The dojo buzzed softly with the sound of practice, the steady clack of wooden shinais striking filling the space. Kenji shifted his stance on the mat, beads of sweat trickling down his forehead as he tightened his grip. Across from him, Mei stood calm and composed, her shinai angled with precision.
"You're hesitating again," Mei said, her voice even but firm. "If you're going to strike, commit to it. Half-hearted attacks will get you nowhere."
Kenji exhaled sharply, nodding. His muscles ached from the endless drills, but he wasn't about to stop. He adjusted his footing, the polished wood of the shinai feeling heavier in his grip. Mei's gaze was sharp, her posture unyielding, like a statue carved for battle.
He darted forward, aiming a feint at her left shoulder before switching to an upward slash toward her ribs. Mei read him like a book. Her shinai swept down with controlled precision, parrying the blow. Before he could retreat, she spun, her wooden blade tapping him lightly on the side.
"Again," she said, stepping back into position.
Kenji winced, rubbing his ribs. "You sure you're not secretly enjoying this?"
"Don't flatter yourself," Mei replied, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "If I wanted to hurt you, you'd know."
Kiana's laughter rang out from the sidelines, where she leaned against the wall with her shinai resting casually on her shoulder. "Come on, Kenji! Mei isn't even going all out!"
Kenji shot her a quick glare, though the corners of his mouth twitched. "Thanks for the support, Kiana. Really appreciate it."
"Anytime!" Kiana chirped, her grin as wide as ever.
Mei cleared her throat, her eyes flicking between the two of them. "If you two are done, Kenji still needs to fix his stance."
Kenji turned back to Mei, settling into position again. His legs burned, but he planted his feet firmly, forcing himself to focus. He took a deep breath, tuning out the ache in his body as he studied Mei's posture. She barely moved, yet every muscle in her body seemed prepared to spring into action.
This time, Kenji didn't hesitate. He lunged forward, swinging his shinai with more force, aiming for her midsection. Mei sidestepped smoothly, her counterstrike coming faster than he anticipated. He barely managed to block, their shinais colliding with a sharp crack that echoed through the room.
"Better," Mei said, stepping back to reset. "But you're still telegraphing your movements. Keep your guard tight."
Kenji adjusted his grip, exhaling through his nose. "Easy for you to say."
Mei arched an eyebrow, the corner of her mouth twitching upward. "You'll understand eventually. If you keep practicing, that is."
They continued sparring, the pace growing faster with each exchange. Kenji pushed himself harder, his strikes becoming more calculated, his footwork steadier. For a moment, he felt like he was keeping up with her, matching her movements with his own. But that moment passed as quickly as it came.
Mei's shinai came down in a blur, stopping just short of his shoulder. Kenji froze, his chest heaving, the sound of his breathing filling the quiet space between them.
"Close," Mei said, lowering her shinai. "But not close enough."
Kenji let out a groan, rubbing his neck. "You make it look so easy."
"It's not about being easy," Mei said, her tone softening slightly. "It's about practice. Consistency. You've improved, but you're still relying too much on reacting and not predicting."
Kiana hopped off the wall, strolling over with her usual swagger. "Don't be too hard on him, Mei. He's trying his best, even if his best isn't… well, you know. Great."
Kenji rolled his eyes. "Thanks for the pep talk, Kiana."
"Anytime," she said, flashing him a grin.
Mei crossed her arms, her gaze lingering on Kenji as he grabbed a towel from his bag. Her expression was thoughtful, her lips pressed into a thin line. Kenji caught the look and raised an eyebrow.
"What's up?" he asked, slinging the towel over his shoulder.
Mei hesitated for a beat before shaking her head. "Nothing. Just thinking."
"About?" Kenji prompted, tilting his head.
"Your reflexes," Mei said, her voice casual but with a hint of curiosity. "They've gotten sharper lately. A lot sharper in a short time span."
Kenji stiffened, though he quickly masked it with a laugh. "Guess all this training is paying off, huh?"
Mei didn't respond immediately. Her eyes remained on him, her gaze steady, as though she were searching for something beneath the surface.
Kiana, oblivious to the subtle tension, nudged Kenji with her shinai. "Maybe you've got some secret moves you're hiding from us," she teased.
Kenji snorted, shaking his head. "Yeah, totally. I've been training with ninjas in my spare time."
Kiana burst out laughing, but Mei didn't crack a smile. She simply studied Kenji, her expression unreadable.
The silence hung heavy between them for a moment before Mei finally turned away. "You should work on your footwork," she said over her shoulder. "It's still sloppy."
Kenji watched her for a second, his jaw tightening slightly. He didn't like how closely she was watching him, how sharp her observations were. He wondered if they could sense his power and after a while, he knew they could. They were starting to piece together that he wasn't normal.
...
As the three of them began packing up, Kiana bounced on her heels, her usual energy seemingly endless. "Hey, Kenji," she said suddenly, her grin widening. "You coming to the End of Year Festival?"
Kenji blinked, caught off guard by the sudden invitation. "Huh? It's the end of the year already?"
"You call yourself young with that type of memory?", Kenji just stared at her while she grinned. "Fireworks, food stalls, games. You know, fun stuff. It's a big deal in Nagazora. You should totally come with us. Besides, it's probably the last time we all can go to a big event since me and Mei are going to graduate soon."
Kenji hesitated, glancing between Kiana and Mei. But after thinking it over for a bit, he decided that a little break would do him good.
"Yeah," he said finally, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Why not?"
"Awesome!" Kiana cheered, practically bouncing in place. "You won't regret it!"
Mei glanced at him out of the corner of her eye, her expression softer now. "It'll be good for you, your old bones need a break"
Kiana started laughing and Kenji's face got red in embarrassment. "For the last time, I'm only a YEAR older than the both of you!"
"Sure, sure. Keep telling yourself that." Kiana said as she and Mei walked away.
---
Kenji hadn't been to a festival in years, in his world maybe but certainly not in this one. It wasn't that he didn't want to; the thought just never crossed his mind. Festivals always seemed like something for other people, for families, or groups of friends. For someone like him, who spent most of his nights running rooftops or training in a dojo, it always felt… out of reach.
But here he was. The streets of Nagazora were alive with color and sound, the kind of vibrant energy that seemed to sweep you up whether you wanted it or not. Strings of lanterns crisscrossed above the cobblestone streets, their golden glow bathing the bustling crowd in warm light. Vendors called out from their stalls, hawking everything from skewers of grilled meat to intricately painted fans. The air was thick with the scent of roasted chestnuts, sizzling takoyaki, and the faint sweetness of fresh mochi.
Kenji adjusted the hood of his jacket, pulling it down a bit lower as he walked through the lively streets. There was no patrol tonight, no shadows to slip into. Just him and the festival.
For the first time in a long while, everything felt… normal.
He stopped at a stall selling small paper lanterns, admiring the way they glowed softly in the night. A group of children rushed past him, laughing and holding sparklers, their joy contagious. Kenji couldn't help but smile, shaking his head. He thought about calling Kiana to ask where she was, but it turned out he didn't have to.
"Kenji! Over here!"
Kiana's voice cut through the din like a sharp whistle. He spotted her a few stalls down, waving frantically with one hand while clutching a steaming skewer in the other. She was wearing a bright yellow hoodie with the words "The Best" printed boldly across the front. He chuckled to himself. "Of course she is."
Beside her stood Mei, her calm demeanor contrasting sharply with Kiana's boundless energy. She wore a soft blue scarf over a light jacket, the color matching her eyes. In the warm glow of the lanterns, she looked effortlessly graceful, the kind of person who turned heads without trying. Kenji noticed several passersby glancing her way, some admiring, others openly ogling. He couldn't blame them. She looked like she'd walked out of a movie.
"You made it," Mei said as Kenji approached, her eyebrow raising slightly. "I half-expected you to bail."
Kenji smirked, shoving his hands into his pockets. "What can I say? I was curious."
"Curious, huh?" Kiana said with a grin, taking another bite of her skewer. "Well, you're in for a treat. This is the best festival in Nagazora—no contest."
Kenji glanced around, taking in the vibrant scene. "I'll take your word for it. So, what's the plan?"
"The plan," Kiana said, grinning wider, "is to have fun! We're starting with food. Obviously."
"Obviously," Mei echoed dryly, though the faint smile tugging at her lips suggested she was enjoying herself.
Kiana thrust a skewer toward Kenji, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "Here. Try this. Best takoyaki you'll ever have. Guaranteed."
Kenji eyed the golden-brown balls skeptically. "If this is a prank…"
"Just eat it," Mei said, popping a roasted nut into her mouth. "She's not wrong. The food here is worth the hype."
With a shrug, Kenji took a cautious bite. The savory flavor exploded across his taste buds, and his eyes widened slightly. Kiana laughed, nudging him with her elbow.
"See? Told you."
"Not bad," Kenji admitted, finishing the skewer. "Alright. What's next?"
The trio wandered through the festival, stopping at whatever caught their eye. Kiana was a whirlwind of energy, darting from stall to stall with childlike enthusiasm. Mei followed at a measured pace, her sharp eyes scanning the wares with quiet interest. Kenji trailed behind them, hands in his pockets, soaking in the chaos.
At a ring toss game, Kiana stepped up confidently, grabbing a handful of rings. "Watch and learn," she declared, her stance exaggeratedly precise.
The first ring bounced off the target. So did the second. And the third.
Kenji couldn't hold back a laugh. "Great technique."
Kiana spun on him, mock glaring. "Let's see you do better, Mr. Perfect."
Kenji shrugged, stepping up to the booth. He picked up a ring, weighed it in his hand, and tossed it casually. It landed perfectly around the target. The vendor clapped politely, handing Kenji a small prize—a cheap but colorful bracelet.
"Beginner's luck," Kiana muttered, pouting.
"Sure," Kenji said, smirking. "You're just mad I'm better."
Kiana grabbed the ends of his hair and tugged playfully. "Say that again, I dare you!"
Before Kenji could retaliate, Mei delivered a light smack to both of their heads. "People are watching."
"Right. My bad," Kiana mumbled, smoothing her hoodie with exaggerated dignity.
Then Mei stepped up to the game. Her movements were precise, each toss methodical and deliberate. Every ring landed perfectly, and the vendor handed her a small stuffed fox as a prize.
"Of course," Kiana said, shaking her head. "Mei-Senpai's good at everything."
"Not everything," Mei replied, though Kenji wasn't convinced.
As the night wore on, the crowd thickened, the festive energy reaching its peak. Strings of lanterns swayed gently in the cool night breeze, their warm glow reflected in the bustling streets below. The trio found themselves drawn to a sweets stall, the scent of freshly baked taiyaki wafting through the air.
Kiana bounded ahead, practically bouncing with excitement. "Taiyaki! Oh man, we've gotta get some!" She slapped a handful of coins onto the counter, barely giving the vendor time to count them. "Three, please!"
The vendor chuckled at her enthusiasm, expertly scooping three golden fish-shaped pastries off the griddle and wrapping them in paper. The steam rising from the freshly baked treats curled into the chilly air.
Kiana handed one to Mei, then held another out to Kenji, who took it hesitantly. "You've never had taiyaki before?" she asked, her eyes wide with mock horror.
Kenji stared at the pastry, turning it over in his hands. "Never. Didn't exactly have the money to buy these willy nilly."
"Tragic," Kiana said, shaking her head. "Alright, this is a life-changing moment. Take a bite."
Mei, nibbling on her own taiyaki, added softly, "They're better when they're warm."
Kenji took a tentative bite. The crisp outer shell gave way to a gooey, sweet filling that melted on his tongue. His eyebrows lifted in pleasant surprise, and Kiana laughed, nudging his shoulder.
"See? Told you! Custard filling's the best."
"Not bad," Kenji admitted, taking another bite. "I might actually like this more than the takoyaki."
"Victory!" Kiana declared, throwing her hands into the air. She took a dramatic bow, earning amused glances from a few nearby festival-goers.
Mei chuckled, her calm demeanor softening further. "You can't compare them. They're different."
"Sure you can," Kiana shot back. "It's like comparing me to you. Both great, but I'm obviously the sweeter one."
"Debatable," Mei said with a faint smile.
Kenji snorted, shaking his head. "You two really know how to sell a guy on festival food."
The trio continued wandering through the stalls, each new corner of the festival revealing something different. They passed a calligraphy booth where an old man carefully painted intricate kanji on paper fans, his steady hand mesmerizing to watch. At another stall, a street performer juggled flaming torches, drawing gasps from the crowd.
Kiana was drawn to a stall selling masks, her eyes lighting up as she tried on a brightly painted fox mask. "What do you think?" she asked, tilting her head playfully.
Kenji raised an eyebrow. "Looks fitting."
Mei picked up a simpler mask, a pale blue one with delicate floral patterns along the edges. "This one's nice," she said, running her fingers over the smooth surface.
Kenji glanced at the array of masks, his gaze landing on a plain black one with sharp lines. He picked it up and held it up to his face. "How do I look?"
"Like you're about to rob someone," Kiana teased.
Kenji rolled his eyes, putting the mask back. "Good thing I don't need one of these for my other job."
Mei gave him a sidelong glance but said nothing, instead placing her mask back on the display. "We should get moving. The stage performance is about to start."
The sound of drums filled the air as they approached the stage. A group of performers dressed in vibrant traditional costumes danced in perfect synchronization, their movements fluid and precise. The crowd clapped along to the beat, their energy infectious.
Kiana swayed to the rhythm, her movements uncoordinated but full of enthusiasm. "Kenji, come on! Get over here!"
Kenji raised his hands defensively. "Hard pass."
"Oh, come on," Kiana whined, grabbing his arm and trying to pull him into the crowd. "Live a little!"
Mei chuckled, her voice carrying a note of amusement. "Let him be, Kiana. Not everyone has your… energy."
"Thank you," Kenji whispered, giving Mei a grateful look.
Undeterred, Kiana let go of his arm and turned back to the stage, clapping along to the music. Mei stood beside Kenji, her arms crossed as she watched the performance with quiet appreciation.
"She really doesn't stop, does she?" Kenji murmured.
"She wouldn't be Kiana if she did," Mei replied, her lips curving into a faint smile.
As the night edged closer to its finale, the trio followed the flow of the crowd toward the festival grounds' open field, where the fireworks display would take place. The air seemed to hum with anticipation, the chatter of excited voices blending with the distant sounds of vendors closing up shop and performers packing away their gear.
The field was a vast stretch of grass bordered by trees strung with fairy lights, their soft glow adding an almost magical atmosphere. Families and groups of friends had already begun staking out spots, spreading colorful blankets and unpacking picnic baskets filled with snacks and drinks. Children darted through the crowd with sparklers in hand, their laughter ringing out as the small fireworks fizzled and popped. A couple of teens chased each other near the treeline, their sneakers kicking up bits of dirt as they played.
Kenji trailed slightly behind Kiana and Mei, his hands stuffed into his jacket pockets. He took in the scene, a small smile tugging at his lips. It reminded him of the kinds of events he used to watch from afar, never quite feeling like they were meant for him.
Kiana suddenly stopped and pointed at a bare patch of grass near the middle of the field. "There! That's our spot. Perfect view!"
Mei glanced over, arching an eyebrow. "It's not that different from the other spots we've passed."
Kiana huffed, her hands on her hips. "It's about the vibe, Mei-Senpai. You wouldn't understand."
Without waiting for a reply, Kiana marched over and plopped down onto the grass, sprawling out like she owned the place. "Come on, you two. Get comfy!"
Kenji chuckled under his breath, following her lead. He sat cross-legged a few feet away, stretching his legs slightly to ease the dull ache from all the walking. Mei joined them with a bit more grace, lowering herself onto the ground and folding her legs neatly beneath her.
The three sat in a loose triangle, with Kiana leaning back on her hands and staring up at the darkening sky. "This is the best part," she said with a dreamy sigh. "Nothing beats the fireworks. They're always insane."
Kenji tilted his head, gazing upward. The sky was a deep navy now, the faintest pinpricks of stars visible between the festival lights. He could already see some of the technicians setting up the launch area in the distance, their movements efficient as they prepared the show.
He glanced at Mei, who sat with her knees drawn up, her chin resting lightly on her arms. The soft glow of the fairy lights caught in her hair, making it shimmer faintly. Her gaze was fixed on the horizon, her expression calm but distant.
"So, do you guys do this every year?" Kenji asked, breaking the comfortable silence.
Mei turned her head slightly, her voice quiet but steady. "Pretty much. It's tradition."
"Last year was epic," Kiana said, her voice suddenly energetic again. She leaned forward, gesturing animatedly with her hands. "There was this one firework, huge! It looked like a phoenix. Everyone was freaking out. Even Mei-Senpai was impressed."
"'Freaking out' is a bit of an exaggeration," Mei said, though her lips curved into a faint smile.
"It's true!" Kiana insisted, turning to Kenji with wide eyes. "You should've seen it. Like the whole sky was on fire. It was awesome."
Kenji chuckled, leaning back on his hands. "Sounds like I've been missing out."
"You have," Kiana said, her grin wide. She nudged him lightly with her shoulder. "But hey, you're here now. So, congratulations. You're officially part of the tradition."
As the minutes ticked by, the crowd around them grew quieter, the buzz of conversation giving way to a low hum of anticipation. The technicians in the distance gave a signal, and the lights around the field dimmed slightly. A hush fell over the gathering as all eyes turned skyward.
Kiana shifted in her seat, practically bouncing. "It's starting," she whispered excitedly, her voice barely restrained. "Get ready."
The first firework shot up with a sharp whistle, climbing high before exploding in a burst of gold and crimson. The light bathed the field in a warm glow, the collective "ooh" from the crowd echoing like a wave. A second followed, this one a cascade of silver sparks that seemed to linger in the air before fading into the night.
Kenji watched, his eyes reflecting the display above. He wasn't sure what he had expected, but the sheer beauty of the fireworks caught him off guard. Each burst was different, some crackled loudly, sending showers of color in every direction, while others bloomed like delicate flowers, their shapes lingering for just a moment before dissolving into the dark.
Beside him, Kiana was practically vibrating with excitement, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. "That one's my favorite!" she said as a firework shaped like a spiral burst into green and blue.
Mei, sitting quietly with her arms wrapped around her knees, looked over at Kenji. "What do you think?"
Kenji didn't look away from the sky as another firework burst in a dazzling arc of gold. "It's… amazing," he said simply.
Mei smiled faintly, turning her gaze back to the display. "I thought you'd like it."
As the show continued, the fireworks grew more elaborate. One burst into the shape of a cherry blossom, the petals fading into glowing embers. Another exploded with a sharp crack, sending glittering trails across the sky like shooting stars.
Kenji found himself relaxing more with each passing moment, the weight of his usual responsibilities slipping away. He glanced over at Kiana, who was leaning back on her hands, her eyes wide with wonder. Mei sat silently, her gaze steady and reflective, as though she were taking in every detail and filing it away.
The finale began with a series of rapid-fire launches, each firework brighter and louder than the last. The sky was alive with color, a chaotic dance of reds, blues, greens, and golds. The final firework shot up in a blinding streak of light, exploding in a massive sphere of silver that seemed to hang in the air for an impossibly long moment before fading.
The crowd erupted into applause, cheers ringing out across the field. Kiana jumped to her feet, clapping loudly. "See? Best part, hands down!"
Mei stood more gracefully, brushing grass off her jacket. She turned to Kenji, who was still sitting, his gaze lingering on the empty sky. "Enjoy yourself?"
Kenji smiled, rising to his feet. "Yeah. More than I expected."
Kiana threw an arm around his shoulder, pulling him into a quick side hug. "Told you! You just needed to hang out with the right people."
Mei chuckled softly. "You mean us?"
"Obviously," Kiana replied, grinning. "Who else?"
Kenji rolled his eyes, but the smile didn't leave his face as the three of them made their way back through the crowd, the glow of the fireworks still lingering in the air.
---
And so, the days just went by.
The lively chaos of the End of Year Festival became a warm memory, a fleeting spark of normalcy in Kenji's otherwise intense life. But normalcy was a rare thing, and the rhythm of his days quickly returned to its usual pace.
"You're still too slow!"
Kiana's voice rang out as her shinai swung toward Kenji's ribs. He barely managed to block in time, the wooden blades colliding with a sharp crack. She grinned, bouncing on her toes as she immediately came at him again.
Kenji sidestepped, aiming a strike at her shoulder, but she ducked with a laugh, her shinai darting toward his legs in a low sweep. He hopped back, regaining his stance, and lunged forward with a counterstrike.
"Nice try!" Kiana said, deflecting his blade with an exaggerated spin. "But you're gonna have to do better than that!"
Kenji gritted his teeth, focusing on her movements. Kiana's style was chaotic, full of wild swings and unexpected feints that kept him constantly on edge. She didn't follow any set pattern, and that made her both unpredictable and exhausting to face.
"You're talking too much," Kenji shot back, ducking under her next strike and aiming a quick jab at her midsection.
The blow landed lightly, and Kiana stumbled back, her eyes wide for a moment before she burst out laughing. "Okay, okay! That was good!"
From the sidelines, Mei's voice cut in, calm and precise. "Good reaction, Kenji. But your form was off. If Kiana had been faster, you wouldn't have landed that."
Kenji turned toward Mei, his chest heaving as he caught his breath. She stood with her shinai resting against her shoulder, her posture as composed as ever.
"Care to demonstrate?" he asked, wiping sweat from his forehead.
Mei's lips curved into a faint smile. "If you insist."
---
Nights belonged to the city. As the streets emptied and the hum of the day faded into the quiet of night, Kenji donned his hood and became the Night Runner. The rooftops became his training ground, the cold wind his constant companion, and the city below his domain.
The movements had become second nature now. Leaping from rooftop to rooftop, landing softly, his breaths even and measured. His body had grown stronger, more accustomed to the ebb and flow of One For All. Holding 15% felt as natural as breathing, the power flowing through him like a steady current. Even pushing to 25% was becoming easier, though it still left his muscles burning if he sustained it for too long.
He moved through the city like a shadow, intervening where he was needed. A mugging in a dark alley? He'd drop down silently, his hooded figure looming over the attackers like a specter. A group of thugs shaking down a shopkeeper? One look at him, and they'd scatter before he even had to throw a punch. A gang attempting to claim territory? He'd dispatch them swiftly, his strikes precise and efficient.
Kenji rarely spoke. He didn't need to. The sight of him was enough. Word of the Night Runner had spread, and his reputation was beginning to take on a life of its own.
But with fame came complications.
Kenji was starting to notice it more, eyes lingering on him longer, whispers following him as he darted through the shadows. The media had latched onto the idea of a mysterious vigilante prowling the streets of Nagazora, and sensational headlines began popping up everywhere. Some called him a hero. Others questioned his methods. But one thing was certain: everyone wanted to know who he was.
And then there were the reporters.
It had started innocently enough. A few trying to snap blurry photos of him from a distance, a tabloid speculating about his motives. But things escalated quickly. One night, while patrolling a quiet street, Kenji had heard a cry for help.
Instinctively, he'd moved toward it, dropping into an alley where a woman was struggling with a man who appeared to be mugging her. His danger sense hadn't activated, which should have been his first clue. But he'd brushed it off, chalking it up to adrenaline or fatigue.
He landed in the alley silently, his hood obscuring his face as he approached. "Let her go," he said, his voice low and steady.
The man immediately backed off, his hands raised in mock surrender. Strangely the man suddenly pulled out a camera. The woman turned toward Kenji, her face lighting up, not with relief, but with excitement.
"Oh my gosh, it's really you!" she exclaimed, pulling out a microphone from her purse. "The Night Runner! Can I get an interview? Just a few questions!"
Kenji froze, his eyes narrowing. He looked at the "mugger," who was now grinning sheepishly whilst holding his camera.
It clicked. His danger sense hadn't gone off because there was no real threat.
Kenji's jaw tightened as he turned to leave, ignoring the reporter's frantic pleas. "Wait! Just one quote! The people want to know, why do you do what you do?"
He didn't answer, vaulting up to the nearest fire escape in one fluid motion. From the rooftop, he watched as the reporter and her accomplice packed up their gear, chatting excitedly about their encounter.
"That was... something." Kenji muttered under his breath. He made a mental note to be more cautious going forward.
---
The weeks turned into months, the rhythm of Kenji's days steady but never dull. The dojo became his sanctuary, a place where the weight of his vigilante life lifted, even if only for a few hours. Here, he didn't have to think about the city's dangers or the responsibility that came with his powers. Here, it was just him, Kiana, and Mei, and the sound of wooden shinais clashing in steady rhythm.
But time, as it always does, marched forward.
It was a quiet evening when Kiana dropped the news, her voice unusually subdued. "So, Mei-Senpai and I… we're graduating soon."
Kenji, in the middle of adjusting his stance, turned to look at her. He blinked at her, as if trying to process what she had just said. "Graduating?"
"From high school," Kiana clarified, her lips twisting into a small, half-hearted smile. "And… well, after that, we're heading off to be Valkyries."
For a moment, the words hung in the air, heavy and unshakable. Kenji straightened, lowering his shinai. "Oh," he said, his voice quieter than he intended. "Time sure passes by huh."
Mei stepped closer, her usual calmness steadying the moment. "We've been preparing for this for a long time," she said, her tone soft but firm. "Becoming Valkyries is something we've both worked toward. "
Kenji nodded slowly, glancing between them. He got so used to his routine that he completely forgot that they were still in high school.
"So," he asked, trying to keep his voice light, "this is your last week here?"
Kiana nodded, rubbing the back of her neck. "Yeah… but hey, don't look so gloomy! We still have a few sessions left. Plenty of time to put in some last minute sparring."
Her grin was playful, but there was a flicker of something else in her eyes. Mei glanced at her, then back at Kenji. "We'll make the most of it," she said simply.
...
The last week passed in a blur, each day slipping by faster than Kenji expected. The familiar rhythm of training sessions stayed the same, the steady clack of wooden shinais, the occasional barked correction from Mei, and Kiana's endless energy filling the dojo with life.
But there was an unspoken weight hanging over all of it. Kenji could feel it in the way Kiana seemed to laugh just a little louder than usual, or how Mei's instructions lingered a moment longer, as though she were making sure he absorbed every word.
Every strike, every dodge, every moment felt sharper, etched into his memory like he was afraid of forgetting.
And now, here they were. Their last session together.
Kenji stood near the edge of the mat, adjusting the strap of his gloves. The dojo felt quieter tonight, probably because Mei requested a private hour just for them.
Across the room, Mei was finishing her warm-ups, her movements calm and deliberate, while Kiana leaned against the wall, watching with a faint smile.
"So," Mei said suddenly, breaking the silence as she turned to Kenji, "are you still planning to come here after we're gone?"
Kenji blinked, caught off guard by the question. He paused, glancing at the polished floorboards beneath his feet. "Probably not," he admitted, his voice steady but quiet.
Mei tilted her head slightly, studying him. "Why not?"
Kenji gave a small shrug, his lips quirking into a faint smile. "I don't think anyone else here is going to give me a challenge like you two."
Mei's expression softened, and for a moment, a smile tugged at the corners of her lips. She didn't say anything, but there was a quiet warmth in her gaze, a mixture of pride and understanding.
"See?" Kiana said, grinning as she pushed off the wall and stretched her arms over her head. "He's gonna miss us. I knew it."
Kenji rolled his eyes, though his smirk didn't fade. "Don't get a big head about it."
Kiana laughed, stepping aside as Mei finished tying the strap of her gloves. Mei stood straight, her stance composed as always, and met Kenji's eyes.
"Alright," Mei said, her tone calm but firm. "One last sparring session."
Kenji adjusted his grip on his shinai, taking a deep breath as he stepped onto the mat. The familiar weight of the weapon in his hands felt heavier somehow, the moment pressing down on him like a tangible force.
Kiana moved to the edge of the mat, leaning against the wall with her arms crossed. "Go easy on him, Mei-Senpai," she said with a teasing grin. "You don't want him limping out of here on his last day."
Mei shot her a brief glance, a faint smile tugging at her lips, before turning her full attention to Kenji. She raised her shinai, her stance balanced and ready. "Don't hold back," she said simply.
Kenji nodded, lifting his shinai into position. "I wouldn't dream of it."
And with that, their final match began.