Back to School

''This is the Clan that is undeniably more suited to flame aura quantum bending than we are!''

He straightened his posture, as if the weight of this knowledge obligated him to stand tall in front of Takeru, highlighting just how remarkable the Kozuki Clan truly was in relation to their unique abilities.

The implications of this truth hung heavily in the air, demanding Takeru's full attention and consideration.

"So what?" Takeru shot back at his brother, Seijuro, who let out a heavy sigh in response to Takeru's dismissive words.

"That's a choice you need to make for yourself, not me," Seijuro said, trying to maintain his composure.

"What I really want to share are some important insights about the Kozuki Clan. You need to understand. Remember, it wasn't me who defeated Yamato during the Kyudai Erabi competition. He made a conscious decision to lose, which allowed me to step up as a leader of S・A." 

Seijuro shifted his gaze to Takeru, hoping the weight of that revelation would sink in. "What I'm trying to convey is quite simple. I need you to grasp this point clearly. I won't say this again."

With that final remark lingering in the air, he turned away from Takeru and walked purposefully into the family hall, leaving his brother to ponder the significance of his words.

"It seems like you're in quite the chatty mood today; I don't think he appreciates your enthusiasm," Shiba Jun, the second son, remarked lightly to his younger brother Seijuro, the third son, as he entered the room. 

Seijuro, however, remained unfazed by his brother's comments. "I simply want to ensure he understands all the intricacies and history behind the S.A.," he replied, his voice steady and composed. 

As he spoke, his features returned to a calm and emotionless mask, effectively concealing any trace of the feelings that may have flickered across his face moments before. 

He was determined to control his emotions, not allowing anyone to glimpse the thoughts swirling in his head.

Jun smiled and departed, whispering to himself, "Kozuki Clan? This generation is going to be interesting!" with a sly grin. 

-----------------------------------;

The Day back to the academia,

All first-year students have the opportunity to stay at the dome for two days before the highly anticipated event known as Kyudai Erabi Day. This special occasion allows students to prepare and immerse themselves in the atmosphere of competition.

The classes labeled A to E, consist of five distinct groups that participate in a series of battles based on the students' individual abilities and unique aura-bending techniques.

The competition unfolds in multiple stages, starting with the first phase, where students engage in spirited one-on-one battles against their peers. This initial round encourages students to showcase their skills and test their strengths in direct confrontations. 

In the second stage, the structure changes as students form teams of 4 to 6 members each. This group battle format fosters collaboration and strategy among the teams as they compete against one another.

Finally, in the climactic third stage, only a select group of 20 distinguished students will have the incredible opportunity to compete against Yuma in the expansive and challenging environment of the academy's forest, testing their abilities in a rugged and dynamic setting.

"That's so much more relaxing than at home," Sei murmured quietly to herself as she settled into the soft, inviting comfort of the bed. 

She lazily shifted from side to side, feeling an overwhelming reluctance to get up and face the day ahead. Her eyes wandered to the lamp on the ceiling, its warm glow casting a gentle light throughout the room. She let out a deep, contented sigh, savoring the peaceful atmosphere that surrounded her.

Knock Knock! 

"Hmmm?" She raised her left eyebrow in curiosity at the unexpected knocking on the door, which echoed through the quiet room. She wondered who could possibly be visiting at this hour.

"Who is it?" she called out, her voice a mix of curiosity and eagerness.

"It's me, Ishigami-san." Upon hearing the familiar voice of her classmate and friend, Sei's expression brightened, and a warm smile spread across her face, feeling a sense of relief wash over her.

"Oh! Come in," she replied. 

Naogi Haruhi opened the door and stepped into the room, casting a brief glance at Sei, who was comfortably seated on the bed, her smile radiating warmth and welcome. 

''I have cookies to share, Ishigami-san!'' She smiled and placed the plate on Sei's table. Turning to Sei, 

''Oh! Doumo, doumo!'' Sei beamed and approached the table, gazing at the cookies with delight.

"Naogi-san, is your family opening a cake store? You always bring cookies and snacks to share with the class."

''Yes, my mom and dad are beakers and we just opened the small store to ruin as fiance family'' Haruhi replied but suddenly a voice from outside the room sounded up.

"Hello! Ishigami, are you there? Can you hear me?"

"Hmmm? Yes! I'm right here!" Sei responded enthusiastically as the door swung open, filling the room with a burst of light.

"Wow! I can hardly contain my excitement about the Kyudai Erabi! I've been looking forward to this for such a long time!" a cheerful girl exclaimed as she stepped into the room.

A wide smile stretched across her face as she began to laugh, her joy filling the space around her.

''Hahaha!''

Ahhhhh! There she is! 

Sei and Haruhi exchanged surprised glances as the new girl approached a nearby chair and sat down.

"I want to join the support team, The S・A, B team," she said with a smile.

Sei and Haruhi were taken aback by her bluntness as if she had barged in without bothering to use proper manners.

"What?" Usami Yuki asked, looking confused by her friend's behavior.

''Ah!.... okay, and then?'' Sei replied and asked with raised eyebrows. 

''What are you talking about?'' Yuki asked Sei, taking her cookies from the table to eat.

''It's me who needs to ask you!'' Sei said.

"Hey! I know why we call Kyudai of the S・A team 'Jigoku-kō'."

+ Doumo (どうも）: Thank you,

+ Jigoku kō（地獄子）: Child of Hell