_3 year later_
Early morning in the woods, a young boy could be seen running with a heavy bag strapped to his back. His breaths came quick and sharp, sweat glistening on his brow.
"Dad, I've finished today's routine!" Takeshi called out proudly, his chest heaving as he stopped to catch his breath.
Haruto, who had been released from his sentence two and a half years ago, stood watching with a firm but proud expression. He had been training Takeshi ever since.
Now eight years old, Takeshi was slightly taller than other kids his age. His messy black hair stuck out in little tufts, giving him a wild look. His aqua-blue eyes shimmered with curiosity and intelligence far beyond his years. Dirt clung to his round cheeks from running in the woods, but the sparkle in his gaze made it hard to mistake him for anything other than determined.
"Takeshi! Get ready for school, or you'll be late again!" Aiko's voice rang from the house.
Still catching his breath, Takeshi jolted at the sound and dashed inside. He jumped into the bathroom for a quick shower, buttoned up his uniform with practiced speed, and sat at the table.
He shoved food into his mouth with a hungry vigor until Aiko's voice scolded playfully, "How many times have I told you to chew your food properly?"
"Sorry, Mom…" Takeshi said with an innocent pout, making Aiko sigh and roll her eyes.
Haruto, already prepared to head to the farm, ruffled his son's hair. "Come on, Takeshi. I'll drop you at school today."
A grin spread across Takeshi's face. "Okay!" he chirped, hopping onto the back of his father's bicycle after finishing his breakfast.
At school, Takeshi spotted his two close friends, Haru Inoue and Emi Fujimoto, waiting by the gate.
"Hey, Takeshi, you're early today!" Haru teased. "Did the principal call you personally so you wouldn't miss the assembly?"
Takeshi gave him a flat look. "Don't make jokes, Haru. It doesn't suit you. Let's go—the assembly's about to start." He shoved his hands into his pockets and walked off.
Emi trailed behind with sparkling eyes. "Aww, Moriyama-san is so cool…" she said dreamily.
"Don't waste your time," Haru grinned, poking her side. "Takeshi already rejected the most popular girl in school. You don't stand a chance."
Emi puffed her cheeks. "Hmph! I don't want to date him—I just want to admire him. Let me be his fangirl in peace!" She turned back to point, "Look, Moriyama-san is running away from us again."
Takeshi, who could hear everything thanks to his sharp senses, nearly tripped in embarrassment. Are girls now a days this bold? Oh right… this is an anime world. I should've expected anything.
The gymnasium was packed with buzzing chatter as sunlight streamed through wide windows, casting golden light across the polished wooden floor. Takeshi stood quietly near the back, surrounded by his friends, his posture calm and collected.
The principal, a tall man with a commanding presence, stepped up to the podium. Dressed in a mustard-yellow suit with dark brown square glasses, he cleared his throat.
"Good morning, students of Kibayashi Municipal School!" His voice echoed through the hall. "Today marks the beginning of a new school year. For some of you, it's your very first day here. You've all chosen this school for a reason!"
Some students chuckled at his theatrics, but the man continued with pride.
"Now, before we begin, I would like to honor a student whose courage and actions saved a life. Just last week, a young girl visiting our village fell into the river. One of our very own students dove in to save her—risking his life and showing the qualities of a true hero in the making. Therefore, the Bravery Award goes to… Takeshi Moriyama!"
Gasps and applause filled the hall as all eyes turned toward Takeshi, who had been zoning out in the back. His eyes widened, and he hurried toward the stage.
The principal clapped him on the shoulder with a smile. "Well done, young Moriyama. You've shown potential to become a true pro hero."
Takeshi bowed lightly, smiling with quiet pride. "Thank you, Principal, for your encouragement."
The hall erupted with clapping and cheers. But not everyone was smiling.
From the crowd, a boy with sharp eyes glared at him. Kaito Suzuki, Takeshi's longtime rival, clenched his fists. Though Takeshi never mocked him, Kaito hated the way it always felt like Takeshi pitied him.
You can show off this time, Moriyama, Kaito thought bitterly. But I swear… I won't lose to you again.
End of chapter