The night air was cool and quiet, the only sounds coming from the distant rustling of trees and the faint murmurs of students inside the training lodge.
But Reiji was still outside.
He leaned against a large boulder near the cliffside, staring out into the vast forest. His golden eyes flickered with a faint glow, reflecting the moonlight as he replayed the events of the day.
The fight with Tiger had been a wake-up call.
For the first time in a while, he had actually struggled against an opponent in a straight fight.
It wasn't that Tiger was stronger than him.
It was that Tiger fought differently.
Not like the heroes he had sparred with before. Not like Hawks, who relied on speed and precision.
Tiger was unpredictable, fluid, adaptable.
And that was exactly why Reiji needed to keep evolving.
[There's still more to learn.]
He smirked slightly to himself, stretching his arms before glancing toward the forest below.
Then—his eyes narrowed.
A presence.
Something was off.
The forest was too quiet.
Far below, near a hidden waterfall, a small figure sat on a rocky ledge.
Kota.
The boy had wandered off again, like he always did. He didn't care about heroes or their stupid training.
He just wanted to be alone.
He kicked a small rock into the water, watching the ripples spread.
Then—a branch snapped behind him.
Kota froze.
His small hands clenched into fists as he slowly turned around.
And standing there, just a few feet away—was a figure in a black coat, his face hidden under a hood.
The air around him felt wrong.
Kota's heart pounded.
Something inside him screamed—run.
But before he could even move—
The figure stepped forward.
"Now, now," the voice was smooth, almost amused. "Where do you think you're going?"
"Kurobane's little camp has such interesting people, doesn't it?"
Kota's eyes widened in terror.
They knew about Reiji?
Then—a red-hot blade ignited in the stranger's hand.
Kota turned and ran.
Reiji's golden eyes flashed.
Then—he moved.
Phantom Step activated, his body vanishing in a burst of golden flames.
He reappeared mid-air, high above the treetops, scanning the forest below.
Then—he saw it.
A small figure running.
A dark silhouette chasing.
Reiji's smirk disappeared.
[Not happening.]
Then—he dove.
Kota's lungs burned as he sprinted as fast as his small legs could carry him.
He knew the camp was too far away.
He wasn't going to make it.
The figure behind him closed the distance, raising his glowing red blade.
"Time to be quiet, kid."
Then—
BOOM!
A massive shockwave erupted between them, sending a burst of flames into the air.
The attacker stumbled back, startled.
And Kota?
He felt warmth behind him.
A familiar, blazing heat.
Slowly, he turned his head—
And standing there, golden flames dancing around his fists, was Reiji.
His eyes burned with cold amusement as he faced the attacker.
"You know," Reiji said, cracking his knuckles. "I don't take kindly to people messing with kids."
The stranger straightened, now visible in the moonlight.
He wore a black mask, but his eyes gleamed with recognition.
"Kurobane," the man mused. "So you're finally here."
Reiji's smirk widened. "You've been waiting for me? Man, you villains really need better hobbies."
The masked figure chuckled.
"No. But my boss was wondering when you'd show up."
Then—he moved.
Reiji vs. the Assassin
The enemy was fast.
Faster than the average thug, but not as fast as Hawks.
His blade slashed forward, its red-hot energy slicing through the air.
Reiji dodged left, twisting his body as the blade barely missed his side.
Then—he countered.
FWOOOM!
A flaming fist shot forward, aimed straight at the attacker's ribs.
But the assassin was smart.
Instead of dodging, he let the hit land—but redirected the force, rolling with the impact to lessen the damage.
[Oh? He knows how to take a hit.]
Reiji narrowed his eyes. "You're not just some grunt, huh?"
The man chuckled, shaking off the burn marks.
"I'm just here to deliver a message."
Reiji frowned slightly. "Message?"
The assassin's eyes gleamed.
"The League of Villains is watching you."
Reiji's expression didn't change.
But his fists burned hotter.
"Oh yeah?" he said casually. "Well, tell them this—"
Then, in a flash of gold, he vanished.
And reappeared right in front of the assassin.
BOOM!
A devastating flaming uppercut slammed into the villain's gut, sending him flying backward into a tree.
The masked man groaned, his body smoking from the impact.
Then—he grinned.
"You'll see soon enough."
Then—he teleported away.
Reiji clicked his tongue. "Coward."
Then, he turned to Kota, who was still staring at him, wide-eyed.
Reiji smirked. "You good, brat?"
Kota stared at him, then slowly nodded.
Reiji exhaled, running a hand through his hair.
[The League's already making their move, huh?]
He glanced toward the dark forest.
[Guess I should've expected that.]
Then—he grabbed Kota by the back of his shirt.
"Hey—HEY! What are you doing?!" Kota flailed.
"Taking you back to camp," Reiji muttered. "Unless you wanna stick around for more assassins."
Kota immediately shut up.
Reiji smirked.
"Yeah, that's what I thought."
Then, he walked off, flames still flickering in the night air.
End of Chapter 34.
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