Hasegawa's slight smile held absolutely no warmth. Just cold satisfaction.
"Matsuno?"
Matsuno stepped forward from where he'd been standing against the wall, opening his folder with practiced efficiency.
The overhead lights caught his tired features, the bags under his eyes, the posture of someone who'd explained these rules dozens of times before, who'd watched initiates succeed and fail in equal measure.
"Trials begin Thursday, April 14th, at 7:00 PM sharp," he announced, voice matter-of-fact and professional. "Five trials conducted over the next two weeks."
Shiinchiro's eyes widened, his nervous energy spiking visibly. "Two weeks? That's... that's barely any time between.."
"Intense." Matsuno didn't look up from his folder, continuing to read. "Yes. You'll average two to three trials per week depending on recovery time needed between tests and the severity of injuries sustained."
Injuries sustained.
The casual way he said it made Ren's stomach turn.
