Monster Parents vs. Principal as Educator
Takayanagi’s PoV
For the first time, the principal became angry and raised his voice. Councilor Kondo and I involuntarily froze. I had heard that the principal was nicknamed “The Fighter” during his days in the rugby club. Since he usually didn’t scold anyone and always wore a smile, I had assumed the stories were exaggerated.
But now, I realized the stories were true.
Even Councilor Kondo, who had come here intending to exert pressure, was overwhelmed by his presence.
The principal continued.
“If we are not good enough at listening, people will start saying things that are completely off the mark. Look, you’re a councilor, right? You’re supposed to be a role model for the citizens. Even when it comes to family problems, you should be the one taking the most responsibility. Yet here you are, denigrating Takayanagi-sensei, who has set aside his own concerns to fulfill his duties. You are in a position of responsibility, funded by taxpayer money, and you’re trying to force the school to cover up a violent incident involving a child. That’s nonsense. It’s a disgusting betrayal of the trust of the citizens who voted for you.”
His words were sharp and logical, yet his voice never wavered.
I almost wanted to applaud him for standing firm and refusing to bow to demands for a cover-up.
Councilor Kondo, who had been frozen for a while, finally opened his mouth.
“What… what will happen to the school’s reputation if something like this gets out? Because of a principal like you, clinging to a ridiculous sense of justice, the history and traditions of this school will be tarnished.”
But the principal responded without hesitation.
“What pride would this school have if we covered up such an incident? On the contrary, I, as a principal, would be ashamed to be blamed for doing so. Tell me, what’s the value of letting violent incidents and bullying fester just to protect some hollow sense of tradition? A school’s proud legacy is built by every student who learns here and carries that legacy forward. What value is there in preserving the past at the expense of the future of the children who are supposed to create that tradition? This is simply a misunderstanding of the purpose and meaning of education.”
“What…”
Councilor Kondo, clearly not expecting such resolute rejection, froze.
“How can you call yourself an educator if you can’t protect a single student? To protect one student, a wound of this size is a small price to pay. Kondo-san, you’re misunderstanding something.”
“But my son is also a student here. The school has a duty to protect him… and even your reputation will suffer…”
“Kondo-san, your son did something he was not legally allowed to do. A teacher’s job is to educate. There’s a difference between protecting students and coddling them. When they do something wrong, it’s our job to teach them to take responsibility and make amends. Covering up a crime would only damage the school’s reputation further.”
Councilor Kondo’s face turned red with frustration, unable to counter the principal’s flawless argument.
“Well, I get it now. You people are idiots. This was your chance, and you blew it. Don’t regret it. Your teaching careers and the traditions of this school will suffer for this.”
He spat out his frustration, slammed the door, and stormed out.
The principal and I exchanged glances and then smiled.
“Takayanagi-sensei, no matter what he said, I am proud of your actions. Don’t worry about it. The time for ultimatums is over. You don’t have to hold back anymore.”
The principal opened the door to the adjoining reception room.
Inside, we were greeted by smiling newspaper reporters and the eldest son of the elderly man who had collapsed earlier.
To my surprise, it was Yamada-san, a retired former chairman of the Prefectural Council, whom Aono and Ichijo had once helped. He had retired due to old age, and his eldest son had succeeded him. In other words, this eldest son is now a current member of the Prefectural Council.
Councilor Yamada bowed his head in apology.
“As a member of the same… group, I am ashamed that Kondo-san behaved in such a manner. We will address this matter appropriately.”
A reporter stepped forward hurriedly.
“Um, about what he said earlier… I have it all recorded on my voice recorder.”
In the distance, I could almost hear Councilor Kondo stumbling down the hill.