The trio sat at a small table in Aena's ramen shop, savoring their bowls of steaming noodles after a hard-earned victory in training.
Katakuichi ate with calm precision, his demeanor steady and focused. In contrast, Kimikage devoured his ramen with loud enthusiasm, slurping and gulping as if he hadn't eaten in days. Sensei Shidou joined in, matching Kimikage's pace, his own noodles disappearing just as quickly.
Aena, the finest ramen cook in the Yami District, looked over with a playful grin. "Damn, you boys are hungry! What were you up to before this?"
Katakuichi replied coolly, "Sensei Shidou was teaching us the basics of shadow style. Kimikage and I are new to Kage no Daigaku."
Kimikage paused mid-bite, wiping his mouth. "Yeah, training was tough! All that fear made us ravenous. I'm not sure why Sensei is so hungry, though."
Sensei Shidou chuckled, a noodle dangling from his mouth. "Hey now, I was providing moral support! That counts for something, right?" He winked at Kimikage, who laughed in response.
Aena shook her head, still smiling. "Well, whatever you did, it sure worked up an appetite. Just wait until you taste my special broth; it'll make all that hard work worthwhile!"
Katakuichi asked, "So, Sensei, what's the next exercise?"
As Sensei Shidou finished his bowl, he replied, "I'm glad you asked! I'll be teaching you shadow constru—"
Kimikage interrupted, his eyes widening. "Whoa, is that Nozomi? Gotta go! Thanks for the food, Sensei!"
Katakuichi sighed, exasperated. "Wait, you brat! He didn't finish! Ugh, how is he that fast?"
Sensei Shidou laughed, shaking his head. "That's not good manners! But WAIT, HAS MY STUDENT FOUND A GIRL? I'm so proud, Kimikage! Young love is precious, isn't it, Katakuichi?"
Katakuichi replied, "I don't think that's his—ugh, never mind."
Kimikage yelled, "HEY NOZOMI!!"
As he approached her, he grinned. "How's it going? Haven't seen you in a while!"
Nozomi smiled back. "It's going well! But you didn't have to yell from all the way over there! You could've just waved. How's Kage no Daigaku treating you and Katakuichi? Having trouble communicating with him?
Kimikage chuckled, scratching the back of his head. "Well, he's a bit of a tough nut to crack, but we're getting there! What about you? What have you been up to?"
Nozomi started, "Well, Sensei Gaki has been—"
Kimikage interrupted, "Wait, Gaki is your sensei? You're so lucky, Nozomi! I wish—"
Katakuichi finished his bowl and flicked Kimikage on the head, his tone serious. "Sorry about my friend here. He can be energetic and a bit clueless." He turned to Nozomi. "Do you two know each other?"
Kimikage protested, "Hey, I'm not clueless!"
Nozomi laughed. "Kinda. When he first joined Kage no Daigaku, I showed him around."
Kimikage beamed, clearly pleased with the connection. "Yeah! Nozomi was super helpful. I was so nervous, and she made it a lot easier for me."
Nozomi teased, "And you, Katakuichi Kou, shook the whole class with your scary introduction! You almost gave the special grades a heart attack!"
Katakuichi replied calmly, "Well, I prefer not to lie. I got straight to the point about my goals here. I call it being truthful."
Nozomi raised an eyebrow, her playful grin widening. "Oh, is that what you call it? Truthful? I think the term the special grades used was 'terrifying.' But hey, to each their own!"
Kimikage laughed, nudging Katakuichi with his elbow. "Yeah, Katakuichi, you really know how to make an impression. Maybe you should teach me how to scare people like that."
Katakuichi shot him a sideways glance. "It's not about scaring people, Kimikage. It's about making them understand your resolve. If they're intimidated, that's their problem."
Nozomi giggled. "Intimidated is putting it lightly. You practically declared war on the entire academy during your introduction."
Katakuichi shrugged nonchalantly. "Like I said, being clear about your intentions saves time
Kimikage shook his head, grinning. "Man, you're like a walking intimidation machine. No wonder everyone remembers you so well.
Nozomi crossed her arms and leaned in slightly, her expression softening. "To be fair, though, I respect that about you, Katakuichi. Most people would sugarcoat things or play it safe, but you? You don't hold back. It's refreshing."
Katakuichi's stoic expression flickered for a moment, a hint of surprise crossing his face. "…Thanks," he muttered, caught off guard by her compliment.
Kimikage smirked, sensing the shift in tone. "Aww, look at you, Katakuichi. Blushing already?"
Katakuichi flicked Kimikage on the forehead again, this time with a bit more force. "Quiet, or I'll make sure tomorrow's training is even harder for you."
Nozomi laughed, shaking her head. "You two are something else. I can see why Sensei Shidou has his hands full."
Kimikage grinned, rubbing his forehead. "Hey, Nozomi, since you're here, how about sparring with us tomorrow? It'd be awesome to train with someone like you!"
Nozomi tilted her head, considering it. "Sparring, huh? I could use a good workout and help you practise ur techinques against me.But are you sure you can keep up with me?"
Katakuichi looked at her, his expression serious. "So, you're in Grade 2. Think you can keep up with our training and bring your speed down to our level?"
Before Nozomi could reply, Sensei Shidou's voice boomed from behind them. "Hold it right there, lovebirds!"
They all turned to see Shidou approaching with a mischievous grin. "If Nozomi's joining tomorrow, I'll make sure the training is extra spicy for all of you. Don't think I'll go easy just because she's a guest!"
Nozomi smirked, her confidence shining through. "Don't worry, Sensei. I can handle whatever you throw at me. Just make sure your students don't faint halfway through."
Kimikage and Katakuichi exchanged glances, a mix of excitement and apprehension in their eyes. Tomorrow was shaping up to be a day they wouldn't forget.
As they finished their meal, Sensei Shidou paid for their ramen, giving Aena a grateful nod. "Thanks for the delicious food, Aena! You always know how to fuel our training."
Aena smiled warmly. "Anytime, Sensei! Just make sure those boys don't get too carried away tomorrow. I want to see them back here in one piece!"
With a final wave to Aena, the group stepped out into the cool evening air. The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the Yami District.
Nozomi turned to the boys. "I need to ask Sensei Gaki for permission to train with you tomorrow."
Kimikage grinned. "Think he'll let you?"
Nozomi smiled confidently. "I'll just tell him I want to challenge myself. He respects that."
Kimikage nodded. "Good luck! Just make sure you don't take too long; we need you ready for training!"
As they walked side by side, the bond between them grew stronger, and the anticipation of the challenges ahead filled the air with excitement. Tomorrow would be a test of their skills, but together, they felt ready to face anything that came their way.