Tadao got off his bike and took off his helmet, placing his hands into his pockets as he started walking. "Hey, this is a damn beautiful school," he muttered with a smirk. Feeling lost on where to go next, he glanced around and spotted a group of students—Yuri, Kanae, and Airi—from the newspaper club. Maybe they might be able to help, he thought, striding toward them.
"Alright, Airi, your camera skills are improving at a rapid rate," Kanae said, impressed.
"Thank you! I've been practicing the right angles and watching out for the direction the light comes from now," Airi replied enthusiastically.
"Not bad, Airi. I can't wait for our work to start," Yuri added with a smile.
A large shadow suddenly blocked the sunlight from Yuri. She turned around to see a boy towering over her. Frightened by his sudden presence, she took a step back.
"Hoy, do you know where I can find the first-year classes?" Tadao asked in a chilling tone.
"Just turn left and walk straight. You'll reach them," Yuri responded, still wary.
"I see. Thanks," Tadao said as he walked off.
"That guy... is he a thug?" Airi whispered.
"I'm not sure, but it's the first time I'm seeing him around. And he's in our uniform no less. Maybe he's a transfer student?" Kanae speculated.
"His ears are pierced, and earrings aren't even in the dress code—not even for us," Yuri noted, still watching Tadao's retreating figure. "Hopefully, he didn't come here to stir up trouble."
Inside the classroom, students buzzed with excitement. Hayami Sensei stood at the front. "Okay, everyone, today we'll be covering the bases for the school trip we're planning since summer is drawing near."
"Wow, it's going to be our first trip as a class! I can't wait!" Naomi beamed.
"Likewise, it's been a while since I went on one," Sachiko added, just as enthusiastic.
Makoto, not interested, leaned back in his chair. Noboru smirked. "I could use the break from Nanaho. I'm definitely in."
"I bet it'll be lots of fun!" Shino said, a bright smile spreading across his face.
Rie stole a few glances at Shino, a soft blush on her cheeks. "I wonder if we'll be able to visit the shrines there. I want to make a wish that I've been longing for."
Sachiko turned her gaze toward Tetsuo, who was quietly reading a book. "For the most part, everything seems to be back to normal," she thought to herself with a small smile.
The classroom door swung open. A tall figure stepped in. "I wonder if this is the right frickin' class," he muttered, irritated.
Hayami Sensei crossed her arms. "Excuse me? How dare you interrupt my class?"
"Chill out, Teach. I'm only here because I'm a student," Tadao said lazily.
"That guy is huge," Shino whispered, visibly tense. "He's not as tall as Liam, but the aura that radiates off of him screams danger."
Makoto opened his eyes, studying Tadao as he stood at the front of the class.
Tadao's lips curled into a smirk. "Gotta say, Teach, you're quite the looker for your age. How about we get something to eat after school?" He casually reached for her hand.
Hayami slapped his hand away. "Not in your wildest dreams, runt."
Tadao chuckled. "I see, you're a feisty one. I like that."
Naomi stood up, glaring at him. "I'm going to ask you to kindly leave our class. I don't know which gutter you came from, but I won't stand by and watch you disrespect our teacher."
Tadao's expression darkened as he grabbed Naomi's wrist. "And what are you gonna do about it?"
"Let go of me!" Naomi hissed, struggling to pull away.
"Watch yourself, punk. If you ever lay hands on Naomi again, I'll kick your ass!" Noboru slammed his hands on the desk, his eyes burning with anger.
Tadao grinned, his blood boiling with excitement. "Oh really? I'd like to see you try."
Hayami's voice cut through the tension. "That's enough. Leave now. I don't know where you're from, but it's clear that you're a student here. However, you're not in this class, so try your luck elsewhere."
Tadao clicked his tongue and released Naomi's wrist. "Okay then, I'll take my leave."
His eyes scanned the room, memorizing faces. When his gaze landed on Tetsuo, something flickered in his eyes. "I see. That's the punk from the court the other day," he muttered before turning to leave.
The class erupted into whispers.
"What was that about?"
"His ears are pierced, and he walks and talks like a thug. Did he really pass the entrance exam for Toshigawa?"
"That's enough, everyone," Hayami Sensei said, regaining control. "Let's get back to the trip planning."
Noboru clenched his fists. "Damn that bastard. Who the hell does he think he is?"
Later in the locker room, Liam ruffled Noboru's hair. "Someone's in a bad mood today."
"Cut that out! Your giant hands are crushing my skull!" Noboru shouted, swatting Liam away.
"What happened to him?" Hayato asked, raising an eyebrow.
Makoto leaned against his locker. "Some guy just showed up in our class and disrupted everything. The situation almost escalated."
Shino still looked shaken. "Makoto's right. I could barely speak when I saw him. His height and his aura overwhelmed me."
Hayato sighed. "I see. Well, I'm glad you're all safe. Let's just focus on training and forget about him for now."
Tetsuo remained silent, deep in thought. The look in Tadao's eyes as he left the classroom… it wasn't just arrogance. It was something else. Something dangerous.
Nanaho stood before them with a confident smile. "Alright, looks like everyone's here. Good! Let's start training."
"Alright, team, let's give it our all today!" shouted Yukio.
"Toshigawa, fight!" the team echoed in unison.
Tomoe stood beside Nanaho, holding the tactics board in her hands as she observed the team carefully, especially Tetsuo, the one who had helped her and her family. She adjusted her glasses, watching the players with keen eyes, ready to assist Nanaho in planning their strategy for the upcoming season.