That blatant provocation—how could Ryuen possibly tolerate it?
He burst out laughing, a combative ferocity surging in his eyes. "Interesting."
As soon as he spoke, he strode toward the center of the stage. The Class C students around him sensibly made way.
The "Dance King Contest" had begun in an instant.
Ryuen stopped three steps away from Uesugi Hara.
There was a clear difference in their height. If they stood any closer, Ryuen would have to look up at him, which greatly annoyed Ryuen Kakeru, who was used to being in control of everything.
At this distance, he could meet Uesugi Hara's gaze head-on without giving up any ground.
First came the stage where the two contestants traded taunts.
"Uesugi! You dare take me on?" Ryuen clenched his fist, making no effort to hide his impatience or fighting spirit.
He'd disliked the arrogant guy for a long time. Now he could settle their old and new grudges all at once.
Uesugi Hara raised an eyebrow and put on a haughty air. "The weak don't deserve to compete with me."
"The weak?" Ryuen gave a wicked smile, a vicious curve tugging at his lips. "That's an interesting thing to call me."
He didn't like being called that, but he wasn't angry.
Rather than trade barbs, he'd rather use his strength to stomp the kid into the ground.
"Then tell me. What'll it take for you to compete?"
"Simple." Uesugi Hara remained expressionless, but his words made Ryuen's mouth twitch. "If I win, I'll take a few skewers with me later, and you can't refuse when I come by for a free meal tomorrow. If I lose, I'll give you a hundred thousand Points when we get back."
Uesugi Hara kept his cool, as if those shameless words hadn't come from him.