Taro strolled through the academy's courtyard, taking in the familiar sights and sounds. It had been 100 days since he'd last walked these grounds, and everything felt fresh and new.

  As he turned a corner, he stumbled upon a group of students being bullied by a gang of older kids. The bullies, all in the Qi Sensing stage, sneered and taunted their victims.

  Taro's eyes narrowed. He hated bullies.

  Without hesitation, Taro stepped forward, his movements smooth and effortless. The bullies, thinking he was just another weak student, sneered at him.

  "Hey, look at this guy thinking he's a hero," one of the bullies jeered.

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  The leader of the bullies, a tall and muscular student, sneered at Taro. "You think you can take us on? We're in Qi Sensing, and you're just a...."

  Taro didn't give him a chance to finish. With a swift punch, he sent the bully flying into a nearby wall. The other bullies gasped in shock and fear.

  The leader struggled to his feet, his face twisted in anger. "We'll take revenge! You just wait!"

  The bullies retreated, leaving Taro with the three students they had been bullying.

  One of them, a girl with short brown hair, smiled at Taro. "Thanks so much for helping us out! I'm Lila."

  The other two students introduced themselves as Kaito and Mira. Taro smiled, feeling a sense of camaraderie with his new friends.

  As they walked together, Taro realized he'd found something more valuable than power or strength – friendship.

  "I'm Taro," he said, smiling at his new friends. "Nice to meet you all."

  Lila, Kaito, and Mira smiled back, and the four of them continued walking together, chatting and laughing.

  As they strolled through the academy, Taro felt like he'd finally found his place. He'd found friends who appreciated him for who he was, not just for his strength or abilities.

  And as they walked, Taro knew this was just the beginning of a beautiful friendship.