Seven years ago, during that exam, Yuki had failed and been mercilessly taken away by the instructors.
He had thought it was just like the others—another routine elimination.
But—
"Please, no! I only fell a few points short! I passed the physical tests just a few days ago! Give me another chance! I don't want to be eliminated!"
Yuki's tear-streaked face looked so sorrowful, so pitiful.
Suddenly, she turned her pleading gaze toward Yuto. In a miraculous burst of strength, she broke free of the instructor's grip and threw herself at Yuto's feet.
"Please, Yuto! Save me! I don't want to be eliminated!"
But what could he do? Yuki hadn't met the standards, and the glaring gap between her scores and the requirements was right there.
What did she expect Yuto to do? They were both seven-year-old children. How could they stand up to instructors armed with stun guns?
Yuki seemed to mistake Yuto's silence for a refusal. The light in her eyes gradually faded.
"You! Even after being eliminated, you're still causing trouble!" The instructor rushed forward and angrily dragged Yuki away.
"Sa... save... me..." Yuki's voice grew faint.
"Wait!"
Yuto suddenly spoke up.
"What business is it of yours?!" The instructor was already furious. He raised his stun gun and thrust it toward Yuto.
But Yuto's small frame gave him an advantage. He effortlessly twisted the instructor's arm, snatched the stun gun from his hand, and pinned him to the ground.
"Yuto..." Though the instructor had been taken down, Yuki looked even more worried.
Several instructors had rushed in, carrying tranquilizer guns.
Unfortunately, Yuto had no way to attack from a distance.
"Are you trying to rebel, Yuto?" the leader demanded sternly.
"I'm just pointing out that something's wrong with Yuki." Yuto pointed at the hem of her