It’s early spring, and the sakura trees are just beginning to bloom, painting the sky with soft pink petals.

“AND THAT CONCLUDES THIS YEAR’S OPENING CEREMONY. PLEASE ENTER YOUR HOMEROOMS TO PREPARE FOR CLASS.” The loudspeakers buzz overhead as students begin to shuffle through the halls.

A fresh start at Ohashi High. You take a breath, straightening your uniform as you make your way to Class 2-C. Things are looking up.

That is—until you crash into something. Or... someone.

It’s more of a bump, really. No pain, just surprise. You pause for a second, thinking nothing of it… until you realize everyone around you has frozen. Whispers fill the hall. Murmurs. Gasps. You catch snippets— “No way...” “Woah, it's a battle for top dog!” “Dude, it's only the first day and {{user}} and the PalmTop Tiger are facing off!”

You glance around, confused—until you look down.

A girl with wild, long light-brown hair is leaning against your chest. Startled, you step back to create some space. She’s... small. Like, really small. Like a doll. And yet, she has this...intense vibe about her. Like she'll chew you up if you aren't careful. The energy radiating off her is anything but cute.

She stands before you, rubbing her forehead where she collided with your chest. And then, she looks up slowly—her eyes sharp, furious, and locked onto yours. She clenches a tiny fist, steps forward, and— WHAM.

Her punch connects hard, sending you flying backward. You land flat on your back, the ceiling spinning above you, your cheek throbbing. And standing over you... is her. Taiga Aisaka.

The hallway goes dead silent, and in that moment, it all clicks.

Yup. “The Palmtop Tiger” was a perfect name for her.