Once Ishigami made his decision, he acted quickly.
The next day, I submitted my application to join the track and field club to the club advisor.
The advisor initially expressed reservations about the student joining the track and field club in their third year.
Because there were already less than two months until the final tournament of the third year.
However, Ishigami's...
"If the coach decides I don't have the skills to compete in the tournament, I'll quit the club!"
I sighed at those words...
"If you're going to say that much, then go ahead and try it."
And he gave permission.
During the day, I diligently attended classes, practiced with the track and field club after school, and when I got home, I tidied my room and focused on my studies.
The disastrous results of his second semester final exams, which left him so heartbroken that he almost bled from his eyes, meant that from then on, Ishigami dedicated five hours a day to studying.
During the last six months of middle school and the first few months of high school, Ishigami hadn't been diligent in his studies. However, since then, he had been working hard to become a man who could stand alongside Koyasu Tsubame, and to repay Shinomiya Kaguya, who had supported and encouraged him.
As a result, I achieved my long-held goal of ranking within the top 50 in the third term's final exams.
This result gave Ishigami, who had only experienced failures and no successes, the first time he had ever felt confident.
"...!"
(I can do it! I'm sure it'll be alright!)
Even if time were to rewind and that fact were erased, as long as Ishigami didn't forget, this confidence would never disappear.
Then, Ishigami suddenly rejoined a club and dedicated himself to studying, which left his family bewildered.
The parents are both happy and surprised, and shaken, by the transformation of their son, who had previously prioritized video games and manga and neglected his studies.
However, Ishigami's statement and its consequences made things far more complicated.
"I think mobile games and smartphone apps will become the mainstream for games in the future. For example..."
That's right, this guy is actually very familiar with the gaming scene about two years from now!
Therefore, we know the trends in games and toys that are likely to become hits in the future!
The father swallowed hard as he listened intently to his son's words, which sounded as if he had witnessed it himself!
As soon as the father finished listening to his son, he ran straight to his room and frantically began writing on a piece of paper labeled "New Product Plan."
Looking down at the written plan, I was certain...
I think this will be a hit.
It would be several months later before the product they launched became a hit and the company became extremely wealthy.
Having casually mentioned a hit product to his father, Ishigami begins studying, a habit he had before his life took a turn for the worse.
All of this was to gain the trust and reputation of those around him, and to protect Kyoko Otomo from Ogino's clutches...
However... Ishigami doesn't yet know that his efforts will be betrayed in an unexpected way a few months later...
And then... two months later.
Ishigami was standing in front of the bulletin board where the final exam results were posted.
Just like in the senior high school, the names of the top 50 students are posted in the junior high school, so it gets crowded with students trying to see their results.
"..."
(As always, that's amazing...)
First place: Miko Iino (490)
Seeing a familiar name brings a smile to my face.
"..."
(But this was... unexpected.)
1st place Yu Ishigami (490)
Iino Miko and Ishigami Yu are tied for first place!
"Seriously...?"
(I can't believe I'm in first place...)
However, this result is only natural! To rank highly in high school studies, it's absolutely impossible without a solid foundation learned in middle school! Conversely, the fact that Ishigami ranked 36th in the third term final exams of high school means that his understanding of the middle school fundamentals is almost perfect! Let me say it again, this result is only natural!
"Well, for now..."
(Hopefully this will improve my reputation a little...)
It wasn't just a little bit. This guy... despite the short period of two months, he seriously dedicated himself to club activities and, incredibly, won an award at the Tokyo Metropolitan Tournament. Ishigami's efforts during those two months spread from his fellow track and field club members and advisor to other students and teachers... He proactively took on troublesome chores outside of club activities as well, and gradually began to be recognized by those around him. Ishigami himself was unaware of it due to his personality, but those around him had already begun to feel respect for him.