Game Developer in the World of Anime

When they heard Hiratsuka Shizuka call them, Ichin and Utaha exchanged a quick glance, then got up and followed her out of the classroom.

"Sensei, can you tell us what this is about?" Ichin asked.

With her lesson plan in hand, Hiratsuka gave them a rare smile.

"Don't worry, it's good news. I'll explain once we get to the office."

Soon, the three of them arrived at the staff room. After putting her things down, Hiratsuka led them to a smaller meeting room inside.

"Have a seat."

She sat down across from them and looked at the pair seriously.

"So, about university entrance—you're both aiming for the University of Tokyo, right?"

Both nodded immediately. Utaha speculated,

"Is this about recommendation quotas?"

"Oh? Sharp guess."

Hiratsuka smiled, nodding. "This year, our school has two recommendation slots for the University of Tokyo. Naturally, both of you are on the consideration list. Of course, you're not the only ones—some of the other top-ranking students are also competing for them. That means the next two major exams will be crucial. They'll not only justify Toyogasaki's recommendation but also serve as important evaluation criteria for Todai's admissions team. So—do you want these slots?"

Ichin and Utaha looked at each other and simultaneously showed clear interest.

Ichin spoke confidently,

"If we can get one, of course we want it. Besides, we're not just top students academically. If we're serious about it, those slots are basically ours."

Utaha followed up right away.

"I think the same as Ichin."

"Good. Then it's decided."

Hiratsuka clapped her hands lightly. "Come back here during lunch. I'll have the forms ready for you to fill out. From now on, you must prepare properly for these exams, understood? Midterms, finals—these are vital benchmarks. Got it?"

Both nodded firmly, then left the office.

---

On the way back to class, Utaha said,

"Looks like we really have to buckle down now. Those students behind us in rank will definitely give it their all for a shot at the recommendations."

"As long as we don't slack off, we're fine."

Ichin remained as calm as ever. "We've already solidified our knowledge base. Our scores won't be a problem. Even if others go all out, it's not like we'll stop studying entirely. What, getting nervous now?"

Utaha smirked slightly.

"Not at all. I was just wondering… maybe this time I'll finally surpass you and take back first place in the grade."

"Oh ho? It's on again, huh?"

Ichin liked Utaha's competitive streak—these high-stakes exams always came with their own personal wagers between them. And honestly, those "wagers" usually meant nothing but benefits for him.

"Well then," he said with a grin, "shall we place our usual bet?"

Utaha, instantly understanding where he was going with this, blushed a little but refused to back down.

"Fine! I won't lose!"

Mmhm… you said the same thing last time. And yet, in the end, you still obediently put on that maid outfit, didn't you?

Though he hadn't spelled it out, both of them knew exactly what was on the line. The bet remained the same as always—unspoken but understood.

---

Back in the classroom, Utaha immediately switched to serious mode. She pulled out a set of practice worksheets she'd bought last month and began working through them.

Ichin rubbed his chin in amusement. He hadn't expected Utaha to be this fired up. Clearly, it wasn't just about the bet—the thought of the recommendation slot had truly lit a fire under her.

Well, in that case…

He reached into his desk drawer, took out his own set of practice sheets, and started solving them rapidly.

As for the next period?

It was math class. And the material being taught was something both he and Utaha had already mastered long ago. So rather than sit through a lecture they didn't need, it was more productive to do extra problems.

When the math teacher entered and noticed their independent study, he didn't say a word. They were the top two students in the year—why interrupt them? Better to focus on helping the rest of the class.

---

For the entire morning, Ichin and Utaha were buried in worksheets, much to the shock of their classmates.

You're already the top two in the whole grade—and now you're this motivated?

What are the rest of us supposed to do?

Unconsciously, many of the students began thinking they should buy some extra practice books after school… maybe even sign up for some extra tutoring sessions.

And just like that, the era of academic overachievers began spreading through the classroom like wildfire.

During lunch break, Ichin and Utaha went to the Service Club to eat.

Eriri, however, didn't have a bento from Ichin's house today. Instead, she had one prepared by Sayuri Sawamura. While it still tasted great, after freeloading for a few days, Eriri couldn't help but feel that the flavor was a little… bland in comparison.

So, with no shame at all, she reached over and snatched a piece of braised pork from Utaha's lunch.

Chewing happily on the delicious meat, Eriri said,

"A Todai recommendation, huh? Even though a lot of people are competing for it, it's probably going to end up being you two anyway. Besides grades, one of you has a game development studio, and the other is a best-selling light novel author. Todai would never pass up students like you."

Yukino nodded in agreement, quietly pondering to herself. She would be in her final year next year—maybe she should aim for a Todai recommendation too. She'd already decided she wanted to apply to the University of Tokyo's Faculty of Law.

Watching Ichin and Utaha work toward Todai's recommendation this year gave her a great reference point.

There was still a little over a week left until midterms, but Ichin wasn't neglecting his responsibilities at the studio either.

After school, he and Utaha headed to the company. Once he had reviewed the progress of the day's work, he returned to his office with Utaha to start studying.

Later, after bringing in some snacks and drinks, Toyama Rin returned to the art team and said to everyone,

"Unless it's important, don't bother Ichin-kun right now. He and Utaha are studying."

"Studying?" Aoba asked, puzzled. "Aren't they already the top two in the year?"

Rin chuckled and explained,

"They're aiming for a Todai recommendation. The scores on the next two exams are crucial. And they're not the only ones in the running—there's some real competition. So just to be safe, they're going all in on their prep."

"Whoa~~ A Todai recommendation, huh?" Yagami ko said in surprise. "Then yeah, they really have to take it seriously."

Just then, Sakura Nene happened to walk by with a drink and overheard the conversation, joining in curiously.

"Todai, huh? I actually wanted to apply there back in the day, too... but in the end, I didn't. It was just a bit too tough."

"A bit" too tough—easy to forget she was also a former academic ace.

Yagami Ko scratched her head and muttered,

"Should I be studying more too? Everyone around here is so damn capable."

RIn smiled and suggested,

"Why not sign up for a Chinese language course? Once the company in China is set up, we'll definitely need to coordinate and communicate with them."

"Chinese, huh…"

Ko looked a bit troubled. She'd tried self-studying before and found it seriously difficult.

But looking at how things were going, for the sake of her job, it seemed like she'd have to bite the bullet and enroll in a class.

...

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