The Kansai Villain’s Rebirth: I Accidentally Ended Up With a Harem. - Chapter 24: The Protagonist — Words Bring Trouble.

The Protagonist — Words Bring Trouble.

 Imamiya Toshiya’s POV.

“Imamiya, what the hell was that about? That pass you threw at Tennouji—what’s your problem?”

I was cornered in the clubroom by Momodani and Tenma. Apparently, it was about what happened during the sports festival match earlier.

“What problem? It wasn’t anything like that. I just passed to Tennouji since he was doing well, that’s all.”

“Oh yeah? That kind of pass? Then how about I throw one at you like that next time?”

“Wha—hey, wait a sec—”

“You know how much that hurts. And Tennouji already had a jammed finger, so it must’ve hurt like hell. You still went all out like you were pitching a fastball.”

Damn it, damn it, damn it! Why the hell are they ganging up on me like this!? We won, didn’t we!? That should be all that matters!

“You’re probably thinking it’s fine since we won, huh?” Tenma said coldly. “But even Doi and the others said that pass was insane. You pulled that crap in a non-official game, against guys who aren’t even on the basketball team. You trying to make us look bad or what?”

“Yeah,” Momodani added, his tone sharp enough to cut through the air. “You realize if people start saying, ‘Basketball club guys are nuts,’ that ruins our reputation, right? Don’t drag us down with you.”

Momodani’s glare had weight. I could feel it in my gut.
Sure, even Doi and Takii had laughed and said, “Man, that was brutal!” But our basketball team’s strong—really strong—thanks to monsters like Tenma and Momodani. We’re serious. We’re aiming for the Winter Cup.

“I… I’m sorry. I don’t know what came over me…”

“So you were doing it on purpose. Why? You got a problem with Tennouji?”

“That’s not…”

How the hell was I supposed to say it? That I hated how Mio, Shina, and Rinko were getting close to him? That seeing that delinquent show up and steal everyone’s attention made my blood boil?

Damn it. If you’re a dropout, stay out of the spotlight! You showing up and standing out is why I’m in this mess now!

“I’ll talk to the coach,” Momodani said flatly. “If you pull something like that again, we’re not talking about winning anymore. I might just drop you from the regulars.”

“Wait—what!? Momodani, you can’t be serious! I’ve been working my ass off for this spot!”

“And that’s the result of all your hard work? That pass?”

“Guh…”

Kicked off the regular lineup? No way. Not after everything I’d done since first year—hours of practice, waiting for the seniors to retire, finally earning my spot. And now it’s all gonna go because of a single game!? Damn it, this can’t be happening!

“Please! I’ve worked too hard to lose my position over something like that!”

“So that’s all it means to you, huh?” Tenma shot back. “If Tennouji ever joined the basketball team and became a regular, you’d throw him those same trash passes? Even if I or Kentarou told you to pass properly? You’re not taking this seriously at all.”

“Yeah,” Momodani said. “Even if it’s not Tennouji—if you start acting like that just because you don’t like someone, none of us wanna play with you.”

“Ugh…”

Crap, this is bad. Momodani’s about to blow a fuse—what do I do!?

“For now, we’ll talk to the coach about it,” Tenma said, sighing. “Man, if only Tennouji were actually in the basketball club.”

“Yeah, seriously. Kinda kills the mood after a win. Hey, wanna invite him to the family restaurant later for a mini afterparty?”

“Sure thing! I’m starving!”

“Has nothing to do with Tennouji! Hahaha!”

Damn it all…! Why am I the one getting chewed out!? I gave it everything I had too! It wasn’t even an official match—it was just a damn school event! This is ridiculous!

But… getting kicked off the regulars would be worse.

In the end, I managed to keep my spot, but the coach started giving me the cold shoulder. What the hell…

***

A little while after the sports festival ended, it was already time for midterms. I usually rank somewhere in the middle of the class—not great, not bad—and I study enough to keep it that way. But what I actually looked forward to was—

“Alright, we’ll be doing another study session this time too. Anyone who wants to join, come talk to me.”

Rinko’s class study session.

She explains things super clearly, and sometimes I even help out when I can. Basically, everyone teaches each other the parts they understand until both sides hit a wall—then Rinko steps in and saves the day.

She’s a genius, honestly. Top of the year since middle school without even going to cram school. But she never brags about it—she just wants to help others raise their grades, avoid failing, or reach their goals. Thanks to her, everyone’s grades go up.

Plus, Mio and Shina would be there, and I’d get Rinko’s help too. No reason not to go, right? Except… why’d she have to invite him too!?

“Tennouji-kun, would you like to join as well?”

“A study session? Sounds good. I’d appreciate the help if I get stuck.”

Tennouji!? A delinquent joining a study session!? Pfft, how lame!

Well, whatever. He’s probably just desperate to avoid flunking. Let’s see how long that lasts. I’ll go too—watching that idiot struggle’s gonna be hilarious!

***

“Alright, today we’ll focus on math. Don’t hesitate to ask questions if you’re stuck.”

Rinko really looks like she’d make a great teacher someday. And just like that, the study session began.

The moment she gave the signal, everyone swarmed her with questions. I had a few things I wanted to ask too, but there was no way I could squeeze in now. Guess I’ll just solve what I can until things calm down.

“Um, Toshiya-kun, do you have a moment?”

As I worked through a problem, Shina came over, holding her textbook.

“What’s up, Shina?”

“I can’t figure this part out… Rinko’s still busy, so I don’t really have anyone else to ask…”

“Let’s see… oh, this? C’mon, this one’s easy.”

Seriously? She looked so worried over this? You can solve it just by glancing at the textbook!

“Jeez, it’s simple. You can’t even do this one?”

“…What?”

Well, to be fair, Shina’s grades were a disaster even back in middle school. Guess I’ll just help her out this once.

“Fine, I’ll show you. So this—huh? Shina?”

“Forget it. I’ll do it myself.”

“Huh? What’s with that all of a sudden?”

What the hell? She came to ask for help, then changed her mind? What’s her deal?

“Ah, Daiki-kun, sorry! Could you help me out for a second?”

Of all people—Tennouji!? Pfft, hahaha! What’s she thinking!? That guy’s the last person to ask for help!

Wait—why’s she glaring at me like that? Must be my imagination. Alright, Tennouji, let’s see you embarrass yourself now!

“Oh, this one? Yeah, it’s a bit tricky. But look here—compare this formula with the one in the textbook. See how it lines up? Then this part fits here.”

“Mhm… so this goes like that, and then this part’s… here?”

“Exactly. Now from here, you just do this next.”

“Oh! Then this side becomes… this?”

“Yeah, that’s right. Then you move this part over.”

“And that gives… the answer is this!?”

What… the hell. He’s teaching her perfectly—and she’s following along!?

“I did it! Daiki-kun, how’s this?”

“Yep, you got it right.”

“Yay! You’re amazing, Daiki-kun! You explained it so well!”

“Haha, glad it helped. See? Once you understand the steps, it’s not that bad.”

“Yeah! Then… can we do the next one too?”

Hey, Shina! Why the hell are you getting all cozy with him!? And Tennouji, you too! Move back, damn it! I’ve never been that close to her!

Damn it all… how did this even happen!?