Chapter 2

As I walked home from my training, I decided to pass through the school garden, which had become my favorite spot for exercise and reflection. This time, I noticed Saya, a teenage girl of below-average height with long pink hair styled mostly in two ponytails on either side of her head. Her hair also had two thin, long bangs at the sides, two thin strands of hair over the left side of her forehead, and a spiky larger portion covering the right side. Saya had fierce orange eyes and furrowed eyebrows. Takagi was visibly engaged in a heated argument with a group of students. Despite her neatly worn school uniform, her expression showed tension and frustration.

I approached and listened to the ongoing conversation. One of the female students, with a look of hatred, shouted, "Takagi! Everyone knows you only got good grades because you bribed the school! It's not hard work; it's cheating!"

Another student added, "Yeah, you must have paid a lot of money to pass. Why can't we get special treatment too?"

Takagi angrily tried to explain, "That's not true! I earned those grades through effort and hard work!"

Takagi arrogantly said, "Of course I'm first; it's all thanks to my genius. You're all just jealous."

She then turned to the girl who accused her of cheating and added, "Don't just make excuses with baseless accusations. If you can't achieve results like mine, don't blame others."

Then, an aggressive male student stepped closer with a clear intent to grab Takagi's arm. "Enough already! You need to stop talking! I'm going to shut you up so no one hears your lies anymore," he said threateningly.

Seeing the situation, I felt the need to intervene. I stepped forward and stood between Takagi and the female student. "Don't come any closer! This has gone too far," I said firmly.

The female student glared at me. "Who are you? This isn't your business!"

I replied, "I won't let you treat others this way. If you keep threatening and accusing without basis, I won't stand by!"

The male student challenged me, "Oh, so you want to be a hero? Let's see how strong you are!"

A fight was unavoidable. Despite my training, I struggled with coordinating my movements and new physical strength. I tried to adjust my tactics and strategy with the adaptation skill I had. During the fight, I faced various attacks, working hard to dodge and retaliate. With courage and the techniques I had learned, I eventually managed to defeat the male student with several powerful punches and kicks.

After the final blow, the male student quickly retreated and fled with his friends, who also looked frightened. I stood, breathing heavily, relieved that the fight was over.

Takagi, now looking calmer and grateful, approached me. "Thank you so much. I really appreciate your help. I don't know what would have happened without you."

I smiled and said, "No problem. I just moved here, but I felt I had to help someone in need. By the way, I have to say, you looked really cute and beautiful earlier."

Takagi seemed taken aback and slightly flustered by the compliment. She narrowed her eyes and replied, "Hmph, don't get the wrong idea! I-I was just trying to handle things on my own."

I was pleased to see Takagi's tsundere reaction and then offered, "In that case, I can walk you home. After everything that happened, you shouldn't have to walk alone."

Takagi hesitated for a moment but eventually nodded. "Alright then. I won't refuse that offer. Thank you."

With a smile on my face, Takagi and I started walking towards her home.

During the walk, we spoke more casually. I felt this was a good opportunity to get to know Takagi better and understand my new environment.

"By the way," I said with a smile, "I feel I haven't properly introduced myself. I'm Ren Keitaro, just moved here and trying to adapt to a new environment. I'm really glad to talk with you."

Takagi, looking surprised for a moment, smiled and said, "Oh, don't worry about it, Keitaro-kun. I'm glad we could talk more. I'm also happy to get to know you. As I said, I'm Saya Takagi."

"So, Takagi-san," I started, "I'd like to learn more about this school and how to adapt. I've just moved here, and it seems there's a lot to understand."

Takagi, seeming more at ease, replied, "Sure. This school does have a complicated dynamic. Many students here feel resentful towards those who are considered different or too successful. I often become a target because of my high grades."

"Ah, I see," I said. "But you don't let them get to you, right?"

Takagi gave a slight smile, "I try not to. However, sometimes it's very exhausting. Thanks again for your help earlier. Without you, I might have had bigger problems."

I smiled back. "You're welcome. I feel better when I can help someone in need."

Takagi paused and looked at me with curiosity. "So, what brought you here? You don't seem like most people at this school."

I felt this was a good opportunity to share a bit about myself. "I actually just moved to this city after… some things happened in my life. I didn't have many friends, and I'm trying to start over in this new place."

Takagi, with a somewhat tsundere attitude, tried to respond casually, "You don't have to tell everything if you don't want to. I'm just curious."

As we approached Takagi's house, I decided to continue the conversation. "Actually, I really appreciate this chance to talk with you. After a day as eventful as this, it's nice to speak with someone who understands."

Takagi looked slightly shy and, with a hint of embarrassment, said, "Well, I think it's nice too. I don't often talk to new people like this. Besides, I'm really grateful for your help today."

We arrived at Takagi's home, a luxurious yet cozy house with a large garden in front. Takagi stopped and looked at me. "Thank you so much for walking me home. I would really appreciate it if you could come to my house another time."

I was pleased with the invitation. "Of course. I'd be happy to come by and maybe we can talk more about the school and other things."

Takagi smiled, looking a bit more cheerful and comfortable. "Well then, see you later, Keitaro-kun. Take care on your way back."

I nodded. "See you, Takagi-san. Take care too and don't hesitate to contact me if you need any help."

With positive feelings and mutual appreciation, I headed home, hoping that the new relationship we had started would bring more benefits and support in facing the challenges of my new world.