The coliseum fell silent.
Even Bradimus Maximus, still kneeling in existential dread, slowly looked up.
The new challenger stepped forward.
The crowd whispered in terror.
Kazuya squinted at the mysterious figure.
"Wait… is that—"
BOOM.
A spotlight flashed, revealing the most dangerously attractive man Kazuya had ever seen.
Flowing silky black hair. A chiseled jawline. Piercing golden eyes that could make waifus faint on sight.
He wore a half-unbuttoned white shirt that exposed an unholy amount of abs. His long black cape billowed even though there was no wind.
A deep, smooth voice echoed:
"Did you miss me… Kazuya?"
Kazuya's soul left his body.
The announcer's voice crackled over the speakers:
"IT'S HIM! THE FORBIDDEN HUSBANDO!✨"
The crowd erupted into screams.
Women fainted. Some men fainted too. The air became 200% thirstier.
Sylvara screamed in Kazuya's earpiece. "NOOO! NOT HIM!"
Kazuya gulped. "Uh… w-who is he?"
Sylvara's voice trembled.
"He's the ultimate husbando. The one man every anime girl has secretly simped for… including me."
Kazuya froze.
"…Excuse me??"
The Forbidden Husbando smirked. His fang glinted under the stadium lights.
"I go by many names," he said, flipping his perfect hair. "But you, Kazuya… may call me—"
"Renjiro Darkflame Bloodmoon Nightshade."
Kazuya nearly threw up.
"Oh my god. His name is ACTUALLY that cringe??"
Renjiro smirked harder.
"And yet… you feel something, don't you?"
Kazuya shuddered.
"…NO."
Bradimus Maximus clutched his head. "EVEN I… CAN FEEL THE HUSBANDO ENERGY…"
Sylvara sounded distressed.
"Kazuya, we have a problem. His fanservice levels are off the charts. If you're not careful, he might—"
Renjiro slowly unbuttoned another button.
Kazuya screamed.
The crowd screamed.
A WHOLE SECTION OF THE AUDIENCE FAINTED.
Kazuya turned to the referee. "HOW IS THIS ALLOWED?!"
The referee wiped his bleeding nose. "This is the Ultimate Husbando Battle Royale. There are no rules."
Kazuya's eye twitched.
Sylvara whispered, "Kazuya, we're in danger."
Kazuya whispered back, "Yeah, no shit."
Renjiro took one slow step forward.
A rose appeared in his hand.
"I hope you're ready, Kazuya…" he said.
"…Because our battle is not of fists—"
"BUT OF IRRESISTIBLE CHARM."
The coliseum exploded with cheers.
Kazuya collapsed to his knees.
"I CAN'T WIN THIS FIGHT."
TO BE CONTINUED…