And so, Hakuto thoroughly enjoyed the fun of being a teacher.
But according to the law of conservation of happiness, the greater the joy at the beginning, the greater the sorrow in the end.
Hakuto stood in the middle of the living room, while the five sisters sat neatly on the sofa, exchanging glances with each other in silence.
Looking at the five test papers in his hand, Hakuto shook his head helplessly.
"All five of you… how did you manage to score only 15 points when the passing mark is right there?"
Hearing Hakuto's question, the five sisters all turned their heads away, avoiding his gaze.
A poet's grip!
"As expected, Itsuki got the highest score..."
Hakuto had selected the most basic questions, so naturally, someone with a proper learning attitude like Itsuki ended up with the highest score.
"So... why is your score a single digit, Yotsuba?!"
Saying that, Hakuto grabbed Yotsuba's bunny-ear headband and pulled her to his side as if lifting a little rabbit.
"Shiratori-sensei... I really did try my best..."
"Even if you copied, you shouldn't have ended up with a single-digit score. Wasn't Itsuki right next to you?"
"But Shiratori-sensei told me to do it on my own..."
"You..."
Hakuto didn't even know what expression to make in this situation.
He never expected that someone as straightforward as Yotsuba would actually be intimidated by him.
In fact, it wasn't just Yotsuba. Hakuto's words had put all five sisters under pressure, though he himself was unaware of it.
Nino, who had been planning to look at Yotsuba's test paper, couldn't hold back and ended up laughing instead.
Seeing Yotsuba in such a predicament, Ichika quickly tried to lighten the mood.
"Don't be so serious. How about a round of 'Three Kingdoms Kill'?"
Originally keeping a serious expression, Hakuto instantly lost his composure upon hearing those three words.
So it's all the fault of 'Three Kingdoms Kill'!
But Hakuto didn't accept Ichika's invitation. Instead, he pulled out the test paper he had just completed and placed it on the table.
"This is my version of the test. You can compare it to yours and correct your mistakes. If there's anything you don't understand, ask me."
Hakuto let go of Yotsuba and continued,
"Honestly, I was somewhat prepared for your scores, but clearly, I underestimated things..."
Saying that, he took out a small white bun-shaped plush toy and handed it to Itsuki, who was sitting beside him.
Looking at the plush toy Hakuto handed over, Itsuki showed a puzzled expression.
"This is?"
"A little toy that I made, as a reward for getting the highest score."
Holding the plush toy, Itsuki realized this was the first time she had received a gift based on her academic performance.
Though she was the highest scorer among the five, her grades weren't exactly great—just the best of the worst.
"But why a bun?" Itsuki muttered to herself. She was pretty sure she hadn't revealed her love for meat buns in front of Hakuto.
The other four sisters, seeing the plush toy in Itsuki's hands, were stunned.
"Shiratori-sensei! Shiratori-sensei! What about mine?"
"Get your score into double digits first."
Once again, Hakuto grabbed Yotsuba's weak spot, but in the next moment, he reached into his bag and pulled out four more small items.
Unlike Itsuki's plush toy, these four items were in packaging, making it impossible to see what was inside.
The boxes varied in size—the largest was bigger than Hakuto's face, while the smallest was only about half the size of a palm.
"Yotsuba, why don't you try guessing which one is yours?"
Yotsuba hadn't expected to receive a reward at all. Given her single-digit score, she had been grateful just to avoid punishment.
Looking at the four packages hanging from Hakuto's fingers, the longing in her eyes was obvious—she wanted one!
"If I guess correctly, will Shiratori-sensei give me mine?"
"You can come ask for it when you get the highest score."
With that, Hakuto turned to the other three, flashing a bright smile.
"The same goes for you all."
"Tch! Who wants your little trinkets anyway?"
"Oh? Nino, are you not even a little curious about what I prepared for you?"
To be honest, Hakuto's words hit Nino right where it mattered. She was definitely curious, but she kept up her uninterested facade.
"That... that kind of thing... whatever."
At that moment, Miku, who had been silent the whole time, raised her hand and spoke.
"Hakuto, can I at least see what's inside mine?"
"You'll know once you earn it yourself."
"Then when's the next test...?"
"In a few days, probably..."
Hakuto wasn't entirely sure. After all, he still needed to create the test and consider the sisters' preparation.
Hearing this, Miku nodded, then picked up Hakuto's answer sheet and started correcting her own test.
"Itsuki, let me play with your bun plush!"
"No way! If you want one, score higher next time."
"Hey, Miku, let me take a look at Hakuto's answers."
"Didn't Nino say she wasn't interested in the reward?"
"Huh? Who said I wanted it for the reward? I just want to improve my score, that's all..."
Hakuto clapped his hands, clearly satisfied with the scene before him.
The grade motivation method, the reward motivation method, and finally, a bit of psychological manipulation!
He had maxed it out! Hakuto felt like he had pulled off a perfect play!
Even though the little trinkets he had prepared weren't worth much, the chain reaction they caused was beyond any monetary value.
At the very least, Hakuto didn't believe that simply spending money could motivate the five sisters to study like this.
Just then, Itsuki turned to Hakuto and asked,
"Um... if I get first place again next time, will there be another reward?"
"Of course. Next time, you can choose your own reward—it can be an item, a request for me to do something, or even a question you want me to answer. As long as it's not too unreasonable."
As soon as Hakuto said that, all five sisters froze and nearly stopped writing at the same time.
Nino looked at Hakuto, realizing that she now had an absolute reason to win—not just out of curiosity but necessity.
Miku felt the same, while Ichika was more focused on figuring out what Hakuto meant by "not too unreasonable."
Meanwhile, Yotsuba puffed up her cheeks in frustration at Itsuki.
"Ah! Itsuki, you just got your reward, and you're already thinking about the next one!"
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