"All because of the wind..." Zhang Fan lapsed into contemplation. Clearly, the 'wind' Lei Ji spoke of was no simple matter. Should he be wary of Lei Ji? No, he trusted her, despite her quirky, aloof demeanor. However, the enigmatic 'wind' behind her warranted further investigation.
"What's this about?" Since forging her oath with Zhang Fan, Lei Ji had been his constant shadow, even following him home at night. Seeing Lei Ji trailing behind Zhang Fan, Snow and Arya expressed their astonishment. They knew Lei Ji had summoned Zhang Fan earlier, but something seemed amiss now.
"Well... everyone knows Lei Ji. From now on, she'll be joining our team, so I hope everyone gets along," Zhang Fan awkwardly explained, particularly uneasy before Snow and Arya. After all, Lei Ji had kissed him forcefully, proposed marriage, and even sworn an eternal oath to him. If the girls knew, they might turn dark in an instant.
"A team? Are you forming a team, Zhang Fan?" Arya frowned, not yet considering the idea of a team.
"Yes, it's time to form one. Although there's still time, I think it's better to start early and strengthen our coordination," Zhang Fan nodded. He had long contemplated forming a team, but had lacked the opportunity to bring it up. With Lei Ji's arrival, it seemed the perfect time to announce it.
Tokyo Metropolitan Advanced Nurturing High School required students to form a team of 2 to 8 members by the end of September in their second year. These teams would be registered at the school and the International Martial Detectives Federation, creating a lasting bond and legacy.
"In that case, I'll join Zhang Fan's team too," Snow declared, unwilling to be outdone by Lei Ji.
"I'll join too! I want to be in Master's team!" Hina, another girl, eagerly asserted, although joining a team in the first year was uncommon. For Zhang Fan, who needed more members for his team, the more, the merrier.
"Then it's settled. Once Riko returns, we'll complete the registration," Zhang Fan smiled. Having them in his team meant forming a contract, but it wasn't the right time to discuss that yet. The bonds between them needed to deepen first.
"Riko..." Hearing Zhang Fan still remembered Riko made the girls silent for a moment. Clearly, Riko held a significant place in his heart, as he hadn't forgotten her even now.
They didn't realize Zhang Fan was considering the candidates for his contract. Adding Riko and the soon-to-arrive Jeanne would bring his tally to six. Who should be the last one? Would he really need to approach Lan Bao?
"Arya... you shouldn't be with Zhang Fan. Please stay away from him," Lei Ji suddenly confronted Arya. Despite her usual expressionless face, her words enraged Arya. Why would Lei Ji say such a thing?
"What do you mean, Lei Ji?" Arya glared at Lei Ji, ready to fight at a moment's notice.
"I have made a marriage oath with Zhang Fan. He won't be with Arya anymore," Lei Ji stated calmly, causing even Snow and Hina to be taken aback. Marriage? What was this sudden development?
"Stop joking, Lei Ji. Arya and I are partners; we can't be separated," Zhang Fan interjected, trying to soothe the brewing storm. Why would Lei Ji provoke Arya like this? Hadn't they cooperated well before?
"Arya will bring danger to Zhang Fan," Lei Ji insisted, her sharp gaze fixed on him. But danger? Lei Ji must know something.
"It's okay. As martial detectives, we live amidst danger. Thank you, Lei Ji, but I won't separate from Arya. She's an important partner, as are you now," Zhang Fan reassured, patting Lei Ji's head like comforting a younger sister.
"Partner..." Lei Ji pondered. The concept of a partner was foreign to her, her world having revolved only around herself and the elusive 'wind'. Now, as Zhang Fan's comrade...
"I won't bring danger to Zhang Fan! I refuse to!" Arya fumed, upset at Lei Ji's assertion.
"Wait, I want to know about this marriage oath Lei Ji mentioned," Snow interjected, her aura turning dark with jealousy. Was this the feared blackened state of legends?
Surrounded by this intense aura, Hina crouched down in fear. Even Zhang Fan felt a chill.
"Calm down, Snow," Zhang Fan pleaded, hoping to prevent her from fully succumbing to her dark state.
"Calm? If I stay calm, my Zhang Fan will be taken away!" Snow's usual soothing presence from Zhang Fan was ineffective today. The anger within her was palpable.
"I... I won't let anyone take Zhang Fan away!" Her aura intensified, signaling her readiness for a real confrontation.