With the match order finally settled, the crowds from both schools grew noisy again, discussions rising and falling throughout the arena.
"No way!!!" Aoi Todo's voice suddenly exploded through the crowd, drowning out every other sound.
"I don't want to duel a woman! I haven't even bonded with my best friend yet!!!"
His gaze swept past the crowd and Yuta Okkotsu before finally landing on Akutagawa Shang and Maki, reluctance written all over his face.
"Huh?" Akutagawa Shang's brows knitted tightly, his mouth hanging wide open in utter surprise.
Aoi Todo walked straight through the crowd and up to Akutagawa Shang, staring directly at him.
"I already experienced Yuta's passion yesterday. It left me very satisfied."
"But you, my best friend-we still haven't had a real fight."
"I demand a change of opponent!!!" Aoi Todo shouted at the two principals on the platform, his voice soaring into the sky.
"Todo, once the order has been decided, it cannot be changed. Those are the rules."
Gakuganji's dry voice came from the platform, carrying unquestionable authority.
"But-"
"Those are the rules."
Seeing that Aoi Todo showed no intention of giving up, Akutagawa Shang felt he needed to say something.
"Uh... Todo." Akutagawa Shang poked Aoi Todo's arm beside him and spoke quietly.
"What is it, my brother?! Are you also itching to bond with me?" Aoi Todo abruptly turned to look at Akutagawa Shang, startling him into a shudder.
"Uh, no. Hear me out. Here's the thing." Akutagawa Shang covered his mouth, his mind racing as he considered how to persuade him.
"Go ahead, brother." Aoi Todo quieted down and simply watched him.
"The match order's already set, and everyone's drawn their lots. Changing it would be pretty troublesome."
"But don't worry. The woman you're fighting is definitely no ordinary woman." As