I'm a rekishiya. Of course. But I'm obviously not supposed to say that out loud.

"You just need to imagine putting your power into something, like your fists, for example. Just do it the way you'd normally try to use your powers."

"I don't just put my power into my hand. It happens naturally. I just touch something, and it instantly happens. Why do you think I always wear gloves?"

"Okay, here's something different. Try keeping your hands in contact with each other., y'know, like, trying to see your own past. That way, the flow of power will be directly concentrated there. Don't mind the visions. You understand?"

"I have done it several times before, and no, I was never able to see my own past."

"Leave the visions aside, maybe you've always felt the power surge, but just thought that it was normal for such a thing to happen to you. Just try it."

I have zero clues, but here goes.

It's the same feeling as when I first tried it as a kid, but... I do feel my hands getting warmer---no, they're actually really warm now.

I kept my hands on my cheek to see how warm they were. Due to the relative difference in temperature, my hands felt like hot knives, cutting through cold butter.

"Hmmm, I suppose you've got it, based on your looks. Quite the fast one, you are. Let's try it out---Punch me. Don't hold back." Utsumi stated.

"There's no way. He's a complete beginner. We are, as well. He isn't pulling this off anytime soon." Tsujihara stated.

I know how strong he is, so no point in being concerned about the consequences, but she does have a valid point---this is some advanced stuff. I can't imagine beginner's luck being applied here.

"Do it."

In an instant, my punch pushed Utsumi back upto several metres. He actually defended my strike too, yet got blown away. This is enhancement!? Tsujihara was speechless, with her mouth wide open.

Coughing, Utsumi said, "T-That was quite a punch! Maybe next time you use a little less force, and hopefully Miura Rika won't be killed."

I gulped down my saliva, as I kept staring at my hands. It was an incredible feeling. If I were to master this technique, then forget about putting up a good fight---I could literally dominate my opponents, without breaking a sweat. I felt a little weakened, but it was a small price to pay for incredible power like this.

Rubbing her glasses, Tsujihara asked, "What the hell was that!? How can a complete amateur pull that off?"

"Told you he'd be different. Now, let's focus on your control."

Utsumi came up to me, and started whispering, in a way that she couldn't hear.

"Rekishiya usually have huge reservoirs of power within them, and also are way more physically capable. You can relatively take more hits than others. For yurei, they'd probably only be able to use this technique about two or three times a day. Let's see how long you can keep going. But, if I were to guess, I think you'd be out after five or six."

25 minutes later

"T-That's... the 22nd p-p-punch... how are you two even alive--?"

"T-This is freakin' insane... Ngh...ACK!"

He vomited some blood, as soon as he finished saying those words. This is bad. I went too far...

"I-I'm extremely sorry, Utsu--"

"Relax, man. This isn't much. I can get up on my own. It's been a long time since I've been this injured. Feels nostalgic, actually."

"Y-Yoshida, how are you f-f-fine!? This is NOT normal... aren't you feeling fatigued? Don't you feel any pain? Even the strongest TYB soldier would be torn apart after powering up so many t-times."

True. It is strange---I was feeling weak after I pulled the first punch, and now , although I feel somewhat out of breath, I don't really feel any pain. No joint aches, no muscle cramps, nothing. And 22!? Didn't Utsumi say that I'd probably only be able to use it five or six times? This must be some new record. But man, even he got severely wounded, so much that he puked blood. I should treat him to something to make up for it.

"I'm good, class rep. Just worn out, is all. I think what's important right now is giving Utsumi some medical attention. He's in bad shape because of me."

"I said I'm fine, didn't I? I'll just head back to---"

Before he could complete his sentence, he collapsed, unconscious.

Medical Room, Main Building

"He needs to spend a few nights here. What caused these injuries?" The school nurse asked.

"W-We were training," Tsujihara replied, "And things got out of hand. I'm sorry."

The nurse looked at Tsujihara and said, "Well, I can imagine you doing this, since half the class was admitted here last semester, thanks to your doing in that crazy battle royale. Don't worry, Tsujihara. He'll be fine by tomorrow. Get a good night's sleep, okay?"

"O-Okay. Thank you, Hinako-sensei!"

Outside the Main Building

"What was that!? Beginner? Are you kidding me!? You nearly killed him! It's better if you just concede, Yoshida, because I'd rather be doing whatever Rika asks me to do, than to watch you pulverise her to death." She started tearing up. She was scared. But she wasn't the only one.

"I'm sorry, this is all my fault. I'll take responsibility, and call the match off."

"Why do you need to do that?" A voice came from behind.

"A-Akane!?" Why're you here!?" I asked, shocked.

"Akane?" Tsujihara asked, "You mean Harumi Akane? I-It's an absolute honour to meet you! I knew you were supposed to be quite young, but you look amazing."

"Haha thank you. I see you've made some friends already, Ryou. I was just taking a stroll, and noticed you. Glad to see you being comfortable here. And you, girl, are--?"

"Tsujihara Fumika. Representative of Class 1-3," She replied in a veeery formal manner.

"You can relax around me. I'm quite easy-going, actually. Besides, Ryou must be troubling you a lot, eh? I just overheard your conversation---did he nearly kill someone?"

"N-No... I-I mean, sure, he did badly injure our friend during training, but that's it. I got quite worked up a few moments ago, and so I used that tone of voice." Tsujihara replied.

"I did hear about the current trending topic---The upcoming fight involving one of the nine Muhaijin, and some new 1st-year transfer kid. I am quite surprised to find out that you're the challenger. Plus, I just visited that Utsumi kid, and his injuries aren't that serious. You both can be at ease, now. No need to call the match off and all. Also, I want to see how powerful this generation's Muhaijin are. This'll be fun." Akane said.

"This generation's Muhaijin? Were there more before?" I asked.

"It's always been a tradition of Kibouyama Academy to have 9 people be recognised and considered as the strongest." Akane responded. "I was the strongest Muhaijin back in my day. Man, how I miss those glorious days."

She seems to have gained a significant amount of her memory back. She has a bit of seriousness to her now, unlike the goofy attitude she had back in the city. Of course, I can't ask her about it, since Tsujihara is around.

"Say, since your little friend won't be back for another day or two, want to train with me?" Akane asked.