Bully Lord

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 explanation only added to the amusement of the student body.  The rumor mill churned at an alarming rate, transforming a simple Judo match into a dramatic love triangle.  Mili, realizing the unintended consequence of her words, buried her face in her hands, her cheeks burning a fiery red.

James, meanwhile, felt like he wanted to vanish into thin air.  He'd come to school to focus on his study, not become the center of a juicy schoolyard scandal.  With a defeated sigh, he cast a pleading look at Mili.  This might just be the most challenging mission yet – surviving high school gossip.

The school bell blared its dismissal tune, a welcome sound to James' ears.  He practically sprinted out of class, eager to escape the lingering whispers and curious glances.  The Judo Club awaited, its doors promising a chance 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 entered, the usual jovial atmosphere was replaced by a tense silence.  All eyes turned to him, a mix of surprise and suspicion in their gazes.  Everyone, except for Ryan and Coach Gin, wore a frown that could curdle milk.  Sourov, his competitive spirit reignited, stepped forward, his chest puffed out.

"James," he boomed, his voice echoing in the vast hall, "what brings you here?  Looking for another fight?  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 speculation.  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 playful sarcasm.  "Didn't you…decline the invitation last time?"

James simply smiled, refusing to be baited into a conversation about the past.  His focus was on the future, on unlocking the potential the System hinted at within the world of Judo.  Coach Gin, ever the pragmatist, cut through the tension.

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

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

Coach Gin nodded curtly, a hint of satisfaction flickering in his eyes.  "Then get changed and join the line.  We start with basic throws today.  Welcome to the Judo Club, James."