A week had passed since everyone started training with their newly awakened powers. While most of the squad trained together under Sensei's guidance, Yoto had developed a habit of sneaking off to the mountains to train alone.
One Morning, as Yoto was leaving again, Hayato noticed him and called out. "Yoto, why are you heading to the mountains alone for training? Why not train with us?
Yoto paused, his tone calm yet resolute. "Thanks, Hayato, but it's better for me to train alone in the mountains."
Hayato frowned. "Why? Why do you have to train alone?"
Yoto turned back slightly, meeting Hayato's gaze. "Because I want to catch up to all of you as soon as possible. I need to become stronger so I can protect everyone."
Hayato's concern turned to frustration. "Yoto, are you out of your mind? You're pushing yourself too hard. I've been watching you for a week now. You come back with bruises all over your body, and by the next day, they're gone. Tell me honestly, Yoto—are you taking some kind of illegal drug to force your powers to awaken?"
Yoto shook his head, his tone steady. "No, Hayato, I'm not taking drugs. I'm just pushing myself with harsh training every day to build my strength and stamina."
"Then how are your injuries healing so fast?" Hayato pressed.
Yoto hesitated, then replied casually, "Akemi saw me bruised one day and gave me some medicine she uses after her own tough training. It works wonders."
Hayato narrowed his eyes. "Don't try to fool me, Yoto. No medicine works that fast. What are you hiding?"
Yoto sighed, his patience wearing thin. "Hayato, I don't have to explain everything to you. Believe me or don't—that's your choice. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have training to do." He turned and started walking away.
"Yoto, I'm not done talking!" Hayato shouted after him.
Without turning back, Yoto replied, "I apologize, but I have to go."
As Yoto disappeared into the distance, Hayato muttered under his breath, "That stubborn idiot… Why won't he listen? We're all worried about him."
Deep underground, near the organization's headquarters, the training ground buzzed with energy. Akemi was in her element, her katana gleaming as she combined her wind powers with precision slashes.
"Wind Blade: Shippū Giri!" she called out. In one fluid motion, her blade sliced through six training dummies, the wooden remains collapsing dramatically around her.
Nearby, Yushin darted across the field, her power Hakumei Shōshitsu making her movements blur like teleportation. Eiji stood frozen, wide-eyed, as if watching a live-action movie.
"Yushin, that's insane!" Eiji finally exclaimed, breaking the silence. "It's like you're using teleportation magic!"
Yushin stopped mid-dash, turning to him with a warm smile. "Thanks, Eiji! Aren't you supposed to be training, too?"
Eiji stiffened. His inner monologue kicked into overdrive. Crap, she noticed. Think, Eiji, think! Say something cool! Out loud, he managed, "Uh… I'm meditating. Yep. Just focusing my mind!"
Akemi glanced over, smirking. "Meditating, huh? Oyeee, you forgot your training, didn't you?"
Eiji gulped. Oh no, she sees right through me! "N-no! Meditation is part of my routine! It's, uh… very important!" he stammered.
Akemi raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "Oh, really? Let's test how focused you are." Without warning, she drew her sword.
"W-why are you pulling out your sword?!" Eiji squeaked, backing away in terror.
Akemi's expression was serious now. "Meditation is supposed to improve concentration. Let's see how much you've improved."
At that moment, Hayato strolled into the training ground, only to be greeted by Eiji's panicked shriek.
"Hayatooo! Help me! Akemi's trying to kill me!"
Akemi sighed. "Stop yelling, you idiot. It's just a test. If you're really concentrating, my slashes will be a breeze to dodge."
"Nooo!" Eiji wailed, darting behind Hayato. "She's going to slice me into tiny pieces!"
Hayato frowned, confused. "What's going on?"
Akemi, still holding her sword, pointed at Eiji. "Step aside, Hayato. I'm trying to train him."
Hayato leaned in, whispering to Eiji, "What did you do this time? Why is she so mad?"
"She said she wants to test my concentration… with her slashes!" Eiji hissed, trembling.
Hayato rolled his eyes. "You're overreacting. She's not actually going to cut you."
Eiji's voice rose another octave. "Yes, she will! She'll laugh at my lifeless body afterward!"
"Eiji, are you stupid? She's not a monster," Hayato muttered, exasperated.
Akemi, growing impatient, narrowed her eyes. "What are you two whispering about? Eiji, get back here. Let me test your concentration!"
Eiji yelped and clung tighter to Hayato. "Noooo! Hayato, save me!"
Sighing, Hayato raised his hands in a calming gesture. "Akemi, let's cool down for a bit. Maybe test him some other time?"
"Why not now?" Akemi asked, her tone dead serious.
Hayato forced a nervous laugh. "Good question! It's because… um… he's going to train now! Yeah, and if you test him later, he'll be at his peak. Better results, right?"
Akemi considered this, then nodded. "Fair point. Eiji, I'll test you next time. You'd better train harder until then."
"Yes, Akemi," Eiji mumbled, still hiding behind Hayato.
As Akemi walked back toward Yushin, Yushin couldn't help but comment, "Do you really have to be so hard on him?"
Akemi shrugged. "If I don't push him, he won't take training seriously. Sometimes, people need a little nudge to grow."
Yushin smiled knowingly. "You're worried about him, aren't you?"
A faint blush crept onto Akemi's face. "N-no! It's not like that. I just don't want him slacking off and staring at us all day. It's… distracting!"
"Sure, sure," Yushin teased, chuckling.
As Akemi returned to her drills, Eiji muttered from behind Hayato, "See? She is a monster!"
Hayato sighed. "You're hopeless."
Yushin approached Hayato. "Hayato, where's Yoto?"
Hayato sighed, his frustration evident. "He went back to the mountains again. He doesn't listen to me at all. That guy's so stubborn—next time, I'm going to drag him here myself!"
Yushin shook her head gently. "Don't do that. Forcing him will only push him further away."
"Then what do we do, Yushin? He won't stop hurting himself. Why don't you try talking to him? He might listen to you."
Yushin thought for a moment before replying, "I don't want to force anything on him. Yoto's disappointed in himself because he hasn't fully awakened his power yet. He's training hard to overcome that. Let's give him some time. But if he does hurt himself, we'll stop him together."
Hayato exhaled, his tension easing. "You're right. Still, can you talk to him tonight? I can't stop worrying about him."
Yushin smiled. "Sure, I'll talk to him."
"Thanks, Yushin," Hayato replied with a small grin. "Now, back to training."
"Good luck!" Yushin called after him.
As the evening sun dipped below the horizon, Yoto trudged back toward the building, his steps slow but steady. At the entrance, he spotted Yushin standing there, her arms crossed and a look of quiet determination on her face.
"Yushin?" Yoto called out, concern lacing his tone. "What are you doing here?"
"I was waiting for you," she replied, her voice calm but purposeful.
"Waiting for me?" Yoto tilted his head, curiosity evident in his eyes. "Why?"
"I wanted to ask you something." She took a step closer, her gaze steady. "And I need you to be honest with me."
Yoto frowned slightly but nodded. "What is it?"
"Why do you keep going to the mountains?" she asked, her voice soft yet firm. "What are you trying to accomplish?"
Yoto sighed, glancing away for a moment before meeting her gaze. "I go there to become stronger... strong enough to protect all of you."
A small smile tugged at Yushin's lips. "That's a good answer. And that means you're not pushing yourself recklessly, right? You have a goal—something to guide you."
Yoto gave a faint chuckle. "Yeah, I won't hurt myself. I promise."
Yushin's eyes softened as she scanned him briefly. "I don't see any injuries on you tonight, so maybe you're telling the truth."
"Sorry, Yushin, but I'm really tired," Yoto said, his voice heavy with exhaustion. "I need to rest."
As he turned and started walking toward the building, Yushin's eyes followed him, her mind at ease—until something caught her attention. A strange, shadowy movement flickered near Yoto's leg, like a black tendril slipping into his body. Her breath hitched, and her stomach churned with unease.
"Yoto!" she called out, her voice sharp.
Yoto stopped, glancing over his shoulder. "What is it?"
Yushin hesitated, her hand clenching at her side. She opened her mouth but faltered, unsure of what to say. "It's... nothing," she finally muttered, forcing a smile. "Get some rest, okay?"
Yoto studied her for a moment, then nodded. "I will. Goodnight, Yushin."
As he disappeared into the building, Yushin stood rooted to the spot, her mind racing. What was that? Did I imagine it? No… I saw something… Her unease deepened as she replayed the moment in her head, unable to shake the ominous feeling creeping over her.
The sharp blare of an alarm shattered the early morning stillness, its sound reverberating through the corridors. A mechanical voice followed, calm but insistent:
"Hataki Squad, assemble at the mission desk. I repeat: Hataki Squad, assemble at the mission desk."
Doors creaked open, and hurried footsteps echoed as the squad members made their way to the central mission hall. Commander Hataki stood waiting, his posture as steady as ever, exuding authority. Behind him, the mission desk operator was ready with the details.
As the team gathered, Commander Hataki stepped aside, allowing the operator to address them.
"This is an important moment," the operator began, his voice firm. "Today marks your first mission as a squad after taking the power serum. Commander Hataki will not accompany you on this mission. Leadership and execution will rest entirely on your shoulders."
The operator gestured toward the group, listing their roles. "Yoto, you are the squad leader. Your teammates—Yushin, Hayato, Eiji, and Akemi—will rely on your decisions to guide this operation. It's time to put all your training into action."
The team exchanged glances, a mix of excitement and nerves etched on their faces.
The operator finished with a nod of encouragement. "Good luck on your mission, Hataki Squad. Make us proud."