Sakura Festival

Part 2: Rising Tensions

Part 2: Rising Tensions

The news of Sakura's latest victory spread through Majisuka Academy like wildfire. The underclassmen buzzed with excitement, while the upperclassmen watched with cautious interest. Sakura's name was once again at the forefront of every conversation, and the rumor of a new, formidable challenger in Lee Chaeyeon only added fuel to the fire.

Chaeyeon, despite her defeat, earned the respect of many for her skills and tenacity. But she wasn't satisfied. She had come to Majisuka for a challenge, and she wasn't about to let one loss define her. She knew that to truly make her mark, she would have to climb the ranks, take on the Rapappa, and ultimately face Salt herself.

In the days following her fight with Sakura, Chaeyeon began to make her presence known. She challenged other students, honing her skills and building her reputation. Each victory brought her one step closer to her goal, but it also attracted the attention of the Rapappa.

In the Rapappa clubhouse, the atmosphere was tense. Otabe, always the strategist, saw Chaeyeon as a potential threat to their reign. Yoga and Magic were indifferent, while Bakamono was eager for a fight. But Salt remained unfazed, her boredom still evident despite the growing tension.

"We should keep an eye on her," Otabe suggested, addressing Salt directly. "Chaeyeon's not like the others. She could be trouble."

Salt finally opened her eyes, sitting up with a sigh. "If she wants to challenge us, let her. I'm not worried."

Otabe knew better than to press the issue. Salt's confidence was well-founded, but she also knew that underestimating an opponent could be dangerous. Still, she trusted Salt's judgment and decided to wait and see how things played out.

Meanwhile, Sakura was restless. She couldn't shake the feeling that her rematch with Salt was slipping further away. The arrival of Chaeyeon had disrupted the balance, and for the first time in a long while, Sakura felt uncertain. She had to prove herself, not just to Salt, but to everyone who doubted her.

The tension between Sakura and Chaeyeon continued to simmer. They crossed paths often, each encounter filled with an unspoken challenge. But despite their rivalry, there was a mutual respect that neither could deny.

One afternoon, as Sakura was leaving the school grounds, she found Chaeyeon waiting for her. The air was thick with anticipation as the two locked eyes.

"Still looking for a rematch?" Chaeyeon asked, a hint of a smile playing on her lips.

Sakura nodded, her expression serious. "And I'm not going to let anyone else get in the way."

Chaeyeon chuckled softly. "Good. Because I'm not backing down either."

The two stared at each other, the unspoken agreement clear. They were rivals, yes, but in a way, they were also pushing each other to be stronger. The fight for the top was just as much about proving themselves to each other as it was about taking on the Rapappa.

As the days passed, the school grew more divided. Some students rallied behind Sakura, while others supported Chaeyeon. The tension was palpable, and it seemed like it was only a matter of time before things came to a head.

One day, during lunch, Otabe received word that Chaeyeon was planning to challenge Salt directly. She immediately brought the news to Salt, who simply shrugged.

"Let her come," Salt said, her voice as calm as ever. "If she can get past Sakura, then she's earned the right to challenge me."

Otabe couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. Sakura was strong, but Chaeyeon was an unknown factor, and the Rapappa couldn't afford to be complacent. Still, she trusted Salt's judgment and began making preparations for what could be the biggest showdown in Majisuka Academy's recent history.

The school was buzzing with excitement. Everyone knew that a battle was imminent, and the anticipation was almost too much to bear. Sakura and Chaeyeon's rivalry had reached a boiling point, and the only way to settle it was through a fight.

As the day of the challenge approached, Sakura found herself reflecting on everything that had led her to this point. She had come to Majisuka Academy with one goal—to reach the top and challenge Salt. But now, she had a new rival in Chaeyeon, and she knew that this fight would determine everything.

The stage was set, and the entire school was watching. Sakura and Chaeyeon stood at the center of the courtyard, surrounded by a crowd of eager students. This was it—the moment they had both been waiting for.

With a deep breath, Sakura took her stance, her eyes locked on Chaeyeon. "This time, I won't hold back."

Chaeyeon mirrored her stance, her expression determined. "Neither will I."

And with that, the fight began.

To be continued...