Part-94

  The revetion piqued James' i. A national tour? That was airely different ball game. "So, you're recruiting?"

  "ly," Ryan corrected, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "We don't just accept anyone. But you…" He paused, studying James with a newfound respect. "You showed some potential, even if it was a bit… unorthodox."

  James ged slightly, recalling his relian Auto bat during their fight. "Yeah, about that…" he began, stammering an apology, but Ryan cut him off with a ugh.

  "Hey, it got the job done, didn't it?" Ryan said with a shrug. "Besides, I'm more ied in your raw talent. You have the build for Judo, and with some proper training, you could be a real asset to the team."

  James felt a warmth spread through his chest. Being reized for his potential, not just the System's influence, was strangely validating. Another question, however, bubbled up. "Why me, though?" he asked. "There are uys in the school, like the… Bully Emperors?"

  Ryan's smile turned into a smirk. "Ah, the Bully Emperors," he said with a chuckle. "Let me tell you two things about them. First, even if they are strong even strohahey wouldn't be caught dead putting iual work required for this tour. All they care about is showing off and pig streets fights and doing illigal things."

  James nodded in agreement. He'd witheir antics firsthand.

  "Sed," Ryan tinued, leaning in spiratorially, "those guys have a… reputation for breaking the rules. We don't want to win by disqualification, do we?"

  James shook his head, a newfound respect blossoming for Ryan's iy. Here was a skilled athlete who valued sportsmanship just as much as winning.

  The streetlights flickered on, casting a warm glow on their path. James couldn't help but refle his initial impression of Ryan. Back then, he'd seen him as just another schoolyard bully, a perception fueled by their first enter. Yet, walking beside him now, James saw a different side. Ryan wasn't just petitive; he harbored a genuine passion for Judo, a burning ambition to lead his team to victory. And there was a hint of something else – a spark of light in his eyes when he spoke about the tour, a mix of excitement aermination that resonated with James.

  Suddenly, a wave of self-awareness washed over James. He pared himself to Ryan, seeing a stark trast. Guys like Ryan, with their ambition, their dreams, and maybe even their romantitas. In that moment, James felt like a pin, almost b, character in his own life story. Before the System, his existence had been a monotonous routine of school, home, sleep, repeat. Now, however, it eppered with ued challenges, hidden agendas, and a growing sense of purpose. The System, for all its mysteries, had ied a spsh of color into his previously colorless life.

  With a sigh, James stopped at a familiar interse. "Hey, Ryan," he said, a touch ret in his voice. "This is where I turn off. Gym time."

  Ryan, who'd noticed James' ptive mood, simply nodded. He'd witnessed James' frequent gym visits and uood the dedication that fueled his progress. "Alright," he said, a hint of uanding in his voice. "See you tomorroractice. Don't fet, you're aiming for a perfect De Ashi Barai throws by week."

  James gave a determined nod. "Don't worry, I won't. Thanks for… everything, Ryan."

  Ryan's lips curved into a genuine smile. "No problem, James. See you then."

  James shook his hand as farewell. Ryan nodded, knowing from his past iigation that James frequehe gym, so he wasn't surprised by this.