Monday arrived with suffocating tension. The entire school buzzed with anticipation for tomorrow's duel. Students placed bets openly in the hallways, with odds heavily favoring Kazuki. Posters advertising the event appeared on bulletin boards, and the school's official social media accounts promoted it as a major spectacle.
Zororo walked through the corridors feeling dozens of eyes tracking his movements. Whispers followed him like shadows.
"That's him. The guy who's fighting Kazuki Shirogane tomorrow."
"He's dead. Absolutely dead. Eight level difference? Impossible."
"I heard Kazuki's planning to humiliate him publicly. Make an example."
"Poor Yukari. Dating him probably seemed romantic until reality hit."
Zororo ignored the gossip and headed toward his classroom. His body felt good despite yesterday's intensive training his enhanced recovery rate kept him in peak condition. More importantly, his mind was calm. The pre-battle jitters had transformed into cold focus.
[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]
[DUEL COUNTDOWN: 24 HOURS, 15 MINUTES]
[FINAL PREPARATIONS RECOMMENDED]
[CURRENT WIN PROBABILITY: 62%]
[FACTORS: ABYSSAL DOMINION, LEGENDARY WEAPON, SHADOW MONARCH'S JUDGMENT, ENEMY OVERCONFIDENCE]
Sixty-two percent. Better than the forty-seven percent he'd started with, but still too close to call. Everything would depend on execution and timing.
Daichi intercepted him before he reached the classroom. "Dude, are you insane? You can still back out! Say you're sick, injured, anything! There's no shame in avoiding a fight you can't win."
"I can win," Zororo said calmly.
"You're level nineteen! He's twenty-eight! That's not confidence, that's delusion!" Daichi grabbed Zororo's shoulders. "Listen to me as your friend Kazuki will destroy you. I've seen footage of him fighting. He's brutal, efficient, and ruthless. This isn't a game."
"I know what I'm doing, Daichi. Trust me."
Daichi searched Zororo's eyes, looking for doubt or fear. Finding none, he sighed heavily. "Fine. But I'm going to be in the front row tomorrow, ready to jump in if he tries to kill you."
"Appreciate it."
In the classroom, the atmosphere was equally charged. Students clustered in groups, discussing tomorrow's duel with the enthusiasm of people anticipating a major sporting event. Some looked at Zororo with pity, others with morbid curiosity.
Yukari was already at her desk, maintaining her ice princess composure despite the attention. When Zororo sat down, she turned slightly and spoke quietly enough that only he could hear.
"Kazuki's been spreading rumors that he'll defeat you in under three minutes. He's trying to increase pressure by setting a public time limit."
"Let him. Pressure creates opportunities."
"You're remarkably calm."
"Panic doesn't help. Preparation does." Zororo pulled out his phone and showed her something he'd been working on. "I analyzed footage of Kazuki's previous fights. He has three distinct phases testing, aggressive assault, and finishing moves. If I can disrupt his rhythm during the transition between phases, I can create openings."
Yukari studied the analysis with approval. "You've thought this through carefully. But there's something you should know Kazuki has been training specifically to counter shadow abilities. My father gave him access to the family's tactical archives."
That was concerning. If Kazuki had studied shadow-type weaknesses, some of Zororo's planned strategies might be anticipated.
"What kind of counters?" Zororo asked.
"Ice Prison techniques that trap shadows, preventing teleportation. Area-wide freezing that eliminates shadow-rich zones. And something called 'Absolute Zero Aura' that supposedly slows all dark-element abilities within range."
[SYSTEM ALERT]
[ENEMY PREPARED COUNTERMEASURES DETECTED]
[WIN PROBABILITY ADJUSTED: 62% → 54%]
[RECOMMENDATION: DEVELOP BACKUP STRATEGIES]
Zororo's mind raced through alternatives. If his shadow mobility was compromised, he'd need to rely more on direct combat and his defensive techniques. The legendary Shadow Monarch's Blade would become even more critical.
Before he could discuss further, Renji approached their desks. His expression was troubled, and his hero system's golden aura flickered subtly around him.
"Kurogami, can we talk? Privately?"
Zororo exchanged glances with Yukari, who nodded slightly. They stepped out into the hallway, finding an empty corner.
"What's wrong?" Zororo asked, though he suspected he knew.
"My system has been going crazy since yesterday," Renji said quietly. "Ever since you hit level twenty. It's screaming at me that you're a threat, demanding I take action." He looked genuinely distressed. "I've been fighting it, but it's getting harder. My Justice Hero System doesn't understand nuance it just sees villain system user and demands elimination."
"How long can you hold out?"
"I don't know. Days? Maybe a week?" Renji ran his hand through his blonde hair in frustration. "The thing is, you haven't done anything villainous. You help classmates, you work in teams, you're dating Yukari and making her happy. By every objective measure, you're a good person. But my system doesn't care about that."
"What are you saying?"
"I'm saying that after your duel with Kazuki win or lose I might not be able to control my system anymore. It might force a confrontation between us." Renji met Zororo's eyes. "I don't want to fight you. You're a good guy. But I might not have a choice."
[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]
[HERO SYSTEM INTERFERENCE DETECTED]
[RENJI TAKAHASHI'S SYSTEM ATTEMPTING TO OVERRIDE PERSONAL JUDGMENT]
[ESTIMATED TIME UNTIL FORCED CONFRONTATION: 3-5 DAYS]
"I understand," Zororo said. "If it comes to that, we'll deal with it. But Renji I want you to know that I don't blame you. Your system's programming isn't your fault."
"Thanks." Renji looked relieved to have shared the burden. "For what it's worth, I hope you beat Kazuki tomorrow. The guy's an asshole who deserves to be taken down a peg."
They returned to class, and Zororo spent the rest of the morning in tactical meditation, mentally rehearsing combat scenarios and refining his strategies. The lessons passed in a blur of barely-noticed information.
At lunch, Zororo found himself surrounded by an unexpected group Yukari, Raikou, Mei, and Hiro had all gathered at a table in the back of the cafeteria.
"Intervention time," Raikou announced cheerfully. "We're making sure you're mentally and physically ready for tomorrow."
Mei had prepared a specially balanced meal designed for pre-combat optimization high protein, complex carbohydrates, nutrients that would fuel his system abilities. "I researched nutritional support for shadow-element users," she explained shyly. "This should maximize your MP recovery and stamina."
Hiro contributed defensive equipment lightweight armor pieces that wouldn't restrict movement but provided crucial protection. "My family runs a crafting business. These are B-Rank defensive gear. They'll help absorb impacts without weighing you down."
"You all didn't have to do this," Zororo said, genuinely moved.
"Yes we did," Yukari said firmly. "You're our teammate. More than that you're important to all of us. We take care of our own."
Raikou grinned. "Plus, I've got money riding on you winning. Don't make me lose my bet, Kurogami."
They spent lunch discussing final strategy adjustments and sharing intelligence about Kazuki's techniques. It felt less like pre-battle planning and more like family supporting family.
As the day progressed, Zororo noticed the mysterious observer's presence again that same powerful entity watching from a distance. This time, however, his Shadow Sense provided more detail. The observer was using advanced concealment techniques, but fragments of their aura leaked through.
The aura felt ancient, powerful, and oddly familiar like it resonated with his villain system on some fundamental level.
[SYSTEM ALERT]
[OBSERVER IDENTITY PARTIALLY REVEALED]
[DESIGNATION: UNKNOWN VILLAIN SYSTEM USER]
[RANK: SUSPECTED SSS]
[PURPOSE: EVALUATION]
Another SSS-Rank Villain System user? That was both exciting and terrifying. According to system lore, only three had existed before Zororo. If this was one of them, they were observing his growth for unknown reasons.
After classes ended, Zororo made his way to the school's main battle arena to familiarize himself with tomorrow's battlefield. The arena was a massive circular space with reinforced walls, energy barriers to protect spectators, and adjustable terrain features.
Currently, it was configured as a standard flat surface neutral ground that favored neither ice nor shadow abilities particularly. Tomorrow, it would be filled with thousands of students, all watching him face Kazuki.
"Impressive, isn't it?" a voice called from the entrance.
Zororo turned to find Hiroshi Shirogane entering the arena. Yukari's brother walked with casual confidence, his silver hair catching the overhead lights.
"The arena? Very," Zororo replied cautiously.
"I meant your preparation. I've been watching your progress." Hiroshi stopped a few meters away. "My sister told me the truth about your system rank. SSS-Rank Villain System. That's... unprecedented."
"She told you?" Zororo kept his voice neutral.
"Don't be angry. Yukari needed someone to talk to, and I'm the only family member she trusts completely." Hiroshi smiled slightly. "Your secret is safe with me. Actually, I'm here to offer help."
"What kind of help?"
"Information about Kazuki's ultimate technique. Something he's been developing specifically for high-stakes duels." Hiroshi's expression grew serious. "It's called Frozen World a technique that combines his Ice Dominion System with borrowed family techniques. For thirty seconds, he can freeze time itself within a localized area. Everything except him stops completely."
Zororo felt ice in his veins. "That's effectively invincibility for half a minute. How do you counter something like that?"
"You don't counter it. You survive the activation and then strike while he's exhausted." Hiroshi pulled out a small crystal vial containing silvery liquid. "This is Temporal Resistance Serum. It won't make you immune to Frozen World, but it'll let you move at about twenty percent speed while everything else is stopped. Enough to defend yourself or reposition."
"This must be incredibly valuable. Why give it to me?"
"Because Yukari chose you, and I trust her judgment completely." Hiroshi pressed the vial into Zororo's hand. "Also, because Kazuki's an entitled asshole who needs to lose. Win tomorrow, and I'll have a brother-in-law worth respecting."
"Thank you," Zororo said sincerely. "This might make all the difference."
"Just don't die. Yukari would never forgive me if I helped you get killed." Hiroshi turned to leave, then paused. "One more thing don't hold back. Kazuki won't. If you go into that fight trying to be merciful or honorable, you'll lose. Fight like the villain your system says you are. Ruthless, efficient, willing to do whatever it takes to win."
After Hiroshi left, Zororo stood alone in the arena, holding the vial of silvery serum and contemplating tomorrow's battle. He had tools, techniques, allies, and intelligence. Everything that preparation could provide.
Now it was time to rest and focus.
As he left the arena, his phone buzzed with a final message from Kazuki:
"Tomorrow at noon. Don't be late for your public execution. - K.S."
Zororo smiled coldly and typed a response:
"I'll be there. Try not to cry when you lose. - Z.K."
He sent it and turned off his phone. Tomorrow would bring victory or defeat, triumph or disaster. Either way, the wait was finally almost over.
[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]
[DUEL COUNTDOWN: 18 HOURS, 42 MINUTES]
[FINAL MESSAGE: REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE, VILLAIN. SHOW THEM YOUR TRUE POWER.]
Zororo walked into the sunset, shadows stretching long behind him.
Tomorrow, the entire school would witness what an SSS-Rank Villain System could truly do.
[END OF CHAPTER 17]