New Journey What is this tournament after all

Chapter 5: Clash of Elements

In a vast, open field, Yunna and Rin stood face-to-face, their eyes locked in anticipation. A gentle breeze rustled the grass, carrying the faint hum of tension. Off in the distance, Kaito lounged against a tree, his sharp gaze fixed on the two as he toyed with his phone, a faint smirk playing on his lips.

Yunna and Rin exchanged easy smiles, their stances relaxed yet brimming with readiness. They were here for a friendly duel, a test of skill and spirit. Yunna's fingers twitched, and with a shimmer of her metal manipulation, she forged a gleaming sword from thin air, gripping it tightly. Rin, with a flick of her wrist, summoned her wind manipulation, her body lifting slightly off the ground as currents swirled around her. Both were poised, eager for the clash.

Yunna struck first, charging forward with blazing speed, her sword slicing toward Rin. But Rin, with effortless grace, dodged the attack, her wind powers propelling her higher into the air. Yunna pressed on, unleashing a flurry of strikes, but Rin danced through the sky, evading each one with a playful ease that only fueled Yunna's determination. Frustrated, Yunna conjured multiple metal blades, hurling them at Rin in a shimmering barrage. Rin, unfazed, spun through the air, her wind currents deflecting the blades with precision.

Not one to stay on the defensive, Rin retaliated. She unleashed a series of wind blades, razor-sharp gusts that screamed toward Yunna. Yunna reacted swiftly, erecting a metal field around herself to block the onslaught. Undeterred, Rin intensified her assault, summoning air blasts that pelted Yunna's defenses like a storm of invisible bullets. Yunna held her ground, her metal field absorbing the blows, and in a bold move, she summoned towering metal pillars from the earth. The pillars shot skyward, aiming to close the distance between her and Rin.

Rin, hovering high above, smirked and conjured a wind barrier around herself, deflecting Yunna's relentless metal onslaught. The duel escalated as Yunna, now airborne on a metal platform of her own creation, launched a barrage of blades and spikes. Rin countered with a fierce windstorm, its howling gusts tearing through the air. The storm clashed with Yunna's metal constructs, sending sparks and debris flying. Yunna, caught in the tempest, struggled to maintain her footing, but her metal manipulation anchored her, keeping her from being swept away.

The battlefield became a chaotic symphony of clashing elements. Yunna summoned massive iron pillars, their jagged edges piercing through Rin's storm, forcing her to weave and dodge. Rin, her expression hardening, unleashed her full power. With a sweeping gesture, she conjured air cutters—blades of wind so sharp they sliced through Yunna's metal constructs like paper, scattering them across the field. Not stopping there, Rin manipulated the earth itself, uprooting trees, boulders, and slabs of stone, hurling them at Yunna in a devastating barrage.

Yunna's eyes narrowed, her resolve unshaken. She forged a massive metal hammer in her hands, its weight palpable even from a distance. With deft movements, she smashed through the incoming projectiles, shattering stone and splintering wood. But Rin's aerial advantage was undeniable. She soared higher, her wind attacks growing fiercer, her speed untouchable. Yunna, grounded and struggling to keep up, gritted her teeth.

From above, Rin's voice cut through the chaos, teasing yet sharp. "Why're you fighting me from down there, Yunna? You've got all that amazing power! Make something to stand on, fly up here! You can shape metal, so why not ride it, you crazy girl?"

The words sparked something in Yunna. Her eyes lit up with realization. With a surge of focus, she crafted a broad metal platform beneath her feet, its surface gleaming under the sun. Willing it to rise, she ascended, her hair whipping in the wind as she joined Rin in the sky. The duel reignited with renewed ferocity. Yunna, now airborne, swung her sword with precision, each strike aimed at Rin's fleeting form. Rin, her speed unmatched, dodged effortlessly, her wind powers making her a blur in the air.

The sky became their arena, a whirlwind of metal and wind. Yunna's metal creations clashed against Rin's air cutters, each collision releasing a sonic boom that echoed across the field. The two fought with abandon, their friendly sparring evolving into a breathtaking display of power. Laughter mingled with the sound of their attacks, both reveling in the thrill of the fight.

But the intensity took its toll. Yunna, caught off-guard by a particularly fierce wind blast, lost her balance and plummeted toward the ground. Rin, too, was thrown off by a stray metal spike, crashing down beside her. Both hit the earth hard, their breaths ragged but their spirits unbroken. They exchanged a glance, mutual respect flickering in their eyes.

As they scrambled to their feet, ready to dive back into the fray, Kaito's voice cut through the air, sharp and commanding. "Enough! That's enough, you two. Stop."

Yunna and Rin froze, their adrenaline still pumping. They shared a final glance, a silent acknowledgment of the exhilarating battle they'd just fought. For now, the duel was over.

SIN CHANGE

The three of them sat inside the dimly lit house, the air buzzing with warmth and chatter. Yunna and Rin giggled, tossing playful compliments about their recent sparring match. Kaito, lounging with a skeptical smirk, shattered the lighthearted mood.

"Yunna, what's your deal?" he asked sharply. "I know you're here for something."

Yunna's heart skipped, her mind racing. How does he know? She forced a casual tone. "Nothing much. Just chilling. You saved my life, remember? And our friends' too."

Kaito's eyes narrowed. "Don't take me for an idiot. All this fighting, testing our powers—it's not random. You're building a team for that huge competition, aren't you? You're in it to win, and you're recruiting."

Rin, munching on her food, nearly choked. "Wait, what? I'm so confused!"

Kaito's voice hardened. "No lies, Yunna. Spill it."

Yunna sighed, setting her plate down. "Fine. There's a massive tournament coming up. All the academies—big and small—are sending teams to compete. The winners get their greatest wish granted, plus huge rewards. I'm participating, and I need a team. The rules say we can't pick from our academy. We have to travel, find people with powers, and form a five-member team. That's why I've been wandering, searching."

She paused, her voice softening. "While I was out there, some thugs came after me. I got lucky and ran into you two. I've been trying to find teammates forever, but no one fits. Then I thought you both might join me. I have to win this, no matter what."

Kaito leaned forward, his face unreadable. "And how did I know? Simple. It's all over the internet. The tournament's everywhere. I didn't know you were in it until I got suspicious, and you just confirmed it."

Yunna started to speak, but Kaito cut her off. "I don't care about the tournament or who wins. But hear this: Rin and I aren't joining your team. You're my sister's friend, so I'll let this go. But don't ask us to fight your battles. Got anything else to say? Say it. Otherwise, drop it."

Rin opened her mouth, but Kaito raised a hand. "Rin, this is adult stuff. Stay out of it."

Rin nodded, sensing the tension, and stayed quiet. Yunna's face fell, disappointment sinking in. "Alright," she muttered. "I won't ask again. I'm heading back to the academy."

She left, her steps heavy. In her dorm room, she slammed the door, frustration erupting. She cursed Kaito silently, pacing as her hopes crumbled. How do I build a team now? she fumed, anger mixing with despair.

A knock broke her thoughts. "Who's there?" she snapped.

"It's Rico," came the reply. "Open the door."

Yunna sighed and let her in. Rico's face was full of concern. "What happened? Did you find your team?"

Yunna shook her head. "I thought I had them, but it's not happening. I've been trying so hard, going everywhere, and still nothing."

Rico hugged her tightly. "You'll find someone. You're too brave to quit. You've never given up before, and you won't now. We're doing this for her, right? To save her. She's waiting for us."

Yunna's eyes blazed with resolve. "You're right. I'm not giving up. I'll build my team, and I'll save her. Just wait."

Days passed. Yunna became a fixture at Kaito and Rin's house, trying every angle to convince them. She spun new arguments daily, but Kaito rejected each one. She even appealed to Rin, who only said, "I can't do anything unless my brother agrees." Weeks dragged on, with no progress.

One night, determined for one last try, Yunna headed to their house. Unbeknownst to her, the same thugs from before spotted her, trailing her into the jungle. They grinned, sensing their chance.

Inside the house, Rin teased Kaito. "Big brother, you're so late! It's 11 p.m.!"

Kaito, playing along, gasped. "What? 11 already? Slipped my mind." Inwardly, he thought, Rin's birthday is soon. I'm working extra for cash, but I can't tell her. He pivoted. "Come on, let's eat."

Rin pouted. "I ate already. You were late, so I saved some for you. Eat up."

Kaito clutched his chest dramatically. "You ate without me? You never do that!"

Rin laughed. "You were late! Just eat, okay?"

After dinner, they sat by the window, staring at the stars. Rin's voice softened. "These stars are so pretty. Remember watching them with Mom and Dad?"

Kaito nodded. "Yeah. They shone even brighter back then."

As they talked, Rin's stomach growled loudly. She froze, mortified. Kaito raised an eyebrow. "Was that…?"

Rin laughed nervously. "Nope! Probably rats or jungle animals!"

The growl roared again. Kaito grabbed her arm gently. "Rin, you didn't eat, did you? You can't lie to me. Why?"

Rin looked away. "There wasn't much left. You work all day, so I thought you needed it. I'd eat later."

Kaito's tone turned firm. "No way. I'm getting you food now. I'll hunt in the jungle if I have to."

Rin panicked. "No, it's too late! Don't go!"

Their argument was interrupted by noises outside. They peered out and saw Yunna, caught eavesdropping. Kaito snapped, "You? Spying on us?"

Rin gasped. "Yunna? What are you doing here so late?"

Before Yunna could answer, thugs crept closer, eyeing her. A sudden blue barrier flared, stopping them cold. It pulsed, shocking them and teleporting them away silently.

Yunna stammered, "I was just… passing by. Wanted to check in."

Kaito scoffed. "Our house is in the jungle. No one 'passes by' at midnight."

Ignoring him, Yunna turned to Rin. "I heard you're hungry. Look, I've got pizza, burgers, fries—tons of food! Come to my academy. We've got great rooms, awesome food, cool clothes, and you'll make friends. It'll be fun!"

Rin's eyes lit up at the food, but Kaito's glare stopped her. Rin's anger flared, and with a burst of wind, she flung Yunna against a wall. "Take your dumb food and get out! Who are you to split me from my brother? Leave, or I won't hold back!"

Yunna, shaken, gathered the scattered food, stuffing it into her bag. She stood, staring at Rin defiantly. Rin braced for a fight, but Yunna dropped to her knees, pleading. "I'm sorry! Please forgive me. I didn't mean to upset you. I messed up. Please!"

Kaito and Rin exchanged stunned looks. Kaito touched Rin's shoulder. "Come on, forgive her."

Rin sighed. "Fine. You're forgiven."

Yunna stood, relieved. "Thank you. Keep the food. It's my apology."

Later, they sat inside, eating. Kaito broke the silence. "Yunna, why are you so fixated on us? Why this tournament?"

Yunna hesitated, then spoke. "Years ago, my best friend and I were attacked. We tried to escape, but they caught us. Another friend fought them off to save us. She had powers, but not enough. She pushed herself past her limits, burned out her energy, and saved us. But she was injured so badly she's in a coma now. Her treatment costs more than I have. If I win the tournament, I'll get the money and a wish to save her. She's why I'm here."

Kaito's face softened. "Alright. I'm in. I'll join your team and help you win. But one condition: I fight alone. Rin stays out."

Rin protested. "No, I'm fighting too! I'm strong, you know that. Please!"

Kaito shook his head. "It's too dangerous."

Rin pleaded. "I can handle it. Let me fight!"

Kaito relented. "Fine. We're both in."

Yunna grabbed Rin's hands, dancing with joy. "Yes! Two teammates!"

Kaito smirked. "Alright, Rin, let's clean up. I'll make sure you're spotless."

Yunna blinked. "Wait, you're bathing together?"

Kaito shrugged. "She's my sister. What's the issue?"

Yunna waved her hands. "No way! Rin's not a kid. Come on,