Made Him Strong

At the tender age of eleven, a boy was stepping into the world of middle school. As he made his way to school, a sudden yank on his backpack sent him crashing to the ground. Three boys, likely a year or two older, stood over him, their laughter echoing like a cruel melody. One of them, with a smirk plastered on his face, taunted, "Hey, dork! Didn't I tell you to steer clear of my school? Now I have to put up with your dorkiness and awkwardness here too," his expression dripping with contempt. Another boy, eager for mischief, kicked the boy on the ground in the stomach, suggesting to the first, "Hey, Toru-san, how about we give him a little lesson he won't forget?" while cracking his knuckles ominously. The third boy chimed in with a laugh, "Yeah, what do you think, Toru-san?" The first boy shrugged nonchalantly, "Go ahead, just make sure he never shows his face here again." Just as the second boy prepared to throw a punch, a swift kick landed on his face, sending him tumbling. He staggered back, bewildered, and exclaimed, "Who the hell are you?"

A boy who appeared to be around fourteen stood there, his expression dripping with disdain and disgust. "Didn't I tell you and Akio to knock off the bullying? Not only did you ignore me, but you also roped in another idiot to join your little escapade? Classic Toru," he said, his voice sending shivers down spines. An icy aura enveloped him. Toru, taken aback, stuttered, "Wh-why do you care? Just get lost!" The third boy bolted at the mere sound of that warning. Unfazed, the boy delivered a swift punch to Toru's gut, commanding, "Get out, scram." Grimacing in pain, Toru fled, dragging the second boy along who had just been kicked. The boy promptly assisted his fallen companion to his feet, exhaling a sigh as he inquired, "Why is it always you who faces the bullying?" The other boy averted his gaze, feeling a mix of embarrassment and fear that he might receive a reprimand. However, the first boy reassured him, "From now on, stick with me, alright?" The other boy simply nodded in agreement. Extending his hand, the first boy introduced himself, "I'm Reider, but you can call me Rei." The other boy replied while shaking his hand, "I'm Aoki." As they strolled side by side toward school, Aoki asked, "What year are you in?" Rei responded, "First year. Technically, I should still be in elementary school, but my grades are top-notch, so I skipped two years and here I am." Aoki stared in disbelief. "Wait, you're that exceptional? I thought I was a decent student, but my math grades are a disaster." Rei chuckled, "I could lend a hand, but if you think accepting help from someone younger will bruise your ego, then I guess I'm out of luck." Aoki replied, "Ego? I have none. I'm more than happy to accept help from anyone, regardless of age."

In a flash, Alexis interjected, "Hold on a second, you were bullied?" His expression was a mix of disbelief and intrigue. Aoki simply nodded, "Absolutely, I know it sounds unbelievable, but it happened. And believe me, it only made me stronger." He then carried on with his story...