The following day, Shinji took Kenji on a tour of the school, showcasing its facilities. However, Kenji found himself growing increasingly restless. Memories of fights, particularly those with his older brother, resurfaced. As he watched a bird soaring freely outside, Kenji couldn't shake the feeling of being confined. His brother, like the bird, seemed unrestrained by the world's limitations, guided only by his choices. Kenji admired his brother's intelligence and foresight, but also felt a twinge of jealousy, vowing silently to surpass him and their father.
Kenji: "Screw it! I'm wasting my time here while my brother grows stronger. I'll prove myself, just like he did."
Shinji: "What's wrong? Family troubles?"
Kenji: "Yeah, it's frustrating."
Suddenly, a commotion erupted in the hallway as a student dashed past them, pursued by unseen assailants. Kenji recognized him from yesterday's encounter.
Kenji: "You're one of Isen's lackeys."
The stranger attempted to flee, but Kenji cornered him against a wall.
Stranger: "Let me go!"
Kenji: "Not until you tell me what's going on."
Another figure emerged from the chaos.
Stranger 2: "Looks like Isen has backup."
Kenji: "Who are you?"
Stranger: "He's the one who defeated us with Isen."
Kenji: "What? Isen lost to him?"
Shinji: "Let me guess, another new student? Kyosei Enma."
Kyosei: "Didn't realize I was already famous. And yes, I assume you're Isen's allies, so I'll have to teach you all a lesson."
Kenji: "You wanna fight? I'll take you on!"
Shinji, ever the strategist, intervened.
Shinji: "Kenji, calm down. Kyosei, I know you're carrying a combat knife. That's not typical for a student. And those eyes...you've killed before."
Kyosei: "Impressive deduction."
Kyosei: "But what can you do?"
Shinji: "Let's settle this with a game or challenge. If we lose, you can do as you please. If we win, you spare us."
Kyosei: "Not a bad idea. I'll choose the game, though."
Kenji protested the unfairness, but Shinji volunteered to play.
Kyosei proposed a game of coin guessing. Each player would toss a coin, and the opponent had to guess its placement. Correct guesses allowed for a switch in positions; incorrect guesses resulted in a punch.
Shinji accepted the challenge.
First toss, Kyosei flicked the coin deftly.
Kyosei: "Guess, show me your true nature."
Shinji: "Right hand!"
Kyosei: "Wrong."
Kyosei delivered a powerful blow to Shinji's face, drawing blood.
Kenji: "Shinji!"
Shinji: "Stay back, Kenji. Let's continue."
Kyosei observed Shinji closely, sensing something peculiar.
Kyosei: "There's more to you than meets the eye."
Shinji: "Focus on the game."
As Kenji's second day unfolded, he realized Kyosei wasn't someone to underestimate. Meanwhile, Shinji's willingness to sacrifice himself for the greater good became increasingly evident.
Next Chapter: Shinji's Resolve!