Chapter 65: The Transfer Students
The moment Saki Tenjōin saw Franklin, her eyes lit up instantly. "Senpai! Franklin-senpai!"
She rushed toward him and suddenly threw herself into his arms. The unexpected action stunned Franklin, Lala, and even Rin Kujō.
Being called "senpai" out of nowhere by a complete stranger, Franklin was understandably confused. He quickly pulled away from Saki Tenjōin's embrace and took a step back.
"Hold on a second—why are you calling me senpai? Do we even know each other?"
Seeing that Franklin didn't recognize her, Saki Tenjōin's eyes sparkled even brighter. "Lin-senpai doesn't know me, but it's enough that I know you—"
Before she could finish, Rin Kujō hurriedly stepped forward to block her and covered her mouth. The two girls exchanged a glance before Saki Tenjōin finally calmed down.
"My apologies, underclassman. Seems I've mistaken you for someone else. I'm Saki Tenjōin, the daughter of the Tenjōin family. There's nothing in Cainan City I can't handle. Since fate brought us together today, if you ever have a problem, come find me. Farewell."
Watching her walk away with a graceful smile toward the school grounds, Franklin scratched the back of his head in confusion. Could it be someone he'd met in the past, back when he traveled through time? That was the only explanation he could come up with.
"Lin, who was that just now?"
Lala didn't seem jealous that another girl had hugged him—only a bit puzzled.
Franklin explained, "I really don't know her right now. Maybe I'll meet her in the future. Her name's Saki Tenjōin, daughter of one of the most powerful figures in Nihon Prefecture."
"Oh, I see. I thought maybe she liked you too."
Seeing Lala's faintly regretful expression made Franklin's head ache. "If she did like me, wouldn't that bother you? Aren't you afraid she'd steal me away?"
"Eh? Why would I be? If she likes you too, that just means you're amazing and popular with girls. I'd be happy! Besides, she can like you with me—why steal?"
Lala's values were truly different from the common ones on Blue Star. It felt strange, but Franklin couldn't help finding it endearing.
Still, there were things he needed to clarify early on. Otherwise, if Lala's personality ever changed, small misunderstandings could pile up and cause irreparable trouble.
"Lala, on Blue Star, especially in Huaxia, there's an unspoken rule—one man for one woman. Once two people are together, that relationship is basically exclusive. It's not acceptable for one man to marry many women—or for one woman to marry many men. Even if you and I don't mind, a lot of people on Blue Star care deeply about that. So… it's best if you're careful saying things like that in the future."
Lala nodded thoughtfully. "Oh, I see. I'll remember that."
Watching her smile so easily no matter what happened, Franklin felt a bit envious.
He wondered how Goku was doing now. Thinking back to Dragon Ball, Goku was pretty great as a kid—but as an adult, his personality really started drifting from normal human standards.
When Franklin entered the classroom, he immediately noticed the class gossip, Saruyama Kenichi, whispering excitedly with a group of boys. With Franklin's sharp hearing, every word reached him loud and clear.
He glanced at the empty desk in front of him, and another empty one diagonally to his right, and sighed deeply—enough to make Lala worriedly reach out and touch his forehead.
Then the bell rang. Their homeroom teacher, Mr. Furukawa, walked in.
"Alright, class. Today, we're welcoming three transfer students. Everyone, please give them a warm welcome."
When the door opened and the three girls walked in, Franklin felt his headache grow worse by the second.
"Hello, everyone. I believe most of you know me. I'm Saki Tenjōin. For personal reasons, I'll be transferring into this class. Please take care of me."
"I'm Rin Kujō, the lady's bodyguard. I hope everyone will cooperate with me in my duties."
"Um… I'm Fujisaki Aya."
As soon as they finished introducing themselves, the classroom exploded in chatter.
"The Tenjōin heiress actually transferred here! So Saruyama's rumor was true!"
"No doubt about it—look, the seats around Franklin are all empty. I heard those students' families moved out of Cainan City overnight!"
"That guy already has Lala, and now he's going after our senior too?!"
"And not just her—Rin Kujō and Fujisaki Aya are always with the heiress. If he gets close to all three…"
"I hate that guy so much! And we can't even beat him—he's got superpowers!"
Feeling the jealous glares around him, Franklin just wanted to bury his head in his desk. Sure, it was annoying—but, honestly, kind of flattering too.
Saki Tenjōin smiled as she walked over and took the seat right in front of him. She turned back and gave him a soft, polite smile.
"Franklin, I'll be counting on you from now on. If there's ever anything you need, just let me know."
Franklin could only respond with a polite smile and nod.
Then came Rin Kujō's cold, watchful stare—he nodded again.
Finally, Fujisaki Aya quietly sat down behind him. Now Franklin really felt surrounded.
As soon as class ended and the teacher left, Saki Tenjōin turned around again, smiling brightly at him.
"Franklin, may I call you Lin-kun? I think 'Franklin' sounds a little too formal."
Her enthusiasm gave him another headache.
"Tenjōin, we just met. Why are you being so friendly? I already have a fiancée, so maybe we should keep a bit of distance."
"It's fine. I don't think Lala would mind."
"You're talking about me?"
Lala looked over curiously.
Saki Tenjōin smiled. "Lala, Lin-kun seems like a really nice person. Is it okay if I chat with him sometimes?"
Lala nodded cheerfully.
"Of course! Lin's the best—kind, gentle, thoughtful. I love him so much! I'm sure you'll end up liking him too, Saki."
Before Franklin could react, Lala was pulled away by Risa Momioka, followed by Haruna Sairenji and Sawada Mio.
Seeing Haruna go along too, Franklin finally relaxed a bit. At least Lala wouldn't just take Tenjōin's side—Haruna would probably speak up for him.
Shaking his head, he looked back at Saki Tenjōin, who was still smiling sweetly at him.
Now the real problem was Lala. Franklin knew himself well—he wasn't the type to reject a beautiful girl who came knocking.
Then a shadow fell over him—Rin Kujō was now standing right at his desk. Her posture wasn't that of a bodyguard protecting someone…
It felt more like she was watching him.
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