Chapter 410: The One I Was Looking For

"Well, you've seen it now, so I guess there's no point in hiding it. Yeah, I really can."

"…"

"What's with that look?"

"Well… this is the first time I've seen something so fantastical. Weather manipulation and all… though, I guess it's not that surprising," Rinji muttered. "Still… Miss Amano, you grew up in Japan, right?"

"Hm?"

"I mean, you're a native-born Japanese citizen, yeah?"

"…What kind of phrasing is that?"

The girl sighed and held her forehead.

"Yeah, I grew up in Tokyo."

"Then, as a kid, you never met any weird people? Like someone who just walked up and taught you how to draw a perfect circle without a compass?"

"No… What the heck are you even talking about? You're being really weird right now."

The girl thought Rinji's behavior was strange.

Normally, when someone heard she could control the weather, they'd be curious, scared, or assume she was a lunatic or liar.

But from Rinji's eyes, she could tell he didn't find it unbelievable. He just seemed surprised that she could do it.

"When did you get this ability?"

"A little over a year ago, I think."

"Hm…"

"Why are you asking this?"

"Well, since you're Kei's friend, I'll give you a heads-up."

Rinji stared straight at her. His gaze gave her goosebumps.

"Wh-What is it?"

"All things in this world operate on equivalent exchange. Your ability… if it comes from technology, then maybe it's fine. But if it's some kind of power you yourself don't understand, then you'd better stop using it."

Rinji spoke with conviction.

"From my own experience, recklessly using a power without understanding its nature usually ends badly."

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"I mean you shouldn't keep doing whatever it is you just did. Are you using your ability to make money or something?"

"Hmm?"

At the mention of "money," the girl's eyes lit up.

"You can make money with this?"

"Of course. If you can actually control the weather, you could make a fortune off agricultural futures."

Soybeans and corn, two of the major agricultural products, are heavily influenced by weather conditions. Too much rain during planting or not enough rain during the growing season can reduce yields, causing prices to rise. Conversely, perfect weather leads to abundant harvests and falling prices.

In simple terms, weather that increases crop yields is bad for prices, while weather that reduces yields is good for prices. Different crop stages react to rainfall and temperature changes, which in turn affect futures prices.

Normally, people rely on weather forecasts, and changes are minimal. Only extreme weather events cause major price swings.

Someone who could control the weather would have a huge edge in this market.

And that's not even considering the potential military applications…

"I see. So there's a trick like that," the girl murmured, deep in thought.

"Don't get any funny ideas about making money like that. I told you already—don't use that power again."

"You rich kids at Shuchiin wouldn't understand what it's like for us poor people struggling to survive in Tokyo."

"…Why'd you just randomly insult me? Are you seriously that short on cash?"

"Of course."

She shrugged. Her smile was more wry than happy.

"Living in Tokyo is tough. My family situation's kind of messy too. I thought prices at the culture festival might be cheaper, so I came to see if I could get something nice… but I guess it really is a rich kids' school. Even one crêpe is crazy expensive."

"That's because we use high-end ingredients. Most are imported."

Though that was only part of the reason.

Ordinarily, cultural festivals were guided by rules from schools and education boards that prohibited making a profit, so prices were usually cheaper than outside, just enough to cover costs.

But Shuchiin used only top-quality ingredients—some even exclusive suppliers—and Rinji had gone out of his way to argue with local authorities to allow booths to earn a profit.

As a result, this year's Hoshin Festival had sky-high prices, especially for food.

Still, since 99% of Shuchiin students were wealthy, there was no issue selling everything internally.

"Anyway, about that… futures thing? How do I get started?"

"Just go to any Japanese bank and open an account, submit the paperwork—"

"Wait."

"What?"

"You mean… I can't do it unless I'm an adult?"

"Obviously. That's true in every country."

"No way…"

Looking at her disappointed face, Rinji felt something was off.

"You just need to be 18. Aren't you a college student?"

"Ah… right. Totally. Ahahaha…"

"…You really are something else."

Rinji didn't question the idea that she was a college student. Her demeanor was definitely more mature than the average girl's.

What remained suspicious, though, was the supernatural ability she had just shown.

"Well, I'll be going then. Shame about today."

The girl stretched and headed toward the rooftop entrance.

Just before entering, she turned and smiled at Rinji.

"Hey, could you keep what you saw today a secret? I really don't want anyone finding out. It'd cause a lot of trouble."

"Of course."

If this ability were exposed, people from all sorts of factions would come after her. Her peaceful life would be over.

"Thanks~ Well, I—"

Gurgle~

Just then, her stomach growled loudly. Blushing, she froze.

"…Miss Amano."

"You misheard."

"You're hungry, aren't you?"

"…"

Seeing her lower her head in embarrassment, Rinji let out a small sigh.

"Come on. I'll take you to the school cafeteria. You're Kei's friend. I can't let you go hungry."

"Eh? But…"

"Don't worry about money. This meal's on me."

Rinji stepped forward and gently pushed her along.

"Um…" the girl asked hesitantly, blushing, "I still don't know your name. Kei only mentioned your last name."

"Takamine Rinji."

He introduced himself.

"What about you, Miss Amano?"

"I'm Hina. Amano Hina."

"!!"

The moment he heard her name, Rinji's pupils shrank. He froze on the spot.