A Slightly Special Morning in Shanhaijing 2

I must say, it's truly fortunate.

I've concluded the day's work before you arrived.

Fufu. I have very limited time. I can't afford to waste a moment of it.

Additionally, humans inherently are not existences that embrace "work" with open arms.

I wonder... I could not say I particularly like or dislike work.

I suppose the sentiment is more, "I do it because there is something that needs to be done."

And if it must be done, efficiency and speed are two tools at my disposal to reduce the work time.

Yes. I would say, "If you wish to not work, then do the work."

Hm? People in society may call such a mindset that of a "workaholic"?

What is that? Ah. People who are addicted to work itself?

One would expect that to be a boon upon any organization, but...

Did you know, Sensei?

A superior that's too diligent, too inflexible...they may tire out their employees.

With that in mind, me spending a moment of repose in the main room could potentially be seen as a benefit to Genryumon's future.

What do you think of that, Sensei?

I would, perhaps, say that you do quite enough of that already.

I-Instructor Kokona?! That is the president's room...

Madam, Madam! Uh, um! Is it true?

Oh? If it isn't Instructor Kokona.

Ah, I shouldn't be like this. I'm already a full-fledged lady and an instructor, so I need to follow proper etiquette.

Hello, Madam! Greetings from the Disciplinary Support Department, Plum Blossom Garden first-year instructor, Sunohara Kokona!

Sensei is here too? What's going on?

That's no good, Sensei! You shouldn't waste the president's time for no reason!

It's of no concern, Instructor Kokona. Well, what brings you here? I haven't seen you quite this frantic in a while.

Ah, right! There was something I wanted to ask!

Is it true that you've started doing banzai stretches again?

B-Banzai stretches...?

U-Um...

Madam?

Nothing. I'm just...curious as to where you heard this information from.

Oh, that! I was going to tell you! A lot of people in Shanhaijing are talking about it!

...What?

On top of that, while I didn't really get them, there are a bunch of weird rumors going around.

Could you please tell me about these...rumors?

Of course! So there's stuff like, "As expected, the president didn't give up on banzai stretches!"

Oh, and, "the Genryumon president has been using every means possible to get taller, in secret."

Another one was, "Genryumon must have made a special 'request' to Saya of the Eastern Alchemy Society."

No, that's, uh...

I almost forgot! "Genryumon can always wipe out the Black Tortoise Promenade, but the reason why they don't do that...

...is because the Promenade has been secretly making them food that encourages growth!"

There's also something like, "the day Madam grows taller is the day 'something' from Rikkagaku will be unleashed, which will make Shanhaijing the greatest academy in Kivotos".

By the way, is the last one true, Madam...?

U-Um... Instructor Kokona? When it comes to rumors and hearsay, you can generally assume them to be false...

Phew, okay! I'm glad that's what I told the children at Plum Blossom Garden!

But I also thought it might be awesome to see you make Shanhaijing the greatest academy in all of Kivotos!

I'll do my utmost to reach that goal, without relying on fantasy and disorderly rumors...

Okie dokie!

Oh, my. I feel agitated. There isn't a dark, ulterior motive behind my morning exercises.

To think that it sparked rumors about growing taller and strange, devious plots. Being the president can be exhausting.

Hm?

Do you...also believe that I will not grow, at all?

In other words, you believe I'll stay like this, forevermore?

Is that okay to you, Sensei?

Shouldn't humans exist to resist fate, persistently and endlessly?

Fufu... Then I shall ask again.

Does that mean you, Sensei, believe in the rumors that I exercise in hopes of growing taller?

Furthermore, do you believe me to be an irrational person, one who follows such irrational thought processes?

You've piqued my curiosity. In your mind, what kind of student is Ryuuge Kisaki?

"I'm sorry! Please spare me!"

Fufu. Don't worry so much, Sensei. At this rate, you're going to make me want to apologize.

Excuse me...I feel like I've been forgotten.

My apologies, Instructor Kokona. By any chance, did you hear any more of these...stories?

Ah, about that! This is where the rumors get kinda weird, but...

But I heard there's a "Madam for Kung Fu" faction, led by Reijo from the Black Tortoise Promenade. The Martial Arts Research Club is part of it, too.

And then, a "Madam for Peking Opera" faction, organized by the Peking Opera Club. Apparently, there's a vicious fight going on in underground channels!

?!

"'What does that even mean?!"

Like I said, I don't really get it!

("Kung Fu Faction" and "Peking Opera Faction"? This sounds strange, yet somewhat familiar...)

(Why does this evoke such an apprehensive feeling in me?)

Anyways! If you're really just exercising in the morning...

The Plum Blossom Garden children and I want to join! May we...?

I kind of gave up on banzai stretches, after I found out that they don't actually help with growth...

...but I think we'd all be motivated, if you joined! The children and I would definitely find the strength to wake up early!

S-Sensei...?

...

Fufu. I see. Both Instructor Kokona and Sensei are making excellent points.

Shanhaijing's future lies in the Plum Blossom Garden.

I see no drawbacks from greeting the morning with our bright future.

Really? Yay! Thank you, Madam!

Naturally, Sensei will join in as well.

Of course. Exercise is good for your health.

The fresh morning air would provide even more benefits, don't you agree?

Not so fast. Just where are you scurrying off to, Sensei? There must be an EXTREMELY urgent matter you must attend to.

That won't do.

None of that pouting. Are you not an adult?