They Walk A Lonely Road (To The Store)

-Story Start-

-Third Person POV-

The midday sun shone brightly above the clouds, shining light upon the school grounds.

Being the month of April, the rays of the sun were pleasant on the skin, as a gentle breeze only elevated the comfortable atmosphere.

On one of the roads in this giant school, our favorite duo strolled.

Yuuji commented casually on the weather, with his hands behind his head, "The weather's pretty nice. I thought it'd be worse considering we're in Tokyo."

Aoi added with a lifted finger, as his hulking figure continued its walk uninterrupted, "We're beside Tokyo Bay, the ocean's breeze is indeed pleasant."

"Say, are you sure we shouldn't go ahead like the others and check out our rooms? I mean, I think we're the only ones from our class going straight towards the mall after class." Yuuji mentioned after a couple of silent moments, within sight of a large mall complex as he turned left and right to make sure he hadn't seen any other classmates of his.

Deadpanning for a moment, "Though... Given their first impressions of you, I don't think a lot will be willing to join us on a hike... Coming to your defense didn't seem to help a lot, not gonna lie."

Yuuji grumbled silently, "Yamauchi didn't help one bit mentioning your professional nickname of "Freak"."

Aoi smirked, "I have you, and that is all I need, brother. If there are classmates who are not boring, I will find them with certainty eventually." He stated with finality.

Yuuji shook his head with a sigh, slapping Aoi in the back, "Ah... It just gets annoying to see others hate you, with how rarely you compromise on stuff."

Shaking his head, Aoi reminded, "I am only true to myself, my friend. Facades and masks are but a weak fool's methodology, used by those lacking in inner strength and conviction."

"...Your conviction is Takada-san."

Frowning, Aoi punched Yuuji in the shoulder, prompting a loud, "Ow!"

Seeing Aoi's seething glare, Yuuji sighed, "Okay, okay, sorry."

Nodding, Aoi lectured, "Conviction she is, nonetheless. A worthy one." A slight tear dripped from his eye.

Yuuji simply snorted as they walked, eventually reaching the entrance to Keyaki Mall.

Before their very eyes, the Besto Furendos are met with a five-story tall mall complex.

They could spy many things through the glass entrance:

Cafes.

Karaoke Clubs.

A Theater.

Clothing Stores.

Convenience Stores.

Electronic Stores.

Etc...

In this spacious mall, mostly uniformed students occupied the interior, strolling around with their groups with employees or otherwise manning the vendors and cleaning the mall.

But the connecting point, was they, for the most part, seemed older.

Logically fitting Yuuji's and Aoi's assumption on most of the 1st years heading straight for their dorms to settle in.

Blinking out of his stupor, Yuuji mentioned as his eyes locked onto the electronic store, "Say... How are we going to know if their best TV is going to fit my dorm room anyway? There's no way it's big enough."

Aoi raised an eyebrow, "If no student could purchase a product and effectively use it, why would it even be present for purchase on the school grounds anyway?"

Humming, Yuuji replied, "Hmm... You've got a point. Let's head in."

-------------------------------

SIVCAMERA - One of, if not the only proper electronic store on the grounds of the Advanced Nurturing High School.

Currently, one Itadori Yuuji was sweating buckets.

While his Besto Furendo, was holding his chin in pure contemplation.

Glaring at the object of his desires, Yuuji mumbled, "Sony BRAVIA KD-65X9500H... 200,000 Points."

Sony BRAVIA KD-65X9500H

Note: Not Sponsored.

Screen Size: 65 inches.

Price: 200,000 Points.

Resolution: 4K Ultra HD.

Panel Type: LED.

Smart TV: Yes (Android TV).

Additional Features: X1 Ultimate Processor, Triluminos Display, Full Array LED, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, X-Motion Clarity, Google Assistant and Alexa compatibility.

Truly, for Itadori Yuuji, whose tech savviness amounts to thinking he can buy RAM for his computer through a program he downloaded from the internet and getting his computer hacked, this sounded like a whole load of bullshit.

A good type of bullshit.

Unfortunately, no points no dice.

He slowly turned his head to meet eyes with Aoi, "I-I think we should settle for something cheaper for now-"

"THAT'S ALL WRONG!" Aoi roared in loud declaration, as his voice reverberated through the spacious store, startling the other clients and employees.

Yuuji turned to Aoi, who radiated an aura of pure insight and kindness.

Aoi's voice came out lecturing, harsh yet kind, "Yuuji. Are you fine with simply settling for a modest television?" He questioned.

Yuuji knew, that at times like these, when Aoi goes on a tangent the only options are:

(1) Shut up and listen, cause he will be actually saying something of substance.

(2) Run away. The risk ain't worth it.

Yuuji decided to go with the former.

Aoi yelled, "NO! I WILL NOT LET MY BROTHER BE CONTENT WITH MEDIOCRITY!" Ignoring the approaching middle-aged and creepy employee.

Aoi's eyes radiated disappointment, as he lowered his tone, "Where is your ambition and strength that was there less than a year ago? I'm afraid if you insist on mediocrity and compromising with less, then we shall..." Tears streamed down his eyes.

"Quit being friends..." Aoi stated with deep regret.

Yuuji frowned, as he placed an encouraging hand on Aoi's shoulder, "That will never happen."

Aoi collected himself, "Yes. I know. I will make sure I won't hold you back as well. It goes both ways, my friend."

Smiling, Yuuji mumbled, "So, what are going to do then? We can't just use all our Points to buy this. I mean we could, but..."

Smirking, Aoi lifted a finger, "Do not fret..."

The middle-aged employee called out with a weak tone, "E-Excuse me, but can you please stop making a ruckus and all that noise? You are disturbing other custome-"

Aoi's voice interrupted the employee's words shamelessly, "You. Is it possible to purchase this TV with financing?"

The employee blinked, processing the words then shaking his head, "I'm afraid not-"

"Why not?" Aoi interrupted quickly.

Blinking again at the shamelessness of his behavior, the employee replied, "Because that's the way it is-"

"Who said so?" Aoi continued with folded arms and a resolute glare.

A look of disdain and annoyance quickly formed on the employee's face, as he quickly waved him off, "Ah, damn it. You know what? Go talk with the boss, I'm not dealing with this." The employee pointed at the older man manning the register of the store.

Nodding, Aoi headed towards the manager, while Yuuji followed, turning to the employee, "Thanks for the hard work man!" With a friendly smile and wave.

-------------------------------

"I'm impressed you managed to negotiate this deal," Yuuji muttered to Aoi as they both paid out a clean 10,000 Points with their phones each.

"Will you be needing help carrying and installing the TV in your room? It will be an extra-" The middle-aged employee stated emotionlessly as protocol dictated.

Only for him to pause in his words as his eyes widened at the absurd sight before him.

Yuuji effortlessly lifted the packaged Sony BRAVIA KD-65X9500H with a single hand.

"T-That's at least 30 kg!" The employee mumbled absentmindedly.

Yuuji replied, carrying the giant package as if it were a bag of groceries, "No thanks! I'll be fine from here! My grandpa taught me how to install TVs. Thanks for your help!" He waved with his free hand as he headed towards the store exit, Aoi by his side.

In response to Yuuji's earlier comment, Aoi nodded matter-of-factly, "It's good business acumen not to reject payment methods. How someone pays shouldn't matter as long as you get what you're owed. Rejecting clients over protocol is a pointless risk."

Exiting the store and walking along the mall, students passed by and stopped to gawk at Yuuji's remarkable feat of strength, some whispering in awe at his ease with the heavy load.

Whilst others approached with interest.

A tall, fair-skinned boy with light blond hair and light blue eyes, surrounded by a couple of girls called out to Yuuji, "Impressive strength, first year."

Yuuji and Aoi turned to meet eyes with the unacquainted student, whose smirk and expression were locked onto Yuuji, "You are a first-year, right? I don't recognize that face of yours."

Yuuji nodded, "Yeah, our orientation was... Like a couple of hours ago."

The smirking blonde mumbled, "I see, I see... How was Horikita-senpai? Impressive isn't he?"

Blinking, Yuuji scratched his head with his free hand, "Horikita who?"

The girls beside the smirking blonde scoffed and giggled openly at Yuuji's cluelessness and goldfish-level memory.

A thin line crossed Yuuji's face as he noticed that he was being laughed at for something stupid.

Then he recalled

"O-Oh... The Student Council President? Yeah! He was pretty cool! He's got that mysterious edgy rival of the main character type of energy!" Yuuji exclaimed.

The smirking blonde blinked at the odd description, only to burst into laughter a moment after.

"Oh... T-That's a great description. Pfft." He tried to catch his breath.

"You, I like you." The blonde smiled in a charming manner.

Without a moment's hesitation, both Yuuji and Aoi's faces hardened and suddenly gained great detail.

Lifting a palm, Yuuji replied mechanically, "I'm sorry. I'm into tall girls with big butts."

Aoi nodded, matching Yuuji's tone, "It's true. He likes Jennifer Lawrence."

"PFFT BAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAH!" The blonde burst into laughter once more, whilst the surrounding girls only gazed in perplexion.

Calming himself, the blonde introduced himself as he extended a hand at Yuuji, "Nagumo Miyabi, Student Council Vice President." He proudly introduced

Yuuji shook Nagumo's hand with a friendly smile, "Itadori Yuuji. Nice to meet you!"

Nodding at Yuuji, Nagumo turned to Aoi, his eyes scanning Aoi's hulking visage.

"I'd have expected you to be the one carrying something this heavy," Nagumo stated perceptively, noting that Aoi's figure was much larger and bulkier than Yuuji's deceptive outward physique.

Huffing, Aoi answered the accusation with ease, "My brother is the strongest. Do not be deceived by his stature." He stated pridefully.

"Hoho, is that so?" Nagumo's voice dripped with sarcasm mixed with haughtiness.

"Well, I won't bother you any longer, first years as it's still a little early. But I'll keep my eye on you two. I like people with talent, whether it be strength or wit. Do your best~!" He flashed a friendly smile, leaving them with his small entourage of girls.

Aoi's gaze fixed on Miyabi's visage, as he uttered loudly, "What is your type of-"

Only for Yuuji to nearly drop the packaged TV he held to block Aoi's mouth with his hand, "Not now dude! Do you really want to cause a scene with the Student Council Vice President of all people? Get an answer from him later!"

Aoi sighed, "A shame."

A couple of seconds later, Aoi continued without care for the stares, "Now, back to our prior topic. We were fortunate the owner wasn't a novice and understood this. 20,000 Points a month for ten months will easily take care of our issue."

Scratching his head as they headed for the exit, Yuuji commented, "Well, when you put it that way... The dude back there was pretty dramatic for rejecting the option of financing right?"

Aoi's eyes narrowed as he stated, "That would be the case, however convincing the store owner wasn't so leisurely. He didn't seem too keen on monthly payments because he subconsciously signaled fear of not getting paid. It was only after I proposed a failsafe clause, in the case of us getting expelled, that we paid him before we were forced to leave the school. Only then, did he agree."

Exiting the mall, they were greeted once more by the pleasant breeze, as unfamiliar faces donning uniforms passed them by.

Aoi turned to Yuuji with an inquisitive gaze, "Now tell me, Brother. What does that tell you?"

...

A moment passed by.

Lifting a hand, Yuuji mumbled, "Yeah I got nothin."

...

Although Yuuji gave up quickly, as his thinking wasn't his strong suit, Aoi hadn't given up on him.

So they stayed in silence.

Yuuji pouted with a sigh, "...Hate it when you force me to think dude."

...

"There's a lot of expulsions in this school? I guess?" Yuuji hazarded a guess.

Clicking his fingers at Yuuji, Aoi mumbled, "Exactly that."

Tilting his head, Yuuji added, "Isn't that obvious? It's the greatest school in Japan. Even the world. Wouldn't it make sense for that to be the case? Zero tolerance or whatever?"

"And how would such a prestigious school get problematic students that would even make such a mistake?"

Yuuji's eyes widened in understanding, "...They don't expel on behavior, at least, for the most part."

Aoi nodded in pride as he gazed wistfully at the blue sky, "The pieces are falling in place. The truth of this school is almost within my reach. Remember, Yuuji, in each aspect and feature of this school and even of life itself, there are hints, clues, and things you can use to your advantage. Through the simple procurement of a television, we have managed to learn something new."

An excited smile took hold of Aoi's face as he muttered, "As I thought, this will definitely be interesting, Yuuji."

"...I am slightly more convinced, but I still think you're exaggerating."

"Exaggerating? Brother... We may even get the chance to attend Takada-chan's August meet and greet!" Aoi asserted with passion.

"What if it costs like 100,000,000 Points?" Yuuji offered.

"It shall be done."

To Be Continued!

-Author's Note-

I would write something funny, but I'm a lil tired.

So... Ya'll REALLY got no clue what i'm planning for this gawd damn I'm hyped.

Anywho.

I've got 2 other fics to write.

Cya!

You can read the next TWO advanced chapters on:

patre0n.com/BurgerNoTomatoes