Chapter 7: The Hunter’s Mark

Scene 1: Whispers in the Dark

The underground arena had barely emptied when Yuuji stepped into the locker room, sweat dripping from his forehead. His ribs still ached from Renji's hits, but the thrill of victory burned through him.

Aoi leaned against a locker, arms crossed. "You're improving fast."

Yuuji exhaled, rolling his shoulders. "Not fast enough."

She raised an eyebrow. "Cocky."

Yuuji smirked. "You like that about me."

Aoi scoffed, but a slight smile tugged at her lips.

Before she could respond, the door creaked open.

A man walked in.

Tall. Broad-shouldered. Eyes like a predator.

Hiragi Kaito.

The most feared fighter in Shiroyama Academy.

Yuuji's body tensed. He had seen Kaito from afar, but never this close.

Kaito smirked. "You did well tonight, Kisaragi."

Yuuji narrowed his eyes. "What do you want?"

Kaito stepped closer, stopping just inches away.

"I want to see how far you can go."

Aoi's expression hardened. "Kaito. Don't mess with him."

Kaito chuckled. "Relax, Kanzaki. I'm just curious."

Then, his golden eyes locked onto Yuuji's.

A chill ran down Yuuji's spine.

This guy… he wasn't normal.

Kaito leaned in slightly. "If you survive long enough… I'll fight you myself."

Then, just like that, he turned and walked away.

The room felt colder after he left.

Aoi clicked her tongue. "Stay away from him, Yuuji."

Yuuji exhaled. "No promises."

Because deep down…

He wanted to fight Kaito.

And he wanted to win.

Scene 2: Trouble at School

The next morning, Yuuji walked into class, his bruises still fresh from the fight.

A few students whispered as he passed.

"Heard he's been fighting underground."

"No way, Kisaragi? He's just a delinquent."

"Tch. Thinks he's tough."

Yuuji ignored them, sliding into his seat.

Sakura Minami, his childhood friend, immediately turned toward him.

"You're an idiot," she muttered.

Yuuji smirked. "Good morning to you too."

Sakura sighed. "You're getting involved in dangerous stuff again, aren't you?"

He leaned closer, his voice low. "Are you worried about me?"

Sakura's face turned red. "I—I just—"

Before she could finish, the classroom door slammed open.

A group of upperclassmen strode in.

And at the front—

Izumi Sayaka.

The strongest female fighter in the school.

All eyes turned toward her as she stepped toward Yuuji's desk.

Yuuji raised an eyebrow. "Can I help you?"

Sayaka smirked. "Come with me."

Sakura's expression darkened. "What do you want with him?"

Sayaka glanced at her. "None of your business."

Yuuji exhaled. "Fine."

Sakura grabbed his arm. "Yuuji—"

He patted her hand. "I'll be fine."

Then, he followed Sayaka out of the classroom.

The whispers grew louder.

What the hell did Sayaka want with him?

Scene 3: A Dangerous Invitation

Yuuji followed Sayaka to the rooftop, where the wind howled through the metal railings.

Sayaka turned, arms crossed. "You're strong, Kisaragi."

Yuuji smirked. "You brought me here just to compliment me?"

Sayaka stepped closer.

"I want you to join our crew."

Yuuji's eyes narrowed.

"The Black Fangs?"

Sayaka nodded. "You're strong, but you're reckless. With us, you'll have real power."

Yuuji chuckled. "And if I say no?"

Sayaka's violet eyes gleamed.

"Then you better be ready. Because the Black Fangs don't take rejection lightly."

Yuuji stared at her, then grinned.

"Then I guess I'll have to make them take it."

Sayaka's lips curved.

"I was hoping you'd say that."

Then, without warning—

She attacked.

Scene 4: A Duel on the Rooftop

Yuuji barely dodged as Sayaka's kick whizzed past his face.

She was fast.

He stepped back, but Sayaka closed the distance immediately.

Her fist struck out—Yuuji blocked just in time.

The force sent him skidding back.

Shit. She's strong.

Sayaka smirked. "What's wrong? Scared of hitting a girl?"

Yuuji exhaled, rolling his shoulders.

"Not at all."

Then, he attacked.

Sayaka dodged effortlessly, her movements sharp and precise.

Then—her knee crashed into Yuuji's ribs.

Pain exploded through his body.

But Yuuji gritted his teeth and grabbed her arm—twisting it.

Sayaka's eyes widened.

Then, Yuuji swept her legs.

She crashed onto the rooftop floor, but before he could press the advantage—

Sayaka smirked.

"Not bad."

Then—she twisted her body, locking her legs around his waist.

Yuuji's eyes widened.

Shit—

Before he could react, Sayaka flipped him over, pinning him to the ground.

Her face was inches from his.

Yuuji smirked. "I didn't know you liked being on top."

Sayaka raised an eyebrow. "Cocky even when you're losing?"

Yuuji exhaled. "I don't lose."

Then, he twisted his hips, flipping her over.

Now, he was on top.

Sayaka blinked. Then, she grinned.

"Interesting."

Before Yuuji could move, the rooftop door slammed open.

"WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?!"

Yuuji turned—

Sakura stood in the doorway, her face red as hell.

Yuuji smirked.

"Well… this looks bad."

Sayaka just chuckled.

Sakura stomped forward, grabbing Yuuji's collar.

"You—"

She turned to Sayaka. "And you! What the hell are you doing?!"

Sayaka smirked. "Testing him."

Sakura growled. "You—"

Yuuji sighed.

This is going to be a long day.

Scene 5: The War Has Begun

That night, Yuuji found another letter in his locker.

No name. Just a time and a place.

Aoi appeared beside him.

"Another fight?"

Yuuji nodded. "Looks like it."

Aoi smirked.

"You're attracting all kinds of trouble, Kisaragi."

Yuuji grinned.

"That's the fun part."

He clenched the note in his fist.

Because if he wanted to survive in this world…

He had to become the strongest.

No matter what it took.