The morning sun bathed the academy's grand entrance in golden light as Team 9 walked through the gates. Their footsteps echoed on the cobblestones, but the weight of their recent experiences was heavier than any sound. Kaito glanced at Haruto, the memories of their combined efforts during the village attack flashing in his mind. Though they had struggled, the way their powers had harmonized in the chaos had left a lasting impression.
"You think this mentor will be worth anything?" Haruto asked, his green eyes scanning the path ahead.
Kaito shrugged. "Hard to say. After everything we've seen, they'd better be."
Ayame walked alongside them, her calm presence balancing Haruto's sharpness. She spoke gently. "It's not just about the mentor. We're a team now. If we keep building on what we started, we'll get stronger no matter who's teaching us."
The reminder of their teamwork during the village attack brought a flicker of pride to Kaito's chest. Their combined efforts—his Kazeryoku bolstering Haruto's fire strikes—had shown what they were capable of. He nodded silently, grateful for her encouragement.
When they reached the training grounds, a man stood waiting for them in the center of the arena. His black hair was unkempt, his tunic plain and slightly frayed. He looked more like a tired farmer than an elite mentor, standing with a relaxed posture and a faintly amused smile.
"Team 9, I presume?" he asked, yawning as he stretched. "I'm Satoshi, your mentor. Let's get this over with."
Haruto's expression darkened. "This is a joke, right? We're supposed to train under him?"
Satoshi's smile widened. "That's the second time today someone's doubted me. Let me guess—you think I don't look the part?"
Kaito hesitated, unsure of how to respond, but Haruto didn't hold back. "You don't exactly inspire confidence."
"Good!" Satoshi clapped his hands, the sound startlingly loud. "Confidence can get you killed. Caution, though—that keeps you alive. Now, let's see what I'm working with. Your task is simple: knock me down."
Kaito blinked. "That's it?"
"Yup." Satoshi gestured to the sundial in the corner of the arena. "You've got until this shadow moves one mark. Work together or go solo—it's up to you."
Without waiting for further explanation, Haruto stepped forward, flames igniting around his fists. "Fine. Let's see what you've got, old man."
He charged, launching a flurry of fiery strikes. But Satoshi moved with disarming ease, sidestepping and twisting out of reach with minimal effort. Haruto's punches met only air, his flames dissipating harmlessly.
"Not bad," Satoshi remarked, ducking under another swing. "But your anger makes you predictable."
Haruto growled, stepping back as Ayame took her turn. With a wave of her hand, water surged from a nearby fountain, forming a shimmering spiral. She sent it rushing toward Satoshi, aiming to entangle him. But just as the water closed in, he leapt into the air, landing lightly behind her.
"Good control," he said, his tone almost encouraging. "But water needs persistence. Keep the pressure on."
Kaito took a deep breath, summoning his Kazeryoku. He directed a powerful gust of wind toward Satoshi, forcing him to retreat. Haruto immediately capitalized on the opportunity, hurling fireballs that merged with Kaito's wind to create blazing whirlwinds. Ayame joined in, her water weaving through the fire and wind to create a chaotic, shifting storm.
For a moment, it seemed like they had him. But then Satoshi moved, darting through the maelstrom with a speed and precision that defied belief. He appeared behind them, entirely unscathed.
"Impressive teamwork," he said, his tone genuinely pleased. "You're starting to get the hang of it. But you're still holding back."
The trio exchanged determined glances. They adjusted their tactics on the fly, using what Kaito and Haruto had learned about each other during the village attack. Kaito's wind enhanced Haruto's flames, creating blinding flashes of heat and light. Ayame used the steam from the fire-water collision to obscure Satoshi's movements, setting traps with precision bursts of water.
Despite their efforts, Satoshi remained untouchable. He danced around their attacks, his movements so effortless it was almost infuriating. The sundial's shadow crept closer to the mark, and desperation set in.
"Time's up," Satoshi announced, stepping back. "Well done, Team 9."
Haruto clenched his fists. "We didn't even touch you."
Satoshi smiled faintly. "That wasn't the point. You adapted, improved, and worked as a team. That's progress."
Kaito sighed, his frustration tempered by a grudging respect. "You weren't even trying, were you?"
"Maybe," Satoshi said with a shrug. "Maybe not. Guess you'll just have to keep training to find out."
As they left the arena, Kaito felt a strange mix of emotions. Satoshi was clearly hiding his full potential, but his challenge had forced them to grow. The bond between him, Haruto, and Ayame had strengthened, and that alone was worth the frustration. For the first time, Kaito felt like they might actually have a chance to face whatever was coming.