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“Are we all ready?”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-5nJdptkp4

You blow a whistle as the bus doors open, carolling all of your class off. “Are we all looking presentable? Rini, unroll those sleeves! Kosuke, where’s your tie?”

Kosuke shrugs. “I think I left it on the doorknob to my dorm.”

Some snickering from the students, as you poke Kosuke on the shoulder. “Come on! You’re supposed to be the class president! You have to look presentable!”

It’s been over a month and a half since the secret of Dakugeto was unveiled to the public, and the people of Japan… heck, the people of the world can’t get enough of these living breathing superheroes protecting their society. And so, it’s only good sense to start making public appearances to assuage people of their fear of the unknown, while also building up good will for the school. The last few demon battles have caused a lot of damage… and the most recent is an outright international incident. Luckily, you don’t have to concern yourself with that, you’re just making a friendly charitable appearance in the city of Kingudoro.

“Don’t stress out,” Ryoji assures you, placing a hand on your shoulder. “I’m sure the middle school kids will be more impressed by our superhuman abilities and care less about our dress sense.”

“You can never be too sure...” you sigh.

The entire class speaks up in dispute. “No,” Hikaru nods. “I think we can all be completely sure on that one.”

“Yeah, it’s just obvious,” Ken replies.

“I think my dress sense could impress!” Nanami chuckles as she tilts her pirate hat.

Chihiro scoffs. “Get in line, mon petit ami!”

“I know enough French to know you can’t seriously call her petite,” Kosuke jokes. “Anyway if it bothers the great Kobashi, I’m sure someone will be willing to loan their tie with the class president.”

“You can have mine!” Akemi yells as she quickly removes her neckwear.

You eye the garish tie in question. “Akemi, why are you wearing a bright pink tie covered in cartoon octopuses to an official event?”

“They’re actual cute cartoon krakens!” she explains.

“Still… not very in regulation...” you sigh.

Kosuke shrugs as he places the tie around himself. “Too late, Kobashi. I think I look rather smart, don’t you?”

The class give a polite golf clap and nod along. “I’ve lost this round, haven’t I?” you sigh.

“Didn’t stand a chance,” Ryoji smirks. “Oh, here come the kouhais.”

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A second bus pulls up, as the crew from Class 1 make their way out onto courtyard before you.

“Ah, so what is there to eat in Kingudoro?” Sae asks.

“For business reasons, I’m obliged to say the Little Kettle breakfast diner,” Mio points out.

Kazuma sighs. “I always figured that place seemed shady, now I know why.”

“Hey, it’s great value!” Mio pats him on the back with enthusiasm. “Plus you’ll be supporting your dear old friend!”

“We have a great chain of Camelot Burger,” Kiriko suggests.

“Burgers, I’m listening...” Sae nods along.

“But the knight mascot they have out front is kinda obnoxious,” she continues. “Knowing you, you’d end up decking the poor guy.”

Hanako mumbles. “I don’t have a problem with Ser Hamselot of Picklesby...”

“I don’t like to support big restaurant chains, considering where all that money goes...” the voice of Kazuma’s middle school friend Konami speaks as she steps off the bus, accompanied by Akio’s old girlfriend Michiko.

Wait, Konami and Michiko?!

“Gah!” Kazuma jumps in shock. “What are you two doing here?!”

You storm up, wagging your finger. “That’s right! How did you two sneak aboard? Did you sneak in the trunk? Hide in someone’s bag with expert contortionist skill-”

“We just took our seats,” Konami points out.

“What?!”

Michiko gives a triumphant laugh. “I noticed that unless I exclaim my presence, none of you notice me at all! I now have access to everywhere!”

“You shouldn’t be triumphant about something so sad...” Makoto points out with a look of sympathy.

“I’m just here to enjoy the city,” Konami explains. “Michiko’s still on her conspiracy kick, though.”

Michiko dramatically points to Hikaru. “How does it feel having your arch love rival investigating the dark secrets of your school?”

“Who are you?” Hikaru asks, before turning and walking away.
“I… uhh… hey, I was taunting you!” Michiko yells, before a rogue stream from the fountain flies through the air and the cold water runs down the back of Michiko’s shirt. “GAH! I know you did that!”

“Find somewhere nice for lunch,” you tell the underclassmen. “Because it’s straight to the sports festival afterwards. We want to get back to Dakugeto at a reasonable hour.”

This should be fun… the Chikara middle school of Kingudoro, the same school that Hoshi, Kazuma and Kiriko attended before coming to Dakugeto, has asked that you take part as special guests In their sports day events. A sort of novelty exhibition, to wow the kids with the difference between their top students and any of the awakened. You wonder is this will help motivate the students of the school or inadvertently crush their spirits… you’ve been assured that it’s likely just a fun exercise, and not to look too much into it.

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“How come you aren’t taking part in any of the games?” Rei asks you. “Crushing middle-school kids is easy. This is a chance to settle our rivalry once and for all!”

“I’m working as the spokesperson for the academy,” you explain. “I don’t have time to take part.”

“Sounds like you’re trying to duck me!” Rei exclaims.

“I will be interested in faring against the elite of my class….” Mayu gives a respectful nod. “Kazuma, Makoto, Amaya, Roka-”

“I won’t be going,” Roka explains.

“Huh?” Kaz asks. “Why not?”

“Yeah, why not?” Kiriko piles on. “You didn’t tell me about this?”

You nod. “That’s right. Roka has been tasked with another matter. One which he and the staff agreed would be private.”

“Now I have to know!” Kiriko yells. “Is that why the bag you’re carrying is so huge?”

“I won’t say,” Roka says.

Alice gasps. “What if he’s an assassin?”

“Your imagination has been running wild since we watched those crime movies...” Risa sighs. “I doubt Roka is… well, now that I think about it...”

“If anyone in our class is an assassin...” Ninsei’s eyes dart to Roka, as does the rest of the class.

Mai looks shocked and stunned. “Oh, say it isn’t so, Roka!”

“I’m not an assassin, you dumbasses!” Roka yells. “I’m just doing a… job. Nothing important. Shut up.”

Takeshi chuckles. “Ha! That’s Dakugeto for you, kids! We can’t let you past our shadowy smoke screen and let you in on all our many secrets… our secretive secrets...”

“You don’t know either, do you?” Chuichi asks.

Takeshi places his hands on his hips. “Not at all!”

As Roka heads off in the opposite direction, Kiriko pauses to herself. “Yeah… definitely snooping on him.”

“No you’re not, you have a festival to attend!” you reprimand her.

Kiriko shrugs and teleports away. “Hey!” you yell. “Don’t poof out of conversation, young lady! You’ll get detention for this!”

As she disappears, you turn to the rest of the class. “Okay, let’s get moving… Kosuke, what are you wearing?”

You look to Kosuke, who has now adorned bright purple sequenced sunglasses. “Forgot my contacts, and Nanami was happy to lend me these. Pretty sharp, huh? I think the glitter of the glasses brings out the smiley face on the octopi.”

This is classic from the delinquents of the class. Trying to get under your skin while you have work to do…

>Kosuke, you are the class president. Please act like it.
>The plural is octopuses, octopi is a misconception.
>Ha, funny… but can you please take this a little seriously for once?

>>3845076
>>Kosuke, you are the class president. Please act like it.

>>3845076
>>The plural is octopuses, octopi is a misconception.
>Kosuke, you are the class president. Please act like it.
Someone needs to get to work in shooping that stuff onto Kosuke's image

>>3845073
>Michiko dramatically points to Hikaru. “How does it feel having your arch love rival investigating the dark secrets of your school?”
>“Who are you?” Hikaru asks, before turning and walking away.
Damn

>>Kosuke, you are the class president. Please act like it.
>>The plural is octopuses, octopi is a misconception.

Calling for
>Kosuke, you are the class president. Please act like it.

Writing now.

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>Kosuke, you are the class president. Please act like it.

"Hey, I promised that as long as I was class president I would never do anything!" Kosuke points out. "You're a Kobashi, you respect honour! Surely you wouldn't force your friend to go against his vows, would you?"

You sigh. "Kosuke, I'm serious. People... are in awe of us. And there's a fear there. We don't want to come across as strange outsiders to them."

Kosuke rolls his eyes. "Yeah, and looking stern and serious at a fun sports day is the key to not scaring people."

"You think Sak can scare anyone?" Rini chuckles. "She'd have to start being taller than five feet for that!"

"Hey!" you pout. "I can be scary! I can summon a dragon!"

Ryoji shrugs. "Yeah but your pyjamas still have goldfish on them."

"Goldfish are cute!" you protest, poking Ryoji on the arm. "Now, let's get going. Hanako-san, you come too. You're also a class president."

"Ah, then she'll need the standard class president sunglasses," Kosuke jokes. "Nanami?"

"Coming right up!" Nanami exclaims as she reaches into her bag.

Hanako mumbles. "Uhh... thank you? Yes, thank you!"

"Now, let's strut into business."

"I don't trust myself to strut..." Hanako points out.

You let out a sigh. "He's determined to drive me insane today..."

Ryoji smirks. "I'm eager to see who breaks first."

"It'll be me!" you yell. Even you know that Kosuke's laid back resolve is unbreakable.

As you all make your way into the school, you're greeted by the principal, along with the mayor of the city and-

"F-f-f-f-f-father?!" Hoshi exclaims as she spots her dad among the welcoming committee. "What are you doing here?"

"As an important figure, I can't pass up a meeting like this," her father replies. "How are you? How is Reiji?"

Hoshi blushes. "We're both fine... Reiji was, uhh..."

"I don't seem to see him among your party," her father points out.

"He was mobbed by fans at the fountain..." Hoshi sighs. "I didn't know he was that popular..."

You walk through the halls of the Chikara school, as Ryoji scratches the back of his head. "That reminds me, we'll probably be hounded by fanboys and fangirls as well. Not looking forward to that..."

"Don't you enjoy being seen as a hero? Celebrated for all your hard work?" you ask.

"Sak, I'm not the kind of guy who wants to live the celebrity life. You're the same, I'm sure."

It's true, your grandfather raised you to never use vanity as a motivation for your actions, and the ideas of bright lights and red carpets terrify you.

>Yeah, but I do think it's okay to be celebrated for a job well done. We deserve some credit, don't we?
>You're right, but let's try to be polite at least. I know it can be tiresome, but we could brighten a young kid's day!
>Now that you mention it... oh no Ryoji, my palms are starting to sweat at the thought of it...

>>3845131
>>You're right, but let's try to be polite at least. I know it can be tiresome, but we could brighten a young kid's day!

>>3845131
>Now that you mention it... oh no Ryoji, my palms are starting to sweat at the thought of it...
KNEES WEAK ARMS ARE HEAVY

>>3845131
>>You're right, but let's try to be polite at least. I know it can be tiresome, but we could brighten a young kid's day!
Wholesome.

Calling for
>You're right, but let's try to be polite at least. I know it can be tiresome, but we could brighten a young kid's day!

Writing now.

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>You're right, but let's try to be polite at least. I know it can be tiresome, but we could brighten a young kid's day!

Ryoji shakes his head. "You could be right, but I don't really see it, Sak."

"Why not?"

"Well, I think you could. You've got an inspiring air about you," he explains. "But I don't think anyone could have their day brightened by someone like me. Who's happy to see a master delinquent?"

"Wait, is that the Master Delinquent?!" a voice calls out from down the hall.

You turn your head to see a bright-eyed girl with light brown hair staring back at both of you, before instantly jogging up towards all of you, despite her redhead friend's protests.

"Eri you loser, what are you doing?" her friend shouts. "Ugh, classic Inoki. She's such an embarrassment."

The girl rushes up to the two of you and gives a salute, her face red with nervousness. "RemembermeremembermeRyochanit'smeEriwemetat-"

"Slow down, Kid..." Ryoji stick his pinkie in his ear, cleaning it out. "You're just like Sak's whistle right now."

The girl, Eri, gasps. "Aaaaand the Young Dragon, Saki Kobashi?! Oh, this is mondo cool!"

"Mondo Cool?" Ryoji mutters. "Wait, I remember you. We met in Hariuddo, you bugged me and Ken for an autograph."

"Yep, that's me!" she salutes. "Eri Inoki, Dakugeto's number one fan, at your service!"

You smile. "Oh, how cute! It's a pleasure to meet you."

"A pleasure?" Eri's eyes brighten even more, before spinning her head back to her friend. "You hear that Kairi? Saki Kobashi think's I'm a pleasure to meet! Isn't that Awesomeful?"

"I'm not associated with her!" the friend calls back.

You smile and pat Eri on the shoulder. "It's nice to meet a fan, but we must be getting on with this festival. Perhaps I'll see you during the events?"

"W-wait!" Eri calls out as you and Ryoji turn around. "Not to bother you, but do you think... umm..."

"Yes?"

"I... well..." she mumbles. "Never mind."

"She's going to ask if you think she could go to that school of yours!" her friend calls out.

"Y-yeah!" Eri exclaims. "That!"

Well... that's not for you or anyone else to decide. If she has the ability to be awakened, then of course she's able... but if not, there's zero hope. But... that practical answer may not be the hopeful one... and her eyes are so bright.

>Of course! I'll look forward to seeing you as a freshmen in a few months!
>Well, it's all dependent on if you have the awakening potential. It's a matter of genetics... but here's hoping you have it!
>Dakugeto isn't as fun as it sounds. It's a very dangerous task.

>>3845213
>Dakugeto isn't as fun as it sounds. It's a very dangerous task.

>>3845213
>Dakugeto isn't as fun as it sounds. It's a very dangerous task.
Time to deploy our 1000 yard Nam stare

>>3845213
>>Of course! I'll look forward to seeing you as a freshmen in a few months!
Brighten days, people, jeez.

>>3845213
>Of course! I'll look forward to seeing you as a freshmen in a few months!

>>3845222
They can have a brighter day when a demon kindly walks them into the light.

>>3845213
>Dakugeto isn't as fun as it sounds. It's a very dangerous task.
I'd imagine Ryoji'd be all fun and games until someone actually tried to join given he's had his ex and a friend already killed and the fact that dying possessed by an Archdemon means a literal eternity of suffering. Doubt he'd actively encourage someone to join without pointing it out.

>>3845234
This is Saki. She literally just said she wanted to lift people's spirits.

Calling for
>Dakugeto isn't as fun as it sounds. It's a very dangerous task.

Writing now.

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>Dakugeto isn't as fun as it sounds. It's a very dangerous task.

You want to give a positive answer, but you've been raised to never be a liar. You feel the need to give a rational and reasonable warning. "Oh, I guess you're right!" Eri clunks her head like she's knocking on a piece of wood. "I hadn't thought of that!"

"Of course," you reply. "I've made the best friends of my life there, but what we do is no vacation. I don't want to set anyone up for an unpleasant surprise. It can get scary, tiring, and immensely stressful. But if you're the kind of person to thrives in those conditions, then maybe you get along nicely there!"

Eri pauses, thinking it over, before pumping her fists. "Alright! I promise, I'll be ready for all comers. After I graduate, I'll see you both in Dakugeto as my senpais. I know it!"

"You know it, huh?" Ryoji smirks.

"I sure do! I'm gonna practice to the five millionth degree!"

You and Ryoji turn around as he speaks to you. "A diplomatic answer, Sak..." he notes. "Sounds like something I would have said."

"That's not true!" you reply. "You would have included many more swear words!"

"Fair..." Ryoji laughs to himself. "I almost expected you to give the vague non-answer like a true school loyalist."

"Cut it out," you reply. "Not all of my morals line up with the school. Just... practically all of them."

You and Ryoji are lead out to the athletic courtyard of this large middle school. "It's almost as big as Dakugeto's..." Ryoji point out. "Maybe even bigger. Cities are so damn foreign to me."

"Hoshi's father pools a lot of money into this school," you explain. "Granted, I think most of those investments were to ensure his investments in Dark Gate weren't suspicious."

You are lead to seat in the viewing area as you spot the students getting ready for the exhibitions ahead. You sit by Akihito-sensei as he looks through a brochure. "All of these facilities..." he mutters. "Granted, I was home-schooled in the mountains, but this affluence is intimidating."

"Whoa teach, are we agreeing on something?" Ryoji asks.

"Surely not," Akihito fires back.

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"Isamu, are you drooling over people in gym gear?" Chihiro asks. "This is a new low of perversion, even for you! How scandalous!"

"Chihiro Toriyama, you may be a beautiful dove of spring, but I can't allow you to besmirch my good name!" Isamu explains. "I'm simply lusting after my own beloved Princess, Miss Arisato."

"More than usual," Hikaru notes. "And that's saying something."

Isamu turns his head back. "Well she rarely wears shorts that show off her cute poster-I mean... uhh..."

Speak of the devil, Rei comes dashing over to the stands. Isamu jolts upright, looking to her. "Ah, Miss Arisato! Best of luck in your contest!"

"Yeah, yeah..." Rei cracks her knuckles. "It's hardly a contest though... unless Kobashi is willing to stop being a chicken?"

"I can't," you reply. "You're supposed to exhibit your speed compared to the normal human, not to me."

Rei sighs. "Yeah, whatever... but trust me I'm going to make you look like a fool, Kobashi!"

>I'm certain. Have fun, Rei!
>Okay, if you quit complaining... I promise we can face off when we get back to the academy.
>Rei, why are you so obsessed with beating me?

>>3845301
>>I'm certain. Have fun, Rei!

>>3845301
>>I'm certain. Have fun, Rei!

>>3845301
>I'm certain. Have fun, Rei!

>inb4 Rei trips and the normies end up beating her

Calling for
>I'm certain. Have fun, Rei!

Writing now.

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>I'm certain. Have fun, Rei!

"No!" Rei pouts. "Don't give me the have fun treatment!"

"But I want you to have fun!" you point out.

"I don't want you to want me to have fun!" Rei protests. "I want you to feel challenged and intimidated by my presence!"

"Oh... too bad, sorry."

Rei grumbles, as Chuichi from Class 1 leans forward from his own chair. "If it makes you feel better, you intimidate me."

"Are you asking for a boot up the ass?" Rei asks.

"Yeah, that's why..." Chuichi chuckles, before turning to you. "So what's with the great big rival game, old niece of mine?"

"Niece?" Ryoji raises an eyebrow.

You're confused yourself for a moment, before you realise. "Oh right, Wei is technically your legal guardian, isn't he?"

"Yeah, but the old man sure didn't raise me any," Chuichi points out. "He was basically just a faceless cash machine that kept me alive until I came here. My adoptive dad has probably said all of two words to me ever... and they were probably both insults."

"Sounds like Wei," Ryoji smirks. "Take solace, Kouhai. You ain't the worst from Saki's family, not by a long shot."

Chuichi laughs. "Wow, competition must be fierce!"

Ryoji chuckles. "I like this one. Are you one of Kaz's?"

"He's not our dad," Chuichi points out. "But yeah, we're buddies."

"You think liking you will annoy him and make him jealous?" Ryoji asks.

"No, it won't!" Kazuma protests off in the distance.

Ryoji leans back. "Him listening in makes that a yes. Welcome aboard, string cheese."

"Is that nickname set in stone, or...?" Chuichi trails off. "Anyway, I guess we're technically related by law, Saki-senpai. But I don't remember ever speaking to you."

>Maybe we should. You goof off in class often, don't you? Maybe you need a positive voice in your life.
>Well we might not know each-other... but if you want a family, the door is open for you.
>That's a shame. I'll try to convince Wei to spend more time with you.

>>3845355
>>Well we might not know each-other... but if you want a family, the door is open for you.

>>3845355
>Maybe we should. You goof off in class often, don't you? Maybe you need a positive voice in your life.
Be nice to your Uncle Saki.

>>3845355
>Maybe we should. You goof off in class often, don't you? Maybe you need a positive voice in your life.
Dinner at the Shida's is going to be awkward, Saki has a 15 year old Uncle and a 80 year old daughter.

Calling for
>Maybe we should. You goof off in class often, don't you? Maybe you need a positive voice in your life.

Writing now.

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>Maybe we should. You goof off in class often, don't you? Maybe you need a positive voice in your life.

"Oh boy, I regret mentioning..." Chuichi rolls his eyes.

"I mean it!" you wag your finger. "Your class are falling behind what we did in our first year... in grades, at least."

"Well, we had you, Hikaru, Satomi, Reiji, Sayeka and Hoshi to really bring up the class average," Akio points out.

Akemi nods proudly. "Yep! When Akihito saw my first test scores, he made a photocopy just to burn it!"

Chuichi shakes his head. "Can I get the family without the lectures?"

Ryoji scoffs. "Yeah, welcome to every family, kid."

"Those are the regular students?" Seishiro points to the kids swarming the field. "What a bunch of chumps!"

"Easy for you to say," Hikaru replies. "You're saying you weren't a 'chump' in middle school?"

Seishiro scoffs. "No way, my old man would never allow that!"

"Excuse me?"

"I mean... y'know, I wasn't a dork!" Seishiro remarks.

Kazuma leans forward as he spots one of the kids. "Hey, I know him!"

You look to Kazuma. "Oh yes, you went to this school, didn't you?"

Kazuma nods as he points to the redhaired kid in a tracksuit surrounded by some adoring female classmates. "Yeah... that's him all right. He looks a little different from a year ago, but his name's Kento Kushida. He was in the same manga and otaku club as me... uhh, I mean... we were in some cooler club together."

"I've heard enough," Ryoji smirks as he ruffles Kazuma's hair.

"Yeah, but he seems different..." Kazuma mutters.

"Oh, Kimura-chan?" the voice of Eri calls out as she pops out from under one of the chairs. "Hey, I sneaked in! Mondo cool, right?"

"Who is this?" Kazuma asks.

"Big fan," Eri explains. "Kushida-chan? Yeah, he used to eat lunch with us at the super cool kids table!"

"So the nerds?" Seishiro asks.

Eri nods. "Yep! But over the last couple months he's gotten into super duper good shape, and he became one of the more popular kids around! I think it went to his head a little, though... which is lametastic!"

"What language is she speaking?" Hikaru asks.

>He's in for a humbling experience. He's doing the 200m against Rei next.
>The last few months? Any reason for the sudden change?
>Good for him! Physical self-improvement is admirable... minus the ego.

>>3845446
>>He's in for a humbling experience. He's doing the 200m against Rei next.

>>3845446
>Good for him! Physical self-improvement is admirable... minus the ego.
Dark Gate Academy: "If we can't murder our own kids then we'll murder yours"

>>3845446
>>Good for him! Physical self-improvement is admirable... minus the ego.
Lets see how he fares against Rei

>>3845446
>>Good for him! Physical self-improvement is admirable... minus the ego.

>>3845446
>Good for him! Physical self-improvement is admirable... minus the ego.
Yes...admirable...

Calling for
>Good for him! Physical self-improvement is admirable... minus the ego.

Will be taking a break, will return to updates later tonight!

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>Good for him! Physical self-improvement is admirable... minus the ego.

"I have to say I'm surprised," Kazuma points out as he examines the the young man. "When he was my underclassmen, he was a total lazy loser, an unmotivated waster."

You pause. "Hmm... that reminds me of someone..." you mutter as you look to Kosuke.

"Boss, please!" he jokes. "That reminds you of at least three people."

"Maybe you should take an example from that boy's book!" you exclaim, placing a hand on our hip. "You have all the talent in the world, and if you applied it you could really excel!"

Kosuke yawns. "But Saki, you're forgetting one important thing."

"What's that?"

"I don't want to," Kosuke replies. "I'm rich as hell, I have the most beautiful wife in the world, and the best friends anyone could ask for."

You huff. "Nice flattery with the friends part, but-"

"I wasn't including you in that group," Kosuke fires back.

You raise an eyebrow. "Huh?"

Kosuke throws up his hands. "Well... we aren't really friends, are we? I mean, you're a decent acquaintance, I like working with you, but we aren't pals or anything. My best friend is your fiance, and my wife and you have... something going on. But us? We're too different."

"That's true, I guess..."

Ryoji pauses in thought. "Yeah, now that I think about it, you two don't really hang out, do you? Hell, any time you're near, he's either annoying the hell out of you or you're ripping into his laziness."

"You two did come last in my most recent best friendship poll!" Akemi exclaims, as she pulls a sheet of paper from her inner pocket. "See, right here! Akemi and Isamu at number one, scroll all the way down... here! Saki and Kosuke at the very bottom. Right below Chihiro and Raiden!"

"I don't dislike Chihiro," Raiden mutters.

Chihiro gasps. "Did you hear that? Raiden may even have a crush on little old me! Oh, how about I invite you to a nice make-up session? I think you could clean up nicely-"

"That can change, however."

Kosuke shrugs, nonchalant as ever. "Listen, not all of us have got to be the best of friends. We aren't at eachothers throats despite our differences, isn't that enough?"

>I agree. As long as we're able to work together, I don't see the issue.
>It doesn't have to be. We could probably stand to get along a little better.
>Well... I kinda considered us friends...

>>3845752
>>I agree. As long as we're able to work together, I don't see the issue.
He is right, besides Akemi and Hiro you just can't be best friends with everyone, and that's fine.
Also Chihiro makes Raiden look like a Shoujo manga love interest when?

>>3845752
>>It doesn't have to be. We could probably stand to get along a little better.
>...I kinda considered us friends
I don't actually remember how to spoiler text.

>>3845752
>>I agree. As long as we're able to work together, I don't see the issue.

In regards to Saki, he's cool, but definitely not someone I could see really gelling with each other. A good workmate, but that's it. And that's perfectly fine.

>>3845752
>I agree. As long as we're able to work together, I don't see the issue.
Can't please everyone.

Including our actual family.

Calling for
>I agree. As long as we're able to work together, I don't see the issue.

Writing now.

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>I agree. As long as we're able to work together, I don't see the issue.

"So, when do you to start being able to work together?" Ryoji teases.

Kosuke leans back, placing his hands behind his head. "Good one, but I think you'll find we're a well-oiled machine. Saki does all the work, while I let her do all the work. It's a perfect system."

You cross your arms. "I have no problems with that arrangement. So you can keep us where we are on your polls, Akemi... Akemi? Hey, where did she-"

"She's already on the field," Ken points out. "With a change of costume."

You look down to see Akemi and Nanami somehow down by the field, dressed in cheerleader get-ups. "What's with the clown suits?" Rei asks as she stands next to them.

"We're gonna moralise you with our best performance yet!" Nanami exclaims, as she grabs a microphone. "Listen up, people of Kingudoro! We come from Dakugeto, but don't be scared! We're the hippest and coolest cats around! Hit it, Akemi!"

Akemi performs a somersault, and begins to beatbox into her own microphone while performing more ridiculous dance moves. You don't see the rest of her routine, as you're busy covering your face in embarrassment.

"Yo! Fighting the bad guys and following dreams, Yo! Taking out demons with cool lazer beams, yo!" Nanami begins.

Then continues for three verses, a bridge and a repeated chorus.

"... And I've come to the end of what I had to say, so long story short respect the D.G.A!"

A round of applause from the students for some reason, and a mixture of polite clapping and outright groaning from your box. Rei looks to the group and shakes her head. "Can't we get this started already?"

"Spirit of competition, I see!" the young boy Kento makes his way to Rei as they reach the starting line. "I can respect that kind of tenacity!"

"No competition here, kid..." Rei snarls. "In case you forgot I literally have super speed. I'm just here to rub it in the faces of you normals."

Kento chuckles. "Good trash talk... but I've been surprising a lot of people lately. Good luck."

Kento offers a handshake and in the spirit of sportsmanship Rei accepts it. The younger student winks and Rei. "And hey, how about if I beat you, you have to take me out to lunch?"

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"Ugh," Rei scoffs. "Cocky young guys like you are the worst."

"But Rei aren't you young and cocky-" Nanami begins.

"The worst!" Rei interjects. "Not that the wager means anything, you'll be left in the dust. Doesn't matter if you can thrash your spindly middle school friends, I'm a cut above. I've fought gods, kid. GODS."

"RACERS, TAKE YOUR PLACES!"

Rei hunkers down at the starting line, glaring ahead. Even in a simple exhibition, she takes her form and prowess seriously.

The starting pistol goes, and Rei bursts from the starting position like a bullet... but so does Kento.

"Whoa!" Seishiro sits up, impressed. "That kid's moving faster than any normal person I've ever seen before! That's olympic level speed!"

"Not just that..." Isamu mutters with concern. "Miss Arisato is moving much slower than usual..."

Giving the kids a sporting chance? Huh, Rei showing a little humility it seems... though that Kento is certainly a cut above.

"Oh, there he goes!" Eri exclaims. "And just a few months ago, he was coming last in every race!"

"By a few months..." Ryoji mutters. "You mean since January 1st, right? Since that day..."

"Rei's falling behind!"

Your eyes widen as you see the kid overtake Rei, who seems to slow down even more, and the young middle school students crosses the line first. Rei is soon to follow, and the rest of the placements are demoralised by the monster gap between them.

The reaction for Kento's win are mixed. Many of the fellow students cheering him for his impressive win, but there's also a sense of disappoint that they didn't get to see the unusually generous Rei go all out.

Rei makes her way to the bleachers with the rest of the class, short on breath and with sweat dripping down her forehead. "It's nice how you let that boy win, but this was one of the only times you were actually encouraged to show off-"

"No," Akira interjects. "Think about it Saki. Rei would never let someone win, not even a complete charity case. And look how exhausted she is. All that from something that isn't even a quarter of her usual speed? What happened, Rei?"

"I... I don't know!" the exasperated Rei exclaims. "That... that kid. After he shook my hand I started to feel weak... like... like I was being drained or something. Dammit! Ryoji, use your demon detector!"

"Nina has a name," he points out. "And I was way ahead of you. He's clean of being a demon, at least."

"Yep!" Alice confirms. "No demonic sense for Dreamer, either!"

"Sounds like Rei's just a sore loser!" Nariko taunts.

Rei glares. "I will eat your bones, cat girl."

"J-just a joke..." Nariko grimaces.

"I'm telling you, Saki... there's something off with that kid."

You look out onto the field, to see Kento being showered with praise from his peers, receiving pats on the back and swoons in his direction. Demon or no, there's no doubt about it... there's something wrong about that kid.

Will be continuing the thread tomorrow, but expect a bonus scene soon!

'There's something wrong-'

It's called 'energy drain on contact'. He does it. He siphoned her energy so he could use it himself ala Rogue from X-Men. Clearly Awakened with a perk. Scumbag, but not 'evil' or worth getting super riled up about IMO.

>>3845888
>Scumbag
>Rei uses OP speed powers to always win a race
>Kento uses OP draining powers to always win a race
Honestly there's no difference between them, they even more or less trash talk the same as well.

>>3845897
It's kinda scumbag that he didn't indicate he had powers, but for the most part I agree.

I liked that Rei got a nice serving of humble pie. Hopefully the guy doesn't turn to be too evil, just a competitive guy, like Rei.

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>Meanwhile

“Now, what could that ape possibly be up to?”

Kiriko stalks behind Roka as he makes his way through the streets of Kingudoro, his heavy and secretive bag lugged around his back. He looks as surly as ever as he crosses through the streets. Roka isn’t a city kid, not like Kiriko. His uncle is somewhat of a celebrity, but Roka himself lived the humble life to the best of her understanding… but that’s what makes this so odd. Why would he have exemption when he doesn’t even live in this city? Just what is that big ape up to now?

Kiriko’s eyes widen as Roka pulls up in front of a hospital. Now, that’s a headscratcher. Is he paying someone a visit? He never told her of any family he had in Kingudoro, and there’s zero chance that he’s visiting a friend. So… what?

Using every ninja trick in the book, Kiriko continues to tail the brute as he lumbers through the hospital halls without being spotted. Hiding behind corners, in the shadows, on the ceiling, Kiriko is determined to get her answer.

She loses her trail though, the second Roka takes the elevator. Dang it all… she’ll have to try every floor to find that secretive lugs secrets.

And find it she does on the third floor… the children’s ward.

“Don’t forget kids!” that all too familiar frame exclaims in a full costume of the Red Mask. So that’s what he was carrying around in that bag. “True strength?”

“Comes from within!” the sick kids call back. “Thank you, Red Mask!”

“The heck?!” Kiriko exclaims, as the Red Mask helmet turns to see her poking her head in the doorway.

The voice under the helmet chuckles. “Just a moment, children! Red Mask has some… paperwork to fill! Never forget the importance of administrative duties on a functional society! Haha!”

As he enters the hallway, Roka pulls off the mask and lets out a sigh. “Go ahead, fly. Hit me with all your dumb jokes, get it over with.”

“Ape, I’m disappointed,” she sighs. “With all the cloak and daggery, I expected something juicy! This is just the norm!”

Roka grunts. “Yeah well you can go to-wait, really?”

“Yeah!” Kiriko replies. “Acting like you’re Red Mask is like… Tuesday for you.”

“Hey, you’ve never seen me pretend to be Red Mask!” Roka fires back. “You’re confused with all those times the real Red Mask saved-”

“Yeah, yeah,” Kiriko waves him off. “I’ve heard that jazz before, but...”

Kiriko peers through the door crack into the ward. “Those kids are real sick, huh?”

“Yeah, they are.”

“And you...” Kiriko pauses. “Huh… I’m pleasantly surprised.”

“Yeah, well, I got work to do,” Roka shoos her. “Go be surprised somewhere else.”

As Roka begins to put on the helmet, Kiriko speaks up. “Need any help?”

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Roka pauses, before nodding. “Yeah, actually. I’ve got a costume of Pink Mask on the side. You think you could pull off the character?”

“Yeah, I think so...” Kiriko smiles. “Wait, why do you have a-”

“I’m dumb, but I know you,” Roka points out. “You were always going to be a pest and follow me.”

After spending over an hour entertaining the kids in the hospital ward, the pair grab ice cream from a nearby stall from the hospital. “I’m telling you, Camelot Burgers are top of the line!” Kiriko tells Roka, the tourist of the pair. “And after spending time in that stuffy suit, I don’t even mind the mascot. I even sympathise with him now… I’m all sweaty.”

“Same here.”

“Yeah, but you’re always sweaty.”

“I can be sweatier!” Roka protests.

“Please don’t, my nostrils are about to go on strike,” Kiriko fires back, as the two sit on a bench. “This has to be the most noble thing you’ve ever done.”

“Are you forgetting the time I took a pitchfork to the gut for you?”

“Ah, but that was Red Mask!” Kiriko smirks.

“Touche.”

“But I’m curious...” Kiriko continues. “There’s a hospital near Dakugeto. Do you do the same thing there?”

Roka nods. “Sure, of course I do.”

“Why’d you never tell me.”

“Never asked.”

Kiriko shakes her head. “Oh, you big dumb...” she sighs. “You know… since we started dating, I don’t think I’ve gotten to know you any better than before. You know my brother, my mom, my history, my favourite flavour milkshake-”

“Cookie milkshakes will give you heart problems,” Roka reminds her.

“-But… I still know next to nothing about you. Your parents, if you even have any siblings, you...”

“You never asked.”

“I know...” Kiriko mutters, a hint of guilt in her voice. “That’s my problem. I haven’t treated this relationship anywhere near as seriously as you.”

Roka shrugs. “Don’t beat yourself up. I was the one who showed interest, you’ve just been throwing me a bone.”

“When you said you loved me at parent’s day… I ran away!” Kiriko exclaims. “I ran away. I didn’t even answer you! I owe you that much, at least!”

“You don’t owe me anything,” Roka explains. “I’m just the big dumb ape who-”

“I really like,” Kiriko interjects. “I… I know I don’t show it and after that parent’s day we barely even spoke until Valentine’s...”

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Roka shakes his head. “Valentine’s… you’ll call me dumb, but can I admit something?”

“What?”

“I thought we were broken up after you ran away,” Roka mutters. “Those chocolates were me trying to win you back.”

Kiriko lets out a snort of laughter, but as Roka sighs she places a hand on her shoulder. “No! I wasn’t laughing at you! Actually… I thought the same thing. So if we’re idiots, we’re both idiots.”

“You actually wanted to-”

“I did,” Kiriko gives a small smile. “You know, when I came to this school, I figured if anything I’d end up with someone like Makoto. If you had asked me at the time, I would have said a guy like you wasn’t my type at all. And yet… you’re really winning me over. Not bad for a big lug.”

Roka nods. “Then… how about we officially get back together?”

Kiriko smirks. “Eh… I’ll think about it. At the very least, we can start with me finally getting to know you… Roka.”

“… Okay,” Roka gives a rare smile. “Shoot.”

“Why are you adamant about being a cosplay entertainer for sick kids?” Kiriko asks. “Do you just have the spirit of a performer buried deep under those layers of punching and angst?”

Roka shakes his head. “Well… you mentioned siblings...”

“You have some?”

“One,” Roka replies. “A little brother. But… it’s hard to talk about him.”

“Why?”

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BcYDO3cc2s

“He’s… like those kids,” Roka explains. “He’s sick, he’s weak, he’s rarely let out of bed… Ryusuke and I used to watch Red Mask cartoons all the time. I was a total outcast when I’d put on the costume and get harassed by jackasses… but to my little bro, I was the coolest in the world. I still remember the day he was confined to his bed… I took the news even harder than he did. He never lost his smile. When he found out he could never go anywhere on his own strength again… you know what he told me?”

“What?”

“… It’s okay, big bro. Remember in Red Mask when he lost his powers and was told he could never, ever get them back? But he got them back! And like he said… With faith in yourself and others, one goes beyond the possible! They reach infinity!”

Roka curls up his hands, pulling at his trouser leg as he fights back the tears welling in his eyes.

“That’s why… I’m dedicated to being the strongest. I want to protect the world for Ryusuke, for my mom, for my dad… but even more than that, I have to be there to inspire strength in him, to be that cool older brother he’s always looked up to.”

“Roka...” Kiriko mutters, before placing a hand on his lap. “You surprise me every day.”

“I know, it’s silly and childish to think that dressing like a hero can actually do anything but-”

“Your brother’s right,” Kiriko interrupts. “Going beyond what’s possible is what we do daily. Do… you think we could visit your brother.”

Roka wipes his eyes and gives a nod. “I hope so. Oh, but first...”

Roka stands up and cracks his neck. “We’re supposed to visit your parents first.”

“You remembered?”

“Yeah, why wouldn’t I?” Roka mutters. “I ain’t that dumb!”

Kiriko beams widely as she looks to the giant, stupid, wonderful, heroic ape, a blueberry ice cream in his hand. “They’re buried just two blocks away.”

“Should I introduce myself as your boyfriend or…?”

“Introduce yourself however you want,” Kiriko replies. “I’m not gonna stop you.”

The two share a small laugh as they begin walking in tandem. “Do you think we should get back to our class after?”

“Nah, it’s just a boring exhibition,” Roka replies. “Nothing interesting could be happening there. Let’s get a Camelot burger instead.”

“Yeah, you’re probably right.”

END OF SCENE

>>3846130
...He had a little brother?

>>3846130
AAWWWWWWWWWWW
ROKA A BIG CUTE

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"If he's changed over the last couple months..." Ryoji points out. "He must have been awakened during the attacks on the city on New Years. Either he doesn't realise what his newfound power came from or he's trying to hide it all under some guise of sudden self-improvement."

Kaz scratches his head. "Huh... I never would have expected him to have the potential to be awakened. Him and the word potential never really went hand in hand."

Kosuke smirks. "Yeah, I was always told the same. Kosuke, why aren't you working? Kosuke, you're wasting away what your parents earned! Kosuke, we're so disappointed in you!"

"That's rather sad..." Sayeka points out.

Seishiro scoffs. "Who cares if he's got powers? All he did was knock Rei down a peg, and I can get a kick out of that!"

"Wow Seishiro!" Nariko smiles. "You're not wrong for once!"

"Thanks!" Seishiro beams with pride. "I mean, hey!"

"NEXT UP IS THE LONG JUMP! COMPETITORS, TAKE YOUR PLACES!"

Kazuma nods. "Mayu is up next for this one. Even if he's got powers, there's no way Mayu can lose."

"Speed is my whole thing!" Rei yells at him before coughing. "Ow... it hurts to talk... I'm gonna take a nap..."

"Mayu's even more prideful than Rei," Kazuma points out. "She's never let that Kento guy win."

You look to the field, where Kento approaches Mayu as she does her stretches. He gives her a pat on the shoulder, but she brushes him off. "Please, do not break my focus... with all due respect."

"Whoa, a serious one!" Kento chuckles. "I was just gonna wish you luck. Maybe after, we can-"

"No."

"But how about if I win-"

"No."

"Suit yourself," he smirks, as the two get ready.

Mayu begins, taking her running start, and leaping from the white line, soaring well over the sand pit and halfway across the field. The crowd roars with excitement at her display, though you notice the exhaustion on her face. Mayu likely could clear the whole field if she wanted, but that pat on the back...

"WHAT A LEAP FOLKS! THE REP FROM DAKUGETO DEFINITELY WENT FAR BEYOND THE BOUNDS OF ANY MEASUREMENT, SO IT'S SAFE TO SAY THAT'S A NEW WORLD RECORD!"

"It's not even half her personal best..." Kaz mutters.

Kento steps up to the plate next, and explodes from behind the white line... landing several feet in front of where Mayu placed. Kento, taking home another gold medal against superhumans.

"Well that entirely confirms it," Chihiro notes. "There's frankly no way a normal human can do anything close to that. And yet... he's outclassing those of us who have had training, even beyond our awakening!"

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Mayu shuffles sadly back to the bleachers, her head hanging low. Usually a top-class fighter and student, you've been informed that recent events have dented her confidence greatly. As she sulks, Mai pats her on the back. "Forget about it, May-chan! That guy cheated anyway!"

"Not good enough..." Mayu sighs. "I should be capable of making an example of those who use underhanded tactics..."

"Hey, at least your mom isn't here!" Ukon points out. "If she saw that, you would have felt way worse!"

"Try to phrase that a little better, idiot!" Sae yells. "As for you Mayu, cool the waterworks. You can kick my ass, and that makes you tough enough in my books."

"I'm being positive!" Ukon replies. "I think! I'm not too bright!"

"I noticed!" Sae fires back.

Kento passes by the bleachers and gives a smirk. "To be honest, I expected better from the supposed super-school. I guess hard work trumps natural skill every time!"

"You aren't fooling anyone," Ryoji points out. "Well... you are. But those people are morons."

"Hi Kento!" Eri waves from the bleachers, before pointing at Kazuma. "Kaz-chan says he knew you!"

Kento shrugs. "Never heard of him."

"What?!" Kaz exclaims. "You told me I was the only one in school who gave you any respect! I loaned you my limited manga volume of Kingdoms in the Stars and you never gave it back!"

Kento pauses. "Oh, well it's always nice to meet a fan! Hey, Rei? It is Rei, right? What are you thinking for that lunch later?"

"Go to hell!"

"Looks like you Dakugeto types are a little touchy."

"Touchy..." Akio mutters to himself, before hopping up. "Alright, I'm up next! Weightlifting, now!"

"NEXT UP IT'S THE WEIGHTLIFTING CONTEST! WILL WE SEE ANOTHER UPSET?"

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Akio nods. "I request that this bright kid Kento goes first!" That request garners many cheers from the scores of Kento fans among the crowd. "He's really impressing me here today!"

"Okay, Kento will choose the starting weight!" the announcer explains.

Kento smirks as he turns to give Akio a handshake, but Akio keeps his hands behind his back. "Let's see how you do."

Kento requests a weight of 1000lbs, much to the shock of the crowd. A normal fifteen year old kid could never be strong enough to lift such an insane weight... and yet Kento with much struggle is able to raise the bar over his head. It's the most he's struggled during this entire festival, straining and sweating profusely before bringing the bar up.

As Kento pulls up the bar and receives a massive ovation, Akio steps forward and shakes his hand. "Good work, kid."

They hold onto the handshake as Kento develops a devilish grin, and Akio moves to centre stage. "Don't worry, I brought my own weights," Akio explains. "Twenty Five THOUSAND pounds!"

The crowd gasps as Akio has the weight of an armoured car in front of him. He looks to Kento, then smirks. He hunkers down, and you can see Akio's energy start to drain, but the mountain man is still able to raise up the massive weight with much straining... before throwing it at Kento.

"Akio, what the heck are you-" you begin to yell, but you are cut off by Kento grabbing the weight with one hand.

"HA, I KNEW IT!" Akio points, announcing to the crowd. "You struggled to lift a thousand pounds before you touched me, but after you shook my hand I feel weak and you can hold twenty five times that with one hand! Hey folks, your classmate here is one of us? Not only that, he's been draining our powers through touch!"

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A gasp from the crowd, as Akio confronts Kento further, clutching his chest as the exhaustion sets in further. "Some people who are awakened also recieved blessings from demidemons for extra powers, others find themselves naturally adept at other magic, but it seems you've just got a natural mutation built into your awakening. An nice trick ability... but damn do I hate it!"

"Hate it?" Kento scoffs. "What's there to hate?"

"I keeps you lazy, doesn't it?" he explains. "That weight you first lifted is nothing. Even the weakest among us can lift that. You know how hard I had to work to become as strong as I am? I lived in the mountains, I took a beating every day, I fought demons gods, my body is covered in scars-"

"So?" Kento shrugs. "The fact that I didn't have to go through all that and still reach the same result just means I'm better, right?"

"Better?!" Akio yells.

"Yeah, you heard me!" Kento swings and points at your box, calling out all the Dakugeto students. "You people were built up as the saviours of the world, and look at me being able to make fools of you all! I knew you were overrated! I'm the one people should be looking up to!"

Kaz sighs. "He was always into power fantasies but was too lazy to actually improve himself... now he's let it all go to his head."

"It's no big deal," Kosuke shrugs. "He's got a bad attitude, so what? He'll come to the school and either get whipped into shape or get eaten by a monster because he was too sure of himself."

"In fact..." Kento exclaims. "I'm calling you all out! You people were supposed to come out here and show-off to all of us, but I bet none of you can even beat me!"

The crowd of students started cheering and chanting wanting a fight, as you let out a sigh. "A duel? This was supposed to be friendly sporting."

"I could thrash him if you wanted!" Rini cracks her knuckles. "He can absorb all he wants from my fists hitting his face!"

"Definitely not that!" you exclaim. "Though it wouldn't be too bad to show a potential future dark gate student a little humility... and it seems to be what the people want."

Kento has got the crowd all wiled up with his charismatic declarations. "Less talk, more action! Is the supposed Young Dragon scaaaaaaaared?"

Akira steps forward. "Saki... Akio helped confirm that he absorbs exclusively through touch and not just proximity. In case you forgot, I have a metal arm... and I doubt he knows that. I could bypass his little trick and teach him the lesson he needs."

"Whoa, metal arm?!" Eri lets out an excited squeal. "MONDO COOL!"

"Mondo Cool indeed!" Isamu exclaims. "Go for it, Akira Nagayo!"

>Don't go crazy, we don't want to hurt the kid. Just bring him back down to earth a little.
>No Akira, I'll take care of this. I'm the leader here, after all.
>No! We won't be fighting! That's not what we're here for!

>>3847140
>>Go crazy, we do want to hurt the kid. Bring him back down to earth a little.

>>3847140
>No Akira, I'll take care of this. I'm the leader here, after all.
Really his only problem is being a fucking dick about winning, using his powers against DGA to even the field isn't really "wrong" considering they're superhuman.

>>3847140
>No Akira, I'll take care of this. I'm the leader here, after all.
Can Akira really bypass his powers? He touched Mayu's shoulders through her cloths and still absorbed her powers.

>>3847140
>>No Akira, I'll take care of this. I'm the leader here, after all.
MEGA BUST A NUT

>>3847167
You know what I am changing my vote, Saki always gets the spotlight let Akira have a moment. Also vengeance for making Rei feel sad.
>>3847140
>>Go crazy, we do want to hurt the kid. Bring him back down to earth a little.

>>3847140
>Don't go crazy, we don't want to hurt the kid. Just bring him back down to earth a little.

Calling for
>No Akira, I'll take care of this. I'm the leader here, after all.

Writing now.

>>3847140
>>Don't go crazy, we don't want to hurt the kid. Just bring him back down to earth a little.

>>3847181
Never mind, a vote was deleted. Currently sitting on a three-way tie in votes.

>>3847171
Will change to
>Don't go crazy, we don't want to hurt the kid. Just bring him back down to earth a little.

Okay, calling for
>Don't go crazy, we don't want to hurt the kid. Just bring him back down to earth a little.

Writing now.

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>Don't go crazy, we don't want to hurt the kid. Just bring him back down to earth a little.

Akira nods. "Very well. That Kento is well adept at getting under my skin..."

"He is talking a lot of trash..." Gado mutters. "I kinda want to kick his teeth in myself."

"Can I decree that he's banned from attending our school next year?" Kuin asks. "Because that's what I'm going to do!"

Akira hops down onto the field as Kento sees her approach. "Ha, they're actually accepting the challenge! Look everyone! I'm gonna show you how the Dakugeto kids are a bunch of fakes who couldn't shine my shoes! By the way, can someone shine my shoes? The long jump really scuffed them."

"You're quite annoying..." Akira mutters with a scowl, as Kento eyes her up and down, a blush appearing on his face.

"Whoa... you're tall. And cute..." he mutters, before clearing his throat. He really is just a dorky kid who hit the genetic lottery. "Ahem, how about if I win, you-"

Akira grunts. "Aren't you tired of that line? You know, I know a guy who was a big perverted loser like you, only difference is he had some redeeming qualities."

Seishiro smiles. "Aw, nice to know she thinks I have redeeming qualities!"

"That wasn't about you, genius..." Raiden sighs.

"What more redeeming qualities can I have than these?" Kento holds up his two first place medals that he has fashioned around his neck.

"A sense of self-sacrifice, humility, care for other people..." Akira begins to ask.

"It was a rhetorical question!" Kento fires back.

"No, it definitely had a clear answer," Akira nods. "Now, let's do this!"

"LOOKS LIKE WE'VE GOT A FRIENDLY SCRAP UP NEXT, FOLKS! OUR VERY OWN KENTO KUSHIDA TAKES ON A REPRESENTATIVE OF DAKUGETO... DUE TO NOT KNOWING HER NAME WE'LL JUST CALL HER BIG BLUE!"

"Do not call me that!" Akira protests at the loud speaker, leaving an opening for Kento to lunge forward and grab at her. She places her left arm forward, as he grabs tight.

Kento smirks. "Heh, I've got you... your arm feels weird... very hard. Is that what a muscular woman feels like?"

"No, you creep!" Akira yells before booting him back by the chest and raising her sleeve. "I've got my shield against your little tricks right here!"

"A metal arm?" Kento's eyes widen in shock.

You notice the young Eri collapsing as she watches the proceedings, hearts in her eyes. "T-too cool... I can't handle it..."

"A nice block, but I'm sure I'll find my way through it!" Kento explains. "You got any more tricks up your sleeve?"

"Yes, literally..." Akira notes as she looks to her arm.

>Attack Kento with a Rocket Punch
>Launch fireworks around to distract him, then sucker punch him.
>Grapple him to the ground and make him give up, that should humiliate him.

>>3847208
>Launch fireworks around to distract him, then sucker punch him.

>>3847208
>>Launch fireworks around to distract him, then sucker punch him.

>>3847208
>Attack Kento with a Rocket Punch
TACTICAL ESPIONAGE OPERATIONS

>>3847208
>>Launch fireworks around to distract him, then sucker punch him.
Wanted the rocket punch but that should be the big finish.

Also
>humility
Oh I was thinking she was talking about Isamu but that's definetely not him.

>>3847208
>>Launch fireworks around to distract him, then sucker punch him.

Calling for
>Launch fireworks around to distract him, then sucker punch him.

Roll 1d100, BO3.

Rolled 40 (1d100)

>>3847244

Rolled 59 (1d100)

>>3847244

Rolled 45 (1d100)

>>3847244

Rolled 41 (1d100)

>>3847244

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>59

Akira holds out her mechanic arm as cartridges open in the hunk of steel. Fireworks fly out from the arm, a staple of Akemi's inventions, and fly around Kento and light up the field. In the distracting display, Akira springs into action, running behind the cocky youngster and going for a strong, debilitating strike to the back of his head. Her fist comes closer and closer, before Kento spins around, grabbing the metal arm by the wrist and pulling Akira closer, and placing his free hand on her cheek. "Direct contact!" Kento exclaims with glee. "I've won this one!"

"D-damn it..." Akira mutters, as you see her knees buckle under her. She begins to collapse from sudden exhaustion, as Kento delivers a quick strike to the back of the neck that takes her down. "Y-you little..."

As Akira is laid out, Kento places his foot on her chest in a show of disrespect and starts flexing his biceps to the crowd, like he just slayed a giant. "It was pretty obvious!" Kento explains his working. "No way they would use actual explosives in a friendly contest. I knew it had to be a distraction!"

The crowd goes wild as your bury your face in your hands. "He's so obnoxious..." you mutter. "Kuin, I might take you up on that offer to ban him from the school."

Kento places his hands on his hips and lets out a proud laugh. "Is there anyone among you who can event stand to me?"

"I guess not," Kosuke leans back and rolls his eyes. "All hope is lost, we should just call it a day, go home and sleep."

"Kosuke, don't be silly!" you yell.

"Yeah!" Alice exclaims. "You don't need to go home to sleep!"

"He's making us look like idiots..." Akio mutters, clutching his chest.

"You okay?" Hikaru asks him.

Akio shakes his head. "Just the exhaustion from the drain, babe. I just need a lie down... but I won't let him hurt our pride like this!"

You have to admit, as much as you want to be a professional... the pride in the Kobashi bloodline runs strong. Wei raised you to never take insults to your ability so handily, and with all of this kid's bragging and cheating, you can't help but feel the need to humble him.

"Who cares?" Kosuke shrugs. "The sooner this is done with, the better, I say."

"Sounds like we have our next volunteer!" Ken exclaims.

"Huh?" Kosuke furrows his brow.

"If you want this over and done with, how's about you head out there and kick his ass?" Ryoji asks.

Kosuke looks to Rini, who gives a casual shrug, before he scoffs. "Good one. Expecting me to actually do something."

>Yes, we are. Go on, Kosuke! Break a leg!
>As if he would do anything. I'll put an end to this myself.

>>3847320
>>Yes, we are. Go on, Kosuke! Break a leg!
Go on, Mr. President.

>>3847320
>>Yes, we are. Go on, Kosuke! Break a leg!

>>3847320
>Yes, we are. Go on, Kosuke! Break a leg!
So this is when we find out Kosuke has Saitama tier levels of stamina isn't it?

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>>3847320
>>Yes, we are. Go on, Kosuke! Break a leg!
>Kento's face when Kosuke is so exhausted draining him just makes his own body weaker

>>3847320
>Yes, we are. Go on, Kosuke! Break a leg!
Oh never expected this to end as a Kosuke episode, makes sense since they are up against a boy who doesn't care about hard work.

Also
>and with all of this kid's bragging and cheating, you can't help but feel the need to humble him.
Rude coming from the guys who specifically went there to brag and make normalfags look like weak losers.

>>3847342
>Rude coming from the guys who specifically went there to brag and make normalfags look like weak losers.
I'll buckle if Kento sweeps everyone

Calling for
>Yes, we are. Go on, Kosuke! Break a leg!

Busy at the moment, will be writing soon.

>>3847320
kosuke doing something
>disgonnabegud.jpeg

I can't believe Kosuke is actually doing something

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>Yes, we are. Go on, Kosuke! Break a leg!

"Ah, come on..." Kosuke grumbles. "This was supposed to be an easy day..."

Rini groans. "Well then, I guess you don't mind being a total passive loser."

Kosuke shakes his head. "Hey, you encourage the laziness!"

"With a limit!" Rini fires back. "Remember when we were kids, Kosuke? I was the poorest kid in that damn school, and despite you living in a damn mansion... whenever anyone would talk trash about me or try to bother me, you would roll up your sleeves and jump into action."

"Then get my ass kicked," Kosuke remarks. "I remember."

Rini nods, as she crosses her arms. "Point is, you are chill and relaxed almost all the time, but when it came down to it, you'd never turn away from sticking up for me. You sayin' you wouldn't do the same for your friends?"

"Well, I..." Kosuke pauses, looking around to see the expectant faces of his class staring back at him. "Y'know, with Rini it's different, and... Well..."

Kosuke sighs. "Alright, screw it. Let's get this over with."

Kosuke hops onto the field and begins to approach Kento, hands rooted firmly in his pockets. "Ha, what's this?" Kento laughs. "I thought the Young Dragon would be coming my way! Maybe she is just a big chicken after all!"

"Nah," Kosuke shrugs. "I'm just the weakest guy in the entire class. I'm completely unassuming, I've never won a fight in my life, I hate training, I hate conflict, I hate even doing the slightest amount of effort."

"What's your point."

"My point is I'm gonna beat you, kid."

Kento smirks. "Alright then, let's do it!"

Kento lunges forward with a devious grin on his face.

Kosuke, meanwhile, doesn't bother to move.

Kento grabs Kosuke's arm and grips tightly. "You idiot! You gave it away all too easy! You're already out... huh, I don't feel any stronger."

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Kosuke nods. "Yeah, keep draining. You aren't gonna get anything out of it."

Kento pulls away, shocked and confused. "Huh?"

After he pulls away, Kento eats a fist from Kosuke that sends him flying through the air before being layed out on the ground.

A cheer from the crowd rises up, as Kosuke returns his hands to his pocket and walks back to your group.

"No way..." Hikaru mutters.

Satomi shakes her head. "Simply illogical! You cannot possibly be so lazy that he nothing to drain!"

Kosuke shrugs. "Nah, it's slightly more complex than that. I noticed that he only waited until his victim was stretching or preparing before making contact with them. I figured that meant a certain level of activity is required from the victim to open themselves up to the drain. For a class of geniuses, I can't believe it was me who figured it out."

You smile with pride. "It's like I said," you explain. "You have all that potential, and if you apply yourself-"

"But I didn't," Kosuke points out. "I didn't apply myself, that's what solved our problems."

"Oh... yeah, I guess that's right..." you mutter. "Good job, anyway."

"You set me up to it."

>You'd do anything for your friends, right?
>We do work well together... friends or not.
>Perhaps I've found the secret to you actually working in class!

>>3847755
>>Perhaps I've found the secret to you actually working in class!

>>3847755
>>You'd do anything for your friends, right?
FUCK YEAHHHHHHHHH
LOOK AT THIS COOL FUCKING GUY
YEEEEEEEE

>>3847755
>You'd do anything for your friends, right?\
A shame Saki isn't his friend.

>>3847755
>>We do work well together... friends or not.

Like vinegar and oil.

>>3847755
>We do work well together... friends or not.

>Kosuke BTFO Rei, Mayu, Akio and Akira in a single punch
Kosuke is now the most powerful person in Class 2

>>3847755
>We do work well together... friends or not.
Good thing that Kento was indirectly insulting Ryoji and Rini, otherwise Kento would've sweeped everyone.

Calling for
>We do work well together... friends or not.

Writing now.

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>We do work well together... friends or not.

Kosuke nods. "Yeah, I guess you could say we are good... workplace acquaintances."

"Indeed," you nod back with a smile. "Thanks, Kosuke."

"And you did it all still wearing those ridiculous glasses and tie," Ryoji points out.

Rini smirks. "This is definitely in the top three moments I've been most attracted to you."

What an unexpected day this has been. Kento was such a surprising figure... but overall you have to say this was rather fun. It's good to have a conflict for once that doesn't end in major bodily harm, outside of a few damaged prides.

"I could totally get him if we went for round two!" Rei protests, shadowboxing the air as you leave the school grounds. "No more sneaky tricks!"

"Your chest okay?" Hikaru asks Akio. "You looked really pained. I was getting worried."

"Heh, don't worry about me babe!" Akio chuckles. "It's been so long that I felt weak, it really took it out of me!"

As you reach the buses, you see Kiriko and Roka approaches, walking casually. "Detention for you, Maita-san!" you tell Kiriko.

"You don't have that authority!" she fires back.

"One day I will!"

"Where were you two, anyway?" Chuichi asks.

Roka shakes his head. "Secret."

"Ooh, boyfriend and girlfriend on a romantic rendevous!" Chihiro swoons.

Kiriko shrugs. "Actually, we're not boyfriend and girlfriend anymore."

"MUSIC TO MY EARS!" An overly-excited Kazuma exclaims. "I just knew he would screw it up and-"

"But we're not not that either," she continues.

"Make up your mind, sis!" Kazuma protests.

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"Look, it's complicated!" Kiriko explains. "For now, we're just taking it slow and easy and seeing where things go. So... just consider me and Roka very good friends who might go on the odd date here and there."

"That's just a messy way of saying you're still dating!" Kaz protests. "Don't get me excited that you made a good life decision before sweeping out the rug!"

As the siblings bicker, you see Kento being corralled to the bus by Eri, who keeps poking him in the back as he shuffles forward. "Uhh..." he mutters, before bowing before you. "I have to ask your forgiveness... I just want to say sorry. You really showed me for letting power go to my head."

"And what else?" Kaz asks.

"... And I'll return your damn manga, Kaz!" Kento replies. "It sucked anyway!"

Kaz stamps his foot. "Hey, it gets better in volume 2!"

Kento turns to Akira and Rei. "Oh, and... you can forget about that dinner date, Arisato."

"I already have," Rei points out. "We never agreed on that wager."

Kento nods. "Okay good, because... I'm in love with your friend."

Akira blinks, staring blankly at the boy. "Excuse me?"

"I've never been more smitten!" Kento explains. "I've had a ton of admirers over the last while, but none of them had your spunk! Your grit! Your awesome metal arm like out of a shonen manga. I hope that when I attend that school, we can meet again, and with time I can convince you... to crush my head between your thighs."

Akira turns bright red, a mix of embarrassment and seething anger. "He's a complete pervert..." she mutters, snapping the pocky stick that was in her mouth in half.

Chuichi places a finger to his chin, pondering. "Whoa, she didn't kill him! Hey Sae, Mio... would that line really wo-"

"NO!" both girls yell in unison.

"So I shouldn't ask either of you to-"

"Will you kick him or should I?" Mio asks.

"Why just one of us?"

You turn to Kento. "So... you are interested in attending Dakugeto?"

"He'd better be!" Eri exclaims. "A awetastic power like his can't be wasted anywhere else!"

"She's right..." Kento replies. "That is, if you all would be willing to have me?"

>Indeed... see you in April, Kento.
>You will need to seriously work on your attitude, first.
>That's not for me to decide. If you're dedicated, you'll be there.

>>3847828
>>That's not for me to decide. If you're dedicated, you'll be there.
C O O L L I N E

>>3847828
>>That's not for me to decide. If you're dedicated, you'll be there.
Fuck ye, ya little shit.

>>3847828
>That's not for me to decide. If you're dedicated, you'll be there.
Based Kento, got his priorities straight

>>3847828
>Indeed... see you in April, Kento.
I must have walked into the wrong thread, you mean we actually had a trip that didn't involve us killing a local?

>>3847828
>Indeed... see you in April, Kento.
>>3847852
I know it's nice not having to kill any new character that appears.
I just hope he keeps the attitude, a jerk who has the heart of a jerk, but still on the side of the good guys.

Calling for
>That's not for me to decide. If you're dedicated, you'll be there.

Writing now.

Rolled 62 (1d100)

>to crush my head between your thighs
What a guy

Rolling to see how effective the line was on Akira

Rolled 64 (1d100)

>>3847895
Weak.

Rolled 60 (1d100)

>>3847935

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>That's not for me to decide. If you're dedicated, you'll be there.

"And dedicated I will be," Kento gives a determined nod. "I will see you in a couple months... Kobashi-senpai."

"You too, Kento..." you smile, then turn to Eri. "Hopefully both of you."

Eri gives a salute as you pile onto the bus.

"What a day!" Akemi yawns. "Can't we order a hotel and see all the city sights?"

"There'll be time for a city trip some other day," you assure her.

"That's a promise, no take backsies!"

"Sure, sure..." you mutter. As you sit at the front of the bus, your thoughts turn to those kids. It won't be long... a new wave of students will be joining the academy, and you'll be the senior at the very top of the chain. You dreamed of something like that since you were a freshman... yet it's only now you understand the gravity of that responsibility. The danger of Dark Gate, the threat of the worst happening at any time... now that you've seen their faces, heard their words... does it feel real.

"Ryoji..." you mutter to your fiance as he sits next to you. "I want to keep them safe."

You don't have to specify who. Ryoji understands perfectly what you're referring to. "You were think that too, huh?" you gives a small laugh. "Then Saki... let's keep them safe."

You arrive back at the academy as the sun is beginning to set. The bus of the underclassmen pull up shortly before you. "How was your trip?" you ask Makoto as the other head of class.

"Interesting..." he remarks. "I was in a texting session with Chihiro, but all the single students played spin the bottle."

"On a moving bus?" you raise an eyebrow.

"The ultimate in unpredictability!" Mai exclaims. "It was a great team-building opportunity! Gado had to kiss Konami. Michiko had to kiss Ukon! Kiriko had to kiss Roka!"

"Aren't they a couple anyway?"

Makoto shrugs. "They said it was complicated but they landed on each-other anyway."

"And both Sae and Mio had to kiss Chuichi!"

Mio raises her hand. "I just gave him a peck on the cheek, nothing more."

"Sae didn't..." Ukon snickers.

Sae turns bright red. "I didn't know the rules! If you could wimp out, I would have!"

Chuichi comes off the bus, his face glowing bright red as he dusts off his hands. "Yep, all in all it was a great day!"

A smattering of laughter is quickly interrupted by Maro making his way towards you. "Saki, Ryoji... emergency."

Uh oh, that's not good.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGFZHBK2lTs

You and Ryoji are quickly hurried to White's office. You open the door to see White sitting opposite Daisuke's father. "Yamada? What are you doing back..." you begin, but then you notice it. The ticking numbers floating above his head, reading "00:05:00".

"What the hell is that?" Ryoji asks.

Blue shakes his head. "Oh, so they can see them too?"

"Only the awakened can see them," White points out, as Yamada turns to the doorway and rises from his chair.

"Ryoji..." he mutters. "You made it just in time. Five minutes to spare, I believed I wouldn't get a chance to see you before I went."

"Went?" Ryoji asks. "Went where?"

Yamada sighs. "When this timer runs out in just a few minutes... I will die."

"No!" Ryoji outbursts. "Like hell you are! Be serious!"

"I am," Yamada replies. "And I suggest you don't get worked up. There's nothing you can do about it. My all seeing eye confirmed it's irreversible, and I allowed myself to come to terms with that."

Ryoji pushes forward. "Shut up, Yamada! You can't be-"

"I don't have much time, so listen!" Yamada explains. "This was done to me by another Archdemon host. He said his name was Tori Taguchi, the brother of some man named Settan."

"Settan?" you gasp.

Yamada nods. "I figured you knew him. Ryoji... first I want to thank you. After meeting you, you granted me a new fulfilling purpose in life... no matter how short I got to live that purpose out. I can die satisfied, as an honest man. Secondly... this man is the most terrifying presence I've ever come across. His ability... it's Death incarnate. I suggest you kill him, and soon."

"Kill death?"

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Yamada smiles. "If anyone can do it, it's you. Shida, I trust you to follow up... and avenge me against that bastard."

Yamada looks up to his ticking clock, and closes his eyes as it reaches his final minute. "Farewell, Ryoji. You and your friends. Now..."

The man seems completely at peace with himself, as he hunkers down to his knees and clasps his hands together in a sign of prayer. "Daisuke, my son... daddy will finally get to see you again..."

Tears stream from his eyes, as the clock hits the fatal sign.

00:00:00

In an instant, Yamada's body begins to flake and fade away. Within the second, the man is gone...

"No!" Ryoji yells. "No, dammit! Not another death!"

"Ryoji, calm down!" White commands, but Ryoji isn't one to listen to authority. He punches the wall of the office and grimaces to himself. "Dammit Yamada... you were a good man."

You place a hand on Ryoji's shoulder. "Let's carry out his wishes... a demon on the loose with the power of death. We have to stop him as soon as we can."

You look to Ryoji... but he's frozen. His eyes wide, and his body trembling. You've seen Ryoji in a vulnerable state before. You've seen him at his angriest, at his saddest, his most desperate, his most heartbroken, and yet...

"The power of death..." he mutters. "S-Saki... I'm sorry. Stopping death? I... I can't."

You've never seen Ryoji Shida this afraid.

END OF EPISODE 32

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>Ending Theme
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKp4jWoixHs

>Archive
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Dark%20Gate%20Academy

>Twitter
https://twitter.com/bookerman32

>Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/BookerMan

>Discord
https://discord.gg/yz7sDra

Thanks for playing! New thread will be coming in the near future! Follow the Twitter for any updates!

>Player Question
Finally entering a portion of Season 3 that I'm very excited about. What do you think will happen going forward? And what where your thoughts on the character interactions this thread, as well as the not-so-villainous antagonist?

>>3847972
>PQ
Ryoji is gonna get death touched and a last second save is gonna happen. Kento is a man of culture.

>>3847972
>PQ
I just want to see Stranger already aaaaaa
Also if we're doing more of these character recruitments it will be pretty fun.

>>3847972
Thanks for running Booker

>PQ
Kento is a gentleman of fine taste, honestly if he wasn't a dick about winning the competitions he'd be in the right the whole thread.

And I fully expect Ryoji to be KILLER QUEEN'D only for Nina to BITE ZA DUSTO for him.

Again.

>>3847972
>>Player Question
Ryoji being in mortal danger (not really) for the first time. Also Kenta was a pretty interesting character specially because he "beat" some of the most prideful students, looking forward to him becoming a regular member when he starts attending DGA.

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>Bonus Scene

“Tsk, tsk...”

You stand in the gymnasium, as Act throws a kendo stick to the floor, a disappointed look on her face.

“I-I think they’ve been doing pretty well...” a meek and terrified Miss Hirashi suggests.

“Well? WELL?!” Act snaps, glaring at her with her remaining eye. “They were shown up by a normal boy!”

“Well, we weren’t directly shown up...” Chuichi points out.

Ukon nods. “Yeah, the only one of us who was beaten was Mayu!”

Mayu continues to hang her head low in shame, as she has since she arrived. She’s been afraid to look her own mother in the eye since coming up short at the festival.

“You idiot, get some sense!” Kiriko slaps Ukon across the head. "Don't spout off the first thing that comes to your head!"

"Sorry!" Ukon cringes. "I just blurt things out! I have a weak filter!"

"And I have a weak class!" Act exclaims.

Atasuke flicks his hair as he remains flippant. “Quite frankly, I see no issue. The lovely miss Nakatoni put on a gallant display-”

“My precious girl deserves better than runner up!” Act yells. “Don’t coddle and stiffle my Mayu!”

“Mother… I promise to do better next time.”

Act smiles as Mayu gives a bow. “I know you will, my dear. How can you avenge your father if you ain’t the best?”

An uncomfortable silence fills the class on the comment. Mayu remains still, her face without emotion. You know how much that comment affected her, though.

“We were taken by surprise,” you point out. “It’s no big deal. We’ve been doing stellar work as a class so far.”

“But not the best?”

“We’re freshmen-”

“But not for long!” Act points out. “If this school is to improve, you should be aiming to surpass your superiors, to go beyond them at a younger age!”

Act takes a swig from her flask and lets out a dramatic sigh as she places her hand to her forehead. “Oh… it’s my own fault. I ran you kids ragged without properly pushing you to your limits… but...”

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Act shines a devilish smirk. “Maybe…”

“Guys, I do not like a single thing that has been said so far,” Chuichi mutters.

“I hate agreeing with you,” Sae replies. “But me neither.”

Ninsei sighs. “Alright, spit it out. What’s your big solution? 24 hour training? Work us until we collapse?”

Hirashi gasps. “Alright, I would never allow anything like that to happen to you guys!”

Act scoffs. “Pft, like you could stop me.”

“What?!”

“But that’s not it...” Act explains. “I’ve got a much better idea. Some of you are complete write-offs, I’ll admit. Good for support roles and maybe a distracting hunk of meat for one of the alpha’s to make use of.”

“I don’t like where this is going...” Risa sighs.

“Some of you though… have some real, true potential,” Act explains. “And so… three days from now! I will be holding a tournament among the top 16 in class!”

“A tournament?!” Makoto exclaims. “H-hey, we shouldn’t be training by fighting each-other! I don’t want to combat my friends-”

“And you’ll learn more from a punching bag than you would an awakened warrior?” Act points out. “This is how you will ascend beyond your limits! And as added motivation...”

Act smirks. “Whichever student wins becomes my true and only apprentice.”

An apprentice to Act? Well, that’s a mixed bag. She’s absolutely insane and drunk on both vengeance and poorly hidden stores of alcohol… yet she’s the strongest active fighter in the world bar the principal himself. The amount of knowledge and experience an apprenticeship under her could bestow…

“Sounds pretty exciting, right Mayu?” You ask. “Mayu?”

Mayu finally raises her head, and slowly turns it towards you. “Kazuma… give me your everything. I must win this.”

Well, Act certainly knows how to drive up the spirit of competition at least…

END OF SCENE