Even the air stopped for a moment(part12)

The scene before him was like a slap that awakened all the old pain within him.

He saw Misaki's tears, he saw cruel faces that knew no mercy,

and he saw himself... in the distant past, when he was the victim,

but today...

he would not allow that to be repeated.

Ahmed advanced with wide strides, his eyes burning like embers on a cold night.

His voice emerged from his chest, strong, sincere, leaving no room for interpretation:

Ahmed (in Japanese):

"Stop immediately! What are you doing?!"

A sudden silence fell.

Even the air stopped moving for a moment.

The bullies turned towards him, their faces grim, surprised by Japanese clearly and confidently spoken by a stranger with unfamiliar features.

One of them, the largest, stepped forward, his face full of defiance, and said in a threatening tone:

Bully 1:

"Who do you think you are, stranger? This is none of your business!"

But Ahmed no longer needed words.

When he saw the bully's hand reach out towards Misaki again, that was the decisive moment.

Without hesitation, he moved.

His body flowed gracefully, as if he were a dancer to a rhythm of noble rage.

He dodged the bully's punch with a swift duck, then twisted his body like a whirlwind,

and used a light yet precise move – inspired by ancient Yemeni Bara' dance training, that dance which carries within it the spirit of combat and dignity.

He struck him in the face with a stunning blow, making the giant reel and fall to the ground,

as if he hadn't expected this stranger to be a flame of such calmness and such explosiveness.

Then he turned towards the other two.

A quick punch to one's stomach made him double over in pain,

and a powerful shoulder shove sent the third flying, falling awkwardly while cursing.

Just seconds... and the arena was empty.

The bullies ran away, stumbling in their steps, carrying their humiliation more than their pain,

while Ahmed remained standing in his spot, breathing heavily,

his heart pounding not from exhaustion... but from protection.

He turned to Misaki, who was still kneeling on the ground,

her eyes looking at him with surprise, mixed with an even greater astonishment:

Astonishment at this stranger...

who resembled no one,

yet understood her more than anyone.