Dekisugi looked out at the field where Nobita and the others were playing catch and smiled. "Seems like Nobita and Gian aren't actually on such bad terms. Look how much fun they're having!"
Daichi Yayahara, on the other hand, scoffed. "Their relationship may not be terrible, but this? It's not 'having fun.' More like Gian and the others are enjoying bullying Nobita."
On the field, Nobita was struck in the head by the ball again, leaving a fresh bruise. Gian's sister and Suneo burst into even louder laughter. Dekisugi frowned as he began to realize—this wasn't just roughhousing. This was definitely bullying.
"But… why would Gian and Suneo treat Nobita like this? Nobita hasn't done anything to them," Dekisugi asked, confused.
Daichi sighed. "Two reasons. First, Nobita got them scolded by Shizuka today, so they're taking it out on him. Second—and this is the real reason—no one stands up for him."
"Most of the time, people just watch from the sidelines, like we are now. Because the pain isn't happening to us. If someone were to actually stop Gian when he's bullying someone, things might be different."
Dekisugi shook his head. "It's not that simple. No one in class can beat Gian. He can easily take down three or four kids by himself."
Daichi raised an eyebrow. "So why don't you tell a teacher? Or his parents? If you can't fight back, ask for help."
"It wouldn't work. Sure, he might get punished, but teachers and parents can't follow Nobita around 24/7. And if Gian finds out who tattled, he'll beat that person up even worse later."
Daichi shrugged. "And that's exactly why things are the way they are."
Dekisugi fell silent, head bowed in thought. Could he be right? Is this how things really are?
Back on the field, Nobita returned the ball to Gian. Gian's sister asked if she could try pitching, and Gian agreed with a smile.
She stepped up and tossed the ball. It wasn't very fast—and wildly off target, since she was clearly a beginner.
Nobita had to run after it. But just as he reached the ball, he tripped over something on the ground. His pants caught on the dirt, sliding down embarrassingly, and right on cue, the ball smacked into his head.
A perfect finisher.
Dekisugi watched the whole thing in stunned silence, then clenched his fists. No… Daichi's right. I have to try something!
He ran over and helped Nobita up. "Are you okay, Nobita?"
Gian and Suneo came over as well—but not to help.
"Nobita, you're seriously pathetic. You can't even catch a ball," Gian sneered.
"Yeah, you're hopeless," Suneo chimed in.
Gian's sister looked on, visibly concerned.
Gian and Suneo's cruel laughter rang out again.
Dekisugi didn't respond. He knew that arguing would only provoke them further. They'd just double down on the insults.
"That's enough," Daichi said, walking over with a sharp look in his eyes. "Quit picking on people."
Just then, Daichi felt something—someone was watching them. He activated Detection. Sure enough, something like a floating satellite hovered above, observing the scene.
What the hell is that…?
Before he could dwell on it, Gian stomped over, cracking his knuckles.
"New kid, huh? Got a problem with how I do things?"
He poked Daichi in the chest with a thick finger.
"You better watch yourself, or I'll beat you up too."
Daichi's expression darkened. While Level Two Mighty Strength needed a chant, Level One could be cast instantly.
Just as he was about to throw a punch, Dekisugi stepped in and blocked him.
"No—don't hit him. Violence isn't the answer!"
Daichi held his forehead, exasperated, while Nobita quietly pulled up his pants behind them.
Predictably, Gian shoved Dekisugi aside. Dekisugi, not being particularly strong, tumbled to the ground.
Gian glared down at him. "You bookworms really piss me off. Think you're better than us because you score full marks? I'm gonna beat some humility into you."
He stepped forward and threw a punch.
Dekisugi barely had time to shield his face, bracing for impact.
But the punch never landed.
He opened his eyes to find Gian's arm frozen in place—gripped tightly by Daichi.
Despite Gian straining with all his strength, he couldn't move a muscle. His face turned red with effort.
Daichi had used the time Gian was talking to cast Level Two Mighty Strength on himself. The difference in power was now absurd.
"I told you—quit bullying people!"
With that, Daichi flipped him over with a clean shoulder throw.
Gian's body hit the ground hard. The pain shot through him before he even realized what had happened.
Everyone watching was stunned. Who would've thought this quiet, skinny boy had such strength?
"Damn it!" Gian scrambled to his feet and charged—but Daichi's kick landed square in his stomach, sending him flying even faster than before. He crashed to the ground, completely dazed, his eyes spinning like spirals.
"Nice. That dizzy-eye thing definitely means he's out cold… wait, hold on—spiral eyes? Is that even possible?"
Daichi squinted. So cartoon-style eyes are actually real in this world…? If that's true, then maybe smacking someone in the head really would create those classic anime bumps…
He slowly turned toward the others, scanning each of them with a threatening stare, until his eyes landed on Suneo.
Years of sidekick instincts kicked in—Suneo immediately blurted, "I-I just remembered something at home!" and bolted.
Daichi briefly considered chasing him, then decided to let him go. There would be plenty of chances later.
Finally snapping out of her daze, Gian's sister rushed over and shook him until he came to.
"You jerk!" Gian growled, glaring at Daichi. "I'll remember this!"
His sister tugged his sleeve. "Forget it, big bro. You can't win!"
She dragged him away while he still fumed.
Daichi offered his hand to Dekisugi, who was still sitting on the ground. Dekisugi took it and stood up.
Nobita just stood there in shock, pointing at himself, eyes wide and unfocused.
Daichi walked over and said, "You should probably go home. Look at your clothes—you're a mess. Go get changed."
"Uh… yeah…" Nobita mumbled and wandered off, still dazed.
Watching him leave, Daichi sighed. Hopeless. He's like a Slowpoke from Pokémon…
He turned to Dekisugi. "So, should we head back, or walk around a bit more first?"
Dekisugi collected himself and checked the time. "It's only four. Let's go buy groceries. We're out of vegetables at home."
"Got it."
They headed home to grab money and a shopping basket—time to prep for dinner.
(End of Chapter)