Chapter 6: Fight with Number 1

The number 1 chuckled softly, a hint of amusement in his expression at Koda's words. "Bold words for someone who's barely a blip on the radar. I saw that video from yesterday, nice work... But keep that shit in your school, Kakoyama is too big for you."

Koda's fists clenched as he took the cigarette out of his mouth, blowing out the smoke and standing up. "I've taken down your weak ass lackey's, why are you acting like you'll be any different?"

The number 1 raised an eyebrow, his gaze assessing. "Impressive. But remember, there's a reason I'm at the top."

"Let's see it fuckface." Koda said, glaring at the boy as they stepped forward simultaneously.

"Bring it on bitch."

Step

Step

Step

Bam!

The two rushed each other, both landing a punch on the other before backing up and regaining their bearings.

The clash of fists reverberated through the air, the tension palpable as Koda and Hiroko circled each other. Koda's knuckles stung from the impact, a mixture of pain and exhilaration surging through his veins. He couldn't deny the strength that Hiroko possessed; the one blow he had delivered had been met with a perfect counter..

Hiroko's lips curled into a half-smile, his gaze unyielding. "Not bad, Koda. You've got some skill. But let's see if you can handle this."

In an instant, Hiroko closed the distance between them with astonishing speed. Koda barely had time to react as Hiroko's fist sliced through the air, aiming for his side. Koda managed to dodge, but the force of Hiroko's blow grazed his ribs, leaving a trail of burning pain in its wake.

Koda gritted his teeth, his focus intensifying. He couldn't afford to let Hiroko get the upper hand. With a burst of agility, Koda lunged forward, delivering a swift kick to Hiroko's midsection. But Hiroko's defenses were impenetrable; he deflected the blow with ease, countering with a lightning-fast jab that caught Koda off guard.

Koda stumbled back, holding his nose as his vision momentarily blurred from the impact. He shook off the disorientation, his determination unwavering. As Hiroko closed in once again, Koda's mind raced. He needed to utilize his newly acquired skills to turn the tide of the battle.

Activating [Evade], Koda's movements became fluid and unpredictable. He weaved through Hiroko's attacks with a grace that belied his previous struggles. His agility allowed him to narrowly avoid a powerful hook, and in that split second, Koda seized the opportunity. With a swift spin, he delivered a precise kick to Hiroko's side, the impact sending shockwaves through his opponent's body.

Hiroko grunted, his expression briefly contorting in surprise before he regained his composure. "Impressive, Koda. You're adapting quickly."

Koda smirked, his confidence growing. "Thanks, but I'm just getting started."

The two clashed once more, their movements a blur of punches and kicks. Koda's [Iron Skin] skill allowed him to absorb the impact from Hiroko's strikes, granting him an advantage in close combat.

"Fuck did you just do?" Hiroko grunted, his hands looked bruised as he shook them in pain. Koda smirked, feeling the iron skin fade.

"Maybe you're not that strong," He said as the clash continued.

In a surprising turn of events, Hiroko's movements faltered for a split second. Koda seized the opportunity, his fist connecting with Hiroko's jaw. The impact sent Hiroko stumbling back, his balance momentarily compromised.

With a fierce grin, Koda pressed forward, delivering a rapid series of blows. Each strike was fueled by his frustration, his desire to prove himself as more than just a blip on Kakoyama's radar. But just as victory seemed within reach, Hiroko's expression shifted from surprise to determination.

Hiroko dodged one of the punches, grabbing onto Koda's collar and delivering a swift, powerful punch straight to his face.

"It's strange..." Hiroko said as he dodged another punch, countering and sending Koda stumbling back.

"You're definitely a good fighter, but why does it feel amateurish?" He said, catching Koda's kick and glaring down at him. Hiroko slammed his elbow into Koda's leg, pushing him away and sending him toppling to the ground.

"Fuck!" Koda cursed, rolling over and quickly getting up, the pain in his knee flaring throughout his leg.

Hiroko rushed him again, his onslaught of punches continuing.

Koda struggled to keep up, his body aching from the assault. He needed something more, a way to turn the tide once again.

As Hiroko prepared for another attack, Koda's mind raced. He couldn't use Chains of Fenrir, but he had to find a way to capitalize on his strengths. 'His shoulders are turned a bit to the right... So... A hook!' Koda thought as he moved slightly, dodging the punch.

Hiroko's fist sailed through empty air, and before he could react, Koda launched a powerful kick that connected with Hiroko's side. The impact sent Hiroko staggering, his expression a mix of surprise and frustration.

Koda didn't waste a second. He followed up with a quick succession of strikes, each blow aimed at exploiting Hiroko's momentary vulnerability. The crowd around them watched in awe as Koda's determination and skill shone through.

"Just. Fucking. Go. Down!" Koda yelled, each word accompanied by a punch as he began to breath heavily. With a fierce determination, Hiroko retaliated, delivering a powerful uppercut that caught Koda off guard.

The force of the blow sent Koda airborne, his body crashing to the ground. He struggled to catch his breath, his body battered and bruised. Hiroko stood over him, his gaze unwavering.

"Damn it..." Koda muttered as he lay there, looking up at the bruised and battered boy.

"You're good, Koda. You've pushed me further than most," Hiroko said, extending his hand to help Koda up.

'The hell? He's... Offering me a hand?'

Despite his upbringing and past as a bullied kid, Koda held a lot of pride. The couple days he had the system had been pure bliss, he'd felt on top of the world.

Seeing that hand would have moved him a few days ago. In fact, he needed that hand a few days ago.

But Koda was already too far gone, in just a few days he'd completely torn up the hierarchy, and he only wanted one thing for the bastards who'd beaten him for years. Bastards that, in his eyes, were just like Hiroko.

"Come to think of it, what was I even thinking? Fighting you properly? That's crazy," Koda said as he took Hiroko's hand.

"You hit my knee... So it's only fair," He finished, smirking up at the older boy as he pulled him forward, kicking his knee in with a loud crunch.

"Ahh!" Hiroko fell past Koda as Emi, Hiroko's girlfriend, and the black haired girl yelled in unison and rushed toward them.

Koda stood up, a weird expression on his face. 'Well... There's no point in having morals...'

The two girls dropped to the fallen number one's knees, holding his head between their hands.

"Hiro... It's okay, don't take this hard," Emi said as her eyes filled with tears.

She looked up at Koda, and Koda could feel a strange sense of guilt wash over him.

He scoffed, turning away and walking off before he realized something was off.

'It happened immediately for the others, how come the quest didn't complete?' He thought as he looked at the system.

"Hey..." A chilling voice called out that made a shiver run down his spine. "You bastard, Hiroko didn't want me to fight since I'm supposed to be recovering from the underpass brawl, but you just fucked up..."

Koda looked back, seeing the black haired girl staring at him with pure hatred in her eyes.

"You were looking for Kakoyama's number 1 correct? Well that's me, Sakura Amaterasu, the black flame of Kakoyama..."