The morning air was abuzz with chatter as students shuffled through the school gates, clutching their books and bags. Newspapers and online headlines were ablaze with the same story: "Mysterious Vigilante Foils Robbery: Hero or Menace?" The robbery had captivated the entire city. A group of robbers had stormed a supermarket, but before the police could apprehend them, a shadowy figure intervened, smashing their getaway car and taking them down with precision. The vigilante's identity remained unknown, adding to the mystique.
In the schoolyard, clusters of students whispered excitedly about the event.
"Did you see the footage? They jumped right onto the car!" a boy exclaimed, scrolling through his phone.
"Yeah, but isn't that dangerous? What if someone got hurt?" another chimed in, crossing her arms skeptically.
"It's better than letting those robbers get away," a third argued.
The group of our main cast passes by these three students. Hayato walked past the third guy, his expression unreadable. Though he didn't join the conversation, Remond noticed a faint smirk tugging at his lips.
---
At School
The vigilante was all anyone could talk about. Even teachers made passing comments during lessons. Some students admired the vigilante's bravery, describing them as a hero who stood up against injustice. Others were more critical, arguing that such actions could inspire chaos or even vigilantism among ordinary citizens.
By lunchtime, the topic had taken over the cafeteria. Remond, Sid, Innes, Yuki, and Hayato found their usual spot outside under the shade of a large oak tree. The warm breeze carried the faint hum of gossip from other students.
Remond leaned back against the tree trunk, arms crossed. "So, what do you guys think about the vigilante?"
Innes was the first to speak, her blue eyes sparkling with excitement. "I think they're amazing! Did you see how they jumped onto that car? It was so cool. Like, straight out of an action movie!"
Yuki nodded thoughtfully. "It's bold, that's for sure. But I hope they're careful. Going up against criminals isn't exactly safe."
Sid, ever the skeptic, frowned. "Or smart. What if they end up causing more harm than good? There's a reason we have police, you know."
"Oh, come on, Sid," Innes shot back playfully. "Learn to see the bright side for once! They stopped those robbers, didn't they?"
Hayato, who had been quiet so far, finally spoke, his voice soft but firm. "I think… they did the right thing."
Remond glanced at him, catching the faint blush on his cheeks as he spoke. It wasn't like Hayato to get flustered, and Remond couldn't help but wonder what had him so worked up.
The conversation continued, with Sid occasionally playing devil's advocate, but overall, the group admired the vigilante's courage. As the lunch bell rang, signaling the end of the break, Remond couldn't shake the feeling that there was something Hayato wasn't telling them.
---
Ho Dieng's Place
Later that evening, Remond made his way to Master Ho Dieng's dojo. The tranquil space, with its wooden floors and walls adorned with ancient scrolls, was a sanctuary from the chaos of the day.
Master Ho Dieng greeted him with a nod. "Are you ready to train, young one?"
Remond bowed respectfully. "Yes, Master."
The training was intense but enlightening. Master Ho Dieng focused on helping Remond control his emotions and maintain inner peace. They practiced breathing techniques and meditation, interspersed with physical drills to hone his discipline.
"Remember, Remond," Master Ho Dieng said during a break, "true strength comes from balance. Your powers are an extension of your spirit. If your mind is in chaos, so too will be your abilities."
Remond absorbed the lesson, though his thoughts kept drifting to Hayato. He had expected to see his friend at the dojo, but there was no sign of him.
"Master, where's Hayato?" he finally asked.
Master Ho Dieng stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Hayato is out with Sid for some work. His training session will happen later."
Remond nodded, but the answer didn't sit well with him. Hayato's unusual behavior at school, coupled with his absence now, left Remond uneasy.
"Hey young one, is something bothering you? You can tell me." Ho Dieng asks looking at Remond's uneased face.
"Oh! Uh.... nothing master. Everything is fine." Remond says.
"Are you sure?" Ho Dieng stroked his beard thoughtfully, again.
"Yeah sure." Even though Remond wanted to say something he digests it to himself.
---
As he walked home that night, the city lights casting long shadows on the pavement, Remond's mind raced. Hayato had always been a bit of an enigma, but today, his actions had become even harder to decipher. The way he had blushed during their conversation about the vigilante, his subtle smirk earlier in the day—it all felt connected somehow.
And now, he was out with Sid, doing who-knows-what.
Remond resolved to keep a closer eye on his friend. Whatever Hayato was hiding, he intended to find out.