This is what happened last time...
Natsumi-chan's apparently going out with someone.
I think that taking responsibility by resigning
is what is best, for both you and the school.
I can not leave this job just for the sake of appearances.
Please fire me.
Until that happens, I will continue teaching.
I didn't realize what mattered the most to me.
You being there for me. That should have been enough.
You meaning the world to me... Why didn't I figure it out?
Bye.
More than anything else, there's someone I want to be with.
I think I'd rather choose a life where love will be the only thing left.
Our school has dismissed Kashiwagi Shuuji-sensei from his position.
However, with only one week remaining in the second semester,
he will continue to work until the the closing ceremony.
Thank you so much.
He faced off with the board of directors on his own.
That's the kind of stuff our vice principal is capable of.
Seeing what you went through reminded me of something.
Mistakes truly helps a person grow.
Not that all mistakes should be forgiven.
Right.
These days your head gets bitten off if you slip up even a little.
That would make the children too afraid of failure.
We will punish you.
But we've decided to have you conclude your duties as a teacher.
Right...
I'm very grateful.
Kashiwagi's been dismissed!
What? Seriously?!
There's a big difference between quitting yourself and actually getting dismissed.
If he's been dismissed... he's not gonna be able to teach at private schools again.
Just because he got his ex-fiancee pregnant?
Teachers aren't allowed to have that kind of stuff happen.
In this day and age?
Good morning...
I wasn't trying to eavesdrop, but I overheard.
Chiba is right.
It won't be easy to make up for what's happened...
...but for the last week I get to be a teacher...
...I intend to do everything I can for you all.
Now, I'll take attendance.
Aizawa...
Here.
I know you have to go on maternity leave, but I'll miss you.
I'll help again when the time comes to move everything.
Thank you.
You didn't know that, did you?
Try to be gentle when you move them, okay?
You want to get the fallen leaves and the soil beneath it in one go.
Got it?
Right.
Ugh, I hate this!
It's cold and it's gross! This sucks!
Yeah, it's too much.
I'm feeling sick...
There, there.
Sensei, who cares about microorganisms? Let's get back in the classroom!
Okay, then...
Let's do that.
We're heading back, everybody.
Yeah!
I... loved seeing Shuuji like this.
Even now... I'm not sure why, but it makes me happy.
Excuse me.
Yes?
I've got the reports, Uemura-sensei.
Thank you.
Here you go.
All right.
Natsumi...
But... Shuuji...
How does he feel?
All the Precious Things You Taught Me
Episode 9
So if Kashiwagi is fired, then why's Uemura-sensei only getting a leave of absence?
Isn't that being a little too easy on her just because she's a woman?
Kashiwagi is the one not doing the right thing, though.
I feel sorry for Uemura-sensei.
What's wrong?
It's strange that I'm getting sympathy.
If it's immoral to have a baby alone,
I'm the one who should be dismissed, since I made the decision on my own.
Right.
But, I wonder...
Think about it... how many children in the world are born before their parents are married?
I... was born before my parents were married, too, apparently.
Is that right?
And are you happy, Uemura-sensei?
Yes. Very.
The thing that matters the most is whether or not the child is happy, don't you think?
Well, in the event that your child is unhappy, be it ten or fifteen years from now...
...only then will I reprimand you.
Starting next term, I will be taking over as advisor.
I look forward to working with you all.
Right...
And...
...I'm really sorry.
It's my fault.
Why?
You were trying to keep it a secret, right?
And I...
I overheard, too.
No!
That's not right.
I was wrong for trying to keep it a secret.
If I had this baby without telling anyone, like I was trying to keep her a secret...
...I think I would've felt guilty about it, deep down, while raising her.
And I only realized that because I stopped hiding.
I'm the one, more than anyone else, who should be celebrating the birth of this baby.
No matter what anyone says, I should be able to be open about how happy I am,
and how fantastic I feel about it.
Because this baby... should have everyone's blessing.
Every baby in the world should be treated like that.
That's what I think.
Where'd you even get that?!
Dude, it's awesome!
Oh, sorry!
Sorry about that.
It's okay.
Seriously though, wow!
Thank you.
Amazing.
You really are amazing, Natsumi.
See you.
Here I am.
Sorry about the wait...
Being respected as a person, and being loved as a woman, are different things.
Who I am, to Shuuji, seems to be changing bit by bit.
We'll be installing air conditioners on the second floor.
And we'll be swapping out the stove for a more modern electric stove.
Really?
That should make cooking easier for your wife.
Oh, this scratch.
This is gonna need to be fixed.
Be careful, okay?
Right.
Hikari!
Are you okay?!
I'm back...
Are you all right?!
I'm okay.
I'm sorry.
We don't care about the scratch on the floor.
The important thing is you weren't hurt badly.
Happy Birthday, Yukari
Really!
Next year, I'll use a ladder.
That's not the part you're supposed to be worried about!
Well, we'll have it fixed up, don't worry.
Thank you.
It looks like that couple is going to move in.
That settles it.
I see...
All that's left is to get ready to move.
Yeah.
Mom...
Do you want to go on a trip?
That sounds nice. For winter vacation?
I want to finish the trip I was going to take with onee-chan.
Will you come with me?
I... can't.
Okay...
Why don't we go somewhere warm, instead?
You've got a point.
The trip she was on with Yukari?
Yes. She invited me... but I can't make it.
I was wondering if you could go with her, Saeki-san.
I was the one who let my daughters go on that trip.
My wife was against it, even as they left.
But I thought the idea of sisters on a vacation sounded wonderful... so I sent them out.
And then... Yukari died.
My wife blamed me.
And that's fine.
Well, good for you. You get your freedom.
That was the only way she could deal with what happened.
Divorce Papers
Thinking that I shouldn't be around, for Hikari's sake...
That was just an excuse.
If you regret what happened, then please, go with her.
I can't.
Why?
After the accident... the police told us...
...only one of our children survived.
And then we saw it was Hikari.
When it happened... for a second... just a fleeting moment...
We... were disappointed.
That should never have happened.
Hikari noticed... our expressions at the time.
If I could, I wish I could erase that moment.
Oh... that's the Hokutousei.
Sorry.
Do you know if this train's still running?
It is! It and Cassiopeia are both super popular.
Tthey call Hokutousei the ultimate blue train!
You probably don't care, though.
Could you tell me about it?
I want to go here.
Let's see...
Name: Saeki Hikari
Looks like you couldn't come up with anything.
I guess I don't have any dreams.
I see...
No one does.
Oh, but there is one thing I want to do.
What's that?
Next week is the anniversary of my sister's death,
so I want to redo the trip that we were on four years ago.
You're going to where the accident happened?
No. The place where she wanted to go.
We didn't make it all the way there, when we tried. So...
With your mother?
Yeah. I invited Aya-san, too.
Looks like it's going to be an all-girls hot springs trip.
Sounds like fun.
Want to come, Sensei?
I can't.
I was just joking.
Yeah.
You don't have to worry about me.
I'm not alone anymore.
Yeah. I understand.
Well...
Be careful on your trip.
Right.
Okay.
Yeah, that's fine. Where?
Mirror...
Wait, no, clothes! What do I wear?
Let's see...
What's going on?
It was Shuuji.
He was asking if he could see me.
You seem happy.
What makes you say that?
Nothing. I'm heading out first, then.
Okay. Take care.
That's right...
Funny, huh?
W-well...
There was still some left at my place.
My stuff.
Because I'm moving out.
I see.
Moving in back home?
I'll probably slack off if I do that.
I found an affordable place, though.
I still need a job... still don't have one.
Which is why...
...this is all I can do for now.
Kashiwagi Shuuji-sama Yotsuba Banking
I don't need...
No!
Refusing this because of how you feel, or your pride...
...isn't what's best for the baby.
As for what we'll do every month... we'll talk about that next time.
Also...
This might seem rude to the man you're seeing...
...so I'd like you to explain, on my behalf.
Listen...
Thank you.
Sure.
Oh, right...
If you're moving out, you'll need this.
Sorry for holding onto it for so long.
There.
Thanks.
Take care.
See you.
Yeah.
What are you doing?
Nii-chan...
Hey.
There.
Thanks.
Just come back.
Dad and Mom would be glad to have you back.
That's your place, Nii-chan.
Your place, that you earned, and protected.
Yeah, and it's a musty old liquor store.
I'm going to start over from here on.
Pretty cold though, huh?
Care for a drink?
Yeah.
How'd it go, seeing him? You two are getting back together, right?
Why hesitate?
Does Shuuji want to start over again with me?
What are you saying?! Why are you both holding back so much?
You need to tell him. Tomorrow's the last day of school, right?
Yeah.
Being able to see each other every day without making dates is a pretty great situation, y'know.
In college, even if you get into a fight, you see them the next day in class,
your friends weigh in on it, and you end up making up naturally.
But after you graduate... and you both end up in different jobs...
"I'll call him tomorrow. I'll message him tomorrow."
You think that, but never do.
And before you know it, there's this distance between you.
That's how it was for me.
But you don't want that to happen, right, Natsumi?
I guess today's the last day you head to school like this, huh?
You're exaggerating! It's not the last time.
Not for you, Natsumi.
Make sure there are no regrets.
Go on.
I'm heading out.
Biology II
I thought I had a lot of important things...
...and I was desperate to protect them.
But in reality, not much of what I had was important.
And when time to get rid of it, so much was disposable.
I never really had that much.
Realizing that makes me feel surprisingly at peace.
To all students, the second semester is finally at a close.
For the third-years, this means it's time for university admissions to begin in earnest.
Last year, there were several cases proving that the time leading up to this period...
...was a critical factor for the final outcome.
Make sure to watch out for your health, and study at a moderate pace...
Are you okay?
It just...
...feels kinda final.
Yeah.
Natsumi...
I want to talk about something.
Okay.
Tomorrow...
Yesterday there was...
Well...
I understand.
I'll come.
Why am I so nervous?
I'm actually scared.
But...
I have to tell you.
I don't want to regret it, if I don't.
Okay.
I promise I'll be there.
Watanabe.
Right.
That concludes the second semester.
Come on, say something cool.
Yeah, like you always used to.
Well...
I'm really glad I was able to stay with you all until the closing ceremony.
I know things are going to be rough, but do your best.
Bye.
Is that it?
I wanted him to say more.
Kinda underwhelming.
Yeah...
I'm a biology teacher... so I'm going to talk about biology.
Most creatures operate based on their ingrained instincts.
Even without learning from someone, they know how to live and don't get lost.
But not humans.
Humans... get lost.
That's why we learn. We mimic.
For example, if you see portion of a steep rock face that has been carved out,
you mimic how the person who came before you used it, in an attempt to climb up.
What are we talking about here, Sensei?
You're right. I guess that was kind of sudden.
Let's talk about the future, then.
The things I wrote on those pieces of paper are useless.
You can tear them up and throw them out, if you want.
What's he saying?
Just because you make it into the school you're aiming for doesn't guarantee your future.
Your futures... are probably going to be difficult.
I'm not even sure what I'm going to do next. To be perfectly honest, I'm very anxious.
But... remember what I said about that rock.
Once you start climbing up, the person ahead of you might make a mistake, and fall.
That's intimidating, isn't it?
You worry that you might end up the same way. And there's no turning back.
You might be too scared to move forward.
But... then, maybe you see the person who fell grab back on.
Even if they're hurt, they keep at it, and try a different path up.
And then... once you can see they're doing a decent job of making their way in life...
...I think that might give you all a bit of courage.
"Things worked out for him," you might say.
"I might as well give it a shot!"
And then, I think you'll be able to take the next step forward.
Which is why I...
...promise to make it, somewhere out there.
I'll work, get paid, eat...
I'll make it.
I'll be fine, and I'll go on living.
I wish you all well.
Goodbye.
You look... better than before, somehow.
Come on, man. Just how dreamy do you plan to getting?
I think failure... is something that can only be judged with the passage of time.
I appreciate everything.
See you tomorrow.
Meiryou High School
Bye!
Bye.
Goodbye, Sensei.
Goodbye.
Do I have to give the keys back?
No, we change all the locks anyway.
If you don't want it, we can dispose of it for you.
Please do, then.
You've got it.
Thank you.
Take care.
I'll be leaving Ueno tonight. On a train with a bed.
Where's your mother?
She had something to do, so we're meeting up in Ueno.
Aya-san will be joining up there, too.
I see.
It's Non-chan...
Hello?
Yeah.
Yeah, it's okay.
I'm not going overseas like you. If I need help I'll call, okay?
See you.
My place is in that direction, too. Want me to go with you partway?
Okay.
This is far enough, Sensei.
I can take you to your train.
It's fine!
I'm going. I want to see you off.
There's another place I really want to go. I talked about it with Aya-san, and...
No one else is coming, are they?
You were going to go alone the whole time, right?
I'll be okay.
I'm not a kid anymore.
I really want to go.
And I'm not doing it to just sulk the whole time, either.
Okay.
So, you don't need to worry.
It's okay.
I understand.
This is kind of embarrassing, huh?
Yeah.
Do we look like lovers, I wonder?
I don't think so.
It was a joke.
I know.
But...
It's nice to be seen off.
It's like someone's waiting for me to come back.
There are! There are people waiting for you!
You think so?
But...
If you say so...
...then I'll believe it.
Goodbye.
No...
That's not it.
You're supposed to say, "I'm heading out."
People who intend to come back...
...don't just say goodbye.
They don't.
Besides, no matter how many times you say it's fine, and not to worry...
...looking like that would make anyone too worried to let you go.
I'm heading out.
Right.
But...
What do I do now?
You can get off at the next stop.
I guess so.
But...
Could you... stay with me a bit longer?
Just kidding.
...But, not really.
I made a promise.
With Natsumi... I promised to see her.
Then...
Just until you leave.
What? And you got onboard?
I'll get off somewhere I can head back, and I'll make it in time.
And you're worried about our meeting, in the situation you're in?
Before... I said I would show, and I didn't.
And that hurt you.
So this time... I will be there.
Okay.
But...
What were you thinking?
I thought I'd regret letting her leave like that.
You're right.
You said that you wanted to believe that
all children had the blessings of those around them, right?
Yeah.
I...
I want to believe that, too.
Right.
So...
It's okay.
I understand.
I'm heading out.
Have a safe trip.
When I see her tomorrow, I know what I'm going to say to Natsumi.
I know what I'm going to say to Shuuji tomorrow.
And...
...I'm sure our answers...
...will be the same.
Are you going to propose?
Next Episode
Final Episode Marriage
I should have protected Natsumi...
...even if it meant hurting you.
I like who I am when I'm with you, Shuuji.
I'll forget about you, Sensei.
A type of love that never weakens, no matter how it's tested.
Can you imagine how much easier life would be if something like that didn't exist?
A life with love is a life full of pain.
But...
This drama is a work of fiction.
Natsumi.