A Misanthrope Teaches a Class for Demi-Humans Episode 13: The Misanthrope and the Nigh Future

The classroom buzzes as Rei and Mirai review their students' "graduation assignments." Usami presents a simple stick, her task to exchange it repeatedly, aiming for something significant. Karin declares her goal of 5,000 SNS followers, then immediately worries about how to achieve it, prompting Mirai to boast her own 124,000 followers. Wakaba reveals his assignment is to keep a daily diary, documenting at least three events. Machi is tasked with cooking dinner for the dorm, a challenge she immediately finds daunting, fearing her own weakness for snacks. Tobari announces her creative assignment: composing music with three unfamiliar instruments. Rei encourages them all to plan carefully and proceed steadily, but the individuality of each task is striking.

Tobari quickly returns, triumphant, having completed her musical piece with a kazoo, hurdy-gurdy, and wheelharp. Rei is bewildered by her choices of instruments. Before he can listen, Karin erupts in jealousy, accusing Tobari of cunningly getting close to Rei. Karin then reveals her own struggle: her SNS follower count remains stubbornly at one. She laments that she only cares about Rei liking her, suggesting she might post "delusions" about him to gain followers. Mirai reminds her that such a mindset prevents progress on her assignment. Rei suggests Karin use her strengths as a clue to gain interest, which Karin predictably misinterprets as permission to post about her affections for Rei.

Usami's "straw millionaire" exchange has progressed, evolving from a pen to a photo, then a snack, a notebook, cosmetics, and finally, Karin's magic stone. She holds the red, faceted stone, distressed that no one wants to exchange it further. Usami worries she might have to submit the magic stone to the principal, an unsatisfactory outcome for her. She remains determined, however, waiting until the very last minute, believing a better exchange will elevate her evaluation. This stubborn adherence to the letter of the assignment, despite the emotional cost, defines her character.

Machi, when asked about her dinner assignment, admits it is "dangerous." She confesses the immense difficulty of cooking without tasting, fearing a spiral of "withdrawal symptoms" and "illusions of snacking" if she samples even a spoonful. Her internal turmoil is comically intense. In contrast, Wakaba confidently reports that his diary assignment is going well. He finds that writing about three daily events makes him want to interact more with others, turning a simple task into a tool for social engagement. He winks, pleased with this self-discovery.

Okazaki excitedly presents her notebook of "100 true things" to Rei. He reads entries like "The sky is blue" and "The clouds are white," finding them amusingly literal. Mirai gently clarifies that "finding" means "discovering something new." When Rei reads entries like "Maki likes cute things," Okazaki hesitates, acknowledging these aren't truly new discoveries. Rei asks her to find 100 *new* true things. Okazaki accepts the challenge with renewed determination, her disappointment quickly turning to resolve.

Later, Okazaki eagerly approaches Rei and Mirai in the hallway, her notebook brimming with new observations. She proudly lists discoveries about her classmates: "Machi's food is delicious," "Tobari's eyes are pretty," "Wakaba-sama is cute when he laughs," "Karin-chan likes sensei," and "Usami is a hard worker." Rei praises her, noting how her true thoughts are now clear and affecting. Okazaki insists her entries are "cute," prompting a flustered reaction from Rei, as Mirai watches with amusement.

Mirai observes Okazaki's growth, then her mood shifts, hinting at a past regret involving Rei. Her cryptic remarks are cut short by a sudden, angry argument between Inaho and Shiro in the hallway. Usami intervenes, demanding to know what is happening. Shiro explains their group assignment is to earn ten "thank yous," but Inaho is quitting. Inaho accuses Shiro of dishonesty, alleging that Shiro intentionally caused trouble to then "help" and earn thanks, sparking further heated words.

Shiro admits it is wrong to deliberately create problems to solve them. Inaho then shouts, accusing Usami of stealing things and claiming them as her own, a clear misinterpretation of Usami's straw millionaire process. Usami is shocked but does not back down. Inaho, heartbroken and in tears, attempts to run away, collapsing on the stairs in anguish. Usami tries to catch her, her concern overriding everything else in the moment. Mirai and Rei watch, worried.

As Usami reaches for Inaho, her magic stone slips from her pocket, glowing brightly. It shatters, creating a pink force field that cushions Inaho's fall, saving her from injury. Usami is relieved but also shocked by the stone's sacrifice. Inaho is equally shocked by the stone's destruction. Usami then fiercely tells Inaho that physical harm is far more important than any assignment. She declares her own unwavering determination to start her assignment over, demanding Inaho do the same. Inaho, moved by Usami's resolve, tearfully apologizes, and Shiro also expresses guilt, admitting she placed too much burden on Inaho.

Usami explains to Rei and Mirai that the magic stone acted on its own, questioning if this "force majeure" might still count towards her assignment. The Principal appears dramatically, announcing the year's graduate. He describes a student who was strict with herself, diligent, and possessed deep compassion for others. To Usami's shock and protest, he names her as the graduate. She argues she hasn't submitted her assignment, calling it a mistake. The Principal reveals a petition from senior students, including Karin, who sought to "repay a favor" to Usami, completing her "straw millionaire" by acknowledging her past kindness. He reminds Usami her original goal was to repay a debt, and the petition is her final "exchange item." He then presents a jewelry box containing a ring, confirming her graduation. Rei congratulates her, offering Sae's contact number, a hint at Karin's true identity and Usami's impact.

After Usami departs, expressing gratitude and looking forward to Sae's future, Mirai turns to Rei, her expression shifting to sadness. She confesses a profound regret: "Meeting sensei is my regret." Rei is surprised, reminding her that she earlier said she wouldn't forget her regrets. Mirai states it is "too sad" to remember. She struggles to articulate why, then firmly tells him not to apologize. She claims that if he hadn't gotten involved with her, he wouldn't have had to quit his previous school, taking full responsibility for his past. Her tears fall freely.

Mirai continues, admitting she "wanted to be hurt too" and intentionally lied and said mean things to Rei. She implies she sought punishment or validation for her feelings. Rei listens, then calmly states he doesn't want to forget anything, because "all of it is precious" to him. He explains he won't forget her past actions or their shared history because it is all "important." Mirai, touched and perhaps surprised by his unwavering acceptance, tearfully thanks him, saying she is glad he is who he is. Their connection, forged in difficulty, deepens.

In the Principal's office, Rei confirms his desire to continue teaching, much to the Principal's satisfaction. Karin, in her dragon form, is pleased, stating there are "many tasks" she wants Rei to do. The Principal reiterates his own "hatred" for humans, citing their troublesome, deceitful, and moody nature. Rei responds with a profound insight: he wants to "respect those parts of humans" and "cherish them." He then declares his new goal: to see Haneda Tobari graduate. Karin understands and approves. The Principal concludes, stating that the day Rei graduates Tobari will surely come, looking forward to the future with optimism. The cherry blossoms fall, marking a new beginning.