The following morning, the atmosphere in the firehouse was tense. Despite their success the previous night, the unsettling events lingered in everyone's minds. Kazuki moved through his routine quietly, his expression as composed as ever, though his focus was sharper than usual. The brief conversation with Lieutenant Hinawa had confirmed what he already knew—there was a larger force at play behind these incidents. Whoever was pulling the strings wasn't going to stop.
After a quick breakfast, Kazuki made his way to the training area. The others had already begun their usual exercises. Shinra, Arthur, and Maki were sparring in the far corner, while Captain Obi and Lieutenant Hinawa discussed something quietly by the equipment racks. Kazuki felt their eyes on him as he entered, but they quickly returned to their respective tasks.
Kazuki preferred it that way. He wasn't one to draw attention to himself, especially not now, when so many things were still uncertain. His role was clear: train, improve, and be ready when the time came. And that time was approaching faster than any of them could have anticipated.
He unsheathed his Asauchi and began practicing the forms he'd learned through the system. Basic Zanjutsu, nothing more advanced than what was required to wield a sword effectively, but even these movements felt more fluid now. His synchronization with the template had increased to 13%, and with it, his skill level had risen noticeably. Each strike, each defensive maneuver, felt more natural—like an extension of his body.
As his sword sliced through the air in a sharp arc, Kazuki allowed himself to focus entirely on the rhythm of his movements. The system, ever present in the back of his mind, provided subtle guidance. He was becoming more attuned to the techniques it offered, integrating them into his own style without overthinking it.
After several minutes, Kazuki slowed his practice, sheathing his sword as he took a moment to catch his breath. He noticed Obi and Hinawa had stopped their conversation and were now watching him closely. Their expressions were unreadable, but Kazuki could tell they were assessing him.
"Your form's improved, Kazuki," Obi said, walking over. "You've been putting in the extra work, I see."
Kazuki nodded. "There's always room to improve."
Obi smiled, though it was faint. "That's the right attitude. You've come a long way in a short time. But you should also know when to pace yourself. It's clear that what we're facing isn't going away anytime soon."
Kazuki didn't respond immediately, his eyes drifting to the sparring group on the other side of the room. Shinra was laughing, Arthur grumbling about something, and Maki effortlessly taking them both down. It was a moment of levity, a reminder of why they fought so hard—to preserve this kind of normalcy, even in a world ravaged by flames and Infernals.
"I'll be ready," Kazuki finally said, his voice calm but firm. There was no hesitation, no need to justify himself. He wasn't worried about his power or the challenges that lay ahead. The system had given him everything he needed to succeed, and he was prepared to face whatever came next.
Obi seemed satisfied with his answer, giving him a firm nod before returning to Hinawa. Kazuki resumed his practice, his focus unwavering. Yet even as he trained, the uneasy feeling from the previous night remained at the back of his mind.
Hours passed, and soon the afternoon sun dipped lower in the sky. The rest of Company 8 had dispersed to handle their various duties, but Kazuki remained in the training room, his concentration unwavering. The system was always there, quietly waiting for him to push himself further.
As he finished another set of sword drills, the system flashed an update in his mind. His synchronization had increased again, now reaching 15%. The jump was small but noticeable. With it came a slight improvement in his technique, as if his movements had become even more precise and efficient. Each time he synchronized more with the template, the connection between his mind and body strengthened.
But just as Kazuki was about to continue, the firehouse alarm blared through the building, the piercing sound echoing off the walls. His body reacted instantly, and within moments, he was already heading toward the common room, where the rest of the brigade was gathering.
Captain Obi was the first to speak as the team assembled. "We've got another report—this time it's in the heart of the city. Possible Infernal activity, but the details are unclear. We're moving out immediately."
The brigade members exchanged quick, determined glances before rushing to suit up. Kazuki strapped his Asauchi to his side, his expression calm as he followed the others to the vehicle. There was no need for words. Everyone knew their role.
The ride into the city was fast, the streets flashing by as they neared the location of the disturbance. Kazuki sat near the back, his focus already on the task ahead. Whatever was happening, he had no doubt that it was connected to the same group they had encountered before.
As they arrived at the scene, a crowd had already gathered, civilians watching anxiously from a safe distance as the brigade disembarked. The area was filled with smoke, the telltale signs of an Infernal somewhere nearby. Kazuki could feel the heat in the air, the unmistakable energy of flames that weren't natural.
"We move in and neutralize the threat," Obi commanded. "Standard procedure. Stay alert."
Kazuki nodded with the others, drawing his sword as they advanced toward the source of the disturbance. The crowd parted for them, their anxious whispers a constant backdrop as Company 8 moved forward with purpose.
As they neared the epicenter of the activity, Kazuki caught sight of the Infernal—a hulking, monstrous figure, its body wreathed in flames. It was different from the others he had encountered before. Larger, more aggressive, and somehow… wrong.
The flames burned with an intensity that felt unnatural, and as Kazuki stared at the creature, a realization hit him. This was no ordinary Infernal. There was something else at play here, something far more dangerous.
But Kazuki wasn't fazed. His hand tightened on the hilt of his sword as he prepared for the fight ahead.
Whatever this creature was, it didn't matter. He would face it head-on, just like every other challenge that had come his way.
The storm was gathering, but Kazuki was ready.