Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

A quiet silent kid was standing outside the house with a jacket rounded around his shoulders this jacket belonged to an man which was his now father Aiko Umemiya . Sakura Haruka a 8 year old boy had heterochromatic eyes one grey and other a striking gold, he had perfectly spilt of black and white color hair was adopted by a warm-loving family the Umemiyas who gave him nothing but love and care which sakura didnt get since he was 4 The gentle Yuto his adoptive mother who cooked forhim a always calling him her knight along with his Brother who was loud but kind Hajime who always kept him company and help him whenever he needed like dealing with bulies etc. And last but not least a spirited father who always run after them to check if they were alright and join them in their play if needed despite work a job for the family. To Haruka it was perfect he didn't needed any luxury but he needed support which was given by his parents and big brother and that was enough.

But life is never that simple since a Drunk person didn't care about safety his reckless driving caused a car crash which took both lives of Aiko and Yuto and destroyed the family

Sakura was used to world's cruelty but he couldn't cry he was not crying he just remained silent like he was expecting it but was delayed he was silent but at that movement his heart broke as he watch his parents dead bodies being taken his loud and kind brother had a breakdown he never saw before he couldn't do anything  he was helpless and felt even more guilt when he didn't said he is gratefull and Hajime who was hysterical from crying and had emotions all over the blamed Sakura for their death which stung Sakura a lot.

And came the final drop a relative offered to adopt Hajime but he declined to adopt Sakura and Hajime accepted since he was idiotic and was in grief he accept it.

Sakura lost everything his brother his parents after so long but someone took it away like it didn't matter he ended up in the orphanage where it seems evething is alright but it was living hell for Sakura the bulling of him got worst to a point of physical abuse his caretakers ignored him and his grades plumted since he had to worry to a point when his next meal would come he was enrolled to goverment school to study cause despite his looks Sakura was a genius he solved problem with ease and had a good memory so this earned him some respect form his caretakers so bulling can be slowed down cause he heard stories in which goverment facilites are a bad news and not safe.

Sakura considered his appearance a curse but never changed cause when he tried. He felt he was losing another part of him the part which was pretty and sign of love of the Umemiya'

Sakura forgave Hajime. At first he was angry with him for leaving him but later let it go since he thought Hajime was just greiving and took that decision at heat of the moment and the relative didn't even correct him, Sakura accepted that.

Sakura knew some people including the care takers hated him so to secure a life for the future sakura started looking for jobs when he was thirteen and got it at a bakery shop which offered resonable pay , Sakura took it and it was best decision ever cause because of it he earned money started saving it so if anything happens he would in safe hands due to his savings, Sakura could'nt contact Hajime but Sakura knew Hajime would not see him for a while. so he moved on not for himself but for his parents who had faces with expresion of relief when they saw Sakura and Hajime being safe and Sakura did not want to disrespect that.

Years passed 

A smell of flour and sweet would invade your nose since Sakura was still working in bakery following exact instructions of the owner and baking exact sweet cakes and bread.

Sakura has changed a lot he used to be hothead and still is but he more calmer than ever his black and white hair still present since he didn't dye it and had same eye color he used to.

FUN FACT

{

Bakery owner was Sketical at first about how Sakura is due to Rumors but when Sakura showed how he actually behaves he kept him and Sakura turned out to be one of his best employees since he was able help in every task he throw at him

}

3rd pov

In an dark alley where no one is safe a woman makes a foolish mistake for taking a shortcut and now was being harased by some men lucikly sakura was there to save the day and helped the woman.

And yep this was Sakura's purpose fighting for someone who is weak then him and he enjoyed the thrill of the fight and when he found out about furin it was deal done to be top dog at Furin High.

Chapter Text

Creak…Whoosh…

Unending noises of a tethering cord and hollow gusts of wind never fail to flood Sakura’s every moment. A pitch-black abyss threatens to swallow him from below.

Whether he was awake or asleep, the sensation of emptiness always made its presence known. He never really knew what to make of it. An innominate, odd, yet constant feeling.

Solitude?

Not quite. It was something far more...

“He got in another fight.”

“Stay away from him. He’s nothing but trouble.”

“What else do you expect from someone who looks like that?”

“Your wallet’s gone? I bet he stole it.”

“He’s a curse.”

“Disgusting.”

…suffocating.

“I told you this boy was nothing but trouble!”

“Well, if you weren’t going out all the time, you could’ve-”

Sakura’s fourth adoptive parents argued with him in the middle. Nothing new.

“Damn you and this cursed child.” The husband spat and made his way to the door. “I’ve had enough embarrassment of being called to the principal’s office every week because of your brutish attitude. Stealing your classmate’s things, harassing others…For fuck’s sake, dye your hair and gouge your eyes if you have to. You look like a freak!”

Sakura glared at him but remained silent and unmoving.

He didn’t steal shit. He was blamed. He didn’t harass anyone. They were the ones who punched him first. Sakura tried to avoid these from happening but…Oh well, no use defending himself. Not this time, he could tell.

Besides, Sakura has heard those words too many times to care. There was nothing wrong with his black and yellow eyes. There was nothing wrong with his black and white hair. People have told him time and time again that it looked ridiculous.

Sakura once repulsed himself because of that.

In the end, he refuses to be dragged by the mere opinions of these people. Looks had nothing to do with a fight so when people said otherwise, all Sakura had to do was drag them through the ground.

Nothing new.

“That brat better be gone when I come back, or else!” A slam followed his exit.

The wife turned to Sakura, her tears laced with regret threatened to flow “…this is all your fault.” Her voice darkened with abhor. “Get out of our home. Leave.”

“Thank you for everything until now.”

With that, Sakura left the small house with only himself.

Sakura sighed. He almost pitied them for taking him in. Almost.

For now, he had to look for work and hold on until he graduated middle school. Again.

Nothing new.

Wind chines echoed throught the streets Sakura was out for a walk to know this city better but something was off.

Bofurin?

"IF you bring trouble cause damage to property or people will be purged by Bofurin without exception" Sakura read now more curious about Furin since Bofurin seems to be part of it.

And he wasn't the only one who was curious the look locals gave him was of curiosity since he was new to the town and was never seen before but sakura was uncomfortable so he covered his hair with his hoodie but he had second guessing himself since they were looking at him with smiles like he wasn't a delinquent
and was wearing uniform of one.

Before he could continue he saw bunch of wannabe thugs who think they are strong while harassing the weak this sight disgusted Sakura since he knew the helpness of the someone weak so he stepped in asking "How lame someone can be who harass someone weaker from them?"

The leader of group was pissed that someone interrupted so he swung but was too slow giving Sakura perfect opportunity to step back and taunt them about being weak even failing to land a blow then they charged together and brawl begun but at the end sakura was the one standing having zero to no injuries and didn't even broke a sweat.

The fight was brutal which would scare anybody but the girl who was victim actually thanked him and invited him to eat at her place.

which Sakura took without any hesitation since haven't eaten anything since tomorrow night.

Sakura asked the girl who introduced herself as Tachibana Kotoha and was friendly but blunt which cleared some doubt in his head after talking to Kotoha he now knew everything it was because of Bofurin heroic actions for the town and since he was now part of Bofurin he was also welcomed as one. well Sakura wasn't complaining he get to fight so it was no problem only thing he had to think is wellbeing of locals in the fight.

The conversation was interupted by an passing old man who was here for his tea and left money on the table but he forgot something else too his bag which Sakura gave it to him Asking "is this yours?"

The old man thanked Sakura for his considerate attitude at which Sakura blushed at being complimented since voice was filled with genuine gratefull and kindness. He promissed himself earlier to get used to town unsual behavior but he can't help but be in doubt because of his several intractions which were hell.

Sakura was then given some candies by Kotoha who thanked him again Sakura was just done so he gave her a quiet nod and left.

But the day was far from over the thugs earlier brought even more people and started thrasing the place on the main street Sakura patience was alteady this due today so there was no way a brawl could be avoided, so it began Sakura was doging turning kicking and punching every single one them in his way.

The fight was in Sakura's favor untill Someone held Kotoha as hostage and Sakura had no choice but to rescue her which he did but he had to go defensive in the fight if he wish to protect Kotoha and things went more downhill when an thug slashed Sakura's left ankle which limited his mobility but he didn't back down and shifted all his strength to right foot to dodge any attack and now he was using only his fists to fight.

Sakura didn't care about himself if get more injured or make bleeding of ankle worst cause he never did he had lost everything and almost gave up but how town people treated him warmly he wanted to be selfish he wanted to live which kept up his will to fight more and when he was about encounter someone who had a bat then..

Clang!

The blow never came cause there was a newcomer now who caught bat effortlessly
....=You a first year glad you were here........, Kotoha-chan don't tell you know who tell you were in danger

this newcomer had shark like teeth and blond hair and had strong built who seem to be in third year snatched the bat and kicked the attacker away.

......=Oi punks, you made real mess of the town (tone dangerously quiet but contain rage and authority)(after bending the bat )DO YOU KNOW THAT MEANS HUH?

then three more newcomers showed up

......=what only this many? Aunty told us there were atleast 100.

......=with only two of us we would won either way.

Sakura stares at now members of bofurin who were there to help him and town Sakura can't help but be confused when heard town people cheering them up for the fight.

Then Kotoha explain everything about furin or bofurin how they protect the town.

Sakura was deep in thought but was snapped out of it when he saw a thug running towards him he prepared himself by deflecting the blow and landing a blow of his own to that thug then then the third year now Hiragi kicked him away (He got name when one thug recalled his name fearing him)
and ordered sakura to stay away if his injured . Sakura listened and backed down since he would only be a liability in the fight.

After the ordeal nearest locals came down to congratulate and express their gratitude.

Sakura got to know everything about Bofurin he needed to know so he prepared to walk away but was stopped by a local who were happy because Sakura defended them and a old lady offered to bandage his ankle Sakura was overwhelmed and yelped gathering everyone attention then Kotoha clamly said to Sakura that she didn't know what happened to him throught his time but she can tell he didn't give up on people so look her in the eyes and everyone since this town actually needs him.

Sakura looked up and to his surprise everyone was looking at him with look of understanding and genuine kindness .

Then out of nowhere Sakura ran in direction of the crowd then jumped high ignoring the pain and stomped on face of the group leader who was about to take a hostage when noone was looking at him which earned him some suprised glances about how he picked up on his attempt.

Then Sakura ran away overwhelmed with lot of emotions. He needed space when reached his apartment he colasped letting ingnoring all the pain and leting it all out through anger on an pillow.

HE was ovewhelemed but he also wanted to stay here and be selfish.

Chapter Text

For the first time in what felt like years, Sakura Haruka had no dreams.

It wasn’t something that immediately registered—only a quiet realization when he awoke in the pale morning light, blinking up at the ceiling of his small apartment in Makotochi. No surreal flashbacks. No night terrors. No screams in his subconscious. Just… silence.

And rest.

He sat up slowly, strands of his white-and-black hair falling into his eyes—one grey, one violet—and rubbed his temple.

“Nothing… huh.”

The realization made him pause, but not in a troubled way. More like a rare piece of peace had touched him.

“Strange… but I feel good.”

He got dressed without overthinking it. Threw on a loose tee, his worn black uniform pants, and walked barefoot into the kitchen. The pan sizzled as he cracked an egg onto it. Steam curled from the pot where miso soup bubbled beside rice finishing in the cooker.

As he sat down with his humble meal, a monologue drifted through his head—one he was all too familiar with.

“Two-toned hair. Heterochromatic eyes. It was never just my looks they hated. It was what they represented—‘different,’ ‘unnatural,’ ‘wrong.’ Whether it was a foster home, a classroom, or the street, people always stared like I was cursed.”

He took a bite of egg and chewed slowly, his face unreadable.

“But this town… it doesn’t feel the same. Makotochi… It’s weird. Quieter. Softer. Maybe that’ll change. But for now—"

He glanced out the window at the sunlit street.

“—I hope today goes well.”

There was clarity in his mind—no fatigue dragging his limbs, no static buzzing in his head. Sakura recognized it immediately.

“Dreamless sleep. This is what thinking clearly feels like?”

With nothing to do and his body unusually light, he decided to take a stroll. Makotochi’s streets were still unfamiliar, but peaceful. Shops opened one by one. The smell of bread and incense filled the air.

Then a frail voice called out.

“Dear? Excuse me—could you help an old lady get to Pothos Café? My hips just aren’t what they used to be…”

Sakura turned. The woman was tiny, hunched, clutching her back. He glanced down, eyes narrowing.

She’s standing pretty straight for someone with hip pain…

But he said nothing and offered his arm. They walked at a brisk pace—too brisk.

Definitely a setup.

Still, he guided her until they reached the familiar wooden sign of Pothos Café. She gave a theatrical sigh of relief.

“You’re a lifesaver, dear. Thank you!”

Sakura nodded once, ready to leave, but a familiar voice called out from the door.

“Would you like some breakfast?”

Kotoha, the café’s gentle-eyed owner, stood in the entrance. She wore her usual white apron, her hair tied up loosely. Sakura shook his head.

“Already ate. Coffee would be nice, though.”

She chuckled. “On the house. You’ll understand soon enough.”

As he accepted the steaming cup, the café doorbell jingled behind him.

DING-

A blur stumbled in—and immediately crashed to the floor with a loud thud.

“Kotohaaa! How do I look for my first day?!”

Sakura raised an eyebrow.

“You left the price tag on your shirt.”

The boy—thin, enthusiastic, and clearly new—looked down, screamed, then yanked the tag off in a panic and fell again.

Is he really going to Furin?
Kotoha chuckled knowingly.

“Sakura, meet Nerei Akihito.”

Nerei shot up, brushing himself off with a laugh and pulling out a tiny pocket notebook.

“I’ve never heard of a ‘Sakura Haruka’ from around here. Why’re you in Makotochi?”

Sakura met his eyes evenly.

“To become the strongest. The top dog at Furin.”

Nerei blinked, then eyed Sakura’s hair.

“Did your hair used to be all black? Looks like half of it turned white from stress. You know if you keep going down that path, you’re gonna go bald, right?”

Kotoha lost it. She laughed so hard she had to lean against the counter.

Sakura stood up, deadpan.

“I’m leaving.”

He left through the back door and wandered. His feet took him the long way back—but it didn’t feel like a waste. Vendors greeted him, shopkeepers offered snacks. He accepted a rice cracker from an old florist and a bottle of juice from a street vendor.

People here are different…

Then he spotted her—a girl waving frantically at him near the alley.

“Please! You have to help—this way!”

He followed without hesitation.

In the narrow alley, chaos erupted.

Nerei was already there—shaking, fists raised—but surrounded. Three older boys, all muscle and menace, laughed as they closed in.

Sakura assessed the scene calmly.

He can’t fight. But he still jumped in?

With surgical precision, Sakura dispatched the aggressors. Not one of them landed a hit. Bones met pavement. Groans echoed as they crawled away.

Sakura turned to Nerei, who sat on the ground, wide-eyed.

“I—uh… I just… I admire Furin, okay? I know I looked pathetic but—”

“Shut up,” Sakura said.

Nerei flinched.

“If you can’t fight, I’ll teach you. One-time offer. Don’t waste it.”

Nerei blinked. “Wait, really?”

That broke Nerei. His eyes welled up.

“Then I’ll help you too, Sakura! I’ll help you become the strongest!”

Sakura looked away, hiding the twitch at the corner of his lips.

“Do what you want. I don’t care.”

But in truth… he did.

Furin High

Graffiti sprawled across the school’s exterior walls—bold names, faded threats, bright colors over rusting concrete.

Nerei buzzed beside him as they entered the front gate, reading the class rosters like a kid at a candy shop.

“Hey, Sakura! We’re in the same class—1-1! Look—Suo, Kiryu, Tsugeura... and…”

He paused.

His face paled.

“...oh no.”

They walked in silence down the hall.

“You should probably smile,” Nerei offered weakly.

Sakura kept walking. “Can’t. Don’t know how.”

“I mean... people might try to outcast you—”

Sakura stopped.

“If that happens, I’ll leave. Simple.”

Nerei stared, wide-eyed.

He’s not just serious… He’s ready.

Class 1-1

Sakura slid the classroom door open.

The noise inside dropped to zero.

Every pair of eyes turned to him. The air tightened.

Nerei stood frozen in the doorway, swallowing.

“They’re staring… and not in a friendly way…”

Sakura’s calm didn’t waver.

From the front row, a tall red-haired boy stood and approached. An eyepatch covered his left eye, but the other sparkled with curiosity.

“You must be Sakura Haruka?”

“Yeah.”

The boy smiled and stuck out his hand.

“I’m Suo. Heard about what you did—fighting off those punks downtown before Hiragi even showed up. "

A student perked up. “Wait—what fight?”

Another leaned forward. “You mean the Spaltips? From two days ago?”

Suo nodded.

“Yeah. Before anyone from Bofurin arrived, this guy was already holding them off solo.”

Gasps echoed.

“No way…”

“My grandma said someone in a Furin uniform saved her, but she didn’t recognize him.”

“Classes haven’t even started and he’s already guarding the town?”

Sakura winced as the attention slammed into him again. The pressure. The voices.

Too much. Too loud.

He nearly shut down—mind freezing, stomach knotting—

But this time, he fought it.

“Bofurin would’ve done the same.”

A calm statement. Confident.

Then someone asked sharply, “Why’d you come here from outta town, anyway?”

Sakura met their gaze.

“None of your business.”

CRASH!

A desk flew across the room, shattering the atmosphere.

Everyone ducked as it slammed into the ground.

At the door stood a long-haired teen, dark-eyed and furious. His presence was suffocating.

“Sugishita…”

Without warning, Sugishita charged.

Another desk was demolished by a single punch. His target was obvious—Sakura.

Suo cursed and pulled Nerei out of the danger zone.

Sakura stepped forward.

“I hold no ill will against Furin.”

Sugishita didn’t care. He threw a wild punch.

Sakura ducked and countered with a strike to the ribs, followed by a sweep that took Sugishita off his feet.

Before the class could react, Sakura had him down—legs restrained, arm locked around his throat in a precise chokehold.

Sugishita struggled. Nothing worked.

The class stared in stunned silence.

“H-he beat Sugishita… just like that?”

“He didn’t even flinch…”

Then the loudspeaker buzzed to life.

“Welcome, new students. Iam leader of bofurin —Hajime Umemiya.”

Sakura froze.

The name echoed like thunder in his mind.

His eyes widened.

He released Sugishita, who collapsed to the floor gasping

“Umemiya…?”

He stood still, lost in thought.

The past stirred.

The calm was gone.

The ghosts were back.

Chapter Text

Sakura Haruka remained frozen—his hands still slightly shaking—eyes locked on the speaker above the blackboard.

Not from awe. Not from admiration.

From terror.

The voice crackling through the intercom belonged to the one person whose name could still paralyze him: Hajime Umemiya.

Memories surged like a tidal wave—the sting of abandonment, the echo of broken promises.

"You’ll be okay now, Haru. I promise."

But he wasn’t okay. Not after Umemiya disappeared from his life. Not after being passed from foster home to foster home. Not after surviving through fists and pain.

Sakura remembered the first time he was left behind. He had clung to the edge of a crowded street, waiting beside a flickering streetlight for hours, thinking Umemiya would show. He remembered the cold of that night. The gnawing hunger. The sting of realizing he’d been forgotten—or worse, discarded.

In foster homes, he learned to stop expecting kindness. Every adult saw his strange hair, mismatched eyes, and whispered about "trouble." Every child avoided him like he was cursed. But the worst pain came from knowing that someone had once called him family—and still chose to walk away.

The world moved, but Sakura remained still—like his brain had short-circuited.

Then, he blinked. Breathed. And released Sugishita from the chokehold.

The taller boy got up without a word, brushing off the dust and blood, eyes now focused on the loudspeaker. As if nothing had happened.

"Iam primo of Bofurin , Hajime Umemiya," came the voice, casual and cheerful.

"So, uh... I was thinking—we should do a beach trip soon! Maybe shaved ice? I like the melon flavor..."

Murmurs and side-glances spread through the room. Is this the legendary leader of Furin?

But then, in a tone that shifted like a blade sliding into place, Umemiya said:

"Protect the town. That’s what matters most. That’s what being Bofurin means. We don’t take that name lightly—we earned it, from the people who live here."

Silence.

Then the class shouted, almost in unison:

"YES SIR!"

There was a beat of silence. Then a clatter.

"Wait, where's my wallet? Is it lunch already?! Hey, who took my—"

The intercom buzzed off.

The entire room blinked. A few laughs and awkwardness broke the silence.

Sakura stared at the speaker. His thoughts ran wild.

"He hasn't changed... still a dork. But... maybe a little more mature now. Still... it wasn’t his fault."

The voice brought warmth and pain in equal measure. Sakura could remember the older boy ruffling his hair, showing him how to throw a basic punch, telling him he’d always be around. He remembered campfires, shared jokes, plans for the future.

But when Umemiya vanished, none of that mattered.

Sakura was left to fend for himself. No closure. No goodbye.

He didn’t realize he’d spoken the last part aloud.

Several students turned toward him, but before questions could be asked, a voice interrupted:

"All first-years! You’re coming outside—now! Gather downstairs!"

A tall second-year stood in the doorway, expression unreadable.

Sakura didn’t wait. He left quickly, not wanting to answer the stares.

Now, standing on the sunlit grounds of Furin High, Sakura found himself face to face with Hiragi—the third-year who had shown up at the Main Street incident.

He held a timer in one hand.

"Preschoolers move faster than that!"

Sakura narrowed his eyes, recognizing the sharp-tongued enforcer.

"You know him?" Nerei whispered.

"Yeah. He was there when I fought on Main Street."

Hiragi began splitting the first-years into patrol teams, explaining their job—to keep the peace, defend their territory, and wear their jackets with pride.

"Each team needs at least one upperclassman. Welcome to Bofurin."

Sakura found himself on Hiragi’s patrol team. Unfortunately, so did Sugishita.

The patrol started slowly, with Hiragi explaining their responsibilities. Their jackets, he said, were more than fashion—they were a symbol of protection that frightened smaller gangs.

Halfway through the patrol, Sakura’s eyes widened. He bolted forward.

An old lady was halfway up a shaky ladder, struggling to reach graffiti with a wet rag.

Without a word, Sakura dashed under her, holding the ladder steady.

Hiragi followed, grabbing the base. “Oi, you’ll fall if you keep wobbling like that, Granny!”

The woman laughed but stepped down.

Next thing Sakura knew, he and Hiragi were painting over old, crude graffiti with clean white primer.

"So this is part of being Bofurin too, huh..."

As the sun began to set, the patrol ended at a bakery where the owner handed out warm buns.

"Here," she smiled. "For the kids who keep our town clean."

They all accepted. Even Sugishita.

"Fighting seems fun," Hiragi said while chewing, "but helping people like this? It’s something else."

Sakura looked around. Shopkeepers waved. Children smiled.

Maybe this town really is different.

Later, as they walked under the massive concrete bridge separating gang territories, Sakura pointed toward a mark painted across one of the beams.

"What’s that symbol?"

"That’s Shistoren’s mark,” Nerei explained nervously. “The gang across the bridge. We’re not supposed to cross this border unless we want a full-on war.”

Suo nodded. “They're strict with territory.”

Suddenly, Hiragi shouted from ahead.

A blur of motion.

A middle schooler sprinted toward them—panic all over his face. He tripped near the bridge’s midpoint.

Thugs chased after him.

“Damn it!” Hiragi hissed.

Sugishita didn’t hesitate. He launched forward and kicked one thug off his feet.

Sakura dashed in, grabbed the kid by the collar, and pulled him into Furin’s territory.

More figures approached from across the bridge. One of them had a chilling presence. His steps were precise. Calculated.

Togame Jo.

The downed thug scrambled to explain. “They interfered! He was in our turf!”

But Togame didn’t respond with words.

He smashed a glass bottle across the thug’s head and beat him down.

“He lost. He’s weak. We don’t need weaklings,” Togame said flatly.

He stripped the gang jacket off the guy and walked away.

Hiragi, fuming, stepped in. “Togame! Isn’t he your member?!”

Togame didn’t stop. “Weaklings drag us down. You’ll regret this.”

“Great,” Nerei groaned. “Now we’ve got beef with Shistoren!”

“Hey,” Sugishita snapped. “I saved that kid.”

“And risked a gang war!” Nerei shouted.

Hiragi stepped between them. “Stop. No one’s dying today. We’ll report this to Umemiya.”

Sakura’s blood froze again.

"...Can I not go?"

“You were the one who saved Sasaki with logic and precision,” Hiragi said. “You’re necessary.”

Sakura sighed. “Fine.”

The walk back was quiet. Suo and Nerei kept giving him side glances. They were clearly curious about his connection with Umemiya.

But Hiragi… Hiragi stayed quiet. He knew the full story. He understood it was too fragile to mention now.

Instead, their next answer came in the scent of fertilizer.

The rooftop garden of Furin.

Tomatoes. Soil. Shovels. Peace.

“Beautiful, huh?” Hiragi said.

Umemiya was crouched over a planter, talking about how much his cucumbers had grown, smiling like a proud farmer.

Sakura watched silently.

He still hadn’t looked him in the eye.

He’s doing well… but why won’t he look at me?

It hurt. Somewhere deep.

But before he could say anything—

BZZT.

"Knock knock! UMEMIYAAA!"

Everyone turned.

A voice boomed from below.

A boy—well-built small, loud, arms wide.

Tomiyama Choji.

Leader of Shistoren.

He stood boldly on Furin territory.

Umemiya rose from the garden slowly, eyes calm.

"I accept,” he said.

Students gathered. From every level. Rooftop to grounds. This wasn’t something you ignored.

Choji grinned. “One-on-one. Winner takes respect.”

But as he gestured—all of Shistoren showed up behind him.

Tension exploded.

It’s a trap…

Togame Jo stepped forward, cold and precise.

“We’ll settle this with 1v1s. Five fighters. Five matches.”

Sakura stepped forward, annoyed.

“You do realize we’re even in number, right? Or do you all have hearing loss?”

Togame’s lip twitched.

He announced the matches:

• Arima vs Sugishita

• Kazuma vs Suo

• Togame Jo vs Sakura Haruka

• Choji vs Umemiya

• sato vs Hiragi

The crowd buzzed.

Sakura narrowed his eyes.

He’d already fought one gang this week. Now he was about to go toe-to-toe with their second-in-command.

But this time, the whole school would be watching.

And Hajime Umemiya—his older brother—would finally be forced to see him.