The crowd in the arena went completely silent.
A heavy, almost oppressive pressure filled the air, emanating from Shinju Hayato.
His mere presence was enough to make even the most seasoned warriors tremble.
The spectators could feel the weight of his power, and many dared not even look in his direction.
"Shinju Hayato, once Japan's strongest man... huh,"
Meiko whispered, her voice tinged with astonishment.
"He truly lives up to the rumors. That kind of power is... unimaginable. If it weren't for the protective array, the crowd here might have been crushed under his pressure."
Hibino stood beside her, rolling his eyes.
"Hah, Meiko, you shouldn't talk about normal people when you're trembling like this yourself."
He grinned, holding her steady, but there was a hint of nervousness in his own voice.
Around the arena, students from the four divisions stood in tense groups, eyeing one another.
The atmosphere was thick with anticipation.
Rajin sat with his division, a quiet, knowing smile on his face as he watched the competitors from the other divisions, his eyes narrowing on one person in particular.
(Aramiya Ryuu... Today's the day I show Ryoko-san just how weak you really are.)
Shinju Hayato rose from his seat with deliberate grace, his movements commanding attention.
Stepping forward, he raised his hand into the air, and in an instant, a brilliant golden light enveloped the entire arena.
The pressure that had made the crowd uneasy lifted, replaced by a calm yet potent energy that seemed to hum with authority.
"To all who have gathered here today,"
Shinju's voice boomed, strong and unyielding,
"I, Shinju Hayato, the president of the Board of Education, welcome you to witness the strength of these young talents.
They represent the future of our nation. They are the finest we've seen in centuries."
The crowd held their breath, hanging on his every word.
"As the danger from the demons has increased exponentially over the past decade,"
Shinju continued, his tone growing more serious,
"the Board of Education has worked tirelessly to train these promising students.
Today, we witness the culmination of their hard work and dedication.
The Inter Division Competition is not just a test of strength, but a demonstration of everything they have learned.
The time has come to see if they can live up to their potential."
A murmur of awe rippled through the audience as the gravity of his words sank in.
"Now, the moment we've all been waiting for. The Inter Division Competition officially begins!"
Shinju's declaration was met with a roar of excitement from the crowd. Cheers echoed through the arena, the air buzzing with energy.
The chief in command, Tomoki Noato, stepped into the center of the arena, his voice cutting through the noise.
"People of the arena, I am Tomoki Noato, chief commander of this training session,"
He began, his tone firm but welcoming.
"Let me explain the rules of the Inter Division Battles."
He paused for a moment as the crowd settled, eager to hear more.
"There will be both solo and team battles. First, each division will send its members to fight individually against the members of another division.
After that, all seven members of each division will compete together in a team battle."
The crowd leaned forward, eyes wide with anticipation.
"The results of both the solo and team battles will determine the winner of the competition.
The two winning teams will then face each other in the final round. The final winner will be crowned the champion."
A murmur of excitement passed through the audience.
"Contributive points will be awarded based on performance in both individual and team battles.
The students with the highest number of points will be selected as the elite students."
At this, a ripple of gasps filled the stands.
The idea of elite students was a coveted honor, and the promise of being recognized at such a high level sent a wave of urgency through the competitors.
"And those elite students,"
Tomoki continued, his eyes gleaming with pride,
"will be granted the rare and incredible opportunity to witness the legendary Atsuras—the ancient weapons gifted to humanity by the gods themselves!"
The entire arena froze in stunned silence.
The Atsuras. Only the strongest and most deserving could even lay eyes on these legendary weapons.
The mention of their name had everyone in the stands on edge, wondering what it would take to earn such a privilege.
The students' expressions hardened as the gravity of the competition hit them.
For them, the battle was not just about victory—it was about proving their worth, earning the right to face the greatest challenge they would ever know.
"Now," Tomoki gestured to Shinju, "I would like the President to draw the names for the first battle."
Shinju Hayato, with the quiet authority of someone who had seen it all, stepped forward.
He held four slips of paper in his hand, each one sealing the fate of the divisions. He drew two slips, revealing them to the crowd.
The arena was on edge, everyone holding their breath.
"The first battle of the Inter Division Battles will be between... the First Division and the Fourth Division!" Shinju announced.
The atmosphere exploded. Whispers turned into gasps, and the crowd erupted into cheers and applause.
The students from both divisions stood tall, preparing for what would surely be an intense and crucial fight.
As Ryuu looked toward his opponents, a wave of determination washed over him.
Today was not just about winning. It was about proving that he belonged among the elite.
And the Inter Division Battles were only the beginning...