I awoke at my usual time, the soft morning light spilling through the blinds, casting thin stripes of gold across my room. It felt like any other day—ordinary, peaceful, even comforting in its monotony. But yesterday's events lingered like a dark cloud, the memories seeping in when I opened my eyes. A part of me tried to shove them away, convince myself they were nothing but the result of a late-night snack binge, a weird dream crafted by too much sugar and too little sleep. But the gnawing feeling in the pit of my stomach told me otherwise.

Murder dolls and classmates wielding weapons weren't things you just imagined away. I tried, though.God, did I try.

I sat up, rubbing the last bits of sleep from my eyes as my gaze drifted to the bedside table. TheTreat Triggerrested there, its chrome surface glinting in the soft light. It seemed almost out of place in the gentle calm of my room. "Probably a good idea to bring that today," I muttered, feeling a heavy weight settle on my chest. Yesterday wasn't a dream, and today might hold even worse surprises.

Shaking off the anxiety, I forced myself through my morning routine—a quick shower, pulling on my school uniform like armor. I headed downstairs, where the scent of sizzling bacon greeted me like a familiar friend. Dad was at the stove, his usual spot in the kitchen. He glanced over his shoulder when he heard me step in, concern immediately etching across his face.

"Son, you alright?" His voice carried a fatherly warmth, but his eyes were scrutinizing. "You look a bit rough this morning. Didn't sleep well?"

"Yeah, just jittery," I replied, trying to sound nonchalant, though the words felt heavy. "Had a weird day yesterday, that's all." I smiled quickly, hoping it would ease his concern, but I wasn't sure it worked.

Dad raised an eyebrow but said nothing more, serving a plate of eggs and bacon. I sat at the kitchen table, the mundane rhythm of breakfast grounding me. But even as I chewed, my mind wandered back to those creepy dolls, their lifeless eyes staring down at me. And the Treat Trigger… the way it hadworked. It wasn't just some gimmick anymore; it had real power. Real consequences.

The scrape of my fork against the plate jolted me from my thoughts, and I glanced at the clock. Time to head out. I slung my bag over my shoulder, tucking the Treat Trigger carefully inside, and tried to mentally prepare for whatever the day would throw at me. As I stepped outside, a cold breeze swept over me. It felt like a warning.

I moved through the day cautiously, walking to class as if every shadow might jump out at me. Once inside the school, I slipped into my desk, my eyes flicking nervously around the room. Everything seemed normal, but that only made me more suspicious. For all I knew, one of my classmates could be secretly armed or worse, and I didn't want to be caught off guard again.

My thoughts drifted.Murder dolls, magical snacks, classmates pulling swords out of nowhere—it felt like I'd stumbled into a manga, but I was the unfortunate side character instead of the protagonist. And everyone knows what happens to those guys. No plot armor, no heroic last-minute save. Just… squish.

"Calm down, Kanshoku," I whispered, attempting to breathe evenly. "All I have to do is avoid the others. Yeah, that's the plan. Stay under the radar, avoid Katsuragi-senpai, Ikagura-Kaichou, Yagyu-san… everyone, really." I started forming an escape plan for lunch—head straight home after school, stay out of sight, and maybe, just maybe, I'd survive the day unscathed.

But as I was mentally rehearsing my grand escape, a hand clamped down on my shoulder like a vice. My blood ran cold.

"Yo, Kanshoku-kun," Katsuragi-senpai's voice rang out behind me, her tone too playful for my liking. I slowly turned my head, trying to mask the rising panic in my chest. There she was, grinning like a cat about to pounce on its prey. "You didn't think you could hide from us, did ya?"

Before I could respond, she leaned in closer, her mischievous grin widening. "Ikagura's been waiting to apologize, so you're coming with me."

"I-I really don't think that's necessary—" I started to protest, but Katsuragi-senpai wasn't having it. She grabbed my arm in a vice-like grip.

"Nah, it'll be good for you. Come on, let's go," she chirped, dragging me out of my seat. I cast a desperate glance around the room, hoping for some escape route, but my heart sank. Yagyu, Hibari, and Asuka were all watching, their expressions a mix of amusement and pity.

"Please, I have stuff to do—likeimportantstuff—" I stammered, trying to break free from Katsuragi's hold. But she had the strength of ten people, and I was no match. I was powerless to stop her as she practically dragged me down the hallway.

"Don't worry," Katsuragi winked. "You'll survive… probably."

This is it, I thought, my feet sliding helplessly along the floor.This is how I die.

Before I could finish, she effortlessly hoisted me from my seat. My protests fell on deaf ears as she guided—no, dragged—me toward the hallway. The other students watched with a mix of amusement and confusion, whispers trailing in our wake.

"Where are we going?" I asked, trying to keep the tremor out of my voice.

"Somewhere we can talk privately," she replied cheerfully. "Don't worry, we don't bite. Much."

Great. Just great. As we navigated the labyrinthine corridors, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was being led to my doom. The weight of the Treat Trigger in my bag was a small comfort, but I doubted it would help against whatever awaited me.

"Maybe this is all a misunderstanding," I thought desperately. "Maybe they just want to clear the air."

But a nagging voice in the back of my mind reminded me of the murder dolls, the weapons, the supernatural abilities. I was in over my head, and there was no turning back.

I am dragged towards the old, abandoned school building and panic internally. We go inside it and travel through the hall stopping at a specific wall point. Asuka puts her hand on it and the section pushes in, opening the wall into a slide. Katsuragi drags me into the chute of mystery and after a slide down we arrive in a dimly lit room.

Katsuragi-senpai finally released her grip, facing me with a grin that didn't quite reach her eyes. "Here we are. Now, let's have a little chat."

I took a deep breath, steeling myself for whatever was to come. "Alright, what do you want from me?"

She exchanged a glance with the others as they closed in around me. "Oh, nothing much," she said casually. "Just a few questions."

Asuka stepped forward, her usually cheerful expression tinged with seriousness. "We saw what happened yesterday," she began softly. "With the... puppets."

My throat went dry. "I-I don't know what you're talking about."

Yagyu-san's gaze was piercing. "You wielded a weapon unlike any we've seen. It saved you—but it also put you in danger."

Hibari offered a small, sympathetic smile. "We just want to help."

I hesitated, weighing my options. Denial seemed futile, but admitting anything felt like stepping into a trap. "Look, I don't know what's going on. One minute I'm minding my own business, the next I'm being attacked by... whatever those things were."

Ikaruga emerged from the shadows, her presence commanding. "Kanshoku Kenkichi," she addressed me formally. "Our worlds have intersected in a way that cannot be ignored. You've been thrust into a reality that few are aware of."

"Reality?" I echoed. "You mean the one where murder dolls roam alleyways and students carry weapons to school?"

She nodded solemnly. "Precisely. We are shinobi—trained to protect the balance between the ordinary world and the shadows that threaten it."

Shinobi? As in ninja? This was getting absurd. "And what does that have to do with me?"

"Your ability," she said, gesturing to my bag. "The weapon you carry is unique. It harnesses power in a way we've never encountered."

I clutched my bag defensively. "It's just... something I made. A hobby."

Katsuragi chuckled. "Some hobby. Most people don't craft weapons that can take down puppets controlled by evil shinobi."

I felt cornered, the walls closing in. "What do you want from me?" I repeated, more urgently this time.

"What we want is to protect you and nurture your talents," a deep voice echoed from seemingly nowhere. I blinked, confusion twisting in my mind. Suddenly, smoke began seeping into the room, curling like tendrils around the corners and slowly filling the air. My heart pounded in my chest as the figure of a tall man materialized within the thick plume. I squinted through the fog, half-expecting some supernatural being to emerge. But as the smoke cleared, I could see the familiar silhouette.

It was Kiriya-sensei—our math teacher, of all people.

"Sensei?" I muttered, unable to mask my surprise.

Kiriya-sensei stepped forward, his usually laid-back demeanor replaced by a serious expression. "You have a gift," he began, his voice calm yet commanding. "An ability like no other. With time and training, you could unlock its true potential. You could walk a path that very few ever do. But it's up to you to decide."

My mouth went dry as I stared at him, trying to reconcile this man—who just last week had scolded me for not turning in my math homework—with the gravity of what he was saying. Shinobi? Dolls? Powers? This was like something straight out of a comic book. A part of me hoped I'd wake up soon, that maybe I'd eaten too many snacks the night before and was in some bizarre sugar-induced dream.

"You mean... you're like some sort of Professor X?" I blurted out, half-joking, half-hoping to lighten the tension. My voice sounded far more uncertain than I intended.

Kiriya-sensei's lips twitched, almost as if he wanted to smile but held back. "Not quite," he replied, folding his arms. "But close enough. This isn't just about powers. It's about responsibility. The world you stumbled into... it's not one you can walk away from easily."

I find it interesting, yet bewildering, that I had to process everything he said. Yesterday, I was just Kanshoku, a guy who worked at his family's snack shop. And today, I'm being told that I have powers and am part of some secret ninja organization. How do you even begin to process something like that?

"So," I said after a long pause, my mind still racing. "I can refuse, right? And if I do, what happens then?"

Kiriya-sensei's eyes darkened slightly, and his tone shifted ever so subtly. "You can refuse," he confirmed, "but it's not that simple. If you decline, you'll be under constant observation. You've seen too much, and there's no going back. Your life as you know it will change. Every step, every move—watched. It's a heavy price for choosing to walk away."

My breath caught in my throat as I weighed the options. On the one hand, joining this shadowy world meant diving headfirst into danger and unknown forces. On the other hand, living every day under surveillance? No freedom, no privacy? It was a lose-lose scenario.

I exhaled sharply, frustration bubbling up. "Fine," I said, my voice a mixture of resignation and sarcasm. "I'll join your stupid shinobi organization. Like I have a choice."

Before I could even process what I'd just committed to, Katsuragi burst into a grin, clapping me on the back with enough force to knock the wind out of me. "That's the spirit!" she said, laughing. "Trust me, it's not all doom and gloom. Plus, with your snack-making skills, I bet you'll develop some killer techniques. Who wouldn't want to fight with magical snacks?"

"Yeah," I muttered weakly, rubbing my sore shoulder. "Killer techniques."

Hibari's eyes lit up as she clapped her hands together. "Ooh, I can't wait to see what kinds of sweets you'll make! Maybe something cute like a pink marshmallow shield!" she giggled, clearly more excited about my abilities than I was.

Yagyu, ever the stoic one, gave a curt nod. "Welcome aboard," she said, her voice steady. There was no excitement in her tone; it was just a cold acceptance like this that was all routine for her. I felt a shiver run down my spine. Maybe it was.

As I stood there, surrounded by my classmates-turned-shinobi, it hit me how much my life had changed. Just yesterday, my biggest worry was perfecting a new recipe for the snack shop. Now? Now, I was knee-deep in a world of magic, mystery, and danger. And worse yet, I had no idea what I'd just signed up for.

Kiriya-sensei cleared his throat, drawing our attention back to him. "Training starts now. Be prepared—there's no room for hesitation in this world." He paused, looking directly at me, his gaze intense. "You've made your choice. Now, it's time to live with it."

As the room fell into an uneasy silence, I glanced at the Treat Trigger resting in my bag. The once-novel snack-themed weapon suddenly felt like a burden—a reminder that nothing about my life was normal anymore. Maybe it never had been.

We all shuffled into our respective changing rooms, Katsuragi throwing one last teasing comment over her shoulder. "No peeking, Kanshoku," she sang, her mischievous grin fading as she disappeared behind the doorway. I could feel the heat rising to my cheeks, her playful tone doing little to ease my nervousness. I quickly ducked into the male side, eager to change before my face gave away any further embarrassment.

Once I was in my gym uniform, I emerged, only to find the girls already waiting for me in the hallway, fully changed. 'How did they change so fast?' I wondered. Was this another shinobi skill I was going to have to master? The thought alone made me sigh.

Before I could dwell too long on that mystery, Katsuragi latched onto my arm, dragging me towards the training center along with the others. The building loomed ahead, its walls adorned with various shinobi banners, a reminder of just how out of place I felt. Inside, we were greeted by the sight of Kiriya-sensei, dressed in a tracksuit and holding a stopwatch.

"Alright, now that everyone's here, let's get started with some basic warm-ups!" Kiriya-sensei called out, his voice full of authority.

"Hai!" The others responded in unison, their energy palpable. Meanwhile, I was still trying to shake off the lingering fatigue from yesterday's chaos.

"Okay, give me 100 laps around the training room!" Kiriya-sensei ordered as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

"Wait, what?!" I blurted out in disbelief, my eyes widening. "100 laps?! That's way too much for a warm-up, it's my first freakin' day!" I protested, waving my arms for emphasis.

Kiriya-sensei didn't even flinch. "No discussion. You will run all 100 laps," he said, his tone final. There was no room for negotiation, not with that expression.

Yagyu shot me a look, adjusting the eyepatch she always wore with a casual air. "Why are you making such a big deal out of this? You're a shinobi now. Act like it," she said coolly as if this was no big deal.

Hibari, ever the kind soul, stepped in with a sympathetic smile. "Don't worry so much, Kanshoku-kun. It'll get easier with time," she reassured me, her words soft but encouraging. I could tell she understood what it was like to feel out of place in this world of superhumans.

"Yeah! If we can do it, so can you," Asuka added, her infectious optimism making me feel a little less doomed. She gave me a quick thumbs-up, her energy so unshakable that I couldn't help but feel a flicker of determination spark inside me.

Ikagura, poised and confident, chimed in next. "Asuka's right, Kanshoku-kun. This is just the first step. Every journey begins somewhere," she said, her voice firm yet encouraging. There was something in her tone that made me feel like I couldn't back down now.

And then, there was Katsuragi, who, true to form, grinned mischievously. "And even if you don't finish, I'll drag you across the finish line myself," she said with a wink, her arm tightening around my shoulder like she was half-expecting to carry me the whole way.

I groaned, knowing there was no getting out of this now. My heart raced just thinking about the grueling task ahead, but the girls were already starting their run, laps underway.

With a resigned sigh, I took off after them. Each step felt like my legs were made of lead, and the echoes of my footsteps seemed to mock me. As they lapped me one after the other, it was clear I was the weakest link here.

Around the 30th lap, my lungs were burning, and my legs threatening to give out beneath me. "This...is...insane..." I wheezed, barely able to form coherent thoughts through the exhaustion.

Around the 70th lap, my body started to give up on me. Each step became harder than the last, and my vision blurred. My legs felt like they were being weighed down by lead, refusing to cooperate. I could barely lift my feet off the ground anymore.

As I rounded the corner, everything began to spin, my body screaming for me to stop. My foot caught on the floor, and before I could see myself, I stumbled forward, collapsing onto the ground with a painful thud.

"Hey, Kanshoku!" I heard Katsuragi call out from somewhere behind me, her voice faint in my ears. I tried to push myself back up, but my arms felt like jelly. It was no use. I couldn't run another step.

"Get up, Kanshoku!" Katsuragi's hands were suddenly under my arms, pulling me up to my feet. My legs buckled beneath me, and I could barely stand on my own. "Come on, you're not giving up yet," she said, her usual teasing grin replaced with a determined frown.

"I...can't," I gasped, feeling the sting of failure burn in my chest. "I can't move."

"Yes, you can!" Katsuragi barked back, slinging my arm over her shoulder. "We're gonna finish this together, even if I have to carry you the whole damn way!"

Before I could protest, she was practically dragging me along, each step harder than the last. My legs screamed in agony, and my lungs felt like they were on fire, but somehow, with Katsuragi's relentless determination and the other girls cheering us on, we kept going.

The other girls had already finished their laps, watching from the sidelines as Katsuragi supported my weight. Hibari clapped her hands, shouting words of encouragement. "You're almost there, Kanshoku-kun! You can do it!"

"Asuka's right," Ikagura added, her voice calm and steady. "You're stronger than you think."

Yagyu just nodded, her stoic presence somehow reassuring, even without words.

With every fiber of my being screaming for me to stop, we finally crossed the finish line. Katsuragi let go of me as I collapsed to the floor, gasping for air, my entire body trembling.

"You...did it," Katsuragi said, grinning down at me. Her usual smugness had returned, but there was something softer in her expression now, almost proud.

I groaned, lying flat on the ground, too exhausted to even respond. My muscles screamed in protest, but deep down, despite the pain, there was a small sense of accomplishment growing inside me.

"Maybe you're not so hopeless after all," Katsuragi added with a chuckle, giving me a playful nudge with her foot.

I glared up at her, still panting heavily. "You're...insane," I managed to gasp out between breaths.

"And you're still alive," she shot back with a wink.

"Alright, that's enough. Now we begin therealtraining!" Kiriya-sensei's voice echoed through the training room, his whistle piercing the air.

I was still sprawled out on the floor, practically drowning in my own sweat, while the girls stood tall, barely even winded. Their breathing was steady, muscles relaxed as if the hundred laps had been nothing more than a light jog. Meanwhile, I felt like I was on the verge of death.

"Give... me a... sec, Sensei," I groaned, my face buried against the cold floor, my body aching in ways I didn't even know were possible.

"There is no time," Kiriya-sensei barked, ignoring my obvious state of collapse. "Training must begin. Now we move on to sparring, now the—"

"How about... we skip ahead to weapons practice?" I interrupted, using what little strength I had left to raise myself slightly off the ground. My arms wobbled beneath me as I sat up, barely managing to prop myself on my knees. "I barely know how to use a gun. Point, aim, shoot—that's it for me. I need more practice."

Kiriya-sensei crossed his arms, giving me a look that could turn steel into dust. His eyes narrowed, clearly unimpressed by my attempt to escape sparring.

"You'll learn weapons after you've honed your body," he said, his voice as sharp as the edge of Yagyu's umbrella. "A shinobi's strength comes from within. A weapon is merely an extension of that strength."

I groaned again, fighting the urge to collapse back onto the floor. "Yeah, but what if... what if my weapon's, like,literallymy strength? It kinda...shootsthings."

Asuka gave a small laugh from the sidelines, clearly amused by my attempt to weasel my way out of the brutal sparring session that was undoubtedly coming. Even Hibari was trying to stifle a giggle, though I couldn't tell if it was out of pity or actual humor.

Kiriya-sensei, however, wasn't having it.

"You'll have time for that later," he said firmly, eyes boring into me like he was trying to drill the concept into my brain. "Right now, we need to see where your foundation is. Weapons won't help you if your body can't keep up."

I opened my mouth to argue, but Katsuragi was suddenly beside me, slinging her arm around my shoulder like we were old pals. "Don't worry, Kanshoku," she teased with that signature mischievous grin of hers. "I'll go easy on you. Besides, youwantedto spar with me, right?"

I blinked, confused. "When did I say that?"

"You didn't, but I figured it out," she said, laughing as she ruffled my hair, much to my dismay. "I'm great at reading people."

My stomach dropped at the realization of what was about to happen. Katsuragi. Sparring. Withme.

This was a death sentence.

Asuka chimed in from across the room, stretching her arms as if preparing for her own match. "Don't worry, Kanshoku-kun! It's all part of the training! You'll get used to it."

"Get used todying?" I muttered under my breath, watching as Kiriya-sensei began pairing the others up for their spars. Yagyu and Hibari were already eyeing each other down, while Asuka and Ikagura stood off to the side, waiting for their turn. Meanwhile, Katsuragi was practically bouncing on her toes beside me, full of energy and anticipation.

I was doomed.

Kiriya-sensei blew his whistle again, signaling the start of our sparring sessions. I stumbled to my feet, legs still trembling from the laps. Katsuragi was already in position, her stance casual but firm, a wicked grin plastered on her face.

"You ready?" she called out, her eyes gleaming with excitement.

I gulped, holding up my hands defensively. "Uh... not really."

But before I could even blink, she was on me. Katsuragi lunged forward, her speed so fast it felt like she disappeared and reappeared within a second. Her foot collided with my side in a swift, practiced kick, sending me flying backward. I hit the ground with a loud thud, my body bouncing off the training mat.

Pain shot through my side, and I wheezed as the air was knocked out of me. "Okay... I think I'm done..." I gasped, trying to crawl back to my feet.

But Katsuragi wasn't about to let me off that easy. "Come on, Kanshoku! You wanted to learn how to fight, right? So fight!" she cheered, her voice annoyingly cheerful for someone who had just sent me flying.

I groaned, stumbling back to my feet, only to have her launch at me again. This time, I managed to raise my arms in time to block her strike, though the force of it still rattled me. Katsuragi's strength was no joke, and I could feel the bruises forming under my skin already.

"Use your legs!" Asuka called out from the sidelines, ever the supportive one. "Your balance is off!"

"Yeah, I can feel that!" I yelled back, struggling to keep from getting knocked down again as Katsuragi danced around me, her movements fluid and precise. I swung a punch, but she easily dodged it, tapping my shoulder with a playful jab before jumping back, clearly enjoying herself.

"You're too slow, Kanshoku!" Katsuragi taunted, her grin widening. "I could dodge you all day!"

Frustration boiled up inside me, my exhaustion only making it worse. "I know!" I snapped, throwing another punch that she effortlessly dodged. "I'm trying, okay?"

But Katsuragi wasn't letting up. She moved in again, faster this time, and I barely managed to avoid her roundhouse kick. Sweat dripped down my face, and I was already gasping for air. My body felt like it was on the verge of collapse, the hundred laps still weighing heavily on my muscles.

"Come on, Kanshoku!" Katsuragi shouted, her voice laced with excitement. "Where's that fire? Show me what you've got!"

I stumbled forward, swinging wildly in a desperate attempt to land a hit, but she dodged each one effortlessly. My vision blurred, and my legs wobbled beneath me.

Then, suddenly, Katsuragi's foot swept my legs out from under me, and I hit the ground hard, the impact knocking the wind out of my lungs. I lay there, gasping for breath, my entire body screaming in pain.

Katsuragi crouched beside me, her grin as wide as ever. "You're tough, Kanshoku. I'll give you that," she said, giving me a pat on the back. "But you've still got a long way to go."

I groaned, too tired to argue. All I wanted now was to crawl into bed and never move again.

"Alright, enough for now," Kiriya-sensei's voice cut through the room, halting our sparring session. I was still wheezing on the ground, clutching my ribs, when he continued. "Asuka, Hibari, you're up next! Get in the ring and show me some fire!"

I blinked in disbelief, trying to process what I was about to witness. Asuka unsheathed her twin swords with a determined grin, the blades gleaming under the lights, while Hibari stepped up with nothing but her bare hands.Wait, how is that fair?I thought, still catching my breath.

Asuka wasted no time. She charged forward, her swords a blur as she slashed with lightning speed. Hibari, to my shock, didn't falter. She dodged and weaved, blocking strikes with nothing but the palms of her hands. Her movements were precise, her cheerful nature replaced by intense focus as she redirected each attack with minimal effort. I could feel my jaw drop.

How is she blocking sword strikes with just her hands?I wondered, my exhaustion was momentarily forgotten as I watched in awe. Hibari might've been the cheerful one of the group, but there was definitely something more to her than just a bubbly personality.

After a heated exchange of blows, the match ended, and next up were Ikagura and Yagyu. I pushed myself up onto my elbows, determined not to miss this.

Ikagura entered the ring with her long sword, moving with the grace and poise you'd expect from someone of her caliber. Yagyu, on the other hand, walked in with her... umbrella. Yeah, I said it.An umbrella.

I rubbed my eyes, wondering if the laps had messed with my vision. But no, Yagyu was indeed wielding an oil-paper umbrella like a weapon. I was about to laugh, but that laugh died in my throat as Ikagura's sword came down in a powerful arc, only to be blocked effortlessly by the umbrella.

What the hell?

Not only did Yagyu block the strike, but she did it with such ease that it looked like she had done it a thousand times before. Ikagura's blade clashed against the seemingly flimsy object, and yet, Yagyu stood firm, deflecting each strike as if it were nothing. I could barely comprehend what I was seeing.

Every time Ikagura tried to press her advantage, Yagyu countered with pinpoint precision, using the umbrella to deflect, parry, and even knock her back. And then, with a flick of her wrist, Yagyu swung the umbrella around, revealing hidden blades along its edge that she used to push Ikagura into retreat.

Okay, what kind of sorcery is this?I thought, my brain struggling to catch up with the sheer insanity of it all. A girl was using an umbrella to fight off a master swordsman.

The battle was fierce, but Kiriya-sensei finally called it off, his whistle-blowing sharply through the room. I exhaled in relief, my body still aching, but at least now, I wasn't the only one completely mind-blown by the absurdity of this squad's abilities.

"Good job," Kiriya-sensei said, nodding to both Ikagura and Yagyu. "Now, let's move on to the next phase—weapons training."

I let out a long, relieved sigh, still lying flat on the ground. At least now, I'd get a break from the relentless sparring... I hoped.

Slowly getting up after getting my ass handed to me on a golden platter, I staggered towards my bag. My legs felt like jelly, and every muscle in my body ached from the relentless training. I rummaged through my stuff, pulling out theTreat Trigger—my pride and joy. Along with it, I grabbed my last pack ofBouncing Gummiesand my newest concoction,Bubble Gum-Gum.

"Man, when I get home, I need to restock... and maybe whip up something new."The thought of experimenting with new flavors and effects gave me a small burst of motivation, despite the fatigue weighing me down.

With my weapon in hand, I shuffled over to a section lined with dummies, my mind still buzzing from the last sparring match. The dummies stared back at me, waiting. Meanwhile, Kiriya-sensei, ever watchful, stood off to the side, his arms crossed, eyes locked on me with that familiar look of anticipation. I could practically feel the weight of his expectations pressing down on me.

I took a deep breath, steadied my trembling hands, and loaded aBouncing Gummyinto the chamber.

Bouncing Gummy

Locked and loaded,the gun's mechanical whir filled the air, and I tightened my grip on the trigger. The weight of the weapon felt right, comforting even. I aimed at the nearest dummy, feeling the adrenaline start to return as my finger hovered over the trigger.

"Bang," I whispered under my breath as I pulled the trigger, releasing a crackling energy that surged through the gun.

Bouncing Gummy Blast

My armament roared to life as three massive gummy shurikens fired from the barrel, spinning through the air with wild energy. They zoomed forward, one colliding directly with the dummy, while the other two veered slightly off course, hitting the ground with a splat.

The gummy that struck home hit the dummy with athwack, sending it wobbling from the impact. Its surface bounced back briefly, leaving a thick, sticky residue trailing from the contact point. I couldn't help but smirk a little—maybe the aim wasn't perfect, but the effect was undeniable.

"Amazing," Kiriya-sensei called out, breaking my concentration. He walked over, nodding in approval, but there was a critical edge in his voice. "You've got something powerful here, but you need to work on your aim. The potential's there, but it'll be useless if you can't hit your target reliably."

I glanced back at the other two gummies, still stuck to the ground like oversized jelly splats. A wave of frustration hit me—I had put so much effort into perfecting the snack-based projectiles, but none of that mattered if I couldn't control them properly. Still, Kiriya's words didn't sting as much as they could have. They felt more like a challenge.Work on your aim, huh?

Bubble Gum-Gum

As I locked the gum into place, I couldn't help but feel a flicker of excitement. I hadn't fully tested it out in the field yet, but the concept was solid in my head. Blow a bubble, block an attack, or launch it forward to trap an opponent in a sticky mess. Kiriya-sensei leaned in slightly, clearly curious about the new addition.

But after my last attempt with theBouncing Gummies, I realized something. My long-range aim was shaky. If I kept missing, it didn't matter how creative the snacks were. Maybe it was time to dial it back and focus on something more manageable. Something short-range.

Kiriya-sensei seemed to catch on to my shift in focus. His watchful eyes narrowed in on my movements, clearly interested in how I'd adjust this time.

I approached the target, a bit closer than before. Instead of aiming for a distant hit, I imagined myself right in the middle of a close-quarters fight. The pressure, the adrenaline, the need to think quickly and act decisively. If I was going to master this, I needed to be able to fire with precision, even when everything around me was chaotic.

"Focus on short-range control," I whispered to myself, steadying my grip on theTreat Trigger. My finger rested on the trigger, and this time, I didn't bother aiming too far ahead. The dummy was within a few meters—close enough to test the gum's rapid expansion, but also far enough to simulate a real encounter.

Bubble Gum-GumBlast

TheBubble Gum-Gumshot out like a small pink blob, expanding as it closed the distance between me and the target. This time, the hit was precise. It smacked into the dummy's torso and, almost instantly, the gum began to splatter and spread across the surface, coating the target in a web of sticky material. The moment it made contact, the dummy was locked in place—no chance of escape.

"Much better," I muttered, feeling a surge of pride at the more controlled hit. The closer range allowed me to focus, and the impact was immediate.

Kiriya-sensei stepped forward, nodding approvingly. "Good. You're starting to understand. Close-range precision is just as important as long-range accuracy, especially for someone like you. The gum is versatile, but it's only as useful as your ability to control it in tight situations."

I glanced down at theTreat Triggerand back at the stuck dummy, the gum still binding it in place. The closer proximity had made all the difference. If I could master aiming within a short range, I'd have a solid defensive tool in close combat situations, where things tend to get chaotic.

"Keep focusing on these short bursts," Kiriya-sensei continued, his voice stern but encouraging. "Master your close-range shots first. Once you're comfortable, then you can work on hitting targets at a distance."

"Understood, Sensei," I replied, already feeling the gears turning in my mind.Bubble Gum-Gumhad real potential—quick to deploy, effective at immobilizing an opponent up close, and perfect for creating openings in the heat of battle.

I stepped back and loaded anotherBubble Gum-Guminto the chamber, ready to give it another go. This time, I'd focus entirely on rapid-fire, short-range shots, controlling the gum's trajectory as it expanded.

With each shot, I could feel my accuracy improving. The dummies didn't stand a chance. They were soon coated in layers of sticky gum, unable to move, and I could already see how this technique would be useful in real combat.

Kiriya-sensei watched closely, arms crossed, but I noticed a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. He didn't say much more, but his expression told me all I needed to know. I was on the right track.

Training continued until I fired my lastBubble Gum-Gumshot, the snap of the trigger echoing in the now quiet room. I glanced at the girls—they were already wrapping up their training. Of course, they looked as fresh as ever, not even breaking a sweat, while I could feel the exhaustion catching up to me.

"Alright, it's break time," Kiriya-sensei called out, clapping his hands for attention. "Head to the changing rooms, return to your normal attire, and meet back in the hideout for lunch."

We all responded in unison, "HAI!" even me, despite the aching in my legs. We headed back to the changing rooms, the sound of chatter filling the hallway. I quickly swapped out my gym uniform for my school clothes, feeling a small sense of relief as I left the stuffy changing room behind. As I stepped into the hideout, the air was lighter, and more relaxed now that training was over.

I could hear Asuka's voice ring out before I even saw her. "Guess what, guys! My grandfather gave me a bunch of futomaki rolls we can share!"

Her cheerful announcement was met with an instant wave of excitement.

"Sweet!" the rest of the girls shouted, practically bouncing at the prospect of food. Even my stomach grumbled at the thought of fresh futomaki rolls. I watched as Asuka eagerly unwrapped the box, revealing the neat rows of thick, juicy rolls, each one filled with layers of ingredients that made my mouth water.

Ikagura was the first to grab a roll. She smiled at the offering before... pausing. Instead of just biting into it like any normal person, she brought the roll to her lips and slowly... and I meanslowly, started to lick the end of it. My eyes widened. What. The. Hell.

I stood frozen, a massive blush creeping up my face as she continued to suck on the futomaki in a way that was definitely... suggestive. She took her time with it, licking and teasing the roll, her lips slightly parted in an almost seductive manner.

'What the hell am I watching?' I thought, my brain short-circuiting. I wanted to look away, but it was like a car crash—I couldn't.

Asuka, thank god, was at least eating her roll like a normal person. She happily munched away, her focus entirely on the food, blissfully unaware of the growing awkwardness in the room.

Hibari, however, was nibbling on her futomaki from the side, like it was some kind of corn on the cob. Why? I had no idea, but the image only added to the bizarre scene unfolding before me.

Yagyu? She wasn't even touching the rolls. She stood off to the side, arms crossed, staring silently, eating what looked like dried squid. Maybe she had seen this scene play out before. Maybe it was just too much even for her. I couldn't tell, but she definitely had the right idea.

I glanced around, trying to hide my face behind my hand, feeling my blush spread down to my neck. Was this normal? Did they do this all the time when I wasn't around? I had no idea how to respond, so I just stood there, silently praying that someone—anyone—would stop the madness.

Finally, Ikagura bit into the futomaki with a satisfied hum, ending the spectacle. "Mmm," she said, her voice calm as if nothing weird had just happened. "These are delicious."

Smoke fills the room as Kiriya-sensei appears. "Ooh, are those futomaki rolls? Do you mind?" Kiriya-sensei asks Asuka.

"Sure, go ahead," and he does so with earnest... Oh god, he is mimicking Ikaugra. I need brain bleach.

I let out a shaky breath, trying to regain my composure. "Y-yeah... looks like it," I mumbled, grabbing my own roll, but making damn sure to eat it without any... theatrics.

Lunch, it seemed, was going to be another adventure of its own.

All of a sudden katsuragi decided to heat lunch up even more by sneaking behind Asuka and groping her breasts.

What the fuck is wrong with these people.

"Ahh, just what I need to whet my appetite, a good old serving of Asuka melons," Katsuragi says.

"Katsuragi stop this at once there is a boy present and this level of debauchery will not be tolerated," Ikagura exclaims while observing this event.

"Please, look at him, he is enjoying the show, Right, Kan~Sho~ku~kun," Katsuragi says while slowing down her words into a Teasing tone while saying my name.

I turn away, my face redder than ever before.

"Hey, hey, Kanshoku-kun," Hibari's voice cut through the lingering awkwardness, her bubbly innocence acting like a shield from... whatever had just transpired. Her big eyes sparkled as she shifted the conversation. "You said your family owns a snack shop, right?"

My face was still returning to a normal shade, and I was more than happy to latch onto any topic that wasn't about futomaki or whatever Ikagura had just been doing with it. "Yeah," I said, a grin spreading across my face as I felt that familiar warmth whenever I talked about the shop. "It's been in my family since my grandpa opened it. I work there part-time, and hopefully one day, I'll take over and run the place myself."

The thought of that filled me with joy. The shop was more than just a business—it was a legacy, and I loved everything about it. Even the quiet evenings spent organizing shelves or the rush of customers on a summer afternoon.

"Wow, my grandpa runs a sushi place too!" Asuka chimed in, having miraculously freed herself from Katsuragi's wandering hands. She looked genuinely excited. "I guess we've got something in common."

"Small world," I smiled back, though I couldn't help but think about how much chaos must unfold at a sushi shop run by Asuka's family.

"Anyway..." Hibari's tone suddenly turned serious. I could see the intense focus in her eyes as she turned her full attention back to me, almost as if the fate of the world rested on her next question. "Kanshoku-kun, do you have any sweets with you?"

I blinked. She asked with such gravity, it was like she was about to interrogate me for top-secret information. "Uh... yeah, I guess I do. Let me check." I rummaged through my bag, pulling out a few items. "I've got some regular gummies, mini cookies, a muffin, some strawberry licorice, a few mini chocolate bars... and, uh, a bunch of other stuff too."

When I looked up, I realized the whole room had gone quiet. Everyone was staring at me, eyes wide as if I'd just pulled out the lost treasures of an ancient civilization.

"What?" I asked, blinking at them.

"Dude..." Katsuragi leaned forward, peering into my bag like she was looking into an endless abyss. "How much stuff do youhavein there?"

I scratched the back of my head, a little sheepish now that I saw their reactions. "Honestly, I don't really know. I was in a rush this morning, so it's probably less than usual."

That comment had an immediate effect. All of their eyes bulged slightly, their minds clearly running wild. I could almost hear their collective thoughts:If that's 'less than usual,' what's full capacity?

Hibari shook off the shock and immediately returned to her mission. "Can I have a muffin, please?" She asked with the kind of wide-eyed, pleading look that made it hard to say no. Her hands clasped in front of her like a begging kitten.

But I wasn't about to give in just yet. I stood firm. "I don't kno—"

Suddenly, I felt it. The temperature in the room dropped, and an overwhelming sense ofdreadwashed over me. I glanced to the side and saw Yagyu staring directly at me. Her eyes were cold and sharp, her aura radiating an unmistakable bloodlust.

"Y-yeah, sure, take it!" I quickly shoved the muffin into Hibari's hands, my survival instincts kicking in. I wasn't about to argue when my life was on the line. Hibari giggled as she unwrapped the muffin, completely oblivious to the silent exchange that had just taken place.

I let out a breath of relief, but Katsuragi slapped me on the back, laughing. "Man, you're a walking candy store! I should stick around you more often."

"You're welcome to, just... try not to eat me out of house and home," I muttered.

Ikagura finally set her futomaki down and nodded. "Having a snack shop is a noble responsibility. Food brings people together, and in our line of work, a little sweetness goes a long way."

I wasn't sure if she was speaking from her own wisdom or still recovering from whatever weird mood the futomaki had put her in, but I nodded along anyway. "Yeah, it's all about making people happy with what you make." I paused, feeling a spark of inspiration. "Actually, I've been thinking about coming up with some new treats. Maybe something with a bit more... kick. Something that could be useful in training."

Katsuragi raised an eyebrow. "Useful how?"

"Well, like the Bouncing Gummies," I said, pulling out a small, empty pack from my bag. "They're not just snacks anymore. If I can figure out the right combinations, I could make something that could help us in battle—snacks that give boosts or can even be used as weapons."

The girls exchanged glances, clearly intrigued.

"You're full of surprises, aren't you?" Asuka said with a smile. "I guess we'll have to see what you come up with next."

I grinned, feeling the excitement of new ideas bubbling up in my mind.Yeah,I thought to myself,the next creation could be the one that tips the scales.

After lunch, we resumed our normal classes, the routine of school settling in like a comforting lull. But even as the day ticked by, my mind wandered back to the wild events that had become part of my life. Fighting ninja battles, creating magical snacks—it all seemed normal now, in a way that made me question what "normal" even meant anymore.

Walking through the bustling streets after school, the usual chatter of people, the hum of cars, and the warm sunlight filtered through the leaves above felt strangely soothing. A rare moment of peace. But as the calm settled in a heavy thought crept into my mind.I can never go back to how things used to be.There was a finality to that realization. My life was now intertwined with this other world, and there was no way out.

"AHHH~!" A high-pitched shriek echoed from a nearby alley, yanking me out of my thoughts. Without hesitation, I darted toward the sound, my heart pounding with both curiosity and a tinge of adrenaline.

I turned the corner and found a girl sprawled on the ground, surrounded by a mess of fallen objects—a handbag, some books, and what looked like a pink hairbrush. She was... really pretty.

Her skin was fair, almost glowing in the late afternoon light, with long brown hair pulled into a ponytail, held up by a bright red bow. Her big brown-red eyes flickered in surprise as she looked at her mess, her school uniform—a peach and white blouse with a plaid skirt—slightly ruffled from the fall. And, okay, I couldn't help but notice she had a... uh, pretty nice figure, too.

"Hey, are you alright?" I asked, stepping forward and bending down to help her gather up her things.

Kagari POV

"Yeah, yeah, I'm fine," I replied quickly, trying to mask the embarrassment in my voice.Great, just great, Kagari. Trip in the middle of the street like some clumsy idiot.I glanced up to see the boy in front of me, and my stomach dropped.Crap, it's a guy. What if he recognizes me? What if he's one of those fans? Or worse, what if he tries to use this to his advantage?

The worst-case scenarios started flashing through my head at lightning speed.What if he blackmails me? What if this turns into some stupid tabloid story?

"Hello?" The boy's voice cut through my spiraling thoughts, snapping me back to reality. "You're spacing out. Are you sure you're okay?"

I blinked and looked at him again. His face was friendly, concerned even, but... there was something else. He didn't seem to recognize me at all. No spark of recognition, no awkward excitement that usually came with people who knew who I was.Wait, does he not know me?I thought, half-relieved but also curious.

"Yeah, I'm fine, just a little sore from the fall," I said, waving it off as casually as I could. Then, before I could stop myself, I blurted out, "Do you recognize me?"

Kanshoku POV

"That's... a weird question," I said, raising an eyebrow. "But no, I don't know who you are. Are you, like, famous or something?"

Her face relaxed instantly, a faint blush rising on her cheeks. "No, it's nothing," she replied quickly, shaking her head as if dismissing the thought. "I'm Kagari. Kagari Tanbarin. Nice to meet ya."

She stuck out her hand, a little hesitant but still friendly. I was so confused by the whole situation.

"Uh... Kanshoku. Kanshoku Kenkichi." I shook her hand briefly, still trying to wrap my head around her strange question. "Nice to meet you too, I guess."

"Thanks for helping me," Kagari said, her cheeks still a little pink as she took back her things. "You didn't have to, but... I appreciate it."

"No problem," I replied, feeling a bit awkward but glad that at least the situation was normal now. Or so I thought.

Suddenly, Kagari whipped out her phone, holding it up like she was about to do something major. "Hey," she said, her voice a little more casual, "do you wanna be friends? You seem like a nice guy."

If anyone told you I blushed at that moment, they're lying. Absolutely, no way. No blush. I was just... surprised. Yeah, surprised.

"S-Sure," I stammered, trying to keep my voice from cracking. I fumbled to pull out my phone, and we exchanged numbers quickly. "Cool, I guess I'll see you around, Kanshoku," she said with a wink before walking away, leaving me standing there in disbelief.

Later...

The whole way home, my mind was spinning. Kagari Tanbarin—whoever she was—had just asked to be friends. I shook off the weirdness of it all and rushed back to my house. I was going to have to come up with something to tell my parents.

"Mom, Dad, I uh... joined a cooking club at school," I lied as soon as I stepped through the door.

My mom's face lit up like a Christmas tree. "That's amazing, sweetie! Now you can show off the Kenkichi family's secret techniques and blow them all away!" She immediately pulled me into a hug, nuzzling my cheek like I was still ten.

"Yeah," I muttered, trying to keep the guilt from leaking into my voice. She didn't notice, but my dad did. His eyes narrowed with suspicion from behind his newspaper, but he said nothing.

"Anyway, I've got some new ideas for things I wanna try," I blurted out, making a quick exit toward the basement where the 'creation center' was. "So, I'll just... go do that."

Once I was alone in the creation center, I took a deep breath. Today had been... a lot. But now, I have work to do. First things first—more ammo for theTreat Trigger. I checked my supply and made sure to restock, but a new idea was already forming in my mind.

What flavor profile should I create next?Something sweet? Or maybe sour, with a kick? The possibilities were endless, and I had a feeling whatever I made next might just change the game.

I decided to bring some serious heat to my next treat. The idea hit me like a spark, and a grin crept across my face, excitement buzzing in my chest.Something with a kick... no, something that'll leave anyone who tries it begging for water.

With renewed energy, I grabbed a stack of dehydrated rice sheets, their crisp, brittle texture perfect for what I had in mind. Carefully, I broke them into uneven fragments, each piece like a tiny shard of potential fiery doom. From there, it was time to work some magic.

I rummaged through the spice cabinet, pulling out everything I'd need to ignite this snack with heat. "A dash of cayenne for the foundation," I muttered to myself, sprinkling the fiery red powder over the rice. "Paprika for some smokiness..." I added with a flourish. But the real star was the birds-eye chili—dried and potent, the kind of spice that leaves your throat burning for hours after a single bite. I poured it liberally, my nose tingling from the intensity.

Satisfied with the mixture, I reached for the final ingredient—mysecret touch—a pinch of powdered magic. As soon as I added it, a faint glow began to surround the rice flakes. The soft hum of energy filled the air, and the reddish-orange light that emanated from the bowl bathed the room in an eerie glow.

Suddenly, there was a flash, like the heat of a mini-explosion contained within the bowl, and before me lay my latest creation. The fragments shimmered, each one glowing faintly as if it contained the very essence of fire itself.

I reached in, admiring my handiwork. "Flaming Fire Flakes," I whispered, naming them on the spot. These weren't just any spicy snacks—these were myhottestcreations yet.

"Heheheh, this is gonna begood," I couldn't help but cackle a little, anticipation bubbling up inside me as I popped a few flakes into my mouth.

At first, it was just a warmth, like dipping your toes into a hot bath. Then, suddenly, the heat roared to life, spreading through my mouth like wildfire. It was intense—a deep, burning heat that made my eyes water, but it was addictive. The flavor was rich, smoky, and utterly mouth-searing, like the spiciest hotpot I'd ever eaten, cranked up to eleven.

"Woof! Yeah, I'm feeling it," I said through gritted teeth, but the burn only fueled the excitement pumping through my veins. "I'mburning up!"

Without thinking, I swung my fist at the wall, riding the surge of adrenaline from the heat coursing through me.

Thud.

"Gah! Ow, ow, ow!" I yelped, cradling my hand as pain shot through my knuckles. "Note to self—these things increase aggression drive," I muttered as I rubbed my now sore hand. The Fire Flakes weren't just spicy—they sparked something primal. Definitely a mental note for later.

Still, I couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity of it. This was going to befun. Once my hand stopped throbbing, I grabbed a sleek plastic pouch from my supply cabinet and began designing the perfect custom packaging for my new creation. Bright orange with jagged flames dancing around the edges, the wordsFlaming Fire Flakeswritten in bold, fiery lettering across the front.

"Perfect," I said, admiring the bag.Now to test it on some unsuspecting victims...I thought with a mischievous grin.

I'd have to make sure I had a glass of milk nearby for the poor soul who tried these, though. Or not. This was going to be one fiery snack they wouldn't forget anytime soon.