Part-89

  Mili attempt to deflect the rumors only fueled the fire. Now, the whispers took on a whole new dimension. "See! They're totally an item! Fighting over Mili? Those guys are crazy!"

  James, mortified by the sudden turn of events, stammered a reply. "N-no, it wasn't like that at all! We just… uh… had a friendly match, that's all!"

  His flustered expnation only added to the amusement of the student body. The rumor mill ed at an arming rate, transf a simple Judo matto a dramatic love triangle. Mili, realizing the unintended sequence of her words, buried her fa her hands, her cheeks burning a fiery red.

  James, meanwhile, felt like he wao vanish into thin air. He'd e to school to focus on his study, not bee the ter of a juicy schoolyard sdal. With a defeated sigh, he cast a pleading look at Mili. This might just be the most challenging missio – surviving high school gossip.

  The school bell bred its dismissal tune, a wele sound to James' ears. He practically sprinted out of css, eager to escape the lingering whispers and curious gnces. The Judo Club awaited, its doors promising a ce to focus on his training, a refuge from the chaos of high school gossip.

  The gymnasium, however, held a different kind of challenge. As James ehe usual jovial atmosphere was repced by a tense silenbsp; All eyes turo him, a mix of surprise and suspi in their gazes. Everyone, except for Ryan and Coach Gin, wore a frown that could curdle milk. Sourov, his petitive spirit reignited, stepped forward, his chest puffed out.

  "James," he boomed, his voice eg in the vast hall, "what brings you here? Looking for anht? Well, if that's what you want, this time I won't be going easy on you."

  James ignored Sourov's bravado. His gaze settled on Coach Gin, the stoic figure standing by the mat. Taking a deep breath, he approached the coach, his voice firm despite the butterflies fluttering in his stomach.

  "Coach Gin," he began, "I'd like to join the Judo Club."

  A collective gasp rippled through the room. Jaws dropped, eyes widened, and whispers erupted, a cacophony of disbelief and specution. Ryan, however, seemed genuinely surprised. A flicker of amusement crossed his features, followed by a slow, knowing smile.

  "Join the Judo Club?" he echoed, his voice dripping with pyful sarcasm. "Didn't you…dee the invitation st time?"

  James simply smiled, refusing to be baited into a versation about the past. His focus was oure, on unlog the potential the System hi within the world of Judo. Coach Gin, ever the pragmatist, cut through the tension.

  "Of course you join," he stated, his voice gruff but weling. "You have the physical build for Judo. Strength is important, but teique is paramount. Are you willing to put in the work?"

  James met the coach's gaze, a steely glint mirr the determination burning within him. "Absolutely," he replied without hesitation. "I'm ready to learn."

  Coach Gin nodded curtly, a hint of satisfa flickering in his eyes. "The ged and join the line. We start with basic throws today. Wele to the Judo Club, James."