A/N: In an interesting turn of events, this story and GbNF inspire me to get back into the writing fold. So, I'm going to double down on their respective developments. Every other story I'm working on will be put on hiatus for the foreseeable future.
There are reviews, first from yogaratw607:
"Hey, remember about an Indonesian fighter? It's me, the same guy, using a different account. By the way, will you incorporate him into the Tekken storyline, maybe helping Mizuki and Jin? When you think about Indonesians, there are a lot of mystical or sacred places you can use for story progress. I would love him to know about the history of devil gene and maybe angel gene stuff."
Hey, man. I hope everything regarding your account is well. As for incorporating your character, all I'll say is keep reading as I keep updating. If you look deeper, I can only imagine Indonesian culture has so much lore. I'd have to do a lot of research to incorporate your character. Thanks for sticking around; I appreciate it.
Next from Kamen Rider Sentry:
"This was good, and seeing Reina has some other motives on her mind with him. I meant that Minazuki is gaining something else that is not the devil gene. I was thinking of him breaking his limit and going further as he evolves like Garou and gains a monster form, which matches half of Garou's badass form but resembles a tiger type. And also him being pushed towards the limit by an enemy or Mishima himself."
Oh, I see what you mean. Still, I don't plan on going in that direction. I don't think I'd veer that far into that dynamic if I do. I take inspiration from different games and animation if you look at my characters from my other stories. That would just be plagiarism at that point, right?
The next review is from reneryang3:
"This chapter is rather fine and dandy, although it sorta fumbled a bit when you wrote "Shu" instead of Reina's name in her and Minazuki's fight. (Can I even call it that since those two were moppin the floor with 'em) against Aizawa and co. It's no issue of any sort, though. Also, Reina has a sliver of killing intent toward Xiaoyu?! Xiaoyu being suspicious of Reina?! I have never mumbled "Oh...f*k" so bluntly when reading stuff like this, so good job raising the tension there. Lastly, I'm honestly content with how you've paced the story so far and will be waiting for what happens next. Till then, I hope you have a good year, and keep up the good work/fight. Ciao!"
I've been on FF for 9 years now and have been writing for 7 (God, where did the time go? - AD: You're not lying; I've been here since 2011), so I'm happy I can get reactions like that from readers like yourself. As for my fumble, I understand the confusion, but that was intentional. Let me clarify what that small piece of dialogue meant. In the first official chapter, Minazuki meets Shu and fights Aizawa in the cafeteria. In the end, he and Shu are confronted by two of Aizawa's lackeys. The pair beat them handily, and Shu showed Minazuki the fight grounds and the ranking boards. The two lackeys that Minazuki and Reina beat up in the last chapter were the same two that he and Shu beat in the first chapter. Hopefully, that clears things up.
In Reina's debut chapter, I recall that you thought her dark side appearance was a bit short (it only had one line of dialogue), so I considered that when writing that scene. I'm glad the story continues to pique your interest, so thanks again.
Lastly, from Eternal Darkness of Light (fka Kamen Rider Sentry):
"I have to say you made an interesting story. I thought you could do some Kengan elements with Minazuki fighting styles and some introductions like in the series to get the people riled up. I would love to read more, so please continue."
Ask, and you shall receive. Welcome aboard. Kengan? Like Kengan Ashura? Well, I would say if I did something like that or planned to, that would spoil the story.
One more thing before we start the chapter. We got cover art! It was a bit pricey on my end, but I'm happy with how it turned out, so I'm shouting out to Jane Clark (Jane_ClarkJC) on Twitter for doing this for me! Give her a shout if you want anything drawn, and tell her that Salty (Or Skully, as she knows me as) sent you!
Alright, take it away, Minazuki!
Minazuki's Current Record: 5-0 / Current Rank: Rank 5 in the Second Year Board and Rank 10 in the Overall School Board
It's Saturday, and classes just ended. We don't have to worry about anything school-related tomorrow. Kamiya, Shu, and I are packing our books as Life Science is our last class on Saturday.
"Minazuki-san," Kamiya caught my attention. "Do you have plans for tomorrow?"
"Not at the moment, Kamiya. Aside from finishing the last homework from my other classes, I'll be as free as a bird," I answer as I finish packing. "What about you, Shu?"
"I also have work to do, including taking a Calculus test I missed a few days ago. That's going to stink," she answered as we left the room.
"I don't envy you, Shuwamei. Even though I'm struggling with Algebra II, I can sleep well knowing that regardless of what I decide to do after graduation, it won't even involve Calculus," Kamiya commented.
"You say that now, Kamiya-san. But Calc is more important than you think."
"Shu, we're both potentially pursuing architecture, and Calc is required. But don't you think taking Calc now, as opposed to waiting until next year like me, would be better for your physical and mental health?"
"Sure, but passing Calc now means I don't have to do it next year. And even if I fail, it isn't the end of the world since I can retake it next year."
"Sounds like you're an overachiever, Shu," I tell her.
"Or maybe you're suffering from a lack of ambition, Minazuki." She bites back as we head down to the next floor. As we make our way through the hall, we run into Zoey.
"Howdy, y'all! I can't speak for none of ya, but I'm glad the day's done."
"I'll say, Anderson-senpai. Mr. Haritomo's Life Science class sure is draining."
"The man should be an audiobook narrator; he always sounds tired."
"Any plans for tomorrow, Zoey-senpai?"
"Uh-huh, I'm headin' into the city since I couldn't last week," Zoey revealed. "How about you guys? Think you got the time to come with?"
Kamiya and Shu looked disappointed as Zoey laughed at their busy schedules. The four of us are the oddest group in the school: two gaijins, one (proverbial) punching bag, and an ordinarily reclusive teen. The four of us have befriended Ling and Hirano, but they're both incredibly popular in their years, so they barely have any time to spare for us. And Reina only shows herself when I'm alone. Speaking of which, ever since learning that I'm in the top five in our year, she has asked me for fights every time I see her, and I have had to turn her down repeatedly.
It's been getting annoying, but she respects my wishes.
Back to Kamiya, Zoey, and Shu. Despite our predicament, we genuinely enjoy each other's company. I'm starting to like having them around, and despite our relationship starting on an agreement, I feel like these three are genuine friends of mine. And I think they also feel the same if this interaction is any indication.
"I'ma take those expressions as a no." Zoey then looked at me. "What about you, Minazuki-kun?"
"My workload is light since I've finished all my work before heading to bed."
"Oh, your sleep schedule must be fried."
"Royally. But Life Science is easy, so I should be able to clear it before I pass out tonight. I should be able to join you tomorrow, Zoey."
Zoey started jumping for joy. "Dope! I can't wait!"
My news and Zoey's happiness brightened Shu and Kamiya, albeit slightly.
"Well, I don't want to miss out. I'll see if I can get everything done before tomorrow."
"Same, I have to head to the Math wing. I'll see you all hopefully tomorrow," Shu said as she left.
"Later, Shuwamei! I'll pray for ya!" Zoey responded, leaving Kamiya with Zoey and me.
"Sigh, isn't she lovely?"
"Speakin' of lovely," Zoey said as we sandwiched Kamiya behind his locker. "Did you happen to tell Shuwamei 'bout your feelin's yet?"
Some Second Years pass by us.
"Uh oh, Anderson and Minzauki are harassing Kamiya."
"It was only a matter of time. A Top 3 Third Year and a Top 5 in our year wasting their time protecting him from everyone else? It was bound to happen at some point."
"Ay, mind ya business!"
"Zoey, ignore them. Answer her question, Kamiya. Have you told Shu about your feelings yet?"
"No, but that's because we've been so busy with schoolwork!" He tried defending himself.
Zoey and I sigh, slightly annoyed at his paper-thin lie.
"You're afraid of rejection, are you, Kamiya?"
He folded like Origami.
"Yes, Minazuki-san," he admitted. "I don't want to ruin our friendship since it doesn't take the most intelligent person to know I'm the odd one in the group. Two passersby were thinking you two were going to rough me up because of it."
"C'mon, Kamiya-kun," Zoey began as she embraced him from the side. "Dwellin' on a what-if is arguably worse than getting rejected."
"Zoey's being modest, Kamiya. It's worse. But Shu saying no isn't going to change the dynamic the four of us have. If anything, it'll clear the air."
"I agree with Minazuki-kun. At some point, you'll have to reveal your feelin's for Shuwamei."
"Or we will. And I can bet that we won't be nearly as kind."
"Nor as forthright," Zoey chimed in.
Kamiya's expression became slightly more serious. "Okay. I'll make sure to tell her soon. But for now, I have homework to do if I want to join you both tomorrow."
Kamiya then left.
"So, Minazuki-kun. You sure you're gonna be able to join me tomorrow?"
"Don't worry about it, Zoey. I'll be there; Life Science is arguably my easiest class."
"Cool! Well, I should let ya get to it then." Zoey said.
"Yo, Zoey." A masculine voice called out.
Turning around, we see two twin boys. Zoey recognized them, at least the one who supposedly talked.
"Oh hey, Hendrix!" She greeted one of them before turning to me. "Remember when I said that some Third Years don't want my head on a swivel? I was talking about them. Minazuki-kun, this is Hendrix and his younger twin brother, Philly Joe."
"Oh, this is the Minazuki? It's nice to meet you finally. As Anderson-san said, I'm Hendrix, and that's my brother Philly Joe. That's not our actual name, by the way; we're both band kids."
"And the number 2 and 4 of my year as well," Zoey added. "What brings th' both of you out to little ol' me?"
"We saw that you have become #3 in our year with your defeat of Kina and Kenta, thanks to Minazuki here."
"I did little. Zoey would've beaten them without me."
"Minazuki-kun's bein' modest. He one-shot Kenta with a single punch."
"Oh, wow. Your strength is alarming and very deceptive of your appearance. But regarding your question, Anderson-san. Philly Joe and I prefer being next to each other in the rankings, so we decided I should fight you to determine how that happens. If you're up for it anyway."
"Sure, I ain't got anythin' better to do."
"I didn't know that Mishima Polytechnical had a Music Program."
"It did, but it was recently cut. Philly Joe and I have already been accepted on a full ride into our number one college of choice. All that matters for us now is ensuring we graduate," Hendrix explained as Philly Joe nodded in agreement.
"Wait, how do you know of me?"
"You made it to rank 5 in your year within a month of being here, in addition to having a hand in Kina and Kenta's most recent loss. Word was bound to get around to the rest of the Third Years."
Much to my chagrin... before disaster struck.
"Minazuki Hirose, please report to the first-floor foyer. Repeat, Minazuki Hirose, please report to the first-floor foyer. Thank you," the intercom spoke.
"That's odd. Why would you be summoned to the foyer, Minazuki?"
"I don't know, but I won't stay here."
"Might as well see what the deal is. C'mon, y'all," Zoey said as we all headed to the main foyer of the school building.
When we arrived, I saw the last face I was expecting to see. Confused beyond belief, I call for the visitor.
"Sensei Motoko?"
My Kyokushin Sensei turns to me and bows, and I bow in return, though still slightly confused.
"Hello, Young Shishou (Master). It is good that you have acclimated to the school's insanity. Assata-sama will be happy to hear."
"Are you here on Kaa-chan's behalf, Sensei Motoko?" I ask with a small light in my tone.
"Actually, Young Shishou. I'm here for you."
"Me?"
"Yes. I've received word that shook me enough that I had to leave the dojo to my son to hear from the horse's mouth," Sensei Motoko spoke. "Counselor Kyoko has informed me that you have been fighting outside of Kyokushin's teachings and employing those strategies against your opponents here."
"What?" I immediately responded.
"Is this true, Young Shishou?"
"It... is," I answer honestly, not wanting to tarnish my dignity.
"At least you're being honest about this blasphemy. Counselor Kyoko showed video footage that proves the claim as well. How could you, Young Shishou?"
"Sensei Motoko, I'm the only Kyokushin practitioner in the school. If I were fighting another Kyokushin, I'd keep the fight clean. But to use it against another Martial Art, especially one that isn't native to Japan, would be a guaranteed loss, given its predictability and linearity. Dojo's closed-minded behavior regarding a practitioner's mentality limits my and everyone's skills unless they take outside inspiration. Not even you are immune to this weakness, Sensei," I defended.
"You should be grateful we are outside the Dojo, Young Shishou. What you have uttered is grounds for an immediate demotion. Being as high-ranked as you are, I hoped you saw Kyokushin's superiority over every other martial art. You should not need to use outside tactics to win fights regardless of your opponent's methods or skills."
"Kyokushin is a mixture of other martial arts, Sensei. It's arguably the youngest karate discipline in the world! Mas Oyama would be disappointed if not outright furious at your mentality!" I fire back instantly.
"Silence, Young Shishou! Mas Oyama, our founder, embodies the spirit of our discipline and Japanese men!"
"Mas Oyama was Korean," I seethingly corrected.
"Enough! My hands are tied as I wish to see you become a Judan. But it must be done." Sensei Motoko said. "I am permanently removing you from the dojo's roster."
"What!?" I say, incensed.
"Your former contemporaries went to your room and took your gi, sparring guards. Finally, I must formally disgrace you in the world of Karate. I had sent the forms to officiate it before I made the trip."
"What!? That means I can't learn any other karate discipline!" I say, revealing the meaning of this act.
"Yes, truly unfortunate, Young Shishou. But that is the consequence of abandoning the beliefs of Kyokushin. My regrets are with you, but it has to be done. Sayonara (Goodbye), Minazuki-san," Motoko said before unceremoniously turning around and leaving.
I obviously can't tell you what Zoey, Hendrix, and Philly Joe are thinking, but it felt like the world had stopped entirely.
Zoey broke the silence the only way she knew how. "What in th' hell just happened?"
"Why would Counselor Kyoko do something like that? That seems incredibly out of character for her," Hendrix added.
The amount of words that described my anger at that moment was small. But I could tell my pupils shrunk. I was set to make a beeline to her office to demand answers from her.
As I turn and start stomping to the third floor, Zoey stops me with a palm. "Ah, ah, Minazuki-kun. Headin' up to your counselor's office in the state that you are in ain't the best idea right now. If you're here for th' same reason I am, to help financially support your ma, then you should seriously reconsider."
Zoey brought up a great point.
"If you head in there as you are, demandin' answers, then at best you'll get on the bad side of the staff, and at worst you'd probably get suspended or even expelled. And Mrs. Minazuki ain't gonna be thrilled if that happens." She brought up another great point.
I calmed down, but overcoming what had just happened would take a lot more time.
"Minazuki," Hendrix spoke my name, which brought me back to Earth. "You should head back to your dorm and relax. Try not to do anything physical, or you might lash out at someone who probably doesn't deserve it."
"Hendrix is right, Minazuki-kun. I'll see ya tomorrow, yeah?"
I was almost out the door when Zoey spoke up, but I gave her a sound of acknowledgment before I headed back to my dorm. Once I got inside the building, I made my way up to my floor and noticed Ling and Hirano.
"Hey, senpai! Uh, what's wrong, you look a little down."
"Ask Zoey," I said bluntly as I entered my room.
The guys who took my equipment made a mess of it. I couldn't take it anymore.
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" I screamed at the top of my lungs, to the point where my ears started to ring slightly. Speeding through my Life Science homework, I went to bed feeling no calmer than when I got the news.
I hoped Zoey wouldn't double down on bringing me to Osaka as the anger from what happened had dissipated into apathy. I didn't leave bed immediately after waking up, instead choosing to cover my face with my covers.
Fate had other plans.
*Knock Knock Knock*
"Minazuki-kun, I know you in there! Wake up!"
I make a noise of annoyance.
"C'mon, Minazuki-kun. After what happened yesterday, the last place you wanna be holed up in is your damn room! Open the door!"
I slowly get out of bed. "Give me a second."
Give an inch, and Zoey takes a mile. The second I pulled the door open, she practically barged in.
"Sheesh, Minazuki-kun! Your room is a mess! Is it normally like this?"
"The people who took my dojo equipment did this. I was so angry about what happened that if I had tried cleaning it up, I would've probably made it worse."
"Yeah, what your counselor did was fifteen levels o'foul. All the more reason for us to head into Osaka today."
"Huh? If anything, I should stay and clean my room."
Zoey gave me a look of disbelief before scoffing comedically. "I know you fuckin' lyin' Minazuki-kun! Get dressed. Since you ain't a karateka no more, you need new sparring gloves, yeah?"
"I do, actually."
"Exactly. Hendrix told me there's a sportin' goods store in the city, so that's where we're headin'. I'll wait for ya on the bottom floor."
"I take it Shu and Kamiya aren't coming with us?"
"Nope. That should be more than enough time for Kamiya-kun to confess to Shuwamei. And if not, we gotta up the arm-twisting ante." Zoey left my room. "Don't make me come back up here."
"You won't."
"Good."
She went back downstairs, leaving me to get dressed. After doing so, I left my room and started descending the floors. Reaching the first floor, I see Zoey conversing with Ling and Hirano. They see me and start pointing. As I got closer, I started hearing what they were discussing.
"We don't need no one else, Ling-chan. Minazuki-kun an' I will be more than enough."
"But Anderson-senpai, what if you two get attacked?"
"You musta forgotten who you were talkin' to," Zoey rebutted as I got within earshot. "Minazuki-kun, tell'em!"
"Tell them what, Zoey?"
"Tell 'em we don't need them to come with us to get your new gloves."
"Ling, Hirano, we don't need the two of you with us in Osaka. The last thing we want is for people to start talking more than they already are."
"But senpai," Hirano voiced. "Anderson-senpai told us what happened because of Counselor Kyoko. If we put the word in, we can potentially get her fired-"
"Hirano," I cut her off politely before softly clutching her shoulders. "That won't be necessary. Besides, Kyoko is most likely a Mishima suck-up. I wager she might get promoted based on what she did. The point is, we'll be fine. You two stick to being the popular girls of your year and let us outcasts handle our business. Let's go, Zoey."
What was said caused them both to wince physically, but they relented. Before we turn to leave, they both bow at us.
"Okay, senpai. We won't push the subject further. Best of luck in the city, senpais," Ling spoke as we left the dorm.
"Wasn't expectin' them to try and help," Zoey broke the silence. "They're livin' the easy life and still wanted to lend a hand."
"I wasn't expecting it either. From how Ling got into the school, I'd figure her to be stuck up and entitled."
"How'd she get in the school?"
I told Zoey of Ling's beating up Mishima's guards on his yacht.
"Ay, ain't that how we got here?"
"But she didn't do it out of the goodness of her heart, Zoey. She wanted someone to make her an amusement park. I beat up that suit and his friends because he stole a kid's lunch money."
"And I got here because the CEO of the American branch of the Zaibatsu was harassin' an old woman," Zoey revealed. "Blindsided him and broke his left arm and leg. Well, shit. They really are livin' the high life."
"Which makes her and Hirano wanting to help all the more apparent."
"Do you think we're trouble magnets, Minazuki-kun?"
"What brought that idea on?" I ask in response as we walk the Osaka streets.
"I mean, we're here for similar reasons and motives. Shuwamei told me she got here due to her booksmarts, and Kamiya-kun has always lived in the district. Now, because of us, th' both o'them have been in more physical encounters than they initially thought."
"Me? Maybe. You? You're not a trouble magnet, just trouble. You are a gaijin, after all. Japanese don't take kindly to outsiders. Don't even get me started on mixed people. I've spent a couple of summers in America, and being in that culture makes me see Japan for the 'keep the bloodline pure' society it is."
"I ain't never seen it that way. I mean, Texas definitely got its share o' racists, but not to that extent. What you're talkin' sounds incestual," Zoey voiced. "But since I got your attention regardin' cultures and what have ya. I gotta question regardin' the language."
"Your Japanese is excellent, Zoey." I assume.
"That's not what I was about to ask, but I appreciate the compliment. What your sensei was callin' ya. I got the Young part, but what th' hell's a Shi-Shou?"
"Just another way of saying Master. In that context, he's calling me a master without the teacher subtext. I am- was a high-ranking Karateka, after all."
"What was your rank?"
"A Shichi-Dan," I answer.
Zoey gives me an annoyed look as if to say, 'You think I know what that means?' Her Japanese is that good.
"It means seventh dan."
"Damn. That's high, ain't it? At only seventeen, too?"
"I was deemed as a once-in-a-generation prodigy in the discipline," I told her. "Are you a wrestling fan, Zoey?"
"Hell yeah, Armor King's my personal favorite."
"There was a promo where a wrestler said that instead of being a student of the game, he was the Game."
"Oh, wow. It was like that?"
"I think so. Motoko may have been my sensei, but I did my homework," I say as we finally make it.
"'Bout time! Now, where is the hand equipment section?"
"Let's split up and look around since this is our first time in the store."
"Sounds like a plan."
Zoey went left, and I went right. In short, I didn't find the gloves where I started. But then the mood did a complete 180.
"Well, if it isn't the turncoat," a familiar voice spoke as I continued searching, but hearing it caused me to poke my head up.
"Taro, Muton. You two are far from Tokyo."
"Much the same for you, traitor. Looking for new gloves now that Sensei Motoko gave you the boot?"
"If only you were this perceptive during the kumites, Muton, maybe you wouldn't have a terrible sparring record," I shot back. "Why are you two even here?"
"To bring home that you aren't one of us anymore. Toyo wanted us to beat the reminder of your disgrace into you."
Toyo is Motoko's son and was my 'rival' while I was still in the Dojo. He was supposed to take over the Dojo upon becoming a Judan (tenth dan), but I rose faster than he did.
"I don't expect you two idiots or that meathead Toyo to understand why I went outside the discipline. Japanese martial arts aren't the only ones that those students at Mishima Polytechnical use. Being close-minded with Kyokushin would only get me exposed and beaten."
"You think us as some idiots?" Taro spoke, offended by my comment.
"If not idiots, then close-minded yes men. It's one and the same with you two in that sense," I respond.
"You have been kicked out of the Karate world, Minazuki. Your name will forever be tarnished to Kyokushin and every discipline of Karate. Just make sure you remember that."
I go to respond, but Zoey appears with gloves before I can. "Found 'em. They were on the left side." She gave them to me and faced Taro and Muton.
"And now you're dating a gaijin, too? Have you no shame?"
"Of course not, Muton. He's a traitor to the Kyokushin, so why wouldn't he also be a traitor to Japan's principles?"
"Ay, conclusion jumper. It ain't like that."
"You said that Toyo wanted to beat the reminder of my disgrace into me, right? Why not put your money where your mouth is?" I say as Zoey and I face down Taro and Muton. "Let's settle this outside."
"Music to our ears. Let's deal with you and your kanojo (girlfriend) once and for all."
I looked at my gloves, standard black, but what caught my eye was the symbol on the top side—a Bird in flight.
"Try 'em on. I already paid for them. And we got the perfect practice dummies to test it with."
I put them on and crack my knuckles. "Let's go.".
Taro and Muton were so bad even when I was a regular at the Dojo in Tokyo. Telling you how the fight went in detail would waste my time and yours. Save for the end, that is. Zoey broke Taro's arm, rendering him unable to fight, and I was exposing Muton's over-reliance on Kyokushin, which prevented him from landing a hit on me. He was on the back foot from the moment the fight started.
Landing a vendetta-fueled right hook, I sent Muton crashing on the solid ground, and he started moving back in fear.
"W-Wait, Minazuki. Don't, I didn't want to, but Toyo forced me t-"
I interrupted him by driving my Sneaker against his cheek, causing a collision between his head and the ground.
"Consensus?" Zoey said as she placed a hand on my shoulder.
"These will do. Thanks, Zoey."
"No problem. Though I gotta question for ya."
"What is it?"
"Save takin' your Cons and drivin' them across that spook Muton's head, you still fought like you were still a part of your dojo. What's the deal?"
"I've been practicing Kyokushin since I was a little boy, Zoey. I can't just unlearn it because I got kicked out and disgraced a day ago."
"Do you know why I'm 26-0 at the school, Minazuki-kun? It's not because I know two different martial arts. It's 'cause I mix them into one. I'll be the first to say you're Battle IQ is way higher than mine and Shu's, but you're relyin' on Kyokushin despite your removal from the discipline is restrainin' ya. Someone as battle-savvy as yourself should be thinkin' more outside the box in how you approach fights now that you ain't in an established dojo anymore. Why do you think I gotcha those gloves specifically? They're supposed to represent your freedom from tradition despite the disgrace."
I look back at the gloves Zoey found for me and look at the birds again. Zoey has a point once again.
"I'm not sayin' you need to double down on the dirty tactics or whatever, but someone as smart as yourself should come up with new ways of approachin' fights now that you don't gotta worry about followin' a set of rules 'cause even when you had to, ya still didn't."
"You bought these gloves because of what they represented instead of the function?"
"You're ignorin' my point."
"No, I got it," I answered straight.
While fighting dirty won't be the forefront approach, I'll try to apply more on-the-fly thinking. Zoey's humble, but she's arguably the strongest martial artist I know. Her parents taught her well if she could theorize like this.
"Thanks again, Zoey. I appreciate you dragging me from my dorm."
"You're very welcome, Minazuki-kun. Glad I can lighten the shitty mood you were put in yesterday."
"Uhm... Zoey?"
"Yeah, what's up?"
"You… you can call me Hirose if you want."
Zoey was absolutely floored. "Whoa! That's a big deal over here, ain't it? You sure 'bout that?"
"I'm positive. After calming me down yesterday and helping me today, you've more than earned the right." I answer honestly.
"Well, shit. I'm honored, Hirose-kun. I won't take it for granted." She said boldly. "Now, let's return to the campus before some badges appear."
"Agreed."
Meanwhile, in an alley outside the Sporting Goods Store:
"Now, let's return to the campus before some badges appear," Anderson's voice spoke from a distance.
"Agreed," Zuki-senpai responded as they both left those two losers they wiped the floor with.
Coming out of my hiding spot, I look at their path. So, Zuki-senpai will start fighting without his Kyokushin now, huh? I grin widely before licking my lips in anticipation.
"Zuki-senpai," I say to myself. "We're going to have so much fun, you and I. Way more fun than you and Anderson did here. Just you wait."
"Help us, please," a broken-down voice called from below me.
It's the idiot whose arm Anderson broke. Considering he was disabled, I guess that he wasn't worth their time. And they're right since he sure as hell isn't worth mine.
"We need to get revenge on Minazuki for betraying the dojo. Help us. You go to the same school as him, right? Beat him for us."
"I'm sorry," I say brightly before immediately shifting tones. "I don't take orders from peons like you," I say darkly before viciously stomping on his abdomen and jamming my fist in his face. "Anderson and Zuki-senpai will thank me for that."
Just you wait, Zuki-senpai. I will finally have your undivided attention, and I know how to get it from you.
A/N: Okay, things are starting to pick up now. Minazuki is out of his dojo, but thanks to Zoey, he's slowly getting back on his feet. Xiaoyu and Miharu are trying their best despite their popularity among the First Years. And Reina is stalking Minazuki straight up. What in the hell could she be plotting?
Find out next time on My Best Friend is a Wannabe Tyrant!