8:49 p.m, November 13, 2020...The Cafeteria buzzed with the low hum of conversations and the clinking of utensils as the members ate their food. Groups huddled around tables, sharing their experiences of the day.
In stark contrast to the warm atmosphere, Kurashi sat alone at a corner table. His plate remained untouched, the food slowing getting cold. His eyes, devoid of any emotion, stared blankly ahead of him. It was as if there was an invisible barrier separating him from the lively world around him. The conversations and laughter seemed to slowly fade into a distant murmur, drowned out by the deafening silence of his isolation.
After the members had finished their meals, they made their way back to the dorms. Doors closed and lights were dimmed down, signaling it was the end of the day. Though that signal did not speak for Kurashi. When the dorms fell in silence, Kurashi threw on his hoodie and left the building.
The night was cold and dark, the moon hidden behind thick clouds. The training grounds were quiet, the only sound being the whistle of the occasional gust of wind. His walk then led him to the gym, opening the door and stepping inside. The fluorescent lights buzzed softly, casting a harsh white glow over the empty space.
Inside the gym was a lone figure, the same guy with white hair from Kurashi's training group. As the door closed behind Kurashi, the white-haired guy paused his workout, sensing the new presence behind him. He looked over hid shoulder, his sharp blue eyes meeting Kurashi's indifferent gaze. Drenched in sweat from his workout, he wiped his face with a towel as he walked over to Kurashi, his relaxed steps echoing from the emptiness of the gym.
"Hey you're that Ito guy right? I don't think we've really had the chance to meet yet", he stated in a friendly tone, throwing the towel over his shoulder, "My name's Jin...".
"Kurashi...", Kurashi responded in an almost whisper.
"I noticed you prefer to keep to yourself, but if you ever need someone to train with, let me know", Jin stated as he walked over to the door, "It was nice to meet you Kurashi".
As the door closed, Kurashi now had the gym to himself. He began his own routine, pushing his body to its limits, each movement precise and controlled. After an intense workout, he made his way back to the dorm. His footsteps echoed softly along the wooden flooring as he made his way to the communal bath, a traditional fixture where members could relax and unwind. The bath was completely empty, lined with white tiles and minimalistic fixtures. He took his time in the steaming mineral bath, soaking in silence while letting the heat seep into his muscles. Thoroughly refreshed, Kurashi made his back to his dorm and rested for the night.
Training the next day went by just as the day before had, Kurashi not being fazed by any of the challenges he was given. Later that day in the cafeteria, Kurashi sat in the same isolated seat. His solace broken when someone walked over to his table.
"Mind if I join you?" Jin asked, his voice soft, carrying a genuine warmth.
Kurashi's response was a subtle nod, a fraction of movement that indicated acknowledgment rather than invitation. Jin took this as permission and seated himself across the table from Kurashi.
"I've got say...", Jin stated as he leaned forward on the table, "A lot of people are talking about you. I mean...it makes sense since your clan's got quite the reputation and all but still...Even the members in our group are envious of you. They say you're making them look bad in front of the instructors".
Kurashi looked at Jin with his emotionless gaze, almost as if Jin's words were blurring right through him.
"In my opinion, I appreciate having you in the group. It's nice to have someone I can compete with.", Jin stated with a sense of respect.
Their conversation was then interrupted by a voice from another table. They turned their gaze to the other table where a group of members huddled around.
"Seriously! I don't get why he has to hit so damn hard. It's like he doesn't know how to hold back.", the member who had sparred Kurashi said in frustration, rubbing his sore arm.
His complaint was met with sympathy and agreement from the others at his table.
"I can't believe the instructor let him get away with that.", another stated in concern.
Even with the cafeteria filled with tension, Kurashi remained composed by the complaints echoing from the other table.
"You should probably pull your punches a bit next time.", Jin said jokingly to Kurashi.
Kurashi then turned his cold gaze over to Jin, unenthused by the joke he had made.
"Listen, when we get back to the base, we should spar some time. I wanna' see what you're capable of firsthand...What it's like to fight an Ito.", Jin stated in an eager tone as he awaited a response, a competitive glare in his blue eyes.
Kurashi's expression remained unchanged, but gave way to a gentle nod. He acknowledged the proposal, signaling his agreement without saying a single word.
After finishing their meals, the members all made their way back to the dorms for the night. Three weeks of training flew by, repeating the same day over and over again. Woken up by an intercom, training until the sun falls, refueling in the cafeteria, and resting when the moon came out.
On the first day of the fourth week, woken by the intercom, the members made their way to the center field once more. Though this morning was different from the passing days. The old man that had given them a speech when training had begun stood before them.
"Three weeks...", the old man stated, his raspy voice carrying over the field, "For three weeks you have pushed through your relentless training. Your dedication and resilience has not gone unnoticed".
The old man paused, letting the trainees take in his words.
"But...what you have faced so far is merely the foundation for what's to come", the old man said, his tone changing from admirable to serious, "The training from here out will be far more intense...The true test starts today".