PART 8 — "Morning Shift"
The academy courtyard buzzed with its usual morning noise.
Students talking.
Laughing.
Moving between classes.
Kaito walked through the gates, adjusting his bag over his shoulder.
"…I'm early today."
A small grin crossed his face.
"…For once."
He headed toward the classroom, slipping inside as a few others were already seated.
"Yo, Kaito."
"Early today?"
He shrugged, dropping into his seat.
"…Don't get used to it."
A few laughs.
The mood was light.
Normal.
He glanced once toward the door—
empty.
"…Still not here…"
He didn't think much of it.
Yet.
Moments later—
Daigo stepped into the room.
The chatter died down quickly.
"Alright, settle down."
Students straightened.
Attendance began.
Names were called one by one.
Voices answered back.
Routine.
Steady.
"…Haruto Inazuma."
Silence.
A small pause.
Daigo moved on.
"…Ayame Inazuma."
Silence again.
Kaito's eyes shifted slightly.
"…Late…"
Not normal.
But not impossible either.
He stayed quiet.
Attendance finished.
Daigo closed the register.
Then looked up at the class.
"…Now."
A small pause.
"…Before we begin today's training…"
He stepped forward slightly.
"…I want to hear something from all of you."
Light murmurs spread across the room.
"…Your goals."
"…What you plan to become."
Some students leaned forward.
Some smirked.
Some looked interested.
Daigo continued—
"…You've all gone through the tournament."
"…You've seen your strengths."
"…And your weaknesses."
A pause.
"…So tell me."
"…What are you aiming for—"
The door slid open.
The room went quiet.