Natsume stood by, watching as Ryuji stood over his opponent. The redhead's eyes were wide in amazement. She was completely unaware of the fact that her body was rapidly shifting back to her male form, like a fast, fluid metamorphosis. Her frame grew bigger, her curves seized to be, and her uniform stretched and adjusted, though Natsu didn't notice.
"Now where's Natsu?"
The fang-toothed martial artist finished saying before his eyes widened when he saw Natsu standing where he had last seen Natsume.
"Honoki?" Ryuji asked in confusion, his head darting from right to left then back at the redhead. "Where did Natsume leave to?" He asked, looking disappointed but also curious.
Natsu glanced down and noticed that he had become his male self. His realization was short-lived though, the sadness on Ryuji's face deterring his elation.
"I hope I didn't scare her off…" Ryuji's voice trailed with a defeated sigh.
"Y-you just missed her. She said you wanted to see me?" Natsu interjected quickly, chuckling nervously while clenching his shoulder strap to his book bag.
"Why are you so quick to answer?" Ryuji inquired, raising a quizzical brow at Natsu before shaking his head and closing his eyes.
"D-Don't mind me! What the hell do you want?" Natsu asked, sounding annoyed but more as a way to change the subject.
"Natsume told me if I could beat this guy," Ryuji explained, gesturing to Toru's unconscious form as he groaned in pain. "And take you or her down, that she'd consider going out with me on a date…"
"A girl hands you your ass and you ask her out?" Natsu teased with a smug look, placing a hand on his chin.
"I guess it's kind of weird, but what's wrong with liking another martial artist? We'd have something in common. And she has fun with it too…" Ryuji recalled looking off to the side, the sound of their combined laughs, her proud but beautiful smile etched into his mind. Lost in that thought, he glanced at Natsu and saw the same expression Natsume had when she had won.
Natsu gazed into Ryuji's eyes and noticed he was giving him the same look he gave Natsume when declaring he wanted to date her, 'Is Fang-face putting two and two together about me being Natsume?' she pondered internally.
Ryuji snapped out of his trance, uncertain. "You and Natsume could be twins, I swear." The maple brown-haired teen said bashfully.
"S-so I've been told," Natsu replied awkwardly, looking off.
"Sorry if you're not happy about me and her dating…" Ryuji's voice trailed while blushing deeply. He wasn't able to find the right words he needed, his mind too clouded with an image of Natsume fluttering her lashes at him.
"Dating? How are you so sure you're gonna win your rematch, huh?" Natsu asked with a flat look.
"Because when I fight with her in mind, I can feel myself, I don't know, getting stronger. Like my soul is on fire or something…" Ryuji's voice trailed as he found his gaze softening, the girl silhouette that haunted him returned, but with her hands behind her back in her trademark yellow sundress.
"You want a total tomboy, she even wears the male school uniform, ya know?" Natsu questioned, crossing his arms over his chest and pouting with a light blush on his face, 'I ain't charmed, he's complimenting my girl side which makes sense cause she's hot so no reason to be flustered, even if it was more than about me-I mean Natsume's looks…' he thinks to himself quickly, swallowing hard as her inner voice trailed.
"That doesn't matter! If I can beat you and or her one more time then she'd practically guarantee it!" Ryuji responded.
"Gotta admit you got good taste but I don't think we'll have time, the passing period is almost up," Natsu said with a smug smile, having to be the bearer of bad news.
"Really!?" Ryuji asked as he took out his phone and saw at the top corner of the screen that they wouldn't have enough time.
"Yeah, let's get going, I'll walk ya to class. Natsume told me you ain't so good with directions." Natsu offered, gesturing with his hand for Ryuji to follow as he turned in the direction of their homeroom.
"I know the way to class, I'll go myself…" Ryuji rejected the offer, leading himself with his eyes closed and back straight.
"You're heading for the school parking lot," Natsu commented, mouth slightly agape with a raised brow.
"I'll just use my GPS!" The fang-toothed teen pulled out his phone but saw that it needed to update, making his eye twitch in annoyance as he saw his phone's service chugging at the worst time.
"You're hopeless, just follow me or you'll be late for class," Natsu said, closing his eyes and letting out a silent sigh.
"Fine. They really should make apps for school tracking though…"
"Not many people stink at finding their way like you do pal," Natsu remarked as he put his hands in his pockets.
"I'm not usually this bad at school," Ryuji commented as he power-walked until he was standing by Natsu's side.
"Probably because Natsume's got you all lovestruck," The redhead explained calmly, and a smirk formed on his face.
"L-lovestruck? Like in love? Kind of early to be saying stuff like that Honoki…" Ryuji replied with some hesitation and a deep blush, scratching his cheek with the tip of his index finger, 'Not that I'd mind, I think,' the fang-toothed martial artist thinks to himself.
"Trust me, I don't think she's your type but whatever, if it means I get to clean your clock go ahead and think whatever you want, and don't go thinking I'd take a fall for you just so you can have my cousin to yourself!" Natsu announced, pointing at Ryuji accusingly.
"I can't help it if there's someone I like…" Ryuji's voice trailed annoyance, as he looked down while they walked, hands clenched.
"Natsume explains a lot about you really, didn't really think you were into tomboys though…" Natsu retorted, trying to play it off as something Ryuji should forget about.
Lowering his face bashfully, the brunette stared at the ground for a second before a smile graced his face, "I didn't think so before too but life is funny like that…"
"Don't go saying things like that, especially in front of me! Now let's get to class!" The flustered redhead announced as he power-walked ahead of Ryuji, avoiding eye contact with him as Natsu's eyes were wide in shock with the tiniest of blushes.
"You'd think he thought I was talking about him…" Ryuji commented with a slightly disgruntled and dumbfounded look on his face, picking up his pace as Natsu didn't even hold the door open for him as he grabbed it and followed him inside.
In the early morning light, the school's gymnasium stood silent and empty, save for the rhythmic thudding noises echoing in its spacious interior. Haruka was its sole occupant for the time, the sun's rays filtering through the school's high windows, casting a warm glow on the polished hardwood floor. Her breath came out tired and haggard, a stray bang hanging off the side of her face as she faced the heavy punching bag.
Dressed in a black singlet and fingerless Muay Thai boxing gloves, Haruka takes a step forward, pivoting on her left foot, and then launches a powerful low kick.
Her shin made contact with the punching bag with a satisfying smack. Sweat dripped from her brow, but she couldn't relent. Not against this foe. Taking hurried steps back, she switched to her right foot, grunting as she delivered what looked like an air-splitting elbow slash, each blow making the resilient bag sway on its chain wildly.
Hurriedly stepping back once more, her swift movements fluid and as precise as that of a graceful dancer. A quick jab, followed by a cross, and then another low kick followed in rapid succession, keeping her chin tucked all the while, her arms up in a perfect defensive stance.
Haruka's eyes trembled in anticipation, filled with a fierce determination.
"I-I have to be stronger… I have to defeat Ryuji!" She thought aloud, her mind picturing a shadow Ryuji with white lifeless eyes superimposed on the heavy workout bag. Her every move he could deliver as well as to return her counterattacks, pushing her to be faster, stronger, better. In her eyes, he wasn't invincible. She just had to be the one to prove it.
Slowing her pace the longer she continued, Haruka panted deeper, no longer able to take it she stood still and dropped her guard. "I'm coming for you, Ryuji. Just you wait," she whispered to herself as she placed her forehead against her punching bag.
"Ever since that day…" Haruka muttered suddenly with a strained voice.
Her mind drifted back to that day, the day she met Ryuji. She remembered every conclusion to every fight before, either throwing her enemies over her shoulder or landing a crippling low kick, the punches to their faces, man or woman every one of them fell before her. Her powerful record led to her sitting before her class of two hundred, the silhouette of her father in a beige kimono seated next to her as he appeared proud to have such a gathering.
"I heard you're strong, mind giving me a go?" A softer version of Ryuji's voice echoed in her mind's recesses.
"I'm warning you, just because I'm a girl doesn't mean you can go easy on me…" A cocky Haruka voice replied as she turned around to see Ryuji with his hands in his pockets and a bored look on his face.
"Wouldn't dream of it," Ryuji replied with a soft but hopeful gaze, raising his fists and taking a Yee Jee Kim Yeung Ma stance, his feet about shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent.
Haruka took a deep breath, centering herself as she exhaled a deeply held breath. She shifted into her Muay Thai offensive stance, her weight balanced on the balls of her feet, her guard up and at the ready. "Ready?"
"Ready whenever you are," He said with a fang-toothed smile, his hands positioned in the Man Sau and Wu Sau, the classic Asking hand and Protecting hand.
Lifting her leg to act as a distraction, she immediately followed it with a lightning-fast teep kick, whipping her arm above her kick for balance.
Ryuji's reaction was quick and flowed like running water down a swift but tranquil river. With a smoothly executed Taan Sau maneuver, he leaned to the left while his palm extended outward and his wrist deflected her kick not only that he had taken a step forward to close up the centerline and started punching down said center.
Haruka grunted in pain as she felt his fist collide with her gut, though she refused to give up, she allowed herself to stumble backward to redistribute her weight. Her eyes narrowed, recognizing the precision of his movements. She followed it up with a swift roundhouse kick, her shin arcing toward his ribs.
With a shift to Bong Sau, Ryuji raised his arm, his elbow bent and forearm angled skyward, effectively redirecting the high kick maneuver. Stepping in close, he tried to close the distance between them again.
Haruka grinned, her eyes glinting with determination. At the right moment, she pivoted on her standing leg, transiting into a sharp downward elbow strike. Though, Ryuji was already in motion. Trapping her attacking arm with an unexpected Lap Sau, pulling her balance off-center.
The guy's fast, she thought, her mind racing as she adjusted her stance to keep her standing, planting her feet firmly. With a groan of frustration, Haruka pumped her fists to her sides before she lashed out with a series of rapid punches, her fists nothing but blurs. Ryuji met her trade of hands in a blur of Pak Sau (slapping hand) and Tan Sau, redirecting her leg's momentum.
There was his opening! Ryuji sized the moment, closing the distance in a flash. His hands moved with inhuman precision and speed, trapping Haruka's arms with a double hand trap. Haruka watched in horror as her fist right punch got caught by the wrist then in a panic tried to punch him with her other, only for Ryuji to do the same but as he yanked he did it hard enough to whip Haruka downward, forcing herself to buckle her knees and grit her teeth.
A vertically held-out fist collided with Haruka's cheek, landing a perfect chain punch. It connected with her face hard enough to make her spin around backward then try and catch herself before falling back with her hands out in front of her.
"I got'cha!" Ryuji exclaimed as he shot his open palm out as fast as one of his straight punches, catching Haruka before she fell to counter her falling momentum he pulled her towards himself so she'd bash softly against his chest, his arms instinctually wrapping around her before pulling back.
"Y-you caught me?" Haruka asked with a blown-away expression, blushing furiously.
"Ooo…!" Her audience, including Chiyu cooed at the accidently romantic-looking embrace.
"Wait! So Haruka's no longer top dog?"
"He is the Son of the Proud Flame and all…"
"Wait! They live here now!?"
"Course it'd take The Son of The Hero to take her down!"
"It's not how it looks!" Haruka defended, quickly trying to back away from Ryuji but her vision was swimming and she only ended up falling back into his arms.
"Don't mind them! Take it easy!" Ryuji advised, laughing nervously.
After that, Haruka remembered how she toiled to overcome Ryuji, constantly changing up her strategy only to end up much like the people who had come before her. It reminded her of how she felt about her rise and then sudden fall.
How little by little her classroom's attendance dropped, her sitting at about roughly seventy-two students, one of them being her friend Chiyu. Although Haruka still sat before them as their sensei, her head was cast down, the front of her hair obscuring her face.
Haruka's eyes snapped open, her grip on the punching bag tightening. The memory of Ryuji's relentless attacks, and his unwavering determination, fueled her resolve. She couldn't. No! She wouldn't be weak, she couldn't afford it. Not now.
"I'll show you Ryuji, not just for beating me all those times but-but for giving everyone the idea that we could…" She grunted in disgust while blushing deeply at the image of how they looked together entering her mind rent-free, a half-hearted scowl across her face.
The soft chattering amongst the students filled the room as the students of 4th period diligently took notes. The teacher's droning voice, accompanied by the rhythmic clacking of chalk across the board; was a lullaby to many. Natsu was seated at the back while his feet were kicked up on his table, trying to fight off the heaviness of his eyelids. His head drooped as he slowly lowered his chair back down from leaning it back, slipping into a deep sleep, his notes completely forgotten.
In his dream, a younger female Natsu in a white Gi rolled on her side, beaten and scuffed all over. Her face squinted in pain, trembling with tears gathering at the corners of her eyes. It was dark, the shadows of the night obscuring her vision. Before the girl stood a tall blackened spectator with its foot stuck out, its form male by his skinny-buff body type, the short spikey-haired silhouette towered over the younger version of himself.
A voice filled with bitter disdain spoke.
"Don't ever stop training!" The hidden figure barked. "Never become a girl again! I won't raise any freak of nature!"
"I'm not some freak! I swear!" she protested, his voice breaking before he wretched and grabbed her stomach in pain.
"Your curse makes you weak! Pathetic!" The figure snarled, stepping closer. "If you fail to change back right now! I'll abandon you like the abomination you are!"
Younger Natsu's heart pounded in her chest, each word piercing him like a knife to the chest.
The shadow stepped forth to reveal himself in the light, revealing his raven black hair and bright blue eyes burning with the hateful sight of her father's face, filled with such contempt towards his child, his flesh and blood, making Natsu's young heart shatter.
"No!" Natsume cried out, remorseful tears cascading down her face. "I'll be strong! Dad! Please!" she defended desperately, closing her eyes and scrambling to appease her Father, begging whatever God in the sky would hear her pleas.
But the eyes of the figure remained distant, cold, and emotionless. "Prove it you sniveling worm, or you're nothing to me!"
Back in the real world, Natsu's body shuddered, his face contorted in distress. Tears slipped from his panic-filled shut eyes, staining his cheeks further.
Ryuji, although he was paying attention, felt his focus waning, 'I've already studied this enough, now it's just listening for clarities sake, can't wait for my fight with Honoki now…' he pondered, smiling as he remembered their last fight, even if he was doing this the feeling their fights had on him lingered as positive memories. Thinking about him caused his gaze to drift off as he looked over his shoulder and saw Natsu lift his head with tear-stricken eyes. Concern flickered in his eyes, he quietly got up and kneeled off to the side of Natsu's desk.
"Natsu…" Ryuji whispered, gently shaking his shoulder. "Wake up!"
Natsu's eyes fluttered open, still blurred with the remnants of his painful dream. Before fully regaining his senses, the hurt that enveloped him overwhelmed him in this vulnerable state. Instinctively, he reached out and hugged Ryuji tightly enough that it leaned him back into a standing position as he supported his rival's weight.
Ryuji stiffened like a board, so taken aback by the unexpected embrace. But as he could feel Natsu's trembling form, his usual; competitive demeanor softened. He placed a reassuring hand on Natsu's back, noticing him flinch a little before relaxing, providing silent support as the classroom murmurs faded into the background.
"It's alright," Ryuji replied softly, his voice barely audible. "You're not alone."
Natsu, slowly came back to his senses, realizing what he was doing, his eyes widened as he abruptly pulled back, his face flushed with embarrassment. "I-I'm…sorry," He stammered, wiping his eyes with his sleeve.
Ryuji gave a small, understanding nod. "No need to apologize. Just… take it easy, ya got that?" He asked calmly, both unaware of the people talking amongst themselves.
Natsu nodded his head back and sat back down on his chair, looking into Ryuji's understanding eyes before blushing and averting his eyes. "I don't even remember what kind of dream I was having but whatever it was, thanks for the save, I owe ya one man…" Natsu's voice cracked a little as he gave thanks.
"Anytime…" He remarked, offering a light chuckle and closing his eyes with a smile.
"I sooo ship it!" A purple-haired girl in class announced.
"S-ship what!?" Natsu leaned back in terror at the person making that claim.
The midday sun hung high over Omitarou High School, casting a warm glow over the bustling courtyard. The sound of the bell ringing through the hallways, signaling the start of the lunch period. Students started pouring out of their classrooms, chattering and laughing, their voices blending into a lively hum.
In the cafeteria, the room was filled with the enticing aroma of freshly made meals. Rows of tables quickly occupied as friends gathered, sharing bento boxes filled with all sorts of colorful assortments of rice, vegetables, and fish.
Natsu, with his usual confident stride, made his way through the crowd, his sharp eyes scanning the room for any signs of his challenger. Not interested in the social buzz; his mind was focused on their inevitable showdown, although what had happened in class earlier came back to haunt him, 'I can't believe that happened and during class of all times! I know I told the guy I don't remember what it was but, it's been a while since I've had that nightmare, lucky for me Araya was there…' his inner monologue continued, and Natsu pursed his lips slightly.
Ryuji, his perpetual rival, emerged from the opposite side of the room. His mere presence commanding respect, his strong psyche and proud expression proof of that. However, today's purpose was clear: they were going to fight.
That's when they spotted each other across the room, their eyes locked. Silently, Natsu made his way over to the fang-toothed teen, looking as confident as ever but his attitude shifted when his mind flashed him the visual of Ryuji's consoling face.
"Y-you ready to throw down, Araya?" Natsu questioned as he shoved that visual into the back of his head.
"Yeah, have to admit though, I thought you'd be in more pain since our last fight…" Ryuji remarked, crossing his arms with a surprised look.
"I'm a fast healer, probably like you are too…" Natsu shrugged casually.
"Yeah, I can tell our kinds of punches would send most to the hospital." Ryuji agreed, remembering the sting of not just Natsu's but even Natsume's hits.
"Ya speaking from experience, huh?" Natsu remarked with a playful scoff, cracking his knuckles and popping his neck to one side as they continued down the hallway.
"Arayaaaa!" Haruka exclaimed, crossing her arms with a confident face. "I challenge you to a one-on-one fight!" she announced, drawing the attention of her classmates.
Ryuji stared dumbfounded for a second before turning to look at Natsu, confused, did she not recognize the one guy who had almost taken him down? Natsu shrugged with his hands open and out to his sides.
"It'll have to wait, I've already got plans for a fight with Honoki here." The male brunette gestured to Natsu with his thumb.
"What? The Son of The Proud Flame couldn't handle two challengers on the same day?" Haruka said, in hopes of spurring him on.
"Maybe if this was anyone other than Honoki," Ryuji interjected, raising an inquisitive eyebrow.
"It can't wait! The honor and stability of my Dojo is at stake!" Takayama insisted, stomping her heel and throwing her arms to her sides.
Ryuji stood firm and crossed his arms now, narrowing his eyes. "First come first served, I'm sorry. Besides we've already fought before and when compared to you and him, Honoki is more than likely to give me a great fight." The stoic martial artist reaffirmed.
"What can I say?" Natsu asked smugly, placing a hand on his chin as he looked away from the other two with a slight blush.
"Fine! After him though, no more rematches until we've settled our score today!" Haruka announced, throwing her arm out.
"Doubt it'd be a fair fight if we fought today, so don't go expecting me anytime soon later." Ryuji clarified with his lips very slightly pursed.
"What are you getting at?" Haruka asks as she turns around and looks over her shoulder.
"Natsu will more than likely leave me pretty weakened, so what honor would there be in you defeating me today?" Ryuji inquired with an intense voice and dangerously narrowed eyes.
Natsu reeled back in terror as he could feel the aura radiating from Ryuji. Causing him to lean back with a nervous sweat drop forming on the corner of his head, 'Is he like this because she's gettin' in the way of his date Natsume… er… me?' Natsu pondered briefly.
Haruka sighed heavily and closed her eyes, knowing he had a point. "Come find me as soon as you're able, Son of the Proud Flame…" the Muay Thai fighter answered softly before looking out ahead of herself and leaving.
Despite moving as far away as they could to avoid attention, others still gathered around them like a swarm of bees to honey. Weirdly enough some took this as a chance to make some money by offering snacks and drinks at affordable prices. Ryuji and Natsu appeared perplexed for a moment before sighing and shaking their heads, at the least, they could provide some entertainment as they stood about five yards away from each other.
Their eyes never lost the others, this was a test of their abilities and differences. Once that thought crossed their minds they readied themselves.
'I can't lose this! There's too much at stake!'
The atmosphere was charged, each fighter's reputation preceding them. The excitement among the students was palpable, their murmurs and whispers creating a constant humming sound. A circle had formed, with their fellow students eagerly awaiting the clash of these formidable titans of martial arts.
Natsu locked his gaze onto Ryuji's as the redhead took the initiative, launching a quick jab aimed at testing Ryuji's defensive form. Only for Ryuji to slap it away with the back of his palm, changing its direction, his arm flowing like water. Natsu refused to be deterred though, his strikes were a blur of speed and power, coming from very unpredictable angles.
Ryuji stayed steadfast, using Wing Chun's close-quarters techniques to block and counter each of Natsu's attacks, his dodges and deflects moving like a raging river, either crashing or flowing at the perfect moments. This display of prowess caused the audience to awe in wonder, the fluidity of it all was mesmerizing to them.
Natsu's eyes narrowed to slits as he shifted his strategy, using feints to make Ryuji have to go on the attack and after dodging one swift straight punch Natsu lunged forward landing a powerful sidekick. Ryuji ground his teeth together and backed off, seeing Natsu back on the offensive.
Even though Ryuji was on the defensive, he did as he had before, he was enjoying himself. Adjusting to suit his enemy's style as well as seeing the same happen with Natsu, 'Left! Right!Jump kick!' Ryuji thought mid-reading Natsu's moves.
Natsu threw a right punch, then a left, glaring now he tried for a leg sweep but was Natsu finished his rotation Ryuji evaded by leaping into the air and spinning around to deliver a swift kick to Natsu's shoulder.
For the first time against Ryuji, Natsu was forced to absorb a powerful blow, tensing his muscles as best he could to withstand the blow.
"Whoa!" A chorus of astonishment followed from the crowd.
Skidding from his side the redheaded prodigy grits his teeth, pain erupting from the point of impact. Natsu had to ignore it!
Ryuji was already back in for more, making a right swing, then whipping that same arm back to keep Natsu from getting too close. Seeing that Ryuji kept the pressure on, Natsu took that as his chance to surprise him with a sudden kick to Ryuji's right hip.
In that instant, Ryujia recalled that time he embraced Natsume, his eyes widened with righteous fury as he smirked and took this as his chance to endure and then grab Natsu's leg with no hesitation before he swung the other boy in a circle before flinging him onto the nearest tree.
Natsu cringed as he was flung like a ragdoll, halfway through he opened his eyes, and recalling what was happening he contorted himself mid-air, twisting and spinning in the air to change directions as he was flung to a tree branch.
Creeaaakkk…!
The school's decorative forestry groaned as the branch Natsu slammed into bended from his feet managing to quickly maneuver herself, hoping to do it right and he did it! His feet hit the branch first, and putting all he had on this one chance, he ricocheted from it like a bullet, taking Ryuji by surprise.
Finally, they were once again filled with the rush of adrenaline, rather than meeting this surprise with a look of defeat the fang-toothed martial artist instead went against Natsu's surprise attack head-on.
"Hahhhh…!" Both combatants screamed as their right fists lined up to each other's cheeks.
"Wow!"
"Holy!"
"Did you see that!?"
The onlookers talked amongst themselves as they saw Ryuji leaning his head back from taking Natsu's fist, the same however, could be said for Natsu as his cheek flattened inward but once the motion had dispersed both smashed into each other and fell backward from the force of their attacks.
"Ryuji! Ryuji! Ryuji!"
"Natsu!Natsu!Natsu!"
The crowd cheered as they saw the two rivals on their backs, struggling to get back up again. "Here we go again! Honoki!"
"I hate it when you're right Araya!" Natsu complained with one eye squinted shut, trying his best to sit up by using his arms to elevate his chest.
"I can't lose! I won't lose to you!" Ryuji roared out as he panted heavily, 'Not when I'm so close! So close to being over her…!' he thought desperately trying to keep his mystery girl from invading his mind, instead focusing on the memory of Natsume and her beautiful face and cute tomboyish appearance.
"Same here! I-I don't intend to just hand my cousin over!" Natsu retorted in a strained growling voice, doing everything to push his sore body upward, 'And more specifically my girl side!' he thought desperately, unknowingly having a blush across his face.
"I'm so sore but-but… this is what I live for!" Ryuji exclaimed as he finally managed to sit up.
"Oh no you don't…!" Natsu stubbornly forced his body to comply, doing as Ryuji was but catching up.
"You've got this Ryuji!"
"No! It's time for a new champ! Go! Natsu!"
Once they had both sat up, they both shifted their weight and moved so they could try and sit up on one knee. Their eyes met in the middle as they bared their fangs at the other, screaming through their clenched jaws as if they were somehow powering up like in an anime.
"They're both getting up!?"
As the audience watched them rise they saw them using their arms to help them push themselves up to shaky standing positions, both wobbling a little as they both stood straight up with their arms hanging limply from their sides.
The strain had been so immense that both had started panting with a small trickle of sweat starting to form on their foreheads.
"Is this a draw?"
"No! One of them has to go down!"
"Can either of them even move?"
Ryuji made his arms shake before doing nothing, 'Come on! I have to give it all I've got! I can't let this chance slip by! Not when I've finally found someone!' Ryuji thought vehemently.
Natsu found himself in the same boat, as his arms would quake as if they were about to move but could do little more than tremble, 'I won't lose! Natsu Honoki doesn't lose! Especially because if I lose I gotta go on a date with a guy!' the redheaded martial artist thought defiantly trying to lift his arms again.
To both of their surprise, they looked up at each other at the same time, watching as they lifted their disorientated arms and dragged their feet over to one another. Ryuji was the first to slug Natsu's side, but neither could keep their guard up so Natsu was able to land his punch shortly after Ryuji's but on his cheek.
"It's a slugging fest now!"
Cringing they both grit their teeth, although once their pains settled a little they both reeled their arms back and tried to punch the other back. Although, Ryuji was the first to land his punch, which sent Natsu reeling back in pain but still standing as he shifted his weight forward so he could return the favor.
They continued this back and forth, both too tired to dodge or redirect their blows, relying solely on their endurance.
"That's one same-timed punch and five slugs back at each other!"
"I can't lose my chance with Natsume! I refuse…!" Ryuji exclaimed after getting his fifth punch to the face, his heart once again raced to new heights, his breath coming in more cautiously as he took a chance and used what little strength he had left to close the gap between them and grab Natsu's arm while the redhead was trying to punch him with before pulling his right fist up to punch Natsu square in the face.
Natsu couldn't believe it, he was watching Ryuji's attack coming at him in slow motion, though, there was nothing he could do but settle his gaze on his adversary's look of driven motivation, Natsu didn't know this but he found himself in a trance.
Wham!
The redheaded prodigy found himself on his back as Ryuji released him after his punch. The son of The Hero took not just the victory between them as rivals but also assuring that Natsu was probably going to have to keep his promise as Natsume.
"I-I lost…" Natsu's mouth went agape as his arms were out to his sides like he was doing some sort of T-pose, 'I-I got a date with…' He thinks with a taken aback face.
"Ryuji…?"
[End of Chapter 3]
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