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Aaldel. None of us had ever heard of Aaldel two weeks ago. It was as close to nowhere as could be imagined. As the Empire's success had spread across the galaxy such places had become way stations for our supply lines. The planet lay in the largest gap between two much more important planets and their depots. Many of the stormtroopers had been sent here for a time of restoration after the vicious battles we had fought. The squad of eleven that I was part of had barely survived our offensive, victorious, finally securing a place that would allow us to end this rebellion forever. Then the rebels, with information they had gotten from a traitor whom they had convinced of the righteousness of their cause against the evil oppression of the Empire, realized that if this steppingstone were overcome, the Empire's supply line would become untenable. Our forces at the most forward advance would be have to retreat. After this traitor's act of betrayal, the rebels, in their high moral crusade

Alternate History Universe: The Empire of the Dragon's Return Universe Name: The Dragon Reborn Universe Profile: In this alternate timeline, Yuan Shikai survives the assassination attempt that occurred in 1916, securing his grip on power and allowing him to transform the fragile Chinese Republic into a newly restored empire under his rule. Instead of the turbulent period of warlordism and fractured regional states that followed in our timeline, Yuan Shikai's survival leads to a consolidation of power and the eventual reunification of China under a strong imperial monarchy. While Yuan's ambition to revive the imperial throne was controversial and faced significant opposition, his ability to stabilize China and overcome internal strife leads to the establishment of a new dynasty, the Empire of China, which remains intact well into the 20th century. The nation slowly emerges from its century of humiliation, overcoming foreign influence and domestic chaos to become a unified and increasingly powerful state. Universe Timeline: 1916: Yuan Shikai survives his assassination attempt (originally in March 1916) orchestrated by dissident forces and political rivals. Despite suffering serious injuries, Yuan’s ability to recover and gain support from powerful factions within China, including key military commanders and influential political leaders, solidifies his control. The assassination attempt fails to spark widespread rebellion, and Yuan reasserts his authority over the country. 1917: Yuan Shikai, bolstered by the support of his military forces and influential provincial governors, makes bold moves to strengthen his rule. The Chinese imperial restoration, which he had been pushing for before the assassination attempt, finally comes to fruition. On January 1, Yuan proclaims the founding of the Empire of China, with himself as the emperor under the title of Hongxian Emperor (弘憲帝), marking the end of the brief experiment with the Republic of China. His imperial ambitions are controversial, but the survival of the central government enables China to avoid fragmentation. 1918-1920: Under Yuan's leadership, China begins to stabilize. The provinces that had been slipping into regional warlord control, such as Guangdong, Sichuan, and Manchuria, are brought under central control through military force and diplomacy. Yuan's government works to re-establish institutions like the Imperial Army and the Imperial Court, seeking legitimacy through traditional Confucianism while adopting a modernized approach to governance. Yuan's promise to restore national pride and defend China from foreign influence resonates with a nation weary of foreign encroachment. 1921: Yuan Shikai focuses on rebuilding China's military and infrastructure. Although the military under Yuan is still heavily influenced by warlord factions, his leadership begins to form a more unified imperial bureaucracy. Yuan's ability to balance modernization with tradition gains him crucial allies both at home and abroad. Meanwhile, his growing political power strengthens the imperial court, which sees Yuan as a legitimate ruler capable of restoring China's glory. 1924: With warlordism significantly reduced and China largely under central control, Yuan Shikai turns to address foreign influence. His imperial government, recognizing the need to modernize and strengthen China to resist Western and Japanese encroachment, begins economic reforms. Yuan seeks foreign investments, primarily from European powers, to build industrial sectors while avoiding outright dependency on foreign countries. This era sees the expansion of railroads, communication systems, and modern infrastructure, as Yuan’s government focuses on development. 1927: By this time, Yuan Shikai’s empire has grown more consolidated. Despite his health deteriorating, Yuan appoints his son, Yuan Keding, as his regent and begins planning for a smooth succession. The government under the Hongxian Emperor begins to foster a form of nationalism, with education and the arts seeing a revival of traditional Chinese culture alongside modern thought and technological advancements. The idea of an “Imperial Renaissance” begins to take hold as China’s military and industrial power rise. 1930-1935: Yuan’s empire is confronted by growing external threats. Japan begins expanding into Manchuria and Korea, and the Soviet Union remains a potential threat in the north. Yuan’s regime, while popular among many for its stability, struggles to balance its relations with foreign powers. A balance of diplomacy, military alliances, and trade agreements with European powers helps China ward off significant Japanese aggression in the early stages. Yuan Shikai’s government also expands its naval presence to protect its coastline from imperialistic threats. 1936: Yuan Shikai dies of natural causes, but the Empire of China does not falter. His son, Yuan Keding, ascends to the throne, taking the title Yuan Kedi Emperor. Though faced with immediate challenges in succession and a more radicalized faction of intellectuals pushing for reform, the imperial structure holds. Yuan Keding manages to carry on his father's legacy and even extends the empire's influence by negotiating more favorable terms with Western powers. The imperial court’s authority grows more absolute as China stands as an empire capable of protecting its interests. 1940-1945: With China firmly under the control of the imperial family, the Empire of China positions itself as a regional power. The rise of World War II sends shockwaves through the Pacific, with the Empire of China avoiding direct involvement. However, the Empire strengthens its presence in Asia through diplomatic maneuvering, and the military begins its own technological and strategic innovations, preparing for any Japanese incursion. 1950: The Empire of China is a rising power in the East. Its imperial system remains intact, with Yuan Kedi Emperor solidifying China’s sovereignty and its cultural renaissance at the forefront of its diplomatic efforts. Though tensions with Japan grow in the wake of their expansionist moves in Asia, the empire maintains its status as a central player in East Asia. Universe Lore: The Empire of the Dragon’s Return marks a radical shift in Chinese history. Yuan Shikai's survival and subsequent consolidation of power prevent China from descending into the fragmentation that occurred in our timeline, and his dream of reviving the imperial system is realized. The new empire, while initially controversial, becomes a symbol of national unity, blending modern governance with traditional Confucian and imperial ideals. While Yuan Shikai's rule is autocratic, he understands the need to balance old and new approaches to prevent China from being colonized or torn apart. Under the Empire of China, the once-fragmented provinces are unified, and the regional warlords who had once held sway are either brought into the imperial fold or destroyed. Yuan's son, Yuan Keding, continues his father’s legacy, and the imperial family becomes increasingly powerful. The rise of Chinese nationalism is intertwined with a return to traditional values, and the empire manages to resist foreign domination, preserving China's independence into the 20th century. Japan's ambitions to dominate Asia are constantly checked by the Empire of China, which serves as a counterbalance to Japanese expansionism. While the Empire of China maintains its sovereignty, its relationship with other global powers such as the United States and European nations is one of cautious cooperation, with a keen eye toward maintaining Chinese interests. Universe Tagline: “From the ashes of revolution, a new dragon rises.” Universe Theme/Genre/Motif: Theme: Nationalism, Rebirth, Tradition vs. Modernity, Sovereignty, Imperial Power, National Unity, Dynastic Restoration. Genre: Alternate History, Political Drama, Imperial Fiction, Historical Fiction. Motif: The dragon (symbolizing China), the throne, the clash of old and new, the tension between traditional Confucianism and modern politics, the cycle of dynastic rise and fall, resistance to foreign influence. Additional Notes: The Role of Foreign Powers: The survival of Yuan Shikai means that China avoids the devastation and humiliation of warlordism, which allowed foreign powers to carve out spheres of influence in the early 20th century. As a result, China’s rise as a self-sufficient empire means that European powers, as well as Japan, must negotiate with China as a respected and strong power rather than as a fractured state. Cultural Renaissance: The stability of the empire allows for a cultural and intellectual renaissance. Traditional Chinese culture is revitalized through the imperial court, with patronage of the arts, philosophy, and Confucian values becoming central tenets of the government. The empire’s leadership encourages a blend of modernization with preservation of China's rich cultural heritage. Consequence of the Butterfly Effect: The butterfly effect in this alternate history is profound: Yuan Shikai's survival prevents China from descending into the chaos of warlordism and foreign domination. The survival of a strong centralized government and the return of the imperial system allow China to emerge as a powerful, unified state in the early 20th century, counterbalancing the expansion of Japanese imperialism and avoiding the fracturing seen in our timeline. By the time World War II rolls around, China is a formidable force in Asia, able to defend itself and secure its place in global geopolitics. This, in turn, leads to a different dynamic in the Pacific region and alters the trajectory of Chinese, Japanese, and global history.

For months, I had been diving deep into the world of cryptocurrency, excited by the opportunities and promises of financial freedom. Like many others, I had heard of people making life changing gains overnight, and I wanted my share of the success. Unfortunately, in my eagerness, I fell victim to a well disguised scam that drained my Ethereum ETH holdings. It started when I stumbled upon an investment platform that seemed too good to be true but in my greed and hope, I ignored the warning signs. The website had polished testimonials, a smooth interface, and a community that appeared legitimate. I transferred a significant amount of Ethereum, expecting high returns in a matter of weeks. Days turned into weeks, then months, and soon  I realized I had been scammed,I was devastated. That money was not just a financial asset; it was my hard earned savings, my dreams of financial security. I reached out to the so-called support team of the platform, but my emails went unanswered, and the

Characters: Starstruck Nebula, Tocana de Cartofi Previous Chapter: Monsters and Thieves Tocana nervously fidgets with their paws, their expression seeming rather unconvinced of their plan. "Are you sure this is going to work?" Tahir, who is very busy coloring Nebula's beautiful coat in dark greys and blacks replies: "Yup! 100 percent!" to which Shadiya adds "300 percent!" from behind the tyrian. "This is the most sure I've ever been!" Tocana looks up at the "monster" in front of them, who is in fact just Nebula, covered once again in a thick layer of mud, now with the added bonus of black ink for extra flare. Of course, he is supposed to be a monster, but he doesn't look much like one; you'd better describe him as a pup's failed art project. Maybe yesterday in the midst of the chaos and action Nebula's mud disguise had everyone fooled, but it was all a psychological trickery played by the brain. Everyone thought there was a monster there and thus, they saw one. This time, however,

Dragon Ball: What If Buma (Bulma) Asked Yamcha to Train in the Gravity Room for the 21st World Martial Arts Tournament? Universe Name: Dragon Ball: Universe 47 Universe Profile & Timeline Timeline Overview: In Universe 47, Bulma decides to take a more hands-on approach to her relationship with Yamcha. Concerned that his training in the wild would not unlock his full potential, she encourages him to use the Gravity Room on Capsule Corp. to train and prepare for the 21st World Martial Arts Tournament. This decision leads to a significant shift in Yamcha’s growth as a fighter, allowing him to surpass his previous limits and become a much stronger and more competent martial artist at a much earlier stage in his life. In this altered timeline, Yamcha's growth is no longer stunted by his lack of formal or structured training. Bulma’s influence pushes him to break through his boundaries, unlocking potential that was previously untapped. As a result, Yamcha’s performance in the tournament and his future role in the Dragon Ball saga diverge sharply from the original timeline. Key Events: Bulma's Influence: Bulma, having grown close to Yamcha over time, becomes more aware of his potential. After seeing his struggles and frequent defeats, she decides that the unstructured training in the wild isn’t enough for him to reach his maximum power. She convinces him to train using the Gravity Room at Capsule Corp., a facility designed for high-intensity training. Yamcha’s Training: With Bulma’s encouragement, Yamcha begins using the Gravity Room to train under a controlled environment. The intense gravity conditions challenge his body, allowing him to develop strength and endurance much more quickly than he could have in the wild. This decision accelerates his training progress significantly. Unlocking Hidden Potential: While training in the Gravity Room, Yamcha starts tapping into his hidden potential. Over the course of months, he becomes much stronger, more disciplined, and more capable of utilizing his fighting techniques with greater precision and power. The constant, grueling training in the Gravity Room helps him achieve new levels of endurance, speed, and strength. 21st World Martial Arts Tournament: When the 21st World Martial Arts Tournament arrives, Yamcha is now a significantly stronger fighter compared to the original timeline. Rather than being eliminated in the early rounds like he was before, Yamcha fights his way through the tournament, facing tougher opponents and even shocking the crowd with his newfound skill. His performance is far beyond what anyone, including Goku and Krillin, expected. Yamcha's Success: Yamcha’s exceptional training leads him to push through to the later stages of the tournament. He makes it to the finals against Jackie Chun (Master Roshi in disguise), where, although he ultimately loses due to the experience and skill of Roshi, he comes close to winning. His performance not only impresses the audience but also the other fighters, who now view him as a serious contender. Yamcha’s Future Role: With his newfound abilities, Yamcha’s role in the Dragon Ball series takes a different direction. He gains more self-confidence, earning respect from his peers. He also becomes a more integral member of the Z Fighters, developing a better rapport with Goku, Krillin, and even Piccolo. His confidence also leads to him participating in later sagas, such as the Saiyan Saga, and his relationship with Bulma becomes more solid as they continue to grow together. Universe Lore Key Players & Groups: Yamcha: The protagonist of this alternate timeline's key changes. His decision to train in the Gravity Room with the influence of Bulma transforms him from a relatively unrefined martial artist into a far more powerful and disciplined fighter. He becomes a pivotal member of the Z Fighters, contributing significantly to their battles against future threats. Bulma: Bulma’s proactive approach to Yamcha’s training leads to her becoming an even more essential character in this timeline. She not only supports the Z Fighters but also helps unlock Yamcha’s true potential, ensuring that he is no longer a liability in battle. Goku: Goku still plays a major role in this universe, but Yamcha's enhanced strength means he has a far more respectable and competitive relationship with Goku from the outset. The two grow as friends and rivals, pushing each other to new heights. Krillin: Yamcha’s best friend and former rival, Krillin also benefits from Yamcha’s growth. The two help each other in training, and Krillin is a supportive figure in Yamcha’s journey, watching as his friend grows beyond the limits he once had. Master Roshi: Roshi still takes on the role of guiding the fighters through training, but he is impressed by the improvements Yamcha makes due to his new training regime. Although Roshi is still the tournament favorite, Yamcha is seen as a rising star in martial arts. Jackie Chun (Master Roshi in disguise): In this timeline, Roshi faces a much stronger and more capable Yamcha, who proves to be a formidable opponent in their final showdown. Though Roshi still wins the tournament, he recognizes Yamcha as one of the most promising fighters of his generation. Universe Tagline: "A warrior’s potential, unlocked through discipline, strength, and the will to push beyond limits." List of Power Levels (Key Characters) Yamcha (Post-Gravity Room Training): 120,000 (Base) / 250,000 (After 21st Tournament) With his rigorous training in the Gravity Room, Yamcha’s power grows exponentially. He not only becomes more physically capable but also more tactically adept in combat. By the end of the 21st World Martial Arts Tournament, he is a much stronger fighter than in the original timeline. Goku (Post-Gravity Room Yamcha Fight): 180,000 Goku remains one of the strongest fighters in the timeline, but Yamcha’s increased strength means that their rivalry and bond develop on a more competitive level. Goku respects Yamcha as a fighter, pushing both of them to become even stronger. Krillin (Post-Gravity Room Yamcha Training): 100,000 Krillin benefits from Yamcha’s growth, as their training partners. While Krillin remains strong, Yamcha’s progression gives him additional motivation to push his own limits. Master Roshi (Jackie Chun): 230,000 As the reigning champion of the 21st World Martial Arts Tournament, Roshi remains a formidable opponent, but Yamcha’s enhanced power means that Roshi faces more of a challenge than ever before. Roshi is impressed by Yamcha’s growth and begins to view him as a true martial artist. Bulma: 10 (Tech Expertise) Bulma remains invaluable for her technological expertise and support, but her role in Yamcha’s training is purely strategic. She helps him see the value in structured training, thus allowing him to surpass his former limits. Universe Theme/Genre/Motif Theme: The Importance of Training and Discipline. This timeline focuses heavily on the idea that natural talent alone is not enough for true growth. Yamcha’s decision to train in the Gravity Room symbolizes the theme of discipline, structure, and realizing potential through hard work, as opposed to relying on natural skills alone. Genre: Action, Sports, Martial Arts, Drama Motif: Unseen Potential. Yamcha represents the idea that everyone has a hidden potential that can only be unlocked with the right guidance and effort. This motif is explored through Yamcha’s growth, pushing past his previous self-imposed limitations and stepping into his role as a capable fighter. Additional Notes Training Impact: Yamcha's growth via the Gravity Room doesn’t just improve his power level; it also enhances his combat intelligence. He learns to manage energy better, improve his stamina, and refine his fighting techniques, making him a far more formidable foe. Yamcha's Relationships: With his newfound strength, Yamcha becomes more self-confident. His relationship with Bulma deepens, and his role in the group becomes one of a seasoned fighter rather than someone who might hold the team back. This change also brings him closer to other characters like Goku and Krillin. Consequence of the Butterfly Effect Yamcha’s Early Success: With his increased strength, Yamcha may become an important part of future sagas. His growth could lead to his continued presence in the Saiyan Saga, where he might play a larger role in the fight against the Saiyans, even potentially helping in the battle against Nappa and Vegeta. Z Fighters’ Dynamics: Yamcha's increased strength could change the dynamics of the Z Fighters. His improved fighting abilities might alter team strategies, especially in battles against stronger opponents like the Androids or Cell. Bulma’s Role: Bulma’s influence as a mentor to Yamcha could also extend beyond this saga, ensuring that she plays a larger role in guiding the team, both as a scientist and a martial arts strategist. In this alternate timeline, Yamcha’s growth shapes not only his future but the future of the Z Fighters, with the potential to create new alliances, rivalries, and storylines that deviate from the original Dragon Ball timeline.

In a small town nestled between two mountains, there was a peculiar tradition that had been passed down for generations. It was said that every person in the town was connected to each other by an invisible thread. This thread represented the relationships between the residents, weaving a complex web of connections that bound them together. One day, a traveler stumbled upon the town and was intrigued by this concept of the thread of connection. As he wandered through the streets, he noticed how the townspeople interacted with each other - with kindness, respect, and a deep sense of understanding. The traveler was mesmerized by the way the threads intertwined and crisscrossed, forming a intricate tapestry of relationships. As he spoke to the townspeople, he learned that the strength of the thread was determined by the bonds between individuals. The more they trusted, supported, and cared for each other, the stronger the thread became. It was a delicate balance, requiring effort and dedication from everyone in the town. The traveler decided to stay in the town for a while, eager to learn more about the thread of connection. He observed how the residents celebrated each other's successes, comforted each other in times of need, and worked together towards a common goal. He saw how the thread linked them all, creating a sense of unity and belonging that was truly special. And so, the traveler realized that the thread of connection was not just a metaphorical concept, but a tangible reminder of the importance of relationships. It taught him that in order to strengthen the thread, one must nurture and cherish the bonds with others. For in the end, it was these connections that gave life meaning and purpose, weaving a beautiful tapestry of love and friendship that would endure for eternity.

「Heartless Woman　part 4」 65: After school, Satoko and Saeko were summoned to the teacher’s office. Rino tried to keep a calm facade, but her hands were sweaty. She met Saeko in front of the office, and they entered together. Saeko, with an innocent and refreshing smile, took Rino’s hand. Her hand was surprisingly cold and dry. In a psychological battle, it's essential not to let your emotions show. Rino had already stumbled at the start. If that’s how she wants to play it, then she’s in for a surprise. The two of them stood before their homeroom teacher. “Satoko, tell me again.” Rino noticed that other teachers were eavesdropping. She spoke loud enough for the entire office to hear. “I lied.” “We’re in love!” Saeko’s hand twitched. How do you like that, you jerk! “What are you talking about! Come over here!” They were moved to a conference room. In addition to their homeroom teacher, the student counselor and the vice-principal were there too. “Is what you said earlier true?” The vice-principal asked again. The three of them looked pale. Rino showed the hand she was holding and replied, “Saeko is everything to me!” Saeko’s hand was trembling. “Saeko, is it true that you’re in a relationship?” “We love each other every night!” Rino interrupted. “I’m not asking you!” “Saeko, I’m asking you!” “We do all sorts of things together!” “Quiet down!” “Take us somewhere!” “We can’t. We’re tightly connected!” Rino showed the tightly held hands again. “Wait, is Saeko not feeling well?” This time, Saeko’s hand was damp with sweat. “Can you please let go already?” Saeko slowly opened her hand. Rino wiped her hand on her skirt and bowed to the teachers. “I’m sorry! I was lying.” “I’m not really close with Saeko.” “We’ve had our differences, but I won’t bring them up here.” “Thank you for believing me, even if it was a lie.” “Don’t worry. I won’t lie again.” “So I promise! I won’t let Saeko push me around anymore!” Everyone was stunned. The vice-principal was nodding vigorously. The homeroom teacher and student counselor were looking down. They must have had something in mind. Rino bowed and stood up to leave the room. At that moment, the vice-principal let out a scream. Rino pinpointed the location of the approaching person by the sound of their footsteps, turned around, and took a defensive stance. She saw Saeko about to swing a chair down on Satoko. There was no hesitation. Rino dodged the blow by a hair’s breadth and delivered an uppercut to Saeko’s solar plexus. As Saeko collapsed in agony, Rino whispered in her ear. “I’m going to expose your true self, you coward!” With that, she turned, bowed, and left the room. A few steps later, she heard the sound of Saeko retching. “Was that good enough?” Rino asked Satoko. “It was perfect!” Satoko was very pleased. 66: Rino waited for Satoko to finish her training. When the gym had thinned out, Rino, in Satoko’s place, reported the day’s events to the coach. The coach was the only one who could tell the difference between Rino and Satoko without being told. He said it was because they were completely different. Rino was impressed, thinking, “As expected from the creature master.” Satoru, who had been listening nearby, noticed a visitor entering the gym. “Welcome!” Satoru greeted them warmly. “Are you interested in joining?” “Yes, that’s right! Is it still possible?” The voice sounded familiar. Rino turned around, half in disbelief. A girl stood there, smiling and nodding at Rino. Rino stepped in between them. “You look well!” “Cleaning your room must have been tough.” She forced a smile, making sure the coach and Satoru could hear her. The two of them realized that the visitor in a tracksuit and dress shoes was Saeko. “Sorry for making you worry!” “I was cleaning with the teachers just a while ago.” “That’s why I’m late getting here!” “But I’m all good now! Thanks for your concern!” Her smile masked her true intentions. “So, what brings you here today?” Rino asked directly. “I saw Satoko training at this boxing gym.” “I’ve always admired it, so I decided to join today.” “Looking forward to training with you!” Rino and Satoru looked at the coach. The coach nodded firmly. Satoru nodded back and began explaining the membership process. Rino felt cold sweat start to break out. 67: After Saeko left, the gym turned into a battlefield. Satoko was furious with the coach for allowing Saeko to join. Rino couldn’t control Satoko’s emotions either. To be fair, even Rino was shocked by Saeko’s stalker-like behavior. “For a high school girl, she’s got some serious nerve,” the coach remarked. “Why are you praising Saeko?” Satoko shouted at the coach. “No, that’s not it. I’m saying she’s not someone you can easily deal with.” “By keeping her close, we might figure out her intentions.” “But as long as she’s here, she’ll be treated like everyone else.” “Please, Satoko, hold back your personal feelings.” The coach gave Satoko a deep bow. “Huh? What’s that supposed to mean?” Satoko crossed her arms and glared at the coach for a while. Without saying a word, she gathered her things and left the gym. The coach remained in his bowed position for some time, even after Satoko had walked out. 67: The next day, Satoko and Saeko walked into the gym together, looking as if they were the best of friends. They were so close it was hard to believe. The coach quickly realized that it was actually Rino in Satoko’s body. They went into the changing room together and came out together. Saeko had specifically requested to follow the same training regimen as Rino. Satoko, smiling brightly, eagerly agreed. But her eyes weren’t smiling at all. The coach allowed it on the condition that they follow Satoru’s instructions. Saeko had surprisingly little stamina. The endurance of Satoko's body, now trained by Rino, was already beyond the average person's. Naturally, Saeko couldn’t keep up with the training. But she was determined to finish, even if it took extra time. Push-ups, roadwork, rope skipping—she did it all. Whatever she couldn’t finish in the gym, she completed outside afterward. It wasn’t just talk; within a few days, her physique started to change. It was impressive determination, the coach thought. There were no more reports from Rino, and only Satoko was seen at the gym. Gradually, the coach found himself getting more involved in Saeko’s training. She reminded him of someone. But he couldn’t remember who. She was always composed and never lost her smile. He had seen that before. Who was it?! But age had caught up with him, and he couldn’t recall. 68: Rino has been silent the whole time. At school, she speaks only when necessary. The same goes for when Satoko asks her questions. Even in the park at night, it’s the same. The less she speaks, the more intense her presence feels. "Don’t provoke Saeko!" That’s all Rino says before falling silent again. Right now, Saeko's popularity is skyrocketing. She's constantly training in boxing, whether it's morning practice or during breaks. She has a knack for getting others involved, and her supporters are growing, making it look like a club might form soon. She invites Satoko to join her every time. Satoko makes vague excuses and never directly refuses. This is on Rino’s orders. At the gym, Saeko is being personally trained by the coach. For a stalker, she's getting special treatment. After tormenting me so much, what’s she planning now? Should I just confront her and ask? "No! Stay calm!" Rino reprimands her. At this rate, I might actually lose to Saeko in boxing. Just as that thought crosses her mind, Rino speaks to her. "Trust me for now!" "I’ll protect you, Satoko!" Satoko felt Rino’s support. If not for that, there’s no way she’d be running from school to the gym alongside Saeko! Today, they headed to the gym together again. 69: Since Saeko started coming to the gym, something has become clear. Saeko is serious and straightforward by nature. When she first came to the gym, I was cautious. But the more I got to know her, the more I realized she had a certain charm. The thing that draws people to her is her constant smile. Sometimes, I even feel like she's smiling through her pain. There’s a depth to Saeko. The trigger was the revenge for when I provoked her. But instead of resorting to underhanded tactics, she stepped into the ring and is trying to beat Satoko in a fair fight. She really has nerves of steel. The unpleasant stares in the classroom haven’t disappeared. But it’s hard to believe that Saeko is the source of it. Rino decided that the first step should be to prove Saeko’s innocence. If Satoko found out, she would probably panic. As long as the suspicion is directed at Saeko, things should stay manageable. But how to contact Saeko without Satoko finding out? Rino resorted to an old-fashioned method—she wrote a handwritten letter to the coach. Using the code from her previous life. 70: Satoko handed over the letter from Rino. Judging by her smirk, she clearly misunderstood the contents. Indeed, the letter was clumsy, full of simple requests like wanting Saeko to be more honest and for both Satoko and Rino to be better acknowledged. It was riddled with spelling errors, making it almost unreadable. At least for an ordinary person. The errors themselves were part of the message, with certain keywords marked. Our rule was to punch small holes with a ballpoint pen in specific places, changing the order to create the actual message. When rearranged, the letters spelled out: “Rino, Familiar, Boxing.” It seemed Rino had remembered as well. I reviewed the records since Rino started coming to the gym and asked some contacts about "Saeko." With no solid leads, my eyes suddenly caught a framed photo. It was from Rino’s debut match. A picture taken before the match. Even after Rino disappeared, I kept it on display. Who was her opponent in that match? I couldn’t recall, so I called Satoru and searched the internet using the photo. It was difficult to find the opponent's name among the flood of Rino’s images. Finally, on one site, I found her registered as “Momiji” in Rino’s match data. It was from a gym that had closed down years ago. But no memories surfaced. Further searching online yielded no results. I called an editor from a magazine I had contacted earlier. He didn’t know either. Just when I thought I had hit a dead end, memories from that time began to resurface. "After Rino's debut match, I had her write something, didn’t I?" I had brought her to the gym after the match for a lecture. There might be a record of that! I had packed Rino’s mementos into a cardboard box. If it’s not in there, it’s nowhere! There it was. A handwritten statement. Reading that statement, my memory came flooding back. Saeko and Rino were connected. 71: Momiji started kickboxing at 17 and turned professional at 18. Her specialty was the middle kick, followed by a barrage of punches when her opponent faltered, and she finished with a high kick—her signature move. Nicknamed the "KO Machine," she even won world championships. The media took notice, and her early twenties were filled with excitement. Kickboxing was all the rage at the time, with sold-out tickets and high fight purses. At the peak of her popularity, she married a fellow gym member and retired from the sport. She gave birth at 27. Just when she thought she had everything ahead of her, the kickboxing boom ended. She divorced her husband, who had become self-destructive. For the sake of her child, she did whatever she could. Her days revolved entirely around work and raising her child. It was hard on her, especially after experiencing a brief taste of heaven. As she began to feel herself spiraling into despair, a call came. The president of the kickboxing gym was starting a boxing program. He wanted her to use her kickboxing experience as a weapon to aim for a world championship in boxing. She mentioned she had a family, but was reassured that there had been single mother champions in the past. She was overwhelmed with happiness at being needed again. From the very next day, she started bringing her child to the gym. She was almost 30 years old. 72: Boxing was a completely different world from kickboxing. Without the use of kicks, even the stance was different. It was an entirely different sport. Her trainer, also a former kickboxer, learned alongside her. She could be with her child, and during practice, the coach and others would look after the little one. With an adorable smile, her child became everyone’s favorite. The exhaustion from work and training seemed to vanish. Her world was filled with dreams. 73: Momiji’s fighting style was all about giving the audience a show. She genuinely wanted to put on matches that the crowd would enjoy. She fought brutal in-fights, earning victory after victory while accumulating scars. Her daughter, watching her, expressed a desire to box as well. At some point, her daughter started writing encouraging charms with crayons on her hand wraps before each match. The thought of not being alone gave her the strength to get back up whenever she was knocked down. As her career progressed smoothly, she moved from four-round to six-round fights. 74: Momiji thought of the six-round fight as just another rite of passage. She didn’t slack off in her training, and her daughter even wrote the usual good luck charm on her hand wraps. The result was a first-round KO loss. Early in the fight, she was caught with a right hook to the jaw after a right straight, causing a concussion. When she came to, she was lying down in the dressing room. Her first professional loss was shockingly abrupt. Her daughter, mistakenly thinking she had died, had tears welling up in her eyes, yet she was smiling brightly. She was keeping the promise they had made: “Smile when times are tough.” Momiji, too, smiled back through her tears. 75: After a KO loss, a fighter is typically barred from competing for one to three months. Following her first loss, Momiji continued to suffer KO defeats. There were three main reasons for this: 1. **Fighting Style:** Momiji's style emphasized entertaining the audience, much like professional wrestling. She preferred slugfests, focusing on thrilling the crowd. However, boxing is ultimately a sport where individual victory is paramount. Experienced fighters avoid unnecessary exchanges, focusing instead on finding openings and defeating their opponents with precision. Momiji refused to abandon her approach. 2. **Coaching:** Momiji's coach did not fully understand boxing. Though a skilled kickboxing trainer, boxing was an entirely different sport. The strategies that worked in four-round fights became ineffective against opponents who had developed solid defensive techniques for six-round matches. 3. **Physical Decline:** By the time she reached 30, Momiji's body was deteriorating. Competing against fighters in their twenties, or even teenagers, made the differences in reflexes and explosiveness starkly apparent. She relied on stamina and determination to get through her matches. Due to these factors, Momiji struggled to win in six-round fights. It became increasingly difficult to schedule matches for her, and she ended up fighting only a few times a year. Despite her unwavering dedication to training, the gym began to struggle with how to handle her. Even when advised to retire and become a trainer, Momiji stubbornly clung to her desire to remain an active fighter. Her role eventually became that of a "journeyman," a fighter used to build the records of up-and-coming talent, and she was demoted back to four-round fights. No matter the hardships she faced, she was able to keep going as long as she had her daughter by her side. 76: For fighters without a strong career track record, the retirement age was set at 37. Momiji was now 36, with her birthday marking the deadline. She had fought in over ten matches, but her record was dismal, with her best results being draws and most of the others losses. What kept her going despite this was the fact that her tickets always sold out. She was supported by a loyal fan base. Momiji had always fought for her fans. Though every match ended with her face bloodied and swollen, the audience was electrified. The crowd often chanted her name, "Momiji," more fervently than that of the winner. She was a fighter who would get knocked down repeatedly but always got back up to exchange blows again. Her resilience, rising from the canvas time after time, was like something out of a movie. Her daughter took pride in her and had expressed a desire to learn boxing from Momiji once she entered middle school. Each time, her daughter's good luck charm written on the hand wraps grew longer, a testament to her growth. Momiji felt the limits of her ability many times, but the cheers from her supporters gave her strength. Though she knew she would never become a world champion, she vowed to herself that she would continue fighting without giving up until the very end. However, this was a grave mistake as a professional boxer. Given her success as a kickboxing champion, it wouldn’t have been surprising if Momiji had also achieved greatness in boxing. True progress comes from seriously analyzing one’s weaknesses, making necessary improvements, and evolving. Her stubbornness and refusal to change were nothing short of negligence. Even worse, she turned this obstinance into a point of pride, making her seem more foolish than anything else. Those within the industry understood this. They intentionally refrained from pointing it out, using Momiji to serve their own purposes. But there was someone who didn’t approve of this exploitation. 77: The last match scheduled before her retirement was against a rookie making their debut. Though her opponent was considered far inferior, Momiji intensified her training like never before. If she was going to fight, she would give it her all and make it the best stage possible. For herself and for her opponent. This time, she was determined to win! She poured everything into rigorous training with that thought in mind every day. Her body, at 36 years old, was remarkably toned. The silhouette, free of excess muscle, had a mechanical elegance. She endured thoughtless insults and faced the day of her final match as a professional. In the dressing room, her daughter wrote her usual charm with a marker. This time, it was just one phrase: "Thank you for everything!" Uncharacteristically, Momiji broke down in tears before the match. She pulled herself together, completed her warm-up, and stepped into the ring. The audience this time was different from usual. The tickets had sold out, but her fights had typically been less popular. However, this rookie was strikingly beautiful and had appeared in the media. The crowd was overwhelmingly in support of her opponent, making Momiji painfully aware that she was in hostile territory. But she would not give up until the very end! With that resolve, she waited for the gong to sound. 78: This rookie was the toughest opponent she had ever faced. They had the exact same fighting style. From the first round, both of them stood their ground, exchanging blows. The rookie's punches were heavier than anyone she had fought in her six-round matches. She hit back, but was immediately hit in return. The fight she had always wanted had finally come true. The audience roared with excitement each time a punch landed, fully absorbed in the heated battle unfolding in the ring. Both she and the rookie let out groans with each punch, the sheer impact undeniable. Neither of them could keep their breath steady, gasping