Hino looked worried as Sukasa finally entered the classroom, her face still marked by irritation. The murmur of the students stopped for a moment as they noticed her arrival, but soon returned to normal.
—Where were you, Sukasa? —Hino asked, leaning toward her friend with a mix of curiosity and concern.
Sukasa sighed, slumping into her seat with a frustrated expression.
—Sorry, I had a problem I needed to fix.
Hino looked at her, her eyes filled with unease.
—And did you fix it?
Sukasa clenched her teeth, her expression shifting to a mix of resignation and anger.
—Unfortunately, no. This problem is like a cockroach... it's going to take me some time to exterminate it —she replied with irony, crossing her arms on the desk.
Hino watched her in silence, trying to imagine what could be so wrong. She knew Sukasa wasn't one to complain about trivial things, so it had to be something serious.
—Wow, I didn't think it would be this serious... —she thought as she watched Sukasa settle into her seat, clearly annoyed.
Suddenly, a woman with an imposing appearance entered the classroom. She was tall, with a voluptuous figure that caught everyone's attention. Her blonde hair fell in perfect waves over her shoulders, and her green eyes shone with a mix of authority and warmth.
—Good morning —she greeted with a firm but soft voice that resonated in the room like a melody—. My name is Fukuro Shiro, and I will be your history teacher. In this course, you will learn everything about demons and Akumas. Now, take out a notebook and pen to take notes.
The students quickly obeyed, impressed by her presence. Sukasa, though still annoyed, couldn't help but feel curious about the new teacher.
Meanwhile, with Kuro...
Kuro arrived running at the door of his classroom, panting and with his hair disheveled. He knocked on the door and was met with a stern look from Teacher Kaishin, a tall and muscular man with a scar running across his face.
—Hi, Kaishin —Kuro greeted with a nervous smile, trying to catch his breath.
The teacher stared at him, crossing his arms.
—How many times do I have to tell you to call me Teacher Kaishin? —he snapped, frowning—. And wow, on your first day, you're already late. —He tried to close the door—. Come back tomorrow.
Kuro, nervous, stopped the door with his hand.
—Wait! I have a good excuse! —he said quickly, his voice a bit higher than usual.
Kaishin raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical.
—I'm listening, but make it quick.
Kuro smiled, trying to calm down.
—I had a little issue and had to go to the director's office. He can confirm I'm not lying.
Teacher Kaishin looked at him for a moment before sighing, clearly tired of Kuro's excuses.
—Hmm... I'll let you in just because it's the first day —he said, allowing him to pass. Kuro sighed in relief—. But if you're late again, not only will I not let you in, but you'll never set foot in my class again. Now get in quickly. —And with a quick motion, he smacked Kuro on the head as he passed.
Kuro rubbed his head, wincing as he entered.
—Thank you, Teacher! —he said, hurrying to his seat.
Igurū, who was sitting at the back of the room, looked at him with a discreet smile.
—You're late —he said in a neutral tone, though there was a glint of amusement in his eyes.
Kuro sighed as he sat down next to him.
—I know, I know. I had a little problem... —he murmured, avoiding the details.
Igurū stared at him, narrowing his eyes.
—What kind of problem?
Kuro smiled nervously, scratching the back of his neck.
—Nothing important... I'll fix it later, hehehe.
Igurū wasn't convinced but decided not to press further.
—Hmm... seems like it's more serious than he's letting on... —he thought as he watched his friend.
Teacher Kaishin, who didn't miss a thing, shot a stream of water from his hand toward both of them, silencing them.
—You two in the back! Quiet, or I'll kick you out of my class! —he warned coldly, his voice thundering.
Kuro, drenched, swallowed hard.
—So scary... —he thought—. I just want this class to be over so I can go eat something at Mrs. Fukuko's...
Igurū, wiping the water off his face, continued in a low voice.
—Oh, by the way... we have a lot of work to do as Kings today. —he said, watching Kuro's reaction, who made a face of annoyance.
Break Time...
After classes, Sukasa and Hino walked through the hallways, discussing the first hours of the day. The buzz of students filled the air, and the smell of freshly prepared food wafted from the cafeteria.
—Today's classes were boring... —Sukasa complained, swinging her backpack over one shoulder—. We only covered theory.
Hino smiled slightly, expecting something like that.
—It was to be expected, since it's the first day... they weren't going to throw us into battle right away.
At that moment, a group of students began murmuring nearby.
—Look! They've already posted the notice for the new Sentinel recruitment. Let's go check it out. —One of the students stepped forward, pointing to a bulletin board filled with announcements.
Sukasa's eyes lit up at the news.
—Come on, Hino! Let's go see the notice —she said enthusiastically, grabbing her friend's hand and dragging her toward the board.
Hino, with little choice, followed, trying not to trip.
—Wait for me, Sukasa! —she shouted, trying to keep up with her friend.
When they reached the board, Sukasa began reading the announcement carefully, while Hino watched from behind.
—Yes... it says students from all grades can participate, including first-years. And... —she paused for a moment, her eyes scanning the text—. The tests will take place this afternoon.
Hino leaned toward Sukasa, noticing how excited she was.
—You seem really excited. Do you think you can pass the tests? —she asked, with some concern.
Sukasa thought for a moment, weighing the possibilities.
—Well, it depends on how hard the tests are. —She frowned, reflecting—. Hmm... but I think it's better to try. If I fail, I'll have another chance next year. —She smiled confidently, her eyes filled with determination—. What about you, Hino? Aren't you going to participate?
Hino, visibly nervous, hesitated before answering.
—Hmm... well, I... I don't think I'm strong enough to pass those tests. I'm not as strong as you, Sukasa...
Sukasa looked at her intently, with a serious expression.
—Don't say that, Hino. I'm sure we can both pass those tests. You'll see. —She gave her a reassuring pat on the shoulder, trying to boost her confidence.
Hino looked at Sukasa for a long moment before sighing, a shy smile appearing on her face.
—Well... if you say so... I'll give it a try —she said, though the doubt was still evident in her voice.
Sukasa grinned from ear to ear, her enthusiasm contagious.
—Good decision! Now we just have to wait until this afternoon to start the tests.
Meanwhile, somewhere in the academy...
In a dimly lit room, seven figures sat around a round table. Igurū, with his ever-calm expression, took the floor.
—This afternoon, we'll begin the selection of new Sentinels —he announced firmly, his voice resonating in the room.
Remy, seated beside him, leaned forward slightly, her purple hair shimmering under the dim light.
—We only have room for five new Sentinels. I think we should choose one from each grade —she suggested, looking at the group with a serious expression.
Kuro, lounging carelessly in his chair, shook his head, showing a slight smile.
—I doubt that. Fourth and fifth-year students don't have time for Sentinel duties —he explained in a relaxed tone—. They're too busy preparing for high-ranking positions in the military.
Kaiyō, who was more focused, interjected.
—That's true. So we can only count on students from first to third year... but the question is, how do we divide them? —he said, looking at his older brother.
Igurū crossed his arms, letting his gaze sweep over everyone before responding.
—This is my proposal —he said, pulling out two photographs and placing them on the table—. I've identified two potential candidates, both first-years. —Surprise was reflected on everyone's faces.
The photographs showed two young Reikens from the first year. Sukasa and another girl unknown to some of those present, except for Igurū, Remy, and Kaiyō.
—Both scored the highest, both physically and mentally, in their entrance exams —Igurū continued—. This year, I want to try a new evaluation method, something more rigorous. We've already discussed it with Kuro, so there shouldn't be any problems. Right, Kuro?
Kuro, still with a carefree expression, nodded with a smile.
—That's right. This new evaluation method will be much more direct. We won't divide the applicants by class or grade. It'll be a general evaluation that will push everyone's skills to the limit —he said, his tone calm but with a sharp glint in his eyes.
Remy crossed her arms and nodded, approving the idea.
—That seems more feasible. That way, we'll only have the strongest among us, regardless of their grade.
Igurū nodded slowly, pleased that his companions agreed.
—If everyone agrees, we'll implement this new evaluation method. For my part, I approve. —His eyes turned to the rest.
Kuro raised his hand casually.
—I also agree. By not dividing the applicants by grade, only the strongest will become Sentinels. So yes, I approve —he replied with his usual carefree smile.
Remy nodded once more.
—Likewise, I agree. It's a good approach.
Kaiyō, with a calm smile, looked at his brother and then at the others.
—Everything my brother proposes has always been for the good and progress of the academy. I trust his judgment, so I also agree.
Finally, the other three figures, who had remained silent, nodded, showing their approval.
Igurū relaxed a little, satisfied with the consensus reached.
—Good, then all that's left is to prepare for the selection. I hope to count on everyone's participation. —He looked at Kuro, who had already started eating a snack he had hidden—. Especially you, Kuro, since you always disappear without a word.
Kuro, with his mouth full of food, raised a hand to signal he had heard.
—Alright, I'll be there —he said after swallowing—. But keep in mind, I won't go easy on the new Sentinel applicants. I'll be very demanding. —His tone was threatening but with a hint of jest.
Igurū smiled subtly, used to his friend's bravado.
—I already know that —he replied calmly—. Alright, then let's start preparing for the new selection.
As the others nodded and began organizing, Kuro slowly stood up, still chewing, with an expression somewhere between indifferent and amused.