Chapter 169: Built Different
Chōji, having missed his attack, began to regain his composure, shoulders dropping as he exhaled deeply.
"I... I'm sorry," he admitted, clenching his fists and shaking his head, trying to find his balance.
It was apparent that he lost his cool. Not because he was emotionally weak, but because Arthur knew how to exploit those from the Akimichi clan quite well. The things that set them off were comments about their weight.
Chōji himself also didn't like the disrespect of his former teammates.
Arthur looked at the boy, sensing that he had steadied himself. Trying to use that psychological tactic wouldn't work again.
"We're going to save our friends!" he heard a female voice say.
It was Sakura, screaming as she prepared to jump into the fray.
But instead of directly engaging her, Arthur allowed Koko to bounce off his arms, redirecting the petite monkey-like girl toward Sakura.
"Let's go!" the monkey taunted, darting away at speeds that belied her size and stature. As Sakura swung her fist, Koko evaded and weaved through the air like a nimble acrobat. "Oops! Missed again!" With every failed attempt Sakura made, Koko teased further, laughing lightly. "It's too bad you don't like daddy! You're so pretty!"
Arthur maintained his distance, observing Koko's playful antics. He found himself momentarily puzzled—where did Koko learn about romance?
While amusing, his focus returned to Chōji, who was preparing for another assault.