Chapter 31: Resolving Issues
In an instant, Shiro's aura suddenly changed, exuding a primal, overpowering intensity. Unleashing this fierce energy, he let his raw power surge forward.
Sensing Shiro's sudden shift, Hanamiya and his gang paled; they could feel the fear creeping in.
"Damn it, it's him again!" Hanamiya glared at Shiro with hatred and disdain. These so-called prodigies, he thought, were nothing more than arrogant nuisances. In his mind, the world would be better off without them.
"B-Boss, should we… still go for it?" one of his lackeys asked, trembling and already taking a step back. He felt that the person standing in front of him was simply a ferocious figure, and they couldn't easily provoke him.
"Idiot! Come on! Are we seriously scared of one guy? Run away, and I'll deal with you personally!" Hanamiya yelled, his voice both a threat and a warning.
"Let's get him!" Another shout broke out as Hanamiya's group rushed forward with wild energy, fists and feet ready to land.
A smirk played at Shiro's lips. Watching them charge, he couldn't help but find their attempts amusingly slow and clumsy compared to his own sharp athleticism. With his confidence anchored in his own strength and instincts, he didn't hold back. Targeting the first attacker, he swung a powerful punch that hit right on his face, sending the lackey crashing to the ground.
But Shiro didn't stop there. He continued with a flurry of punches and elbows, every strike precise, even as he threw knee after knee, dropping each opponent who dared come close.
After a swift series of blows, the group lay scattered across the ground, bruised and bleeding, some with faces marked and others fading in and out of consciousness.
Hanamiya stood frozen, eyes wide with shock as he watched his crew, laid out on the ground in front of Shiro. All he could manage was a strangled, "Wh-what…"
Shiro, his hands now stained (but clearly not with his own blood), began walking slowly toward Hanamiya, each step calm and deliberate. The fear in Hanamiya's eyes grew as he instinctively backed away.
If anyone were to see this scene, they might think Shiro was some vengeful monster straight out of a horror story, perhaps a headline waiting for the next day. But Shiro always took secluded routes; there'd be no one around to hear any cries for help.
"Stay… stay back!" Hanamiya's voice wavered, his attempt to sound tough betrayed by the tremor in his voice. "If… if you take one more step, I'll call the police!"
Shiro remained unmoved by Hanamiya's words, fully aware of where the police's loyalties lay. His family name carried weight, and he knew exactly which side the law would favor.
Without giving Hanamiya time to react, Shiro grabbed him by the hair, his expression dark. "Hanamiya, you actually had the nerve to mess with me?"
His voice was as cold and harsh as a blade, and Hanamiya's face went pale with terror as he shook uncontrollably.
"S-Shiro, I...I know I was wrong, next... next time I... I will definitely not... I won't mess you" Desperate, Hanamiya tried to pry Shiro's hand off, but his efforts only highlighted how powerless he was in Shiro's grip.
"Thinking about next time already?" Shiro scoffed, finally letting go of Hanamiya's disheveled hair to give him a moment to catch his breath.
But just as Hanamiya thought he'd found some relief, Shiro seized his head in an iron grip, slamming it down onto the hard pavement with unrestrained force.
Shiro knew from experience that sometimes, the only way to get people to leave him alone was to show them he could be even more ruthless than they ever expected.
After the impact, Hanamiya lay dazed, his vision blurring as the pain overwhelmed him. His consciousness faded, and his body went limp.
"Hanamiya, let this be a small warning" Shiro said, lifting his foot and pressing it lightly onto Hanamiya's face, devoid of emotion. "If you're thinking about revenge, make sure you've weighed your chances. And next time, learn who you're dealing with." He paused, his voice like ice. "Remember the name—Kawakami."
"I—I understand!" Hanamiya stammered, jolted to full awareness at the mention of "Kawakami" He nodded frantically, the realization of Shiro's family status cementing his fear.
With a small, barely noticeable smile, Shiro released Hanamiya and stepped back, taking one last steady look at the scene before turning to walk away. His stride was firm and confident, dismissing the mess behind him.
He knew that, despite the bruises and scrapes, none of them were hurt too badly. They'd be fine to get up and seek medical help soon. Shiro had been precise, careful to avoid any serious harm.