Chapter 10: "Gaining Attention"

The day following Leo's duel with Chōka began like any other, but the atmosphere around the academy felt different. The boys, who were typically more subdued, were whispering to each other with a mixture of awe and fear. Leo's victory against one of the Five Supreme Swords was unheard of, and it had shaken the very foundations of the academy's social order.

As Leo made his way through the hallways, he could sense the tension in the air. Some boys glanced at him with newfound respect, while others seemed almost jealous of the attention he was getting. It wasn't just about winning a fight; it was about challenging the established hierarchy in a place where boys were usually seen as weak or submissive.

"Hey, isn't that the guy who fought Chōka yesterday?" one boy whispered to his friend, both of them giving Leo a wary look.

"Yeah, I heard he actually won. Can you believe that?" the friend replied, his tone filled with disbelief.

"No way… but if it's true, that changes everything."

Leo kept his expression neutral, pretending not to hear them. He knew his actions had consequences, and he wasn't naive enough to think his victory would go unnoticed. The academy was a place of power, and power shifts rarely went uncontested.

During lunch, Leo, Nomura, and Masuko sat together, talking about the events of the day. The cafeteria, as always, was noisy with chatter, but today, much of it seemed centered around Leo.

"You're becoming quite the celebrity," Nomura said, his voice laced with sarcasm but also a hint of admiration.

Masuko nodded, lowering his voice. "But it's not just about fame. You're drawing a lot of attention—good and bad. Some might see you as a problem that needs to be dealt with."

Leo took a bite of his food, contemplating Masuko's words. "I knew this wouldn't be easy. But I didn't come here to hide in the shadows."

Just then, Nono Mozunono approached their table, her demeanor as straightforward as always. She was well-known for her bluntness and dedication to her craft, and Leo had seen her fighting style in the anime—a mix of speed and precision.

"Leo, right?" she asked, crossing her arms as she looked down at him. Her expression was neither hostile nor friendly, just curious.

Leo looked up, meeting her gaze. "Yeah, that's me. And you're Nono Mozunono."

She nodded. "I heard about your fight with Chōka. You've got some guts, I'll give you that. But don't think that one victory puts you on our level."

Nomura and Masuko tensed up, but Leo stayed calm. "I'm not here to challenge you. Not yet, anyway," he replied with a slight smirk. "But if it comes to that, I won't back down."

Nono smirked back, seeming to appreciate his confidence. "Good. I prefer it when people don't give up too easily. Keep that attitude, but don't get cocky."

With that, she turned and walked away, leaving Leo and his friends to ponder her words.

As they continued their lunch, the surrounding conversations grew more pointed. A group of boys at a nearby table was talking loudly, clearly intending for Leo to hear.

"I can't believe he's already trying to act all high and mighty," one of them said. "Just because he beat Chōka once doesn't mean he's special."

"Yeah," another chimed in. "We all know our place here. He's just making things worse for the rest of us."

Leo ignored them, focusing instead on his food. Nomura, however, was more reactive. "Hey, don't listen to those idiots. They're just scared you'll ruin the status quo."

Masuko nodded in agreement. "They've lived like this for so long they can't even imagine something different. But you've already changed things just by standing up for yourself."

Leo appreciated his friends' support. The academy was a harsh place for boys, and standing out was risky, but he wasn't about to back down now.

After lunch, Leo decided to take a walk around the campus to clear his mind. He needed to think about his next moves carefully. As he wandered into a quiet part of the academy, he spotted Rin and Mary talking near a secluded garden.

He stopped and stayed hidden behind a tree, not wanting to interrupt their conversation. He could hear snippets of what they were saying.

"He's definitely different," Rin was saying, her voice tinged with suspicion. "But that doesn't mean we should trust him."

Mary, as calm and composed as always, replied, "You're right to be cautious, but if he can keep surprising us, that could be useful. Besides, he's not like the others. He's… more confident."

Rin sighed. "I don't care how confident he is. If he thinks he can waltz in here and change everything, he's got another thing coming."

Leo listened intently. It was clear Rin was still wary of him, and Mary seemed curious but non-committal. Their conversation ended shortly after, and they walked off in different directions, leaving Leo to ponder their words.

Later that afternoon, Leo decided to head to the training grounds. He needed to stay sharp, especially now that he knew he was being watched by some of the most powerful figures in the academy. The grounds were busy as usual, with students practicing katas and sparring with each other.

Leo began his training, running through various drills, focusing on both speed and power. As he worked, he noticed a few students stopping to watch him. Whispers started circulating among them.

"That's the guy who beat Chōka, right?"

"Yeah, look at how he moves. He's definitely got some serious skills."

"Think he can take on the others?"

Leo could feel their eyes on him, but he stayed focused. He knew that in a place like this, reputation was everything, and he needed to make sure his was solid.

After a while, he decided to take a break and sat down on a nearby bench. As he caught his breath, a familiar face appeared—Chōka.

She stood in front of him, arms crossed, her face as stern as ever. "You fought well yesterday, but don't think I've forgotten about it. I want a rematch."

Leo nodded, appreciating her directness. "I figured as much. I'm ready whenever you are."

Chōka's lips curled into a slight smile. "Good. You better be."

Leo returned to the dorm later that evening, feeling the weight of the day's events. His duel with Chōka might have earned him some recognition, but it also brought him into the spotlight in a world where being noticed could be as dangerous as being ignored.

As he lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling, he thought about his next steps. He needed to be smarter, more strategic. He wasn't just here to survive—he was here to thrive.

The academy was a place full of challenges, powerful rivals, and potential allies. And Leo was ready to face them all.

To be continued…

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