Chapter 26 : Discomfort

An early alarm woke Kaizo's up. The questions that Axion's asked has been bothering him. Deprived him from getting a good sleep and making him overtrain himself.

"What is it that you see in me? What exactly do you want from me? An explanation? Of what?"The image of Axion asking that question flashes in his mind.

"What do I want?" he mumbled.

He never really cared about those rumors. He's slightly interested about the fact that Scrozux knew her. But what makes him more curious, is why Admiral Maskmana trusts her enough to let her fight alone.

Kaizo stretched his hand in the air as he stared at the ceiling.

"I know you're stronger than me. And I'm thrilled to have someone who can catch up to my power," he thought to himself.

He clenched his fist.

"I want to know more about you. But what bothers me the most, is that I know you've been holding back your true power."

Suddenly, a question pops up in his mind.

"Why do you care?"

He forced himself to get out of the bed. Ignoring his aching body that demands attention. He looked at himself in the mirror. The image of Axion's expression during their last battle stirred his emotion. Making him Anxious.

"Why did you hold back? Why didn't you show me your true power? Did Admiral Maskmana choose you because you're stronger than me?"

He feels lied to. He feels betrayed. Although he understood that Axion didn't really lie to him. All this time he aspires to be the best. Only to know that he became the best because Axion has been holding back. The title of rank 1 cadet makes him uncomfortable.

Kaizo punched the wall.

"I need to get stronger," he thought to himself.

He puts on his suit and walks towards the training ground.

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Few days have passed since Junkberg. Kaizo spent most of his spare time training with barely any breaks. Giving less time to spend with his team. Especially Axion. As much as he wants to know about Axion's mission, his own improvement needs to be a priority. As he can't do anything if he's weak.

"I heard Kaizo gets in trouble," said Tiramisu.

"Yeah. It's unusual. He's the perfect number 1 cadet," Macaron adds.

"I heard he get suspended from flying for a week," said Yuxiang.

"Did you know? Axion is the reason why he got suspended," said Olivia eagerly.

"How did you know?" Tiramisu looked at her in a suspicious manner.

"I saw them arguing in front of Admiral Maksmana's room," Oliva answered with confidence.

"Really?!!"

"Yes! I didn't know what they were talking about. But it looked serious. Kaizo looked upset. They even spar," said Olivia in a dramatic tone.

"Wow! Really? I bet Kaizo wins again," said Macaron innocently.

"That's the thing! He lost!"

The girls were shocked. Spicy Gluten looked at Olivia. She couldn't hold back her shock.

"No way!" Yuxiang exclaimed.

"Yes. She beat him with one move. It was so fast that I barely caught a glimpse of it!"

"Axion must've made Kaizo so upset until Kaizo lost his focus," said Spicy Gluten. "How can he lose if it's not because Axion plays with his anger?"

"Definitely! She is probably the problem. Kaizo is our number 1 cadet. He's perfect! There's no way he's the one who made mistakes." Olivia agreed.

"Axion is probably getting a big head for ranking number 2. She must've thought that she can take 1st rank," said Milt.

"I agree. How can someone like her be number 2," Macaron began agreeing with the others.

The whispers keep going.

"I don't know if i should be amazed or concerned at the rumors around you. It's even more updated than ramen advertisements on tv," said Ramenman. He looked at Axion. "You said you're discussing with Admiral Maskmana about these rumors because you don't want us to handle it ourselves. But this is too much."

Axion silent.

"It's getting uncomfortable here. Let's find a better spot to eat " said Rum.

"I agree," Ramenman replied.

They were about to leave when Olivia suddenly talked loudly. "Poor Kaizo. He needs to put up with a troublesome teammate."

Ramenman turns to Olivia. His face filled with anger. Axion holds his arm.

"No. Not here. Not like this," she calmly said. "It's not worth it."

Ramenman gritted his teeth. He turns away. They moved to Astra Spaceship's kitchen.

"So, any of you care to explain?" Ramenman asked the moment he put his meal on the table. His voice is serious.

Kaizo acts indifferent. Axion makes an uncomfortable expression. Lahap pretends he doesn't know anything.

"No one?" Ramenman asked again.

"It was just a misunderstanding. A little accident," said Axion. Trying to make up an excuse. She then goes back in silence.

The air around them became awkward.

"Okay. Something is wrong. What happened between you two?" said Rum.

"Yeah. It looks as if one of you confessed to another and got rejected. Tell me, was Kaizo the one who made the first move?" said Ramenman, going back to his usual playful self.

"NO!" Both Kaizo and Axion answered together. They looked at each other before avoiding each other's gaze.

"Oh-ho…." Ramenman smirked.

"Whatever it is in your stupid mind, I assure you. That's not it," said Kaizo.

"I heard you lost in your last fight with Axion," said Ramenman.

Axion flinched. Kaizo silent. Too vexed to say anything.

"So it's true," said Ramenman. Noticing Kaizo's fuming face.

"I need to prepare data for today's mission briefing. I'll see you guys later." said Axion. She chomped on the last bite of her meal and hurriedly walked away.

"You must be the one who confessed huh?" said Ramenman.

"Hmph. Don't joke," said Kaizo.

"Awww. Are you being shy? You don't have to be shy," said Ramenman as he nudged Kaizo.

Kaizo suddenly stands up. "We have a new mission today. Hurry up and finish your meal," said Kaizo as he walked away.