Originally, Ichin's parents had planned to accompany him to today's interview, but during a phone call, he managed to talk them out of it. For him, this was just an interview—there was no way he wouldn't pass.

So in the end, the task of accompanying him fell to Utaha's parents.

After meeting up with them and heading downstairs together, Ichin drove his car, taking Utaha and her parents to the school first.

There, they were supposed to meet with Ms. Hiratsuka and the grade head.

Soon, they arrived at school. Today, instead of parking outside like usual, Ichin drove directly inside.

After parking, the four of them made their way to the office and found Ms. Hiratsuka already waiting. They also saw that Eriri and Yukino had already arrived.

After exchanging greetings with Utaha's parents, Ms. Hiratsuka turned to Ichin and Utaha. "How's your prep going?"

Ichin replied with a relaxed expression, "It's just an interview, nothing too difficult. They're already familiar with my professional background, so the interview will likely focus on that. Compared to me, Utaha's might be a bit more challenging."

Ichin was applying for the computer science department, while Utaha was aiming for literature. Naturally, the content of their interviews would be completely different.

But Utaha showed no signs of nervousness.

"Don't worry, Ms. Hiratsuka. During my three years of high school, I haven't just been studying or writing novels."

Seeing the confidence on both of their faces, Ms. Hiratsuka didn't say anything more.

A few minutes later, the grade head arrived, and the group set off.

Ichin drove one car, while Ms. Hiratsuka drove the other, carrying the grade head, Yukino, and Eriri.

The main campus of the University of Tokyo was located in Bunkyō Ward, right next to Shinjuku, so the trip was quite convenient.

Bunkyō was home to many public and private schools of all levels and even had the reputation of being an "education and culture district."

It was said that Toyogasaki Academy had originally intended to build in this area as well, but ultimately didn't due to lack of available space and instead built in Shinjuku.

About twenty minutes later, both cars pulled into the gates of the University of Tokyo.

Ms. Hiratsuka had been here several times before, so she led Ichin's car to the parking lot without issue.

After parking, the grade head and Ms. Hiratsuka led the group to the building where the interviews were to be held.

Upon reaching the academic building, the grade head parted ways with them as he had other appointments and people to meet.

Compared to Ms. Hiratsuka, Eriri wasn't very familiar with the grade head. Only after he left did she finally speak up freely.

Looking at the surrounding architecture and the occasional students walking past, she commented curiously, "It really does feel different from high school. Even though it's the weekend, some students are carrying books and rushing around."

Ms. Hiratsuka glanced over and said, "Those are probably graduate students, likely busy with their research projects. Anyway, here we are—there's not much time left before the interviews begin."

Once inside the building, Ichin saw that several other school teachers had already arrived with their students.

After checking in, Ms. Hiratsuka exchanged a few words with some familiar teachers, then brought everyone to the hallway outside the interview rooms.

"This is your interview room, Ichin. Utaha, yours is upstairs," she said, handing them both their interview forms. "Ichin, just wait here by yourself for now. We'll take Utaha upstairs, alright?"

Ichin had no objections. He actually wanted a few moments to calm himself and get into the right headspace.

After the others headed upstairs, Ichin sat on a bench outside the room, adjusting his breathing.

Even though the interview wouldn't be difficult for him, he still wanted to take it seriously and not treat it carelessly.

A few minutes later, another student arrived—also coming for a computer science interview, accompanied by his parents.

Ichin didn't speak to him and instead closed his eyes to rest quietly.

After about ten minutes, the classroom door opened, and a teacher holding a name list called out, "Ichin from Toyogasaki Academy, please come in."

Hearing his name, Ichin immediately stood up and walked into the room.

Inside were five interviewers already seated, with a single chair placed in the center of the classroom.

He greeted the teachers politely, then took his seat and began the interview.

---

Half an hour later, the door opened again and Ichin walked out with a calm expression. After glancing at the other boy waiting outside, he headed straight for the stairs and went up to the second floor.

As soon as he reached the upper floor, he saw Ms. Hiratsuka and the others waiting outside another classroom.

Eriri happened to look up and spotted him. "Ichin's here!" she exclaimed in surprise.

Though Utaha's parents were still waiting for her interview to finish, they immediately came over when they saw Ichin.

Utaha's father asked nervously, "Ichin, how did it go?"

By now, Utaha's parents already saw Ichin as one of their own, so naturally they were anxious.

Ichin smiled confidently and replied, "Don't worry, Uncle. The interview went very smoothly. I had a great conversation with the interviewers. At the end, they told me all that's left is to wait for the admission notice."

"That's great! That's really great!"

Everyone looked visibly relieved.

Ms. Hiratsuka too was pleased. In her years of teaching, Ichin and Utaha were the only two students under her guidance who were qualified to apply to the University of Tokyo. This was a big achievement for her own teaching credentials.

Ichin briefly recapped the interview for everyone.

"They mostly asked questions related to computer science—software development, game design, and my views on the industry. Since I already work in the field, none of it was difficult."

Ms. Hiratsuka nodded. "Exactly. In Ichin's case, he's already a professional in the industry, so his interview can't really be used as a benchmark for other students. But his mindset and attitude could definitely be helpful as a reference. I'm not worried about Yukino at all. But Eriri, when you reach third year and want to apply to Tokyo University of the Arts, your grades will be fine—but you'll need to prepare for the interview."

"Ugh… the interview…"

At the mention of that, Eriri awkwardly tugged at the corner of her mouth.

Drawing a piece of art? No problem.

But interviews? That wasn't her strong suit—especially having to face a panel of teachers and answer who knows what kind of questions.

For some reason, she suddenly felt a little panicked.

*