Original subtitles

Good morning!

Let's make today a good day too.

To my beloved wife.

June is almost over.

Are you taking care of your health?

As for me, the other day, I was framed for something I didn't do

and almost got fired, but…

I was saved, thanks to the help of a fellow teacher.

So don't worry.

Happy bday.

-Congratulations! -Congratulations!

Congratulations!

Hey!

Already at it this early?

-Onicchi! -Good morning!

Good morning!

Huh? Momocchi, you joined the Drill Team?

Only one more person left until we can become official!

Man, I worked really hard, you know.

Don't act like you gathered all of us by yourself!

Hey, don't walk while staring at your phone.

Follow the rules, or you'll get your phone confiscated.

Okay.

Talk to me if you have any problems. That's why I'm here, after all.

So enthusiastic, Mr. Murayama.

I'm their counselor, after all.

Come on, we have to head to class.

Okay!

-You practicing drills? -Yes.

Teach me too.

As for the answer to your homework, "What makes a Great Teacher"…

It's been a while since she texted me first.

What? It's just my mom…

ALOHA AZUSA TOLD ME SHE WENT BACK HOME

"What are you doing? You made your wonderful wife cry."

No! I'm the one who wants to cry!

Excuse me…

Principal, is something wrong?

No…

I was just admiring your bike.

Right?

Look right here, see? It has my name engraved on it.

It really does!

Also, check this out. Can you see?

The "Z2" marking right here.

It's authentic…

-Shouldn't you get going soon? -What?

-The staff meeting is about to start. -Oh, shoot! See you!

That man is a mystery.

He's over 50,

so why is he always fooling around like a child?

As for me, I hit retirement age last year,

but my company appointed me Principal of this school they manage.

Every day, I'm faced with puzzling questions.

This man, the Vice Principal, told me…

"You don't need to do anything, Principal."

I don't even know

what my job is supposed to be.

Is something the matter, Principal?

No, I was just wondering what you were talking about.

I was just talking about why our school is so wonderful.

Is that so?

The greatness of our Seishin High

lies in our cutting-edge classes, wonderful learning environment,

and the overflowing passion of all the teachers,

especially me!

Don't you agree, Principal?

You're right.

Every time I try to say something…

this man interrupts me,

causing my presence at this school to get fainter every day.

Therefore, moving forward, I ask all of you to act as one, with discipline…

So noisy. What's with you?

Sorry!

I dreamed I got good ratings from the entire class.

But maybe it's not a dream?

Huh? Come on…

Still only four good ratings. No change at all…

Among us teachers, there is one unacceptable exception,

but my trust in all of you will not waver in the slightest.

It's okay, Mr. Onizuka.

If you keep trying, one day your dream will come true.

You're so positive, Mr. Murayama.

I'm so glad I got you as one more ally in the staff room!

One more? Who is the other one?

It's you, who else, Ms. Kashiwabara?

Sorry, I have no intention of helping you.

You're being cold again…

Let's do our best today!

Ryunosuke, who were you talking to?

Oh… no one!

More importantly…

Take a look at this.

There's been a new post by someone in your class.

THIS SCHOOL IS BORING, WHY DON'T WE QUIT?

So that girl earlier was your informant?

Forget about that!

You should be careful. We have parent-teacher meetings coming up soon.

Well, it'll be fine.

Say what you want, but everyone in my class is a good kid.

Still, if anything happens, it might affect your summer bonus.

I'll be careful. Okay?

All right!

Today,

you are a perfect number. All 28 of you are present.

Huh?

Kotone, do you finally feel like giving me a good rating?

Sorry. I'm still not entirely convinced by your methods.

Don't say that. What's the problem, anyway?

You should trust me! Don't call the school boring.

What?

Did someone say that?

No, not really.

Mr. Onizuka, may I share the announcement?

Sorry. Go ahead.

We have parent-teacher meetings starting next week,

so please talk to your parents and let us know your preferred dates.

Before that, I want to know your planned career paths,

so starting today, I'll be hearing from each of you.

Why do we have to do that?

Can't we just discuss them during the meeting?

I mean, what if we haven't planned a career path yet?

Then just tell me you don't have one.

Knowing how you feel beforehand

will make it easier for me when talking to your parents.

That's right, Ms. Kashiwabara and I are on your side, after all.

Hey, you always mess up at the same part.

Right, Momocchi?

You're always laughing!

Hey, Wataru!

What?

Why not eat with us?

You can also join our team as the fifth member!

Sorry, I'm not interested in that kind of thing.

I've been wondering this for a while now…

Every day at lunchtime, he disappears somewhere by himself.

Come to think of it, I've never seen Wataru eating lunch.

Maybe he's doing something shady.

Should I tail him?

Stop it.

What do you want?

N-Nothing.

I'm sorry!

SCHEDULED DATES FOR THE PARENT-TEACHER MEETINGS

So, what are your plans as of now?

I'm aiming for a recommended admission.

Me too!

By the way, what did Yuukichi say?

I dream big. I want to go to Stanford!

Humanities. A public university if possible.

Sciences. I'm aiming for Tokyo U.

I'm fine with any school that will accept me…

It's like I'm going from the J-League to the Premier League.

I haven't thought about it.

I haven't decided yet. I'm considering various options.

Wataru, I bet you're aiming for a top university!

He hasn't decided whether to go into science or humanities yet.

I'm quitting.

What? Will you not take entrance exams?

I'm not talking about that.

WITHDRAWAL NOTICE

What?

You can't just suddenly hand me this.

That's right. What is your reason?

It's this…

THIS SCHOOL IS BORING, WHY DON'T WE QUIT?

Did you post this?

No, but I've been thinking the same thing for a while.

Being at this school isn't fun, and it's a waste of time.

Don't say that. Our class is a perfect number, after all.

What?

But I thought you'd support us, no matter what?

Besides,

in this era, there are other paths besides going to school.

Well, that might be true, but…

-But, you know, my bonus… -What?

-No, it's nothing. -Do your parents know about this?

It has nothing to do with them. It's my problem.

Hey, Wataru! Hold up!

It's pointless to try to stop me.

Why did he suddenly decide to do this?

I have no idea at all.

Could it be bullying or something?

I don't think it's that.

Are you sure?

What?

Bullying or cliques aren't really a problem in our class yet.

Maybe he lost motivation?

Some are at the top of their class in middle school,

but their ranks drop in high school.

I don't think it's that either. He studies even during breaks.

Then, is there a problem at home?

I guess that's the only possibility left.

You did contact the guardians, right?

Well, about that…

I've been trying for a while now, but no one's answering.

What she said.

How pathetic.

It's almost as if you are Ms. Kashiwabara's assistant.

Well, I thought the same thing.

So even you are admitting it? Do something about it, and quick.

Principal, you give him a scolding too, for once.

Sure. Well…

-I… -Mr. Onizuka.

A moment, please?

What's wrong, Ryunosuke?

I got curious and checked,

and it turns out Wataru Tanaka's tuition and textbook fees

are past the due date and still unpaid.

What, really?

Could that also be a reason?

His pitch yesterday was so fast.

Right? That guy is super strong.

I told you, right?

It's insane.

TANAKA

I'm home.

Welcome home! Wataru, watch TV with me!

I'm busy, so watch it with Chii.

But he won't play with me.

Why don't you study a bit?

Shut up. Quit trying to act like a good big brother.

Wataru, you're back?

What?

I suddenly got called in for a night shift.

Can you heat up food and eat together?

What? Again?

The new hire suddenly quit, so I couldn't refuse.

You should just ignore it. Your leg hasn't even healed yet.

It's okay.

Anyway, something good happened today.

On my way home, all the pedestrian crossings were green!

I didn't have to stop once. Isn't that amazing?

Enough already, just go.

Oh, right.

I bought your favorite furikake topping.

Ms. Tanaka, how are your children doing?

They're fine, thankfully.

Hey, I heard your eldest son gets great grades.

Yes, he's very diligent.

My relatives even say I'm lucky to have a genius like him!

Oh, my…

MR. ONIZUKA MISSED CALL

What?

So many messages from the school? What could it be?

I am the mother of Wataru Tanaka from Class 1-B.

What?

SEISHIN HIGH SCHOOL

Good morning.

Good morning!

Good morning!

What are you doing? Come in already.

Did you accept my notice?

WITHDRAWAL NOTICE

Your mother told me

that she has no plans of letting you quit school.

I told you! My parents have nothing to do with this.

Right.

What did your father say, then?

Come on.

Well…

He left right after you entered high school, right? Leaving behind debts.

After that, your mother started working,

but her pay is low, and she recently got injured at work.

She doesn't know if she'll get workers' compensation,

so things are tough.

-Did she tell you everything? -Come on now.

Is that why you want to quit school and start working?

What other choice do I have?

My siblings are still young.

Tuition here isn't cheap.

And besides, even if I go to university, I can't get into a great company anyway.

Why not start working now?

Don't be like that.

We'll discuss it with your mom at the parent-teacher meeting.

I'll hold on to this for now.

Come on, let's go.

CLASS 1-B

The schedule for the parent-teacher meetings has been decided,

so check your tablets.

Hey, Wataru. What are you doing?

That kind of stuff has nothing to do with me anymore.

What did you say…

Mr. Onizuka, you can't get violent.

I know that.

Everyone, I'm sorry.

I'm quitting this school.

I don't know if high-tech classes are your selling point or whatever,

but making us use these devices…

In the end, you just want to control us, right?

The person who wrote this post probably thinks the same way too.

Why don't you just step forward?

Instead of making posts like this.

Wataru, enough. The others have nothing to do with this.

Mr. Onizuka.

Yeah, I know.

Wataru.

If you leave school like this now, I'm sure you'll regret it.

I also quit high school because I was sick of it,

but in the end, I wish I had graduated.

Because by doing so, I would have made

many good friends, just like everyone here.

When you say such fake things

with that fake smile of yours, it makes me want to quit even more.

What did you say?

I'm genuinely worried about you…

Mr. Onizuka.

I know that.

If you're going to say that,

I'll make it so you'll want to stay at this school.

Before the parent-teacher meeting.

What?

If I can do that, you'll stop trying to quit school.

Got it, Wataru?

Are you sure you can really do it?

Leave it to me, I'm already thinking up strategies.

By the way, please don't ask me to participate.

Don't say that. Lend me your wisdom!

Wataru.

OPERATION MAKE FRIENDS

The Drill Team wants to talk to you.

Hey, Wataru. Don't say you're going to quit.

Yeah, that's right. We need you to help us with our studies too.

Won't you do drills with us?

Having to say goodbye like this… Is just too sad.

How about it, Wataru?

Your feelings aren't coming through at all.

The last two were totally reading from a script.

This time, Mr. Murayama wants to talk to you.

OPERATION WONDERFUL TEACHER

Your desire to help your mother is noble,

but at your age, you still have a lot to learn.

It's best to focus on your studies.

We'll do all we can to help.

That's right! What a counselor you are!

Then let me ask you…

Why do we have to study in the first place?

-Well… -It's to…

Don't tell me it's to get into a good company or a good university.

Well, then, it's to…

To understand the world.

If you learn the knowledge humanity has accumulated throughout history,

I'm sure it will help you in the future.

I can look up that kind of thing on the Internet, can't I?

Thanks.

Hey, Wataru.

Mr. Ryunosuke Miyazawa has good news for you.

-He is from the company that manages our… -I know.

Well, that's great.

Wataru, if you're worried about financial matters,

you know that high school tuition has essentially become free, right?

What, really?

Isn't that great, Wataru?

You call it free, but it actually costs about 450,000 yen.

As ours is a private school, it's double that per year.

Really, Ryunosuke?

It's all right.

Our company also has a scholarship system.

See, now you don't have to worry anymore.

I can get through high school, but university costs way more.

And besides, scholarships are ultimately just debt, aren't they?

Your company's successful, so don't be stingy and just give it for free!

-Don't phrase it like that… -Just leave me alone.

Even if you ask people to help or use cheap tricks, it won't change my mind.

In the end, you just want high ratings and your bonus.

It's why you don't want me to quit, right?

Wait, you!

-You've been nothing but a miserable… -Hey!

I don't care about things like bonuses!

Wataru!

I finally defeated them!

-Finally? -Yeah, I finally did it.

-Hey! -What are you doing?

You're annoying. Get out of my way!

Oh, hello.

Hey Wataru, are you okay?

-Why are you here? -Well…

Your mother called.

She said she's working and couldn't come pick you up.

I'm so sorry for causing you trouble.

It's fine, fortunately, they weren't severely injured,

so if he apologizes, it should be fine.

I see, thank you very much.

Wataru. Why don't you apologize to your mother?

You made her worry.

It's all right.

I'm the one who should be apologizing.

I'm sorry. I know you were worried about me.

Because of me, my son said he was dropping out…

I'm really a useless mother, aren't I?

But I will be fine, you know!

Right, I had some good luck today!

At the supermarket, they gave me free croquettes and cutlets.

I told you, quit saying stuff like that already!

What?

I can't stand that side of you anymore.

Wataru.

You…

What did you just say?

Huh?

Are you so mighty now, you don't even call her "Mom" anymore?

I'll tell you something.

Your mother is way more incredible than someone like you.

Every single day, without fail,

she makes meals for her kids, does the cleaning and laundry.

She asks for nothing in return.

Don't you think she's amazing?

I'm sorry, Mr. Onizuka. Because of me…

Parents apologize like this!

They'll do whatever it takes for their kids.

And yet here you are.

Don't act like a hotshot, you're just a damn brat!

It doesn't even matter anymore.

What?

I got into a fight! So I'll be expelled anyway.

Wataru, wait a minute!

Is that true, Mr. Onizuka?

Oh, no…

It's all right.

What happened today, I won't tell the school about it.

Thank you very much.

It's my fault.

Ever since my husband left,

even when Wataru wouldn't look me in the eye,

I lacked the confidence to scold him.

Because I can't buy him the things he wants like other families do,

and I can't provide a satisfying life for him.

-Mom, I'm hungry. -Me too.

Sorry, I'll make something right now.

Well, then…

I'll be on my way.

So sleepy.

-Hey, Onizuka! -What?

Why didn't you report to me? A student in your class got violent!

-What are you talking about? -Don't play dumb, look!

"A violent incident. Is expulsion necessary?"

Who posted this?

Probably Wataru himself. Since he wants to be expelled.

Wataru…

For a student of our school to get into trouble with the police…

It's a serious issue, right Principal?

I suppose so.

Violent students must be punished harshly.

A suspension is too lenient. This warrants expulsion!

Wataru just wanted to protect his family as the eldest son,

he wants to get expelled so he can work…

Then why not just let him quit?

He hasn't paid tuition and textbook fees, right, Principal?

Well, he hasn't, but…

But what?

No, I just think the most wonderful thing about this school is…

Teaching the importance of properly following the rules.

Until an official punishment is decided, that student must remain at home. Got it?

Wait a moment.

I'll talk to him again,

and make him apologize to the other family.

Everyone, class is about to start.

Are you listening to me? Vice Principal!

What do you think we should do, Ms. Kashiwabara?

If Wataru's gotten this stubborn, I think persuading him won't be easy.

Don't say that, please, I'm begging you.

-Begging me to do what? -Well, if you talk to him…

I think he'll actually listen.

Give me a break, please.

It'll be fine.

You always say profound things, Ms. Kashiwabara.

Besides, if I go alone, I might end up punching him this time.

If that happens, I'll get fired,

and you'll become the homeroom teacher.

Do you want that?

Is that a threat?

Please!

Okay?

TANAKA

I brought you some school lunch bread… Just kidding.

You're persistent. What is it?

Oh, wait a minute.

Ms. Kashiwabara wants to talk to you.

Miss, come in.

The other day, it seems you asked why we have to study.

I think it's to acquire a weapon.

What?

They say, "Knowledge is the ultimate weapon of the powerless."

Since ancient times, people who grew up in poor circumstances used knowledge

to overcome various problems and achieve their dreams and hopes.

But, these days, I can just search online…

Searching only shows you things you're interested in.

You'll limit yourself.

However,

school teaches you subjects you had zero interest in before.

Among them, you might discover new things to be interested in,

which could turn into a lifelong career.

That's why you shouldn't rob yourself of that possibility.

Ms. Kashiwabara, you really are profound!

I bet you don't actually care about me at all.

What?

You talk high and mighty, like a model teacher,

but it's obvious that you think I'm just a hassle.

What are you saying? No way she thinks that. Right?

No, he's spot on.

What?

Honestly, I don't want to do this kind of thing.

If he quits, my workload would decrease.

Let's let this brat do what he wants.

Quit. Just go ahead and quit! We don't need you!

Stop, Ms. Kashiwabara! Why agree with him?

Sorry.

Could both of you please go home?

Please just leave already. Leave!

All right, I'm leaving.

Let's have one final lesson. Okay?

What?

CLASS 1-B

All right.

This should do it.

What are you planning?

I finally remembered.

Remembered what?

When I was around your age,

I used to be so pissed off at school and my parents.

But since I couldn't express my feelings well,

I just caused trouble for no reason.

So Wataru,

punch me.

What?

From now on,

whenever you want to go wild, I will take you on anytime.

So go at it.

What are you saying?

Don't worry. I won't hit you back.

Oh, spare my face, okay?

My wife would be sad.

Aim for the body. The body!

When you get into fights, that hurts the most.

You say that, but you'll hit back, right?

I won't! In English, they call this…

You know…

-Anger management, right? -Right!

Don't hold back.

Wataru,

I bet you hate me anyway, right?

I don't feel a thing!

What are you, a girl?

Saying things like that is sexist, you know.

With weak punches like that, you won't knock anyone down!

Don't mess with me!

That hurt, you jerk!

You said you wouldn't punch back!

You hit my face!

Besides, your punches are way too soft!

Come at me like you want to actually beat me up!

With that kind of attitude, you won't be able to protect your family!

That's good.

Give me more.

I don't care about my family!

My father ran off, leaving behind debt.

My mother acts like a fool and tries to stay positive,

so I thought I shouldn't complain…

I always hide my lunch from my classmates.

I don't even like furikake!

I want to eat steak or ramen,

the expensive stuff, like everyone else gets to!

That's it, Wataru!

But I'm the eldest son,

and I have to do something for my siblings.

So I should quit school and help out. What other choice do I have?

Hit me more!

Everything frustrates me!

When I see people at school having fun, it pisses me off so much!

When my family refers to me as the big brother

I feel like destroying everything!

I feel like I'm becoming more horrible every single day!

But…

I don't know what I'm supposed to do!

Then hit me harder!

Screw you! Screw you!

Come on!

Harder!

Screw you! Screw you!

It hurts…

That last one was something.

Are you all right?

-I'm not. -What?

Ms. Kashiwabara, please deliver the closing words for me.

What are you talking about?

You snapped at Wataru earlier. You want to make up for it, right?

I think your worst flaw

is not relying on adults.

Adults are there to help children when they're in trouble.

So don't suffer alone, just talk to us! About anything!

What your mother wants most

isn't for you to help out with the family finances.

It's for you to find what you truly want to do.

She wants to cheer you on!

So don't ever

try to shut off your own path in life again.

The sky

is beautiful,

Wataru.

The clouds are drifting by.

Yes.

Mr. Onizuka,

I…

I don't ever want to punch anyone again.

Sounds good.

We are truly sorry for what happened.

He also sincerely regrets what he did.

I am truly sorry.

-I'm sorry. -I'm sorry.

-Sorry. -Bad timing…

We'll take our leave.

That was nerve-wracking. Wataru, were you really that hungry?

Stop deflecting, it was you!

You idiot, it wasn't me! What?

Huh?

Then…

I'm sorry, it was me.

CHINESE RESTAURANT HOUKA

You guys are hungry too!

We worked up a good sweat. Right, Wataru?

Right.

-But… -What?

Isn't this favoritism?

Oh, it's fine. Today is Ms. Kashiwabara's treat.

What? I'm treating you?

I'm just kidding! Ouch…

-Are you all right? -Nope.

I went to the bathroom to check it out earlier.

It was all bruised. Want to see?

No, thanks.

-I see. -Yeah.

Have you decided on what you'll do?

I'll apply for the scholarship Mr. Miyazawa mentioned the other day

and go to university.

Preferably a national university.

I told him there's no need, but he said he'd get a part-time job.

He's a reliable big brother. Right, Wataru?

Well, yeah.

Then, you won't try to quit again, right?

No.

Thank goodness.

I think something really good happened today.

Mr. Onizuka, thank you for everything.

Oh, it was nothing.

But are you okay?

What do you mean?

Do you have a stomachache? You've been slouching the whole time…

Oh!

I'm totally fine.

We'll be leaving then.

Oh, wait a second.

Call me "Big Bro."

What? What do you mean?

That's my nickname.

Got it.

Big Bro.

Okay.

Thank you.

Hey, Mom?

It's me.

I just felt like calling you.

What? No, I haven't caused any trouble!

Yeah, we're living apart for now.

But we aren't getting a divorce.

Let me speak too, come on.

It's been a while since I last called.

So,

when I was a kid,

I said a lot of awful things to you, right?

What?

You're busy? Hey, don't hang up!

I was trying to say "thank you"…

How did things go, Mr. Onizuka?

What? How did what go?

You know, that student who said he was going to drop out.

That issue…

Everything is fine now.

I see.

You know,

I think the most wonderful thing about this school

is that we haven't had a single dropout so far.

What?

I checked the records. It's true.

So, I'm relieved.

Mr. Onizuka.

Yes?

I imagine you will run into all kinds of students, but…

Principal!

What are you doing? The school inspectors are waiting.

My apologies.

Do your job, please. I'm busy too.

What?

Did this man do something again?

No. Let's go.

Are you sure?

-Yeah, he didn't. -Really?

He's actually a pretty decent person, isn't he?

Mr. Onizuka.

Time for the next meeting…

Oh, okay.

Let's get this show on the road!

DOES THIS SCHOOL EVEN NEED TEACHERS ANYWAY?

Oh!

Next up is you, Itsuki?

Where are your parents?

My parents leave everything up to me.

Oh, I see.

Mr. Itsuki Fukuda, you want to apply to Tokyo U?

Excuse me. First, I have a request.

Sure, what is it? Don't be shy.

I'll listen, whatever it is.

Then, I want…

another homeroom teacher.

That's all…

What?

What did you just say?

Could you please change our class's homeroom teacher?

What?

You'll decide through a vote, you say?

Bring it on, then!

Itsuki's saying if he gets threatened, he'll transfer schools.

Itsuki!

I'm fed up with that school!

Could you give me a break already?

We must show everyone what's good about Onicchi!

"A wise falcon has a big head."

I just can't respect you.

-Look! -What?

Made you look, you fool!

Mr. Onizuka, why did you choose this job?

Because I want to stay at school!

Subtitle translation by: Nix S.