Zhang Fan felt somewhat bashful by Riko's admiration for his heroic act of saving someone. It was an unexpected reaction, but it did make him a bit self-conscious.
"Xiaoya, you haven't yet told me who that girl was," Riko pouted, noticing Zhang Fan's silent contemplation. Despite her somewhat airheaded persona in the original story, Riko was quite cunning. Her proactive approach to Zhang Fan was undoubtedly purposeful, making him cautious.
"She's my childhood friend; we grew up together," Zhang Fan replied, maintaining an outward calm while remaining alert. Winning over Riko wasn't going to be straightforward. He needed to gradually unlock her heart to help her escape her troubled past.
"A childhood friend? How enviable! I wish I had someone to protect me like that," Riko's expression seemed genuinely wistful. Having been confined since childhood, she had little chance to interact with the outside world, let alone have a protective childhood friend.
"If you don't mind, I can protect you too," Zhang Fan offered sincerely. He couldn't resist the urge to safeguard this endearing girl.
"Really? Riko is so happy!" Regardless of his sincerity, Riko's face brightened. Only she knew what truly lay in her heart.
After the morning's academic classes and lunch, Zhang Fan reported to the Assault Department's headquarters. True to its infamous reputation, he could hear the sounds of gunfire and clashing blades even before entering the building. Such intense combat training seemed exclusive to the Assault Department.
"Listen up, you idiots! Today's your first class in the Assault Department. We'll skip introductions and jump straight into basic training. Damn it, I hate babysitting brats! Remember, if you don't work hard, even dying here won't be an excuse!" Ranhyou, the formidable instructor with a two-meter-long blade, was lecturing the new students with evident impatience. She seemed to loathe teaching newcomers.
Zhang Fan had gathered some information about Ranhyou. The beloved daughter of a Hong Kong mob boss, she was only eighteen and had been expelled from numerous detective schools for her brutal and ferocious nature. Her recent arrival at Tokyo Butei High was a testament to her status as a boss lady.
"Zhang Fan! You've got guts to be late on your first day!" Ranhyou, preparing to lead the training, noticed Zhang Fan's arrival. Late? Glancing at his watch, it was only 12:55 PM, five minutes before class.
"Am I late?" Zhang Fan feigned confusion, checking the electronic clock on the wall. His watch was always accurate.
"You! Fall in!" Ranhyou frowned, wanting to explode but remembering how she had lost to Zhang Fan in close combat. She decided to let it slide this time.
If it were anyone else, Ranhyou wouldn't care about rules or her role as a teacher; she would have crushed them, making them understand why flowers are so red! But with Zhang Fan, she felt a special sentiment that made her more considerate.
After all, Ranhyou was an eighteen-year-old girl. Which girl doesn't harbor romantic dreams?
Back in Hong Kong, her father often arranged matchmaking sessions for her, hoping to marry her off. But Ranhyou detested the unsuitable suitors and beat them up before leaving Hong Kong, longing to find a man who could truly conquer her.
The only prerequisite for winning Ranhyou's heart was defeating her in combat. But considering her strength, which surpassed most S-rank detectives, how many men could achieve that?
Ranhyou had high standards, leaving her frustrated and single. But Zhang Fan's arrival sparked a glimmer of hope. Although younger than her, his compelling demeanor and impressive strength, with immense potential for growth, caught her eye. Unbeknownst to Zhang Fan, he had become Ranhyou's potential fiancé. If only he knew her thoughts!
The basic training in the Assault Department comprised physical fitness and shooting. This was familiar territory for Zhang Fan, who excelled in the exercises. He then practiced with his .44 Magnum revolver, though its immense power seemed overkill for mere target practice.
Ranhyou demonstrated with a .500 revolver, a choice that surprised Zhang Fan, as few women could handle such a powerful weapon. After her demonstration, the firing range erupted in gunfire, with Zhang Fan taking the chance to refine his shooting skills.
Regarding heavy firearms, Butei rarely used them, except for snipers. The goal was always to remain inconspicuous during missions; no detective would openly wield an AK47 on the streets.
As the day progressed, Zhang Fan seamlessly blended into the rigorous training of the Assault Department, a new chapter in his journey as a Butei.