Chapter 47: Give Back What You Have Received

The training ground of Shuangyang No. 9 Middle School was packed to the brim. At this moment, the entire field was surrounded by excited and curious candidates, eager to witness the commotion.

Basically, almost everyone had rushed over here to join in the fun. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation.

Renjiro, curious about the cause of the gathering, gently tapped the shoulder of a student in front of him. "Hey, brother, what's going on up there?" he asked, trying to get a better view.

The boy turned around and explained animatedly, "Ah, don't even mention it! A student from No. 11 Middle accidentally bumped into Zhang Tianyu from No. 8 Middle School while walking across the field."

He shook his head with a wry smile and continued, "Zhang Tianyu wouldn't let it go. He kept pestering the poor guy, demanding that he kneel down and apologize right here in front of everyone."

Renjiro's brows furrowed slightly. Before he could speak, the boy added, "Of course, the student from No. 11 refused. Who would agree to that? So Zhang Tianyu suggested they settle it with a Pokémon battle—winner takes all. If the No. 11 student lost, he'd have to kneel and apologize. If Zhang lost, the matter would be written off."

Renjiro's frown deepened. This Zhang Tianyu is really overbearing, he thought. Wasn't it just an accidental bump?

Beside him, Shu Wan's eyes blazed with indignation. "That's way too much!" she said, unable to contain herself. "It was just a small accident. How can he humiliate someone like that?!"

The boy in front shrugged, his tone helpless. "It's just how it is. The stronger you are, the more you can do whatever you want. Fist size equals power in this world."

Renjiro sighed inwardly. He's right in a way, but there are limits. You can't just trample on others over something so trivial.

Curious, Renjiro asked, "Is he really that powerful?"

The boy nodded emphatically. "Oh, very powerful. In No. 8 Middle, he's basically a tyrant. Nobody dares challenge him. I feel bad for that guy from No. 11. He's in for it today."

Renjiro nodded slowly, his eyes scanning the crowd as he and Shu Wan squeezed forward, determined to see for themselves.

"Lose! The No. 11 student lost!" a voice in the crowd shouted.

Renjiro and Shu Wan barely reached the front in time to witness the end of the battle. On the field lay a Corphish, its eyes spinning like swirls, completely out of commission. On the opposite side stood Zhang Tianyu's Primplup, looking energetic and smug.

It had been a total defeat.

Su Junming, the unfortunate student from No. 11 Middle, slumped to his knees, his face pale and his eyes hollow. The crushing loss weighed heavily on him.

"I... I lost," he whispered, his voice hollow.

Zhang Tianyu strode up to him, laughing wildly, his face filled with arrogance. "Hahaha! You lost fair and square! Now, as agreed, kneel down and apologize! Maybe if you grovel well enough, I'll consider letting it go."

"Hey! That's enough! Isn't it just a bump? How could you take it this far?!" Shu Wan stepped forward, her voice clear and unwavering. Her sense of justice burned brightly.

Renjiro blinked in surprise, not expecting her to step up so boldly. A soft smile touched his lips. Let her speak her mind, he thought. I'm here to back her up no matter what.

Zhang Tianyu's gaze shifted to Shu Wan, and a smirk spread across his face. "Well, well, what do we have here? A little beauty with a fiery temper?"

He leered at her and added, "Tell you what. If you agree to be my girlfriend, I'll spare this loser. How about that, sweetheart?" His hand reached out toward Shu Wan's chin.

Before his fingers could even graze her skin, a loud smack echoed through the training ground.

Shu Wan's palm connected solidly with Zhang Tianyu's cheek, leaving a vivid red mark.

The crowd fell silent, eyes wide, mouths agape. A beat passed. Then two.

And then the field exploded with chatter.

["Did she really just slap him?!"]

["She's insane! Zhang Tianyu's not going to let this slide!"]

["Oh no, she's in danger now!"]

["Someone has to step in before things get out of hand!"]

Zhang Tianyu's expression twisted with shock and fury. His hand rose to his stinging cheek, disbelief flashing in his eyes. "You... you hit me?!"

Since childhood, no one—not even his parents—had ever dared lay a hand on him. And today, in front of everyone, a girl had slapped him.

Shu Wan took an instinctive step back, suddenly realizing the danger she was in.

But before Zhang Tianyu could advance, a calm, steady voice reached Shu Wan's ears. "Don't be afraid."

Renjiro stepped beside her, his hand resting gently on her shoulder, offering silent reassurance. His battered, blood-stained figure stood tall between Shu Wan and Zhang Tianyu.

Shu Wan drew strength from his presence, her fear melting away. "Okay," she whispered, nodding.

The crowd's attention turned to Renjiro, murmurs rippling through the students.

["Who's this guy? His clothes are torn and bloodied…"]

["He looks like he's been through hell."]

["Isn't that Renjiro from No. 11 Middle?! The one who beat a junior trainer in two weeks of training?"]

["No way! That's him? Zhang Tianyu's in for it now!"]

["Looks like today's the day someone puts Zhang Tianyu in his place."]

Zhang Tianyu paled as the realization hit. This bloodied figure was none other than Renjiro—the guy who'd made headlines across Shuangyang City.

"You... You're Renjiro?" His voice trembled slightly.

"Yes," Renjiro replied, his tone calm but firm.

Zhang Tianyu's arrogance melted away in an instant. "Ah, since it's you, let's just forget this whole thing, alright? No need for trouble. I'll let him off. No hard feelings."

He turned, eager to flee the situation.

"Wait," Renjiro called out, his voice like steel.

Zhang Tianyu froze, dread creeping into his heart. "W-what is it?"

Renjiro's eyes met his with unflinching resolve. "You scared her. Don't just walk away. Apologize."

Gasps spread through the crowd.

Zhang Tianyu's face twisted in humiliation and anger. "Y-you're going too far! I already agreed to let this go—"

Renjiro stepped forward, his presence alone silencing the protest. "You made her cry. You humiliated a classmate. Now, give back what you've done. Apologize."

Zhang Tianyu clenched his fists, but the fire in Renjiro's eyes told him this wasn't a fight he'd win—not today. His Primplup quivered at Renjiro's intimidating aura, sensing danger.

Under the weight of countless watching eyes, Zhang Tianyu gritted his teeth, then bowed his head stiffly. "I... I'm sorry."

The field was silent, then applause broke out—tentative at first, then growing louder. Someone had finally stood up to the bully.

Shu Wan looked up at Renjiro, her eyes shining with admiration. "Thank you," she whispered.

Renjiro smiled gently. "That's what friends are for."

As the crowd slowly dispersed, the story of the day's battle—and of Renjiro's unshakable stand—spread like wildfire through Shuangyang City.

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