– Saturday – Hojou – Apartment
Even though it was the weekend and there were no classes, Hojou Kyousuke still set an alarm and got up early.
Today, he had plans to go out with Shouko and Yuzuru, meaning he wouldn't have time for training in the evening. So, he had to fit it in during the morning.
For most people, intense morning workouts would leave them exhausted for the rest of the day.
But Kyousuke wasn't like most people.
Thanks to his "gift," training made him temporarily tired, but it also further developed his abilities, making him even stronger.
The fatigue and growth balanced out, leaving him more energized than before.
After finishing his training, he could feel power surging through his body. He downed a large glass of fruit and vegetable juice, feeling refreshed.
Following a quick shower and breakfast, he dressed in a crisp white shirt and black casual pants, perfectly complementing his tall and lean frame.
When he stepped outside, Satoshi Katagiri was already waiting for him.
Originally, Kyousuke had planned to ride his motorcycle to pick up Yuzuru in Shinbuya, but he realized that letting a fourth-grader ride on the back of a bike wasn't the safest or most practical choice.
So, the night before, he'd put out a request in the "Rampaging Angels" chatroom, looking for someone with a car and a driver's license.
Katagiri had been the first to respond.
"Good morning, Boss," Katagiri greeted with a respectful bow as soon as he saw Kyousuke.
"I've told you a million times—there's no need to be so formal. Just call me by my name."
"Yes, Boss." Katagiri's expression remained serious, but there was a hint of amusement in his voice.
Kyousuke laughed. "You never change, huh? Thanks for helping out on your day off."
"It's no trouble at all. I'm happy to assist you."
"If you ever need a favor, don't hesitate to ask."
Kyousuke never took his subordinates' support for granted, even though, in many ways, he had already provided them with protection and guidance.
"Well, if possible, I'd love it if you could visit Kaiju High and help coach our kendo club," Katagiri replied without hesitation.
Kyousuke chuckled and patted the broad-shouldered man beside him.
"So that's what this is about, huh? Sure, no problem. I'll set aside two days next week to stop by Ikebukuro and train with you guys."
"Thank you, Boss!"
"You guys are aiming for the nationals, right?" Kyousuke asked.
"Yeah. Last year, we got eliminated in the first round of the Tokyo preliminaries because we were unlucky enough to go up against Higashi High."
"Makki and the others crushed us," Katagiri said bitterly.
"This year, with your training, Higashi is probably even stronger. But Kaiju High is going to fight our way forward, no matter what!"
Kyousuke couldn't help but laugh. "That's rough. Higashi is practically invincible in Tokyo, whether it's individual or team competitions."
"That's why we're counting on you, Boss!"
"Don't worry. As long as you don't face Higashi, I guarantee you'll make it to the final round of the preliminaries."
As they talked, they made their way to the underground parking garage.
Katagiri wasn't from a wealthy family, so he had borrowed a car from the repair shop where he worked part-time.
"Not bad," Kyousuke remarked as they approached a silver Mitsubishi SUV.
"It belongs to my boss. I just asked, and he let me borrow it."
Before Kyousuke could open the door, Katagiri quickly stepped forward and opened the passenger seat for him.
"Let's fill up the gas tank when we get back," Kyousuke suggested as he fastened his seatbelt.
"No need. It's less than fifty kilometers round trip—it won't even use that much fuel." Katagiri started the car and pulled out of the lot.
"Alright. I've sent you the address. Drive safely."
The twenty-kilometer drive passed in no time.
They arrived at the apartment complex in Suimon City, which was located near the largest river in the area.
A left turn after the bridge led straight to the building's entrance.
Kyousuke pressed the intercom button for the Nishimiya household.
"Hello, this is the Nishimiya residence." A lively, somewhat tomboyish voice answered.
"Yuzuru, I'm downstairs," Kyousuke said with a smile.
"Oh! I'll open the door right away!" Nishimiya Yuzuru sounded excited.
"Katagiri, mind waiting here for a bit?" Kyousuke said before stepping into the building.
"Kyousuke-nii!"
Just as he reached the landing between the sixth and seventh floors, a cheerful voice called out from above.
Looking up, he saw Yuzuru.
Unlike Shouko, whose mother had forced her to cut her hair short, Yuzuru had cut her own hair after hearing her mother tell her to "be strong."
While Shouko had since grown her hair out again, Yuzuru had kept hers at a medium length.
"Yo, Yuzuru." Kyousuke smiled at the energetic girl.
"You're finally here! I've been waiting forever!" Yuzuru exclaimed as she ran down the stairs and jumped into Kyousuke's arms.
"Careful! You shouldn't run on the stairs," he said, catching her easily and lifting her up.
She was only in fourth grade, barely reaching his waist.
At this age, she was at her most adorable and affectionate.
Yuzuru giggled happily as she clung to him. It had been a while since they'd last met, and she had missed him a lot.
"Alright, Yuzuru, let Hojou come inside first."
As they played around, Nishimiya Yaeko appeared at the door, smiling warmly.
"Good morning, Nishimiya-san." Kyousuke greeted her politely.
"Come on in."
The once-strict woman now seemed much more relaxed and cheerful.
"Excuse me," Kyousuke said as he stepped inside.
Out of habit, he looked for the indoor slippers he used to wear when he visited as a child.
"Kyousuke-nii, wear these."
Yuzuru handed him a new pair of slippers.
"Mom said you've grown a lot since starting middle school, so she bought these in advance."
Kyousuke felt a warm sensation in his chest.
He looked up at the mother and daughter, smiling. "Thank you. I'll put them to good use."
After a brief chat, Kyousuke finished his drink and got ready to leave.
"Nishimiya-san, I'll have Yuzuru stay over at Shouko's place tonight."
"I'll bring her back tomorrow."
"You're as reliable as ever," Yaeko said with a smile.
With Yuzuru excitedly pulling him along, they said their goodbyes and left the building.
As the car drove away, Yaeko turned on the television, ready to enjoy her rare day off.
"Katagiri, let's make one more stop."
Kyousuke sent him the address of Yamauchi Sakura's house. Since he was back, he couldn't miss visiting her family.
"Understood, Boss."
"Kyousuke-nii, why does this big brother call you 'Boss'?" Yuzuru asked curiously from the backseat.
"Uh… it's kind of like how you call Shouko 'Shou-chan.' It's just a way of showing we're close."
"Oh! Then I'm going to call you Boss too!"
Katagiri burst out laughing. "Hahaha!"
"Nope, this is a title just for the guys. You should keep calling me 'Kyousuke-nii.'"
With that, their journey continued.