After Akane had taken some rest, she saw Kaizen, Yui, and Krish gathered beside her.
Akane said, "What are you guys still doing here? I'm alright now."
Kaizen asked with concern, "Are you okay now? Feeling better?"
Yui quickly hugged Akane, tears welling up. "Akane, Akane, thank God nothing happened to you! I'm sorry I didn't protect you."
Akane reassured her, "Yui, it wasn't your fault. Don't worry, I'm okay now."
Krish observed the heartfelt moment and said with a charming grin, "Well, well, it's good to see that you're okay, ladies."
Akane and Yui replied, "Yeah, and thanks so much for the help you gave us."
Krish smiled. "No need to thank me. I just like helping beautiful girls like you. Honestly, I was on my way to meet the rumored students."
Curiously, Akane asked, "The rumored students who beat the 1st-year top group, the Achievers?"
Krish nodded. "Yeah, I heard that only one student beat the whole group. I really want to meet them."
Akane replied, "Well, you know…"
Kaizen smirked proudly. "The rumored students you're talking about are us."
Krish's face lit up with excitement. "Woah, really?"
Akane and Yui added, "Yeah, and the student who beat the whole group is Kaizen here."
Krish looked at Kaizen. "So, you're Kaizen. That makes sense. Your aura is kinda evil and strong. Well, enough chit-chat. I'm here to challenge you to a fight."
Akane and Yui exclaimed, "What?!"
Krish continued, "Yeah, Kaizen. I want to see how strong you are."
Kaizen smirked again. "Alright, fella. You want to fight? Let's do it after the end of the day at college."
Krish agreed eagerly, "Yeah, yeah. I'll wait for you guys."
Kaizen added, "Wait, one more thing. If I win, you have to join our group."
Krish grinned, "Okay, okay. If you win, I'll join you guys."
"See you after college, then. Bye for now," Krish said as he left.
Yui remarked, "What a cheerful guy! But Kaizen, are you sure you want to fight him? I've seen him fight, and he's pretty strong too."
Kaizen reassured her, "Don't worry about me, Yui. I always like strong opponents, and if he's strong it will make it more fun. Well, let's go to our class now. We already skipped the previous one, and the next one is about to start. Let's go."
The group headed to class, ready for what lay ahead.
After the last class ended, Kaizen said, "Now let's go, hurry, guys! We don't want to keep our new upcoming member waiting."
Akane replied, "If you beat him, he will join you, but not now."
Kaizen responded confidently, "Don't worry, I am the strongest here and I know that." With that, Kaizen quickly left the class to see Krish.
Akane shouted, "Wait, Kaizen! Wait for us, you brat!"
Yui laughed. "Haha, he is so energetic."
Akane smiled softly. "Yeah, and that's why I li—"
Yui asked, "Wait, what did you say?"
Akane blushed and waved her hand. "Nothing! Let's go now. Hurry, Yui, let's catch up to Kaizen."
Yui sighed, "Ah, you guys," and ran after her.
Kaizen reached the college gate and saw Krish waiting. Shortly after, Akane and Yui arrived.
Krish smiled. "So you finally came. Now let's go to the open ground space for the fight."
With that, Kaizen and the others headed there. Akane and Yui stepped back to watch.
Krish and Kaizen got ready.
Kaizen said, "Give me your best, fella."
Krish replied, "Don't worry, bud. I won't bore you, I promise."
Just as they were about to start, a group of students approached Krish and shouted, "He was the one who beat us earlier!"
Krish sighed dramatically. "Woah, you ugly guys again? Didn't you learn your lesson? And you brought more people this time."
The students shouted, "This time you're done for!"
Kaizen snapped. "Hey, you morons, get out of my way! You're interrupting our fight."
The group ignored him.
Kaizen darted forward, landing a running kick on one of them. "Stop ignoring me, you idiots!" He dropped three students instantly.
Krish chuckled. "Ah, Kaizen, shall we postpone our fight?"
Kaizen smirked. "Yeah, sure."
And just like that, Kaizen and Krish teamed up, their auras shaking the ground as they smashed through the group. Akane and Yui watched in shock.
When the last student fell, Kaizen grinned. "Well, that was fun. Ready to continue our fight?"
Krish laughed, wiping sweat off his forehead. "You bet… but man, I'm tired. Let's save it for later sometime."
Kaizen stretched. "Yeah, fair enough. Fighting those clowns wore me out too."
Suddenly Kaizen clutched his stomach. "Oh yeah, I'm hungry af now. Let's go eat somewhere, guys."
Yui giggled. "See? I'm not the only one thinking about food this time."
Krish smirked. "Well, perfect timing. There's a famous café nearby. My treat. Let's go there."
Kaizen's eyes lit up. "Food and free? Now you're talking my language!"
They reached the café, and the moment the doors opened, staff in suits rushed forward and bowed deeply.
"Welcome back, young master!"
Kaizen froze mid-step. "…Wait. Did they just call you 'young master'?!"
Krish chuckled. "Well… yeah. I own this place."
Akane smirked. "Oh yeah, this is one of the well-known café branches. They're popular all over the world."
Kaizen's jaw dropped. "WOAH, all over the world?! Bro, you didn't tell me we're eating in a world-class spot!"
Yui giggled. "Woah, that's unexpected haha."
Krish waved it off. "Relax, the food's free. Just sit back and enjoy."
Kaizen puffed up proudly. "Friends of the owner, huh? That makes us the VVIPs!"
Akane rolled her eyes. "Stop acting like a brat and sit down already. And don't forget that I'm also a rich businessman's daughter."
Kaizen laughed. "Oh yeah, rich fellas, haha!"
Once they were seated, the waiter brought menus filled with fancy dishes.
Kaizen squinted at the names. "Uh… 'Crois-sant'? What the hell is this? Is it some kind of monster?"
Yui laughed. "It's just bread, Kaizen."
Kaizen grumbled. "Then why not just write 'bread'?!"
Akane facepalmed. "Because it's French, idiot."
Krish ordered smoothly, "One signature platter for everyone, and extra desserts."
Soon, plates of delicious food arrived.
Kaizen's eyes sparkled. "Holy crap… this is heaven. And it's all free?! Krish, you're officially my favorite person after food itself."
He stole a fry off Yui's plate.
Yui gasped dramatically. "OI! That's a crime!"
Akane snorted. "Hey brat, wyd lol."
The table erupted in laughter as they dug in.
After finishing, Kaizen leaned back. "Ah man, I'm full. Thanks, Krish, for the treat. The Indian dishes were so yummy. I want to eat more, but I'm stuffed."
Akane rolled her eyes. "Shut up, brat. You ate a lot and still want more."
The two bickered playfully, making Krish laugh. "You guys are something else. Seeing you makes me happy. I'll join your group."
Kaizen was surprised. "What? But what about our fight? I haven't beaten you yet."
Krish shrugged. "No need. You already proved you're strong. And I want in. I heard you're aiming to shut down this whole shitty operation. I can't stand those guys hurting people."
Kaizen nodded. "Yeah, I want to shut this down and get my friend back."
Krish asked, "Who?"
Kaizen explained about Rex, his childhood friend, and everything that had happened.
Krish leaned back. "Oh, so that's what happened. I've heard a little about him… then he vanished. Don't worry. I'm in. I'll help you by joining your group."
Kaizen's face lit up. "HELL YEAH! We got a new member!" He hugged Krish tightly.
Akane groaned. "Hey, brat, stop embarrassing us."
Yui giggled. "He can't help it."
Krish chuckled. "So, what's our group name?"
Kaizen smirked. "The Reaper Squad."
Krish tilted his head. "Lame."
Kaizen pouted. "Hey, why?!"
Akane laughed. "Because it is, brat."
Yui defended him. "Don't say that, Akane. He feels bad."
Krish waved his hand. "Nah, nah, it's kinda good. So, Kaizen, you're our leader, right?"
Kaizen shook his head. "No leaders. We're all equals here."
Krish looked impressed. "Man, you're something else. So, what's the next plan?"
Yui spoke up. "Let's find Rex first."
Everyone nodded in agreement. The Reaper Squad had officially gained a new member, and their mission was only just beginning.
Kaizen said, "Well, akio gave me Rex's new home address. Let's meet him there tomorrow. I think he's staying at that place now."
Everyone agreed.
Krish added, "So, by the way… it's basically just the two of us who can fight."
Kaizen nodded. "Yeah, but Yui and Akane's strong will is a weapon too. Don't worry."
Akane shot back, "Don't underestimate us, Krish. Even if we're girls, we can handle ourselves."
Krish raised his hands quickly. "Na na, ladies, calm down! I know, I know. I was just confirming, haha."
Kaizen laughed. "Alright, enough of this, guys. It's already late. Let's meet at the ground tomorrow at 1 p.m."
Everyone agreed.
Akane then said, "Wait, Berlin's coming to pick me up. I'll drop you, Yui and Kaizen, home too."
After saying goodbye to Krish, the three left with Akane. Berlin drove them and dropped everyone off at their houses.