The next day, after Tetsuhiro's patient instruction in sports, the students lay sprawled on the grass, utterly exhausted.
Even a physical weakling like Yugi Muto had been singled out for special training.
It made them miss their thrones more than ever.
"If you don't like studying, then you'll exercise with me. Understood?"
"Understood!"
The bell signaling the end of school finally brought the hellish training to an end.
They struggled back to the classroom, too tired even to chat. All they wanted was to pack their things, hurry home, and collapse into bed.
Joey Wheeler, however, went to the window alone and, with a conflicted look in his eyes, threw something glittering gold toward the river.
"Kid, has someone been bullying you lately? How about hiring me as your bodyguard? I'll teach those two a lesson for you."
Utterly exhausted, Yugi Muto risked cutting across the Disciplinary Committee's training grounds to take a shortcut.
He still ended up being stopped beside the path by Ushio, a hulking member of the Disciplinary Committee.
At his suggestion, Yugi stammered, "N-no, nobody's bullying me. Thank you for your concern, Ushio."
"Really? That's not what I heard. Don't worry, my rates are perfectly fair." As he spoke, he grabbed Yugi and lifted him up.
"What are you doing?" Tetsuhiro approached from the school gates with a stern expression.
He slapped a hand onto Ushio's shoulder. Ushio felt as though a boulder had pinned him down; his face instantly went pale, and even his words came out in a stammer.
"T-Teacher Li, I was asking about Yugi's everyday life."
Ushio, who had been so arrogant and forceful a moment ago, now timidly put Yugi down like a frightened little chick.
Tetsuhiro smiled and ruffled Yugi's hair. "Off you go. Stay safe on your way