It's been four months since Crimson's attack, and the Hyakuren HQ… well, let's just say it's no palace. To be honest, it's a total wreck. I mean, it's not just the mess; it's the feeling that this place used to mean something bigger. Back when the former president was around, everything was neat and in its place. Even the halls felt like they had this energy—like things were going somewhere, you know? It wasn't just about cleaning up after battles, but about preserving the strength of the clan.
Now? Yeah, not so much.
We've got four people left here: Kaito-san, Shizuka-san, Ruby-san, and me. That's it. Kaito-san's always off doing his own thing, and Ruby-san—well, she's still getting the hang of this whole "leading" thing, and it's not exactly smooth sailing. That leaves Shizuka-san and me scrambling. I try, but let's face it: I'm not exactly the type to organize things. And Shizuka-san? She's doing her best, but between her healing duties and her own stuff, she's not exactly around to help scrub floors. So, cleaning? It happens. But slowly. When we can.
It feels like we've all been floating in a state of 'just get by' lately. I can't tell you how many times I've tripped over a stray book or almost slipped on some random pile of… who knows what? I think even the rats have started to settle in.
And every time I try to pick up a broom, I end up getting distracted by something else, usually something that involves running out the door to avoid another cleaning task. Yeah, cleaning's not exactly my thing. But still, I wish we could get things back to how they were before.
Oh well, one step at a time. I guess Hokkaido's coming up soon, so maybe I'll try to clean up a little bit more before that. Or maybe not.
I walk through the HQ, into the office and knock lightly on the door. "Kaito-san, you wanted to talk?"
Kaito-san doesn't look up from his papers. "Come in." His voice is as calm as always, though there's a seriousness to it that means he's deep in thought.
I sit down across from him, eyeing the stack of paperwork on his desk. "You've been buried under these papers all day, haven't you?"
He doesn't respond right away. He just slides a few papers toward me. "We need to discuss recruitment."
I raise an eyebrow. "So, this is what you've been so serious about? Recruitment?"
"You're the one who's taking this over now, Takumi. We're down to four people—barely. We need more members."
I sigh, running a hand through my hair. "I know, but it just feels like we've been stuck like this for a while. The other clans are moving forward, and we're still cleaning up after Crimson's mess."
His gaze hardens. "Exactly. All the other clans have already recruited. Some have even named their new presidents. And then there's us… still dragging our feet. As for our president? She's doing nothing."
I chuckle lightly. "Well, that's just Ruby-san for you."
He doesn't laugh. "It's frustrating. I'm running everything, handling the business, and she's... well, doing whatever she does. She hasn't even lifted a finger to help."
I shrug, trying to make light of the situation. "What can I say? That's just how she is."
His expression doesn't change, but I can tell he's holding back a sigh. "Regardless, you need to take charge of recruitment. We can't keep going like this. We need skilled people."
"Understood," I reply, sitting up straighter. "I'll do my best."
He looks at me seriously. "No mistakes, Takumi. Get only the best. We're not here to play games."
I nod. "You can count on me."
With that, I stand up and leave the office. The weight of Kaito-san's words hangs over me, but I'm ready. It's time to get the Hyakuren clan back on track—starting with recruitment.
---
Back at school, everything's as usual—except it's not. I'm walking down the hallway, the chatter of students and the usual chaos filling the air. But even though it's all normal, my mind's still back at the Hyakuren HQ. Still, I can't let that ruin the school day. I sigh and give myself a little pep talk, "Focus, Takumi. You're in class, not in the middle of a crisis."
I bump into Hana on my way to homeroom. She greets me with a smile, and just for a moment, everything feels... well, normal. But that's quickly interrupted by a loud voice—Ren, of course. He's practically jumping out of his shoes to talk about the hiking trip, still hyped from yesterday's announcement.
"Yo, Hinoyama! I can't believe we're going to Hokkaido! We're gonna own that mountain, right?"
I give him a thumbs-up, trying to match his energy, though I'm not quite sure if he's serious or just hyped for some adventure. "Yeah, yeah, we'll conquer it. Just don't trip over your own boots, Ren."
Ren rolls his eyes, but Daichi laughs next to him, all smug like he's the one with the better hiking skills. "He's right though, Ren. You might want to leave the 'graceful' stuff to me."
I chuckle. "Right, Daichi, I'm sure you'll lead us all to the summit like some kind of expert."
The three of us laugh, and just for a moment, things feel... like they should be.
The bell rings, signaling the lunch break. I'm still stuck in my thoughts about the whole recruiting thing. I know it's important, but my mind keeps wandering off to the Hyakuren HQ, a mess of papers, half-eaten rice balls, and a total lack of leadership. I need a break from all this.
So, like any reasonable person in my situation, I head for the rooftop.
I step out and take a deep breath, feeling the cool breeze wash over me. It's a nice change of pace from the chaos inside the school. Just as I'm about to close my eyes and enjoy the quiet, I spot him. Hayato. He's standing at the far end of the roof, gazing at the blue sky.
"Ah, Hayato?" I call out.
He doesn't bother looking over, just continues his skygazing. "What is it, Hinoyama?"
I walk over to him, trying to act all casual and friendly, but failing miserably. "Nothing much, just—y'know, thought I'd come up here for some fresh air."
He doesn't say anything, just keeps looking above. A few more silent seconds go by before he speaks again, without even looking at me. "You sure you're not up here to bother me? Seems like that's your thing these days."
"Bother you? No,no. I'm just here for some chill air that's all. And besides, I'm just trying to have a friendly conversation. You know, like a normal human being."
He finally lowers his gaze and looks at me, his expression unreadable. "I'm a little too busy to have 'friendly' conversations, Hinoyama."
"What busy? You're just up here enjoying the cool breeze. I mean, not like I'm interrupting, right?"
"Nope," he says, with that usual deadpan voice. "I don't mind."
I nod slowly, then, after a moment, my face lights up with a somewhat mischievous grin. "Hey, while I've got you here... You ever thought about joining a clan? Maybe, I dunno, Hyakuren?"
"Not really."
"Hey...just think about it. You joining the Hyakuren, it'd be amazing! With your skills? We'd be unstoppable. Think about it—having someone like us on your side? And, you'd be the one calling the shots."
He looks at me for a moment, then goes back to staring at who knows what. "I don't need to join a clan to call the shots. Besides, I like working alone."
"Classic Hayato. You really think you can manage the upcoming dangers all by yourself?"
He doesn't answer. But his eyes did. They are determined to face any danger head-on.
"Come on," I press, "You could even be the leader of the Hyakuren. We need someone like you. And, y'know, if you joined, I wouldn't have to do all the recruiting myself."
He replies dryly, "I don't need a title, Hinoyama. I'm good on my own. Besides, don't you already have a leader?"
"Aaa...That's another story. But I'm telling you, you're wasting your potential! Just imagine all the free food at clan meetings, all the training with the best fighters, and... uh, okay, maybe the food's the best part. But you get my point!"
He gives me a side-eye look, "You want me to join for the food?"
"Well, yeah! Who doesn't love free food?" I shrug, grinning like an idiot. "And, you know, we could actually get stuff done for once. It's a win-win."
He's quiet for a moment, then shrugs again. "Nah. I'm good. Keep your free food."
I slump my shoulders, letting out a loud groan. "I swear, Hayato, you're impossible."
He gives me one last look. "And you're incredibly persistent."
"Just trying to save the Hyakuren from turning into a disaster."
"Good luck with that."
I shake my head and turn to leave. "You're a lost cause, you know that?"
"I know."
After my little chat with Hayato, I head back to class, still feeling a little frustrated that I couldn't convince him to join the Hyakuren. I walk into the classroom and immediately spot Ren and Daichi goofing around in the back.
"Yo, Hinoyama!" Ren waves me over with a mischievous grin. "Look who decided to grace us with his presence."
"Yeah," Daichi adds with a smirk. "We were starting to think you were up there making a secret deal with Hayato to leave us all in the dust. You know, just you and your little sword-wielding buddy."
I roll my eyes and take my seat. "What's up with you two? You always have to make everything weird?"
Ren shrugs, still grinning. "Just having fun while you're out there talking shop with Hayato. You know, saving the world and all that."
"I'm just trying to get him to join my clan," I mumble, feeling a little embarrassed. "But, you know, he's too busy 'working alone' or whatever. Classic Hayato."
Ren chuckles, shaking his head. "Man, that guy's as stubborn as a mule. He'd rather chop off his own arm than join a group. Just let it go, dude."
I slump in my chair, defeated. "I swear, it's like pulling teeth with him. Anyway, what are you two up to?"
Ren leans back in his chair with a cocky smirk. "Oh, just planning our next move to take over the school. You know, typical stuff."
"Right," I say sarcastically, "Taking over the school with what? Your 'charming' personalities?"
Ren throws his hands up in mock offense. "Hey, don't knock the charm! I'm practically a legend around here."
I snorts. "Legend of what, exactly? The guy who can talk his way into getting extra snacks from the cafeteria?"
"Exactly," Ren says with a grin. "It's all about the art of persuasion. You wouldn't understand, Hinoyama. You're too busy being all 'serious' and 'responsible' for the Vorixa stuff."
I groan. "I'm seriously regretting chatting with you right now."
"Aw, come on," Daichi says with a grin, "We keep things interesting. Without us, you'd be a nerd, staring at your textbooks all day, crying about your nonexistent clan recruitment."
I glare at them both. "I'm not crying about it! I'm just... frustrated. That's all."
Ren gives me a sympathetic look. "Don't worry, man. You'll figure it out. Just... try not to let Hayato's cold, dead eyes get you down. Dude's a lost cause anyway."
"Thanks for the encouragement," I say dryly, looking out the window. "Maybe I'll just recruit a ghost to join the Hyakuren."
"That could actually be pretty cool," Ren says. Daichi continues, with a thoughtful expression. "Get a bunch of spirits on your side. Then you can haunt all the other clans. Cool right?"
"Great idea," I say with a sigh. "Just what I need—ghosts that don't listen to orders either."
---
I'm still leaning back in my seat, trying to shake off all the thoughts about recruitment. Ren and Daichi are jabbering on, as usual, about who knows what. They're always at each other's throats, and today is no different.
Out of the corner of my eye, I see Hana walking in with... someone else. She's got this loud, colorful girl beside her. The girl practically shouts "I'm here!" without even saying a word, and her wild hair's got all sorts of energy, while Hana just looks... well, like the sweet part of this storm.
"Hino—Hinoyama-kun!" Hana beams at me, sliding into her seat, next to mine with her usual little giggle.
I smile and nod at her. "Hey, Hana."
But then, the other girl—who, okay, I now realize is named Yui—struts over like she owns the place. And oh man, she's glaring at Ren and Daichi like they've just committed some horrible crime.
"What are you two doing here?" she demands, and there's this dangerous sharpness in her voice that makes me want to shrink back a little. "You three better not be up to anything suspicious."
Ren tries to brush it off, giving her that usual grin of his. "Oh, we're just talking about the trip, nothing more."
Yui crosses her arms, narrowing her eyes. "Uh-huh. Talking about what exactly? Because if it's something about hitting on Hana, I'll—"
"Yui! Don't be rude!" Hana jumps in, elbowing her friend. "We just got here, don't be all suspicious and cocky already."
Yui doesn't take her eyes off Ren and Daichi, though, like she's sizing them up for a fight. "Yeah, talking... sure. I'm just making sure they're not trying anything funny."
I can't help but smile at the scene, but Yui's intensity makes me shift in my seat. I guess she's really protective of Hana.
"Are you ready for the trip, Hana?" I ask her, trying to steer the conversation away from the tension.
She grin back at me. "I guess. More excited to get away from all the school chaos."
Ren leans forward, a little too eager. "Chaos, huh? Maybe we should help Hana-chan out with that. You know, take some of the weight off your shoulders."
Yui cuts him off before he can go any further. "Oh, no, you're not. If anyone's gonna be helping her, it's gonna be me." She shoots him a glare that's so intense, I'm pretty sure Ren takes a step back.
I can't hold back a laugh. Yui's protectiveness, no, overprotectiveness is kinda... hilarious.
"Well, guess we'll just leave it to you, then," Daichi says, raising an eyebrow and clearly trying to back off. "Good luck with that."
Hana looks embarrassed now, but she's still smiling a little. "Come on, Yui, they're not that bad!"
But Yui doesn't back down. "I'm just making sure no one has bad intentions. Especially these two." She glares at Ren and Daichi again before turning to me. "So, Hinoyama, are you ready to take charge on this trip?"
I shrug, leaning back in my chair. "Guess so. Someone has to keep things in line while we're out there."
Yui nods, satisfied. "Exactly. If you're with these two goofs, you're gonna need all the help you can get."
I laugh. "Hey! What's that supposed to mean?"
Ren just grins. "She's not wrong, though."
Anyways moving on, I rub my chin, thinking. "I've heard there are onsens (Hot springs) in Hokkaido."
Hana, looking excited, nods. "Yeah, there are a few really nice ones."
Ren leans back, folding his arms with that usual smug look. "Aah, onsens, huh? Sounds like the perfect place to get some peace... as long as it's not full of creeps."
Daichi, just raises an eyebrow at Ren. "You're the creepiest one here, Ren. Don't try to act all innocent."
Yui speaks up, arms crossed. "Let me guess, you goofs are gonna try peep in there, right?"
Ren's eyes widen in mock horror, waving his hands. "Of course not!"
Daichi follows suit. "We wouldn't do that."
Hana looks at Yui, confusion all over her face. "W-why would you even think that?"
Yui grins, "Oh, please. The moment these guys step in, they'll be looking for an excuse to peek. I mean just look at their hungry faces."
She then points at me. "And this guy, he probably won't even notice until someone's already caught on!"
Ren bursts into laughter. "Takes one to know one, huh?"
"Seriously, Yui," I say, waving her off like she's lost her mind. "I'm not that kind of guy. What do you take me for?"
Yui narrows her eyes, "You're way too loud to be innocent, Hinoyama. Guilty people always over-explain!"
"Over-explain? I'm just defending my honor here!" I jab a thumb at myself.
Hana lets out a sigh and mutters, "You're definitely not helping your case."
"Et tu, Hana?" I whirl around, feigning heartbreak.
Daichi decides to jump in, "She's not wrong, though. I wouldn't be surprised if you ended up accidentally wandering into the girls' locker room one day."
"What?! Daichi, come on, I'm not that clumsy!"
"Oh, please," Yui cuts in, crossing her arms. "You tripped over your own feet during PE last week. I'd call that very clumsy."
"That was one time!"
"Twice," Hana says casually, not even looking at me as she flips through her notes.
"Not you too, Hana!" I gasp, clutching my chest. "What is this, a conspiracy?"
Yui leans forward with a wicked grin. "Face it, Hinoyama. If anything happens, you're our prime suspect."
Ren smirks. "You'd probably try to defend yourself and dig your own grave."
"Not you too Ren!" I cry, spinning toward him.
They all really know how to gang up on me, but… well, at least it's fun.
The school bell rings, and the classroom buzzes as everyone starts packing up. After Yui's relentless teasing, I decide it's safer to just stick with Ren and Daichi on the way home.
"So, Hinoyama," Ren starts, tossing his bag over his shoulder as we step outside. "You really gonna let Yui get away with all that trash accusations earlier?"
"What am I supposed to do?" I groan, slouching as we walk. "Argue back? She's like a tornado full of rage. No one's surviving that."
"True," Daichi chimes in, pushing up his glasses. "It's a strategic battle you're destined to lose, no matter how hard you try."
Ren smirks. "Guess you'll just have to live with being the class clown. You're good at it, after all."
"Wow, love the support, guys," I mutter, adjusting my bag as we round the corner.
We continue walking, the conversation shifting from Yui's antics to random stuff—like Ren's upcoming soccer game and Daichi geeking out about some history trivia that Ren and I barely understand. But as we approach the riverbank, something catches my eye.
"Wait… isn't that Hayato?" I ask, pointing toward the familiar figure by the water.
Hayato stands in the same spot we saw him yesterday, his sword flashing under the sunlight. He's moving with precision, each swing flowing into the next like clockwork.
"Man, this guy's back at it again?" Ren says, stopping beside me. "Does he even sleep?!"
"Clearly not," Daichi replies, pushing his glasses up again. "Though I have to admit, his dedication is impressive."
"Alright, I'm gonna go say hi," I announce, already stepping off the path toward Hayato.
"What? This shit again?" Ren hisses.
"He'll probably cut you in half this time," Daichi adds, backing up like Hayato might suddenly launch a sneak attack.
"Oh, come on," I groan.
As I approach, Hayato doesn't stop. His sword continues to slice through the air with sharp precision.
"Uh, Hayato!" I call out, trying not to flinch as his blade flashes in the sunlight.
He pauses mid-swing and looks over his shoulder, his usual cool, unreadable expression in place. "You again?"
"Yeah, me again," I say, trying to sound casual. "I was just passing by and thought I'd check. You've been practicing here every day, huh?"
Hayato sheaths his sword, his gaze sharp as ever. "What's it to you?"
"Nothing! Just, you know…" I rub the back of my neck. "You're really talented, and we could really use someone like you in the Hyakuren."
Hayato sighs, turning back toward the river. "I told you before. I work alone."
"Yeah, but you don't have to!" I protest. "Think about it—joining the Hyakuren means you'd have backup. People like me who've got your back, you know?"
Ren, who's been lurking a safe distance away with Daichi, cups his hands around his mouth and shouts, "Translation: Hinoyama wants to steal your cool points for himself!"
Daichi chimes in, "Also, he really, really is scared to fight the Oscuros alone!"
"Guys, not helping!" I yell over my shoulder before turning back to Hayato. "Ignore them. What I'm saying is, you're strong, but even the strongest people need allies. Why not give it a shot?"
Hayato glances at me, his expression still unreadable. "Allies, huh?"
Ren cuts in again, louder this time. "Yeah, Hinoyama wants to be your best buddy so he can tell everyone he knows a badass swordsman!"
"Seriously, stop!" I snap, glaring at them.
Hayato's lips twitch—just the faintest hint of a smirk—but it's gone before I can be sure I saw it. "You're really persistent. I'll give you that."
"Does that mean you'll join?" I ask hopefully.
"No."
I deflate. "Why not?"
"Because," Hayato says, turning back to the river. "You don't need me." Saying that he just vanishes out of the scene in a flash.
Wha—? You don't need me? What's that supposed to mean?
Ren claps me on the shoulder as I trudge back to them. "Well, you tried. Can't say I didn't warn you."
"Yeah, A for effort, though," Daichi adds with a sympathetic nod. "Or maybe E for embarrassment."
"Thanks, guys," I mutter.
We head our homes after that.
I reach home—or well, Hyakuren HQ, as we call it—and push the door open. "I'm back!" I call out.
The second the words leave my mouth, there's a loud BOOM. Something smashes into my face, sending me flying back onto the ground. My head spins, and when I sit up, my face feels like it's been charcoal-grilled.
"Wha—what the heck was that?!" I sputter, wiping the soot off my eyes.
Standing in the doorway is a guy about my age, holding an actual bazooka. A bazooka! He's fat, wearing a different school uniform than mine, and has this ridiculously serious expression. Like, "action movie hero" serious.
He narrows his eyes at me and says in the coldest voice imaginable, "We've got intruders. I had to take action."
"Intruders?" I yell, still sitting on the ground. "I live here!"
Before I can process what's happening, Shizuka-san comes running into the room, looking alarmed. "What's going on?!"
The guy with the bazooka immediately snaps to attention. "Shizuka-sama," he says, bowing deeply. "I spotted an unknown entity entering the premises, so I neutralized the threat."
"That's not a threat!" Shizuka snaps, pointing at me. "That's Takumi-kun! He's part of our clan!"
The guy blinks at me, tilting his head. "…Really?"
"YES, REALLY!" I shout, getting to my feet. "What kind of welcome is that?!"
Shizuka-san sighs and pinches the bridge of her nose. "Yora-kun, didn't I tell you there are no intruders here? Everyone in this house are the Hyakurenshas."
The guy's expression doesn't change. "Ah. My mistake." He lowers the bazooka, but then the thing slips out of his hands and hits the floor with a loud clunk. "Oops."
I gape at him. "You're telling me this guy is one of us?"
"Yes," Shizuka-san replies, clearly exasperated. "Yora-kun just joined recently. He's… still adjusting."
He crosses his arms and tries to look cool, but the oversized bazooka at his feet isn't doing him any favors. "I am simply upholding my duty as a Hyakuren recruit. Vigilance is key to ensuring the clan's safety."
As if on cue, he bends down to pick up the bazooka and accidentally hits his head on the wall.
"Key to safety, huh?" I mutter, watching him fumble. "More like a hazard to all of us."
"Takumi-kun! Be nice," Shizuka-san says, though she's trying not to laugh. "Yora-kun might be… clumsy, but he's got potential."
"If potential means blowing up your own teammates, then yeah, he's full of it," I say, rubbing my still-smoked face.
He looks at me with a straight face. "Apologies, fellow Hyakurensha-kun. Next time, I'll aim for the legs."
"Next time?!" I shout.
"Ahem," he begins, his tone suddenly formal, like he's reading off a script. "Allow me to introduce myself, fellow Hyakurensha-kun. My name is Yora Kenzaki, seventeen years of age. I recently joined the Hyakuren to lend my expertise."
I blink at him, still wiping soot off my face. "Uh, expertise?"
"Yes," he says with a dramatic nod, clearly trying to sound like some ancient samurai. "Though I may not possess the powers of a Vorixa, I am a humble human with a keen intellect. My calling lies in the creation of tools and weaponry to aid our noble cause. This bazooka is but a small example of my ingenuity." He pats the weapon proudly, like it's his pet or something.
I freeze mid-wipe. "Wait, wait, wait. Hold on. You're a human?"
He gives me a sidelong glance, clearly annoyed that I'm questioning his greatness. "That is correct. A human. No supernatural lineage. Just pure skill and brains."
I glance at Shizuka-san, wide-eyed. "A human in the Hyakuren? Is that even allowed?"
Shizuka-san sighs and waves a hand. "Yes, Takumi-kun. We've had humans before, though it's rare. Yora-kun is… special. He creates weapons that are surprisingly effective, so we made an exception. Well, that's what Kaito-san said."
"Special, huh?" I mutter, eyeing the bazooka suspiciously. "More like explosive."
He ignores me completely, probably thinking he's too cool to address my sarcasm. "I assure you, Takumi-sama," he says, standing tall, "with my inventions and precise combat strategies, the Hyakuren's might shall be unmatched. I vow to dedicate myself fully to our clan's mission!"
And then, as if on cue, he accidentally steps on the bazooka's trigger. A faint click echoes, and I dive for cover, shouting, "NOT AGAIN!"
Shizuka-san quickly grabs the bazooka and yanks it away before anything can happen. "Alright, that's enough! Yora-kun, why don't you… go polish your weapon or something?"
Yora salutes her. "Understood! Shizuka-sama!" He picks up the bazooka—nearly dropping it again—and marches off, still trying to look cool.
I slump onto the couch with a groan. "Shizuka-san, where do you even find these people?"
She smiles faintly. "Sometimes, they find us."