?"

"Watch your tone. It's called a 'home visit.' As your teacher, I have an obligation to communicate with your guardians," she said. "I don't care if you're a lieutenant in IW's Middle East operations, the founder's son, or a mass murderer with countless bodies on your hands. Right now, you're a high school student, and you will do your homework."

"…"

"That's all. Don't let me down, Rinji." Kaya suddenly smiled. "Getting a girlfriend is something to celebrate. Don't forget to tell your parents the good news."

Beep—

Call ended.

Rinji's face was already drenched in sweat.

Reporting to his mom… was that even something a human being would do?

His mother wasn't scary—in fact, she was practically perfect, never once scolding him growing up. But somehow… Rinji always turned into the perfect little boy around her, getting nervous even if she showed the slightest hint of disappointment.

As for his dad? Rinji's favorite pastime was dunking on him every chance he got.

"What's wrong, Rinji?"

Karura looked up, her big black eyes full of concern.

"Oh, nothing… I just forgot to do my homework."

Staring at his phone, Rinji began thinking of a solution.

Do it himself? Too much trouble. Copy someone else's? But who?

Miyuki and Momo were both second-years—their assignments were different. Among the first-years… Iino Miko? No way she'd let him copy, that rule-abiding stickler.

Which left…

"Hello?"

"Hey, Ishigami, I need a favor—"

"Ah, Rinji, perfect timing," Ishigami said cheerfully. "I've got a favor to ask too."

"Huh? What is it?"

"Did you finish your summer homework? Let me copy it."

"…Ishigami, that's just wrong."

Rinji suddenly spoke with deep conviction.

"Summer homework should be completed independently. It's meant to enrich students' break and help review class content."

"…That… kinda makes sense."

Realizing there was no way he could get Rinji's homework, Ishigami sighed in disappointment.

"Right, what were you calling about?"

"How much of your homework have you done? Lend me a copy."

"Did you just throw your own words out the window!?"

"Yup."

"You admitted it without shame…"

Ishigami sighed again, looking at the room full of game consoles, DVDs, and the untouched stack of homework on his desk.

"Looks like… neither of us did it."

"Yup, we're doomed." Rinji groaned. "Ishigami, do you know any other first-years we could borrow from?"

"You know it too, don't you? I don't really have friends in class."

"What a coincidence. I don't either."

"…"

"…"

The situation hit a deadlock.

"Think, think… Is there any way to solve this… hmm? Maybe there is."

Rinji suddenly remembered someone.

Back when Momo sent him to the casino to deal with a girl from the private Hyakkaou Academy—her name was... Jabami Yumeko. She lost a huge amount of money to him, and until she repaid every cent, she had to obey his every command. She was essentially his slave.

But until now, he had completely forgotten about her. It was time to make use of her again.

He hung up on Ishigami, opened LINE, found Jabami Yumeko, and started a voice call.

Before long, the call connected.

"Hello? Rinji-kun, you finally remembered me?"

On the other end was Yumeko's cheerful voice. She didn't seem at all bothered that her creditor was calling.

"Shut up. Got the money ready yet?"

"Almost. I think I'll be able to pay it all back with interest in another two months," she laughed.

"Good. By the way, have you enrolled yet?"

"Not yet. Since I lost to you, I'll be starting after summer break." Yumeko giggled. "So, what can I do for you this time? No matter what it is, I'll do as you command."

"That's what I like to hear. Do my homework."

"Hmm?"

"First-year summer homework. You should be able to handle it, right? Do it for me."

"Sure thing."

Yumeko was momentarily surprised but quickly agreed.

"But my grades in academics aren't that great. Is it okay if I get a bunch wrong?"

"That's fine… wait."

Rinji suddenly realized—he was ranked second in the entire grade. If the homework had too many mistakes, it would be suspicious. Then...

"And the handwriting would be different too. Aren't you worried the teacher might notice?"

"Forget it. You're useless now. Get lost."

"Such a cruel evaluation."

He hung up and let out a long sigh.

Looks like he'd have to write it himself after all.