Monday, 9:50 AM. Kyoto University Main Campus.
I was approaching the director's office. Honestly, I felt a bit nervous — after all, I was about to meet the enigmatic Dr. Katsuragi, especially considering his connections. Today could decide my future. But I had been ready for this ever since I chose not to hide my intellect. Calming myself, I knocked on the door.
A firm female voice responded from inside:
"Come in."
I entered and took in the scene: two sofas facing each other with a coffee table in between. At the center of the room stood a large oak desk, set before a panoramic window. That was all. This was my second time here, yet I was still struck by how empty the office felt — it reminded me of Gendo's future office in the GeoFront. Behind the desk sat a middle-aged woman in a business suit, with voluminous black hair. This was Hiroko Kamigaki — the director of Tokyo University.
"Good morning, Hiroko-san."
"Good morning, Shinji Yuma. You already know why you were called here. This is Dr. Hideaki Katsuragi — a renowned scientist and a leading figure in the UN. He'd like to discuss something with you. We've already talked about you. This meeting is to clarify the details."
She firmly gestured toward the sofa where Dr. Hideaki Katsuragi sat. So that was his name. He was tall — about 1.80 meters. Blond. I wondered whether it was natural or dyed. He wore a lab coat and had been sipping coffee before I entered. His face bore a faint smile. He looked like a kind man.
"Ah, Shinji Yuma. A pleasure to meet you. I've heard a lot about you. Despite your age, you show great promise."
His voice was calm and unhurried, despite the rather heavy atmosphere set by the director's tone and demeanor.
"I hope it was all good things. I'm surprised someone like you has even heard of me."
Though to be fair — not entirely surprised. But he doesn't need to know that.
"Haha, only good things, of course. Don't sell yourself short. Many may doubt, but you're being talked about at the highest levels. Speaking in full sentences at two, reading and writing at three. Not to mention your achievements in school and university. Reaching this level at your age is borderline science fiction. And yet, here we are. I won't take up much of your time — I know you're busy. I read your theory on graphene energy application — it piqued my interest. That's why I arranged this meeting. I'd like to make you an offer. I want you to join me at the Kyoto Institute of Technology and take part in my research — for the benefit of humanity. Of course, I understand your situation. I'm not asking for an immediate decision. Come visit the institute, see how we work, and then decide. Talent like yours is priceless."
I know his intentions are genuine. He had no idea what the Antarctic experiment would lead to, but that doesn't make him entirely innocent. Still, he's trustworthy — at least to a point. He's obsessed with his theories, with science itself, and sincerely wants to help humanity. So much so, that he forgets his own family.
My thoughts were interrupted by the cold voice of Miss Hiroko:
"Shinji Yuma. Dr. Katsuragi, the university board, and I have reached an agreement regarding your case."
The proposal is this: if you visit the Institute and are satisfied with what you see, you'll transfer under Dr. Katsuragi's supervision. You'll work part-time while completing your degree remotely. You'll still be expected to appear for final exams. The choice is yours. We won't rush you. But think carefully — this is your future."
She spoke firmly, but I could hear a hint of sadness in her voice.
"So there were debates. Seems Kyoto University didn't want to let me go so easily. Understandable. But they reached a consensus, likely thanks to Dr. Katsuragi's influence — or rather, the power of Seele behind him."
"I think I'll accept your offer, Dr. Katsuragi. But first, I'd like to visit the Institute."
I didn't hesitate. I had already made up my mind.
"There's really no choice. And honestly, this works perfectly for me — and for my plans."
"Of course, no problem. Anytime that suits you," he replied with a smile. He reminded me of Minato — the Fourth Hokage.
"If it's alright, I'd like to go right now. I don't have any classes today, so I'm free all day. The sooner we settle this, the better."
"Of course. Though… are you sure? Maybe you should take some time to think about it?" he asked, a bit concerned. As if I had already made up my mind — though he wasn't supposed to know that.
"It's fine, Katsuragi-san. Besides, I'm just going to take a look."
"Haha, yes, of course. I almost forgot. Well, if you've decided — let's go."
He smiled, but there was a trace of unease in his voice.
"Goodbye, Hiroko-san," I said as I followed the doctor out.
Behind us, I heard only a cold scoff. She was clearly upset. It seems they both read me like an open book — both the doctor and the director understood what I thought of this conversation.
"Your director is a serious woman. But in our field, seriousness is everything," said Katsuragi as we walked through the campus hallway.
Despite his outward ease, he could be very serious. He was clearly devoted to his work. But maybe… just maybe, he bore too much responsibility alone.
The trip to the Institute was quiet and awkward. Not surprising — we had just met. But that would soon change. A short train ride — about 1–2 kilometers — and by noon, we had arrived.
Standing in front of the Kyoto Institute of Technology, I didn't feel much. Yes, the building was impressive. But after everything I had already experienced, only the GeoFront could truly awe me. What I felt now was understanding: this was where the gates to the world's secrets began to open. And one of them — Hideaki Katsuragi — was guiding me through. I could only imagine what came next.
"I can see you're not easily impressed by buildings. But trust me — what's inside will surprise you. This is where the future is born, where dreams come true, and humanity finds light," said the doctor enthusiastically as he led me inside.
"He talks like he's recruiting me into the SCP Foundation, not an end-of-the-world research group."
It's ironic that he speaks of humanity's light, while unknowingly helping bring its downfall. Or maybe — just maybe — when he saved Misato in the end, he realized his mistake. His joining Seele, his obsession with research that had consumed him entirely.
Inside, we were met by a large lobby and security. The doctor said something to them, and we passed into a vast hall with a high ceiling — at least three meters. From there, corridors branched off in a cross pattern, each with a wide staircase at the entrance.
"Don't worry. If you stay here, I'll get you a pass. You won't have any problems with security. Come, I'll give you a tour. It's quite a big building. Let's start with the first floor."
He led me into the left wing. We passed several employees rushing around with stacks of documents, some giving me odd looks. Not that I wasn't used to that.
"They'll get used to you soon," the doctor said. "Here we have the theoretical physics labs. Over there — the energy systems lab."
He showed me various rooms filled with scientists at work. I nodded to everything like a bobblehead.
"There are a lot of people here, but you'll get to know them all. This wing also houses the server room, the computational center, and the nuclear and plasma energy labs."
After a few more hallways, we returned to the main junction and took another wing. There we found a workshop, an electrical engineering lab, a control and measurement center, and more.
The tour lasted until 3 PM. There was also a library that caught my interest.
Finally, we went up to the fifth floor and stopped at a door with a sign:
"Dr. Hideaki Katsuragi's Office"
"This is my office. Don't be shy — come in," the doctor said, unlocking the door.
It was a small office. Diagrams covered the walls, and a whiteboard was scrawled with formulas and drawings that looked like nuclear division. Shelves were stuffed with books, folders, and scrolls. The desk was in creative disarray.
"Haha, sorry for the mess. It was a hectic morning — didn't get a chance to clean up. Order is important in our line of work. Don't repeat my sloppiness."
"No problem, Katsuragi-san. I get it. Sometimes actions can't keep up with thoughts — especially when inspiration hits. But I'm curious… what threw you off this morning, if it's not a trade secret?"
"I'm afraid I can't say, Shinji-san. If you join us — then it'll be a different story. You know, back in the day—"
He was interrupted by a phone call.
"Sorry, Shinji-kun, I have to take this," he said, stepping outside.
"Of course," I replied.
Left alone, I looked around. On the board was a mathematical model — from what I could tell, he was developing the Super Solenoid Theory (S²). From behind the door, I overheard a quiet conversation:
"I understand, Mitsu… I'll try to come early, but I can't promise anything. You know how important this project is — to me and to humanity. Yes… I know, dear… Say hi to Misato."
Eavesdropping isn't exactly ethical, but it wasn't on purpose — I just have good hearing. So, that was his wife. Misato's mother. Just like in the canon — strained family ties. I wasn't sure if I should get involved. Then again, what do I really know…
A minute later, he returned, looking a little sad.
"Sorry about that. Family matters. Now, where were we?"
He clearly wasn't fully present.
"No worries. Family is important. You were talking about me joining your work."
"Ah, yes. I see my model caught your eye. It's directly related to the earlier chaos and to my current project. If you join — you'll be part of it."
He paused, looking at me, then at the board — clearly waiting.
"I accept, Dr. Hideaki Katsuragi."
"Ah… yes! I'm very glad. With your intellect and innovative thinking, we'll achieve great things. I expect dedication and productive work. And no need for formalities — your recent dissertation on graphene has inspired many. Just call me Hideaki."
"Then you can call me Shinji. To productive collaboration."
We shook hands.
I didn't ask him for more details — I already knew what he was working on. And I didn't want to put him in an awkward spot by asking about trade secrets. One reason they brought me in was likely my copyright on the graphene theory. And Seele, strangely enough, plays it clean — almost like the SCP Foundation, only with opposite goals. Hideaki genuinely wants to teach me something. And maybe, just maybe, he hopes to learn something himself. Of course, my theory will also be useful for his research.