This kick silenced the onlookers.
Ryuuji wiped his forehead, feeling a sense of awe at Machi's strength. The image of her kicking a strong adult like Marza, sending him flying, was both shocking and impressive.
The crowd observing the spectacle wore frosty expressions as they watched Machi. In a diverse community like Meteor Street, there were inevitably individuals with questionable inclinations, but faced with Machi's display of power, even they couldn't help but retreat inwardly.
Marza, despite his physical fitness, was caught off guard by the kick and landed with a swollen cheek.
Machi approached, jumping onto Marza's chest and forcing his head up by grabbing his collar.
"Just..." Ryuuji began to speak, but Machi silenced him with a gesture before he could finish.
Marza, his cheek swollen and lips crooked, understood the implications of Machi's words. He refrained from speaking further, knowing that doing so would only worsen his situation.
He realized that despite his initial intentions, Ryuuji's presence on Meteor Street had been accepted by the council. He had underestimated the consequences of targeting Ryuuji, believing that his absence from public view would spare him from any repercussions. However, he had inadvertently provoked Machi, who proved to be a formidable opponent.
Seeing Marza's silence, Machi pushed his head forcefully, causing it to hit the ground. She then stomped on his chest before retrieving her fallen gas mask.
"Let's go, Uvogin and Nobunaga are waiting for us," she said to Ryuuji, her demeanor cool and determined.
"Alright," Ryuuji responded, glancing briefly at the motionless Marza before following Machi. Though her actions seemed cold, he understood that she was simply protecting him.
"Maybe this is Meteor Street; encountering individuals who resort to violence when they disagree will likely become more common," Ryuugin mused as he walked alongside Machi. He couldn't shake the thought that in ten years' time, Machi might become a formidable force. There was an urge to spend the night chatting with her, opening up about their experiences.
But then his thoughts shifted. "Wait, Uvogin and Nobunaga? Aren't they the other two members of the Phantom Brigade?" Ryuugin suddenly noticed the significance of the names mentioned by Machi. Were the two individuals accompanying Machi that day actually Uvogin and Nobunaga?
As he contemplated this possibility, Ryuugin frowned. He had intended to keep Machi away from the members of the Phantom Brigade, but it seemed his plans had failed before they even began.
"Even if I know the plot, it is at least ten years away from the beginning. When the Phantom Brigade debuted at Meteor City for the first time, Machi looked like she was in her twenties. Her actual age is unknown, and neither do I know when the Phantom Brigade was created."
"There is too little information. If you want to keep Machi away from the Phantom Brigade, you have to take it one step at a time. Before that, you only need to concentrate on improving your strength," Ryuugin thought to himself, prompted by the mention of Uvogin and Nobunaga.
"Ryuuji, where are you from?" Machi's sudden question interrupted his thoughts.
"Huh?" Ryuugin recovered, but couldn't answer the question.
Where did he come from? Would anyone believe him if he said he traveled from Earth to an anime world inexplicably?
Because the question was so direct, Ryuugin couldn't provide a straightforward answer. He couldn't even divert the topic. All he could do was remain silent.
Machi glanced at Ryuugin, who remained silent, and silently withdrew her gaze. Deciding not to press the issue further, she continued, "Regardless of your origins, the rules of conduct here on Meteor Street must be adhered to. Now that you've chosen to stay, you must adapt."
At this juncture, Machi paused, her tone flattening. "Do not harm your fellow inhabitants. While it's one of our iron rules, it's not absolute. It can't guarantee everyone's safety."
"If someone tries to harm you, you must retaliate twofold to make them aware of your strength," she concluded.
Ryuugin listened intently, then let out a faint sigh.
Turning his head to look at Machi's profile, Ryuugin's eyes reflected a sense of pity. He couldn't fathom the experiences that had shaped Machi's character and worldview, especially considering she was only ten years old.
"Don't give me that look," Machi retorted, though her gaze remained fixed ahead, sensing Ryuugin's pity.
Ryuugin shrugged, turning his head to reply, "I had the same plan, but only if he had actually harmed me. After all, I've just arrived, so it's best to keep a low profile."
"Low key?" Machi raised an eyebrow, retaliating with a middle finger. "That's not the way to go here."
"Here, only bold actions can establish your reputation and deter provocateurs," Machi continued, her tone serious. "Just like what happened earlier—if you don't assert yourself, others will see you as an easy target."
"I believe...striking fear into your opponents is more effective," she concluded calmly, her eyes betraying a hint of determination.
"I see." Ryuugin nodded in acknowledgment of Machi's teachings, refraining from voicing his thoughts.
Adapting to the unique environment of Meteor Street would undoubtedly take time for someone accustomed to a more conventional society.
As they continued walking, they soon spotted the outline of the exit, where two figures in protective suits stood guard.
Machi glanced at the guards from a distance before turning to Ryuugin and saying abruptly, "Pity is the cheapest emotion here. Remember that."
Ryuugin couldn't contain his curiosity any longer. "Then why did you decide to bring me back, provide shelter and sustenance, and even teach me the language?" he asked, his thoughts spilling out.
Machi turned her head, offering a flat smile in response. Ryuugin was taken aback by her unexpected answer.
"Intuition," Machi replied simply, extending her index finger to the corner of her eyebrow.
At that moment, Ryuugin realized that Machi couldn't be categorized as an ordinary ten-year-old girl. In Meteor Street, common sense didn't apply.
====
After five minutes had passed since Ryuugin and Machi had departed, Marza finally summoned the courage to rise to his feet. The fear instilled by Ryuugin's mere utterance had dissipated, replaced by a seething mixture of anger and hatred.
The onlookers, still lingering, began to taunt Marza mercilessly.
"Marza, did you skip lunch today?"
"Getting kicked by Machi was quite a show! You're the star of the day!"
"That little sheltered kid seems to have some wicked tricks up his sleeve. Just a few words and he's got you trembling!"
"I bet it was the sheer terror in that little guy's eyes that got to you, huh?"
"What did that little kid do to you, Marza? Scaredy-cat!"
Despite the callous jeers echoing around him, Marza kept his head low, his eyes smoldering with resentment. Ignoring the taunts, he strode purposefully towards the alley within the building complex.
How could he possibly swallow this humiliation, especially when he had someone to back him up?