The registration hall was loud.
Too loud.
Names were being called. Groups laughed. Some argued about rankings they hadn't earned yet.
Everyone wanted to be seen.
I stood at the back.
That's where I belonged.
Team Arata was already there. Calm. Organized. Confident. They didn't need to shout. Their presence alone bent the room slightly in their direction.
Takumi stood among them, eyes half-lidded, posture relaxed.
Watching.
I didn't look back when I felt his gaze settle on me.
Rei appeared beside me, holding a clipboard she didn't need. "You're really doing this," she said.
"I'm just registering," I replied. "Doesn't mean I'll fight seriously."
She gave a small, tired smile. "That's what makes you dangerous."
I stepped forward when it was my turn.
The official barely looked up. "Name."
I said it once. Quietly.
Her fingers paused on the screen. Just for a moment.
Then she continued typing like nothing happened.
"Combat style?"
"Unclassified."
She frowned but didn't argue. "Affiliation?"
"None."
That earned me a longer look. Not suspicion. Interest.
When I stepped away, the room felt… tighter.
Not hostile. Not aggressive. Just aware.
Takumi finally turned fully toward me. Our eyes met briefly.
No challenge.
No smile.
Just confirmation.
Outside, the winter air felt lighter. Honest. I preferred it.
Rei walked with me in silence.
"They'll test you," she said eventually. "Not in the ring at first. Outside it."
"I know."
"And if they push too far?"
I stopped walking.
"I won't hold back forever," I said. "I just don't see the point yet."
She didn't respond.
From a building across the courtyard, Team Arata reviewed the registration list.
My name sat there quietly.
Unranked.
Unaffiliated.
Unwanted.
For now.