Chapter 338: Chapter 336: Compete for a Woman Fair and Square_1
Ayatsuki Ayaka’s departure didn’t allow the air to return to its original tranquility.
The atmosphere of conversation was like a shattered mirror; once broken, it was impossible to pretend nothing had happened.
Aozawa couldn’t let the silence spread any further and smiled. "I’m really looking forward to camping outside with Maggie."
"So, you’re happy to go camping with *me*, not just with Ms. Ayatsuki?"
Phoenix Academy Maggie propped her face with her hand, her narrowed eyes scrutinizing him as if a police officer were staring at a spy in an interrogation room.
Aozawa replied seriously, "Of course. It’s also our first time hanging out on a weekend. Will you be able to make time?"
"Would it be better for you if I couldn’t make time?"
"How could that be? If you have time, that’s the best thing."
Faced with such a loaded question, Aozawa naturally chose the answer that wouldn’t get him into trouble, replying decisively.
Phoenix Academy Maggie didn’t press the issue. After some thought, and to prevent the camping trip from becoming boring, she decided it was necessary to invite more people.
"Why don’t we invite Little Sayuri and Makoto?"
"I want to go too!"
Hojo Tetsuji, no longer pretending to be asleep, directly stated his desire to join the camping trip.
Phoenix Academy Maggie glanced at him sideways, nodded, and said in a slightly sour tone, "That would require Aozawa and Ayatsuki to sort things out, so we don’t all arrive only for me to find there’s no spot."
"Haha, don’t worry. I’ll talk to Iroha about it."
Aozawa could only smile in response.
...
「Noontime, after lunch.」
The Hot Girl quartet stepped out of the cafeteria.
A tall figure suddenly blocked their path.
Ayatsuki Ayaka sized up the person in front of her. He was around 1.9 meters tall, with long, golden hair that covered his ears.
His clear blue eyes, vast as the sky, conveyed a sense of openness.
"Excuse me, I’d like to speak with this young lady alone. I hope the three of you don’t mind."
Peter smiled, displaying gentlemanly etiquette as he extended a private meeting invitation to Takahashi Saeko.
Ayatsuki Ayaka’s eyes darted between the two, a gossipy expression on her face. Wow, Succubus Saeko really charmed the new transfer student in no time, she thought. Her allure is simply beyond words.
"Sure."
Takahashi Saeko smiled. She was well aware that this person was no ordinary individual. Recently in Tokyo, international students had been popping up like bamboo shoots after rain.
All of them were scions of prominent families from abroad, and Peter was one of them.
She didn’t think this person was actually trying to pursue her.
The two walked to a slightly more secluded area.
Peter got straight to the point. "I like Phoenix Academy Maggie, but from my observations, she seems to have feelings for Aozawa. I want to know the relationship between Aozawa and Ayatsuki Ayaka."
"And if you knew, what would you plan to do?"
Takahashi Saeko remained composed, assessing the situation to decide whether or not to tell Peter about Aozawa.
Peter laughed. "If their relationship is what I suspect, then I’ll definitely bring it up constantly in front of Phoenix Academy Maggie. This will increase her aversion to Aozawa and make her choose me.
Don’t worry, I won’t do anything to Aozawa.
A man should compete for a woman openly and honorably!
That’s the spirit a king should possess!"
Takahashi Saeko glanced at him. Recalling the information she had on him and believing he wasn’t lying, she nodded. "Alright, then I’ll tell you. The relationship between Aozawa and Ayatsuki Ayaka is..."
After listening to Takahashi Saeko’s explanation, Peter’s eyes widened, a hint of astonishment on his face. Then he laughed. "Haha, Aozawa... he’s indeed an interesting man.
On one hand, he’s connected to the Police Director. On another, he’s stringing along a Hot Girl from class. And at the same time, he’s involved with the young lady of Phoenix Academy.
As a man, I truly admire his skill."
There was no falsehood in this statement.
In his view, Aozawa was just a student with no background, yet he was capable of such feats. He was more admirable than those men who used power to keep women by their side.
"I’m rather curious what kind of love potion he gave Iroha to keep her so captivated."
Takahashi Saeko shrugged. She often played with men’s affections.
Changing boyfriends was as casual for her as changing clothes. However, seeing her own close friend treated like a disposable item was something she couldn’t accept.
Of course, she knew Iroha would refute such words, arguing that Aozawa was serious about her.
But to Takahashi Saeko, that kind of "seriousness" was just a hollow lie.
Takahashi Saeko, well-experienced in juggling multiple partners, never believed someone engaged in such actions could offer genuine affection. They’re probably just playing around, she thought, and will get bored once they succeed.
"I overheard you all are going camping."
"Yes, at the Hikawa Gorge in Okutama Town. We’re meeting at Shinjuku Station at two in the afternoon. If you’re interested, you can join."
Takahashi Saeko waved. "I’m off then."
"Goodbye."
Peter smiled in return.
Takahashi Saeko turned and walked towards the staircase. She was immediately greeted by Ayatsuki Ayaka, whose face was full of curiosity. "Saeko, did he confess to you?"
"Of course not. He was just asking me about a few things."
"What things?"
Ayatsuki Ayaka’s face was brimming with curiosity; she desperately wanted to know what the two had discussed.
Takahashi Saeko thought for a moment, then crooked a finger. Iroha’s sun-kissed cheek immediately leaned in, her ear tilted to listen.
"BOOP! Not telling you."
"You tricked me into leaning in just to flick my forehead! Darn it, prepare for my Dragon Paw!"
Ayatsuki Ayaka reached out, trying to tickle her, but Takahashi Saeko quickly dodged, laughing heartily. "Haha, catch me if you can!"
"AWOO! Don’t run!"
Pretending to howl like a wolf, Ayatsuki Ayaka quickly gave chase.
"I want to play too~"
Miyahara Kaoru tried to take advantage of the situation, but Tama Chan stepped in, saying, "Oh no, you don’t."
The four of them chased and frolicked on the stairs, their laughter echoing up and down the landings, creating a cheerful atmosphere.
...
「In the club building, the Guzheng Club.」
After confirming the relationship between Aozawa and Ayatsuki Ayaka, Peter hurried there. He hadn’t forgotten his initial reason for coming to this school: to subdue Hojo Tetsuji.
Is Hojo Tetsuji really that strong? Peter wondered.
Peter considered himself very perceptive, able to sense the aura of the strong and judge their capabilities from the subtle hostility they emitted.
However, Peter couldn’t sense any dangerous aura from Hojo Tetsuji. At most, Hojo’s sunglasses, beard, and general "older man" image made him look unlike a typical high school student.
But that mature appearance could only intimidate ordinary people.
For a master like him, it had no deterrent effect whatsoever.
Yet, his aunt had indeed been hospitalized after Hojo Tetsuji struck her.
Hojo Tetsuji, with no formal training, can conceal his aura so well... Could he be a natural-born Fighter? Peter mused.
Peter was very curious. He raised his hand and knocked on the door of the Guzheng Club.
"The door’s unlocked. Come in."
A clear voice called from inside.
"Excuse me."
Peter turned the knob and let his gaze sweep over the Guzheng Club.
Two young women sat there, playing cards in hand, eyeing the unfamiliar visitor with puzzled expressions.
A man with sunglasses and a beard sat before a low table. On it was a stack of papers, and he held a pen, seemingly struggling with something.
Peter glanced at him and smiled. "Hojo-kun, you still like art?"
"Eh?!"
Hojo Tetsuji looked up. Seeing it was a classmate, he quickly gathered the papers before him, his expression somewhat guarded. "Art? Yeah, that’s right, this is art. Definitely not manga.
You’re that new kid... what was your name again...?"
"Peter."
He introduced himself. "Sophia is my aunt. She was under your care yesterday."
"She’s your aunt? I thought she was your sister or something."
Hojo Tetsuji looked surprised.
Peter smiled. "My grandfather is quite virile."
Quickly moving past the topic, he sat down and said, "With your talent, staying at this school as an ordinary high school student is truly beneath you.
Are you interested in conquering the world with me?"
"Not interested."
Hojo Tetsuji declined decisively, adjusting his sunglasses. "I’m not interested in being a delinquent. If you want the ’strongest’ title, go ahead and take it."
Peter shook his head. "I’m not talking about some delinquent title. When I say ’conquering the world,’ I mean it literally.
Due to my family’s circumstances, I am destined to become a president, one who will command a vast Empire. Naturally, I’ll need capable generals to assist me.
I highly value your strength.
Hojo, join my ranks! Become my right-hand man, and let’s leave an indelible mark on world history!"
He spoke with great fervor, but to Hojo Tetsuji, it all sounded dull. He shook his head. "I’m not interested."
Peter was somewhat disappointed. I thought an appeal to ambition might sway him, he mused, but it seems money is what’s needed after all.
"I can offer you unimaginable wealth and status, as well as countless women."
As he said this, he pulled out a check. "This is for 100 million Yen, cashable at any bank in Japan."
"100 million?!"
Natsuka Yanagimachi was shocked. Is this a joke? she thought.
"I told you, I’m not interested."
Hojo Tetsuji’s refusal, however, reignited Peter’s spirits. This is exactly the kind of man I need, Peter thought, someone with conviction, not a commoner driven purely by money! He then said aloud, "You truly aren’t a man swayed by money. I want people like you to conquer the world with me!"
"I’ve already said I’m not interested. Don’t you understand Japanese?"
"There’s no need to reject me so quickly. The future is long."
Peter laughed heartily, then placed his right forearm on the low table, elbow down. "A strong man like you wouldn’t submit to a weaker one. Let’s test our strength!"
"So, after all that talk, you just want to get even for that woman, huh?"
Hojo Tetsuji figured arm wrestling probably didn’t count as fighting. He grasped Peter’s hand. "Alright, bring it on!"
CRACK!
In that instant, Peter’s pupils dilated. He felt as if his hand hadn’t been grasped by a person, but viciously bitten by a Tyrannosaurus.
This guy!
Peter clenched his teeth, veins bulging on his right arm. He tried to force Hojo’s hand down, but was overwhelmed by an irresistible, crushing force.
BANG! The low table splintered. Peter’s right hand broke instantly, blood spurting from his wrist.