After the battle…
The arena still buzzes with echoes of the chaos, but the victory bell rings clearly—Music Strikers win the first round.
?? Recovery Area – Backstage Tent
Angel lies on a medical bed, wrapped in bandages, sipping juice through a straw with puffed cheeks.
Angel:
“I got one-shot into the damn crowd… I think I flew through time…”
Yosuke:
“Honestly? That’s kinda impressive.”
?? Rei and Makoto’s Corner
Rei is wiping away tears while clinging to Makoto in a dramatic bro-hug.
Rei:
“I… chose you over paradise, bro. Do you understand that?!”
Makoto (sighs):
“I understand too much. Get off me.”
?? Sockoo’s Mini-Lecture Circle
Sockoo, arms crossed, glaring.
Sockoo:
“Okay, what did we learn today?”
Hajime (grumbling):
“That I was right?”
Sockoo:
“No. That you talk too much.”
Daka (nodding):
“I’ll give her that.”
Hajime:
“Okay, okay. Next time we use stronger match-ups early, but rotate unpredictably—I said that like twelve times—”
Rizra (flicking his forehead):
“And yet you’re on the sidelines.”
?? Emily’s Moment
Everyone slowly turns to Emily, who’s staring at her hands.
Amy:
“…Emily, what was that magic?”
Emily (nervous):
“I… don’t know. It felt like something else inside me took over.”
Yu (leaning forward):
“That was world magic. Not many people can use that. Only a few in history ever awakened to it.”
Emily (shaken):
“…Then why me?”
Hajime (serious now):
“Maybe we’ll find out. But whatever that was, it wasn’t normal. You might be more important than you think.”
?? Final Note – Tournament Board Updates
The scoreboard updates with a loud DING—Music Strikers advance to Round Two.
Just as they’re relaxing, they hear loud footsteps and a familiar voice.
Alexandra Sakura (Team Felix) walks in, smirking and clapping.
Alex:
“Well well well, you guys actually won. Color me impressed.”
Her eyes lock onto Hajime again and she winks.
Alex:
“Especially you, ponytail. Still mysterious… still dreamy.”
Hajime (sputtering):
“…Rage on…”
Sockoo (groans):
“Here we go again…”
Next Round Approaches.
New enemies. New secrets.
And Emily’s World Magic might just draw the attention of something darker lurking behind the scenes…
As Hajime and Sockoo sit in the high seats of the arena's viewing platform, the wind brushing softly around them, their eyes scan the massive display boards highlighting the victors and advancing teams. Their eyes settle on the strongest standouts—each name glowing ominously on the screen.
?? Team Felix
? Leader: Jessica Hamamoto
? Star Member: Alexandra Sakura
Sockoo (muttering):
“…I didn’t expect Jessica to be the leader. Isn’t she your little sister?”
Hajime (sighs):
“Yeah… She used to call me ‘big bro’ all the time. Still can’t believe she’s strong enough to lead a team.”
On the arena screen, Jessica is seen bursting into the air, wings of fire-angelic magic sprouting as she knocks out three opponents with one wide flaming arc.
Sockoo (dryly):
“...You sure she’s little?”
Hajime (pouting):
“She used to follow me around with sparkly eyes… Now she’s turning people into chicken nuggets.”
?? Team End
? Leader: Akashi the Dominator
? Reputation: Fan favorite
On-screen, Akashi doesn’t speak. He walks slowly through attacks, his raw presence making opponents freeze. With one swipe of his hand, he disintegrates someone’s summoned beast into smoke.
Hajime (narrowing eyes):
“That guy… he’s dangerous. Way too composed. No wasted movement.”
Sockoo:
“They say he’s undefeated in underground circuits. He doesn’t even show up in official records—he just exists and wins.”
Hajime:
“He’s either got some kind of divine pact… or he’s hiding something.”
?? Team Nova
? Mysterious Member: Sei
? Traits: Gray hair, a white half-mask, and unsettling silence
Sei simply watches battles unfold and only acts when necessary—yet when he does, it’s terrifyingly efficient. He phases through attacks like mist, then strikes with pinpoint accuracy using a warped energy blade.
Hajime (tensing):
“…That guy. Why does he look so familiar?”
Sockoo (watching Hajime carefully):
“You recognize him?”
Hajime (serious):
“…No. But my body does. My instincts went cold just looking at him.”
?? Team Red Crush
? Star: Renji Nebula – Nonranker
? Known For: Sheer raw strength and charisma
On the arena field, Renji walks toward a hulking beast-summoner with his hands in his pockets. He headbutts the summoned golem, shattering its entire upper body with one impact, then stretches and yawns.
Fans go wild.
Renji (grinning into a camera):
“Oops. Did I overdo it again? My bad.”
Sockoo (wide-eyed):
“...He’s a monster.”
Hajime:
“A nonranker being that strong? Either he’s been hiding for years or someone’s suppressing his real identity.”
?? Final Thoughts
Sockoo (crossing her arms):
“We’re surrounded by monsters. This is going to get real… real fast.”
Hajime (smirking):
“Heh. Good. Let’s see if they can handle our monsters.”
The camera lingers on the two as they stare at the board—each opponent burning into memory.
Jessica. Akashi. Sei. Renji.
Four different storms.
And soon… they’ll all clash.
Hajime tilts his head, staring at the tournament board with narrowed eyes as Renji Nebula’s name flashes across the screen again.
Hajime:
“…Hey, Sockoo. What even is a Nonranker?”
Sockoo immediately turns to him, her expression flat and unimpressed.
Sockoo:
“You were acting like you knew five minutes ago…”
Hajime (looking away, fake coughing):
“Uh… I was testing you. Totally.”
Sockoo (sighing):
“Rage on, Hajime…”
She crosses her arms and explains patiently:
Sockoo:
“Nonrankers are people who don’t show up on official rankings. But that doesn’t mean they’re weak—in fact, they’re usually terrifyingly strong. They just don’t compete in tournaments, or don’t bother with government evaluations.”
Hajime (raising an eyebrow):
“So like… ghosts who can crush people?”
Sockoo (nodding):
“Exactly. People know about them because they’ve done insane things. Even if they’re not officially ranked, their names spread. There’s a whole sub-class called ‘Nonrankers’—the world recognizes them for their power alone.”
She points toward Renji on the board again.
Sockoo:
“Renji Nebula’s one of the strongest Nonrankers. He’s never fought in a ranked match, but if he’s stronger than your grandfather—Ray, who is ranked number one—then Renji would be considered Nonranker Number One. But to take Ray’s official rank… he’d have to fight him in an official match.”
Hajime (thinking):
“So… power doesn’t equal placement. It’s about participation too.”
Sockoo:
“Exactly. Rankings show who’s in the game. Nonrankers? They’re the ones standing outside it… but could dominate it if they stepped in.”
Hajime (smirking):
“…Cool. Guess we’re not the only wildcards then.”
Sockoo (grinning slightly):
“Not even close.”
They both stare back at the screen—where the tournament will only grow more dangerous from here.
Hajime furrows his brows, eyes glued to the profile list Sockoo just pulled up on her device. His voice drops an octave, tinged with nervousness:
Hajime:
“So… what rank is Renji?”
Sockoo paused, pointing to the screen.
Sockoo:
“Renji is number 8.”
Hajime’s face tightened, a hint of worry creeping in.
Hajime:
“Number 8? Damn… Who’s even the top three then?”
Sockoo smiled slightly, reading off the list.
Sockoo:
“Number 1 is Seryun Baekho — the Ice Queen. She’s Korean, and her personality is literally ice cold.”
Hajime:
“Ice Queen, huh? Sounds intimidating.”
Sockoo:
“Definitely. Number 2 is Liora, the Chaotic Demon. She’s from Dracolia — the island of dragons — and is known as the destroyer of hell. She’s crazy and obsessed with chaos.”
Hajime’s eyes widened with recognition.
Hajime:
“Dracolia… the island of dragons, right?”
Sockoo nodded.
Sockoo:
“Exactly. And number 3 is Draker, the Lord of Dimensions. He’s chill and cool but insanely adaptable and skillful with his dimension magic. Also from Dracolia.”
Hajime:
“He sounds like a cool guy.”
Sockoo smirked.
Sockoo:
“Yeah, but don’t let that fool you. He’s no joke.”
Hajime chuckled nervously but nodded, mentally preparing himself for the tough competition ahead.
Hajime’s eyes lingered on Renji’s name and rank a moment longer. Then he let out a low whistle.
Hajime:
“Number 8, huh... That means Renji’s no joke. If he’s ranked that high among Nonrankers, he’s gotta be seriously strong.”
Sockoo nodded, her expression turning serious.
Sockoo:
“Exactly. Don’t underestimate him. He might not have a rank yet, but he’s definitely someone to watch out for.”
Hajime clenched his fists, a determined gleam lighting up his eyes.
Hajime:
“Well, guess we better bring our A-game. No way we’re letting guys like Renji and those top three run circles around us.”
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Sockoo stood up, stretching lightly as she glanced around at everyone.
Sockoo:
“Alright, we’ve seen what we’re up against. Let’s get some rest for today. Tomorrow’s going to be intense, and we need to be ready.”
Hajime nodded, still feeling the weight of what they’d just learned.
Hajime:
“Yeah… no point in pushing ourselves now. Let’s rest up and come back stronger.”
Everyone started to disperse, their minds buzzing with anticipation and the pressure of the battles ahead.
Hajime groaned as his eyes fluttered open, still foggy from sleep. Before he could even fully register where he was, a sharp poke jabbed at his side.
Daka:
“Hey, Hajime! Wakey wakey! We figured out who we’re fighting next round!”
Hajime barely cracked an eye, his voice thick with sleep and irritation.
Hajime:
“Daka… seriously? Can’t you see I’m trying to sleep? This isn’t exactly a five-star hotel, you know.”
Daka grinned, unfazed by Hajime’s mood.
Daka:
“Yeah, but this is important! You’ve gotta know! I mean, you’re the ace here; we need your brainpower on this.”
Hajime sat up slowly, rubbing his temples, and his tired glare turned sharper. He swung his leg out and—THWACK—kicked Daka hard enough to send him stumbling backward through the doorframe and almost into the next room.
Hajime:
“Daka! Knock it off! I don’t care about who we’re fighting right now! I’m still tired, and I want to sleep! Not strategize or fight some invisible monster!”
Daka stumbled, catching himself, but smiled sheepishly.
Daka:
“Oof, okay, okay! Got it, sleeping beauty. But you better wake up soon—we’re gonna need all hands on deck.”
Hajime lay back down with a sigh, pulling the blanket over his head.
Hajime:
“Yeah, yeah… just leave me alone for five more minutes.”
Daka’s voice faded from the hallway.
Daka:
“Five minutes? That’s what you said ten minutes ago.”
Hajime groaned, eyes squeezed shut, and drifted back toward sleep, muttering under his breath.
Hajime:
“Too early for this crap… just let me rest…”
Hajime sat on the edge of his bed, hair a complete mess, eyes barely open, still wearing a half-crumpled black shirt. He rubbed the side of his face with one hand as he shuffled to the main hallway of the dorm building.
**Hajime (groggy):**
“Alright, alright… I’m up. Daka’s still alive, right? Just making sure I didn’t kick him into another continent…”
Sockoo stood against the wall, arms crossed, her battle jacket already on, eyes calm but sharp. She looked at Hajime with a faint smirk.
**Sockoo:**
“He’s fine. Probably spinning in the laundry room, but he’s fine.”
Hajime chuckled lightly, cracking his neck with a lazy stretch.
**Hajime:**
“Cool. What’s the deal then? Who we fighting—Team Pasta Sauce or Team Edgy Edge?”
Sockoo’s expression turned serious.
**Sockoo:**
“We’re going against **Team Felix**.”
Hajime paused mid-stretch, the joints in his fingers still cracking in slow motion. His sleepy demeanor shifted instantly. His brows furrowed.
**Hajime:**
“…Team Felix? You mean *that* team Felix? With *Alex* and—”
He hesitated.
“—Jessica?”
Sockoo nodded.
**Sockoo:**
“Yeah. Your sister’s team.”
Hajime blinked, wide awake now.
**Hajime:**
“Rage on desu.”
Sockoo raised a brow.
**Sockoo:**
“…That’s your response?”
**Hajime (serious):**
“I don’t even know how to feel right now. My long-lost sister is on the other side of the arena and Alex is somehow not simping over me for a full minute—this is messed up on like *ten different levels.*”
Sockoo started walking off.
**Sockoo:**
“Good. Stay awake. We’ll meet in ten to go over formation and plan.”
Hajime called after her.
**Hajime:**
“Wait, hold on, does she—does Jessica even remember me properly?”
Sockoo paused.
**Sockoo:**
“She called you ‘Big Bro’ and pouted like you do when you don’t get your way. So yeah, I’d say she remembers you *exactly* how you were.”
Hajime turned and stared at the wall, thinking hard.
**Hajime (mumbling):**
“Team Felix, huh… Guess I better stop sleeping and start raging…”As Hajime stood in the hallway, wind rustling through his half-zipped jacket with the white X on the chest, he lifted his head with a spark of energy in his eyes.
**Hajime (confidently):**
“Let’s rage it until the very end, guys.”
Everyone in the group stood there… silent.
Like *dead* silent.
Makoto, who was adjusting the magazine in one of his magic guns, squinted and finally broke the tension.
**Makoto:**
“Okay. I gotta ask, and I know everyone here is thinking it… Hajime…”
Everyone leaned in slightly as Makoto pointed a thumb toward Hajime.
**Makoto (serious):**
“Why do you keep saying *‘raging’* or *‘let’s rage it to the end’*? Like, what does that even *mean*, man?”
The team glanced at each other. Emily blinked, curious. Daka raised a brow. Sockoo just sighed, already knowing she wouldn’t get a straight answer. Rei, of course, muttered something about it sounding “hella cool but super weird.”
Hajime blinked at them all—genuinely shocked that no one *got* it.
**Hajime:**
“You guys… you seriously don’t get it?”
**Yosuke:**
“Nope.”
**Angel:**
“I thought it was like a catchphrase… or a cry for help…”
**Yu:**
“I thought it was a holy ritual.”
**Amy:**
“I thought it was just Hajime being Hajime.”
**Hajime (hands on hips, dramatic stance):**
“Alright! Lemme break it down. *Raging* isn’t just a word. It’s a *state of being*. It’s what keeps me going. It’s how I don’t collapse under all the insane, painful, random crap we go through. When I say ‘rage it,’ I’m saying: no matter how tired, how hopeless, how stupid it gets—we push through, with heart, power, and all the chaos that comes with it.”
Everyone just blinked.
**Hajime (passionate now):**
“When I say ‘rage it to the very end’… I mean don’t hold back your pain, your fury, your weirdness, your everything. Let it all BURN and move FORWARD. It’s not about anger. It’s about fire in your *soul.* You feel me?”
Still silence.
Makoto raised a hand slowly.
**Makoto:**
“…So it’s like emotional therapy through anime rage?”
**Hajime:**
“YES! EXACTLY!”
**Rizra (flatly):**
“…That was the most Hajime answer I’ve ever heard.”
**Daka (laughing):**
“Well damn… I think I kinda like it now.”
**Emily:**
“It’s kinda poetic, actually…”
**Rei (tearing up):**
“It’s beautiful, bro. I’m raging right now.”
**Sockoo (grinning faintly):**
“Fine. Then let’s rage it properly. Meeting in five. No exceptions.”
Everyone began to walk off, slightly more motivated.
**Hajime (quietly, smiling):**
“…Yeah. Let’s rage it.”
The Music Strikers gathered in their designated meeting room. A digital board lit up behind Sockoo as she stood at the front, arms crossed, fiery cat aura faintly flaring around her from the pressure of planning. Everyone sat or leaned casually—except Hajime, who was lying sideways on a couch with one boot on the wall, clearly only half-listening.
**Sockoo (firmly):**
"Alright. Team Felix. This isn’t a joke. They're coordinated, fast, and powered by two things we’re not used to—synergy and momentum. We mess up once, we get *folded*. So listen up."
She tapped the screen. Jessica Hamamoto’s profile appeared first—blonde hair, red eyes, fire angel magic user.
**Sockoo:**
"Jessica. She’s Hajime’s sister, apparently. She uses Fire Angel Magic. Wings, blades, and ranged magic blasts that combine divine energy with aggressive fire output. She can fly and she’s relentless when it comes to offense. DO NOT engage her alone unless you can counter airborne combat."
**Hajime (grumbling from the couch):**
“She always was a pain with that stupid halo…”
**Sockoo:**
“Not now, Hajime.”
She clicked again. Alex appeared—jet-black hair, cold steel-blue eyes, armored fists.
**Sockoo:**
"Alex. Brawler-type. Enhanced durability. Uses Gravity Pulse Magic to slam you into the ground or crush your movements. He’s slow at long-range, but if he gets close? You’re done."
**Rizra (cracking knuckles):**
“Leave that one to me.”
**Sockoo (nodding):**
"Good. She’s the kind you need to hit hard before he builds rhythm."
She switched to the next member—Mimi, the short girl with a floating ribbon and mischievous grin.
**Sockoo:**
"Mimi. Illusion and Copy Magic. She can fake your attacks or make clones of herself and others. But it’s all mana-based; if you disrupt her focus or overwhelm her magic with high output, it breaks."
**Emily:**
"I’ll deal with her. I’ve seen illusion casters before."
**Sockoo:**
"Perfect."
She turned to the last one—Kaito. A mysterious guy in a scarf, eyes hidden, his magic listed as **Sound Pierce**.
**Sockoo:**
"Kaito is dangerous. He uses soundwaves to rupture internals and paralyze the nervous system. His frequency magic bypasses defenses if you're not shielded right."
**Yu (serious):**
“I’ll silence him.”
**Sockoo (smirking):**
“Knew I could count on you.”
She looked around the room, letting the weight settle.
**Sockoo (final tone):**
“We win this by control. Rizra, you intercept Alex. Yu, you hunt down Kaito. Emily and Angel, disrupt Mimi and suppress Jessica in the air. Rei and Makoto—support fire. Hold the line, aim for weak points. If Jessica goes full burst, Hajime…”
**Hajime (sitting up):**
“…I’ll step in. I’m not letting her outshine me again.”
**Bondo:**
“She’s your sister, bro.”
**Hajime:**
“Exactly. I’ve been waiting for this.”
Sockoo nodded.
**Sockoo:**
“Then it’s settled. Team Felix isn’t invincible. They’re just... loud.”
**Makoto:**
“Time to rage it?”
Everyone looked at Hajime.
**Hajime (grinning):**
“…To the very end.”
**Sockoo (finally smiling):**
“Meeting adjourned. We win this smart and hard. Get ready.”
They all dispersed, tension in the air like static—ready for the storm that was Team Felix. The room went quiet. Sockoo stood at the front, arms crossed, her expression heavy with calculation. The air was still thick from the last match — tension, exhaustion, uncertainty. The group had gathered again for strategy, the weight of the upcoming battle against Team Felix looming over them.
Sockoo glanced over at Angel, who sat with bandages wrapping her midsection and a wince every time she shifted.
**Angel (softly, apologetic):**
“Unfortunately… I’m not an option this time. My wings are too damaged — I can barely lift them without pain.”
**Emily (fiddling with her wand, exhausted):**
“I can’t either… That last spell took most of my mana and some of my spirit. I wouldn’t last five minutes in the next match.”
Sockoo sighed deeply and looked at the whiteboard behind her. Names circled in different colors. She silently picked through the roster, eyes landing on the first three.
**Sockoo:**
“Alright. Yu’s in — his magic control and support abilities will be needed. Rizra, I want you leading the frontline. Daka, your mobility makes you vital for pressure and misdirection.”
She hovered over the fourth slot, finger tapping… thinking.
**Sockoo (to herself):**
“Now who’s the last...”
A sound cut through her thoughts — a chair scraping back. All heads turned. Hajime stood up slowly, arms dangling at his sides, serious fire in his eyes that hadn’t been there during the last meeting. His black and white X-crossed battle outfit gave off a faint gleam in the dim light.
**Hajime (firm, low):**
“I’ll go.”
Sockoo’s eyes widened slightly.
**Hajime (voice rising):**
“If you don’t let me in this match… I’ll hate all of you. Every. Single. One.”
**Makoto (muttering):**
“Yup. There it is. Raging mode.”
Hajime took a step forward, face shadowed, then leaned closer to the table, eyes locked on Sockoo.
**Hajime:**
“She’s my sister. My past. My *family.* If I don’t settle this, no one will. You’re all thinking strategy. I’m thinking meaning. Purpose. Rage.”
Sockoo stared at him, her expression unreadable.
**Bondo (quietly to Daka):**
“Dang… That might be the most serious I’ve ever seen him without him getting hit in the head first.”
**Yu:**
“…He means it.”
There was a long pause.
Sockoo closed her eyes for a moment. Then finally nodded.
**Sockoo (sighing, relenting):**
“…Alright. You’re in.”
Hajime’s expression lit up—not with joy, but with a deep, quiet fire.
**Hajime (whispering, intense):**
“Rage on…”
**Makoto (half-joking):**
“You sure letting him fight his sister is a good idea? He might go feral or get emotional… or both.”
**Sockoo (calmly):**
“I trust him. If he’s saying this with *that* face… He won’t lose control.”
**Daka (chuckling):**
“Alright. Looks like we got ourselves a storm brewing.”
**Sockoo:**
“Then it’s set. Yu, Rizra, Daka, Hajime… You’re our front four. The rest of us will be ready to rotate in as needed. This isn’t just a fight…”
She looked around at all of them.
**Sockoo:**
“…It’s the turning point.”
Hajime smirked.
**Hajime:**
“Let’s rage it… to the very end.” As the room buzzed with final decisions and murmured reactions, Sockoo’s gaze shifted toward Hajime—then to the rest of the team, her thoughts clearly unresolved. She took a deep breath, then slammed her marker down on the table, making everyone flinch.
**Sockoo (firmly):**
“I’m coming too.”
The room went dead silent. Even Hajime raised an eyebrow.
**Yu (blinking):**
“Huh? Wait… what?”
**Rizra:**
“You? Since when do you ever join the main roster mid-way?”
Sockoo straightened, her usual calculating expression softened with sincerity—but her tone stayed strong.
**Sockoo:**
“This isn’t just a strategic match anymore. It’s emotional. Personal. With Jessica there… with Hajime fighting his sister… I need to be there in case it tips too far one way or another.”
Her gaze landed on Yu, whose eyes widened slightly with surprise.
**Sockoo (sincerely):**
“Yu… I’m sorry. I know I chose you for this round. You’ve never let us down. But I need to be on that field this time — not as your strategist… but as someone who understands what Hajime is carrying.”
Yu lowered his head for a moment, thinking, then smiled slightly — faint but honest.
**Yu (quietly):**
“It’s okay… You’re right. He’ll need you out there. Just promise me one thing…”
Sockoo tilted her head slightly.
**Yu:**
“Don’t just watch his back. Watch *your own* too.”
Sockoo nodded with a small smile, then gave Yu a quick bow of gratitude.
**Sockoo:**
“Thank you.”
**Hajime (smirking):**
“Whoa. Sockoo actually apologizing? The world *really* is ending.”
**Sockoo (deadpan):**
“Keep talking and I’ll replace you with Rei.”
**Makoto (laughing):**
“Please do. He’ll blast everyone into space and try to peek while doing it.”
**Rei (somewhere outside the room):**
“I HEARD THAT! Also I would.”
**Daka:**
“Anyway… the final four then: Hajime, Rizra, Daka… and Sockoo.”
**Hajime (grinning):**
“Now *that’s* a party.”
**Sockoo (calm, but smiling):**
“Let’s rage it smart this time.”
**Hajime:**
“I’ll rage it any way it takes.” As everyone started heading out of the meeting room, tension slowly easing and the next battle etched in their minds, Amy quietly shuffled beside Bondo. Her cheeks were tinted with a soft pink, and her hands nervously fidgeted with the hem of her sleeve.
She glanced up at the tall, silent Bondo—who was mostly lost in his own stoic thoughts about the upcoming match—before hesitantly reaching out and giving a gentle tug on his sleeve.
**Amy (softly, barely above a whisper):**
“Um… Bondo… can we… can we talk later?”
Bondo paused. Slowly, he turned his head to look at her. His usually unreadable face flickered with the tiniest hint of surprise.
**Bondo:**
“Talk… later?”
Amy nodded quickly, then looked down, clearly trying to hide the fact her face was getting redder by the second.
**Amy (still not making eye contact):**
“Y-Yeah… just… whenever you’re not busy. After the fight maybe… it’s not urgent or anything just—just something I wanted to say.”
Bondo blinked slowly, processing. Then he gave the faintest smile—so rare it was almost a miracle.
**Bondo (quiet but sincere):**
“Alright. After the match. I’ll find you.”
Amy looked up, her eyes wide, then nodded quickly and backed away with an awkward little wave.
**Amy (whispering to herself as she turned):**
“Okay okay okay that wasn’t bad… I didn’t explode…”
Behind her, Bondo silently watched her go for a moment, his usual calm returning—but this time with a trace of curiosity.
**Bondo (thinking):**
“…She’s brave.”
And then he walked off, ready for the storm ahead. As everyone prepared for the next phase of the tournament, the tension thickened with anticipation. The chosen fighters gathered to focus, and among them were **Rizra**—quiet, sharp-eyed, and focused—and **Makoto**, who, while often a goof, was surprisingly thoughtful when it came to the team.
Makoto glanced at Rizra, who was off on her own, sitting on a bench with her arms crossed and eyes narrowed toward the stadium.
**Makoto (grinning, walking up):**
“Yo, Rizra. You got this, you know that, right? I’ve seen what you can do. I believe in you.”
Rizra didn’t even look at him. She just let out a small shrug and replied in her usual flat tone:
**Rizra:**
“…Ok.”
Makoto blinked, clearly expecting more.
**Makoto (laughing awkwardly):**
“C’mon, don’t act so chill about it. I’m being serious! You’re gonna crush it out there.”
Still no strong reaction. Just another calm, indifferent blink from Rizra.
And that’s when Makoto decided to do the dumbest thing possible—**he hugged her.** Full arms around, goofy grin, pure Makoto energy.
**Makoto:**
“You’ll be awesome, Rizra! Let’s gooo!”
For a split second, **Rizra froze**, her eyes wide, her face turning the deepest shade of red **anyone on the team had ever seen.** Everyone nearby, including Sockoo and Daka, slowly turned to witness what could only be described as a **fatal mistake**.
Then.
**WHAM.**
With a single smooth motion, Rizra **flipped Makoto over her shoulder like a sack of potatoes**, slamming him straight into the ground with so much force that **he ragdolled twice**, spun in the air like a pinwheel, and landed face-down, arms splayed out like a cartoon character.
**Makoto (muffled):**
“…worth it…”
**Rizra (face burning, mumbling through gritted teeth):**
“Idiot… don’t touch me outta nowhere…”
She turned away sharply, trying to regain her composure, but the pink in her cheeks lingered like a permanent blush debuff.
Meanwhile, Sockoo just sighed.
**Sockoo:**
“…Makoto, I should’ve warned you.”
**Daka (to Hajime):**
“That man really risked his life for a hug.”
**Hajime (deadpan):**
“…Rage on…”
And with that, everyone continued prepping—well, **everyone except Makoto**, who was still recovering from the love-powered judo execution.
