Kenji, Frank, and Lisa finally reach the end of the hallway and turn into a room. The room contained 13 large chairs designed like thrones, positioned in a circle, with torches around them. Kenji, Lisa and Frank take their seats,
"You're late." Yuto stares at Frank with a cold expression,
"The Master isn't here yet Yuto and you should watch your tone."
"Is that a threat?" Yuto stands up, glaring at Frank,
"Control yourself, Yuto." Ivan demands in a harsh tone, to which Yuto obeys.
"Are we going to have to be here for long?" Shin, a man who looks to be in his mid twenties, says in his usual glum voice,
"Not sure. The Master didn't specify how long this will take." Kenji replies.
"Rose-san you're quiet than usual. Is something on your mind?" Lisa asks politely.
Rose smiles gently and shakes her head,
"I'm just wondering what the Master could want. We haven't had a meeting like this since the Separation."
"Most likely about that brat that released the kings. With Franky here training him, I doubt the kid has got any stronger. Is he even still alive?" Yuto asks with a smug smile on his face as he turns to Frank,
"I would keep that mouth shut, Yuto" Frank scowls,
"Want me to make the wheelchair permanent for ya?"
"Enough!" Ivan shouts, his voice shaking the room and both men quiet down,
"Quiet." Koji turns his head towards the door as it is now opened and a young man, who looks to be in his late twenties or early thirties and is wearing a kimono, walks slowly into the room,
"The Master has arrived." Kenji says.
In response to this, all the Captains stand up to show respect, as the Master now walks into the middle of the room and opens his mouth to speak, his voice gentle and calm,
"My Captains, please… be seated."
All of them sit back down and await for the reason behind this summoning,
"I have gathered you all here today to discuss an inevitable issue… the Damned, ever since Seijuro Yoshiki has opened the box… the number of fears, typically Nightmares, have drastically increased, many of our youngsters have been killed or corrupted…" before he could carry on, Yuto abruptly interrupts,
"I told you! That boy needs to be killed for what he has done! He doesn't deserve a second chance!" Ivan slams the grip of his axe into the floor, cracking the ground,
"Do not interrupt Master Kyousuke again." Yuto grunts and hesitantly close his mouth, while Kyousuke continues to speak,
"Harada Yuto… whether Seijuro had opened the box or not… I'm afraid the Damned escaping… was inevitable to say the least."
"What do you mean Master?" Kenji raises his eyebrow and leans forward in his chair now,
"The box was never meant to permanently contain them… only for a short amount of time. Yoshiki Seijuro had only made that event occur sooner. Captain Takashima was powerful, however even his power had limits." All the Captains glance at each other,
"Yoshiki Seijuro has given us a chance to do what we failed to do previously… permanently get rid of the Damned. Each generation of Captains only gets more powerful and surpasses the last."
"What will you have us do Kyousuke-san?" Lisa asks,
"Send out the dreamcatchers and hunters in groups to handle the Boogeymen and Nightmares, while the Lieutenants handle the Phobias. You Captains will work in pairs and track the Kings locations."
"I recommend Seijuro-san be sent out." Lisa raises her hand as she states this,
"Yoshiki Seijuro? What is his status?"
"Earlier today, he lost to a kuroi of Boogeyman level strength. He isn't ready." Frank glances at Lisa to figure out what she is trying to do,
"Seijuro-san will be paired up this time, I suggest Seijuro takes his final exam now. His theory work is brilliant and I am sure Frank-san can agree his practical work is excellent! I have faith in him as a teacher and as an older sister." Lisa smiles confidently,
"I see. Osaki Frank, do you stand by Ezura Lisa?"
"I… suggest a retake on the same kuroi. If he bests it, then I believe we can send him out."
"May I recommend something?" Rose looks towards both Frank and Lisa, then back at Kyousuke,
"My sister, Lily, she bested the same kuroi last week, if this Seijuro beats kuroi, then I wish for her to be paired with him on their first mission."
"Very well, Koyama Rose. Does anyone else have any suggestions for Yoshiki Seijuro?"
"Yeah I got one. Why are we just focusing on him?" Yuto scowls,
"There's many kids out there like him, why is he so special? There are kids out there working hard too. Our focus should be all kids, not just some dumb brat that doesn't know his place."
"Agreed." Koji states, in his usual emotionless voice,
"Harada Yuto… Masaki Koji… you're anger for our focus on only Yoshiki Seijuro is not justified. May I have an explanation?"
"Reckless." Koji states,
"I agree. He must show responsibility for his actions or at the very least some remorse for what he unleashed. I don't get how he is the centre of attention right now. Am I in the wrong for saying that he isn't important and there are bigger things than him right now?"
"Maybe… but the kid has potential. Both Lisa and Frank have vouched for him. There judgment should be trusted. It would be… wrong to not focus on those who have talent no?" Kenji states,
"I would suggest he repeats the kuroi test, but this time, in front of us. That way, we can all make a fair judgement for the boy." Ivan looks at Kenji and then back at Kyousuke,
"I agree with Ivan." Shin replies,
"When do you ever not agree with him?!" Yuto growls,
"I trust his judgment more than anyone in this room, his choices have never let us down."
"Very well. All in favour of Kimura Ivan's decision, raise." Kyousuke looks around to see Kenji, Lisa, Ivan, Frank, Shin, and Rose stand up, while Koji and Yuto remain sitting,
"It is decided. Yoshiki Seijuro will be retested, and the plan of attack will go ahead as planned. Frank and Lisa, find Yoshiki Seijuro and report the news to him. You are all free to leave and good luck." Kyousuke begins walking towards the door followed by Yuto, Koji, Kenji, and Shin,
"I'll see you at the gym." Frank and Lisa both nod at Kenjis statement as he walks away,
"I trust your judgements friends. Please, don't make me regret this decision." The giant Ivan looks down at them with a slight smile before walking away,
"Don't worry guys, Lily failed the first time too, I'm sure Seijuro will handle kuroi very easily this time." Rose walks away smiling at them, waving a goodbye before exiting.
Both Frank and Lisa begin making their way towards exit,
"Do you truly believe he can do this?"
"Very sure, Frank-san! His emotions will be in check this time I'm very sure of it!"
Frank smiles and nods at her remark, her demeanour was even more brighter than usual. They open the doors to find Seijuro, sitting on the steps of the entrance, he turns to look at them,
"Captain Frank… Captain Lisa…"
"Young Seijuro, we have good news for you."
"Little brother, we've decided to give you a second chance! You're going to retake your test against kuroi again." From receiving this information, Seijuro immediately returns the smile,
"That's great! When is this retake happening?"
"Today… young Seijuro… we're going to take you there." Seijuro begins to walk in the direction of the gym,
"But this time, every Captain wishes to see your progress, and the Master too." Seijuro abruptly stops walking and faces Frank,
"Why?"
"Well little brother… they want to make sure you're ready for your first mission."
"But I thought I just need both of you for that…"
"You did, but the Master wishes to see your progress."
"Ok then." Seijuros heartbeat begins to steadily increase,
All the Captains? The Master? Am I really that special to these lot, or do they still not trust me?
Putting these thoughts to the side, Seijuro now follows Lisa and Frank rather than making his own way there. Despite being eager to prove himself, he is still quite nervous in case he fails again. After what seemed like forever, they arrive at the doors to the gym, upon opening it, the kuroi he had previously fought was active and already in position.
Seijuros eye dart around, meeting each Captain, who stand on the side,
"Yoshiki Seijuro, we are here to observe your performance against a kuroi of Boogeyman level strength. If you are successful, you will be granted your first mission. We will not delay you with our words, do your best and good luck." Kyousuke now stands on the side.
Seijuro faces kuroi and unsheathes his blade, he glances at Lisa and Frank. Frank gives him a nod and smile, while Lisa gives him a thumbs up and mouths the words,
Use your emotions.
With that, Seijuro closes his eyes and takes a deep breath, before charging in.