Just as Matsune finished her explanation, her eyes shifted past Ariyama's shoulder and her posture changed slightly. Ariyama looked behind him too and saw someone walk right up to them from the training hall. They wore a muscle shirt and shorts, sweat making their dark skin shine in the light that bore down on them from the glass dome. The person in question was a little taller than Ariyama, with his hair in long dreads that reached just past his shoulder, colored a bright white, which stood out like a sore thumb compared to their dark complexion. Their eyes also shone, golden like a lion's. The man's arms, which were exposed due to the sleeveless top he wore, were toned and veiny.
Whoever he was, Ariyama received a hulking presence that exuded intimidation.
"Sasya."
The man – Ariyama called him that, even though he looked the same age as him – completely ignored Ariyama and stepped closer to Matsune, unscrewing the top off the water bottle in his hands and draining half of it in a long swig. This guy was called Matsune 'Sasya'? Despite the fact he knew Matsune had a ton of friends back at Sasura Academy, not once had he heard them call her Sasya.
Did she maybe have the same reluctance to let people call her by her first name as Ariyama? It was probably a stretch, but no other explanation crossed his mind.
Matsune looked up at the tall guy, her face morphing into a cheerful smile.
"Hello, Kazan-kun. How was the training regime I made for you working out?"
"Oh, it's top-notch. Really makes me work up a sweat, and–"
He gave Ariyama a sidelong glance, his golden eyes sparkling with distrust.
"Who's this guy?"
"Oh, that's Ariyama Saato. In fact, he's going to be joining you and the others in Division F very soon!"
The man, Kazan, huffed and strode right up to Ariyama, glaring down at him with an intensity he'd never felt before. It wasn't as bad as the coldness that came from the director, which made Ariyama almost go mad, but it was still frightening. Of course, Ariyama wasn't going to show it, not when he had still to make his first impressions on the people here. He couldn't let them see him as a weakling.
"Um… Hey there, Kazan. So, I'm joining your Division, then? That's awesome to h– Aackk!"
His sentence turned into a guttural choke as the muscular man seized him by his collar and brought him in close to his face. His grip was so strong that it lifted Ariyama an inch off the ground.
"Listen here, you little brat. You seem to be around my age, and I have heard a thing or two about what this new kid is capable of, but trust me on this one. I'm not giving you an ounce of my respect until you've earned it, you hear?! Also, you call me Ushikoshi, bastard. Better learn some manners or I'll make your life at my Division a living hell, alright?"
Ushikoshi snarled when Ariyama, his breath stuck in his throat, didn't respond. He let him go and dropped him on his now wobbly feet, turning his back to him and Matsune and making his way to the restaurant section.
"Don't involve yourself with losers like him, Sasya! You got it?"
Matsune didn't respond either, and let him walk off, before bending one knee beside Ariyama, who now found himself collapsed on the floor.
Dammit, this wasn't good either. He wanted to be a part of this society in order to find his redemption, but also for another reason. He thought, since no one here really knew him, it was the perfect opportunity to make some proper comrades, who knew nothing about his wealth. That way, when he got close to them and they got close to him, he wouldn't have to worry about their true intentions.
"Ariyama-kun? Are you alright? Sorry, I should have warned you about him before."
Groaning as he sat up, scratching the back of his head, Ariyama gave Matsune a curious look.
"Who the hell even was that guy?"
"I'm sure you'll learn more about him when you join his Division officially, but his name is Ushikoshi Kazan, and he's the Ox of Division F. In said Division, there's him, as well as a Snake, a Pig, a Goat, a Dragon and a Rooster, so not a full team. Although you will increase that number to seven out of the twelve possible slots."
"Gotcha. And about the whole codenames thing, what codename will I get?"
"That's up to them, I'm afraid. You'll be put through an examination to test not only your skills, but also how you communicate with others, and your own personality, among others. By the end of your first month, you should get your official designation. For example, I'm the Rabbit of Division E. My comrades considered me to be gentle, compassionate, and my fighting style was referred to as 'elegant', along with other adjectives. As such, I was given that codename. Everything will come in due time, Ariyama-kun, don't worry. If you do ever have any more questions, feel free to ask me, but now we need to focus on this possible plot to do with the Enlightened. As I said before, I must consult the director. Feel free to get to know some of the Tributes around the place, even if they're not a part of your Division. And look out for people like Kazan-kun. Good luck."
Just as Matsune headed for the elevators, Ariyama stopped her by calling her name. He had conjured up one last question just as she was about to leave, something that still plagued his mind, even after that Ushikoshi guy had left.
"Just one last thing before you go: why do you get to call that guy 'Kazan', and why does he call you 'Sasya'?"
Matsune glanced back at him and smiled sheepishly, a thin blush dusting her features.
"Well, this is a bit usual, I know, but we have each other's trust. I've been a Tribute world for two years, and a member of the Society for a little over one. He and I both met on our first days, which led to us becoming very close, very quick. Even now, when we are in different Divisions. Kazan-kun was once my boyfriend, after all."
Clearly desperate to move past the conversation, Matsune swiftly headed for the elevators again, leaving Ariyama standing on his own, utterly gobsmacked.
That guy?
And Matsune?
A couple?
"HUUHH!?"