"Watanabe is weird. He just sits in the corner like that reading manga."

"Isn't that because he's an otaku?"

Hearing comments like this is normal for me. Most people think I'm a loser just because I like anime.

"What are you reading, man?" My best friend, Gin, lifted the book out of my hand.

"Hey!" I yelled out trying to take the book back.

"One P*ece." Gin read the title of the book. "What is this?"

I took the book back and then explained it. "It's about this guy who went out to sea to become the k*ng of the p*rates."

"That seems boring." Gin sat in the seat in front of me.

"Don't judge a manga by its cover. It's actually a good manga."

"Whatever, man."

Yes. This is my best friend. He is the complete opposite of an otaku. He is on the basketball team, popular around girls, and good-looking. Sometimes I become jealous of him. It's probably not the best getting jealous over your best friend, but I can't help it. I wish good things could happen to me in life like Gin.

"Minamoto-senpai, are you free this afternoon?" Miyuki, the prettiest girl in the class and my crush, asked Gin.

"Yeah, why do you ask?" Gin yawned.

"I was wondering if you would like to try out the new sweets shop that just opened..."

"Sure, I guess." Gin agreed then turned towards me. "Want to come, Raku?"

I glanced at Miyuki and saw how disappointed she looked when Gin asked me. Would it be right to tag along in this situation?

"I'm good. I think I'll pass." I rejected. I could see Miyuki's eyes light up after hearing my answer.

"Really, man? You sure?"

Gin is such a nice guy. I feel guilty for feeling the one bit of jealousy towards him. "I'm sure."

"Alright then. Suit yourself." Gin stood up from his seat. "Let's go, Miyuki."

I waved the two goodbye as they walked out of the classroom together. No point in getting depressed. I could have gone with them if I wanted to, but I didn't want Miyuki to feel sad.

"Well, I should get going too." I mumbled.

I took the manga and stuffed it into my carrier. I slung my bag over my shoulder and walked out of the classroom. I made my way down the stairs of the school to the first floor. People, around the school, tend to stare at me. I'm not famous, but rather I'm infamous. I'm known as that "nerdy otaku." However, I'm used to it. Becoming depressed about it would just be too much trouble.

After I walked out of the school, I suddenly heard someone talk to me. "Hey, kid."

I turned around and saw an old man. He was short and stout. His beard was cut to his stomach. I've never seen a beard that long.

"You." The old man looked at me with stern eyes.

"Me?" I pointed to myself.

"Yes, you." The old man walked up closer to me. "You are the 'chosen one.'"

...

Huh? What? What is this old man spewing out? "Excuse me?"

"You are the 'chosen one' who will save the earth from great destruction." The old man informed me.

This sounded like some St*r W*rs crap. "I'm sorry, you must be mistaken. Would you like me to walk you home?"

"No! You are the chosen one!" The old man began to pant. "There will be a monster coming to destroy the city. You need to save everyone."

"What? Monster?"

The old man then fell to the floor. "I must have been poisoned. Let me give you power."

The old man then grabbed my face. He suddenly began to illuminate. After a few seconds, his arms dropped.

"Old man?" I then began to poke him. However, he wasn't moving. "Old man...?"

I then felt his pulse. I was shocked. "What? He's dead? How?"

He said he must have been poisoned, but I didn't actually think he would be.

And as was predicted, there was a big thump. I turned around and saw a monster the size of an office building.