Chapter 3 – Battle Chosen

"I didn't know that Hitomi pushes herself this hard" Hitoshi wondered while walking toward the school. "Study is tougher than sports."

Seeing Hitomi working this hard in intention to win the Karate tournament, Hitoshi decided to surpass her in studies. He won't like to accept any feat by a girl over him.

That day, in the class, it was only Hitomi who haven't done the homework. That gave a shock not only to Hitoshi, but to the whole class as well as the teacher. Hitoshi did his homework but Hitomi didn't? Like the world went upside down.

"Er – Hitomi – why did you fail to do your homework?" he asked Hitomi. "Is anything bothering you? Didn't you understand the last exercise?"

"It's not like that sir." She replied.

"Okay, you may sit."

It was the first time she had an assignment incomplete. What's up with her? Was she exhausted by her training that she couldn't do her work and went to bed early – Hitoshi thought. As soon as the teacher went out of the class, she putted her head down on desk and closed her eyes like she slept.

After school, Hitoshi was going with one of his closest friend who was with him in his all times till the very end. His name was Taro Hideki, but Hitoshi called him Hiro.

"Hiro… Shall I quit being a Karate fighter?" He suddenly asked him. "I don't think study and sports could coexist."

"What!? What the HELL are you saying? Quit being a Karate fighter?" This question shocked Taro, "And what did you said studies? What's this up all sudden?"

"I challenged Hitomi to win the next Karate tournament just as a joke I guess 'cuz she said she'll do anything for me to apology for the punishment we had that day." Hitoshi tells him everything. "And now I feel bad seeing her pushing herself like this."

"So, that's why she joined our institute and couldn't do the homework." Taro wondered, he also learns Karate with him.

"I tried to say her that she could stop it but she said she is doing on her own now. And so, I've also decided…" Hitoshi announced. "I'll work hard to bring 100 in the next mid-term."

Meanwhile, Hitomi was also going home with her friends.

"Hitomi, which topic we would study today at cram classes?" One of her friends asked.

"How knows? I think I won't be coming." replied Hitomi with sleepy eyes. "I have Karate classes today as well afterall."