Cyber Ascension Arc 2 — The Recovery After Storm
Volume 2 — Chapter 15 : The New Members
The morning sun streamed gently across the garden, casting warm golden light over the training grounds. Birds chirped faintly in the distance while a soft breeze rustled the leaves. The day after their chaotic amusement park adventure, everyone seemed to be waking up at their usual pace… except one.
Shinoki was practicing her martial arts with quiet determination, her wooden sword slicing through the air with precise, flowing motions. Nearby, Emily mirrored the movements with her own wooden katana, her strokes smooth and deliberate. Musukoni stretched methodically, legs extended as he flexed, while Jin Yuan silently swung his wooden sword, his movements controlled and calculated as always.
But the garden wasn't complete. Yuzurei was missing, yet again.
Shioinkin clapped his hands together energetically, a broad grin on his face.
Shioinkin:
"Okay, okay, students! Listen up! Today, we have two new students joining our ranks!"
The words hit Yuzurei like a bolt of lightning. In his room, his senses sharpened instantly, razor-blade sharp. Before anyone could blink, he burst through the sliding doors of the garden with a dramatic leap.
Yuzurei:
"WHO IS IT!?!? TELL ME NOW!!!"
Jin Yuan calmly facepalmed, his composure undisturbed, while Emily smiled warmly, ever the calm presence.
Shinoki froze mid-swing, her cheeks tinting pink as she muttered softly.
Shinoki:
"G…good morning… Yuzu-Kun…"
Yuzurei stopped mid-leap, his expression going chibi—blank, deadpan, and oddly hilarious.
Yuzurei:
"Why are you blushing? I didn't do anything!"
Shinoki could barely respond. Her knees nearly gave out as her blush deepened, and she felt like she was melting on the spot.
Shioinkin:
"Enough! Enough! Pay attention!"
Yuzurei:
"Tell me, Old Man! I demand to know!!"
Musukoni tugged at Yuzurei's cap, forcing him to pause.
Musukoni:
"Hey! Say 'Sensei!'"
Shioinkin waved his hand with authority.
Shioinkin:
"We have two new students arriving shortly. Be patient."
---
Moments later, the garden gates swung open, and two figures stepped through.
The first was a young man, around twenty, with striking big blue eyes and messy black hair brushing his neck. His black suit was stylish but casually worn—coat unbuttoned, white shirt tucked neatly into black pants, and his tie loose around his collar. On his back rested a long suitcase, almost arm-length but narrow. His relaxed posture and teasing grin gave off an air of effortless confidence.
Shioinkin:
"Students, meet Nashino Ichinin!"
Beside him was a stunning woman, also seemingly in her twenties, radiating calm composure. Her long black-blue hair flowed elegantly down her back, and her dark eyes held an unshakable stillness. She wore a sleek black dress, full-length sleeves, reaching her ankles, paired with simple black shoes. Her presence was serene, almost untouchable.
Shioinkin:
"And this is Youchina Inonki. She's brilliant, calm, and can master any fighting style instantly."
---
The students stared. Jin Yuan's sharp gaze first landed on Nashino, though he said nothing. Musukoni's analytical eyes scanned Youchina's aura, though Nashino's thoughts proved frustratingly elusive. Emily stepped forward, beaming warmly.
Emily:
"Hi~ I'm Aria Emily. You can call me Emily. Nice to meet you!"
Nashino leaned back slightly, hands behind his head, grin playful.
Nashino:
"Yo~ Hai! I'm Nashino Ichinin. You can just call me Nashino."
Before anyone could respond, Yuzurei—without warning—launched at Nashino like a missile.
Yuzurei:
"HEY! FIGHT ME!!"
Everyone braced themselves, expecting another usual scene of Yuzurei charging wildly. But Nashino simply vanished—reappearing a few feet behind him with a teasing smirk.
Nashino:
"Well, someone's impatient today."
Youchina gently placed her hand on Nashino's shoulder, calm as ever.
Youchina:
"Don't pick a fight, Nashino."
Nashino:
"Huh… boring."
Yuzurei froze mid-step, eyes wide in shock.
Yuzurei:
"How the hell did you—do that?!?"
Musukoni lightly smacked Yuzurei on the head.
Musukoni:
"Yuzurei! Stop being rude!"
Shinoki watched quietly, cheeks burning as she bit her lip, unable to look away from the chaos.
Shioinkin:
"Enough! I'll introduce everyone properly."
He placed a hand on Nashino's shoulder.
Shioinkin:
"This is Nashino Ichinin. Once an S-Rank assassin, now voluntarily joining our school."
Gasps echoed around the garden. Even Jin Yuan's stoic expression flickered in surprise.
Musukoni:
"An S-Rank assassin…?"
Nashino waved casually, grinning playfully.
Nashino:
"Relax, guys. Don't take me too seriously."
Shioinkin then gestured toward Youchina.
Shioinkin:
"And this is Youchina. Calm, analytical, extremely intelligent. She can learn any opponent's fighting style in an instant."
Emily:
"Nice to meet you, Youchina!"
Shinoki stepped forward shyly.
Youchina:
"Nice to meet you too."
Nashino intertwined his fingers behind his head, smirking.
Nashino:
"So… what's the name of our little organization here?"
Musukoni:
"Well… we haven't decided yet."
Yuzurei:
"Huh!? I'll choose the name!!!"
Nashino:
"Maybe… The Cyber Hunters? Sounds fun, right?"
Yuzurei's eyes lit up.
Yuzurei:
"HEY! I LIKE THAT ONE!!"
Shinoki peeked from behind Yuzurei, still blushing as she whispered,
Shinoki:
"He really is… full of energy as always…"
Emily smiled softly at the playful banter, while Jin Yuan's calm gaze swept over the new members, already analyzing their movements. Musukoni smirked quietly, silently impressed with Youchina's presence while scratching his head over Nashino's teasing, impossible aura.
Shioinkin grinned widely, looking at his students—the old and the new.
Shioinkin:
"Alright! Everyone, welcome Nashino and Youchina to our little family. Let's see how much chaos you can survive… and how much fun we can all have together!"
Yuzurei bounced on the balls of his feet, already plotting their next duel, while Nashino laughed lightly, disappearing and reappearing behind him for fun. Youchina remained calm, a soft smile finally appearing as she observed the lively scene around her.
It was the start of a new chapter for the team: more laughter, more chaos, more excitement—and just maybe, a little more romance for some blushing souls.