2 weeks have passed since the raid, and Nailah has brought sudden news to everyone.
"We're getting 3 new members!?"
"We're kinda growing fast, aren't we?"
"Great, it's gonna be more crowded now."
"3 new characters out of nowhere, are the readers going to be okay?"
"Everything'll be fine. The goal has been 10 members, I didn't expect us to grow so fast," Kagura covers her face with her arm as she begins sobbing.
"Yo, are we gonna tell the new guys about you and Ariel?" Diego can't help but wonder.
"To be honest, everyone already here was an exception. I'm sure this'll be our first time meeting these new members."
"So you'll hold off for now."
"Most likely. Ariel, definitely no more sleeping in my shadow."
"Goodbye, perfect slumber."
"Are they all Hunters, Ms. Nailah?"
"Yes. They'll be arriving this evening at 7. Two of them are coming from different districts."
"Sounds great."
So far, only 5 people have applied to work at Odd Jobs. This doesn't include Chifuyu, Ariel, and Iris as they were asked to join. The first two were of course Shinatsu and Diego. Although she could've personally reached out as a family member, Shinatsu still applied as if she were any other applicant. Thanks to Chifuyu, Diego decided to apply in order to get his life back on track. Nailah went to visit them in person for their interviews, as she did with the 3 new members as well. No spot was guaranteed, but so far those who wanted to join have all been accepted.
"We should do big to welcome the new members, and I have just the idea."
"Oh?"
"Don't keep us hanging, Chifuyu."
"A sparring tournament."
"Hmm. Should be a lot of fun."
"I'm in."
"This shall be an easy victory for me."
"We'll have to think of some handicaps for you."
"Let's also have some punishments, the ones that lose in the first round have to buy for everybody."
"I like the way you think, Shinatsu."
'Good thing I'm injured…' Iris will not be participating.
And so, the hour came of the arrival of the new members. As Nailah walks them in, they're greeted by the 6 pillarmen who guard the sacred temple known as Odd Jobs. They're exuding a trembling aura that would scare away your average person.
"Woah, is this a Jojo reference?"
"Oh my god, he knows."
"Jojo? Is that a famous person?"
One of the newbies is cultured, one doesn't know what's happening, and the other is seemingly unfazed.
"Welcome to Odd Jobs, fledglings. I'm the leader here, Kagura Mikase. When I call, you come running. When I tell you to jump, you ask how high. Now, introduce yourselves."
"Are we soldiers joining a war?"
"Good evening everyone, my name is Nicholas Jotang! I turn 19 years old next month, and I'm a 4th Rank Hunter. My hobbies are playing every sport there is. I'm from District 25. It's a pleasure to meet you all."
"That's on the other side of Shioto."
"He's as energetic as Kagura."
"Looks like this place is gonna get even more lively."
"Guess I'll go now. I'm Caesar Summer, also turning 19 this year. 4th Rank Hunter. I'm aware most of you are younger than me, but I'm still your junior here at Odd Jobs. I'm from this District. Thank you for having me." The one who understood the Jojo reference introduces talks with a calm tone, there are now 3 weebs in the main cast.
The 3rd new member is a girl who looks like she could be a model, and is clearly the tallest out of everybody, even taller than Diego. "My name is Beatrice Nova. I am 18 years old, and a 4th Rank Hunter. District 31 is where I'm from. I don't have any particular hobbies. I hope to get to know you all well."
'She's stunning.' The usual suspect admires the gorgeous woman before him.
"Oh, so you just graduated from the Academy, huh?"
"That is correct."
"Alright, we should introduce ourselves too. The name's Diego Pegula. I'm actually not a Hunter yet, but I will be. As for the others, I'll save them the trouble and say it for them. They're all 2nd Rank Hunters."
"Woah!"
"Seriously? You guys must be amazing."
"Heh. I'm Chifuyu Kyotani. 17 years old."
"You may call me Ariel. I'm uh… Also 17 years old."
"M-My name is Iris Sa-Sakata. 17 as well."
"I know you 3, you're pretty famous after all."
"Same."
"Nah, we're not famous or anything."
"Yeah.. Ehehe."
The glazing of the new members is quickly getting to their heads.
"Um.. I'm Shinatsu Boreas, also 17. Nice to meet you guys."
"Wow. You're from one of the Big 3 families! It's such a blessing to be here."
"Ms. Nailah told us we'll have the next 2 months off along with everyone. I'm loving it here already."
"Feel free to unpack whenever. I'll be in the back if you need me."
"Kay! Alright guys, it's time."
"Are we doing something?"
"Yes. To welcome you three, we're having an Odd Jobs Sparring Tournament! The losers of the first round have to buy dinner on them."
"Haha. This should be good." Nicholas is excited.
"Oh dear, I might be buying food for everyone then." Caesar not so much.
"We'll let you settle in. Then, the fun begins."