The training grounds buzzed with anticipation. It wasn't every day that a potential recruit challenged Kazu, let alone someone as arrogant as the girl standing across from him.
Her name was Reina—a former noble's daughter who had been trained in combat but carried herself like she was untouchable. She had only agreed to join the Yankai because she deemed a few members "worthy" of her time—Unmei, Kaku, and Shiroyuki.
Everyone else? She treated them as beneath her.
And now, she was about to face Kazu in a match to prove herself worthy of entering the organization.
Camron, who had officially joined the Yankai, stood at the edge of the training ring with his arms crossed. "Are you sure about this, Kazu?" he muttered. "She looks like the type to throw a fit when she loses."
Kazu sighed, stretching his fingers. "I know," he said, rolling his shoulders. "But she needs to learn that strength isn't just about power—it's about respect."
Reina smirked, twirling a dagger in her fingers. "I'll try not to hurt you too much," she said sweetly, though her voice dripped with condescension.
Kazu remained silent, his expression unreadable.
Shiroyuki watched from the sidelines, his arms crossed tightly as Reina threw flirty glances toward Unmei. Every time she spoke to him, she'd lean in too close, twirling her hair, ignoring the fact that Unmei wasn't interested.
Shiroyuki had just about had enough of her, and it was clear to everyone that this match wasn't just about recruitment anymore. It was a wake-up call.
The fight began.
Reina charged forward, her movements fast but predictable. She was skilled, but her arrogance made her sloppy. She swung her dagger at Kazu, but he stepped to the side effortlessly, dodging with ease.
"Oh?" Reina raised an eyebrow, feigning surprise. "You're quick. Let's see how long you last."
She summoned a wave of energy, shaping it into sharp, crystalline shards, and launched them at Kazu.
Kazu didn't even flinch.
With a flick of his fingers, thin red strings shot from his hands and latched onto the flying shards mid-air. In an instant, he twisted them around and redirected them right back at Reina.
Her eyes widened as she barely dodged, the shards slicing the air beside her.
The crowd murmured.
Mamoru smirked. "She's in trouble."
Reina gritted her teeth and lunged again, but Kazu was faster. He twisted his fingers again, and suddenly, his strings latched onto her wrist, pulling her to a stop mid-attack.
"What—?!" she gasped, trying to break free, but the more she struggled, the tighter the strings became.
Kazu stepped forward, his expression calm but firm. "You're talented, Reina, but you let your arrogance blind you. Strength without respect is nothing."
Reina growled, trying to move, but Kazu simply flicked his wrist—and her own body betrayed her. Her arm twisted behind her back, forcing her to her knees as if bowing before him.
Gasps rippled through the audience.
Reina's face turned red with humiliation.
Shiroyuki smirked, enjoying the sight more than he probably should.
Kazu leaned slightly forward. "Do you yield?"
Reina struggled, her pride refusing to let her admit defeat, but her body couldn't move against Kazu's strings.
"I…" Her voice trembled. "I yield."
The strings vanished. Kazu took a step back, offering her a hand. "You're strong, Reina. But if you want to be here, you need to be better than this."
Reina hesitated, staring at his outstretched hand before slapping it away. She stood up, brushing herself off, her face twisted in frustration.
Without another word, she stormed off.
The crowd was silent for a moment before Shiroyuki let out a loud laugh. "Serves her right," he muttered, wrapping an arm around Unmei possessively.
Unmei sighed. "I think she's going to be a problem."
Kazu exhaled, rubbing the back of his head. "Yeah… I think so too." The night air was cool, carrying the faint scent of rain as Kazu leaned against the railing of the balcony. The city lights stretched far below him, shimmering like a sea of stars. He let out a content sigh, closing his eyes for a moment. It had been a while since he felt like this—at peace.
"You look good like this," Hanzo's voice came from behind him, soft yet teasing.
Kazu opened one eye and turned his head slightly, watching as Hanzo stepped onto the balcony, his hands tucked into his pockets. "Like what?" Kazu asked, smirking.
Hanzo took his time before answering. "Relaxed."
Kazu chuckled, shaking his head. "Guess it's been a while."
Hanzo moved closer, standing beside him. "You've been through hell, Kazu. You should take more moments like this."
Kazu rolled his eyes playfully. "And miss out on all the fun? No way."
Hanzo chuckled, leaning on the railing, facing Kazu this time. "You call fighting fun?"
Kazu tilted his head. "Yeah… don't you?"
Hanzo smirked. "Only when I get to watch you in action."
Kazu raised an eyebrow. "So you're saying you like watching me?"
Hanzo didn't break eye contact. "Isn't it obvious?"
Kazu felt his heartbeat quicken, but he played it cool, tilting his head with a teasing grin. "I dunno, maybe say it outright. You wouldn't want me to misunderstand, would you?"
Hanzo let out a small laugh before leaning just a little closer. "I don't think you misunderstand at all."
Kazu blinked, momentarily caught off guard. He could usually keep up with teasing, but Hanzo's directness made his face heat up just slightly. He quickly recovered, leaning in as well. "You're bold tonight."
Hanzo smirked. "Only for you."
Kazu huffed a laugh and turned back to look at the city, feeling a warmth in his chest he hadn't felt in a long time.
Meanwhile, in another part of the base, Unmei and Shiro were lounging in one of the rec rooms. Shiro sat close to Unmei, one arm draped around his waist as they watched a movie together.
At first, Unmei hadn't thought much of it, but Shiro's grip had been firm the entire time—almost as if he was holding onto him possessively. Every time Unmei shifted, Shiro's grip would tighten ever so slightly, keeping him close.
Unmei glanced at him. "You're holding me kind of tight, you know."
Shiro hummed, resting his chin on Unmei's shoulder. "Am I?"
Unmei smirked. "You're jealous."
Shiro scoffed, but his grip didn't loosen. "I don't get jealous."
Unmei chuckled. "You do. It's kinda hot."
Shiro lifted his head, eyes gleaming mischievously. "Oh?"
Unmei shrugged. "What can I say? A possessive boyfriend is attractive."
Shiro grinned. "Well, in that case, I should hold you even closer."
Unmei rolled his eyes but didn't resist as Shiro pulled him closer into his embrace.
Elsewhere, deep within the base, Reina sat alone in one of the unoccupied rooms, her fingers curled into fists.
Humiliation burned inside her.
She had lost. To Kazu.
And everyone had seen it.
She replayed the match in her head over and over again, each moment of her failure seared into her memory.
Her nails dug into her palms.
She wouldn't let it slide.
She'd make sure Kazu regretted embarrassing her.
But she wasn't stupid. A direct fight wouldn't work.
No, she would plan. She would wait.
And when the time was right, she'd make him pay.
Back on the balcony, Kazu stretched his arms, sighing contently. "You know, that fight earlier was fun. It's been a while since I got to do something like that."
Hanzo raised an eyebrow. "You call humiliating a spoiled brat fun?"
Kazu laughed. "I call putting someone in their place fun."
Hanzo smirked. "Remind me not to get on your bad side."
Kazu leaned against the railing, giving him a teasing look. "Oh? So you're afraid of me?"
Hanzo leaned in just a bit. "No… but I do respect you."
Kazu chuckled. "Good. That means I won't have to embarrass you in a fight anytime soon."
Hanzo shook his head, smiling. "I wouldn't mind if you did. Gives me an excuse to get closer."
Kazu blinked before laughing softly. "You're unbelievable."
Hanzo simply smirked.
For the first time in a long while, Kazu felt like things were finally getting back to normal.
But somewhere, hidden in the shadows, Reina was already preparing for her revenge.