Episode 16, Yumi Yamamoto

TAKUMI TSURUGI

I felt a wave of disbelief. “Shinji? He’s too strong. I’ve already faced him once, and it was a brutal experience.”

Rykeru Goro’s expression didn’t waver. “Then it seems you’re at a crossroads. Defeat Shinji, and you may earn your chance to return. Fail to do so, and you’ll remain here. I’m afraid that’s the only way.”

I hesitated, the weight of his words sinking in. The thought of facing Shinji again was daunting, and the prospect of failing was equally terrifying. But the idea of being stuck here indefinitely was even worse, I couldn't bear to hurt Mrs Fujimoto, a week of my absence had already traumatized her.

After a few moments of tense silence, I nodded reluctantly. “Alright. I’ll do it. I’ll challenge Shinji.”

Rykeru Goro’s gaze softened slightly, though his demeanor remained stern. “Very well. Prepare yourself. I’ll expect to see some progress.”

With that, I turned and left the office, a mixture of resolve and apprehension settling over me. I knew I had to start preparing for the fight against Shinji if I wanted any chance of returning to my family.

Two days had passed successfully since I started training myself to defeat Shinji. It was morning and I followed the other students for the jog, my mind focused and determined. The rhythmic pounding of our feet on the ground helped clear some of the frustration I felt, but as soon as we finished, I didn’t head back to my room. Instead, I stayed behind at the training area, directing my anger and frustration into a heavy punching bag.

I threw punch after punch, each strike feeling like an attempt to fight off the doubts and weaknesses that plagued me. My knuckles were starting to sting, but I didn’t care. I was determined to push myself beyond my limits.

Yumi who I didn't know had been watching me approached, watching my effort with a critical eye. “Your punches don’t do any harm,” she said, her tone direct. “You need to put more technique into it.”

I grunted in response but didn’t stop. I was too absorbed in my own struggle to engage in conversation. Yumi stepped in front of me and grabbed both of my hands, halting my punches.

“What do you want?” I snapped, frustration leaking into my voice.

She didn’t flinch, meeting my gaze with calm determination. “I want to help you. You’re obviously trying hard, but you’re doing it wrong. Watch me.”

She demonstrated a series of precise, powerful punches, her movements smooth and controlled. As she moved, she ducked and weaved with impressive skill, showing how to channel force and use proper technique.

After her demonstration, she turned back to me with a serious look. “I’ll train you. Whether you like it or not. If I don’t see you improving, I’ll make sure you’re sent back as a vegetable. This place isn’t for the weak, and you need to be ready.”

She smiled then, a hint of amusement in her eyes. “So, either you accept my help, or you face the consequences. The choice is yours.”

With that, Yumi turned and walked away, her laughter echoing faintly as she left. I stood there, the weight of her words sinking in. Why was someone as smart as she is taking an interest in me. I exhaled, she was right. If I wanted to survive and succeed here, I needed to change and improve rapidly. Her offer of training, though begrudgingly accepted, was a chance I couldn’t afford to ignore.

I would take her up on the training. If Yumi could help me become stronger, I was willing to put in the effort, no matter how difficult it might be.

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