In the dimly lit room where the Squad Trochanters had gathered, a tense silence hung in the air. The screen crackled faintly in the background, casting flickers of light across their stunned faces.
They all stood frozen, eyes wide with disbelief at Itoshi's performance. Drinks slipped from hands, crashing to the floor as bodies jolted in shock.
Nali's soft hands flew to her lips, her eyes trembling as she stared at the screen.
"T-That... raw firepower... it's disgusting..."
One of the trochanters, tagged 434, stumbled a step back, his voice shaking.
"T-There's no way..."
Another, numbered 220, gripped the edge of the table as if it could steady his disbelief.
"T-That's the power of a g-guardian?..!"
Mugi (330) stood frozen midway through raising his cup, his fingers trembling as he set it down.
"N-No way... Mukori never went that far..."
From the back, a younger trochanter with badge 152 muttered under his breath, eyes wide and fearful.
"H-Hachi... has another beast..."
In the corner, leaning against the wall like a shadow carved from stillness, stood Mr. Hasegawa—the "Neck" of the room. His arms were crossed, his gaze steady, calm, and dissecting.
As the others trembled, a faint smirk tugged at his lips. He exhaled through his nose, almost amused.
"Hmph."
[Matsuyamamachi, Nagasaki]
On the overly lit track, the dust slowly began to settle. A thick silence hung in the air as Itoshi and Ryujin stood facing one another—both cracked a small smile, as if sharing a silent secret.
Itoshi smirked, shaking off the tension from his limbs.
"Ooff—gotta go!"
He scoffed, turning heel and darting out of the crowd's view, leaving only dust and awe in his wake.
Ryujin dropped to the ground laughing, chest heaving from exhaustion, still caught up in the madness.
Without warning, Itoshi took off again—ridiculously running straight into the river, soaked and grinning, where he was met by the camouflaged figures of UWDS.
UWDS Agent greeted him, waving his hand
"Right here, sir."
Another Agent called out,
"Slowly now."
Using the lingering dust as cover, they slipped through the shadows, guiding Itoshi to a parked SUV—inside, Bjorne waited.
Inside the vehicle, Itoshi peeled off his mask, sweat dripping down his temple. He barely had a moment to breathe when a familiar voice chirped.
Jayu leaned forward, beaming with excitement.
"Itoshi-nii! So cool!"
Itoshi collapsed into the seat, panting hard.
"I... I will ne...ver do that... again."
Laughter and giggles filled the vehicle, warm and unfiltered, as it started to move.
Back on the track, the last of the dust had vanished. No more Seele remained. Only Ayro, Ryujin, Kirashi, and the Kunoichi stood at the center—still, breathing, victorious.
The crowd erupted into cheers, thunderous and unrelenting. People screamed with joy, shouting praise to the remaining squad members.
"Where did the scarecrow go?!"
"But he was a flame user... is that okay?"
"He saved us!"
As the cheers carried on, Hoshi stepped forward quietly, giving the squad a parting signal—two fingers to her forehead, then a swift flick in their direction. They turned to watch her.
With a gust of wind, she soared skyward, disappearing into the dark—blending into the night like she was never there.
Kirashi looked up at the empty sky and chuckled.
"Dang... we're famous."
Ayro crossed his arms, a faint smirk forming.
"Seems like it."
Ryujin exhaled deeply, brushing dust off his jacket.
"This is... too much attention..."
The squad's plan to have a hero save the day – or evening, in their case – worked like a charm.
The media, including the local Nagasaki news, caught Itoshi's act and came to interview the squad. Multiple figures watched on television as Ryujin was interviewed.
A newscaster leaned forward with an eager smile.
"Hello sir! Great battle today! Are you the leader of this squad?"
Ryujin adjusted his collar, still a little out of breath.
"Y-yes... I'm Ryujin Eisuke. Water user, Squad Leader of 663..."
The news caster pointed his mic towards him,
"May you introduce your squad to us? That was quite a show you guys did!"
Then, he pointed the mic towards Ryujin.
Kirashi jumped forward, nearly bumping into the mic.
"I'm Kirashi Kiraghie! Wind Gifted! It was a great battle today!"
"Yes indeed, sir! Your battle with your fellow squad member against that Seele was absolute masterclass! How were you feeling?"
Kirashi rubbed the back of his head, grinning sheepishly.
"W-well, I am a bit tired but, it was a lot of fun!"
The newscaster then turned to Ayro, holding the mic close. Ayro looked at the camera, exhaled, and spoke in a calm, low tone.
"Ayro, non-gifted. Vice-Leader of this squad."
The entire crowd fell silent.
"A non-gifted that strong... Crazy... Amazing..."
They all murmured, and then the noise returned—cheering, roaring, echoing through the plaza.
"Ah... one last question, Ryujin-san... Five people fought three Seeles... Where are the other two? The flaming scarecrow and the Kunoichi?"
Ryujin glanced at the camera, his tone steady.
"Ah... they're not our squadmates... But I'll make them join my squad to protect everyone. And to make success along with the other squad in the mainland cleansing."
The crowd went wild again. Kirashi looked thrilled, but the others seemed less pleased by the spotlight. The UWDS staff carved a path for the squad to enter their vehicle.
The SUV moved along with the convoy. All squad members were present. As they gained distance, they all blew a massive sigh, except for Kirashi.
Ryujin sat on his seat, arms crossed as he muttered.
"Those interviews are far more exhausting than the battle..."
Eyes closed, Ayro replied.
"Too many eyes."
Then, over the comms, a voice came through.
Miss Gigi's voice crackled faintly through the speakers.
"Seems like your plan is working, Ryujin. Everyone now has their eyes on a Flame Gifted that helped protect Nagasaki."
Ryujin smirked, leaning back in his seat.
"Indeed, ma'am."
Ryujin's plan to improve the flame-gifted's public image had taken its first step, and it worked well—perhaps a little too well.
The news quickly spread around the world. The people of Nagasaki loved the act, but most of the world remained unfazed and unimpressed by the scarecrow's actions.
Behind screens, figures—solo and in groups—watched as Itoshi plunged down, creating a streaking blue flame on his descent.
All saying the same thing,
"Hoh?.. A Flame User?.. "
In a cathedral, in a dark room, in the desert, and in a castle—good and bad people all around the world now had their eyes on the scarecrow.
The other squads were far from impressed.
A man slammed his table as he watched the news.
"Damn those 663! They're treating this operation like a show!"
All seven other squads believed Ryujin, the leader of Squad 663, was treating the entire situation like a joke.
"Dang that Ryujin... just how thick is that skull of yours."
[Boys Room]
Itoshi was utterly exhausted, collapsing onto the couch without even bothering to change out of his sweat-drenched clothes.
"Acting like a hero... is... tiring" he murmured, snuggling into the cushions.
"Oi, you should get showered. You're stinky"
Kirashi grumbled as he pinched his nose with his fingers.
"It doesn't make me fell better the fact that it's coming from you who barely showers.. But yeah, Later I will"
Itoshi replied, looking back to Ryujin.
Ryujin sighed.
"I'll go first, I need to refresh from all that chaos."
"Me next"
Ayro added.
Little Jayu, as soon as she entered the room, rushed to Itoshi to offer her healing magic. Her hand glowed green, and Itoshi moaned with comfort before taking a deep breath.
"Ah... that's the spot..." He murmured contentedly.
Then Kara approached him as he lay on the couch.
"Uh... Koya... you've got a little too sweaty... go... get changed please... you'll get sick" she said cautiously.
Lost in the blissful feeling of healing, Itoshi simply agreed to what Kara said, not even realizing it was her.
"Yeah~ later~"
As soon as Ryujin was done, Ayro came next. Ayro emerged from the shower, with everyone waiting for him.
Ryujin muttered,
"I promise you, you'll be disappointed."
They watched closely as the door slowly opened. Itoshi, Kirashi, Aldrin, and Kara said in unison, "What the hell?!"
Jayu soon followed with her innocent voice.
"What the hell?!"
Kara jolted and quickly covered Jayu's mouth.
"Nono, don't say that!"
Meanwhile, Ayro was confused as he stepped out.
"W-what is it?..."
Aldrin sighed, leaning forward with a grin.
"Well... you rarely show us you shower, but we ended up not seeing what we expected..."
Ayro tilted his head in confusion.
"Huh? Expected what?"
Itoshi chuckled as he adjusted his hat.
"You with the hat off."
Ayro blinked, then let out a soft laugh.
"Ahh..." He smiled and said, "That's an embarrassing secret I wouldn't just show to everyone."
Everyone exchanged confused looks. Soon, Itoshi took his turn to shower, followed by Kirashi, who was forced under the water by the others.
He flailed and yapped the whole time.
"Cold! Slippery! Ugh!" he shouted as the water hit him.
By the time he finished, the squad gathered in a loose circle, ready to conclude their day.
Ryujin stood at the center, arms folded.
"Ehem. Okay... before we do our conclusive review, let's start with Ayro."
Ayro looked surprised.
"Eh?..?"
Ryujin crossed his arms.
"Where were you this whole time?"
Kara glanced at the floor while Ayro stood up in the middle of the room.
"Ah... I found the Kunoichi."
Everyone froze.
Itoshi jolted.
"You did?! What does she look like?!"
Kirashi leaned forward eagerly.
"Was she cute?!"
Aldrin raised an eyebrow.
"Did she wear a mask?!"
"What kind of question is that, Aldrin-san..."
Itoshi muttered, staring at Aldrin one brow raised.
Ryujin lifted a hand.
"Shh... silence. Let him talk."
Ayro leaned slightly toward Ryujin and whispered.
"Do I have to tell everything?"
Ryujin whispered back.
"If she told a private secret, no need for it. I don't think she did, though."
Ayro exhaled deeply, the longest sigh he'd taken all day.
"I found her in a restaurant."
Everyone listened closely.
"Of course, she recognized me. I ate, acting like I didn't know her, but it seems she already knew. I left, and she followed me outside."
"WOAH!"
They all shouted at once, excitement bubbling up.
Ayro rubbed the bridge of his nose.
"Here it comes... She told me to come with her to the park. And Itoshi..."
Itoshi leaned forward.
"Hoh?"
"She's sorry for what she accidentally caused between you and Kara,"
Ayro said.
"She's hoping for forgiveness."
Itoshi rested his chin on his palm, crouched low.
"If she wants me to forgive her, she better do it personally."
"Alright,"
Ayro replied softly.
Kara looked down, unable to meet anyone's eyes.
Ayro continued, rubbing his neck.
"Jesus... things are about to get bad... so, it rained, and we rushed for cover. It was a hotel."
Everyone immediately caught the implication—except Itoshi, Kirashi, and Jayu.
"We didn't go in,"
Ayro clarified.
"We stayed outside. She ended up falling asleep on my shoulder."
"E-ehh?!"
Everyone gasped in disbelief.
"SHE TRULY IS AYRO'S GIRLFRIEND!"
Itoshi shouted, jumping to his feet.
"She's not. I'll kill you,"
Ayro replied flatly, clearly annoyed.
Jayu clasped her hands dreamily.
"I'm in love..." she whispered, lost in the story.
Ayro waved it off.
"There was no deep meaning behind it all. Just doing what I was asked to do."
"No... that meant a lot to her, Ayro-sama,"
Kara thought silently, her eyes low.
Ayro exhaled.
"Anyway, that's all. After that, we parted as the siren wailed."
He sat down as Ryujin stepped forward to conclude.
"The Seele appearing in a public location was definitely not safe. Let's hope those cases won't happen again. Crowds limit our movement... but on the other hand, our message was sent."
The squad clapped, though it wasn't out of celebration.
Ryujin nodded.
"Be proud of yourselves, especially you, Itoshi and Kirashi."
They both smiled faintly.
Miss Gigi entered, holding her tablet.
"Oh, you guys definitely got attention."
She tapped the screen, showing footage of The Crow taking down two Seele.
"It spread across the world like wildfire. But it's not just the public who saw it. Our enemies did too. Now that you're pushing to get a flame into the U.W.D.S... some won't like that. I know you're aware."
Itoshi stepped forward confidently.
"Yes, Miss Gigi! But I promise you... I'll change their minds. All of them!"
Miss Gigi smirked and left the room.
Ryujin's voice grew more serious.
"She's right. We need to be careful now that your persona's gone public this fast. Some people we don't want attention from will come looking. For now, me, Ayro, and Kirashi can't talk to you in public. Conspiracies are sometimes the facts."
"Ok!"
Itoshi shouted without hesitation.
Ryujin started,
"Well then... that concludes our—"
"Ryujin-san, wait,"
Itoshi interrupted.
Ryujin turned.
"Hmm?"
"I wanna do something,"
Itoshi said, clenching his fist.
"What is it?"
Ryujin asked, curious.
Itoshi took a breath.
"I... I've been thinking about I found out about the deal..."
His voice trembled slightly.
"It's been making me uneasy for so long."
He looked up, eyes blazing.
"I wanna take down the deal this country has with the UKF."
Ryujin and Ayro froze.
"Itoshi... our organization is—"
Ryujin began.
But Itoshi cut him off, his tone fierce.
"I don't care! The public doesn't know it yet, but I'll make a move against it. Kara and Jayu could become one of them—products or something..."
He paused, trembling with anger.
"When people get taken by them, getting them back is nearly impossible. I want to abolish that deal."
He looked at his friends, firm and unwavering.
"I... I want Kara and Jayu to enjoy the places we go without fearing they'll be taken away."
His fists tightened.
"I'll do it alone if I have to."
For a moment, silence filled the room—then Ryujin smiled, genuinely, for the first time anyone had seen.
~~~To be Continued~~