The halls of Gakuen were busier than usual that morning.
Ren walked slowly, his eyes lowered, his thoughts consumed by everything that had happened.
The image of Daichi injured wouldn't leave his mind.
Why did it have to end like this...?
"Ren!"
He stopped and looked back.
Hana and Akira were walking toward him.
Ren tried to smile.
"Hey, guys. What are you doing here?"
Akira approached him.
"What are you talking about? We're your friends. Of course we're not going to believe what Takahashi-sama said."
Hana crossed her arms, still serious.
"Exactly. We don't believe those accusations. We'll stand by you."
Ren rubbed the back of his head.
"Thanks, guys... But where's Ezonku?"
Akira looked to the side.
"He said he had more important things to do. What kind of roommate is that?"
Hana sighed.
"Even so, we're going to investigate. We'll prove you're innocent."
Ren lowered his head.
"Don't do that."
The two fell silent.
Ren then raised his head and flashed a big smile.
"Relax. I'll be fine. You don't need to worry about me."
Hana stepped forward.
"Of course we need to! You were falsely accused."
Akira clenched his fists and took a deep breath.
"Fine. We won't just sit around worrying."
He gave a determined smile.
"We'll find out who did this."
Ren smiled.
"Okay."
He gently placed his hand on Hana's head.
"Thanks for worrying about me."
Hana immediately turned red and looked away.
"Y-You're welcome..."
Ren said goodbye and continued down the hallway.
Hana and Akira watched until he disappeared.
Akira's expression then became serious.
"Come on, Hana. We've got work to do."
"Yeah."
The two headed in opposite directions.
---
Meanwhile, Ren stopped in front of the principal's office.
He took a deep breath.
Clenched his fists.
Then walked inside.
The room was silent.
Hayato was sitting behind his desk, staring out the window.
"So, Ren..."
Hayato didn't turn around.
"What do you think I should do?"
Ren felt a strange pressure in the room.
When Hayato finally turned around, his expression was serious.
"Hm, Ren?"
The boy swallowed nervously.
"Before you punish me... I didn't do it on purpose. I..."
Hayato stood up.
"Huh? What are you talking about?"
Ren blinked.
"About the punishment for sending Daichi-san to the infirmary."
Hayato put his hands in his pockets.
"Oh, that?"
He shrugged.
"It's fine. The old man is alive."
Ren sighed in relief.
"Thank goodness..."
Hayato smiled.
"Besides, I know who started that fight. And let's be honest, it's not like one punch from a teenager is going to kill him."
Ren remained silent for a few seconds.
"So... what did you want to ask me?"
Hayato placed a hand on his chin.
"Oh, right!"
He snapped his fingers.
"For dinner, what's better? Sushi or sashimi?"
Ren stared at him.
"What?"
"Sushi or sashimi."
Ren thought for a few seconds.
"I think I'd rather have ramen. Really hot ramen."
Hayato's eyes lit up.
"Perfect!"
He clapped his hands.
"I know a stand that serves some of the best ramen in the area. They also make yakisoba."
Ren still looked confused.
"But, Hayato-san... what about my punishment?"
Hayato started walking toward the door.
"Forget about that."
He looked back.
"Let's go before Takahashi shows up."
Ren smiled.
"Okay!"
---
Later...
Steam rose from two bowls of ramen.
Hayato held his chopsticks in one hand and devoured the noodles without a care in the world.
"This is delicious, isn't it, Ren?"
Ren's mouth was full as well.
"Yeah! The flavor is amazing! I've never had ramen this good!"
Hayato quickly swallowed.
"Old lady Kusacab makes the best ramen, doesn't she, old...?"
A voice came from behind him.
"Shut up!"
Hayato froze.
The owner of the stand was holding a wooden spoon, furious.
"When are you two going to leave? You've already had six servings!"
Several customers began complaining.
Ren placed his bowl on the table and wiped his mouth.
"Phew... that was good."
He looked at Hayato.
"Hayato-san, how did you find this place?"
Hayato looked up, trying to remember.
"Hmm..."
He pointed toward the owner.
"Old lady Kusacab is Kojiro's grandmother."
Ren frowned.
"Who's Kojiro?"
Hayato went back to eating.
"He's in the same year as you. He's pretty strong."
Then he stopped.
"Oh! I almost forgot."
Hayato looked directly at Ren.
"You grew up with the Monjis, didn't you?"
Ren nodded.
"Yeah."
"Have you ever heard of Kokyū-dō?"
Ren thought for a moment.
"Kokyū-dō..."
He placed a hand on his chin.
"Kaien mentioned it before."
His eyes lit up.
"Let's see..."
"The Path of Breathing?"
Hayato smiled.
He raised one finger.
"Exactly."
He stood up.
"Kokyū-dō. The Path of Breathing."
Ren looked confused.
"And what does it do?"
Hayato began walking toward the exit.
"It's not about what it has."
He looked at Ren.
"It's about what it can do to you."
Ren remained silent.
Hayato continued:
"When you're able to use it, you'll understand."
He put his hands in his pockets.
"Now, let's go."
Ren quickly stood up.
"Wait, Hayato-san!"
The two started walking out.
That's when a shadow appeared behind them.
Old Lady Kusacab was holding the wooden spoon.
"And where exactly do you two think you're going without paying the bill?"
Hayato stopped.
The color drained from his face.
He slowly looked at Ren.
"Ren..."
"Yes?"
"Run."
"What?"
Hayato grabbed Ren by the arm.
"RUN!"
The two took off down the street.
"HAYATO!"
Old Lady Kusacab chased after them, furious.
Hayato looked back while running.
"SEND THE BILL TO THE SCHOOL!"
The old woman stopped.
She watched the two disappear into the distance.
Then she let out a long sigh.
"Honestly..."
She shook her head.
"That Hayato..."
Meanwhile, Ren ran alongside the principal.
Still smiling.
Unaware that their seemingly ordinary conversation about breathing would become the first step toward completely changing the way he fought.