The wind howled through the empty streets of an abandoned city, the once-bustling metropolis now reduced to hollow ruins. Amidst the silence, a deafening explosion shattered the air. It was one of yellow lightning and purple destructive energy.
On a wide-open street, Kenji and Sorata clashed in a high-speed sparring match. Blades of lightning and torrents of fire erupted from Kenji's hands as he rushed forward, his speed blurring into a streak. Sorata, calm but intense, countered each attack with bursts of purple destructive energy, sending shockwaves through the crumbling buildings around them. Every single one of their clash was blasting buildings to ashes. Kenji with one hand in his pocket and another one blasting out powerful flames and lightning at the same time had a smirk on his face, sorata on the other hand was jumping around and dodging Kenji's attacks. At the same time, he was blasting huge waves and slashes of purple destructive energy. Their clash was relentless and was causing explosions that were laying waste to city blocks.
Kenji whipe still blasting lightning and flames said to sorata "You should atleast rush at me and throw a punch, you know?"
"Not in the mood to overdo it today," Sorata muttered, running and dodging a stream of fire and lightning.
Kenji smirked, launching another barrage with an excited look and tone on his face and voice. "Then don't let your guard down, Sorata. I'm not holding back."
As Kenji rushed in and closed the distance, his lightning bolts rained like missiles. Sorata gathered destructive energy around his body, the aura crackling violently. With a sharp breath, he released a massive surge, scorching the ground and engulfing the street in purple fire. The moment his energy met Kenji's lightning, a colossal explosion erupted, leveling countless city blocks. The smoked cleared and kenji and sorata where standing opposite one another.
High above, standing on a partially collapsed skyscraper, Kirihai and Mirio watched the chaos unfold.
"They're really going at it this morning," Kirihai commented, arms folded.
Mirio huffed. "Kenji's actually strong. Sorata's just plain weak."
Kirihai raised an eyebrow, amused. "That weak Sorata nearly killed you in your last fight, didn't he?"
Mirio clicked his tongue. "He didn't nearly kill me."
"Stop hating," Kirihai teased, grinning.
Suddenly, a massive shockwave rocked the building as another explosion lit up the sky.
From the smoke, Kenji and Sorata emerged, slightly scorched but still standing.
"You could've at least thrown a punch," Kenji said, brushing soot off his arm.
"I told you I wasn't in the mood," Sorata replied flatly.
Kirihai hopped down from the building and landed before them. "Hey, Kenji. Up for a sparring match with me?"
Kenji gave a tired laugh. "The fight with Sorata drained me. Pass."
Kirihai pouted and turned to Sorata. "Then what about you? Want to fight?"
Sorata scoffed. "I'll obliterate you even while holding back."
Kirihai puffed her cheeks in protest. "Not fair…"
Her eyes fell on Sorata's arm, where smoke rose and skin glowed faintly red.
"Your arm… is it okay?"
Sorata looked at it briefly. "Yeah. I used more destructive energy than usual. My body can't handle it well—it burns me from the inside out."
"Doesn't that mean you shouldn't be fighting much?" Kirihai thought to herself.
Mirio snickered. "That's because you're weak."
Sorata glared at him. "Say another word, bastard, and I'll make you burn."
Kenji stepped between them. "Enough. Mirio, stop underestimating people. Sorata's not someone you should provoke."
Sorata rolled his shoulder. "Where's Shinki been, anyway?"
Kenji looked up at the sky. "He went out to complete a mission."
As the group made their way back to their hideout, Sorata turned to Kenji. "So what was so important you had to drag us back here?"
Kenji nodded seriously. "Since Ukina's gone for a while, she appointed us—me, you, and Shinki—as acting leaders of the Dark Sign Organization."
Kirihai blinked. "Why would she do that?"
Kenji shrugged. "No idea. But for now, we're in charge."
Sorata clicked his tounge "Tch. Another damn job huh? Whatever. She better pay us well tho."
—
Meanwhile, in the city...
On a quiet bridge overlooking the water, Kinto sat beside Alex, both watching the river that was below. The grasses below was green and colourfull, and the environment and vibe was bright.
"There's going to be a ceremony in a few days," Kinto said.
Alex turned. "What for?"
"It's to congratulate every team that's made it to C-rank. Our team, and the other teams out there in the city."
Alex nodded. "Yeah, i forgot both your team, my team, deo's team, Raquel's team and your team aren't the only set of soldiers in the city. And plus,Raquel mentioned that last night."
Kinto narrowed his eyes. "How did it feel?"
"Huh? Feel what?". Alex asked.
"I saw you two kissing last night. How'd it feel?" Kinto asked bluntly.
Alex gave a weird smile. "You frustrat—frustrated virgin boy."
Kinto turned red. "Shut up."
Alex laughed and patted his back. "Sorry you had to see that."
Kinto sighed and held out his fist. "Cheers to making C-rank, both of us."
Alex grinned and bumped it. "Heh! Cheers."
—
That night...
As Alex walked through the crowded city streets, lights and voices echoing around him, he looked up at the stars.
"Everything's moving so fast… I've gotten so strong since I officially became an assassin. It's kinda abit stunning. Not just that, but grandpa has been coming home often nowadays."
He smiled.
"I'll become stronger than anyone else, I have no other choice. I'll be so strong to the point that I'll become a lord one day, the kind of lord that takes care of his city."
As he turned the corner, a poster caught his eye. It bore the face of a man in a dark cloak.
"Huh? Isn't that the guy from the Dark SignOrganization that old man kojin was talking about the other day? Well, aint my concern tho."
Shrugging, he headed home.
"I'm back," he called as he stepped inside.
What he saw next made his jaw drop.
Raquel stood in the living room, wearing a revealing cat costume. "Welcome home, Alex," she said seductively. "How do I look?"
Alex blinked. "You… look amazing." (Our protagonist alex, has never felt more alive in his 12 years of living)
She sauntered toward him, pressing her chest against him. "So… do you want to eat something? Or maybe… eat me?". Alex couldn't believe his eyes "I.. I want yo.."
Before Alex could answer, her eyes widened. "Oh no—the food!" She dashed to the kitchen, smoke trailing behind her. Alex couldn't believe his eyes, he was still stunned.
Alex stumbled into his bedroom and flopped onto the bed. "I'm living the dream…"
Knock knock.
A sudden knock at the door snapped him out of it. Still grinning and visibly happy, he opened the door "Who is it-"
His face went pale.
Raquel stepped out of the kitchen with a pot of chicken in her hands. "Lunch is—"
She stopped cold when she saw the figure at the door. This figure had an enormous dangerous aura around it, Raquel's face got pale."Who.... what is that? So much power!" She thought to herself in shock and fear.
Shinki stood there, eyes cold, face unreadable.
"Hey kid, are you by chance Alex starion? We need to talk," he said.
Alex froze.
His thoughts raced. "Is this the same guy from that poster...? One of the Dark Sign members...? SHINKI OF THE DARK SIGN!"
—
END OF EPISODE