"Very real. You'll need more time to understand me deeply."
Yusei smiled and naturally walked over to stand beside Utaha.
"Perhaps that's true."
Utaha unusually refrained from sharp remarks. Instead, her beautiful eyes looked at Yusei with curiosity.
For a girl, a strong protector, someone to rely on, can provide a great sense of security.
Yusei was now playing that role.
She had thought he was a weak little kitten, but now she discovered he was actually a truly strong tiger.
Taiji, who had been helped up by his companions, looked utterly defeated. He didn't understand why he had lost again, and so quickly. Now he had lost his chance for bonus points.
Without extra credit, it was impossible for him to get into university based on his grades alone.
He had convinced himself that the other's previous victory was just luck. But now... was it still just luck?
Involuntarily, he felt a sense of fear towards the guy he used to beat and scold at will, which startled him.
He wondered when did this feeling develop.
His gaze inadvertently shifted towards Yusei, but the next moment, he felt an uncontrollable rage surge within him, and the fear vanished.
Yusei and Utaha were talking intimately over there, standing so close together.
He had never received such treatment! After all, Utaha wouldn't even glance at him.
'Why did that kid suddenly become so strong? Why did Kasumigaoka fall for that kid? Damn it, damn it!'
Consumed by rage, and with his inherently violent nature, he suddenly felt an impulse to kill both Yusei and Utaha.
These two… one made him lose his dignity completely, the other didn't appreciate his attention, ignored him completely, but was now 'throwing herself' at that kid.
Even though Yusei and Utaha weren't actually embracing, it didn't matter anymore.
In Taiji's eyes, both of them were utterly despicable!
One could even say that Utaha might be even more hateful in his mind… a bitch.
Feeling the hard, cold object in his pocket, Taiji looked at the two chatting and laughing with cold eyes. Malicious thoughts had already formed in his heart.
'All lovey-dovey? I've been humiliated, lost my dignity, lost my chance for exam bonuses, and you're over there laughing happily? Heh, I'll make sure you can't laugh anymore.'
Never underestimate someone with a violent temper, because such people's rationality can sometimes be uncontrollable.
Never underestimate adolescents, because this age group is prone to acting irrationally.
Taiji possessed both traits, which means double the trouble. Right now, he had only one thought.
Slash Utaha's face!
That's right. He was actually still afraid of outright murder, but causing disability... the kind that wasn't irreparable...
Taiji's family had some money. Paying compensation for disfigurement was something he could afford.
'Aren't you all lovey-dovey? Let's see if that kid still likes you after you're disfigured.'
On the surface, Taiji, supported by his companions, didn't show any outward rage and just walked silently.
However, his path was taking him towards Yusei and Utaha's direction.
One step... two steps, getting closer and closer.
Just as he reached about a meter away from Utaha, he suddenly shook off his companion's support and lunged forward.
A small knife appeared in his hand, slashing towards Utaha's exquisite, flawless face.
"Bitch, die!" Taiji's expression was twisted with malice.
The distance was too close. Utaha didn't react in time. She tried to step back, but it was too late.
However, she wasn't alone.
Immediately, Utaha felt her body become weightless, as if she had fallen into a warm embrace.
The dagger swept past in front of her but didn't touch her at all.
Yusei didn't hesitate. He directly kicked Taiji's leg.
The same leg that Yusei had just injured was struck again. With a sickening crack, it was clearly broken.
Yusei didn't go after him further. His expression was now somewhat cold and detached.
'Disfigurement? What a malicious intent.'
A crimson Sharingan reflected in Taiji's eyes. Amidst his screams, he blanked out for a moment, as if nothing had happened, and then continued howling while clutching his leg.