As the final day before the tournament arrived, everyone had concluded their training. Kitayuu had just finished one last session under the waterfall early in the morning before departing.
Hu Tao noticed a difference in Kitayuu's physique and smiled when she saw slightly visible abs as opposed to when he was just skin and bones at the beginning.
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They then headed to Bayda Harbour in Sumeru instead of meeting back at the academy and going by horse. The sun had just risen by the time they reached the harbour as everyone was waiting for the ship. When they got closer to the rest Kitayuu noticed that students from the other class was also present.
Barbara was the first to spot Kitayuu and run up, giving him a hug. Bennet looked away full of jealousy and punched Kitayuu on the shoulder upon coming closer, "You're a lot more sturdy huh?"
Kitayuu didn't answer, instead he found himself being able to sense traces of everyone's energy. He noticed specifically that Keqing, Raiden and a few other's energy signatures were rather faint with minor fluctuations upon movement, 'So they already know about it.' He thought to himself. Meanwhile Bennet's one was rather noticeable and overwhelming, "Bennet, you really gotta learn how to conceal your energy..."
Bennet tilted his head, "What?"
Hu Tao chuckled and put a hand on his shoulder, "What he means is that your energy is leaking so much that anyone can't detect you from miles away and you're also wasting a crap ton of it."
Bennet's face went crimson red, seeing Hu Tao stare directly at him, 'Her eyes are beautiful...'
Barbara; "Pfffttt She has a point, seriously you always seem to drain yourself so quick when using your signature moves"
Bennet snapped out of his daydream, "Keep quiet!"
Hu Tao; "Don't worry, I'll teach you some basics and we can practise on the ship."
Both of them boarded the ship early. Kitayuu decided to remain with the rest and noticed other students arriving, but didn't recognise them. He leaned over to Barbara, "I assume they are from other academies?"
She nodded, "Yeah, but they're not as prestigious as the main academy. Very few actually make it to the tournament rounds from what I've heard and many also transfer to our academy later on."
The students from other academies also noticed Kitayuu and started whispering amongst themselves and shooting dirty looks. He started feeling slightly uncomfortable as he knew exactly what they all were talking about. He met eyes with one girl with white hair who seemed to be looking at him for a while. When they met eyes, she immediately blushed and looked away.
A rather tall boy came from behind and tightly gripped Kitayuu's shoulder. Kitayuu attempted to turn around and shake him off, but the boy didn't budge, "Look who it is, the infamous Kitayuu. You better not go ballistic and ruin everything!" He started tightening his grip. Kitayuu's eyes flared with anger and just as he was about to retaliate, Keqing appeared out of nowhere and kicked his arm off, "Touch anyone else again and I'll make sure to snap your arm."
