Yura sits outside the school building on a bench. She pulls out a yogurt and quietly eats it, her expression calm but unreadable. As she stares ahead, her mind drifts back to what happened yesterday… Himiko… and Doro…
She remembers Doro, still just a kid, gone too early. A tear slowly forms in her eye. He was innocent. He didn't even know he was cursed. He was just a child who wanted to be noticed… to be accepted. She remembers how he once told her he had a brother, but he didn't even know his name.
Yura lowers her gaze to the ground. Even though she has become stronger… she still feels weak. Himiko was right, her weakness is her past.
The trauma still lingers. The moment she found out her own parents killed Doro… she still can't believe it. After that, her parents died, and Shougo took care of her. He was the one who brought her to Reikosha Academy… the one who guided her.
Because of Shougo, she survived. Because of him, she became stronger.
But sometimes… she still wishes Doro would come back. That he would walk through the gates of Reikosha Academy one day… just for her. It's been almost ten years. She waited… but nothing ever came.
Still… after everything that happened yesterday, the trauma, the rage
She won't give up.
Footsteps approach from behind.
Shougo stands there, watching her calmly.
"Yura… I know what you're thinking." His voice is quiet. "I've been worried about you since yesterday. I… couldn't stop her. I let you all fight her…" He clenches his fist slightly. "I failed to protect you. But next time, I won't. I'll make sure all of you stay safe."
Yura turns around, her eyes filled with tears. For eight years, Shougo has taken care of her, training her, protecting her whenever danger came. Even though he's calm, many students see him like a father.
Yura lowers her head, tears falling silently.
"I'm sorry… sensei… I failed… everything… I'm the worst leader of our squad…"
Shougo gently places his hand on her head, the same way he has done for years. He smiles softly.
"There's no need to apologize, Yura. I like how you handled everything… you protected them." He pauses, his eyes softening. "But I know it hurts deeply."
He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small warrior figure.
"Here… take this. Keep it with you, it'll protect you."
Yura takes the figure, holding it tightly before wiping her tears.
Shougo adjusts his gloves. "Alright… let's go inside. We have something important to talk about."
Inside the school, Room 315.
Kairo sits on his chair, looking bored, leaning back lazily. Meanwhile, Tyouro is playing around with Ishika.
"Hey, Ishika… do you like Maru? You two seem pretty close," he teases with a grin.
Ishika blushes slightly. "N-no! I don't like him! He's just… you know… calm and quiet… unlike you."
Tyouro rolls his eyes. "You sure? We don't lie here, Ishika. Besides, Maru's type kinda matches you."
"Stop joking, Tyouro," she says, her voice turning cold.
Tyouro freezes. "Uh… sorry…"
Kimimaru is sleeping quietly on his desk, his breathing steady. Ishika glances at him, her expression softening for a moment.
Suddenly, the door opens.
Shougo enters, with Yura behind him.
"Alright, everyone," Shougo says calmly. "Starting today, I'll give you a task. It's pretty simple… but it'll help you grow faster if you do it right."
Kairo smirks and quickly stands up. "I want to!"
Shougo pauses, then smiles awkwardly. "Sure… your first task is…"
He stops for a moment.
"Travel to Grimreach and find a man wearing a black cloak. He has dark blue eyes, a good hairstyle, and a symbol called 'Chõko Throne.' Bring him here, but don't hurt him. Lady Chõko needs him. If he tries to fight back, just convince him."
Tyouro's face lights up. "I'm in!"
Ishika glances at Kimimaru, who is now awake. He speaks calmly, "I'm in."
"I'm in too, sensei!" Kairo adds.
The room goes quiet for a second as everyone looks at Ishika.
"She probably likes Maru but won't admit it," Tyouro whispers.
Shougo nods. "Alright. Get ready by tomorrow."
He raises his hand slightly.
"But there are rules."
"Number one, don't act dumb. Stay calm and act like you're not looking for him."
"Number two, trap him from behind, not from the front."
"Number three, don't hurt him. Don't fight him. Convince him using your mind."
"Number four, don't act friendly, and don't tell him Lady Chõko is looking for him."
He pauses, the room completely silent.
"And number five… you all need to plan."
He lowers his hand.
"That's all. Now go to your bedrooms and get some rest."
Kairo leans closer to Tyouro and whispers, "This is why I like this school… free bedrooms." Tyouro roll his eyes.