Chapter 10: Invasion PT. 1

It had been five weeks since Shoto successfully formed a team for Neko's mysterious desires. Whatever those desires might be, Shoto sat across from Yumiko, enjoying their lunch in class. There was just one problem: they were not alone. Hikaru, Ryuji, Ren, and Yuumo were all surprisingly in the same class, and now, they were his classmates. Shoto shot them a glance before quickly looking out the window, hoping to avoid unnecessary conversation.

"So, why aren't you guys eating in the cafeteria?" Ren mumbled through a mouthful of sandwich, pointing at Hikaru. "It's his fault."

Hikaru glared at Ren before slowly rising from his seat, his eyes fixed on something outside. "I'm here because of that stupid cat."

Yumiko followed his gaze and spotted Neko, lounging against the window. She blinked in surprise. Neko, unfazed, stood on his hind legs and began to speak. "Now that the team is complete—sort of—I can finally explain why you're all here."

Yumiko, still amazed by the fact that the cat could talk, began petting Neko and tugging at his cheeks as he spoke. The cat allowed it, his calm voice continuing. "Before I tell you the reason, let me share a story."

Meanwhile, outside the school, Hina and several student council members were investigating the front gate. Something had felt off all morning, and Hina, standing in the middle of the courtyard, couldn't shake the feeling.

A student approached her, saluting. "Hina, there's nobody at the gate. Are you sure someone infiltrated the school?"

Hina smiled, clapping her hands together. "Alright, everyone, that's enough for today. We'll pick this up next week." The students began heading back to the main building, but Hina had other plans. Glancing at the slightly open door of the abandoned auditorium, she felt a pull of curiosity. Quietly, she made her way inside.

Back in the classroom, Neko had finished explaining the tale of Shoto's past life before his reincarnation. Yuumo, unable to contain himself, burst into laughter. "You've gotta be kidding me! Kings in Japan? That sounds more like a Shogun or something!"

Neko shot Yuumo a cold, steady stare before turning back toward the window. "Everything I've said is true. But now, let's move on to the real issue."

Everyone leaned in as Neko's expression grew serious. Shoto braced himself for whatever revelation was coming. "…I'm hungry."

Shoto sighed, rubbing his forehead. "Of course," he muttered, watching as dark clouds began to gather outside. "Looks like it's going to rain."

Inside the abandoned auditorium, Hina cautiously stepped forward. In the center of the room stood a slim boy with silver hair slicked back, his dull white eyes gazing at the crumbling walls. His uniform was unlike any she'd seen before.

"You should tear this place down. Old, rusty… a few knocks, and the whole thing might come crashing down," he said, his voice echoing in the empty space.

Hina narrowed her eyes, watching him closely. "There were reports—twice—that someone was watching us. I didn't expect it to be someone from a rival school."

The boy chuckled, slipping his hands into his pockets and turning to face her with a mockingly innocent smile. "You caught me. But who said I was just watching?"

In an instant, he rushed at her, aiming a kick at her face. Hina reacted swiftly, raising her kendo stick just in time to block his strike. Her red hair began to curl as her demeanor shifted, a devilish smile spreading across her face as she pushed him back with surprising strength.

The silver-haired boy grinned, stepping back and stretching out his leg. "Quick reflexes. You must be the 'Red-Haired Demon' I've heard about."

Hina's expression turned cold and focused. Without a word, she launched herself at him, swinging her kendo stick with precision. But just as she closed in, the boy kicked the stick from her hands. Before he could land a blow to her abdomen, Hina caught his foot, twisting him off balance.

He flipped effortlessly in the air, landing a sharp kick to her chin with his free leg. Hina staggered back, struggling to regain her footing. He didn't give her a moment's rest, charging forward and unleashing a barrage of kicks aimed at her head. Hina blocked them, but the onslaught was relentless.

The sound of their battle echoed through the abandoned auditorium. Each kick from the boy met with a deflection or block, but it was clear that Hina was straining under the pressure. He spun into a powerful roundhouse kick, and Hina countered with her own. Their legs collided in midair with a resounding crack.

But something was wrong.

Hina gasped, her breath hitching in her throat. "Gah… what is this…?" Her lungs felt constricted, like they weren't drawing in air properly.

The boy's smile widened. He took advantage of her confusion, delivering a powerful punch to her face, sending her crashing to the ground. As soon as she hit the floor, the air returned to her lungs, but it was too late. She was already slipping into unconsciousness.

The boy stood over her, brushing a hand through his silver hair. "Just so you remember, the name's Tetsuya Yurodan-ki," he said, his voice dripping with arrogance. He slicked his hair back, turning away as Hina's vision faded.

Three more students, dressed in the same uniform, appeared behind him as he stepped out of the building. "Let's meet the rest of the students. Time to have some fun," he said with a cocky grin. Thunder rumbled in the distance as the group made their way toward the main building.

Back in the classroom, Shoto handed the rest of his sandwich to Neko, absentmindedly scratching the back of the cat's neck. "There's this rumor… about a gigantic gateway called Rune. They say it can grant anyone's desires instantly."

Neko paused mid-bite, his ears twitching at the mention of the word.

"I know it's probably not true," Shoto continued, "but I want to find it. Someday… maybe…"

He trailed off, his mind drifting to the memory of his older sister. A sad smile crossed his face. "But yeah… it's just a rumor."

Hikaru sighed, adjusting his glasses as he stood up. "Kazami, quit daydreaming about rumors and focus. That damn cat gathered us here because we were all part of your ancestor's life. Focus on the now."

Shoto glanced over at Hikaru, who was avoiding eye contact. Yumiko, half-hidden under her desk, peeked up. "Shoto… you didn't tell me you were Hikaru's ex."

Both Hikaru and Shoto flinched, shouting in unison, "WE AREN'T LIKE THAT!" as Ryuji burst into laughter.

Back at the abandoned auditorium, a gust of wind swirled around the unconscious Hina and the retreating Tetsuya. Thunder cracked overhead as the four students from the rival school strode toward their next target—the main building.