Kenji (2)

The lights flickered on, illuminating our mysterious opponent. His dusty brown hair was dishevelled, and a mischievous grin, reminiscent of Yushiro's, played on his lips. We sheathed our weapons, exchanging bewildered glances.

"You lost quite fast Arion."

"Hey, that silver one came from nowhere."

The ruby-haired guy laughed whole heartily "I know; I couldn't see him also."

He patted the Arion guy on the shoulder, Arion turned to us "I would love to stay and chat with you guys but I have to fly."

Arion quickly left, and we stared at Arion who left so suddenly.

"Hey, you guys are good," a ruby-haired individual said, approaching us. "Sorry for being rude. My name is Truth Ruby. Nice to meet you." Truth extended a hand, his vibrant locks a stark contrast to the subdued atmosphere.

I hesitated, eyeing Truth's hand warily before shaking it. "Kenji Kimura. Nice to meet you too."

Meanwhile, Taka and Yushiro were getting acquainted with others. Marko Amethyst, a man with light purple hair tied back in a ponytail, greeted Taka with a warm smile. "Good evening, I'm Marko Amethyst."

"I'm Takahiro." Takahiro responded back straightening himself.

Annette Coral, a lady with gentle pink hair and a maid uniform, curtsied elegantly. "Good evening, my name is Annette." Yushiro responded in kind.

"Good evening Miss Annette this old man's name is Yushiro." Yushiro said kissing the back of Annette's hand.

"Oh my."

Yushiro's interaction with Annette raised eyebrows, but they seemed oblivious.

A gruff voice pierced the air, shattering the pleasant mood. "Their moves are all average. Nothing special about it. Stop making a racket." The speaker, seated at the bar, didn't bother to face us.

Huh?

I glared at the man, the man's back "What did you say?"

"I said you're nothing special." The man repeated himself.

The man took a gulp from his mug. I started to walk to him.

"Kenji don't pick fights," Taka said but I continued to walk to the man.

"I don't pick fights."

The man hearing my approaching footsteps turned to face me, I was surprised by his appearance. His dark circles and unkempt hair evoked an air of neglect.

What's an old man doing here?

"What did you say old man?" I asked, irritation creeping into my voice.

The man turned his exhausted face a mask of confidence. "I said you're nothing special."

My annoyance flared. "And who are you to say that?" I growled.

The man's gaze locked onto mine. "Just someone who knows."

Taka's unease was palpable behind me. I took a step forward, hand on the hilt of my sword. "Are you tryina to start somethin'?"

The man's left sleeve hung loose, a detail that momentarily stunned me. I snapped out of my daze, unsheathing my sword. Its bone-white hilt and obsidian black blade gleamed in the light.

The old man's eyes narrowed. "What a creepy sword."

I bristled. "Don't judge my sword! You bastard!"

He smirked. "It's creepy."

The bastard was creepy when he did it.

"You're the creepy one!"

"Have you seen your sword?"

"Have you seen your face!"

"Are you jealous? Of my looks."

"Why would I be jealous of your creepy-lookin face."

"It's okay if you want to look like me."

"Fuck off!"

"Kenji language!" Taka said.

"It's the bastard's fault!"

Screw this!

With fluid motion, I assumed my fighting stance, sword at the ready.

Fuck it who cares if this old man has one arm.

The old man staggered up, nearly falling, before retrieving a fancy spear from behind the bar. Its design was beautiful. Twisting golden veins were etched on its surface, and its sharp green tip gleamed with beautiful lethality.

Yushiro's mischievous tone grated on my nerves. "Hey, Kenji."

I didn't turn. "What is it?"

"Fun fact," he said, each word dripping with amusement.

"Now's not the time, Yushiro."

"That's the Division 4 Captain."

My eyes widened, incredulous.

What did he say?