A clash with Manabu Horikita

What nonsense was this guy spouting?!

I barely know him! We've only met a few times.

And I haven't even settled the score for him teasing me while I was distracted last time!!

Damn it! Spouting nonsense in front of my brother!

What if he gets the wrong idea...?

Unfortunately, Horikita Suzune was cowed by her brother, Manabu Horikita. She had plenty she wanted to say in protest, but she was too nervous to get the words out.

She could only fume silently.

And with her brother watching, Suzune's face instantly flushed bright red. She could only stammer a nervous protest in a quiet voice:

"N-no, that's not true! B... Brother, don't listen to his nonsense."

"H-he's just a nasty bastard, that's all."

Suzune inadvertently revealed her girlish side, then fell silent.

Blushing, Suzune thought, We barely know each other, yet this guy bullies me every time we meet...

And this time, it's in front of my brother.

Oh no, my brother's watching me...

Nervousness +1, nervousness +3, nervousness +10...

Manabu Horikita grew thoughtful. Does my aloof little sister, who blindly imitates me, have this side to her too?

Facing me earlier, Suzune was nervous, but she still stood her ground and argued her case...

But facing this guy who appeared out of nowhere, why did she lose steam after just a couple of guilty-sounding explanations...?

He's overwhelmed her so completely that she's too nervous to speak in front of him. Where's that stubborn attitude she had toward her brother just now?

They don't look unrelated at all.

Interesting! Interesting!

His expression unchanged, Manabu Horikita looked at Natsukawa and spoke:

"Are you in Class D too? Suzune, this man is quite unusual."

"No, I'm in Class C. Now, Horikita, we ought to discuss this matter. You bullied Suzune. I can't just turn a blind eye!"

Natsukawa smiled and waved his phone.

Suzune: You rotten jerk! I hate you!

Stop talking nonsense!

Ding! Affection Rating -5

Manabu Horikita: So he isn't her classmate in Class D?

Suzune, making a friend from another class counts as growth too.

Still, that smug look of his really is irritating.

I know Suzune's personality. She probably doesn't have many friends.

Though Suzune certainly is a little foolish, I can't shake the feeling that someone has sweet-talked away our family's prized daughter...

Manabu Horikita walked up to Natsukawa with a cold expression and said:

"I see."

At that very instant, a blindingly fast backfist shot toward Natsukawa.

Natsukawa had been on guard against a surprise attack all along. In the original story, he had ambushed Ayanokoji like this too. At a school where fists reigned supreme, how could he not take precautions?

Natsukawa leaned his upper body back to evade the strike. Despite Manabu Horikita's slender build, he had unleashed a vicious attack.

When his first strike missed, Manabu Horikita aimed a fierce kick at Natsukawa's vital spot.

Natsukawa knew that an ordinary person struck with that much force would probably lose consciousness in a single blow.

Unfortunately, Natsukawa was no ordinary person. He blocked with both hands in a textbook move, not budging an inch.

A slightly puzzled look crossed Manabu Horikita's face. After exhaling, he opened his right hand and reached straight out. He wanted to grab Natsukawa; if he succeeded, he would throw him to the ground.

Natsukawa thought, It should be my turn now.

Natsukawa was just as quick. He swatted the attack aside with his left palm, then swung his right fist toward Manabu Horikita's abdomen.

Manabu Horikita blocked just as Natsukawa had. After neutralizing the blow, he was inwardly startled, his arms slightly numb. This guy is strong!

When his strike failed, Natsukawa followed up with his left fist, only for Manabu Horikita to block again. He then continued attacking from the left and right...

Horikita Suzune sat crouched on the ground, somewhat at a loss. As she remembered it, her brother was a fifth-dan black belt in Karate and a fourth-dan in Aikido. She had never expected that bastard to trade blows evenly with him, let alone for her brother to gradually fall behind...

Between blocks, Manabu Horikita occasionally found openings to kick Natsukawa, but Natsukawa dodged them all.

Time to end the warm-up. Natsukawa sought an opening and threw a punch before Manabu Horikita could react.

His left fist dealt heavy damage, and his right fist dealt damage heavily!

Caught off guard, Manabu Horikita took two blows, leaving his body aching faintly.

Not bad. He's strong! Very interesting!

Just as he was about to strike back, Horikita Suzune's voice rang out:

"Stop fighting, both of you!"

Ding! Affection Rating -5

Suzune: Bastard, don't hit my brother!

My brother is the strongest person I know.

Yet he hasn't gained the upper hand in this fight.

I absolutely refuse to accept that!

My brother was just affected by my presence. If they have a fair duel next time, it definitely won't turn out like this!

So, for now, stop fighting...

Manabu Horikita: Suzune, you've changed...

Why are you speaking up for that boy?

I'm the one who got hit twice.

I was just about to strike back, full of fighting spirit. I wouldn't necessarily lose...

Sigh. Three years apart, and Suzune has learned to side with outsiders...

Manabu Horikita silently stopped, and Natsukawa took the opportunity to stop as well.

Manabu Horikita said expressionlessly:

"You're quite skilled! Let's spar again when we have the chance."

Natsukawa smiled and said:

"Well, Horikita? You can't wriggle out of this now, can you?"

Manabu Horikita was as cold as ever:

"Name your price."

"One million points?"

Manabu Horikita glanced toward Suzune, then fixed his eyes on Natsukawa and said:

"I'll give you two million."

Without any hesitation, Manabu Horikita transferred the points to Natsukawa. They also exchanged contact information.

Natsukawa wondered, What's this supposed to mean? Is he asking me to look after Suzune a little?

He really is loaded, being in Class A. I should have asked for more.

Still, Natsukawa had thought it through before asking for one million. The other party might not have agreed to more, and this was already the maximum monthly points for over ten students.

Horikita Suzune did not quite understand their exchange of points and murmured:

"Brother, why did you transfer points to this guy? And so many..."

With his belief that Suzune would gain more by growing on her own, Manabu Horikita paid no attention at all to Suzune on the ground.

Manabu Horikita addressed Natsukawa:

"With your ability, you shouldn't remain unknown. I believe you'll soon distinguish yourself at this school."

"Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Manabu Horikita, the elder brother of that hopeless little sister of mine."

Horikita Suzune watched in bewilderment as the two seemed to start making friends, but said nothing.

Under the pressure of her brother's presence, her nervousness continued...

"Natsukawa Tatsuya."

Manabu Horikita waved a hand and prepared to leave, speaking as he turned.

"Natsukawa, just how far can those eyes of yours see? I'm very curious. The Student Council would welcome you."

"Suzune, since you've chosen to follow me to this school, I can't stop your decision. Decide for yourself whether to withdraw!"

"Suzune, if you can't see yourself clearly, perhaps you'd be better off finding a pair of eyes that can help you see the world clearly..."

Manabu Horikita thought, Originally, I only came to see Suzune after so long apart.

And give her a push while I was at it, hoping she could grow enough.

But I met a very interesting junior today.

Right, that girl Suzune.

I've given her the hints she needs. Let her grow by observing Natsukawa.

She won't misinterpret my meaning again, will she?

Horikita Suzune image dpj.