They had thought this pre-match provocation would end there, but the principal's reprimand failed to quell Naoya Zenin's anger.
An even more vicious sneer tugged at his lips. His gaze swept over Shoko behind Qingxiao, and every word drifted clearly into the Tokyo team's ears:
"Why act so tough?
A reputation earned through dirty tricks was never worth showing off.
And that woman beside you..."
Suguru Geto's expression darkened. Instantly sensing something wrong, he reached forward and to the side to stop Qingxiao, speaking urgently:
"Qingxiao! Don't do anything rash. Fighting before the competition means heavier penalties. Whatever score you have to settle, do it in the arena-"
The rest of his sentence cut off abruptly.
His fingers caught nothing but air. The spot beside him was already empty.
Satoru Gojo lifted his sunglasses and pointed across the arena:
"Don't bother stopping him. He's already over there.
I was watching with my Six Eyes. Qingxiao moved before that guy could get the rest out."
Suguru Geto followed his voice and looked over, his pupils contracting slightly.
In the blink of an eye, Qingxiao had crossed half the arena and stood before the Kyoto team's railing.
His right hand clamped tightly around Naoya Zenin's neck. With a slight exertion, he lifted him out of the group.
He forcibly choked back every filthy, vicious word that had yet to leave the other boy's throat.
Naoya Zenin's pupils shrank. The arrogance and contempt on his face shattered completely, leaving only sudden terror.
His neck was locked in an iron grip, instantly cutting off his breathing. His face flushed red, and veins bulged along his neck.
The insults that had been on the tip of his tongue turned into broken, muffled grunts. He could not force out a single word.
Instinctively, he stirred the