Chapter 6 The Main Body, Day Three

Or he is a very remarkable person.

To be honest, this isn't the first time I've heard something like this—though it might sound a bit narcissistic or boastful, it's really true.

Almost all of my teachers have praised me as an outstanding and intelligent student. I've heard compliments like "Edaka is amazing" at least eighty or a hundred times.

But upon closer examination, I'm actually far less intelligent than they imagine. In terms of IQ, I'm just average, my memory is mediocre, and I'm not some once-in-a-century genius. If I had to categorize myself, I'd say I'm only at the upper end of the average person's level, and as for joining the ranks of geniuses... I'll probably never cross that threshold.

The gap between geniuses and ordinary people is difficult to bridge through hard work alone. This is because effort determines the lower limit, while talent determines the upper limit.

The ratio of geniuses to ordinary people in this world is pitifully low, and the fact that "Edakawa may not be a genius" has never made me feel any regret. As long as I do my best within my capabilities, I have no major regrets.

Long ago, when I was still in Miyagi, Oikawa commented on me, saying, "I really don't know whether to say you're petty, open-minded, or easygoing."

I just smiled casually when I heard that.

Because I don't know either.

I shrank back, moving out of Gojo Satoru's reach, and said with a serious expression, "I'm not tall, Gojo-sensei."

Gojo Satoru was somewhat shocked, but more curious: "Or will you grow taller?"

"...I think so." I was actually a little unsure, but then something suddenly occurred to me, and I nodded firmly to make my words more convincing: "I'm not an adult yet, so I should still have a chance to grow taller."

"Huh?" Gojo Satoru stroked his chin and looked at me. Even with the blindfold on, I could feel him looking me up and down. Then he asked uncertainly, "Speaking of which, how tall was he again... 175?"

"!!!"

Teacher, listen to the nonsense you're spouting! I can tolerate anything you do, but I can't tolerate you belittling my height.

So I shouted, "175 is Hui's height, right, teacher?! I'm 178.7! Don't just erase the 3.7 centimeters I worked so hard to grow!!"

"Oh, sorry, sorry." He smiled and apologized to me perfunctorily, then put his index finger to his lips to indicate, "But you have to be quiet in the hospital, okay?"

Gojo Satoru's posture resembled that of someone coaxing a child, and it was highly suggestive. So, my gaze naturally followed those slender fingers to his lips, but I quickly looked away.

"I understand," I said.

Actually, there's a question I've always wanted to ask Gojo Satoru, but I haven't brought it up because of a slight, inexplicable awkwardness.

That is—

Teacher, what brand of lipstick are you using?

This moisturizing effect is absolutely divine!

...Hmm.

Perhaps next time I could subtly ask Hui to ask him?

With an IV drip still attached to my left arm, I tilted my head back and watched the clear liquid drip down the IV bag, almost finished. I prepared myself to remove it myself.

Noticing Gojo Satoru's unwavering gaze, he asked, "Teacher, what's wrong?"

"I was just wondering, is that 3.7 centimeters really that important to you or me?"

"..." Do you really have to bring this up?

"It's very important." I said solemnly.

That 3.7 centimeters was the result of countless mornings of drinking milk.

I looked at him and said, "But teacher, you probably can't understand this."

Gojo Satoru nodded in agreement: "Indeed."

—Because you're over 190cm tall!!!

If I were over 190cm, I wouldn't care about those 3.7cm.

I shouted this in my heart.

To be honest, I think my reasoning for Gojo Satoru is perfectly reasonable. Regardless of who it is, given my current situation, considering Gojo Satoru's impressive height of over 1.9 meters and his lack of understanding of the statement "3.7 centimeters is important," the reason would undoubtedly be the same—because that guy is too tall, he can't empathize with my thoughts.

However, Gojo Satoru had his own ideas.

He said, "Because whether it's 175cm or 178.7cm, in my eyes, they are both my most adorable students."

I was taken aback, then immediately showed a dismissive attitude: "Teacher, you also praise Hui like that, right?"

"no the same."

"Um?"

“Hui is also a lovely student, but perhaps the most lovely.” He emphasized the last word.

"..."

Unlike last time, I was silent for only a very brief moment. Then, with my right hand, which was still free to move, I skillfully pulled out the needle from the back of my left hand. Immediately afterward, I grabbed the thin blanket covering my legs and yanked it off.

"Or?" Gojo Satoru asked, puzzled.

"I'm being discharged from the hospital."

I turned to look at him and repeated clearly and firmly, "I'm being discharged from the hospital, Gojo-sensei."

My gut feeling told me I couldn't listen to Gojo Satoru spouting nonsense anymore.