Satoru didn't answer Akane's question.
His eyes locked on the balding middle-aged man.
Suddenly, the man lunged for his dropped phone, scrambling to stand.
But Satoru was faster. His cloth-wrapped bokken flashed like a swallow's return strike.
One word: Swift!
A lightning-fast smack hit the man's hand.
"Hiss—" The man recoiled, as if zapped by a spark.
Satoru stepped forward, kicking the phone. It slid to Akane's feet.
She picked it up, gasping softly, covering her mouth. Earlier, she'd only seen Satoru approach Arisa and clash with this potbellied creep, not understanding why. Now, the phone's screen showed a photo: a schoolgirl's skirt, pale thighs, and tight black panties digging into flesh.
This guy was the "train wolf" she and Satoru had talked about!
"Give it here," Satoru said, holding out his hand.
Akane handed it over instinctively. He glanced at the screen, swiping through the images. "Y-You shouldn't look…" she said, glancing at Arisa.
Arisa's eyes brimmed with tears, hands twisting her skirt nervously.
"Who're you, kid? Meddling in my business!" The man, humiliated by a teenager, roared with fury.
Satoru wouldn't be cowed. "I'm Yamato Aihara, Morisaki Uni Sports Department! Come at me if you dare!!"
Such righteous swagger!
Akane was captivated, but…
"Huh?"
Shirokane Takanotsume Station wasn't as busy as Shibuya Central, but the evening rush still drew a crowd. Satoru's earlier kick had already turned heads—some thought the man tripped—but their shouting now drew more onlookers, pointing and whispering.
The man, knowing he was in the wrong, covered his face, ready to bolt. If recognized, he'd lose his job, his life ruined!
He stumbled a few steps, gut wobbling.
"Hundred-Step Flying Sword!"
Satoru unleashed another move. The bokken struck the man's bald dome, sending him crashing down a dozen steps, sliding meters further. Satoru figured even his fatty armor couldn't save a few cracked ribs.
But he underestimated the man's survival instinct.
Limping, the creep scurried around a corner.
Satoru retrieved his bokken and turned to Akane. "Call the cops."
"Right—" Akane fumbled her phone, steadying herself to dial.
But a hand with flashy nail art grabbed her wrist.
Arisa shook her head. "I-I don't want this getting out."
Akane paused, looking to Satoru.
He met Arisa's teary eyes, offering a gentle smile. She sighed, thinking he understood…
"Call the cops," Satoru said firmly.
Arisa: ?
"I-I don't want Tsubasa-kun to know!" she pleaded, tears streaming. "Please, don't report it…"
"Who's Tsubasa?" Satoru asked.
"Her boyfriend, Tsubasa Oji, soccer club, right?" Akane said, sports club folks vaguely aware of each other.
"Mhm…" Arisa nodded, choking back sobs.
"Oh." Satoru got it. "But that's none of my business. Call the cops."
Akane blinked, the line sounding familiar.
"Please, no!" Arisa grabbed Akane's wrist again, tears soaking her face, makeup smudging. She glared at Satoru, biting her lip, resolute. "I was wrong… for what I said to you earlier. I'm sorry… Please, don't report it. I don't want Tsubasa-kun to hate me… I'm begging you."
The once-arrogant Arisa, now humbled and near sobbing, stirred pity in Akane.
Satoru sighed, stepping toward Arisa. Akane thought he'd pat her shoulder consolingly, but he grabbed her collar.
"Do you hear yourself?! If that creep gets away, how many more girls will suffer like you?! Apologizing here? Think I'm out for revenge? Ha! I'm not some brain-dead amoeba like you! Scared your boyfriend will worry? What a joke! What did you do wrong? You're the victim! Go cry in his arms, upright and proud! If he pushes you away, he doesn't deserve your love! My pure love isn't so fragile!"
His voice was low but thunderous to Arisa. He eased up, releasing her collar, and calmly told Akane, "Call the cops."
"Y-Yes…" Akane's hands shook as she dialed, heart racing. That gaze… that trash-staring look… so cool…
Arisa processed his words. After Akane's call, she tugged Satoru's sleeve. "The… photos. Can you show them to the police? I don't want… those seen…"
"Photos?" Satoru glanced at the phone.
"Mhm…" Arisa whispered. "Please… it's my only request. If you agree, I'll do anything…"
Satoru squinted. "Anything, huh?"
Arisa froze, suddenly suspicious. A gloomy high school boy saying "anything" sparked dirty thoughts. She nearly spat "Pervert!" but swallowed it, muttering weakly, "As long as… I don't betray Tsubasa-kun, even kneeling…"
"Then study hard and aim for Todai," Satoru said.
…
…