In the spectator stands, a man with a neatly side-parted hairstyle had taken a seat beside Miyamoto Ryunosuke.
"Yūichi, what do you think of this Yang Yonggang?" Ryunosuke asked.
Sama Yūichi shook his head. "I've never battled him, but since he's the strongest of China's Elite Four, there must be something extraordinary about him."
Sama Yūichi had been the runner-up last time, eliminated by Gamino, so he had always regarded Gamino as the target he needed to catch up to. Since this Yang Yonggang had earned Gamino's recognition, it went without saying that his strength was anything but ordinary.
This was a very difficult situation. If he refused the challenge, his opponent would consider him timid, a coward. But if he accepted, Yang Yonggang risked revealing his strength ahead of time.
After waiting a while and seeing that no one from China's side had come out, the spectators began buzzing with discussion.
"Tch."
Liang Pingfeng clicked his tongue. "Look at him, so full of himself! Give him an inch and he climbs right up your nose! Does he really think there's no one in China who can take him on?!" With that, he made to go up and battle him.
"What are you doing?!" Long Weixi hurriedly stopped him. "Do you know where we are?! Don't cause trouble here!"
"But!"
Just then, an incredibly familiar, steady voice rang out. Liang Pingfeng, who had been clamoring to go out and settle things with their opponent, suddenly felt a broad hand settle on his shoulder.
Yang Yonggang stood behind him, confidence shining in his eyes. "Leave it to me."
With that, he strode toward the exit.
"Yang," Nalu called after him.
Yang Yonggang, who had been walking straight ahead, stopped and turned his head slightly.
Nalu was silent for a moment. "Be