Scene 1: The Secluded Forest:
A dense, serene forest with rays of sunlight streaming through the canopy. In a small clearing, Sakura is training alone, facing several wooden dummies she's set up for practice.
Sakura tightened her gloves, her violet eyes narrowed in focus. Her short spiky pink hair glistened with sweat as she darted forward, delivering a sharp series of punches and kicks to one of the dummies. Splinters flew into the air as she finished with a spinning roundhouse kick, knocking the dummy over.
Sakura (inner monologue): "It's not enough. If Akuma's back, I need to be stronger. Strong enough to protect everyone... strong enough to stand beside them."
She turned to the next dummy, her fiery determination unshaken despite her heavy breaths. She leapt forward, fists glowing faintly with energy, and landed a punch that sent the dummy flying into a tree. It splintered on impact.
Sakura stumbled slightly as she landed, panting. "Still not perfect," she muttered, wiping her brow.
Suddenly, a slow clap echoed through the clearing. She spun around, fists raised, only to see a familiar figure stepping out from the trees.
Scene 2: Yuka Arrives:
Yuka emerges from the shadows, arms crossed and a faint smile on her face.
Yuka: "Still rushing your strikes, Sakura. You'll never perfect your technique like that."
Sakura's expression shifted from alarm to joy. "Yuka!" she exclaimed, lowering her guard. "What are you doing here?"
Yuka stepped into the clearing, her blue qipao flowing lightly in the breeze. "I could ask you the same thing," she replied, glancing at the scattered remains of the dummies. "Looks like you've been busy."
Sakura crossed her arms, pouting. "I'm training. What else would I be doing?"
Yuka: "Impatient as ever, I see."
Sakura: (huffing) "I'm not impatient! I'm focused."
Before Yuka could respond, two more figures stepped into the clearing—Ryu and Kenshi. Ryu's calm presence contrasted sharply with Kenshi's wide grin.
Kenshi: "Well, well. The kid's got fire. I like her already."
Sakura: (narrowing her eyes) "Kenshi. Still as obnoxious as ever, I see."
Kenshi: "Obnoxious? No. Confident? Absolutely."
Scene 3: Denki's Arrival:
As the banter continues, Denki appears, his green skin and spiky orange hair making him stand out among the group.
Sakura blinked, her gaze falling on Denki. "Who's… that?"
Denki smirked, crossing his arms as arcs of electricity danced across his fingers. "Name's Denki. You must be the rookie they were talking about."
Sakura's fists clenched. "Rookie? I'll have you know I've been training just as hard as anyone else!"
Denki: (chuckling) "Oh, I'm sure you have, kid. But there's a difference between practice and the real thing."
Sakura: (stepping forward) "Care to test that?"
Before things could escalate, Ryu stepped between them, his voice calm but firm. "Enough. We didn't come here to fight each other."
Scene 4: Convincing Sakura:
Yuka steps in to explain the situation, her tone serious.
Yuka: "Sakura, we need you. Akuma has returned."
Sakura's eyes widened, her defiance giving way to shock. "He's back? Are you serious?"
Ryu: (nodding) "We've already seen his minions. He's stronger than ever."
Sakura looked down, her fists trembling. "Then… it's true. I knew it wasn't just a rumor."
Yuka: "That's why we're here. We can't do this alone. You've grown stronger, Sakura, but this is bigger than any of us."
Sakura's gaze lifted, her determination returning. "If you're asking me to join, you don't even need to ask. I've been waiting for this chance.''
Scene 5: The Team Unites: The group prepares to leave the forest, their mission now clear.
As they walked, Kenshi glanced at Sakura. "You know, you've got potential, kid. But don't think I'm going to go easy on you."
Sakura: (rolling her eyes) "I wouldn't dream of it."
Denki smirked from behind them. "Let's just hope you can keep up."
Sakura: (turning to glare at him) "You'll see just how much I can keep up when the time comes."
Ryu walked ahead of them all, his voice cutting through their banter. "Focus. Akuma's not going to wait for us to be ready."
The group fell into a quiet rhythm as they exited the forest, their journey taking them toward the next battle.
The chapter ends with a glimpse of Akuma's lair. Shadowy figures kneel before the towering Demon Lord as his voice booms through the chamber.
Akuma: "The pieces are moving into place. Soon, the warriors will come to me… and they will fall."