Uncle Hikigaya is Forever Young [34]

The original "Hikigaya Ryōhei"’s younger sister and brother-in-law had died in a maritime disaster.

It seemed like an extremely sorrowful thing. If it had been the original "Hikigaya Ryōhei," who knows what would’ve happened after receiving such devastating news?

Only after boarding the train and gathering his thoughts did Hikigaya Ryōhei 2.0 recall reading a newspaper article once—a full-page feature—about a major maritime disaster with numerous casualties.

What was that incident called again?

He couldn't remember clearly. In any case, it was due to government negligence, which caused rescue operations to be delayed artificially, resulting in hundreds of deaths.

Typical bureaucracy!

Easy to imagine.

He vaguely recalled it was a ferry traveling between Honshu and Korea.

Though it was indeed a tragedy, having only ever seen a photo of this supposed "sister," he found himself completely unable to feel any sorrow.

Frankly, it’d be weird if he did feel anything.

Actually, it was almost a relief.

After all, genuine relatives would most likely notice his abnormalities quite easily.

However, Ryōhei quickly realized something else—he and this "younger sister" no longer had any other direct relatives. That meant he’d probably be responsible for arranging her funeral.

The government worker coming by today probably had something to do with that.

Arranging funerals = spending money!

Lots of money!

Ryōhei covered his forehead anxiously, slumping limply onto his seat, feeling utterly exhausted.

Though he’d never personally arranged a funeral in Japan, he figured it was unlikely to cost less than several hundred thousand yen, right?!

If they didn't require him to pay, everything would be fine.

It wasn’t that he didn't want to pay!
He was just broke!

"Ahh… It looks like I really need a new job soon. Working part-time might keep me alive, but it can’t withstand any unforeseen expenses," Ryōhei muttered to himself audibly.

"Oh right—I haven't checked that recommendation letter yet!"

He’d been hit by one blow after another, almost completely forgetting this matter.

Ryōhei quickly swung his bag around onto his lap, somewhat eagerly pulling out the recommendation letter.

It still had the Teitan Junior High emblem printed on it.

No time for ritual baths, incense, or prayer—he opened it straight away.

In a soft, broken whisper, Ryōhei read it aloud:

"…I hereby recommend my esteemed Tokyo Gakugei University alumni, Hikigaya Ryōhei, to your honorable school... He would very much appreciate the chance to humbly serve your institution! Although Mr. Hikigaya lacks teaching experience, his understanding of World History is unique and impressively profound, and he possesses a mysterious natural gift for classroom instruction... Therefore, I confidently promise that if you grant Hikigaya-kun a trial opportunity, you will absolutely not regret it!"

The school being recommended seemed familiar: Chiba Municipal Sōbu High School!

Wasn’t this Hachiman’s school?

Ryōhei knew this was also a prestigious high school—but would they really accept someone like himself, an "inexperienced" teacher?

Of course, if given a chance, Ryōhei had absolute confidence he could teach no worse than any other thirty-something teacher. The real problem was, why would a prestigious school offer a chance to a middle-aged man who ostensibly had zero teaching experience?

Feeling a bit uncertain, Ryōhei closed his eyes and considered for a moment before carefully folding the letter and putting it back into the envelope.

He’d try his luck within the next couple days.

Who knew—maybe it’d work out?

Since that elderly principal had handed him this recommendation letter, there must be some possibility of success. The old man didn't seem like the frivolous type to toy with people’s hopes.

In his previous life, Ryōhei had also graduated from a prestigious normal university, and he knew very well how educational circles operated—alumni connections tended to be mutually supportive. When he’d started teaching at a middle school after graduation in his last life, he found the head of his department was a senior from his own university, and the principal was his teacher’s old classmate… It was easy to run into alumni if one paid just a little attention.

Networking had clear advantages—at least when privately exchanging teaching (or slacking-off) techniques, it was always pleasant.

It seemed Tokyo Gakugei University had considerable clout in Tokyo-area middle school education circles.

...

"I’m home!"

As Hikigaya Ryōhei pushed open the door and entered, the atmosphere inside felt unusually subdued. Even Komachi didn’t dash up excitedly to cling to his leg like she normally would.

Only then did he realize his reaction might’ve been too indifferent.

"Papa… about Aunt…" Hachiman and Komachi sat seriously upright behind the small low table, looking exceptionally obedient.

The table was piled high with thick stacks of government documents.

Ryōhei secretly took a deep breath, then awkwardly pulled a cushion to sit down next to the table. In a deliberately somber voice, he said: "I know already… Hachiman, how about you take Komachi out to buy ingredients for dinner tonight? Papa wants some time alone. Is that okay?"

Hikigaya Hachiman was actually a very mature kid. He instantly thought he understood—

His father was grieving deeply, but didn’t want to show his sadness in front of him and Komachi.

As the head of the household, he couldn't display weakness in front of his children.

Father really is a man who takes responsibility!

The corners of Hachiman’s eyes suddenly moistened, feeling as if he’d grown up significantly in this very moment.

He immediately knelt formally in seiza, placed both hands flat on his knees, and respectfully bowed to Ryōhei.

Then he stood up, blinked a few times, took the hand of a confused-but-impressed Komachi, and quietly walked out the door.

After hearing the door close, Ryōhei blinked a few times himself.

Had this kid… misunderstood something?

Forget it!

Whatever, it was probably for the best.

Exhaling heavily, he’d been unsure what expression to show in front of the kids about his sister and brother-in-law’s deaths anyway.

This way, they’d probably think he’d already released his emotions by the time they returned, and he could behave normally again.

Now, let's take a look at these documents.

Ryōhei didn’t waste time; he quickly sat cross-legged and flipped through the papers on the table.

It seemed Hachiman and Komachi were sensible enough not to have peeked.

The first was the government’s maritime disaster investigation report.

Not reading!

The second was a report by the rapid-response fleet "Blue Mermaid," the first rescuers to reach the scene.

Not reading!

Several hundred people had died—none of this would bring anyone back. What use was there in reading dozens of pages of reports?

Even as toilet paper, they wouldn’t be comfortable.

Only after flipping through several more documents did Ryōhei finally find the one he wanted:

The report regarding the identities of his poor "younger sister" and "brother-in-law," along with family arrangements and compensation details.

"Hmm, Misaki Shiina… birth name Hikigaya Shiina—yes, that's right." Ryōhei quickly skimmed through, eyes stopping at the end.

The report showed that this unlucky couple had a young daughter who survived the maritime disaster.

"Misaki Akeno, currently 13 years old… same age as Komachi, huh? Losing parents at this age is really pitiful… Wait, what? What’s this adoption recommendation nonsense?!"

—

PS: Yep, we’re adopting her.

T/N: HE DOES NOT HAVE THE MONEY FOR THAT BIG MANNNNN STOP MAKING HIM SUFFERRRR

This is a fan translation of 比企谷大叔永远年轻 by Stargazer All rights to the original work belong to the creator. Please support them by exploring their original work or sharing it with others if you can. Thank you for reading and supporting my efforts to bring this story to a wider audience!