Ryuu was serious about the upcoming Inter-Division Battles, only three days away.
Today, after a full three months of rigorous training, Ryuu, Shigeru, and Akiko were finally heading back to the training area.
It had been three months since he last saw Ryoko, Seichii, and Masumi, and he could hardly wait to see them again.
His heart raced with both excitement and nerves, mirrored in his friends.
As they walked, Shigeru glanced over at him.
"Aramiya-kun, today we'll return to the training area.
Remember, this competition will be the gateway you need to clear if you want to uncover the mysteries within you."
Shigeru placed a reassuring hand on Ryuu's shoulder. Ryuu listened intently, his determination unwavering.
"Master, I'll make you and Akiko-san proud. I won't let all your hard work over these three months go to waste."
Shigeru shook his head with a smile.
"You've got it all wrong! We only pointed the way. The one who did the hard work… was you."
Akiko's eyes sparkled with pride.
"Exactly, Ryuu-kun! We just set the course—you're the one who followed it."
She sighed dramatically, glancing around at the endless trees.
"Now, can we finally go back? I'm tired of living out here in the forest!"
Ryuu and Shigeru burst into laughter, watching her switch from seriousness to her usual playful self.
"What's so funny?"
She demanded, puffing her cheeks in a mock pout.
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"Nothing,"
Shigeru replied with a smirk,
"just admiring how cute and innocent my wife can be."
Akiko's cheeks reddened, and she huffed, turning and marching ahead of them.
Shigeru and Ryuu followed, both smiling as they trailed behind her.
.
.
.
The sun was setting as they reached the training area, casting a soft, amber glow over the surroundings.
Shigeru patted Ryuu on the back.
"Aramiya-kun, the chief has summoned Akiko and me. Go ahead to your dorm and get some rest. You've earned it after a long journey."
Ryuu nodded gratefully, watching his mentors head off to the command office.
His whole body felt heavy with fatigue.
"Finally… a proper bed after three months," he murmured with relief.
As he walked towards his dorm, a familiar figure caught his eye.
Under a nearby tree, someone sat quietly, gazing out at the setting sun. His heart skipped a beat.
(Is that… Ryoko-san?)
He approached quietly, aiming to surprise her.
"Ryoko-san! What are you staring at?"
Startled, Ryoko looked over her shoulder, her eyes widening slightly before she composed herself and looked back at the horizon.
"Oh, Ryuu-kun, I was just looking at the su—"
But before she could finish, her eyes widened as if seeing him for the first time. She turned and rushed toward him, taking both of his hands in hers.
"Ryuu-kun! It's really you! When did you return? Why didn't you tell me?"
Her voice trembled with joy, and he could see tears shimmering in her eyes.
She'd been waiting here, her mind always on him, and the realization made his chest ache.
"Ryoko-san, calm down,"
He said gently, giving her hands a reassuring squeeze.
"I'm sorry I didn't let you and Seichii know—I was just so focused on getting back."
A soft, relieved smile broke through her tears.
"Let's go to the dorms, Ryuu-kun. You must be exhausted after traveling all day."
Ryuu let out a weary sigh, rolling his shoulders.
"Master insisted we walk back to 'build endurance.' My legs are practically falling off."
Ryoko laughed lightly as they walked, but he noticed her expression had turned thoughtful. When did he come up behind me without me noticing?
Eventually, they arrived at Ryoko's room. Ryuu offered a small wave.
"See you tomorrow, Ryoko-san. Rest well."
"Good night, Ryuu-kun,"
She said softly, watching him turn toward his dorm.
But as she reached for her door handle, the door swung open, and Seichii stepped out. Ryoko and Ryuu both froze, staring at Seichii in shock.
A sudden chill filled the air around them, and Ryoko's eyes narrowed, her voice low and icy.
"Seichii-kun… what were you doing in my room?"...