37 Getting a Bigger Ne (2/2)

”Have you calmed down now?” Since this always worked against his furry friends, he didn't doubt that it would be effective towards this girl that reminded him of them. His voice woke Nanami out of her trance as her face almost look like a tomato because of embarrassment.

”I-I'm sorry! I d-don't know what came over me…” she couldn't remove her gaze from the ground.

”Hehe, it's not a problem. I'm honored to be hugged by such a lady” he gave her head a pat. She was taller than him so he had to reach for it but he was successful. ”I'm about to be called on stage so I have to go now” he let go of her. ”Until fate brings us together again” this was the usual farewell for one of the tribes of the beast races so felt it was appropriate.

Kazuya returned to his teammates and found Nishida and the other boys giving him a thumbs up. He didn't know what they were up to so he just smiled at them while waiting to be called.

”We all decided to call you our boss from this day forward!” Nishida spoke to represent the boys in their club who witnessed what just happened.

”What are you guys talking about?”

”Don't you know who you just tamed? Scarlet Academy is not too far away from our school and she's famous around the area”

”That girl is a delinquent?” Kazuya didn't believe him.

”She's not really a delinquent but she hangs around them a lot. They follow her because she's strong and it was because of her that the other schools don't mess around lately. Even the older students are afraid of her”

”But she wasn't even that skilled” Kazuya knows that she was stronger than him without the use of mana but her skills were very rough and still needed work.

”Because kendo has a lot of rules. I heard that some a group of delinquents tried to take over their neighborhood. They simply made fun of her messy hair and the streets ended up littered with their unconscious bodies”

”Is that so? What does that have to do with me?” Kazuya had lost interest. He didn't care for gossip and knew that the story was exaggerated.

”We just can't believe that Akabane Nanami was acting like that towards you boss. You truly are a genius when it comes to handling girls” they all looked at him as if he were a master.

”Don't look at me like that. If you want lessons on how to handle women then Miyamoto-sensei would be the one to ask. He's been giving me tips on how to handle girls. He says I lack social skills so he's been teaching me when he has time” Kazuya turned their attention towards the teacher who was feeling proud of his students. The boys wasted no time and crowded towards Miyamoto just as Kazuya was called to receive his medal.

”Congratulations on being the champion of this tournament's individual championship” the chairman presented him with both a gold medal and a trophy before guiding him to stand alongside Tomoyo and Ayame. The crowd cheered for him as he received a bouquet of flowers from one of the emcees.

The cheers and admiration from the crowd gave him mixed feelings. They reminded him of the world he wanted to return to. It was still a long time before he can go back Edea so he was worried that he would lose his determination over time. Meeting Kyouko and the cheerful side Mei made him feel a thankful for being able to return and experience this point in his life that he had lost.

”(Wait for me Edea… I will definitely be back)” he tightly clenched his fists.

He stepped down the stage and went straight for the crowd. Kazuya approached the area where Kyouko and Mei were standing. The two were ready to escape from the journalists who wanted an interview.

”This is for you mom” He put the gold medal around Kyouko's neck and handed her the trophy.

”Kazuya…” She was proud of him for winning. He was now giving her the award he worked hard for as if saying that this was for his mother so she couldn't help but feel touched by her son's sentiment.

”This is for you big sis” he gave the bouquet he received to Mei. She of course felt envious after receiving the awards Kazuya won but she understood. This was the privilege of being his mother.

”Thank you Kazu. (You're going to make this big sis of yours unable to live without you at this rate)” she happily received the bouquet of flowers. This wasn't the first time she received flowers but this was the first time she was willing to receive them. Kazuya was unaware that this version of Mei was slowly deviating from her original version in this time as well.

◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆

Back at the Sacred Forest Academy, the final results of the Kendo tournament were announced. Regular classes were already over so those who heard the announcement were mostly students in clubs and the remaining faculty members. They felt proud of the second graders who gave their school glory. There was one student however who didnt think this was good news. He went to a secluded area near the middle school kendo club after excusing himself to make a call.

”Yo, why if it isn't our model student. Why are you suddenly giving me a call?”

”You still haven't delivered! Why do you think I would be calling? He even won the tournament!” Lee tried hard to keep his voice down but he was clearly agitated.

”Our deal wasn't to prevent him from doing anything like that. Besides, thanks to the fact that he was in a tournament. It was easier to get to him from there rather than in our academy” Kuuga sounded confident which was why Lee felt even more frustrated.

”What are you talking about? He already won! I want that kid taken care of immediately before I see that smug face of his”

”The job is already completed. The target was struck in the locker areas after the awards ceremony. I've sent the evidence to the usual place so you may confirm it there”

”It's done?” Lee was startled. This guy has never failed him before which was why he was frustrated but this sudden piece of info greatly changed his mood.

”Don't take my word for it. See for yourself. They did a good job if I do say so myself” Kuuga laughed. ”I'll be expecting the rest of the payment tonight so don't forget to transfer it after confirmation”

”I got it. You don't need to worry about the money. I know how you operate”

”Good. I look forward to our next business deal. The exams are coming soon and you haven't been in good condition lately” Kuuga laughed and ended the call. Lee didn't care about it because that guy only cared about whether he was getting paid or not.

He accessed his private mail. Lee immediately checked the pictures sent and an evil grin grew bigger on his face. The bloodstained appearance of his supposed little brother satisfied him.

”This is a better job than I expected” he couldn't help but start laughing. Kazuya may have won the tournament. He imagined what Kazuya would be feeling after being attacked while holding the title of a champion. ”This is what you get for messing with me. Enjoy the walk of shame, champion” he felt victorious and thought that he had been struck at the right moment. After winning, walking out of the venue in shame not a bad ending for him.

”Let's see how you will face me now”

.