Inside the Fighting Corporation branch, the air felt structured, official.
The manager placed two sealed packages on the counter.
"Official team registration completed."
Benji reached forward and picked one up.
A bold red X marked the seal.
He opened it.
Inside—
A black jacket. Clean. Sharp. Precise
The red X stood firm on its surface.
Benji stared at it silently.
Next to him, Cynus opened his own package.
A black hoodie.
Same symbol.
Different style.
Cynus grinned.
"Hah. Suits me."
"Team name: Elite Fighters," the manager stated calmly.
Her eyes shifted to Benji.
"Leader: Benji."
Cynus casually patted his shoulder.
"Obviously. I don't like paperwork."
The manager continued, her tone unchanged.
"Team rules: Minimum two members. Maximum ten."
"Only one role exists—Leader. All others are Members."
She slid two ID cards across the counter, face-down.
"Uniforms are mandatory during official leagues."
Benji picked his up—
he slipped it into his jacket pocket.
Cynus did the same.
Outside, the city felt quieter.
Benji put on his jacket.
Cynus put on his hoodie.
A light wind passed between them, brushing against the fabric.
The red X stood out against the black.
Side by side, they stood.
Not as individuals anymore—
But as a team.
Cynus glanced at him.
"Try not to get yourself killed, Leader."
Benji answered calmly.
"You too."
A brief silence.
Mutual understanding.
Then—
They turned.
And took their first step forward.
Together.
Elsewhere—
In a dark underground chamber, a man sat upon a throne-like chair.
Shilling.
His eyes opened slowly, a faint smile forming.
"Elite Fighters… interesting."
In an abandoned warehouse—
Tatsu tightened the bandages around his knuckles.
Oberto cracked his neck, a cruel grin spreading across his face.
"New teams always think they're special," Tatsu muttered.
Oberto laughed lightly.
"Let's see how long they last."
Far away, in Eta City—
A quiet dojo stood, repaired and peaceful.
Satoshi Sensei swept the wooden floor in silence.
Then he stopped.
His gaze shifted toward the open doorway.
"…He's moving forward."
Nearby, Gramps sipped his tea calmly.
"That boy carries fire."
Satoshi said nothing.
But he nodded.
Back on the road—
Benji and Cynus moved forward through a forest path.
Sunlight broke through the trees, scattering across the ground.
Cynus rolled beside him effortlessly.
"So… where to first?"
Benji didn't hesitate.
"Where the strongest are."
A grin spread across Cynus's face.
"Good answer."
They kept walking.
The road stretched endlessly ahead.
Their figures slowly growing smaller in the distance.
The wind whispered through the trees.
Strength is not born. It is chosen.
Elite Fighters.
Leader: Benji
Members: Cynus