Takemi sat with her friends Sakura and Kana, all three listening as the principal laid out the details of the upcoming qualifiers. Takemi was sitting between both of them and was horizontally ten seats away from Kazama and his friends.
"Wow. I never thought this would be so competitive yet so open," Sakura said, her eyes wide as she processed the information.
Kana let out a nervous breath. "I just hope by some miracle I get a slot."
"You will get it. Just keep up the spirit," Takemi said encouragingly with her fists slightly raised.
"It's easy for you to say since you already have one slot. No one can beat you in written tests," Kana replied with a resigned shrug while brushing her hair to the side.
"That's not true. I am sure there are other students in other sections who are really good in theoretical concepts," Takemi protested, though her voice lacked conviction.
"I can only think of Kazama-kun in our section getting the better of you in physics and science in general maybe, but that's like 1 subject basically. Other than that in other sections I doubt anyone is good enough to challenge you for the throne", Sakura said as she leaned in towards Takemi.
"Oh come on. There is someone. At least one. I am sure," Takemi said with a frown on her face while facing Sakura.
I hope there isn't. The written tests are the only tests that I am confident in. The other ones definitely have some people who are leagues above me. If there is anything where I have a chance. Also I don't want to lose to Kazama in his own field, Takemi thought with a bit of a selfish desire.
"By the way, Takemi-chan, your brother is not participating right?" Kana asked with a lower tone as if she didn't really want to talk about it but still wanted to know.
"Yes. It's a student council thing. I don't really know why they did that. Previous student council members used to participate. Like everyone, including teachers, are saying it's because of their so-called duty to the school," Takemi explained, making air quotes with her fingers. She was a bit taken aback by that question since the principal already discussed it but instantly understood that her friends wanted to hear it from her personally as confirmation.
"Why don't you ask your brother what's up?" Sakura suggested while giving a little shrug with her elbow.
Takemi fumbled for words. She pushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear, eyes lowering to the floor as her voice softened. "You know how it is. Like… you know."
"It's alright Takemi-chan. I mean if he were to participate, he would have rolled the power levels test," Kana said reassuringly while making a closed fist and encouraging Takemi.
"Maybe," Takemi replied quietly. Her reply lacked conviction. It's not that I don't believe in him. It's just that I don't know what I think about it….
"Maybe?" Sakura said as her voice went up. "Japanese qualifiers are nothing. He would have won the International Hero tournament itself. He is the strongest. Remember?"
"Maybe that is why they are not participating? Because they are too strong," Kana said as leaned toward Sakura.
A guy in the row in front of them twisted around in his seat, arm hooked over the backrest. "You guys think that? They're not participating because they're too strong?"
Sakura frowned, her voice low but sharp. "Excuse me, who are you?"
"I'm Kawada Daichi from section B," he replied, sitting up straighter as though announcing it on stage. "As I was saying, there are many strong candidates in the International Hero Tournament. Far stronger than us. More than we can ever imagine". Kawada Daichi had reddish hair, green eyes and a cheesy attitude.
"So what? They don't have the strongest title," Sakura shot back, flipping her hair over her shoulder.
Another student, Kobito, leaned in on the conversation. He had long brown hair tied as a bun and a tall frame with a height of 6 '2. He was sitting behind Sakura. "Yeah like Bruno from Brazil, or like Karan Singh from India. He is really smart. And Park Ji-min. I really have a crush on her."
"Oh my god you are right! Her latest song reached 20 million views in just a week," Daichi said, his previous argument forgotten as he turned around with his left on the backrest again.
Their voices rose enough that a few students glanced back, but not enough to get noticed by teachers or the student council .
"I know right. And the music video was also so good!" Kobito added, hands moving as if describing the video shot by shot. "The choreography of the dance and that final action sequence where she kicks some bad guy followed by a punch while she was singing and dancing ? That was peak!"
"Yeah dude! And her vlog channel is also doing great especially after the new song. Yesterday she posted a behind the scenes as well!, Daichi said as his eyes lit up.
Sakura groaned, slumping in her seat. "Uggh. Takemi, come on, make a case for your brother. This way we would lose the argument!"
Takemi blinked, startled. She straightened slightly, smoothing her skirt. "I mean… he's not participating, so I can't really say anything."
"But he's your brother!" Sakura insisted, leaning over Kana to look at her. "Say something good or something hype!"
A loud throat-clearing interrupted them. Akito, seated immediately left to Kana, leaned forward with his fingers interlocked. He had black hair and wore glasses and was widely known as a superhero nerd. The auditorium lights glinted off his glasses as he lifted them a bit up. "Sorry to interrupt, but you're forgetting something important."
"Oh man! Here comes the nerd," Kobito groaned.
"Stating facts does not mean I am a nerd," Akito sighed as he pinched his forehead. It was something he had heard many times before.
"That is exactly what it means," Daichi muttered, and Kobito nodded along with him with the same annoyed energy.
"Yeah you are a superpowers nerd, Akito-kun," Sakura chimed in, though she was clearly entertained.
Akito ignored all three. He pushed his glasses up with a single finger again. "Anyway, the winner is already decided. With or without Tachibana Kaito participating."
Sakura raised an eyebrow. "I am pretty sure you are gonna name some unknown guy from a small village in the middle of nowhere who's got I don't know revolutionary talent."
"Ideally I would have liked that but no. The person who is going to win is the current defending champion, back to back winner and who is on a hattrick right now. Ling Zhanshi," Akito stated.
"Oh yeah! I have heard about him. He is also known as the undefeated Dragon," Daichi said, recognition dawning.
"Oh that guy. His martial arts videos are always popping up. And they are super viral," Kobito joined back in.
"Yeah. His latest video where he takes rank 90-100 in a gauntlet match has over 100 million views!" Daichi added excitedly as he made punching gestures in the air.
"Yeah bro! Like he is literally taking on licensed heroes and to beat not one but 10 people from the top 100 is crazy!" Kobito agreed as he leaned forward with excitement.
For a brief moment, Kobito and Daichi both agreed with Akito due to Ling Zhanshi's achievements and popularity. Akito had a small smile on his face as his facts were being appreciated.
"Whatever," Sakura muttered though she was clearly listening.
"Well as impressive as Ling's record is. For me personally, Tachibana Kaito vs Ling Zhanshi is a dream match. The strongest vs The undefeated. Raw strength vs Pure technique. And I genuinely think Tachibana Kaito is the only teenager who can dethrone Ling," Akito said with great interest while rubbing his hands in excitement.
"Now you are talking," Sakura said with satisfaction as her eyes lit up and she pointed towards Akito.
A small smile crept across Takemi's face in praise for her brother, though she kept quiet.
Sakura-chan thinks so highly of my brother and so does Akito-kun. I am happy that he is well respected among his juniors. They are trying so hard to keep up my brother's image. Maybe I should also say a few good words about him or maybe it's not my place…., Takemi felt a warm swell of gratitude in her chest. Their faith in her brother steadied her, giving her confidence not just in herself but in her belief in him.
"But still I mean Tachibana Kaito-senpai rarely makes any show of strength or a public display. Like I heard a couple of years back, when he was in the news. And before that when his powers were awakened. But nowadays, nothing. No big moment, no sign of being the strongest. Maybe the strongest title is just there, " Daichi said dismissively. He was still not convinced with Tachibana Kaito.
Takemi's expression shifted, something sad flickering across her face. She frowned and the moment of warmth she was feeling a few moments ago vanished in a few seconds.
"Yeah, like he needs to do something crazy from time to time. Or else his stocks would go down. Like come on man, what would happen if you just lift two tanks and post it on the internet ? You would go viral and stay relevant and we would know that you still got it" Kobito added casually.
"And why would he need to do that?" Takemi finally spoke up, her voice suddenly sharp. She stared right into Kobito's eyes. Kobito flustered and looked the other way.
Sakura poked Kana with excitement, clearly pleased that Takemi was finally defending her brother. Kana had a smile across her face and was eagerly waiting for what Takemi had to say next. Akito had a small smile on his face as well.
"He is the strongest. I think that has enough weight right? If it was a meaningless title that you two are indicating here, then why doesn't the current World Rank 1 have it? Or maybe World Rank 1 needs to lift a few tanks to build some muscle and reach my brother's level?" Takemi continued as she now gazed at Daichi. Daichi's eyes widened as he accepted the full assault from Takemi.
"Way to go Takemi!" Sakura cheered.
"Takemi-chan," Kana said, wiping away imaginary tears dramatically.
Daichi and Kobito shrank in their seats, exchanging guilty looks and not sure how to respond.
"And no disrespect to this Ling Zhanshi guy. But if my brother were to face him, he would definitely bring the fight and the undefeated would face his first defeat," Takemi finished with a firm voice. She didn't look at Akito but Akito understood that this line was for him.
"Wow!" Sakura exclaimed as she had her hands on her cheeks.
Akito smiled once again as he clearly enjoyed Takemi's passionate defense.
The principal wrapped up the assembly and dismissed everyone. Just as students started filing out, his voice boomed across the auditorium again.
"Oh yes. Forgot one thing. Kurogane Ganjou, Haruto Tejou and Kazama Raiden. Please report to my office immediately."
A murmur rippled through the student body like a wave. Everyone started talking about what it could be.
"Woah. I wonder what that's about," Kana said, craning her neck to spot the three boys.
"I heard they beat up some guys outside," Sakura said as they got started looking for the exit.
"They wouldn't do that, right? Like I have known Kurogane since kindergarten, Haruto looks so innocent and Kazama does not seem like that kind of person," Takemi said, concerned creeping into her voice. The murmurs from students in the background didn't help her uneasiness.
"Oohh. Kazama doesn't seem like that person, huh?" Kana said teasingly as she elbowed Takemi on her arm.
"Come on. I thought you guys were over that," Takemi protested with a tired expression. But her heart did skip a beat over that remark but she was able to quickly compose herself.
"Well I am over it. Heard they used their powers against non-powered students. Wouldn't want our Takemi to be going out with someone like that," Sakura said with exaggerated concern as she placed her hand on Takemi's shoulder.
The three of them exited the auditorium along with Akito who was intrigued by their conversation more than the other students talking about the same topic.
"Do we know why they did that?" Takemi asked as she frowned. Her curiosity for knowing everything kicked in once again.
"I don't know. This was the morning buzz outside our school this morning," Sakura replied with an uninterested expression as she walked past some students in the crowd.
"I mean there must be some reason, right?" Kana said as her brows knitted together in concern..
"We will probably find out after they are back from the principal's office," Sakura said as turned back to face Takemi and Kana.
Akito appeared behind them, adjusting his glasses slightly. "I heard they were protecting Kiyomi Asahi from some bullies."
"Oh. Is that so? They were standing up for Kiyomi Asahi the prodigy?" Kana asked as she blinked rapidly.
"But still using powers against unarmed and non-powered students is a bit too much," Sakura said with raised eyebrows.
"Heard one of the bullies had a knife," Akito added casually as he adjusted his glasses again.
"Oh my god, are they alright?" Takemi gasped as her hand flew to her mouth. Her steps halted for a moment.
"The three of them got the better of the bullies so yeah but I guess the bullies played the victim card and lodged a complaint against them," Akito explained. His tone suggested annoyance at the unfairness, though his face remained composed.
"If that's the case I just hope no one was hurt. I mean not hurt badly I guess," Takemi said as she inhaled shakily while she looked down, clutching her shoulder.
Kana elbowed her friend playfully. "Anyone you are concerned about in particular?"
"Let's go. The next class is gonna start soon," Takemi said, her tone annoyed as she started walking.
******************************************************************************************************
The final bell rang, its echo vibrating through the hallways as students spilled out of classrooms, chattering, laughing, stretching after a long day. Little by little the building emptied. Lockers slammed shut. Shoes hurried across the floors and the bustle faded into distant echoes. In a quiet corner of the building, Akito sat alone on a wooden bench, reading a magazine titled "Hero Weekly Magazine."
"You're late," he said calmly, without lifting his eyes from the article.
Silence answered him.
Akito flipped another page, the paper making a soft sound. "I am tired of covering up for you. Like the fact that you are still playing good cop bad cop with yourself is quite baffling. How long is this going to continue?" His expression didn't shift, but the irritation was clear in the slight tension in his jaw.
Still nothing.
Akito sighed through his nose, leaning back slightly against the backrest. "I mean I know you have good intentions. Like whatever shit you have been doing, it works but still it doesn't make sense. Why take the burden?" He paused, then continued. "And why me? Of all people, there are literally more competent people"
The silence stretched for a moment.
Finally, a voice answered from the shadows. "Because you are the only person I can trust."
Akito closed his magazine and placed it to the side. He lifted his gaze. "This vigilante act won't last long and you know that. Kazama Raiden."
Kazama stepped out from the shadows one slow step at a time, a slight smile on his face. "I know and I still need your help."
The empty corridor felt suddenly heavier, full of secrets, consequences and a partnership held together by thin threads of trust.