[AllTakemichi] Control

Chapter 3

In the past, Mikey and Draken would have taught Kiyomasa a lesson on July 7, 2005. Takemichi is waiting for that day; he doesn't just simply want to seek revenge on that guy again. Takemichi goes home to check his savings, which isn't much. He looks at the items in his room, thinking he should sell some to buy a few things.

"Takemichi-kun, have you been lacking sleep lately?" Hinata notices Takemichi nodding off in class, so she asks.

"I'm fine, Hina-chan."

Today is July 7th, and Takemichi is taking a nap to regain strength because he will fight Kiyomasa today.

"Takemitchy, check yourself. If you don't feel okay, I'll help you out. I'm afraid you won't be able to beat Kiyomasa," Draken advises him like a mother hen caring for her chick.

"That would be embarrassing," he objects.

"It's okay to lose. I appreciate your determination," Mikey also teases him nonstop on the way.

These two guys!

When they arrive at the underground fighting venue, memories flood back to Takemichi. He remembers the first time he met the two of them. The scene is quite impressive and frightening in Takemichi's memory. Everyone bowed respectfully to them, appearing truly powerful. Takemichi had been in similar situations when accompanying them, witnessing the bowing scene multiple times, but he never gets used to it.

They arrive right in the midst of the battle, and the whole crowd seems to tremble with fear upon seeing Mikey and Draken. Some curious glances are directed towards him, accompanied by murmurs filled with curiosity.

"Who's the guy with the president and vice president?"

"Don't know, seems strange."

Kiyomasa quickly steps forward, bowing his head to greet Mikey and Draken. However, his not-quite-90-degree bow is once again met with a painful kick from Draken, the sensation even stronger than the last time.

"Since when do you think you're so important, Kiyomasa? Bowing to the president, yet you dare to bow lightly like that?"

He doubles over, clutching his stomach, while Draken then turns to Takemichi and winks.

"Huh? Don't tell me this was on purpose because of me? Cheating!"

Takemichi pulls a foolish face. Draken sees his silly demeanor and chuckles, then ruffles his hair. Since when did Draken develop a hobby of patting others' heads? Takemichi furrows his brow helplessly as Draken messes up his already unruly hair. Draken seems to enjoy this, while the onlookers are wide-eyed in surprise. Who is this guy? Being so familiar with the vice president like that?

"It seems like there's some fun fighting going on here, huh?"

Mikey speaks from the center of the courtyard. The crowd immediately pales.

"Kiyomasa, you seem to enjoy making money from underground fights? Or maybe you'd try fighting yourself. Today, I feel like placing a bet."

Everyone is astonished, unsure of Mikey's intentions. Kiyomasa and his group are trembling even more.

"Today, I'll bet 100 million yen that Takemitchy will win against you," Mikey declared.

Oh, the familiar yet unfamiliar scene. Takemichi wants to scream out. Who is the one just mocked for predicting that I would lose? And now, he's placing a bet of 100 million yen on me.

"I'll also bet 100 million yen on Takemitchy."

Don't add yourself, Draken. Takemichi jerks his head to look at Draken, but he just shrugs as if to say, "I believe in you, man." Takemichi is speechless.