Utaha was momentarily stunned by Yusei's sudden remark, taking a moment to process it.
But she quickly regained her composure and let out a light laugh.
"Wouldn't have guessed Leg-Fetish-kun could talk like that. It really doesn't seem like you."
"Eh? Why doesn't it seem like me?" Yusei was somewhat curious, 'From Senpai's tone, it sounded like she knew me from before?
Utaha didn't keep him in suspense, recalling what she had heard before.
"Perhaps you're too close to the situation to see your own image at school clearly."
"What image?"
"Weak, insecure, withdrawn."
Three merciless words were directly pinned on Yusei.
After glancing at the awkward Yusei, Utaha continued.
"For example, the athletic idiot who made a fool of himself at the Sports Festival. For example, the one who brought a manuscript to the presentation. For example..."
"Stop... stop, I get it. Don't bring up those painful memories."
Hearing Utaha mention these things, memories from his predecessor surfaced one by one, including those 'agonizing' recollections.
His predecessor really was the very weak, submissive type. Combined with his mother's illness and passing, this situation had become even more severe.
Perhaps this was also the reason why he was targeted by those 'bros' for cigarette money!
'It's really ruining my image!'
Yusei felt helpless. He remembered the campus basketball tournament three months ago. His predecessor had formed a team with a few other boys from his class to participate.
It was an inter-class competition, and his performance was utterly disastrous. On the basketball court, he was like a block of wood.
"No way! Sports are what I'm best at. I might not be great at studying, but I'm strong in sports!"
Yusei felt it was necessary to correct his image in others' minds.
'Apart from being handsome, having a weak, submissive image just wouldn't do. I needed a mighty image!'
"What, you remembered everything?"
Utaha chuckled lightly.
"Yeah, but that wasn't me... No, I mean, starting from now, I'm going to become very strong."
"Alright then, good luck with that."
Utaha wasn't particularly concerned about this. If she truly looked down on Yusei, she wouldn't have spoken to him yesterday.
Next, Utaha and Yusei discussed many ideas regarding the novel.
Yusei also shared many tropes from the romance novels he had read in his previous life, which gave Utaha a lot of inspiration.
They kept talking until it was almost time for class.
Checking the time, Yusei decided to ask Utaha about the manga artist matter.
"Senpai, there's something I'd like to ask of you."
"If it's about openly staring at my legs, I've already agreed."
"Cough, not that. I wanted to ask if you know any manga artists. They don't need to be close acquaintances. I want to learn how to draw manga. I just need to stand behind a master and watch how they draw. My learning ability is very strong."
"Manga artists?" Utaha shook her head, then looked at Yusei somewhat strangely.
"Leaving aside the fact that I don't know any, even if I did, do you think you can learn just by watching a master draw a few times? If you had that kind of talent, you'd probably be the top student in the whole school by now, right?"
"Leg-Fetish-kun, I suggest you be more realistic."
Yusei naturally knew Utaha wouldn't believe him because she didn't know the power of the Sharingan, but he didn't mind.
He shrugged, "Want to make a bet?"
"Bet on what?"
"A bet about whether I can learn a master's drawing techniques just by watching them draw."
"You're really that confident?" Utaha looked at Yusei speechlessly.
Yusei, with a face full of confidence, nodded.
"Of course."
"Alright. I remember seeing a promotion earlier. This weekend, on the third floor of the department store, a figurine and poster shop has specially invited a master from the manga world to draw illustrations live on site."
"Really?" Yusei's eyes lit up, 'This is an opportunity.'
"It's true. So, what's the wager for our bet?"
Clearly, Utaha didn't believe Yusei could learn a master's drawing techniques just by watching once.
"What to bet... fulfilling one request for the other?"
Yusei thought for a moment and tentatively suggested.
But after saying it, he saw Utaha's mocking gaze.
"A request? Could it be... has Leg-Fetish-kun become dissatisfied with just looking?"