Zero's POV
I stood in front of our room, planning to open the door. I turned the handle and looked inside, where everyone’s gaze turned to me.
Without hesitation, I stepped inside to talk to them about my plans.
I told them everything that happened with the representative. At first, they couldn't believe that I lost to him, but I managed to convince them about what happened.
I needed their help and cooperation for the training I was about to undertake.
I called out to my friend and said, "Miyuki, and everyone, I need your help with the training I’m starting today."
They all agreed to support my plans, but I needed them to be involved.
I didn’t hesitate because I needed manpower. We started creating a training schedule right there in the room.
We helped each other move the chairs and stack them at the back of the building, knowing no one would scold us for making space.
We cleaned the dust and dirt so nothing would hinder our movements.
Miyuki started writing down the exercises we’d do for our physical training.
I read through each one and thought they looked good for me.
Stretching
Tricep Stretch: Raise one arm above your head, then bend your elbow behind you, using the other hand to push it down.
Quadriceps Stretch: Stand and pull one foot toward your butt while keeping your knees together to stretch the thigh.
Hamstring Stretch: Sit on the floor with one leg extended and the other bent; reach for the toes of the extended leg with one hand, then switch to the other.
Miyuki demonstrated each stretch to help us understand how to perform them correctly.
She reminded us that each stretch should last ten seconds and we’d do six repetitions.
She also explained that these exercises would stretch our legs and arms to improve blood circulation.
Before long, we were all doing the stretches, and although some struggled initially, we began to adapt.
Afterward, Miyuki wrote down the actual training exercises we’d do after stretching and taking a brief break.
Exercise
Squats: To strengthen our thighs and back.
Push-ups: To build strength in our upper body and arms.
Planks: To strengthen our core and develop abs.
She told us to do twenty repetitions of squats and push-ups for five sets, and thirty seconds for planks.
I liked the exercises Miyuki had written because they would help us from shoulders to feet.
We got started immediately so we wouldn’t waste time and could work up a sweat.
I planned to do this routine four times over the next two weeks and would test my strength within a week with my two fists.
It was nearing dusk by the time we finished our exercises, and we all struggled because our bodies weren’t used to this yet.
Starting tomorrow, we would begin our real exercise routine because I would do my best for the three weeks that Kizaki had given me.
We headed home, tired and needing to regain strength for tomorrow, and I walked home with Miyuki.
Suddenly, she asked me, "How did you lose to Kizaki?" while we were walking.
I answered, "I lost because of the physical disparity between us, and I admit I can’t beat him right now." I calmly replied while keeping my gaze ahead.
I noticed her nodding and saying, "That’s why you’re planning to make a training schedule to get stronger." I looked at her and nodded once.
Miyuki managed to ask me again, "Did you two discuss anything?" while we walked.
I replied absentmindedly, "Yes, a lot, and he answered my questions." I slipped my hands into my pockets.
"What did you talk about?" she asked again, as if wanting to know everything that happened between Kizaki and me earlier.
I took a deep breath, looked at her seriously, and said, "If I plan to defeat the current number one at Taesan High, I need to become a representative first, and to do that, I have to beat him." She didn’t respond right away to what I told her.
We continued walking, and I thought she wouldn’t speak again, but I was wrong.
"So Kizaki is testing if you’re worthy of the position as first-year representative. It makes sense because if you can beat him, there’s hope to change Taesan High." I stopped walking at her words and turned to look at her.
"What do you mean by that?" I asked Miyuki.
"Simple, if you can defeat Kizaki, he’ll likely support you and help you take down the third-years." She stared at me intently.
I thought she was right; if I could make Kizaki my ally, it would strengthen the first-year’s manpower. But why couldn’t all the first-years work together to take down the third-years since there were so many of us?
I asked Miyuki, "Why don’t the entire first-year unite to attack the third-years?"
She replied, "It won’t work, Zero. Even if we first-years join forces, the strength of the third-years is reinforced by some sections of the second-year who fear them." She calmly explained, making me lower my head and place two fingers on my lips to think.
I understood her point, and it became clearer what I needed to do.
If the third-years had the second-years backing them, I’d need to prioritize dealing with the second-years first. But before that, I had to become a representative because that was the first step, and it felt right.
From now on, I wouldn’t fight alone because I had allies ready to support me in my goals.
I spoke to Miyuki again, "Are you ready to join me in my plans at Taesan High?" I locked eyes with her.
She smiled at me and said, "I’m here because I’m ready to support you in what you want to do." She said this happily.
I smiled inwardly because I had a loyal comrade for the plans and steps I would take from now on.
What a loyal comrade...
Starting tomorrow, my journey toward the top of Taesan High would begin.
To be continued.....