Where Is Teacher Hongye?

The worst thing of all is when the plot reaches its climax, and you’re swept along, feeling so refreshed as you read, only for it to end!

Cut short halfway through, with so much left unsaid, unfinished works always leave readers sighing with regret and lament.

And what of Ozaki Koyo, who abandoned his story halfway through and was forced to die with regrets because of cancer?

His file probably describes him like this:

An unexpectedly mischievous person, easygoing and pleasant to be around. A good man who gets involved in things that aren’t his business, yet never wavers in his convictions. He absolutely refuses to eat anything he dislikes, but has a different attitude toward sweets. He now tenderly watches over Izumi Kyoka and Tokuda Shusei.

In short, Detaro: "Ridiculous."

So how would you describe Ozaki Koyo?

Izumi Kyoka: "My teacher is the best in the world! Everything he says is right!"

Tokuda Shusei: "Why does even my teacher think I’m old-fashioned...?"

Detaro, armed with the gold-medal answer: "I don’t know."

"And one more thing..." Detaro, usually as unruffled as an old cadre and fond of steeping goji berries in his thermos, furrowed his brow slightly and tossed the file in his hand onto the ground.

"Who are you calling a girl? I’m a grown man."

1. Detaro is Teacher Koyo’s real name.

2. This is my version of Teacher Koyo. If the kids don’t behave, just give them a beating.

3. Pairing? Only me.

Thesis: Put people first.