Next Morning
Sunlight streamed through the curtains, brushing against the dining table with a gentle glow.
Souta walked in, blazer neatly buttoned, bag already slung on his shoulder. His voice was casual, but carried a hint of morning impatience.
"Mom! Breakfast, hurry up!"
From the kitchen, his mother's calm voice floated out.
"Airi called earlier. She's already prepared breakfast for you. Just like every Saturday… you'll have to go to her house."
Souta blinked once, then shrugged, tone light.
"Yeah, yeah. I know."
---
Moments later, he walked down the small path connecting their houses. He stopped at the familiar wooden door and pressed the bell.
From inside, a bright, clear voice answered immediately.
"Come in, Minami!"
Pushing the door open, Souta stepped into Airi's dining room. The table was neatly arranged, plates set perfectly. The warm scent of freshly cooked food filled the air.
Airi appeared from the kitchen, holding a tray. Her hairpin glimmered in the light as she leaned forward, placing the steaming dish in front of him.
"Here. Sit down."
Souta dropped his bag by the chair and sat, the aroma making his stomach growl.
"This looks great."
"Of course it does," Airi said with a little pout, leaning closer to see his reaction. "Go on—try it!"
Souta picked up his chopsticks, took a bite, and his lips curved into a small, genuine smile.
"…It's good. Really good. You should try it too."
Without thinking, he lifted a spoonful and held it out toward her.
Airi froze for a second, cheeks flooding with pink. Still, she leaned forward and took the bite.
Her lips curled into a shy smile as she swallowed.
"…Thanks, Minami."
Souta's gaze lingered on her longer than usual.
Cute…
"what, Minami?" she asked softly, tilting her head.
He jerked his eyes away, flustered.
"N-Nothing."
Lunchtime – At School
The afternoon sun filtered through the tall windows of the corridor, scattering golden streaks across the floor.
Souta stood at his locker, casually spinning the dial open. The faint chatter of students echoed in the distance, but here, it felt oddly quiet.
As he pulled the locker door forward, something slipped out and fluttered onto his hand—a folded piece of paper.
"…A letter?" Souta murmured, brow raising slightly.
He unfolded it. The bold, heavy letters stared back at him:
"Raiga Kanzaki's Challenge."
For a second, silence filled the air around him. Then, Souta's lips curved into a slow, sharp smile.
"…Finally."
---
From the side, Airi passed by, hugging her books. Her eyes caught the large text at the top of the letter. She froze mid-step, her breath caught in her throat.
"…Raiga… challenge?" she whispered under her breath.
Her eyes darted to Souta. He stood there with a calm, almost eager expression, the letter crumpling slightly in his tightening grip.
Airi's heart sank. She knew that look.
The same look he had as a child—when fights called to him like an instinct he could never refuse.
"…Minami…" she whispered, worry trembling in her voice.
But Souta didn't notice her hesitation. He tucked the letter into his blazer pocket, eyes burning with quiet anticipation.
So this is it… Raiga Kanzaki.
After School – The Challenge
The sun was sinking behind the school, casting long shadows through the iron bars of the front gate.
Souta sat on the bench nearby, posture relaxed—back against the rest, one leg crossed over the other, hands resting loosely on his knees.
The breeze lifted his blazer collar as he closed his eyes for a moment, listening to the faint hum of students leaving in the distance.
Then—he felt it.
A heavy presence approaching.
The sound of footsteps echoed against the pavement.
Raiga Kanzaki appeared, clad in a dark windbreaker, his narrowed eyes locked on Souta like a predator about to pounce. Behind him, five figures emerged—his so-called "assassination squad." Each one carried themselves with aggressive intent, their formation sharp and practiced.
Souta opened his eyes, his lips tugging into a faint smile.
"…Took you long enough."
Raiga's tone was cold, filled with disdain.
"You don't deserve Rank Three. Back off now, and you'll save yourself the humiliation."
Souta stood, rolling his shoulders lightly. His voice was calm, but confidence laced every word.
"Then prove it. Let's test who really deserves it."
---
The Fight Begins
Raiga raised his hand, and in an instant, the five assassins rushed forward in perfect sync.
The first swung a heavy punch—Souta slipped past it, his counterstrike slamming into the boy's chest with a sickening thud. The attacker hit the ground, motionless.
The others didn't falter. A kick clipped Souta's side, another fist grazed his jaw. Their speed and numbers pushed him back, step by step. For a moment, Souta staggered, his footing shaky.
Watching from a hidden corner, Airi clutched her sleeve tightly, her heart pounding against her ribs.
Minami…!
Raiga's lips curled into a smug grin.
"Pathetic. So this is the Rank Three Masaki chose?"
But then—Souta's expression shifted.
A dangerous smile flickered across his face, his eyes glinting with a sharp, almost predatory light.
The next attacker lunged. Souta ducked low, his fist driving hard into the boy's ribs—knocking him out cold.
A sharp pivot, an elbow strike crushed another's guard.
A swift low kick shattered the stance of the third.
One by one, they collapsed. Precision. Power. Control.
Within minutes, all five were on the ground, groaning or unconscious.
Souta exhaled slowly, brushing the dust from his sleeve as though nothing had happened.
His gaze lifted—locking onto Raiga.
---
Souta vs. Raiga
For the first time, Raiga's confident smirk faltered.
"…Tch."
But pride wouldn't let him back down. With a growl, he charged forward, his steps shaking the ground.
Souta didn't move until the last second. Raiga lunged, fist aiming straight for his face.
Souta slipped past, body flowing with effortless precision. His counter was clean—a heavy punch straight into Raiga's jaw.
The impact cracked through the air. Raiga's eyes widened, his body frozen for a heartbeat—before darkness swallowed him whole.
He collapsed to the ground, unconscious.
---Chapter 11 end---