Koharu’s voice echoed in his mind.
“At each gate, make sure to give a capsule to each captain. I’ve included all the details inside—the mission, the attire. No need for expnation. Remember… anything concerning the Kegare or the Shingan takes top priority.”
It had been a week and a half since their arrival at the Ichimōnban.
A solid foundation in resonance made the styles easier to learn. Yumi and Watari excelled. Ren, Ryuko, and Akira weren’t far behind. Even Kaito—who had struggled at first—was finally starting to get the tempo of shifting Tamashkii flow between styles.
Everyone had grown.
But Watari couldn’t shake the feeling.
That uneasiness.
That something was coming.
And then—
The air rippled.
He recognized it immediately.
Something’s coming.
No. Someone.
The ripple deepened, folding space like mist being pulled through a slit.
And from it—
Ayase stepped through.
“There’s been an attack.”
His voice was sharp. Final.
“We move now.”
That was all he said.
That was all he needed to say.
The squad moved immediately—no hesitation. Capsules popped. Hidden attire donned. Reibakus ready.
But as they filed into the ripple—
Watari paused.
He looked back at the training hall.
It had been quiet ever since they arrived.
Mostly empty.
Except for one.
The same person always sitting off to the side.
Not a captain.
Not a teacher.
But always watching.
Takeya Renshō stood frozen in pce. Eyes wide. Mouth slightly open.
Like he couldn’t believe what he was seeing.
The capsule.
Watari blinked.
Koharu’s words came back again.
“Give a capsule to each captain.”
Captain Hiroto hadn’t been back since the first demonstration.
Watari never got the chance.
But Takeya was here now.
And somehow… that felt right.
He turned toward him.
They locked eyes.
Watari shrugged.
“Yeah… guess you’ll just have to do.”
Takeya tilted his head, confused.
Then—Watari grabbed his hand.
“Come on. We’ve got a mission to do.”
And just like that—
They vanished into the ripple.
The Ichimōnban training hall fell silent once more.
Empty.
Waiting.
