"Hitsu Chosokabe," Takeshi said in a serious tone, "The time had come."
"Yes master," Hitsu replied as he carefully held out a stamp to Takeshi.
Takeshi took the stamp from Hitsu's hand and poured a small amount of alcohol from one of his bottles. The guild master followed the same steps he did when he had inducted all five members of The Voyage into The Future Veins. The design on the stamp Hitsu had brought began to glow brightly.
"Hitsu Chosokabe," Takeshi said once again as he lowered the stamp onto the back of Hitsu's right hand. "As the guild master of The Future Veins, I now declare you the leader of The Voyage."
...
Four more stamps and Takeshi's work was done. The right hands of the five teens now proudly showed the symbol of The Voyage. The symbol consisted of a circle with five V's inside of it. The five V's came together to form the shape of a star. Inside of the star was small markings reminiscent of a trail on a map.
"There," Takeshi said as he placed the stamp down on the dining table, "I now declare you The Future Veins first official team. I declare you... The Voyage."
Smiles covered the faces of the new team members. They all looked down at their team marks proudly. Not only were they heroes, but they were also teammates. A new chapter in all of their lives was beginning.
"We did it," Hitsu said with a hint of disbelief in his voice.
"It's hard to believe," Nox said.
"Yeah," Jinsuke agreed, "A lot has happened in just a few days."
"But here we stand," Enai said, "A team."
"So what do we do now?" Sel asked.
The five stood in silence as they all realized they had no idea what happened next.
"Your leader should know what's next," Takeshi said after he took a big drink of alcohol.
Everyone looked to Hitsu to see a blank expression across his face. Upon realizing he didn't know what Takeshi was referring to his face became filled with fear.
"Okay... But what if I don't?" Hitsu asked.
Swiftly, Takeshi raised his hand into the air and lowered it down onto Hitsu's head.
"AHHHH!" Hitsu cried out in pain, "Why!?"
"I already told you what you would be doing as a team," Takeshi said angrily.
"When?" Hitsu shouted.
Takeshi stopped and thought for a moment before he answered.
"Huh... I guess I didn't tell you," Takeshi admitted, "Alright, you get a free shot on me."
"How many bottles have you drank this morning?" Hitsu asked cautiously.
"Six or seven," Takeshi responded.
"I'll pass," Hitsu replied for his own sake.
"Smart," Nox said with a sigh of relief.
"So what did you think you told Hitsu?" Jinsuke asked.
Takeshi turned to a pile of papers on the table behind him. He thumbed through them before pulling one out and handing it to Hitsu. Hitsu took the paper and read it aloud.
"Team Takeover Tournament," Hitsu said, "What is this?"
"Learn to read," Takeshi responded, "it's an invitation."
"Invitation?" Sel asked as he tried to read the paper over Hitsu's shoulder.
"To some kind of tournament?" Enai asked as she did the same over Hitsu's other shoulder.
"Yeah," Takeshi answered. "They send me these things every year even though The Future Veins have never had an official team," Takeshi explained, stopping occasionally to take a drink of alcohol, "Until now that is."
"So this is a major thing?" Nox asked, "Something they do every year?"
"Yep," Takeshi said, "and this year we can compete... If you are up to the task."
Hitsu looked back down at the paper in his hands and continued to read aloud.
"You've been invited to take part in the annual Team Takeover Tournament. Dozens of teams from all across the countries come together to raise hope for those who need it the most. Teams of five young and upcoming individuals compete to show the world what the future generations are capable of. Hunters, defenders, guardians, all groups of shadow slayers are welcome."
Hitsu paused for a moment as he read those groups. He was not surprised to find heroes were not one of the ones mentioned. Hitsu continued reading regardless.
"Display your skills, meet other slayers, and show the world that the future is bright. We look forward to your response. -Yanai"
Having finished reading the paper Hitsu lowered it and looked to the others in the room.
"So what do you guys think?" He asked.
"Well Big Boss Takeshi made this sound like a challenge," Sel said with a hungry grin, "I never back down from a challenge."
"Big Boss Takeshi?" Jinsuke repeated confused.
"I say we do it," Enai said enthusiastically, "I love the idea of giving people hope by showing just how strong we are."
"I agree with Enai," Nox added, "We show the world what we're made of!"
"I'm down for anything," Jinsuke said, "Let's kick some ass."
The other members of The Voyage looked back to Hitsu. They were surprised to find he didn't share their excitement as he stared down at the paper in his hands.
"What is it?" Takeshi asked.
"This name at the end," Hitsu responded, "Who is Yanai?"
"You've never heard of him?" Takeshi asked. "Mr. Yanai is a super-rich guy who hosts the tournament every year. I've never met him but he sure does seem to like people who kill shadows. People say he knows a lot about really out there things... Like God Butterflies."
Hitsu's eyes widened the moment he heard the words.
"Are you serious?" Hitsu asked.
"Yep," Takeshi said, "If anyone might know more about them it would be him."
"God Butterfly?" Sel asked confused.
"What's a God Butterfly?" Jinsuke asked.
"It's..." Hitsu went to answer before he was cut off by Enai.
"Nox!" Enai said concerned.
Hitsu turned to his side to see Nox, her eyes wide and her entire body shaking.
"Nox?" Hitsu said concerned, "Are you okay?"
Slowly Nox's eyes drifted to the side and met Hitsu's
"Hitsu..." Nox whispered.
"...We need to talk to him."
...
End of Episode 52