Chapter 31: Family Gathering
It was a pleasant evening, and Alice had been invited to have dinner with Shikimori's family. The dining table was filled with delicious dishes, laughter, and warm conversations. Jhon and Miyabi, along with their daughter Michan, welcomed their guests. Mihuru, her father Jake, and her two best friends, Itsuki and Chitose, completed the group.
As they enjoyed their meal, Michan's parents couldn't resist teasing her about Izumi. They knew that she had always been concerned about him, especially when he was struggling with his weight. Michan's face flushed red as she tried to hide her embarrassment.
**Miyabi:** (teasing) Oh, Michan, you're blushing! Could it be that you have a little crush on Izumi?
**Jhon:** (joining in) Yes, it seems our daughter has a soft spot for him.
Michan's embarrassment grew, but she didn't deny it. Her parents had hit the mark, and she found herself smiling despite her blush.
Mihuru, noticing the conversation, couldn't help but feel a pang of worry for her son.
**Mihuru:** (concerned) Michan, is there something you're worried about when it comes to Izumi?
Shikimori hesitated for a moment but decided it was time to share the truth. She took a deep breath and explained, her voice tinged with sadness.
**Shikimori:** (confessing) Actually, Izumi always had a tough time at school because of his weight. Kids used to bully him, and he felt even worse because he didn't have his father around.
Her revelation shocked everyone at the table. Mihuru, in particular, felt her eyes welling up with tears. She hadn't known the extent of her son's struggles, and the fact that he had kept it hidden from her was heart-wrenching.
**Mihuru:** (teary-eyed) Izumi... He never told me about any of this.
The dinner table fell silent for a moment as the weight of Izumi's past sank in. They had always known him as a strong and capable young man, but now they had a glimpse into the challenges he had faced and overcome on his journey to self-improvement.
**Alice:** (placing a reassuring hand on Mihuru's shoulder) Mihuru, kids can be so cruel sometimes. It's not your fault that you didn't know. Izumi probably didn't want to worry you with his problems.
**Chitose:** (nodding in agreement) That's right, Mihuru. He's grown into such an amazing young man. It just shows how strong he is, handling all that on his own.
Mihuru appreciated the support from her friends. She wiped away her tears and managed a small smile.
**Mihuru:** (gratefully) Thank you, Alice, Chitose. You're right; Izumi has become quite remarkable. I should talk to him and let him know that I'm here for him no matter what.
The atmosphere at the table lightened up as they continued to enjoy their meal, cherishing the bond they shared as friends and family.
**Michan:** (nervously) You guys won't believe how much Izumi has changed since he lost all that weight. I mean, he's like a different person now. But... there's something that happened at school today.
**Mihuru:** (concerned) What happened, sweetie? You can tell us.
**Michan:** Well, that guy, Logan, the one who used to bully Izumi when he was bigger, he tried to bully Izumi again today. But this time, it was different. Izumi... he fought back, and he wasn't just defending himself. He completely dominated Logan. It was like he's been training for years.
**Mihuru:** (worried) That doesn't sound like Izumi at all. Something must have changed him.
**Michan:** (nodding) That's what I thought too. He looked so... different, and not just physically. It was like he had this confidence, this strength that he never had before. I'm really worried about him, Aunt Mihuru.
Mihuru exchanged a concerned glance with the others at the table. The sudden transformation in Izumi was baffling and raised many questions in their minds.
**Michan:** (continuing) And there's something else... Izumi has this incredible ability to copy moves. It's like he can learn any fighting technique just by watching it once. It's pretty amazing, but also kind of scary. I mean, who could have taught him all that?
The revelation about Izumi's newfound combat skills and his ability to mimic moves left everyone even more astonished and worried. They exchanged glances, pondering the mysterious changes in Izumi and what might be happening in his life.
As the realization sank in, the room was filled with a heavy silence. Each member of the dinner party exchanged concerned glances, their thoughts swirling with questions about Izumi's sudden transformation and the source of his extraordinary abilities.
**Mihuru:** (worried) Izumi... he's changed so much. I had no idea he was going through all of this alone.
**Jake:** (concerned) It's not just the weight loss. That ability to mimic moves, it's not something you pick up easily. Where did he learn all of that?
**Alice:** (thoughtful) This is quite intriguing. Izumi seems to have become quite the fighter. But we should be worried about where he's been getting this training. It's not something a regular school can offer.
**Chitose:** (concerned) I hope he's not getting involved in anything dangerous. He's just a teenager.
**John:** (reflective) I remember when we saw him last, he was just a kid. Now, he's something else entirely. We need to find out what's going on with him.
**Michan:** (worried) Aunt Mihuru, I think we should try talking to him. Let's find out what's been happening in his life.
The mood in the room had shifted from one of celebration to deep concern for Izumi's well-being, and they all agreed that they needed to reach out to him and uncover the mysteries surrounding his sudden transformation.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone