Tifa looked at Ryuji apologetically and gave a slight bow.
"I'm sorry, Ryuji. Something came up yesterday and delayed me."
She looked at him with embarrassment and wanted to explain further, but Ryuji simply told her to begin today's training.
"I trust you. Let's start training."
Ryuji didn't think someone with Tifa's personality would be the type to slack off, so he didn't ask any further questions and instead urged her to get into the proper mindset and begin her daily practice.
Tifa could tell that Ryuji wasn't angry and breathed a sigh of relief. She immediately focused herself and began her usual training routine.
However, Ryuji could also tell that she wasn't really in top condition. So, after having her do some light warm-up exercises, he brought her in for breakfast instead.
The atmosphere at the dining table was rather strange, but Tifa didn't have time to pay attention to that. She quickly ate the grilled meat, stewed chicken and other foods that would never normally appear on a family's breakfast table, rapidly replenishing the nutrients her body needed and restoring her weakened condition.
Meanwhile, Ryuji was busy thinking about adapting to the Satsui no Hado, various combat techniques, and several other matters.
When Tifa finished eating, she remembered what Kasumi Todoh had said about wanting to come here and couldn't help bringing it up.
"Um, Ryuji, sister Mai, when will the Shiranui-ru start accepting students again? A girl in my class seems interested."
Mai thought for a moment before looking at Ryuji. Ryuji glanced at his phone, checked the progress of the World Martial Arts Tournament, and then answered.
"Probably after the World Martial Arts Tournament starts. That's when the Shiranui-ryu's reputation will spread much more effectively. Right now would be a bit of a waste."
Ryuji's plan remained unchanged, it revolved around tournament. After all, sparring between martial artists only made other martial artists aware of your existence.
Ordinary people were a different matter.
Scrolling through information about the tournament on his phone, Ryuji asked.
"Speaking of which, Tifa, how are you adjusting to school? If you run into any problems, just tell me."
At the mention of school, Tifa looked a little embarrassed.
"It's going well. The teachers explain things clearly. It's a little difficult at times, but I can keep up."
She genuinely liked school. Being in a place where so many children gathered to learn, interact, and grow together was something she found herself deeply fond of.
Sometimes she even thought that if she could establish a similar school back in Midgar, there wouldn't be nearly as many delinquents and troublemakers there. Everyone would have the chance to learn useful skills and knowledge to make a living. It was a truly wonderful idea.
"That's good. If anything happens, make sure to tell me. There are just too many bullying incidents in Japan. If somebody gives you trouble, tell me, and I'll go beat up their parents."
Ryuji calmly stated his solution, which made Mai roll her eyes.
"Seriously, who goes straight to beating people up? Tifa, if you run into any problems, be sure to tell us. We'll make sure you get justice!"
Mai's face turned serious, while Shiranui Kasumi looked at Tifa with somewhat complicated emotions. She had never gone to school herself, and a school obviously wouldn't accept a clone like her, so she couldn't help feeling a little envious of Tifa.
"You don't need to worry. My friends at school are all very nice."
Tifa smiled. For some reason, she felt as if Mai wanted to become her mother. It was a very strange feeling. Sometimes it seemed like Mai was so eager to become a mother that she could hardly wait any longer.
"That's good. Just make sure nobody bullies you."
Mai let out a sigh of relief. She looked at Tifa and couldn't help imagining Tifa as her daughter, letting out a silly giggle.
"Hehehe..."
The sight sent a chill down Tifa's spine.
It wasn't until after breakfast was finally over that Tifa suddenly remembered something.
She hadn't done her homework!
Tifa was in danger!
Naturally, Ryuji had no idea that Tifa hadn't done her homework. After breakfast, he headed out with Mai and Shiranui Kasumi to continue challenging dojos.
Unfortunately, the dojo challenges were just as boring as before.
There was absolutely no challenge to him. Even while deliberately holding back, Ryuji still defeated everyone instantly.
Not even the so-called Kyokugenryu Dojo managed to escape the same fate.
And because so much time had been saved, while heading toward the dojo they planned to challenge that afternoon, Ryuji took out his phone and began reading through the additional information Douglas had sent him regarding the World Martial Arts Tournament.
Then, naturally, he came across some interesting news.
"Rugal, huh?"
According to the report, Rugal had used his connections to become involved in the tournament's preparations. Not only had he helped Douglas purge a large number of people within DOATEC, but he had also dispatched his own forces to help Douglas deal with numerous manufacturers, allowing the new smartphones to enter production in time for the tournament and be promoted through the event itself.
Ryuji was somewhat speechless.
It was pretty obvious that this was closely related to him beating the hell out of Goenitz. Otherwise, there was no way Rugal would have bled this much to make concessions to DOATEC. And all he had asked for in return was the right to issue invitations, the authority to choose the final battle venue, 30% of the profits and free advertising.
Yes. For someone like Rugal, a man wealthy enough to own a private aircraft carrier, those terms were practically the equivalent of taking a massive loss.
There was probably quite a bit of turmoil within Rugal's own organization because of this contract.
Yet even so, Rugal had remained absolutely determined about choosing the venue. It seemed that the man still wanted to challenge the strongest fighters and then turn them into bronze statues.
"What an incomprehensible fetish..."
Ryuji really wanted to complain. If it were defeating female fighters and making them kneel before him and turning them into his personal maids, then Ryuji could understand that.
Because he wanted to do that himself.
But turning people into bronze statues?
That was a little too perverted.
"Whatever. The deal's already done, so there's no point dwelling on it."
~~~~~~~~~~
You can support me by subscribing on Patreon and read up to 20 chapters ahead.
patreon.com/Ranabir_20