The sun climbed some more, pouring glares of light stretchingly over the training ground adjacent to Class 2-B. The air never rang louder with expectancy as students gathered, whispering about the transfer student having already disturbed the balance of the class. Hanzō Kurayami stood on the very edge of the field, hands in his pockets, all calm and quiet as usual. Behind him, Kurōgami, the Half-Demon Wolf, crouched low, crimson markings faintly glowing, chains rattling with an inward energy.
"Today we will begin the practical Spirit Trials," came an announcement from the teacher above the hubbub. "Each of you will find yourselves paired off into duel-by-contracts. Watch. Learn. Remember: Strength is not always the measure of victory-there is also strategy and spirit synchronization."
Whispers made the rounds. Kazuto Himekawa stepped forward with his Flame Tiger spirit, eyes fixed on Hanzō. "Finally, the new guy shows himself. Let's see if you're all talk."
Aoi Tsukihana stood by, with Seiryūka hovering elegantly behind her, its crystal feathers gleaming in the sunlight. Her gaze held a calm, clinical appraisal, juxtaposed with the faintest trace of intrigue at Hanzō's casual splendor.
The first duel was declared: Hanzō versus Kazuto. As the circle around the field formed, excitement rippled through the air.
Kazuto immediately pounced, flames erupting around the tiger spirit. Hanzō did not move. The chimerical crimson eyes of Kurōgami glowed ominously, and with a low growl, Kurōgami mirrored the movement almost lazily. Freezing in midair his first strike, Kazuto found Kurōgami had moved aside with a speed so unnatural, its tail cracked in the air like a whip.
"Predictable," said Hanzō softly, his voice calm and unbothered, as his fingers just grazed the stiff edge of his collar.
Those subtle, almost imperceptible movements guided Kurōgami's every move as it lunged forward in a dark blur and struck at Kazuto's spirit with unnerving precision. Flames flared violently, forcing Kazuto to barely hold his own.
Gasps erupted from the crowd. Kaoru smiled broadly, whispering to Renji, "Finally, someone capable of challenging him," while Renji only responded with a thoughtful nod.
From a distance, Aoi observed silently, watching the seamless synchrony of Hanzō and his spirit. She shifted ever so slightly; Seiryūka's feathers gleamed faintly, prepared to act if necessary—but she knew the real test concerned control and composure, not mere strength.
Kazuto tottered, anger swelling all over him, yet he was far from beaten. He raged, calling forth the tiger spirit to shoot outward in flames curled in a spiral toward Kurōgami's flank. Hanzō, meanwhile, remained cool, sidestepping again with a casual manner, letting Kurōgami's dark energy coil around the attack and disperse it to nothingness. Kazuto's explosive display of aggression against Hanzō's serene, precise control was curbside.
Rina Moriyama whispered to her classmate, "Looks like... he's not just strong," while Seiryūka flickered in appreciation at the display, "He's... terrifying in control."
Hanzō retired, Kurōgami lowered its head as the crimson glow faded. Kazuto stumbled, panting, rage and reluctant respect marking his features. The class erupted in murmurs, whispers, and gasps of disbelief.
Hanzō's first trial had been passed on; yet, it felt as if the real beginning had only just begun. Aoi's gaze did not drift toward Kazuto or the fight itself-specifically drifting toward Hanzō. Calm and collected, undeniably skilled, he was a storm trapped inside one form, and the tension between wolf and phoenix barely began to stir.
The day was far from over. Friendships, rivalries, and that unspoken bond between Hanzō and Aoi would grow in strength, weaving their stories together in ways neither would ever truly know.