A Core Ship From The Start-Chapter 1578 - 1060: Thank You Gift

The unlucky man’s subsequent fate was of no concern to Duanmu Huai, as he had his own matters to attend to—after dealing with the ranking competition in the Devil World, the next event was the Kyoto competition of the Wind Band Club, which would determine which schools would participate in the national championship. Therefore, the Wind Band Club was training very diligently.

Fortunately, the results weren’t too bad.

"The third school, No. 15, Ryuo Academy."

With the announcement of the three schools advancing to the nationals, Duanmu Huai, standing in the second-floor audience seats, let out a breath of relief, and glanced at the system—well, there were no new unlock lists, it seems the system doesn’t support score farming.

"Is this a wind band competition? It seems quite interesting meow~o(=∩ω∩=)m."

At this moment, a charming voice came from behind Duanmu Huai, followed by a black cat silently poking its head out from his shoulder like a ghost, curiously observing the Wind Band Club members below who were embracing each other in joy and tears.

No need to ask, she was naturally Ling’Nu.

In fact, Duanmu Huai didn’t know when Ling’Nu had arrived, he just knew that a few days after sending the invitation, one evening when he wanted to have some tea, Ling’Nu appeared with a tea cup in her hand, grinning—which almost scared everyone else to death.

When it comes to being elusive, this little girl is truly top-notch at being mischievous.

Since then, Ling’Nu almost always stayed by Duanmu Huai’s side—or rather she should be by his side, since she was usually nowhere to be seen, but as soon as Duanmu Huai called her, Ling’Nu would immediately appear. In this regard, this genius female ninja is indeed impressive, especially after Duanmu Huai used [Knight] on her, Ling’Nu’s speed reached its limit.

Well, in any case, Duanmu Huai definitely couldn’t compare, as he himself isn’t of the speedster type.

Perhaps it’s because she got used to living in the World of Mary in the form of a cat, Ling’Nu now spends most of her time appearing in the form of a black cat beside Duanmu Huai. Of course, Duanmu Huai didn’t mind this, after all, petting a cat is fun too.

"Do you also want to go on stage?"

"Of course, Ling’Nu is a female ninja, naturally skilled in various musical instruments."

"I don’t think a ninja would play instruments like the trombone."

Duanmu Huai couldn’t imagine a ninja playing the trombone or euphonium or tuba; that’s just too much of a mix.

"But Ling’Nu plays the flute very well!"

"Oh, right, there’s also the flute..." ƒrēenovelkiss.com

This fit Duanmu Huai’s imagination, perhaps the impression from Mary’s violin was so strong that Duanmu Huai forgot there were flute players in the Wind Band Club.

"Alright, next is the nationals, I hope they won’t disappoint me."

Duanmu Huai glanced once more at the girls hugging and cheering below, reached out to tease the black cat lying on his shoulder, and then turned to leave.

The students of the Wind Band Club hadn’t noticed Duanmu Huai’s presence; in fact, even as they boarded the bus, they couldn’t hide their excitement.

"Honestly, at first, I thought Teacher Duanmu was too harsh, but now it seems his approach wasn’t wrong at all."

"Yeah, to be frank, there was a moment when I almost gave up."

Sitting in their seats, the girls looked back with lingering fear. In fact, ever since Duanmu Huai felt the atmosphere of the Wind Band Club was too "harmonious" and changed the selection mechanism, these students privately thought Duanmu Huai was too harsh. After all, having to go through the selection process before each competition placed immense mental pressure on them. No one wanted that, but they couldn’t do anything about it. Of course, they secretly discussed that if they didn’t achieve good results in the Kansai competition, they would ask Duanmu Huai to cancel this selection process.

The result, however, was beyond everyone’s expectations.

It wasn’t that they were surprised by the strength of their own performance, but they were astonished by the strength displayed by the other schools. In fact, in the Wind Band Club, many veteran members thought entering the nationals last year meant they could do it again this year. But after listening to the performances of other schools, they were shocked to discover that in just a year, many schools had undergone almost transformative changes.

One can imagine if they had participated in the Kansai competition with a mindset of complacency, they might have been eliminated—actually, it was just by a narrow margin, according to the reviews, the gap between them and their competitors was almost imperceptible, but it was this tiny difference that determined heaven and hell.

They happily advanced to the nationals, while those who were eliminated could only cry in despair.

Just the thought that if it was them crying now made many students shiver.

"I think we should perhaps express more gratitude towards Teacher Duanmu."

Huang’zen Kumiko also suggested, as Tasuku was always popular and well-respected in the Wind Band Club. As for Duanmu Huai, everyone was in awe and kept their distance. Of course, Duanmu Huai himself didn’t mind, but every decision he made, though it caused chaos within the Wind Band Club, undeniably had an impact.

If not for Duanmu Huai’s requirement of selections before each competition, it would have been difficult to maintain the pressure till the end.

Tasuku, as the conductor, would receive a conductor award on stage, but Duanmu Huai, being merely an advisor with no knowledge of music, wouldn’t appear on such occasions.

Considering how much he had worried about the Wind Band Club, everyone felt they should do something too.

"How about we give Teacher Duanmu a bouquet?"

Quickly, another girl suggested, but it was immediately dismissed.

"Give Teacher Duanmu flowers? That doesn’t suit his image, right?"

"Uh........"

Imagining a burly bald man in a tracksuit holding a bouquet, the girls all broke out in a cold sweat.

It was really too jarring.

"Then...how about a postcard? We could write words of thanks, even if not in person, we can express them in writing, right?"

Duanmu Huai was really intimidating, even knowing he wasn’t bad, just being face-to-face with him was enough to render most students of the Wind Band Club speechless. Perhaps their minds would go blank, without any thoughts at all.

"So who’s going to deliver it?"

"President... isn’t it impossible."

This year’s president is Yoshikazu Yoshikawa, and she’s quite afraid of Duanmu Huai. The reason is simple: last year, there was a debate about whether first-year Kousaka Rina or third-year Nakaseko Kaori should be the solo performer. She had been the first to raise the issue, insisting on Nakaseko Kaori as the soloist. As a result, Duanmu Huai mocked her mercilessly. Although the issue was eventually resolved satisfactorily, Yoshikazu Yoshikawa now avoids Duanmu Huai like the plague, much like a mouse avoiding a cat.

"..........."

Quickly, everyone turned their attention to Huang’zen Kumiko, who was momentarily stunned.

"Why are you looking at me?"

"It’s up to you, Kumiko."

"... Me?!"

"That’s right, it’s your suggestion, isn’t it? Also, I remember you and Teacher Duanmu are quite familiar; you’ve chatted quite a few times."

"Well, that’s true..."

Facing this unexpectedly heavy burden, Huang’zen Kumiko was completely bewildered.

"Wait, given this, why not ask Mary? She’s even more familiar with Teacher Duanmu?"

"Precisely because classmate Mary is too familiar with Teacher Duanmu, asking her wouldn’t effectively convey our gratitude. So, you’re the best representative of us ordinary students!"

"Eh, eh, eh?!"

In the end, Huang’zen Kumiko had to accept this daunting task, sighing helplessly as she leaned back in her chair.

And just then......

"Senior."

"Whoa!"

The voice that startled Huang’zen Kumiko from behind made her turn her head, only to find Tachibana Rui staring intently at her.

"W—What is it?"

"Are you close with Teacher Duanmu?"

"Huh? You mean Teacher Duanmu? I guess... okay? We’ve chatted a few times, Teacher Duanmu might look fierce, but he’s actually quite gentle most of the time."

"Oh......"

After hearing Huang’zen Kumiko’s answer, Tachibana Rui simply said calmly, then fell silent.

"..........?"

Watching the quiet Tachibana Rui, Huang’zen Kumiko paused for a moment before turning away.

Since it was her suggestion, she naturally had to follow through.

Back at school, Huang’zen Kumiko began taking action. As it was her idea, she needed to explain it to others. Fortunately, she was relieved that nearly all the Wind Band Club members were willing to express their gratitude to Duanmu Huai in this manner — after all, he’s intimidating, but postcard messages were more doable for them.

Of course, Huang’zen Kumiko also explained the situation to Mary.

"......Express gratitude to Mr. Duanmu?"

"Yes, we’re planning to send him postcards. Teacher Duanmu shouldn’t dislike this method, right?"

Speaking cautiously, Huang’zen Kumiko watched Mary. Unlike others, Mary always called Duanmu Huai "Mr." rather than "Teacher," though Huang’zen Kumiko didn’t know why.

"Just simple postcards?"

"Eh? Yes......"

"Hmm...... postcards, huh? I think, given Mr. Duanmu’s character, he’d probably tell you not to fuss, but I doubt he’d dislike the method."

At this point, Mary placed her finger on her chin, and, as if having thought of something, smiled slightly.

"However, I think if you could send him a few love letters, Mr. Duanmu might be happier."

"Eh? L— Love letters?"

Hearing Mary’s suggestion, Huang’zen Kumiko instantly blushed and waved her hands.

"T—This... we do appreciate Teacher Duanmu, but love letters... hahaha, we are students... it’s not proper..."

"I know, I was just kidding. I think Mr. Duanmu would be very pleased."

As she spoke, Mary glanced out the window.

"Of course, provided it’s kept secret."

Hearing Mary’s words, a black cat resting on the tree outside lifted its head, glanced at Mary, then curled up again, closing its eyes.