Issei stood before the imposing doors of the Student Council room and knocked. The sound echoed down the hallway like a countdown to judgment.
A few seconds later, the door cracked open and Issei had to fight the urge to groan.
A blond boy peeked out, irritation already on his face. "Oh, great. It's you. Seriously, peeping again? Maybe you should..."
Issei silently held up the slip of paper.
Genshirou Saji's eyes flicked between Issei and the note. His expression shifted from annoyance to confusion, and then mild surprise.
"…Just a minute." He slammed the door in Issei's face.
Issei sighed. 'Let's just get this over with…'
Unfortunately, peace never lasted long.
"Oi! Don't think we're done with you!" Matsuda barked as he and Motohama limped down the hall.
"Yeah... ow!" Motohama winced, rubbing his jaw.
"Knocking our stuff down and punching us! I oughta..." Matsuda began to say.
The door opened again.
"Hyoudou, you can come in," Genshirou said flatly. Then, with a glare at the other two. "You two might as well come in too."
Issei stepped inside, followed by the perverted duo. The room was filled with girls, the Student Council members, each giving the trio a look of pure disgust.
Issei felt a flicker of envy toward Genshirou. Surrounded by girls every day…
But he clenched his fist and forced the thought away. 'Focus. New dream. New life. No more of this.'
He kept his eyes on the back of Genshirou's head as they were led to the president's desk.
"I brought them, kaichou," Genshirou announced.
"Thank you, Saji‑san."
Sona Shitori, the Student Council President, sat with perfect posture behind her desk. Short black hair, sharp violet eyes, glasses perched neatly on her nose. She was one of the school's famed Onee‑samas.
"Now then," Sona began, "what did you three do this time? Who did you peep on? Judging by your injuries, I assume you angered someone again."
A few girls giggled. They'd clearly seen the video of Issei getting beaten up.
Issei stepped forward and placed his slip on her desk. "No one, kaichou. I punched them when they wouldn't leave me alone."
Several girls scoffed. Hyoudou Issei? Punch someone? Impossible.
But Sona's eyes widened just slightly. "I see. It's not like you to be violent, Hyoudou‑san."
"I know. But they dumped their porn on my desk and wouldn't leave me alone." Issei explained.
"Well, that's only natural," Sona said.
Issei frowned. He knew exactly what she meant, she was lumping him in with them. It stung, but he swallowed it.
"After all," she continued, "you were beaten up for peeping yesterday."
His shoulders tensed. But instead of arguing, he exhaled slowly. He already knew that he couldn't deny it.
Sona noticed. 'Is he… giving up?' She looked back at the slip. "So you admit to committing violence."
"Yes, kaichou. I punched them when they wouldn't leave me alone."
"And you two?" she asked.
Matsuda and Motohama sheepishly handed over their slips.
Sona sighed and gestured to Genshirou. Without hesitation, Genshirou grabbed all three briefcases and dumped their contents onto the floor.
Issei flinched as his pocket‑sized Dragon Ball clattered and cracked against the tile.
"Well," Sona said, eyeing the pile of porn from the other two, "it seems some of you brought… inappropriate materials."
She blinked when she saw nothing perverted in Issei's belongings. "Hyoudou‑san, you may gather your things."
Issei knelt and checked the Dragon Ball first. Cracked. He swallowed the disappointment and packed his manga.
Genshirou leaned down and muttered, "Pervert and a nerd."
Issei's fist clenched. He wanted to punch him. But doing it here would destroy everything he was trying to build. He forced himself to breathe.
"Now then," Sona said, "Hyoudou‑san, since this is your first offense involving violence, you will serve detention for one week."
"Um… kaichou," Issei said carefully, "is it okay if I serve detention during lunch?"
"I suppose so. If you can find a teacher or staff member to supervise you." Sona informed him.
"Okay. I'll ask around."
"Good. Have them sign this." She handed him a form. "Bring it back to me."
"Understood. Thank you, kaichou."
This meant he could still have lunch with Nurse Elize. And he wouldn't miss the martial arts club... if Kenichi accepted him.
"You may go now, Hyoudou‑san. Try not to get into trouble again. Otherwise, that black eye will have a matching partner."
Snickers filled the room, but Issei didn't react. Sona noticed again, seeing that there was no fire, no comeback, no perverted remark. Just quiet anger.
He bowed slightly and left without looking at anyone.
Sona watched him go, thoughtful. 'He didn't argue. He didn't deny anything. He didn't even look at the girls. Something's changed…'
Once Issei was gone, she turned to the remaining two.
"As for you two, this is a repeated offense. You're lucky it's the start of the year. You're suspended for the rest of the week. Your pornography will be confiscated. Saji, take them away. Girls, handle the materials and return their briefcases at the gate."
"Yes, kaichou!"
"Come on," Genshirou said, dragging the stunned perverts out as they wailed about their lost porn.
"Kaichou?" a white‑haired girl asked.
"Yes, Momo?" Sona looked at her.
"Are we just confiscating the porn?" She asked.
"No. Burn it. Their parents gave permission before the year began."
"Understood."
Sona leaned back in her chair, deep in thought. 'Hyoudou Issei… what happened to you these past 24 hours?'
Issei returned to class. The stares were immediate, they were curious, judgmental, and confused. Even the teacher glanced at him but said nothing.
He sat down and tried to focus on the lesson. 'Maybe Elize‑sensei will supervise my detention…'
When the lunch bell rang, he stood up, only to be blocked by Aika Kiryuu.
"Oi, Hyoudou. Where are your two buddies?" She asked him.
"I don't have any buddies." He replied back.
"Oh? Those perverts weren't your buddies?" she teased.
"No. I don't think they ever were."
"Hah! Sure. You three were always shouting about harems..."
Issei's frown deepened. He walked past her without a word.
"Hey, where are you going? Upset about the beating?"
Silence.
"Well, if it's any consolation, they're probably mad that what you're packing could satisfy their girlfriends..."
Still nothing. Issei kept walking, lost in thought. He didn't want to hear about yesterday. Or the accusations. Or the video.
He was so distracted that he didn't see the person in front of him until he bumped into them.
"Hey! Watch where you're going!"
"Great. It's the Perverted Beast."
Issei winced at the familiar insult. Standing before him were the Kendo Duo, Murayama and Katase. Murayama, with her brown hair tied into twin pigtails and a chest Issei forced himself not to look at. Katase, with her shoulder‑length pink hair and long, toned legs that made her popular even outside the club.
"I… um, sorry." He bowed deeply as his cheeks were tinged pink out of embarrassment. "I'll be more careful next time."
Both girls blinked. They had expected drooling. Or a nosebleed. Or some pathetic excuse. Not… an apology.
"Uh… okay?" Murayama said uncertainly.
"Yeah. Just watch where you're going next time, pervert," Katase added, though her voice lacked its usual bite.
"Thank you," Issei replied quietly.
They didn't see his fist clench at the word pervert. A title he was beginning to hate more than anything.
'I'll show them. I'm not just a pervert.' He walked past them without another word.
As he headed toward the nurse's office, his thoughts drifted unexpectedly to Shidou. His childhood friend. The one person who never judged him, even when Issei rambled about boobs or manga. They'd played heroes together, fought imaginary monsters, and promised to stay friends forever. Then Shidou moved to England.
'Would he even recognize me now? Would he be disappointed?'
Issei swallowed hard. Maybe one day he could visit England and show Shidou he'd changed. That he'd become strong. Someone worth respecting. But that was a dream for another time.
A flash of crimson caught his eye. Through the classroom window, the schoolyard came into view and standing there was her.
Rias Gremory.
The crimson‑haired idol of Kuoh Academy. A beauty so striking that even the breeze seemed to exist just to make her hair flow dramatically. Her pale skin, her elegant posture, her foreign features, everything about her radiated nobility.
Students stopped mid‑conversation. Mid‑step. Mid‑breath. It happened every morning.
Issei found himself staring too, caught in the same spell as everyone else. 'She really is beautiful…'
But then a strange feeling crept up his spine. Fear. Intimidation. She was too beautiful. Too perfect. Too far above him.
He shook his head, trying to snap out of it. 'No way. She's not my type. Not anymore. She's… too much. Too self‑centered looking. I don't want a girl like that.'
He turned to leave, only to freeze. Her eyes moved and locked onto him. Her blue gaze narrowed slightly, lips curving into a faint smile. A smile that felt less like kindness and more like a queen acknowledging a peasant.
Issei's jaw tightened. 'Superior? To me? Just wait. I'll break free of this stigma. I'll rise above this.'
He forced himself to look away and continued walking.
Soon, he spotted Kenichi‑senpai but this time without Miu. Instead, he was accompanied by a girl with intricately braided violet-blue hair that resembled cat ears and a tail. Renka Ma. Curvy, confident, and just as intimidating as Miu.
"Hey, Kenichi‑senpai. Um… hello, Renka‑senpai."
"Hey, Hyoudou‑san," Kenichi greeted.
"Hey, little perv," Renka added playfully, not cruelly.
Issei blushed and looked away. "I'm… trying to change from that."
"Oh?" Renka smirked. "Then at least look at me when I'm talking to you."
"I… can't." He knew where his eyes would go if he did.
"Why? Afraid you'll stare at my boobs? My old man's a pervert too. If you give me the wrong look, I'll put you in your place." She warned.
Issei gulped and stared at the space between their heads.
Kenichi stepped in. "So what do you need, Hyoudou‑san?"
"It's… Issei. My parents call me Ise. And my… friends."
"Friends?" Renka tilted her head. "You mean those two perverts?"
"I… no. Not them. I… had another friend. When I was a kid. We were close." Issei clarified.
"What happened?" Kenichi asked gently.
"They moved. To England."
Renka chuckled. "Maybe your perversion scared them off." She meant it as a joke.
But Issei's shoulders slumped. "Maybe… I didn't think of it like that." His voice grew small. "I wanted to join the mixed martial arts club. To get stronger. To change. Maybe even see my friend again someday and show them I'm different. But I…" His hand fell limply to his side. "I'm gonna go. Have a nice lunch, Kenichi‑senpai, Renka‑senpai."
He turned and walked away, Renka's words echoing painfully in his mind. 'Maybe I really did drive Shidou away…'
He headed toward the nurse's office, hoping Elize‑sensei could give him clarity.
Behind him, Kenichi sighed. "Why did you say that?"
"I was joking," Renka muttered. "I didn't mean it like that."
"Well, if he wants to change, I think he should join."
"I don't mind," Renka said, "but if he's uncomfortable around me, he'll be terrified of Shigure‑sensei."
Kenichi winced. "Yeah… she might actually kill him if he stares."
"Exactly." Renka nodded.
"Let's go find Miu. And after lunch, let's track him down. Tell him he can join."
"Okay."
Meanwhile, Issei reached the nurse's office and knocked.
'I didn't realize my perversion was that bad… I was so oblivious. Why didn't anyone tell me sooner? Why did it always have to be insults?'
"Come in!" Elize called.
Issei opened the door and blinked. There was another woman inside. Short brunette hair, stern eyes, and a very generous chest that Issei forced himself not to stare at. He swallowed nervously. This was going to be interesting.
"I'm sorry," Issei blurted, freezing in the doorway. "I didn't know you had company. I can go..."
"Relax," Elize said, waving him in. "This is Yu‑Mi. She's my partner."
The brunette woman gave a polite nod. "Hello."
"It's nice to meet you, Yu‑Mi‑san," Issei said, bowing awkwardly.
"Yu‑Mi here is a physics teacher," Elize added.
"Oh." Issei's blush deepened. "Um… cool."
Elize smirked. "You don't know anything about physics, do you?"
"No, not really." Issei shook his head.
She laughed. "Told you, Yu‑Mi. Only nerds care about physics."
Yu‑Mi raised an eyebrow. "Hmm."
"Elize‑sensei!" Issei protested weakly.
"What? You're not that kind of nerd." She tapped his shoulder. "You're a pervert. Well… you were. He's changing," she added to Yu‑Mi. "So, kiddo, what's on your mind?"
Issei took a breath. "I… got detention. I asked if I could serve it during lunch. Sona‑kaichou said I could if a teacher or staff member signed this form, and I was hoping…"
"You want me to supervise you," Elize finished.
"I, um... yeah. I'm planning to join the mixed martial arts club and..."
"Alright!" Elize clapped her hands. "I knew you'd listen to me!"
Yu‑Mi blinked. "I'm sorry, what?"
"I told him to join the MMA club," Elize said proudly. "And he's following my advice."
Yu‑Mi sighed. "Oh dear."
"What? I give great advice." Elize turned back to Issei. "So? What did you do?"
Issei shrank under Yu‑Mi's stern gaze and her very distracting chest. "I… um… punched Matsuda and Motohama."
"You what?" Elize leaned forward.
"I punched..."
"No, no, I heard you. I'm just surprised. When I said dump them, I didn't mean literally."
"It escalated," Issei admitted. "They dumped their porn on my desk. I asked them to leave. They didn't. Then they brought up the beating and… I guess I lost it. Next thing I knew, Motohama was on the ground and I was shaking and..."
"You needed to let it out," Yu‑Mi said calmly. "And what beating? Is that how you got that black eye?"
"Yes," Elize answered for him. "Like I said, Issei's a pervert, like most guys. That's why he's not looking at you, hot stuff. Your chest is a hazard." Yu‑Mi flushed slightly as Elize continued. "Anyway, he and two idiots tried to peek on some girls changing. Issei didn't look, but the other two did. They blamed him, told the boyfriends, and he got beaten up. The other two even filmed it."
Yu‑Mi's eyes widened. "On school grounds? Surely the Student Council..."
"They didn't," Issei muttered. "And it's not worth it. I just… want to get rid of this stigma. The Perverted Beast thing. Before coming here, I asked Kenichi‑senpai about joining the club, but…"
Elize narrowed her eyes. "But?"
"Well… I said I was planning to join. Renka‑senpai said maybe my perversion drove my friend to England. And maybe she's right. I didn't realize I was that bad. I…"
"Hey, hey, hey." Elize stepped closer. "Don't think like that. You'll only drag yourself down."
"She's right," Yu‑Mi added gently. "Issei, was it?"
"Yes," he said, looking up. His eyes were slightly wet but determined.
"If you put yourself down, you'll lose motivation. You want to shed your stigma?" Yu-Mi asked.
"Uh‑huh." He nodded.
"Then discipline yourself. Work hard. The labor will pass, but the rewards will last. And then you can show this Renka girl how wrong she was."
"Exactly," Elize said. "Reset, restart, refocus. But don't you dare give up on your dreams. Which, by the way, still planning to be harem king?"
Issei shook his head quickly. "No. Remember that manga character I told you about?"
"Goku, yeah?"
"I want to be the strongest fighter to come out of Kuoh Academy. And surpass Kenichi‑senpai."
"That's the spirit." Elize clapped her hands.
"Oh, uh... I got you this." Issei pulled out the pocket‑sized Dragon Ball. "Sorry… it got cracked when Saji dumped my stuff. They were checking for porn."
Elize's expression softened. "Well, aren't you sweet? See that, Yu‑Mi? He brought me a present. Thank you, Issei."
He brightened a little. "I'm sorry I didn't bring anything for you, Yu‑Mi‑san. If I knew Elize‑sensei had company, I would've gotten something."
Yu‑Mi's cheeks tinted pink. "It's fine. Really."
Elize clapped her hands. "Speaking of manga, you've got about five to ten minutes. Show us what you brought."
"Oh!" Issei wiped his eyes and pulled out two books. "I brought both. This one's about mechas... and this one has Goku."
Issei held out the two manga volumes with both hands, presenting them like sacred treasures.
Yu‑Mi tilted her head. "May I see that one?" She pointed to the Gundam manga.
"O‑Of course," Issei said, handing it over carefully. "Some of these start off slow, but that's the point... to build up the story."
"Interesting," Yu‑Mi murmured as she began reading.
Elize watched Issei from the corner of her eye. He fidgeted nervously, but most importantly, he wasn't staring at Yu‑Mi's chest. Instead, he kept glancing anxiously at her expression, waiting for her reaction. Hoping she'd like something he loved.
A small smile tugged at Elize's lips. 'There it is,' she thought. 'A crack in the shell.'
"Hey, Issei?" she said.
"Yes?" He straightened immediately.
"Let me see those forms." Elize held out her hand.
His eyes widened. "You'd… be willing to supervise me?"
"Of course." She grinned. "And then you can show me more manga. I'd like to read this one." She tapped the Dragon Ball volume.
"That's fine! And here..." He handed her the forms. "I also have the next two chapters after that one, in case you finish it."
"Thanks. And here you go." She passed the signed forms back. "I'll look forward to talking about it."
Yu‑Mi looked up from the Gundam manga. "This one is quite interesting. The mecha abilities are unique."
"Really!?" Issei blurted, startling both women. "Ah, sorry! I just didn't think you'd like it…"
Yu‑Mi chuckled softly. "It's quite alright. Since you enjoy this so much. May I ask, what is your favorite mecha?"
"Uh… my favorite? It's called Astray Red Dragonics."
"Hm. I haven't seen that one yet. I suppose it appears later in the series."
"Oh... yeah. Both series have anime adaptations too."
"Really? So we can watch it instead of reading it?" Elize pondered out loud.
"Yeah, but…" Issei scratched his cheek. "Some adaptations change things. What happens in the manga doesn't always happen in the anime. Fans fight about it a lot. Some prefer the anime, others the original."
Elize raised a brow. "Which do you prefer?"
"The original. It's usually the author's vision. Some people rewrite the story to pair characters differently or replace the main character, but… I'm not a fan. It doesn't make the story better. It just copies the original with a different face. I know they tried to make Gohan the lead, but it didn't really pan out, so they brought back Goku."
Yu‑Mi blinked. "What's… shipping?"
"Oh! It's when you pair two characters romantically. For example, Goku has a wife, but some fans pair him with his rival's wife because she was the first girl he met. Though she was older and he was a kid, while she was a teenager."
Elize snorted. "And how old was his rival?"
"I don't know. Probably about the same age, maybe older." Issei shrugged, while he tried to recollect the earlier chapters of Dragon Ball, but he was more thrilled with the fights.
"So the rival likes older women?" Elize nodded in thought.
Issei paused. "…Huh. I never thought about it like that. But you're right."
Yu‑Mi smiled and handed him a small container. "You should eat this. You only have a few minutes left of lunch."
"Oh no! I lost track of time! Thank you, Yu‑Mi‑san!" He quickly devoured the rice balls.
While he ate, Elize and Yu‑Mi exchanged silent glances.
"He's a good kid," Elize mouthed.
"I can tell," Yu‑Mi mouthed back.
Issei finished with a relieved sigh. "Thank you so much, Yu‑Mi‑san. I better go." He gathered his things. "Oh, and here are the next chapters."
He handed each woman the next volumes, double‑checking that he had the signed forms.
"Thank you again, Elize‑sensei. And thank you for the meal, Yu‑Mi‑san." He bowed deeply. "I'll see you later!"
He dashed out of the office, leaving the two women watching the door.
Yu‑Mi exhaled. "You're going to have some interesting lunches in the future."
"Perhaps," Elize said. "Did you really enjoy that book?"
"Yes. And considering how you called him a pervert… you're right. He is trying to change. He was so excited about the manga. If he puts that same passion into training, he'll do well." Yu-Mi summarized.
"He'll get bumps and bruises along the way."
"Luckily for him, you'll be there to patch him up." Yu-Mi said.
Elize smirked. "It'll be better once he gets a girlfriend."
"Hmm… maybe." Yu‑Mi scrolled through her phone. "Though this Goku character isn't very romantic. Surprising he even had two children. If Issei turns out like him, he'll be too focused on training to think about romance."
"Or," Elize countered, "he might push people away. He's scared of getting attached. People don't forget reputations easily. You saw how hurt he was."
"Yes… maybe he'll heed both our advice." Yu‑Mi lifted the Gundam manga. "I'm taking this. I'm looking forward to seeing how he grows."
Elize smirked. "Your breasts may distract him."
"Not when he's focused." Yu-Mi countered.
"True." Elie shrugged.
Yu‑Mi turned to leave. "I'll see you later."
"Oh, you will," Elize said, pulling her close and kissing her and her hand sneaking up for a playful squeeze to the Korean's chest.
Yu‑Mi squeaked. "Elize!"
Elize only laughed.
Yu‑Mi groaned under her breath as she briskly exited the office, cheeks still faintly pink. Elize laughed at her partner's flustered retreat, then once the door clicked shut, she dropped into her chair with a satisfied sigh.
"Well… now that I'm alone…" She reached for the manga Issei had left behind.
If she was going to supervise his lunches, she might as well understand what made the boy light up so much.
She cracked open the first page.
Meanwhile, Renka Ma was not having a good time.
She had searched the courtyard, the hallways, even peeked into the cafeteria but no sign of Issei anywhere. She wanted to apologize, tell him to swing by the club, maybe even encourage him a little. But the boy had vanished.
Renka clicked her tongue. 'Damn. He's not here. Just great.'
She crossed her arms, tapping her foot impatiently. She wanted to impress Kenichi as she always did but sometimes, she wondered why she still held onto that crush. Miu had beaten her to it, fair and square. It stung, but Renka wasn't the type to give up easily.
'Whatever. I know where his class is. I'll catch him after school. Everyone knows where the perverted trio hangs out… or duo, I guess, if Kenichi was right. Today's gonna be interesting.'
Issei returned to class and took his usual seat by the window. The room felt strangely quiet without Matsuda and Motohama. Peaceful, even. To his surprise, he didn't miss them.
When the final bell rang, he exhaled in relief. He packed his things slowly, letting the other students file out first. No snickers, no harassment, no porn dumped on his desk. Just… quiet. He savored it.
Once the room emptied, he stood and headed for the Student Council office. He braced himself as he'd have to deal with Genshirou again. The guy grated on his nerves like sandpaper.
He stepped into the hallway and then.
"Hey! Issei!"
He nearly jumped out of his skin.
"R‑Renka‑senpai?"
She jogged up to him, chest bouncing.
'Nope. Don't look. Don't look. Don't look.' Issei stared at the ceiling.
"Where ya headed?" Renka asked. "Dojo's that way." She pointed in the opposite direction.
"I, um… I'm going to the Student Council office." He answered. 'God, those melons are something else... NO. STOP. Focus, Issei! We're trying not to be a pervert!'
Renka tilted her head. "What for?"
"You… don't need to know." He turned away, but she easily caught up.
"Was it because of what I said? Is that why you're avoiding me?"
Issei said nothing.
"Look, I was joking. I thought you wouldn't care. People call you out all the time and you never seemed bothered."
Still nothing.
Renka groaned. "Okay, I'm sorry, alright? Maybe it wasn't you. Maybe your friend..."
"Could you please just stop talking, Renka‑senpai." He requested, wanting to punch himself in the face because he was telling a pretty girl that was actually talking to him to be quiet.
She froze. "…Okay."
Issei kept walking, desperate for a moment of peace.
But Renka wasn't done.
"But Issei," she called softly, "I'd like you to join our club. Kenichi believes in you. If what I said keeps you from joining… I'm sorry."
She turned and headed toward the dojo. Issei didn't look back but her words lingered in his mind.
He finally reached the Student Council door and knocked. He braced himself as the door opened.
"Oh, great. You again, Hyoudou?" Genshirou sneered. "We already dealt with the other two perverts. What now?"
"I'm here to return the signed forms." Issei answered.
"What? No way. Let me see."
Issei shoved the forms toward him. Genshirou snatched them rudely and skimmed them.
"Huh. Let's see what kaichou thinks. Come in."
Issei clenched his fist behind his back and followed him inside, ignoring the glares from the girls.
"What is it, Saji?" Sona asked.
"Perv's back. He got the forms signed. Figured you should check them. Who knows if he forged the signature."
A low growl escaped Issei. "I may have peeped before," he said sharply, "but I would never forge someone's signature."
"With a pervert like you, anything's possible." Genshirou countered.
Issei shoved him.
"Enough!" Sona snapped. "Unless you want more punishment, Hyoudou‑san?"
Issei turned toward her but then Genshirou shoved him to the floor. The girls giggled as Genshirou smirked. Issei grimaced and stood, glaring daggers.
"May I go?" he muttered.
"Just a moment." Sona examined the forms. "Everything checks out. You may go."
"Thanks," he grumbled. As he turned away, he muttered under his breath. "Fucking corrupt student council…"
He didn't realize they all heard him as their eyes all widened. Genshirou bristled, ready to lunge but Sona raised a hand.
"Don't. Let him go." She ordered.
Issei left without looking back.
Sona's eyes narrowed. "Tsubaki. Prepare Saji for punishment."
"W‑What!? Kaichou..." Genshirou spluttered.
"You accused him of forgery without proof. You provoked him. And he retaliated. The fault is yours." Sona explained to him.
Genshirou wilted as Tsubaki placed a firm hand on his shoulder.
"Come," she said. "Now."
Meanwhile, Issei sprinted toward the dojo's changing rooms. He hoped he still had time to change. He rounded a corner and ran straight into two upperclassmen.
One wore karate robes, smooth black hair tied neatly. The other wore judo robes, short brown hair, a scar under his chin, and sunglasses indoors for some reason.
"Mizunuma‑senpai, Ukita‑senpai," Issei greeted nervously.
Mizunuma blinked. "Hyoudou‑san? What are you doing here?"
"Don't even think about peeping on the girls here!" Ukita growled at him.
Before Issei could react, Ukita grabbed him and flipped him over his shoulder. Issei hit the ground hard.
"Ah!" Issei cried out.
"Ukita!" Mizunuma snapped.
Ukita ignored him, pinning Issei with a knee to his chest and twisting his arm painfully.
"Especially Kisara‑chan," Ukita growled.
Issei gasped as he could barely breathe.
"Let him up, Ukita," Mizunuma said firmly.
Ukita finally released him. Issei rolled onto his side, clutching his chest as he sucked in a shaky breath. His eyes burned, but he refused to let the tears fall. Mizunuma watched him with a faint frown and he recognized that look. He'd worn it himself once, back when he was the one getting bullied.
"Hyoudou‑san," Mizunuma asked gently, "what are you doing here?"
Issei didn't answer. He simply stood, shoulders trembling, and trudged into the changing room without a word. The two upperclassmen just stared at his retreating figure in confusion as he wasn't boisterous like they expected him to be.
"…Huh," Ukita muttered. "Maybe he swings for the other team or something."
"No," Mizunuma said quietly. "That's not it. And you shouldn't have done that."
"Why not? He's a pervert. He probably came to peep on the girls."
"Maybe," Mizunuma admitted, "but that look in his eyes… don't be surprised if he comes after you one day."
Ukita snorted. "Ha! I'd like to see him try."
The two headed toward the dojo.
Inside the changing room, Issei peeled off his shirt and winced. A red blotch spread across his back where he'd hit the floor. He sat heavily on the bench, a few tears slipping down his cheeks before he wiped them away with the back of his hand.
'I'm going to show them… I can do this. I can do this.'
He forced himself to breathe, forced himself to move. He changed into his training pants, hiding his belongings in a secret locker. He'd need to buy a pin lock later as he didn't trust anyone here yet. Not after everything.
'Who can I trust?' He asked himself. 'Elize‑sensei, maybe. Kenichi‑senpai… I'm not sure yet, I'll have to see how this club goes.'
But he needed to do something. Anything.
He stretched carefully, testing his back. It hurt, but not enough to stop him. He glanced at his reflection and could see that he was scrawny, bruised, exhausted. But determined.
He wiped his eyes again, steeled his expression, and stepped out of the changing room.
The dojo buzzed with activity. Students chatted, stretched, or practiced light drills. Issei spotted Ukita talking to a fierce‑looking girl with green eyes. If Issei had to guess, she was Kisara, no doubt.
He moved to a corner, trying to calm his nerves. His palms were sweaty. His heart raced. He could feel eyes on him and like his homeroom, they were curious, judgmental, and confused. He ignored them.
He focused on breathing. On remembering what Elize and Yu‑Mi told him. 'Discipline. Focus. Don't let them break you.'
Mizunuma watched him from across the room. So did another student, who bronze‑skinned, white‑blue hair, shirtless, muscles carved like stone.
Issei swallowed. 'Maybe… someday… I can look like that.'
He doubted it. But he wanted to try.
"Hey, you showed up." Renka appeared beside him, leaning against the wall.
He didn't respond.
"Still giving me the silent treatment, huh?" she sighed. "Well, too bad. You and I are going to be partners. Or rather... I'm your mentor for now. So come on. Let's get your hands taped."
Issei glanced at her and could see she was wearing her red shorts and a white tank top that showed off her toned midriff. He immediately looked away, sniffing to make sure no blood came from his nose.
Renka rolled her eyes. "Come on." She knew that he had checked her out but chose not to say anything.
She grabbed his shoulder and dragged him toward the center of the dojo, where Kenichi stood with Miu and two adults.
The woman was stunning with an emotionless expression, short pink kimono, purple stockings, a choker, a sword strapped to her back, and a mouse perched on her shoulder. Her eyebrows were shaped like lightning bolts.
The blonde man beside her radiated power. His presence alone made Issei straighten. He wore a striped suit with a tassel belt, and his aura felt… overwhelming.
'That's the level I want to reach… someday.' Issei stared in awe.
Kenichi noticed him first. "Oh! You came, Issei! How's it going?"
Issei opened his mouth to answer but Miu scoffed loudly. "You're letting him join the club?"
The two adults turned their eyes toward him. One curious. One unreadable.
Issei clenched his fists, tensed and then forced himself to breathe.
"He's trying to change, Miu," Kenichi said. "Even I was once like him."
"You didn't go peeping on girls." Miu countered.
It only made Kenichi blush as he remembered his own adventures with his Chinese master.
"He was with the wrong people." Kenichi finally said, not admitting of his own peeping.
Renka stepped forward. "We came to get his hands taped. And if it makes you feel better, Miu, he'll train with me."
"At least he'll have something to look at," Miu muttered playfully. "You'll need it, since Kenichi chose me over you."
Renka glared. Their ki flared subtly.
The adults watched Issei carefully. His hair shadowed his eyes, but they could see the tension in his shoulders. The deep breaths. The effort to stay calm.
Finally, Issei looked up with his expression in what he believed was neutral.
"I'm sorry to upset you, Fūrinji‑senpai," he said quietly. "I didn't think my presence would trouble you. I only came to learn mixed martial arts. To change myself. To become the strongest fighter from Kuoh Academy. Maybe even surpass Kenichi‑senpai someday. That's a long road ahead."
He bowed. "If I have to endure insults, so be it. If you want to slap me down, so be it. I came to better myself. If I can't do that here, I'll go elsewhere. Again… sorry to disturb you."
He turned to leave but Renka grabbed his arm.
"No, you don't. Don't let blondie get to you. I know I messed up earlier about your friend leaving because of your perversion..."
"They probably did," Miu muttered.
"But that's not the point!" Renka snapped. "He's trying to make something of himself. And you can't even give him a chance. Or maybe you're mad because he wouldn't peep on you."
Miu's jaw dropped. Issei shook his head.
"That's disrespectful," he said firmly. "I wouldn't peep on another man's girl. Kenichi-senpai won her over. He deserves that right. I had morals in my peeping unlike the other two."
"Well, I hope you don't continue that here," the blonde man said at last.
Issei straightened. "No, sir. That's why I came. I thought I had friends, but they weren't. I was given advice and I took it. They told me to join the club. Gave me a new purpose."
The man nodded. "Are they the reason for that black eye?"
"Somewhat," Issei said. "They were peeping on some guys' girlfriends. I didn't look. I wanted to, but I didn't. I left when I heard the boyfriends coming. But my so‑called friends told them I was peeping. The guys beat me up and the so-called friends recorded it and uploaded it for the whole school to see."
Miu's eyes widened. "Wait... you got a week of detention for punching them. What did they get?"
"Which ones? The ones who beat me? Nothing. The two "friends"? I don't know. They never came back to class." Issei answered.
Kenichi frowned. "But you were beaten on school grounds."
"Yeah. But it is what it is. No one helps a pervert. That's the life I live. So I'm here to change that."
The blonde man smiled faintly. "That's admirable. I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Fūrinji Saiga. Miu's father."
"I suspected as much," Issei said.
"Oh? How so?"
"My instincts. They told me that if I attacked your daughter, you'd strike me down before I took a step. And… the blonde hair was a giveaway."
Saiga chuckled softly. 'Instincts, huh? If trained properly… he could sharpen those instincts to something incredible.'
Kenichi gestured to the woman. "Ah, Issei, this is Kōsaka Shigure."
Shigure looked at him. And in his eyes… she saw something. Something raw but also wounded. Something determined and something worth training.
Shigure's violet eyes narrowed ever so slightly as she studied him.
'He's hiding himself,' she thought. 'He's afraid.'
Issei, oblivious to her internal assessment, pointed hesitantly at the long object strapped to her back. "Is… is that a sword?"
"Yes," Shigure replied in her soft, monotone voice.
"Oh." He nodded stiffly.
Kenichi leaned in. "You're not going to tell anyone, are you?"
"About what?" Issei blinked.
Miu crossed her arms. "That sensei carries a sword. They're prohibited on school grounds."
Issei shrugged. "What would I gain from that? They didn't believe me when I said I didn't peep. Why would anyone believe me about a sword? Student Council's corrupt anyways, letting their members bully others without punishment."
Miu's expression faltered. She didn't like his antics, but… she couldn't deny the truth in his words. And something in his eyes was closed off, guarded and made her feel a twinge of guilt.
Saiga cleared his throat. "Well, um… Hyoudou‑san, was it?"
"Issei," he corrected quietly. "Hyoudou Issei."
Saiga's brows lifted. "Issei… 'honest soldier.' That's a good name. I hope you continue to hold onto that resolve. I can tell you're hiding yourself because you don't know who to trust. With your past, that's understandable. Dark times are ahead but remember that dark times teach you a lot. Don't regret what you went through. Be thankful for the lessons."
"Like what?" Issei asked.
Miu stepped in. "You were a pervert. You got beat up because of it. Now you're here to better yourself. That's what Otou‑sama means. You realized you were going nowhere and took it as a sign to change."
"I see…" Issei murmured.
Saiga nodded. "You can become unstoppable when you work on things no one can take from you. Your mindset, your character, your personality."
"And?" Issei asked.
Saiga's gaze sharpened. "And I don't think this..." he gestured at Issei's stiff posture, his guarded eyes "Is the real you."
Issei's eyes widened.
"You're locking yourself away. If you do that, you won't grow. Remember that." Saiga advised.
Issei swallowed. A small part of him was still painfully aware of Shigure's and Renka's… assets. But most of him just wanted to train until he couldn't stand.
"I'll try, sir." He bowed deeply.
Saiga smiled. "I hope you make your dream a reality. Let's go, Miu‑chan."
"Yes, Otou‑sama." Miu turned to Kenichi and gave him a quick kiss. "I'll see you later."
"Okay." Kenichi nodded.
"Watch him," she mouthed, flicking her eyes toward Issei.
Kenichi nodded. "It'll be fine."
Miu sighed. She loved him, but he could be too trusting sometimes.
"Alright… see you." She left with her father.
When Kenichi turned back, he found Issei staring at Shigure. Or… at least he thought he was.
Shigure stared back, trying to pinpoint his gaze. It wasn't on her eyes. But thankfully, it wasn't on her chest either.
Even Renka looked confused. "What are you staring at, Issei?"
Issei slowly turned his head toward her and then turned back to Shigure.
"Really? Still the silent treatment?" Renka huffed.
"I'm sorry, Shigure‑sensei," he said quietly. "I've just… never seen a mouse so tame."
Shigure blinked. "His name… is Tōchūmaru."
"Oh. That's a nice name."
"Thank you." Her expression didn't change, but something in her eyes softened.
Renka clapped her hands. "Alright, enough staring contests. I'm taping his hands."
Issei nodded and then glanced back at Shigure.
"Your sword… who gave it to you?" He asked.
Shigure's gaze sharpened. "My father."
"Oh."
Issei shivered slightly. Shigure was beautiful, intimidatingly so and her kimono left just enough exposed to test any man's self‑control. He forced his eyes upward. He had a feeling that if he slipped even once, she'd cut him down without hesitation.
"Hold out your hands and watch me," Renka said, kneeling with athletic tape and bandages.
Issei obeyed, extending his hands as she began wrapping them with practiced precision. His journey was beginning and everyone in the room could feel it.
"Come on, Shigure‑sensei," Kenichi said with a laugh. "We have to address the club. Renka, he's yours for the next hour."
"Got it," Renka replied.
Shigure gave a small nod, but before leaving, she cast one last glance at Issei. His eyes were lowered, his posture tight and she knew he was still hiding behind a wall of fear and caution.
'The eyes are the window to the soul,' she thought. 'And his are clouded with anger… and pain. If he isn't careful, it will either explode or fade away. Only time will tell.' Shigure deduced as she watched him.
Then she followed Kenichi toward the center of the dojo.
Renka finished wrapping Issei's hands, only to notice he wasn't paying attention. She flicked her finger against his forehead.
"Hey. Eyes up." Renka told him.
Issei jerked his head up, only to realize that when he'd bowed, he'd been staring straight at her chest.
Renka smirked. "Enjoying the view?"
"H‑Huh?" His face went red as he snapped his gaze upward.
"About time you said something to me," she teased. When he immediately looked away again, she clicked her tongue. "Hey! Focus. I can't always do this for you. You're gonna have to learn to wrap your own hands eventually."
Issei didn't respond.
Renka sighed. "Silent treatment again, really? Well, too bad. You heard Kenichi. You're stuck with me for the next hour."
She grabbed him by the wrist and dragged him toward the training equipment.
"Since I'm your mentor, I'll be teaching you Chinese kenpo."
"Chinese… kenpo?" Issei echoed.
"That's right, little kohai. And that means you actually have to talk to me."
"…Hmm." He knew that she had a point and it made him wonder why he was happy about this.
After all, he would get to spend time with an attractive, busty chick but he was aiming to limit his perversion and not see it as how the movies that he watched would play out.
Renka rolled her eyes. "That also means I'm in charge of your physical training. Not just punching. If you're good enough, maybe you can enter one of the upcoming tournaments. And Issei, there are no breaks on weekends. You want to get better, right?"
Issei nodded.
"Good. Then you're gonna train nonstop. Trust me, you have it easy compared to what Kenichi went through."
"What did he do?" Issei asked.
"He was trained by different masters in different martial arts. Chinese kenpo was one of them. He's a high‑class disciple, like me. You, as a beginner, are low‑class."
"Who taught Kenichi‑senpai?" Issei asked.
"My father. But he mostly taught him the soft forms."
"The soft forms?" Issei was confused what she meant by that.
Renka nodded. "It's a type of kung fu that focuses on inner strength such as defense and endurance. Like cardio training. You probably got plenty of that running away from the kendo club."
Issei flushed at the memory. "And the other forms?" he asked.
"The hard forms. They focus on outer strength such as power, muscle, and bone conditioning. It's what police and military in China and Taiwan train for real combat." She explained to him.
"Could I learn it?"
"Not with that body," Renka said bluntly. "Which is why we're building you up."
"Oh…" He deflated.
"Hey, don't look so down. You'll get there. And if you're up for it, Kenichi can teach you the basics of karate, muay thai, and jujutsu. He's a high‑class disciple in all of them except karate. He's a grand master there."
Issei looked over at Kenichi with admiration. "Wow… I have a lot of work to do if I ever want to catch up."
"Don't worry about catching up," Renka said. "Just be the best fighter you can be."
"Thanks. Um… what does Shigure‑sensei teach?"
"Oh, she teaches the Kōsaka style. It's an armed fighting style. If you ever get interested in weapons, she's the one to go to."
"Okay… I'll think about it. It sounds interesting."
"Yeah. Shigure‑sensei is a grand master. And Tōchūmaru is a master‑class disciple."
Issei blinked. "Her mouse?"
"Mhm." Renka nodded.
"That's… actually really cool." He glanced at Shigure again, awe in his eyes. "She must be an amazing teacher to train a mouse to wield weapons."
Renka chuckled. "There's one style you can't learn, though."
"What is it?"
"The Fūrinji style. A hybrid martial arts system. Kenichi was taught by Miu's grandfather, the creator."
Issei's shoulders slumped. "So… I can't be the strongest fighter."
Just when he'd found a dream, it felt like it was slipping away. He stared at the floor, defeated.
Renka placed a firm hand on his shoulder. "Don't sell yourself short. Did you forget what I said? Be the best fighter you can be."
"The best fighter… I can be?" Issei mused.
"Mhm. Don't compare yourself to others. That's how you find flaws. And when people compare others, they look for flaws too."
Issei exhaled. "Well… I know my flaw is my perversion, but..."
"It's more than that," Renka said gently. "You're scared to trust people. We can see it in your eyes. You're afraid of getting hurt again. Those two guys stabbed you in the back and left you to get beaten. And seeing someone you thought cared about you choose someone else… yeah. That hurts. It's why you don't trust us. And Miu acting like a bitch earlier didn't help."
Issei let out a slow breath. "Yeah… I guess you're right."
Renka smirked. "Well, it's time to make them regret it."
"Regret it?"
"Oh yeah. Prove to yourself that you can achieve your dream. And everyone else will fall in line."
"You… think so?"
"I know so." She put her hands on her hips confidently.
Issei smiled faintly. "You're right. Thanks, senpai."
Renka grinned. "Oh, don't thank me yet. You still owe me for giving me the silent treatment, little kohai."
Issei gulped. The malicious glint in her eyes told him he was in for a brutal hour. But maybe… that was exactly what he needed.