Kanshoku's POV

Minutes had passed since my discovery—my most magnificent, world-shaking discovery. The ideas flowed through my mind like a torrent, each more exhilarating than the last. It was as if I had unlocked a door to endless possibilities, and I wanted to explore every single one. My first creation, Bouncing Gummies, was simple, yes—perhaps too simple—but after smacking my head on the ceiling, I wasn't in the best state to concoct anything more elaborate.

Yet, amid the whirlwind of ideas, one stood out, screaming to be brought to life. It wasn't just an idea; it was a vision, an unholy amalgamation of hard candy, metal, and the sheer force of my determination. The vision? A gun—a device capable of shooting my newly forged treats, transforming their effects into something else entirely. I mean, I've read enough manga to know that when someone gains powers, trouble is just around the corner. Better to be prepared than caught off guard, right?

I dove into the work, my hands trembling with a mix of excitement and fear. First, I started with a simple syrup, combining sugar, water, and a splash of food dye. While the mixture heated, I scavenged the necessary parts for my creation—a small metal pipe for the barrel, some old toy parts for the trigger mechanism, and every ounce of hope I could muster. It wasn't much, but it had to work.

The moment the syrup reached a rolling boil, I submerged my roughly assembled contraption into the bubbling mixture. The instant it made contact, a brilliant light exploded from the pot, nearly blinding me. I shielded my eyes, feeling the heat and energy radiate through the room. When the light finally subsided, I reached in and pulled out what could only be described as pure, chaotic brilliance—a handgun that looked like it was forged in a dream, adorned with green and pink accents along the chamber and barrel.

"This is soFUCKING COOL!" I yelled, unable to contain my excitement. "I dub you the Treat Trigger MK 1." The name felt right—simple, to the point, and bursting with potential.

With the gun in hand, I grabbed one of my Bouncing Gummies, feeling the weight of it in my palm before sliding it into the chamber. The moment it clicked into place, my new weapon came to life.

"BOUNCING GUMMY!" The gun's voice was sharp, almost like it was announcing its presence to the world. I couldn't help but grin like a kid in a candy store.

I aimed it at the nearest wall, a sense of childlike glee bubbling up inside me. "Bang," I whispered, almost as if coaxing it to life.

"BOUNCING GUMMY BLAST!" The Treat Trigger responded with a dramatic chant, and then it fired. Three massive, shuriken-shaped gummies the size of my head shot out in a spread pattern, whizzing through the air. They smacked into the wall with a satisfying thud, bouncing off like rubber balls. They ricocheted across the room, leaving behind trails of purple residue, before finally exploding into a burst of sweet-smelling vapor.

I stood there, staring at the aftermath, the smile on my face widening until it hurt. This wasn't just a gun—it was a revolution, a weapon of pure confectionary chaos.

"I did it... I did it," I whispered to myself, the reality of it all slowly sinking in. Little did I know, this was only the beginning. Just as I began to feel the rush from the spectacle I witnessed something else take hold, my vision darkened as I slipped into unconsciousness.

The Next Morning

I woke up in a daze, my consciousness clawing its way back from the abyss where dreams and reality blur. For a fleeting moment, I wondered if all that magic candy stuff was just a bizarre, sugar-fueled hallucination. But then my hand brushed against something solid and unfamiliar. I blinked a few times, my vision sharpening, and there it was—the Treat Trigger MK 1, glinting softly in the morning light.

It was real. All of it. The bouncing gummies, the explosion of flavors, the makeshift candy gun—it had all happened. And I, Kanshoku, had somehow gained the ability to make super treats. My heart raced as I scrambled to my feet, taking in the chaos that had unfolded in the creation room overnight. Gummies were scattered everywhere, a few half-melted in the corner, and the sugary residue clung to every surface. I groaned inwardly at the mess, but there was no time to dwell on it. A glance at the clock told me I had woken up an hour earlier than usual—a side effect of crashing on the floor, no doubt.

But this unexpected early start gave me time. Time to create something new. My mind buzzed with possibilities, each one more absurd and exciting than the last. I knew I didn't want to make another gummy; that territory had already been explored. But gum? Now that was an idea with potential. Chewing gum with a twist—why not?

I rummaged through the ingredients, gathering our special gum base, cotton candy flavoring, and just the right amount of sugar. The process was almost second nature now—mixing, kneading, and shaping the concoction into something extraordinary. As I worked, the familiar thrill of creation surged through me, and I could practically taste the magic in the air.

Once the mixture was ready, I divided it into neat little balls, each one radiating a soft glow as I added a colorful coating. They solidified with a satisfying snap, and I couldn't help but grin at the sight of my latest invention. "Bubble Gum-Gum," I declared with a chuckle, "Because why not embrace the nonsensical naming scheme for candy?"

With my new creation in hand, I checked the time again and realized I needed to start getting ready for school. The thought of my dreadfully dull school life soured my mood, but at least I had something exciting to look forward to after the final bell rang. I hurriedly cleaned up the creation room, scrubbing away the sticky remnants of my late-night experimentation. For the first time in forever, I was the first to take a shower, scrubbing off the sugary residue clinging to my skin and hair.

As I changed into my uniform, I caught myself staring at the Bubble Gum-Gum on my desk. A wave of uncertainty washed over me. "Why me?" I muttered to myself, the question gnawing at the edges of my mind. "Why did I unlock these powers? And why now, of all times?" I couldn't shake the feeling that there was something bigger at play, some grand cosmic joke that I had become the punchline of. Was there some end-of-the-world event looming on the horizon? Had I been chosen by fate, or was this all just a random twist in the universe's sense of humor?

My questions went unanswered as a sharp knock on my door snapped me back to reality.

"Come on, sweetie, you're going to be late at this rate," my mom called through the door, her voice tinged with amusement.

"I'm already ready, Mom. See?" I replied, swinging the door open to reveal myself in full uniform.

My mom's eyes widened in mock surprise. "Wow, look at you, all ready for school! What's the occasion? Do you have a secret girlfriend we don't know about?" she teased, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

I rolled my eyes but couldn't help the smirk that tugged at the corners of my lips. "No, Mom, no secret girlfriend. I just woke up way too early, that's all."

We made our way downstairs into the kitchen, where Dad was busy at the stove, flipping pancakes and humming to himself. The scent of breakfast filled the air, and for a moment, everything felt wonderfully normal.

"Morning, Dad," I called out, sliding into my usual seat.

"Morning, so—," Dad started, but he paused mid-sentence, his spatula hovering over the pan. He turned to face me, eyes narrowing in exaggerated suspicion. "Wait a minute. You just walked downstairs, your hair is clean, you're already in your uniform, and—hold on, no smudges anywhere on you. Who are you, and what did you do to my precious baby boy?"

I let out a laugh, playing along with his joke. "Sure, I'm an alien imposter from the planet Glorp-Glorp, here to take over your kitchen and make breakfast boring."

Dad grinned, flipping the pancake with a flourish. "Ha! As long as you eat your breakfast, alien or not, you're welcome here."

Mom chimed in with a grin of her own. "Seriously though, what's with the sudden change? It's not like you to be up this early, let alone fully dressed and ready for school."

I shrugged, trying to sound nonchalant. "Just had a restless night, I guess. Figured I might as well make the most of it."

"Well, whatever the reason, I'm impressed," Dad said, setting a stack of pancakes in front of me. "But if you're going to keep up this new morning routine, I'm going to need some of that energy."

I smiled, but my mind was elsewhere, still buzzing with the memory of last night's creation spree. As we dug into breakfast, I couldn't help but wonder what the future held. My life had changed in an instant, and I had a feeling this was just the beginning.

Leaving the Treat Trigger MK 1 at home felt like leaving behind a part of myself, but I wasn't about to stroll into school with a candy gun and be accused of "doing an America." So instead, I loaded up on snacks for my lunch, determined that this time, Kaichou wouldn't get her hands on them. As I walked down the familiar road to school, I tried to blend in with the monotonous sea of students filing onto campus, hoping to go unnoticed. But of course, my luck had other plans.

"Kanshoku Kenkichi, please come here so I may check your bag," Ikaruga's authoritative voice cut through the morning air, sending a ripple of tension through the crowd. I could practically hear the smirk in her voice, thinking she'd caught me in the act of "selling" my snacks again. But this time? Things were going to be different.

"No."

The word left my mouth before I could second-guess myself, and the effect was immediate. A deafening silence fell over the students, their curiosity piqued as they turned to watch the unfolding drama. Ikaruga Kaichou, for all her stern poise, looked genuinely flabbergasted.

"Excuse me?" she asked, clearly not used to being defied so openly.

"I said no. I do not consent to a search," I repeated, feeling my emotions start to rise, fueled by frustration and a newfound sense of defiance. "And besides, I don't plan on selling any of MY snacks. If they want some, they can come to my family's shop and purchase them like everyone else."

My voice was trembling now, not with fear, but with anger. "And where do you get off thinking you can take my stuff and then THROW IT OUT? Those things cost money, y'know, so get off your high horse AND FOCUS ON YOURSE—" I stopped mid-rant, realizing that everyone was staring at us, whispering amongst themselves. My anxiety, ever the lurking foe, decided now was the perfect time to rear its ugly head.

"I'll be going to class now, Kaichou. Goodbye," I finished in a flat tone, all the bravado draining out of me as I scurried off toward my classroom, leaving Ikaruga in stunned silence.

Ikaruga's POV

I stood there, rooted to the spot, replaying the confrontation over and over in my mind. Kanshoku's words echoed in my ears, each one hitting me like a slap. I had been wrong. Horribly, undeniably wrong. The realization sat heavy in my chest, a knot of guilt tightening with each passing second.

I was alone, none of my squadmates were there to offer perspective or advice. It was just me, left to confront the harsh truth of my actions. I had made assumptions about Kanshoku, and those assumptions had led me to treat him unfairly. The memory of his outburst—his frustration, his anger—made me cringe. He had every right to be upset.

As I watched his retreating figure, the guilt inside me swelled. I didn't know what to do, or how to fix the mess I'd made.

"Heyo, Ikaruga-chan! How's it go—Wait, what's wrong?" Katsuragi's cheerful voice broke through my reverie as she appeared by my side, her usual playful grin fading when she saw my expression.

"Katsuragi…" I started, unsure how to even begin. "Remember that boy from yesterday? It seems I was mistaken about the reason for his numerous snacks, and…he just metaphorically blew up on me. Now I wonder what to do."

Katsuragi, ever the optimist, threw an arm around my shoulders in a comforting squeeze. "Hey, hey, don't look so gloomy. Luckily, you've got your friends to help you out! So you made a mistake—everyone does. What's important is what you do next."

I glanced at her, grateful for the support but still unsure. "What do you think I should do?"

"Simple!" Katsuragi said, her smile returning full force. "During lunch, go find him and ask how you can make it up to him. Then do that, and boom—problem solved, all forgiven!"

Katsuragi's words, while simple, rang with a truth I couldn't ignore. She was right. I had to make things right with Kanshoku, and the first step was owning up to my mistake.

"You're right," I agreed, feeling a bit of the weight lift from my shoulders. "I'll do just that. Thank you, Katsuragi-san."

"What are friends for?" Katsuragi laughed, giving me a playful nudge. "Heck, I'll even be there to help you out once you find him."

With a renewed sense of purpose, I walked alongside Katsuragi, ready to face the day—and to make amends for the wrong I had done.

We arrived at our secret hideout, a tucked-away corner of the campus where the rest of our squad was already waiting. The moment we stepped in, Katsuragi broke the silence, her voice casual as ever, "Yo, we've arrived."

But before anyone could respond, a small, round object rolled into the room, trailing a plume of smoke behind it. Coughing, we all instinctively covered our mouths and noses. The smoke wasn't thick enough to obscure vision completely, but it was enough to make our eyes water.

Amid our confusion, Kiriya-sensei appeared, his figure emerging like a ghost from the fog. "Good morning, students," he greeted us, his tone annoyingly cheerful. "I hope you all had a pleasant night. Today, we'll be focusing on footwork training, so meet me in the dojo once you've changed. Any questions?"

He didn't wait for a response, clearly expecting none. That was Kiriya-sensei for you—straight to the point, no frills.

"Excuse me, Sensei," I spoke up, my voice steady despite the lingering irritation from the smoke. "May I request permission to go out for lunch today?"

Kiriya-sensei raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued by my unusual request. "A strange request. May I know the reason?"

"I need to make amends for a mistake I've made," I said, not offering more than what was necessary.

"And I'm joining her as moral support," Katsuragi chimed in, her tone light but determined.

Kiriya-sensei studied us for a moment, his gaze thoughtful. Finally, he nodded. "If it's to ease your conscience, then very well. But be back promptly; I have an exciting announcement for you all."

"Thank you, Sensei," I replied, genuinely grateful for his understanding.

Kanshoku's POV

I had finally done it. I stood up to Ikaruga-Kaichou, and now I could enjoy my snacks in peace, right here on campus. As I sat under the shade of a tree, savoring the taste of victory along with my delicious treats, I felt an unusual sense of satisfaction. This was my moment, my triumph, and no one could take it away from me.

Or so I thought.

A shadow fell over me, blocking out the sunlight and my momentary bliss. I looked up, expecting to see another nosy student or maybe a teacher. But no, it was her—Ikagura Kaichou herself.

"Kanshoku Kenkichi," she began, her tone formal yet strangely subdued. "May I have a word with you?"

I blinked, momentarily stunned. She was here again, but not to confiscate my snacks. "You're too late, I've already eaten most of my food, so there's nothing left to take," I replied, trying to keep the bitterness out of my voice.

But she cut me off, her voice steady, "I'm not here to confiscate your snacks. I'm here to apologize and to ask what I can do to make up for my transgressions."

Wait, what? I stared at her, utterly baffled. This couldn't be happening. Where was the stern, unyielding Kaichou I knew? Who was this blushing girl standing before me, asking for forgiveness?

"I am so confused right now," I managed to say, my thoughts racing.

Katsuragi, who had been lurking behind her friend, rolled her eyes and stepped forward. "What are you, deaf? She's asking for forgiveness and wants to know how she can make it up to you."

Ikagura nodded, her expression earnest. "I made a mistake, and I wish to rectify it. Please, tell me what I can do to make amends."

I stared at her, still trying to wrap my head around this surreal turn of events. "So, you want to make it up to me, huh? Well, I know just what to do." I paused, letting the suspense build. "Later today, you're going to my family's store and paying 10,000 yen for the snacks, emotional damage, and wasted food. Only then will I forgive you."

I half-expected her to balk at the demand, but instead, she nodded without hesitation. "Very well. 10,000 yen to your family's store after school. It will be done."

Katsuragi laughed, slapping me on the back, nearly knocking the wind out of me. "Shi shi shi! You may not know this, but my bestie here is the daughter of one of the richest conglomerates in the world."

I gaped at them both, even more confused than before. "Wait, what?"

"That's right," Katsuragi continued, grinning like a cat who just got the cream. "Ikaruga's family could buy your entire store without batting an eye. 10,000 yen is nothing to her."

My jaw dropped. This day was turning out to be a lot more interesting than I had anticipated.

Ikagura POV

After learning what I must do to make amends, Katsuragi and I make our way back to our hideout, both eager to hear the special announcement Kiriya-sensei has for us.

As we walk down the creaking, dilapidated halls of the old school building, Katsuragi turns to me, her usual playful smirk in place. "Yo, Ikaruga, any guesses on what Kiriya-sensei's big surprise might be?"

I shake my head, glancing at the peeling paint and cracked walls, remnants of a once-vibrant school now long forgotten. "I have no idea, Katsuragi. But whatever it is, it's bound to be interesting if Sensei's involved."

We reach the entrance to our hideout, a seemingly innocuous spot in the hallway that only we know the true nature of. After activating the secret door, we slide down the hidden passage into the room below. The cool air of the hideout greets us, a stark contrast to the musty corridors above.

Inside, the rest of our squad is already gathered, a buzz of anticipation hanging in the air. Hibari, ever the cheerful one, spots us first and waves enthusiastically. "Ah, Ikaruga and Katsuragi-senpai are back!"

We smile and wave back as we find our places among our friends. The energy in the room is palpable, everyone on edge, waiting for what's to come. Just as we settle in, the familiar sound of a smoke bomb going off fills the room, and once again, we're enveloped in a cloud of smoke, coughing and waving our hands to clear the air.

Through the haze, Kiriya-sensei materializes, his signature entrance never failing to catch us off guard. "You've returned," he says, his eyes settling on me. "Has your mind been put at ease now, Ikaruga?"

I nod, straightening my posture. "Yes, Sensei. I now know what must be done to be fully forgiven, and I will see it through posthaste."

Kiriya-sensei nods approvingly. "Very good. Now, onto the special announcement I mentioned earlier." The room falls silent, everyone hanging on to his next words. "After school today, you will all go on your very first mission."

Katsuragi practically vibrates with excitement, her enthusiasm bubbling over as she starts rattling off possibilities. "Hell yeah! What's the mission? Stealing secret information? Assassination? Protecting a political leader? I'm so pumped!"

Kiriya-sensei chuckles a glint of amusement in his eyes. "No, none of those. What you will be doing is of the utmost importance," he pauses for effect, "You will be looking for a group of street thugs that have been terrorizing the shopping district."

Katsuragi's shoulders slump in disappointment, her excitement deflating like a punctured balloon. "Aww, come on, Sensei! I thought this was going to be an important mission," she whines, pouting.

"This is important," Kiriya-sensei counters firmly. "We must protect those who can't defend themselves, from the shadows. Besides, you are all still students. I would fail as a sensei if I sent you on a truly dangerous mission as your first."

His words, though spoken gently, carry the weight of his experience and responsibility. Katsuragi, though still pouting, nods in understanding.

"You heard Sensei," I say, rising to my feet. "Let's prepare for our mission. This is our chance to prove ourselves." The squad responds with a unified nod, determination settling over them like a cloak.

As we gear up, my mind drifts back to my earlier confrontation with Kanshoku. This mission will not only help us protect the people of the shopping district, but it will also allow me to begin repaying my debt to him, to show him that I am serious about making amends.

With our resolve set, we prepare to step out of the shadows and into the fray, ready to face whatever challenges come our way. This may not be the grand mission Katsuragi had hoped for, but it's our mission, and we'll carry it out with all the honor and skill we've been trained for.

Kanshoku's POV

School finally let out, and I dashed toward the shop, eager to get ready for my shift. The familiar streets blurred as I raced home, my mind already on the tasks ahead. But as soon as I walked through the door, Mom greeted me with a task of her own.

"Sweetie, could you do me a favor and run to the store for some groceries? I've got a list ready for you," she asked with a warm smile.

"Sure thing, Mom. Just let me put my stuff away first," I replied, already thinking about how to make this quick.

After tossing my school things aside and slipping into something more comfortable, I felt a strange itch. Something was telling me to bring my Treat Trigger, along with a few gumballs I'd recently created. Just in case, I thought, grabbing the gun and tucking it under my coat. Armed with my gear, I set out on my mission—to gather supplies for tonight's dinner.

I burst out the front door of our shop, Snack Sanctuary, and headed down the street towards the shopping mart a few blocks away. The cool evening air was refreshing, and as I mentally recited the list—milk, eggs, cocoa powder, salmon, mackerel, vanilla extract, sugar, wheat and rice flour, and a bunch of vegetables—I felt a strange excitement build up inside me.

Passing a used electronics store, I noticed some people setting up a booth outside, but I didn't pay much attention. I had a mission to complete. Once I arrived at the supermarket, I began my search for the groceries, weaving through the aisles like a hunter on the prowl.

Ikaruga's POV

With our mission briefing complete, we left the school and headed straight for the bustling shopping district of Asakusa. As we walked, I addressed my team, "Before we begin, I need to make a quick stop at Snack Sanctuary to repay a debt. It won't take long."

Hibari, ever the sweet tooth, immediately perked up. "Oh! I've been there with Yagyu before. They have some rare candies! Can I grab some while we're there, please?" she pleaded, her eyes sparkling with hope.

Yagyu looked ready to cave under Hibari's cuteness, but I stood firm. "Not this time, Hibari. This is just a quick in and out. We need to stay focused."

We arrived at the shop, and I told the others to wait outside while I handled my business. Inside, a pleasant aroma of baked goods filled the air, and a cheerful woman at the counter greeted me with a smile.

"Welcome to Snack Sanctuary! How can I help you today?"

I approached her, bowing slightly. "Hello, I'm Ikaruga Hōsen. I'm here to give you this." I handed her a 10,000 yen bill. The woman's eyes widened in surprise.

"10,000 yen? That's quite a lot. Why are you giving us this?" she asked, concern lacing her voice.

"As the student council president of Hanzo Academy, I confiscated and disposed of your son's treats under the false assumption that he was selling them on school grounds. He told me this amount would cover the debt and allow for forgiveness. Please, accept this as an apology," I explained, bowing again before leaving the shop.

As I rejoined my team outside, I quickly scanned the group. "Where's Asuka?" I asked, noticing her absence.

"She went off to scout on her own," Yagyu responded, her eyes scanning the nearby rooftops.

Asuka's POV

While searching for the thugs on my own, I bumped into Homura-chan, who seemed to be in a bit of a bind.

"So, Homura-chan, where did you last see your friends?" I asked, eager to help.

"We were all together near the yakisoba stand. Let's start there and expand our search," Homura suggested, her tone calm but focused.

Homura Kageyama is a tall, tanned girl with dark brown hair tied into a long ponytail. Her green eyes and confident demeanor made her stand out, and despite her tough exterior, she was kind-hearted. She had a large bust and toned legs and hips, overall she looked like a sporty if well-endowed, tomboy. I met her on the boat ride back from my test, and we became fast friends.

We reached the yakisoba stand and began looking around for her missing friends. After a few minutes with no luck, we decided to check some other popular spots.

Kanshoku's POV

Thirty minutes later, I finally found the last item on Mom's list and headed to the cashier. After paying, I walked out of the store, bags in hand, relieved that the search was finally over. But as I turned to head back home, a commotion caught my attention.

A large crowd had gathered around the booth I noticed earlier. "TICKETS! GET YOUR TICKETS FOR THE DAYDREAM TOUR OF THE IDOL GROUP MILKY POP!" one of the booth attendants shouted, trying to be heard over the noise of the excited fans.

The mob had completely clogged up the corridor, leaving no clear path for me to get through. I glanced around, spotting an alleyway that seemed like it might be a shortcut. Without any other options, I decided to take it.

As soon as I entered the alley, I realized my mistake. I didn't notice the large woman and her gang until I was already past them.

"Hey, hey, who said you could walk right past us without so much as a hello? That's mighty rude, you know," the largest of the group intoned, her deep voice echoing off the alley walls.

I turned around, my heart sinking as I faced them. "I'm sorry, I was just trying to get around the crowd. I didn't mean to be rude," I said, hoping they'd let me pass.

But luck wasn't on my side today. The leader's face twisted into a cruel smirk. "Sorry ain't gonna cut it, kid. You hurt my feelings. How about you pay up, and maybe we won't kick your ass?" she barked, taking a step closer.

I set my bags down, trying to keep calm. "I'm afraid all I have left are a few measly yen," I replied, hoping to diffuse the situation.

"Well then, it looks like we're gonna have to teach you a lesson," the leader threatened, her cronies moving to surround me.

I felt the tension in the air, but I wasn't about to back down. "Look, I'm giving you one chance to walk away. No one has to get hurt," I warned them, my hand subtly reaching for the Treat Trigger.

The leader laughed, a harsh, grating sound. "Yeah? You and what army?" she jeered, her tone dripping with mockery.

"I don't need an army," I retorted, whipping out the Treat Trigger and loading a gumball. "I've got THIS."

BUBBLE GUM-GUM

The weapon announced as the gumball clicked into place, a gasp escaping the thugs—and from someone behind me.

Ikaruga's POV - Minutes earlier

We arrived at the location Sensei had given us and split up to search the area for any signs of trouble.

"Hey, guys, I think I found them! And Ikaruga, your boy toy is being threatened by those thugs," Katsuragi whispered urgently over the comms.

We rushed to the scene, with Hibari setting up a barrier to block any bystanders from entering. "Yagyu, take the front and prepare for defense. Katsuragi, cover the back in case something goes wrong. I'll be in the middle, ready to strike if necessary," I instructed, and the team nodded in agreement.

We entered the alley quietly, just in time to hear Kanshoku's voice.

"I don't need an army," he declared, pulling out a strange, colorful gun and loading what looked like a… gumball? Before I could make sense of it, the gun spoke.

BUBBLE GUM-GUM

A gasp escaped my lips as Kanshoku aimed the weapon at his attackers. I prepared to intervene, but I was too late.

Kanshoku's POV

"Bang," I whispered, pulling the trigger.

BUBBLE GUM-GUM BLAST!

A massive glob of bright pink gum shot out of the barrel, cannonballing towards the thugs. It slammed into all three of them, dragging them along as it splattered against the far wall, pinning them in place.

I couldn't help but laugh, the sheer absurdity of my creation bringing a twisted sense of joy. "Hell yeah!" I giggled, feeling like a madman.

"What the hell was that?" a familiar voice called from behind me.

I spun around, dread settling in my stomach as I recognized the faces of Ikaruga, Yagyu, and Katsuragi. 'They saw that,' I thought in panic, but before I could say anything, a hideous sound interrupted my thoughts.

CREEAAK.

We all turned toward the source of the noise. The thugs, now encased in the sticky mess, began to change. What had been three ordinary girls were transforming into blank, wooden statuettes.

CRACK.

Their joints started to move, thrashing around in a sick, puppet-like manner, creating a symphony of terrifying sounds. I took a step back as one of their arms broke free from the gum. I froze, fear gripping me as I watched this nightmarish display unfold.

One of the girls behind me, Yagyu, pushed me back as she summoned an umbrella. "What the hell are those?" I stammered, my voice shaking.

"Puppets," Ikaruga spat with disdain, the word laced with contempt as she conjured her black blade.

"We'll deal with them. Get somewhere safe, now!" she commanded.

Ikaruga's POV

These weren't just ordinary thugs. They were puppets, mindless dolls controlled by someone skilled in Puppet Arts. I knew we had to destroy them quickly before they could do more harm.

With a nod to my team, we charged at the puppets. Kanshoku watched from the side, his Treat Trigger still clutched in his hand.

There was no time to waste. "Yagyu, protect Kanshoku and keep the area secure. Katsuragi, let's finish these things off!" I commanded.

As we fought, I caught a glimpse of Kanshoku out of the corner of my eye. His expression was a mix of shock, alarm, and curiosity, a stark contrast to the chaos around us.

Kanshoku's POV

NOPE

My day had spiraled into chaos faster than I ever thought possible. Dealing with dangerous puppets was more than I could handle. I raced through the alleyway, trying to shake off the surreal memory of the attack. My only thought was to grab what I needed and get out before something else happened.

Just as I was heading toward the exit, I saw it—an unexpected barricade. Standing in my way was a young girl, dressed like a miniature construction worker, her bright orange vest and hard hat completely out of place. She wasn't moving. Panic seized me as I realized I had to act fast. With no time to waste, I vaulted over the barricade and sprinted back to the shop, my heart pounding in my chest.

I burst through the door, breathless, startling my parents who looked up in concern. My mother was the first to react, her eyes scanning my face. "Sweetie, what happened?" she asked, her voice calm but worried. I knew I looked like I'd been through a war.

How could I possibly explain it? The truth sounded insane—I was nearly mugged by a gang that turned out to be puppet monsters. Yeah, that'd go over well. I took a deep breath, trying to come up with a reasonable lie. Something that wouldn't make me sound completely out of my mind.

"Uh… so, after I grabbed everything at the store, there was this huge crowd for some idol group. It was insane," I began, my voice shaky but controlled. "I decided to take a shortcut through an alley. Bad move. These girls tried to mug me, but a cop showed up just in time. I made a run for it."

My mom's face softened with relief, but my dad... not so much. His expression darkened, and I could practically feel the room temperature drop. "Did you say... mugged?" His voice was low, and controlled, but I could sense the fury building behind it.

"Yeah, Dad, but it's fine! The police were there, they handled it," I added quickly, trying to ease the tension before he got any ideas. My dad, when he got angry, was... intimidating, to say the least. Not someone you wanted to cross.

I set down the grocery bags, relieved to have the conversation over with. Just as I reached for my uniform to start helping around the shop—

Ring! The bell above the door jingled loudly, and before I could react, a blur of motion was already hurtling towards me.

"Shoku-nii san!" The high-pitched voice pierced the air as the human cannonball slammed into me with all the grace of a wrecking ball.

It took me a second to process what had just happened, but then I saw her. Minori Hamusutā. Her light brown hair was tied up in its usual pigtails, each secured with little green rings, and her big blue eyes, sparkling with excitement, were focused entirely on me. She was shorter than me by a head, but what she lacked in height, she made up for with energy—and a complete lack of understanding of personal space.

Minori was a regular at our shop and had a habit of acting like a hyperactive puppy. She was only a year younger than me, but you'd never guess by how she acted. Right now, though, the last thing I needed was her clinginess. I was already running on adrenaline from earlier, and now I had to deal with this.

"Minori," I sighed, gently trying to pry her off me. "Now's not a good time…"

But, as usual, she ignored me, her arms still locked around my waist like a vice. Great, just what I needed—another whirlwind on top of an already insane day.

"No! I'm not letting go! You promised me candy!" Minori whines, clinging to me like I'm her personal teddy bear. Her arms lock around me, pulling me in close, and before I know it, my arm is trapped between her, well,assets. My brain tries to keep itself in check, but my hormones are already racing like they just chugged an entire pot of espresso.

"Minori," I sigh, trying to stay calm and... professional. "I need you to let go. I have to get ready for work, and after that, I promise I'll get you some snacks. But you gotta let me go first." I wriggle slightly, trying to adjust my position so we don't end up in a compromising situation.

She pouts for a moment, her cheeks puffed up like a child denied candy, but finally, she relents with a dramatic sigh. "Hmph, fine. But youbettergive me extra snacks later!" She releases her death grip, though not without some playful grumbling.

Just as I'm about to get back to business, the doorbell rings. Another figure strides in, wearing the same Gessen Girls Academy uniform as Minori, but with a more authoritative air. She has a dark blue bob cut, tall with a curvaceous figure—generous bust, wide hips—and a stern expression that immediately zeroes in on us.

"Sothisis where you ran off to," she says, crossing her arms. Her voice is cool, reprimanding. "Come on, Minori, we need to get back to our sisters."

But then her gaze narrows on me. Specifically, on how Minori had been hugging me just moments ago. "Why were you hugging my sister?" she asks, her tone sharp as her eyes flicker with suspicion.

Before I can answer, Minori shoots her sister a glare. "Hey, Yozakura-baka, don't pick on Shoku-nii like that!" She puffs up in defense, crossing her arms in a huff.

I raise my hands in surrender, taking a step back. "Whoa, hold on! She's the one who rocketed toward me and tried to squeeze the life out of me. I was just trying to survive!"

Yozakura sighs heavily, clearly used to Minori's antics. "So... you're the guy Minori never stops talking about, huh? The one whose snack wrappers I have to keep cleaning up every time she visits." Her tone softens slightly, though it's clear she's still wary. "Yozakura Kenkaba, one of Minori's older sisters. Gessen Girls Academy."

I nod, offering her a smile. "Kanshoku Kenkichi. Snack maker and enthusiast, also a student at Hanzo Academy. Nice to meet ya."

At the mention of my school, her expression flickers—just for a second—but I catch it. A subtle shift, like she's mentally filing away some kind of important detail. Weird.

"Hanzo Academy?" she whispers, her brow furrowing before she quickly composes herself, brushing it off.

Minori tugs at my sleeve, bringing me back to the task at hand. "Come on, Shoku-nii! Snacks!" she demands, all traces of the earlier tension forgotten in her usual sugar-fueled enthusiasm.

"Alright, alright," I chuckle, turning back to the shelves. "Let me grab your stuff, Minori. I know what you like."

As I started bagging up her usual order, I couldn't help but wonder what Yozakura's strange reaction was all about. Something about Hanzo must've caught her attention, but for now, I'll just stick to what I know best—snacks. And keeping Minori happy, or I'll never hear the end of it.

Homura POV

"The last place I'd expect to find anything is by the waterfront bridge. Let's check it out," says Asuka Hattori, my target for today. For the supposed granddaughter of the legendary Hanzo, the greatest shinobi to ever live, I've got to say… she's a disappointment.

As she rambles on, her eyes scanning the empty horizon, I silently draw my six blades. Poised just a few feet behind her, I wait, testing her instincts. A seasoned shinobi should feel the shift in the air when death is so close. But nothing. She doesn't even flinch, oblivious to how easily I could slit her throat in a heartbeat. A flick of my wrist and she'd be finished. But... what would be the point?

I sigh in exasperation, more out of boredom than mercy. Sliding my blades back into their sheaths, I put on my best civilian act. "Thanks for helping me look, but I need to head back to campus. It was… nice hanging out with you, Asuka," I say, plastering on a fake smile.

Her eyes brighten as she beams at me, her usual carefree tone grating on my nerves. "Yeah! It was fun, Homura-chan! I guess I'll see you around!"

Homura-chan?I bite back a snarl. Her childish nickname for me, her bubbly tone, her entireexistence—it all makes my blood boil. She's supposed to be the successor to a living legend, but she's a weak, naive fool. It disgusts me. Strength is everything to a shinobi, and here she is acting like we're on some friendly stroll instead of being in the middle of a deadly game.

I walk off without another word, my hands clenched into fists as I suppress the urge to cut her down right then and there. I hate to admit it, but as much as she annoys me, she isn't worth it. Not yet. I need to bide my time. Once the moment's right, I'll crush her and everything she stands for.

As I turn a corner away from Asuka, I spot a familiar figure waiting for me: Haruka Tsukai, one of my squadmates from Hebijo Academy. Her long brown hair curls into twin tails, adorned with an oversized pink ribbon. With her voluptuous figure and those sharp, green eyes, she could charm any guy with a glance. But that's not why she's dangerous. She's a puppet master in more ways than one.

"How did your part of the mission go?" I ask, my voice low.

A sly smile spreads across her lips. "Very, very interesting. I've gathered quite a bit of information… and somethingextraordinary," she titters, her chest bouncing as she giggles.

"Extraordinary?" I raise an eyebrow. Haruka never uses that word lightly.

She nods, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "Before the Hanzo shinobi arrived, a boy wandered into the alley. Nothing special at first, but then he pulled out the most peculiar thing: a colorful gun. He loaded it with this strange ball, and when he fired it…bam!My dolls were hit with a pink, sticky gum-like substance and were stuck to the walls!"

A boy with a strange gun? "Is he a shinobi?" I ask, intrigued by this unexpected development.

"I don't believe so," Haruka says, tapping her chin thoughtfully. "When the Hanzo shinobi appeared and my puppets started moving again, he looked terrified and bolted as soon as the coast was clear. A coward. But," she adds with a wicked grin, "there was another girl with him. She would makesucha lovely puppet in the future. Fufufu…"

I narrow my eyes, her laughter sending a chill down my spine. Haruka's always plotting, always thinking three steps ahead. But the boy… he's an anomaly. Something about him doesn't add up.

"We need to report this to Suzune-sensei immediately," I say, urgency filling my voice. A new variable like this could throw all our plans off balance.

Haruka nods, her smile fading into a more serious expression. "Indeed. A wild card like him could either ruin everything or be a useful tool in the right hands."

I grit my teeth. This boy… whoever he is, he's not part of the plan. And if there's one thing I hate, it's anything—or anyone—that threatens to disrupt my path to victory. I won't allow it. Not now, not ever.

Ikaruga POV

After the incident with the puppets, we return to the hideout, each of us deep in thought about what transpired. The room is tense, the air thick with unease as we try to piece together the puzzle. The quiet hum of the base's lights buzzes overhead, a stark contrast to the chaos we'd just experienced.

"So, this boy fired a gum-like substance at the dolls, and once they reverted to their true forms, he fled?" Kiriya-sensei's voice breaks the silence, steady but probing as he questions our mission report.

"Correct, sensei," I reply, my hands resting on the table in front of me as I gather my thoughts. Whoever controlled the dolls had clearly anticipated our arrival. It wasn't just some random trap; it was a calculated move, a deliberate attempt to draw us in. But the wild card—Kanshoku Kenkichi and his bizarre weaponry—was something no one could've predicted.

Kiriya-sensei narrows his eyes, deep in thought. "And this Kanshoku Kenkichi… do you believe he's a shinobi?"

I shake my head, recalling the fear in Kanshoku's eyes when the puppets began to move. "No, I don't. He ran the moment the puppets broke free. I think he just discovered his ability—whatever it is—by accident. He didn't behave like someone trained in combat."

A moment of silence follows as Kiriya-sensei processes the information. The mission was supposed to be routine—observe and neutralize—but it had been anything but. The dolls were a clear threat, and now we had an outlier. Someone with unknown powers and no clear allegiance.

"We are now under attack by unknown agents," Kiriya-sensei finally says, his voice calm but with a clear undercurrent of concern. "And we have an outlier in Kanshoku Kenkichi. He's a wild card, and we can't afford to leave him unchecked. Tomorrow, I want you to track him down. See if we can bring him to our side."

His words hang in the air, and I can feel the weight of the task settling on my shoulders. Kanshoku wasn't like us. He didn't choose this life of battle, and yet, he had a weapon that could shift the balance.

"Understood?" Kiriya-sensei's voice pulls me from my thoughts.

"Yes, sensei," we all respond in unison, the echo of our voices barely masking the uncertainty lingering in the room.

As we're dismissed, I can't help but replay the encounter over and over in my head.Who is Kanshoku Kenkichi?A mere civilian would have no business carrying something like that strange gun, let alone have the audacity to use it amid a battle. His aim had been off, his body tense with fear, yet he had fired without hesitation. He'd stood up to the puppets, if only briefly, and that… that was impressive in itself.

I glance over at Asuka, who seems just as troubled. The others file out, but I linger, watching her. She's Hanzo's granddaughter, expected to lead, but even she seems shaken by the unexpected events.

"We'll find him," I say quietly as I approach her.

Asuka looks up, her usual cheerful demeanor replaced by a rare seriousness. "He didn't look like a shinobi, Ikaruga. Just… scared. Like he didn't know what he was doing there."

I nod. "He didn't. But he still fired that gun. There's more to him than we know."

We share a quiet moment before parting ways, each of us retreating into our thoughts. As I make my way back to my room, I can't shake the feeling that tomorrow's mission will be even more complicated than today's.

If Kanshoku doesn't know what he's gotten himself into, then we need to find him before someone else does.