As Yoko led Jake and his friends to her classroom, they passed through the school corridors where students, teachers, and staff stared at them with eager and curious eyes. The school buzzed with whispers and murmurs about the group. News of their upcoming fight with PROUD, scheduled for later in the evening at the school car park, had spread like wildfire. PROUD had long been notorious for their dominance and strength in Seiryu High, and this was an unprecedented event—marking the first time anyone had dared to confront Osamu and his formidable entourage head-on. Speculation ran rampant about what would happen and what the consequences would be, depending on who emerged victorious.

Carter, noticing the stares, felt uneasy and whispered to Yoko, "Yoko, it feels like everyone knows us now after that earlier confrontation with Osamu," his voice tinged with discomfort. "Is Osamu and his gang really so above the law? I know you mentioned his affiliation with the yakuza, but this is a school. Aren’t the teachers and staff supposed to be the ones in control?"

Yoko's response was tinged with a heavy heart. "They tried... The teachers banded together and attempted to keep the school in order, intervening with PROUD, trying to discipline them and send them to detention." She paused before continuing, "But outside school hours, outside school grounds, the teachers were on their own—only to be harassed by the yakuza. Law enforcement can’t provide protection 24/7."

Yoko sighed, her head hanging low. "Ever since then, the school has turned a blind eye. I fear that even if we win this fight, we’ll have to face the consequences—and the wrath of the yakuza."

Jake, however, was unfazed by the mention of the yakuza. He gave Yoko a look of reassurance, his voice filled with optimism. "We shouldn’t worry about what comes after. Let’s focus on winning this battle first," he declared confidently.

Yoko sighed deeply, knowing her words wouldn’t change Jake’s mind. "Let’s just go to my classroom," she said, guiding the group forward. She was eager for them to meet someone who could help them strategize for the upcoming battle.

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/a/a7/Kaito_Studying_in_School.png]

Arriving at Yoko's classroom, they noticed that class had not yet begun. As soon as Yoko stepped in with Jake and his friends, her classmates immediately diverted their attention to them. The rising tension was evident as they murmured among themselves about Yoko and Jake's group and their involvement in the fight with PROUD later that evening. The classmates weren't hostile, but there was an undercurrent of fear—an affiliation with Yoko's group might bring trouble their way. Still, they greeted Yoko with awkward but friendly smiles. Yoko, understanding their hesitation, held no grudge against them.

Yoko led her group deeper into the classroom, stopping in front of a student who was seated at his desk, quietly revising his textbook. The boy didn't stand out, looking like any other ordinary student in the class. He had short, sleek black hair styled neatly to frame his face, which was complemented by black-rimmed glasses that emphasized the thoughtful intensity of his black irises. Adhering to school standards, he wore the black Japanese school uniform—long-sleeve shirt with a high collar and black pants, meticulously well-fitted and maintained, reflecting his organized nature. Everything about him shouted focus and intellect.

"Kaito!" Yoko called out. The boy looked up calmly, composed and seemingly unperturbed by the fact that Yoko and Jake's group were embroiled in a fight with PROUD. His smile was warm and gentle as Yoko approached, revealing the affection and mutual respect between them.

"Yoko, I’ve already heard about the trouble you’re in with PROUD. Do you need my help dealing with them?" Kaito asked, more than willing to step in if needed.

Yoko quickly waved her hands, signaling no. "No, Kaito, I don’t want you to get involved in a physical confrontation with PROUD," she said, her gaze drifting toward Carter and Akane, whose bruises from their encounter with Osamu stirred her guilt. "I just need your help to strategize for our upcoming fight with them," Yoko added, fully confident in Kaito's strategic and analytical abilities.

In an unexpected move, Kaito didn’t wait for a formal introduction. Instead, he extended his hand toward Jake in a gesture of friendship and spoke in fluent English. "Hello! My name is Kaito Fujimori. It's a pleasure to meet you, and welcome to Japan and Seiryu High."

Kaito’s command of English impressed the group. "My name is Jake Harada, Yoko's cousin. Nice to meet you—your English is fluent," Jake replied, shaking his hand and smiling at Kaito’s linguistic skill. Unbeknownst to Jake, Kaito was already analytically sizing him up. He noted that Jake was carrying not just one weapon, but two—a baseball bat and a sheathed katana hanging at his side. With a curious glance, Kaito remarked, "Most people carry just one weapon, but I see you have two. Is there a particular reason?"

"My weapon of choice is baseball bat!" Jake said, pulling out his trusted baseball bat in front of Kaito. "The sword belongs to my dad." He hoped to divert attention away from the Sword of Flames sheathed at his side.

"I see," Kaito responded, not pressing further about Jake’s two weapons. He then turned to Carter and Akane. "I’m guessing you two had an early encounter with Osamu and got injured," Kaito observed without being told, his eyes calmly assessing their conditions.

"How did you know?" Carter blurted out, impressed, as was the rest of the group.

"There are easy tells in your body language—the way you’re fidgeting shows you’re hurt," Kaito explained, showcasing his sharp insight.

Kaito then turned his attention to Luna, whose presence intrigued him the most. "And you are?" he asked, unable to place her origins based on her appearance.

"I'm Luna. It's a pleasure to meet you," she replied, her voice carrying a mysterious air. Kaito’s gaze was drawn to her unusual weapon, pointing to her lightsaber hilt, which lacked a traditional blade. "Your weapon is quite unique. May I ask what it is?"

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/c/cd/Light_saber.png]

Upon Kaito’s inquiry about her unusual weapon, Luna responded naturally. With a flick of her wrist, she activated her lightsaber, which ignited with a soft hissing sound, casting a long, ethereal purple glow. "Oh, this? It’s a lightsaber," Luna explained. "It’s a common weapon in the future I come from," she added, unknowingly revealing her origin from another time—a secret she was supposed to keep to avoid unnecessary attention.

"Luna!" Jake exclaimed in alarm, but it was too late. She had already revealed her origin, catching both Kaito and Yoko off guard.

"Luna, what do you mean, from the future?" Yoko’s voice was filled with surprise. When Jake tried to stop her from saying more, Luna raised her hand, signaling that it was alright. She trusted Yoko and Kaito enough to believe they wouldn’t bring any trouble by knowing the truth. "Sorry for hiding this from you," Luna apologized, her expression one of genuine remorse.

"The real reason for our journey to Japan is to meet your father and learn more about the Seven Swords," Luna continued, her voice steady as she explained what sounded like an unbelievable story. "I’m here on a mission to prevent an overlord from the future from seizing these legendary swords, which would plunge my world into despair and oppression."

Yoko’s face showed astonishment, while Kaito remained calm and composed, seemingly unfazed by Luna’s claim. "The Seven Swords? The ones from the old stories? Are they actually real? And how does my dad know about them?" Yoko was full of questions, confused by what was unfolding.

"I choose to believe in Luna’s story," Kaito chimed in thoughtfully. "Like ancient myths or even beliefs like Santa Claus, these stories often have roots in reality. Over time, the narrative just changes."

Jake offered an apology to both Yoko and Kaito. "I’m sorry we kept this from you. We believed that the fewer people knew about it, the less danger we’d attract—for ourselves and for those around us."

"Now that you both know the secret, we see you as close allies!" Carter, embodying his strong sense of brotherhood, wrapped his arms around Kaito and Yoko’s shoulders, showing his affection. Both of them quickly pushed his arms away.

"It’s alright, Carter! We know you’re friendly," Kaito said with an akward laugh. "But please, save your energy for later." The group joined in the laughter at Kaito’s comment.

"Let’s start planning," Kaito said, his tone becoming serious again. "We don’t have much time before class starts." With that, he led them to a whiteboard, ready to strategize for the upcoming fight with PROUD.

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/9/9c/Intellectual_Intuition.png]

Before Kaito started to write anything on the whiteboard with the marker, he based his analysis on his memory of what he'd seen of the different members of PROUD. He applied his Intellectual Intuition to assess their combat styles and potential weaknesses, hoping to offer Jake, Yoko, Akane, Carter, and Luna the best strategic plan he could devise.

"Let’s start with Osamu," Kaito said, his tone focused. "He’s the obvious powerhouse of the group, wielding his steel pole as a weapon. He relies heavily on brute strength and intimidation. His wild and aggressive nature makes him unpredictable, often catching opponents off guard. However, his greatest flaw is his personality. When enraged, he becomes overly aggressive, letting personal vendettas cloud his judgment, making his actions more predictable and his decision-making easily anticipated."

A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/f/fb/Osamu_Uchida%2C_wielding_his_metal_pole%2C_captures_his_defiant_and_authoritative_essence..png]

He then wrote on the whiteboard: "Osamu – Strength: Dominant and Intimidating Presence, Aggressive and Unpredictable. Weakness: Predictability Due to Aggression, Susceptibility to Psychological Manipulation."

"Next is Ushio," Kaito continued. "The enforcer of PROUD. His immense physical power allows him to overpower opponents through sheer force, making his attacks devastating. However, his lack of complexity in combat and his direct, brute-force approach can catch some off guard, especially those unaccustomed to relentless pressure. But his greatest weaknesses are his lack of dexterity and strategic thinking. Plus, his muscular build requires significant energy, meaning he tires quickly in prolonged battles."

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/6/69/Ushio_Tanaka%2C_equipped_with_his_signature_dumbbell_with_his_muscular_build%2C_distinct_grey_bald_haircut%2C_and_the_intimidating_aura.png]

He jotted down: "Ushio – Strength: Exceptional Physical Strength, Simple and Direct Approach. Weakness: Lack of Speed and Agility, Limited Endurance in Prolonged Battles."

The group listened intently as Kaito moved to the remaining members of PROUD, all of whom Jake and his friends had yet to face.

"Then there's Pimiko," Kaito said, shifting his focus. "She’s not as physically strong as the others. Her main strength lies in her mind games—she’ll try to distract you and throw you off balance. Stay focused and don’t fall for her tricks." He continued, "Her slender physique gives her exceptional agility and quickness, allowing her to evade attacks and maneuver around opponents easily. She incorporates feline unpredictability into her movements, making her hard to anticipate. But," Kaito added, "her biggest weakness is her physical fragility. She lacks significant strength and durability. Plus, she relies heavily on manipulating her opponents through her façade. If you see through her tactics, it drastically reduces her effectiveness."

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/b/b0/Pimiko_Nyanko_playing_with_cats%2Cher_joyful_interaction_with_the_cats%2C_reflecting_a_moment_of_tranquility_and_happiness.png]

Kaito wrote: "Pimiko – Strength: Psychological Manipulation, Unpredictable Fighting Style. Weakness: Lower Physical Strength, Overreliance on Deception."

"Now for Daika," Kaito continued, "Her strength lies in her guarded nature, which allows her to stay focused under pressure, making her less susceptible to psychological manipulation or intimidation tactics. Her lean and toned physique enables swift movements and precise strikes, making her a challenging opponent for anyone relying on brute strength or slower attacks. However, her strength is also her weakness," he explained further. "Her reluctance to trust others can hinder teamwork. Emotional distress can impair her focus and reaction time during combat. In close-quarters combat, she could be overpowered if she can’t maintain distance."

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/1/12/Daika_Tsuyoshi_within_a_school_setting%2C_standing_confidently_in_the_school_courtyard.png]

He added to the board: "Daika – Strength: Agility and Precision, Emotional Resilience. Weakness: Emotional Isolation, Susceptibility to Emotional Distress."

Kaito then sighed deeply before addressing the final and most dangerous member of PROUD.

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/b/b2/Reiji_Haruka_in_a_classroom_setting.png]

"Lastly, we have PROUD's wildcard, Reiji," Kaito continued thoughtfully. "He thrives on chaos and unpredictability. In my opinion, he's actually the most dangerous member of PROUD—perhaps even more dangerous than Osamu." Jake and his friends were surprised to hear that someone could be more dangerous than the gang's leader, but Kaito pressed on.

"Reiji is sharp and calculating, capable of analyzing his opponents and adjusting his tactics accordingly. His strength lies in his manipulative nature—he excels at unnerving and psychologically destabilizing his opponents. Rather than brute force, Reiji focuses on incapacitating his enemies through strategy," Kaito explained. The group quickly understood why Kaito considered him such a formidable foe.

"As for his weakness, it's the strength of your unity," Kaito continued. "His lack of empathy causes him to underestimate those who fight together and for each other. He believes he can outsmart anyone, but if you stay mentally strong against his psychological tricks, his advantage will start to crumble."

On the whiteboard, Kaito wrote: "Reiji – Strength: High Intelligence and Strategic Thinking, Psychological Manipulation. Weakness: Sociopathic Tendencies, Overconfidence in Manipulation."

With all the members of PROUD written on the board, Kaito stepped back and reviewed his analysis, nodding approvingly. He had clearly outlined each member’s key strengths and weaknesses. Turning to the group, he said, "With this in mind, we can develop a strategy where each of you uses your strengths to exploit their weaknesses. We'll need to work together if we want to take them down."

Kaito continued, "Remember, this is a team fight. The match isn't over until all members of one team are down. My strategy is like a game of chess—I'm matching each of you to the opponent with the best chance of success, but some of you may have to take risks for the good of the team." He glanced at Carter and Akane, hinting that their roles might require self-sacrifice, as they were already injured.

He began the matchmaking.

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/f/f6/Carter_Brooks_Profile.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/c/c0/Versus.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/1/1f/Ushio_Tanaka_Profile.png]

"Carter," Kaito said, focusing on him. "Despite your injury, your resilience and athletic experience will serve you well against Ushio. You have the endurance to outlast him. His brute strength is his biggest asset, but it’s also his downfall. You know how to move fast and dodge—use that to your advantage. Wear him down with your agility. His straightforward attacks can be predictable."

Carter nodded confidently. "Got it. I can definitely handle that!" he replied, ready for the challenge.

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/a/a0/Akane_Miyazaki_Profile.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/c/c0/Versus.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/d/d4/Pimiko_Nyanko_Profile.png]

Kaito followed up by matching Akane against Pimiko. "Akane," he began, his tone apologetic, "I’m sorry, but I don’t expect you to win against Pimiko’s manipulative nature. However, this is the best strategy I could come up with." His words hinted at Akane’s role as a pawn in the larger plan. "I’m matching you for agility against agility. Do whatever you can to wear her down as much as possible, so it will be easier for your teammates to follow up later."

Akane nodded her head, understanding what was at stake. She didn’t mind playing the role of a pawn if it meant helping her friends win the battle.

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/6/64/Yoko_Nomura_Profile.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/c/c0/Versus.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/2/27/Daika_Tsuyoshi_Profile.png]

Kaito then turned to Yoko with a more caring expression, pairing her with Daika. "Yoko, in this fight, just be yourself and try your best. Your adherence to the Bushido code and your kindness may be your greatest strengths to unlock Daika’s heart and win this fight."

Yoko, puzzled by Kaito’s words, asked, "Kaito, what do you mean? So there’s no specific strategy for me?"

Kaito smiled gently, reassuring her, "Just be yourself in this fight, and the answer will find its way." His confidence in her was more personal, believing in her natural qualities over any detailed plan.

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/d/de/Jake_Harada_Profile.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/c/c0/Versus.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/b/b8/Osamu_Uchida_Profile.png]

"As for you, Jake," Kaito said, turning to him, "I think you’ve already guessed it—it’s going to be a rematch between you and Osamu." Kaito continued, "Even if we tried to match you with someone else, Osamu would come for you because of his personality. It’s best not to pair you with another member of PROUD. Stick to your game plan—adapt, counter his dominance, and wear him down with strategy. His aggression won’t last if you keep using your intelligence in combat."

Jake nodded confidently. "Roger that! Looks like it's round two between me and him!"

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/f/f3/Luna_Estrella_Profile.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/c/c0/Versus.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/b/bc/Reiji_Haruka_Profile.png]

Kaito then addressed Luna. "Luna, if Reiji is the wildcard of PROUD, you’re the keystone of our team. It’ll be unpredictability against the unknown. I trust you’ve got skills and moves that are futuristic and technological, which I hope can disrupt Reiji’s momentum and help you win."

"I’ll do whatever it takes for the team!" Luna replied, resolute.

Jake, concerned for Luna, stepped in. "Luna, are you sure you want to be in this fight? It’s not your battle, and you can still back out."

Luna gave him a reassuring smile. "Jake, you and your friends have done so much for me already. I want to do something for you all, too. Don’t worry—I’ll be fine!"

Kaito concluded, "Coordination and communication will be crucial. Support each other and adapt as the battle unfolds. Remember, our strength lies not only in our individual abilities but in our unity as a team. If we play to our strengths and remain adaptable, we can overcome the odds stacked against us by PROUD."

With the strategy now in place, the group felt a renewed sense of confidence. Each member understood their role and the importance of their contributions to the collective effort. They were no longer isolated fighters but a cohesive unit, each part integral to the success of the whole.

The group gave a collective thanks to Kaito. "Thank you, Kaito. Your strategic insights may help us turn the tide," Yoko said, her expression softened with gratitude as she acknowledged Kaito's vital contribution.

With their plan set, they prepared to confront PROUD in the school carpark later that evening, knowing the battle ahead would test their teamwork and resilience.