Disclaimer I do not own Honkai Impact 3rd

For the first time in weeks, the sunlight fell unhindered over the Augury Tree, casting long shadows and dappling the grass in gold. Mei tilted her face up, eyes closed as she soaked in the warmth, a rare moment of peace.

Haruto leaned against the trunk, adjusting his camera lens to capture the interplay of light and shadow above. "This almost feels like a reward after surviving the last few weeks," he muttered, snapping another picture.

Airi stretched, her long legs crossing lazily as she propped herself up with her elbows. "Don't jinx it. This is probably some cosmic fluke, and if we say it out loud, it'll disappear."

Akito, seated slightly apart from the group, tapped the side of a thermos rhythmically. "Cosmic fluke's not a bad theory," he muttered, taking a slow sip of tea. "Even bad luck's gotta take a break sometime."

Mei glanced at him, frowning. "You keep saying that, but can you let us enjoy this without your ominous commentary?"

Akito didn't answer immediately, his eyes tracking a trio of red-eyed crows perched higher in the Augury Tree. "Sure. Enjoy it while it lasts."

Mei groaned, rubbing her temples. "Thanks for the optimism."

The cafeteria buzzed with chatter as the group settled into their usual corner. Haruto stole a piece of Airi's bread, earning a swift slap on the wrist. Mei, amused, sipped her juice box, her eyes wandering to the new face in the room.

The white-haired girl sat alone at a table near the window, demolishing a tray of food with the fervor of someone who hadn't eaten in days. Other students were stealing glances, whispering behind their hands, but she paid them no mind.

"She's new," Mei murmured, gesturing with her chin.

Haruto followed her gaze, raising an eyebrow. "Looks like she's got a black hole for a stomach."

"Transfer from god-knows-where," Airi supplied, scrolling through her phone. "Apparently got dropped in the middle of December. Weird time for a transfer, huh?"

Akito didn't even glance over, his focus on peeling an orange. "If she's that hungry, someone better warn the cafeteria staff. She might eat through the budget."

Mei laughed softly, though her gaze lingered. The girl finished her meal and leaned back with a satisfied sigh, completely at ease despite the stares. For a moment, their eyes met, and the girl grinned at Mei—wide, carefree, and oddly familiar.

Akito's apartment was cozy but minimalistic, reflecting his utilitarian approach to life. Mei stood at the stove, holding a spatula like it might explode, her brows knit in concentration.

"So… how do I know when to flip this?" Mei asked, poking at the pancake-like creation in the pan.

"When it stops sticking to the pan like glue," Akito replied from the counter behind her, where he was slicing vegetables with precision.

"That's… not helpful." Mei sighed, prodding the edge of the pancake.

Haruto lounged on the couch, his camera perched on his chest. "You know, maybe you should stick to eating instead of cooking. You've got the burning part down, though."

"Haruto, shut it," Mei snapped, her face flushing.

Airi smirked, not looking up from her phone as she scratched Dusk, the small black kitten curled in her lap. "We all have our strengths, Mei. Yours might not be in the kitchen."

Akito, completely unfazed, glanced over her shoulder at the pan. "Flip it now."

Mei panicked, fumbling with the spatula. The pancake flipped—half of it landing on the edge of the stove. She groaned, glaring at Akito. "I'm banned from the kitchen, aren't I?"

He nodded solemnly. "Until further notice."

Golden hour bathed Nagazora in a soft glow as Haruto wandered the streets, camera in hand. He paused near a convenience store, adjusting his lens to capture the warm light spilling through the store's windows.

Through the lens, a familiar figure came into focus: a short, white-haired girl in a Chiba Academy uniform, staring intently at a display of pork buns.

"Odd one," Haruto muttered, snapping a shot.

The girl suddenly looked up, her piercing blue eyes locking onto the camera. Haruto froze, but she merely grinned and gave a playful salute before returning to her task of debating which pork bun to buy.

Haruto chuckled under his breath. "Well, she's got personality."

As he turned to leave, the shadow of a crow flitted overhead. Haruto glanced up to see one of Akito's ever-present birds perched on a lamppost, its red eyes fixed on him.

"You got something to say, bird?" he muttered. The crow cawed once, tilting its head, before taking off into the sky.

Akito's apartment was filled with the sound of chaos as a pile of animals swarmed over him. Dusk and Chunni, the dog and cat duo, perched smugly on his shoulders, while smaller animals like Aaaaah and Hunter darted around his legs. Grim, the mangy dog, sprawled across his lap like a throne.

Mei stood in the doorway, utterly baffled. "How… how is this normal?"

Haruto, grinning from ear to ear, snapped pictures with his camera. "This is gold. Absolute gold."

Airi, seated on the couch, barely glanced up from her phone. "I'm more amazed he's not crushed under the weight. That's a lot of animals."

Akito, completely deadpan, reached up to scratch Captain behind the ears. "They've got a system. It's fine."

Mei raised an eyebrow. "A system? Akito, you're buried alive!"

"Still breathing," he replied flatly.

HarutoShutter (Haruto): "They say the holidays bring everyone together… In this case,everything. Presenting: Hoshizora Akito, animal magnet extraordinaire. No animals were harmed in the making of this chaos—except maybe Akito's dignity."

[Attached Images:

Akito sitting cross-legged in his apartment's living room, completely surrounded by animals. Grim sprawls across his lap, eyes half-lidded in contentment. Dusk snoozes on Akito's shoulder, her tiny form blending into his dark hoodie. Aaaaah perches on his knee, pecking curiously at a shoelace. Mei is visible in the background, one hand pointing as her other hand clutches her phone, mid-recording. Her face is frozen in an incredulous expression.

A close-up of Akito's face as a baby crow perches on his head, its feathers ruffled. His deadpan expression suggests he's resigned to his fate.

A wide shot of Haruto's shadow in the frame as he takes the photo. Airi is on the couch, petting another black kitten with one hand while her phone is in the other, capturing a candid shot of herself. Her faint smile contrasts with her usual indifferent vibe.]

Comments Section:

SunnySideUp: "Can we just talk about howcalmAkito looks despite the zoo?"

CherryBlossomDreams: "Mei's face though 'Are you seeing this?' vibes."

CryptidSpotter: "Is that Captain on his shoulder? OMG!"

HarutoShutter: "Lol, nope, that's Dusk. Captain would never make it this easy."

MeiSunburst: " HarutoShutter WHY would you post this?!"

HarutoShutter: "For science, MeiSunburst."

RaidenSunburst: "This never happened."

Fifty/FiftyFails: "There's literally video evidence. Accept it."

HarutoShutter (Haruto): ️ "Winter in Nagazora hits different when the crew is vibing. Between RaidenSunburst attempting to cook (help us), AiriLens nailing every photoshoot, and Akito being... Well, Akito, life's never dull."

[Attached Images:

A long shot of the Augury Tree, surrounded by soft sunlight. Mei sits at its base, her expression peaceful, a faint smile playing on her lips. The branches above are dotted with crows, their red eyes glinting faintly in the sunlight.

A blurry photo of Mei flipping a pancake, half of it landing on the stove. Akito's arm is faintly visible in the corner of the shot, reaching to rescue the pan. Caption: " RaidenSunburst in her natural habitat. Cooking is… not her strong suit."

Airi framed against the pinkish-orange glow of a winter sunset. Her pose is relaxed but striking as she gazes into the distance. Caption: "Who else could make a random street look like a runway?"]

Comments Section:

WinterChill: "Haruto's photos always give me life. The Augury Tree shot is stunning!"

KitchenKnight: "Mei cooking is the content I didn't know I needed. She gets points for trying though."

RaidenSunburst: " You're all banned from my pancakes!"

HarutoShutter: "Good thing your ban doesn't apply to Akito's kitchen, lol."

AiriLens: "I don'tneeda runway; the streets come to me."

HarutoShutter (Haruto):
"They say the crows follow Hoshizora Akito, but honestly, I think they're just here for the drama. Fun fact: His luck takes holidays off. Who knew bad vibes had vacation days?"

[Attached Images:

A red-eyed crow perched on a lamppost, its silhouette stark against a clear blue sky. Caption: "Akito's 'support team.'"

A close-up of Akito looking bored out of his mind as he peels an orange, with a crow perched ominously on the table nearby. Caption: "Mei: 'You're suspicious.' Akito: 'I'm eating fruit.'"

An over-the-shoulder shot of Akito walking away, the faintest hint of Captain's ears visible in the corner of the frame. Caption: "Spot the cryptid."]

HarutoShutter (Haruto): "Okay, does anyone else keep seeing this new girl around? She's like a real-life Where's Waldo but with white hair and a black hole for a stomach. (Yes, I got her permission to post these. Chill.)"

[Attached Images:

A candid of Kiana sitting in the park, surrounded by snack wrappers and sipping a canned drink. Caption: "Is this how you fuel your quest?"

A snapshot from a group outing to the arcade. Kiana is mid-laugh, one hand holding a stuffed toy prize. Caption: "Winner winner!"

A shot from behind: Kiana walking alongside Akito and Mei. She's pointing animatedly while Akito looks unimpressed, and Mei watches with a bemused expression.]

Comments Section:

NekoCharm (Kiana): "I approve these photos! Finally, my natural charm is being documented properly. "

HarutoShutter: "Told you I'd make you famous."

ChocoMochi: "She's adorable! New best girl, who dis?"

RaidenSunburst: "Kiana eats like Akito but somehow still has energy. HOW?"

Fifty/FiftyFails (Akito): ️ "For the curious, my luck takes a break during the holidays. No disasters, no weird vibes, no ominous creatures. Enjoy the peace while it lasts. Don't ask why—it's a mystery even to me."

Comments Section:

NagazoraWatcher: "So you're saying we're safe until New Year's? Good to know. "

Fifty/FiftyFails: "Safe-ish."

CryptidSpotter: "Bet the crows are just on holiday, too."

Fifty/FiftyFails: "Probably. They unionized."

HarutoShutter: "Akito, cryptid overlord confirmed. Someone make fan art."

The group had gathered in Akito's apartment, basking in the rare tranquility of the season. As Haruto stepped into the room, camera in hand, he froze at the sight before him.

Akito, usually so detached and unflappable, was sitting cross-legged, completely surrounded by animals. Grim had claimed his throne once more, his head nestled against Akito's chest. Dusk perched on his shoulder, nuzzling into his hoodie. Spectre and Vann hopped around his knees, while a tiny sparrow attempted to balance on Akito's head.

Mei stood in the corner, her phone aimed at the scene, recording the absurdity. "Are you seeing this?" she demanded, her voice tinged with disbelief.

Haruto grinned, snapping photos rapidly. "Oh, I'm seeing it, and it'sgreat."

"Why is this his life? This is the second time this week," Airi muttered, barely looking up from her phone as she scratched Chunni's ears.

"Because I'm lucky," Akito deadpanned, his hand absently scratching Grim's head.

At the arcade, Kiana's laughter rang out as she snagged yet another stuffed animal from the claw machine. "I'm on fire!" she declared, brandishing her prize triumphantly.

Akito leaned against the nearest wall, unimpressed. "You're lucky that machine's broken."

Kiana stuck her tongue out at him. "Jealousy doesn't suit you, Akito."

Mei giggled as she tried—and failed—to beat her high score on a rhythm game, while Haruto filmed the scene with his phone. "Let's see how many more you can win, Kiana," he teased.

"Challenge accepted!"

NagazoraGossip:️ ️ "Spotted: New girl at Chiba Academy, aka 'White-haired tornado,' seen hanging out with none other than Raiden Mei's crew. Who is she, and why does she seem to fit in so fast? "

[Attached Images:

A blurry photo of Kiana walking alongside Mei and Akito outside school, gesturing animatedly while they listen. Mei looks amused; Akito looks indifferent.

Kiana mid-laugh at a café with Haruto and Airi, the latter snapping a selfie while Akito is in the background, focused on his tea.

Kiana tossing a snowball at Akito in the park. His unimpressed face as it explodes against his shoulder is beautiful.]

Comments Section:

CherryBlossomDreams: "First the crows, now this? What's next, a dragon?"

CatastropheClue: "She's clearly an enigma. Look at how fast she infiltrated their circle!"

CrowsNestWatcher: "Theory: She's an undercover spy sent to investigate Hoshizora. No one breaks into that groupthateasily."

AiriLens: "She just showed up and wouldn't leave. I don't get it either."

KianaNekoCharm: "Rude! I bringenergyto this group."

HarutoShutter: "Honestly, she's not wrong. "

Fifty/FiftyFails (Akito): ️ "Before everyone spirals into conspiracy theories: I found her on a bench, looking like she was going to pass out from hunger. Fed her ramen. Next thing I know, she's at my school, ambushing me after class. Now she's here. That's the whole story. Yes, I probably should've walked away."

Comments Section:

SunnySideUp: "I love how even your explanations sound like urban legends."

CryptidSpotter: "Wait, so you basically adopted a stray human?!"

Fifty/FiftyFails: "Sounds about right."

NagazoraWatcher: "Does this guy have a magnet for weirdness? First animals, now people."

HarutoShutter: "Can confirm. Akito's been like this since he came around."

NekoCharm (Kiana): "NOT A STRAY. I'm a free spirit, thank you very much!"

RaidenSunburst: "If you're not a stray, why did youambush him after school?"

NagazoraDeepDive: "The Hoshizora effect strikes again! Let's look at the facts:
1️ The new girl appeared out of nowhere,rightafter the crows and storms.
2️ She's been spotted with Raiden Mei, Haruto, and Airi, but not anyone else.
3️ She seems to have an uncanny ability to fit into the chaos, almost like it's where she belongs.
Is she a spy? A supernatural being? Or just another person caught in Hoshizora Akito's… whatever it is he does? Discuss."

Comments Section:

CryptidSpotter: "This tracks. She's probably an alien here to study Akito. Who wouldn't?"

NagazoraWatcher: "Okay, but did anyone else notice the crows are still watching Mei even when Kiana's there?"

CherryBlossomDreams: "It's givingparanormal magnet vibes."

Fifty/FiftyFails: "She's a girl who wanted food. Relax."

KianaNekoCharm: "Honestly, yeah. Food first, questions later."

HarutoShutter: "A true motto to live by."

Fifty/FiftyFails: "Honestly I feel mildly bad for anyone who had ulterior motives. Mildly though."

HarutoShutter (Haruto): "New group member energy: Meet Kiana, ramen enthusiast, snowball champion, and the only person unbothered by Akito's deadpan looks. She's already a menace, but we're keeping her."

[Attached Images:

Kiana holding two bowls of ramen, grinning smugly. Caption: "Fuel for chaos."

A photo of Kiana mid-snowball throw, Haruto's shadow visible in the foreground as he snaps the pic. Akito is off to the side, trying to dodge. Caption: "Target acquired."

A selfie of Kiana and Airi sitting on a park bench. Airi looks unimpressed but is holding a stuffed animal from the claw machine. Caption: "Tired of winning."]

Comments Section:

WinterChill: "We love a confident queen. Kiana slays."

MeiSunburst: "Why do I feel like we've unlocked another disaster for Akito to deal with?"

Fifty/FiftyFails: "Because we probably have."

CryptidSpotter: "Still betting she's supernatural. There's no other explanation."

The morning sun cast its warm glow over Chiba Academy, the school grounds buzzing with the usual pre-class chatter. Students milled about in groups, some rushing to catch up on last night's homework, others idly gossiping. Near the main gates, Akito leaned casually against the stone pillar, his ever-present disinterested gaze sweeping across the courtyard.

Mei, Haruto, and Airi stood nearby, discussing plans for the weekend. Haruto had his camera slung over his shoulder, snapping candid shots of the campus while Airi absently scrolled through her phone. Mei, as usual, was trying to ignore the weight of the crows perched in the nearby trees, their watchful eyes never straying far from her.

"Akito, you look more dead than usual," Haruto teased, snapping a photo of their gloomy friend.

"Wow, thanks," Akito replied flatly, hands shoved into his hoodie pockets.

Airi smirked. "He's always like that. What's new?"

Before Akito could retort, a loud, cheerful voice cut through the morning air.

"AKITO!"

The group turned just in time to see a blur of white and orange barreling through the crowd. Kiana Kaslana, all energy and boundless enthusiasm, was sprinting toward them like a rocket, her pigtails bouncing with each step.

"Oh no," Akito muttered, but it was too late.

In one swift motion, Kiana skidded to a stop in front of Akito, grabbed his wrist, and began dragging him away.

"Hey! What—what are you doing?" Akito protested, his usual calm demeanor replaced with mild alarm as Kiana's grip proved unyielding.

"No time to explain!" Kiana chirped, already weaving her way through the crowd. "We're going to have fun, and you're coming with me, whether you like it or not!"

The onlookers could only watch in stunned silence as Akito, known for his quiet, aloof nature, was whisked away like a ragdoll by the whirlwind that was Kiana.

Mei blinked, her mouth slightly open. "Did… Did she just—"

"Yup," Haruto interrupted, grinning as he adjusted his camera to capture the scene.

"She just kidnapped him," Airi finished, shaking her head in disbelief.

One of the nearby students whispered to another, "Who's that girl? And why's Hoshizora letting her drag him away?"

Another shrugged. "No clue. But he didn't even fight back."

As the commotion faded, Haruto snapped a final picture of Akito's retreating figure. "Welp, there goes our stoic bro," he joked. "Guess we'll see him after school… if she doesn't kill him with her energy first."

The group laughed, but Mei's gaze lingered in the direction Kiana had disappeared.

"She's… really something," Mei murmured, half-amused and half-concerned.

The vibrant sounds of Homu Arcade hit like a tidal wave as the automatic doors slid open. Inside, the atmosphere was alive with flashing lights, the constant chime of game soundtracks, and the excited chatter of players. Kiana practically skipped inside, her eyes wide with childlike glee as she took in the rows of Homu-themed machines, claw games, and competitive setups.

"This is paradise!" she declared, throwing her arms up.

Akito, still being pulled by the wrist, raised an unimpressed brow as he glanced around. "Paradise looks loud."

"Don't be such a grump!" Kiana pouted, finally releasing him. "You'll see. It's gonna be fun!"

She bolted toward the first available claw machine, immediately dumping a handful of coins into it. "Watch this, Akito! I'm about to win us a limited-edition Homu plushie!"

He crossed his arms, leaning against the side of the machine with a faint smirk. "Sure you are."

A tense moment passed as Kiana maneuvered the claw, the metal arm descending with precision… and then completely missing the plushie.

"What?! That was rigged!" she cried, stamping her foot.

Akito chuckled softly. "Yep, definitely the machine's fault."

Kiana spun around, pointing at him with an accusatory glare. "Oh, you think you can do better, Mr. Gloomy?"

"Absolutely."

Her challenge was immediate. Kiana grabbed Akito by the wrist again, dragging him toward the Homu Fighter machine, a two-player setup with vibrant Homu characters displayed on the screen.

"Let's see you try your luck here!" she declared, plopping herself into one of the chairs and gesturing for him to take the other.

Akito sighed, shaking his head. "You're really making me waste my time here, aren't you?"

"Oh, don't give me that," Kiana shot back. "You were just gonna sulk somewhere else anyway. Now sit!"

Reluctantly, Akito sat down, his fingers lazily brushing over the controls. On the screen, the character selection menu popped up, and Kiana excitedly picked her fighter: Homu the Brave, a balanced and straightforward character.

Akito scrolled through the list with disinterest before landing on Homu the Shadow, a trickier character with complex move chains.

"Seriously? You're picking a Homu with advanced mechanics? Showoff," Kiana grumbled.

"Just making it fair," Akito replied, his voice tinged with dry humor.

The game started with a flurry of punches, kicks, and special moves. Kiana charged in immediately, spamming buttons with reckless abandon. Akito, meanwhile, sat back with an almost bored expression, methodically blocking her attacks and countering with calculated precision.

"Stop blocking and fight me properly!" Kiana yelled, her frustration mounting as her health bar dwindled.

"This is fighting you properly," Akito quipped, landing a decisive combo that sent her Homu flying across the screen.

In the second round, Kiana adjusted her strategy, managing to land a few solid hits. Her excitement grew, but Akito quickly dismantled her momentum with a devastating finishing move.

The screen lit up with the words'VICTORY', accompanied by Akito's character smugly striking a pose.

Kiana groaned, slumping back in her chair. "You're a machine, Akito! How are you this good at a game you don't even play?"

He smirked faintly, leaning back. "I'm good at patterns. You're just predictable."

"Predictable?!" Kiana's indignant shout drew the attention of nearby players, some of whom chuckled at her dramatic reaction.

Still, she wasn't about to give up. Kiana stood abruptly, pointing at him with determination. "One more round! I'm gonna crush you this time!"

Akito sighed, already selecting his character again. "Sure, Kiana. Whatever you say."

The Homu Arcade was bustling as Kiana led Akito from one retro game cabinet to another, determined to prove herself after her crushing defeat in Homu Fighter. Akito, hands in his pockets, followed with an air of quiet bemusement.

"Alright, Akito," Kiana said, stopping in front of Galaga, the colorful shooter game flickering invitingly on the screen. "Time to see who's the real champ!"

Akito raised a brow. "Isn't this, like, three decades older than us?"

"Don't dodge the challenge, old man!" Kiana shot back, already inserting coins into the machine.

Kiana went first, her fingers mashing the buttons as she furiously dodged and blasted alien ships. By Round 45, her concentration faltered, and a sneaky alien managed to destroy her last ship.

"Not bad," Akito said, stepping up to the machine.

"Not bad?!" Kiana exclaimed. "I bet you can't do better!"

Akito didn't reply. His focus shifted to the screen as he took the controls. His ship weaved effortlessly through enemy formations, taking down ships with deadly precision. By Round 85, the crowd of onlookers had grown noticeably larger, impressed by his calm and steady gameplay.

When his ship was finally destroyed, he stepped back, shrugging. "Not bad."

Kiana fumed. "You're infuriating."

Next up was Pacman. Kiana, determined to redeem herself, went first.

Her strategy was bold but reckless, charging through the maze to grab pellets and power-ups without thinking too far ahead. By Round 26, she misjudged the timing of a ghost's path and found herself cornered.

"Unlucky clip!" she huffed, stepping away from the machine with her arms crossed.

Akito stepped in without a word. Unlike Kiana, his movements were deliberate and methodical. He cleared each maze efficiently, drawing quiet admiration from the onlookers. By Round 90, he decided to stop.

"It's all about pattern recognition," he said, glancing at Kiana with a faint smirk.

Kiana glowered. "Ihatethat you're good at everything."

Kiana's attempt at Donkey Kong was short-lived. The barrels were relentless, and she failed to make it past the second screen.

"Barrels are rigged," she muttered, stepping aside.

Akito took over, and once again, his precision shone. Every jump was perfectly timed, and every barrel was avoided with practiced ease. By the time he cleared several screens, Kiana was openly sulking.

"You're like a gaming robot," she said.

"No," Akito corrected, stepping away from the machine. "I'm just patient."

Frogger was next. Kiana's strategy was better here—her quick reflexes helped her guide her frogs across traffic and rivers to safety. She made it to Level 16 before losing her final frog.

Akito's gameplay was less frantic but just as effective. He reached Level 20 with ease, but he let out a small sigh and stepped away.

"Bored already?" Kiana asked.

"It's just jumping and waiting," Akito replied.

At Asteroids, Kiana managed to hit a solid score of 60,000 on her chosen level, but it was clear she was struggling to stay focused as the difficulty ramped up.

Akito's turn was another story entirely. His spaceship danced across the screen, dodging hazards and blasting asteroids with surgical precision. By the time he hit 80,000 on a higher level, he casually ended the game.

"I don't understand how you'rethisgood," Kiana said, throwing her hands up.

The two made their way to Ms. Pacman, but before they could start, Kiana's stomach let out a loud growl.

Akito raised a brow. "Hungry already?"

Kiana nodded sheepishly. "Maybe a little."

"I'll grab food," Akito said, heading toward the snack counter.

As they sat at a nearby table with their food—Kiana eagerly munching on fries—she gave him a long, annoyed look.

"I don't get it," she said, her voice muffled by a mouthful of fries. "Why hasn't your bad luck hit you yet? Aren't you supposed to be, like, a walking disaster?"

Akito leaned back in his chair, sipping from a drink. "Christmas is approaching," he said with a shrug. "My luck's confused about the weather, so I'm taking the time to enjoy this small bit of freedom."

Kiana blinked. "Yourluckgets confused?"

"It's like a slingshot effect," Akito continued. "All the bad luck is piling up somewhere, and eventually, it'll snap back. But for now, things are weirdly normal. I'm not complaining."

Kiana tilted her head, her curiosity clearly piqued. "That's… weird, but okay."

Akito smirked faintly. "Enjoy the peace while it lasts, Kiana. It won't stick around forever."

Kiana raised her drink in mock cheer. "Here's to weirdly normal days!"

The Homu Arcade buzzed with energy, a cacophony of digital soundtracks, excited cheers, and the occasional hum of machines dispensing tickets. Kiana stretched after their brief meal, her eyes scanning the rows of gaming cabinets. She froze when she noticed a growing crowd gathered around one of the centerpieces of the arcade—a Homu-themed Street Fighter game.

"What's going on over there?" Kiana asked, nudging Akito.

He glanced up from his phone, uninterested. "Probably someone showing off."

Kiana's eyes lit up with determination. "Then it's my time to shine!" She darted off toward the crowd, leaving Akito trailing behind.

As they reached the gathered teens, the scene became clear. A small girl with silvery-grey hair styled into drill-like curls sat at one side of the cabinet. Her expression was utterly blank, her eyes focused with unerring precision on the screen in front of her. Her fingers moved across the controls with machine-like efficiency.

Her opponent, a boy nearly twice her size, leaned over the cabinet with a frustrated expression. A moment later, his character—a green Homu dressed as a wrestler—was knocked out by the silver-haired girl's Homu, a standard knight variant.

The crowd erupted into gasps and scattered applause as the girl leaned back slightly, waiting for the next challenger without a hint of emotion.

"No way!" Kiana said, pushing to the front. "This kid's dominating?"

The boy, red-faced, stepped aside, muttering about "cheap combos." The girl barely acknowledged him.

Kiana smirked, cracking her knuckles. "Time to teach her a lesson."

Akito stood behind her, observing quietly. "Don't get your hopes up," he murmured.

Kiana ignored him, slapping coins into the machine. "Alright, little lady," she said, grinning confidently. "Prepare to taste defeat!"

The girl's cool grey eyes shifted toward her for a fraction of a second. "Begin," she said in a quiet, monotone voice.

Kiana selected the White Homu, a balanced character she was familiar with. Bronya, as before, selected the knight variant, renowned for its defensive capabilities and complex attack chains.

The battle began, and Kiana charged forward, playing aggressively. Her Homu landed several quick blows on Bronya's character.

"Yes! Gotcha!" Kiana crowed.

But Bronya's fingers danced across the controls, and her knight launched into an intricate combo that pushed Kiana's Homu into a corner. From there, she methodically chipped away at Kiana's health bar, layering attacks so precisely that there was little chance to counter.

The first round ended with Bronya's Homu victorious.

Kiana gritted her teeth. "I'm not done yet!"

The second round was closer. Kiana adjusted her strategy, focusing on dodging and countering Bronya's combos. She managed to bring Bronya's health down to a sliver. Just as she went in for the final strike, Bronya executed a flawless block and transitioned into another devastating combo, sealing Kiana's fate.

The screen flashed:Victory!Bronya's knight struck a heroic pose as Kiana's white Homu crumpled in defeat.

Kiana groaned. "You've gotta be kidding me! Who even plays this seriously?"

The girl turned her emotionless gaze to Kiana. "Skill surpasses arrogance," she said evenly.

Kiana, fuming, leaned in close to Bronya's face. "You just wait here, okay?! Don't go anywhere!"

She spun around, grabbed Akito by the arm, and dragged him toward the cabinet.

Kiana shoved Akito into the seat she had vacated. "Your turn! Wipe that smug look off her face!"

Akito glanced at Bronya, then back at Kiana. "She doesn't look smug. She looks...apathetic."

"Whatever! Just beat her!"

Akito sighed. "You owe me one for this." He inserted coins into the machine and selected his character: a fire-themed Homu with high damage-over-time abilities.

Bronya blinked, tilting her head slightly. "Best of three?"

"Fine by me," Akito said, rolling his shoulders.

The first round began.

The match began with both players carefully testing each other's movements. Akito kept his fire-themed Homu on the defensive, letting Bronya's knight Homu dictate the tempo. Bronya's playstyle was ruthlessly efficient; her chain attacks flowed seamlessly from one move to the next, creating an impenetrable wall of offense and defense.

Akito's Homu danced back, evading her sweeping strikes and occasional projectiles. "She's good," Akito muttered under his breath, fingers moving steadily.

Bronya's knight Homu pressed forward relentlessly, her combos building in complexity. Every time Akito attempted to counter or poke a gap, Bronya's defensive timing blocked him and transitioned into another punishing strike.

Akito managed to whittle down her health with small fire attacks that burned over time, but it wasn't enough to overcome her methodical dismantling of his Homu. A devastating aerial combo from Bronya finished the match, her knight slamming its shield into the fire Homu's chest with a satisfying clang.

"Round One: Winner, Bronya."

The audience erupted into a mix of cheers and awed murmurs.

Kiana groaned audibly. "Akito! What are you doing? She's wiping the floor with you!"

Akito's expression remained calm, his fingers adjusting his grip on the controls. "Relax. I'm learning."

The second round began.

Akito selected the water-themed battleground for the second match, a risky choice since it slowed movement for both players doubly so for him due to his Homu being a fire-type. The floating platforms swayed gently, suspended by chains, and the water below shimmered ominously.

Bronya glanced at the screen. Her calm eyes narrowed slightly, a sign that she understood the potential complications this stage presented.

The match began, and this time, Akito abandoned his passive strategy. His fire-themed Homu dashed aggressively across the platforms, targeting the chains holding them aloft. The platforms began to collapse, splashing into the water and shrinking the usable play area.

Bronya adjusted quickly, keeping her knight Homu balanced on the remaining platforms. She launched a series of precise, ranged attacks at Akito's Homu, aiming to punish his reckless movement.

But Akito wasn't playing recklessly. He expertly dodged her strikes, using the collapsing platforms to herd her into a corner. As Bronya's knight teetered on the edge of a platform, Akito unleashed a series of fire projectiles, setting the platforms around her ablaze.

Bronya's Homu stumbled and fell into the water. The slowdown effect kicked in, making her movements sluggish as Akito's fire-themed Homu bombarded her with flames. Her health bar dwindled to nothing, ending the match.

"Round Two: Winner, Akito."

Bronya's stoic expression shifted ever so slightly—a hint of surprise flickered in her eyes.

Kiana punched the air. "That's my guy! Finally, some payback!"

Akito cracked his neck, his focus unwavering. "One more to go."

Bronya selected the ice-themed battleground, a stark and treacherous arena. The ground was slick, making movement tricky and precision crucial. She anticipated Akito's reliance on his fire-themed Homu and adjusted her strategy accordingly.

But then Akito made an unexpected choice: he swapped his character to Kallen Kaslana, a crossover character from Final Homu Fantasy. Kallen was infamous for her steep learning curve, with intricate chains and multi-weapon setups that overwhelmed most players.

Bronya tilted her head slightly, intrigued.

As the match began, Akito's Kallen started cautiously, her chain weapon spinning in wide arcs to keep Bronya's knight at bay. Bronya launched her signature combos, her knight darting in with rapid strikes and shield bashes.

Akito's movements with Kallen were methodical, almost surgical. He timed his strikes with precision, using Kallen's unique grappling mechanics to disrupt Bronya's rhythm. Every time Bronya attempted to close the distance, Akito would counter with a perfectly timed chain grab or sweeping strike, forcing her to reposition.

The crowd around them was silent, their eyes glued to the screen as the two players exchanged blows.

Bronya adjusted her approach, layering her combos more aggressively. Her knight managed to land several punishing hits on Kallen, pushing Akito onto the defensive. For a moment, it seemed like Bronya would take the match.

But then Akito's Kallen executed a perfect dodge, sidestepping one of Bronya's critical attacks. With her chain weapon spinning furiously, Kallen closed the distance and began dismantling Bronya's knight with a flurry of attacks.

As Bronya's health bar dwindled, Akito built up Kallen's ultimate ability. The screen flashed with energy as Kallen leaped into the air, the Oath of Judah opening dramatically. A cascade of spears rained down on Bronya's knight, shattering her defenses and depleting her health bar completely.

The finishing animation played out: Kallen descended with the Oath of Judah in hand, slamming it down onto the knight Homu with a resounding impact. The screen flashed:Perfect Victory!

The arcade fell into stunned silence, broken only by the hum of nearby machines.

Akito leaned back in his chair, exhaling slowly. He turned to Bronya and extended a hand. "Good game."

Bronya blinked, her grey eyes meeting his. After a moment's hesitation, she reached out and shook his hand. "Good game," she replied in her usual monotone.

The crowd burst into applause and murmurs of disbelief.

Akito stood, glancing at the still-gawking Kiana. "Alright, I think we're done here." He gave Bronya a casual salute. "Catch you around, kid."

Bronya nodded slightly, her gaze lingering on him as he dragged a still-shocked Kiana toward the exit.

As they left, Kiana finally found her voice. "What the heck just happened? You actually beat her?!"

Akito smirked. "Guess I'm full of surprises."

Behind them, Bronya's expressionless face turned toward the screen, a faint glimmer of curiosity in her eyes.

—-

HomuFighterFanatic:Insane Match Alert Arcade showdown today at the Nagazora Homu Arcade! Some girl with gray drill hair was DESTROYING everyone in Homu Fighter. Then some random other grey-haired dude (her friend called him Akito?) stepped up after his friend Kiana got KO'd. Best. Match. Ever.

RandomViewer:Wait, Akito's the guy with thehorrible luck, right? Maybe it's on holiday?

FlameHomuFan:Man must've sold his soul to play Kallen Kaslana like THAT.

ArcadeInsiderZ:"The Arcade Duel of the Year—Akito vs. Bronya. Kiana's reaction when her friend not only held his own but WON was priceless. Her jaw? Still missing. Someone get her a Homu plush to cheer her up."

ArcadeKing_01:

HOLY SMOKES! This Akito guy just beatBronya, the undefeated legend of the Homu Fighter machine! Using Kallen Kaslana of all characters?! Bro pulled off her ultimate like it was nothing. People were literally cheering when it hit. Who even IS this guy?
HomuLoreHunter:

"Who the heck is Akito? Kallen Kaslana is one of the hardest characters in Homu Fighter, and he made her look like a cheat code. The guy's either a genius or secretly works for the dev team. #HomuFighter"

ChibaAcademyInsider:I know that guy! He's always hanging around Raiden Mei. What's his deal anyway?

NagazoraGossip:

Another day, another mystery surrounding Hoshizora Akito. Not only is he apparently friends with Raiden Mei and that new girl Kiana, but now he's taking down arcade pros like it's his side hustle? I mean, HOW?
MysteryWatcher:

"This Akito guy is wild. First, he's besties with Raiden Mei. Now he's casually demolishing arcade champs? Plus, Kiana dragged him there? What's their deal? "
GossipHomu:

"New conspiracy unlocked: Akito has a 'luck pause' he uses to show off whenever someone doubts him. Either that or he's secretly the protagonist of an anime IRL. "

KianaSimp93:

Kiana: "Akito, you owe me one!"

Akito:Proceeds to casually crush the reigning champ.

This dynamic is EVERYTHING. #FriendGoals

SaltyGamer69:Plot twist: Kiana's jaw actually hit the floor during that third match.
KianaStanPage:"Proof that Kiana needs to train harder:

Lost to Akito in Frogger.

Lost to Bronya in Homu Fighter.

Dragged Akito into a rematch with Bronya... and watched him WIN.

She's probably plotting her revenge as we speak. "

BronyaDefenseSquad:

Respect to Akito for the handshake after the match. Bronya didn't even seem mad. Low-key, I think she enjoyed that fight. GG all around.
BronyaFanClub:

"Bronya undefeated streak:Broken.

But you know what? Mad respect to Akito for that handshake. Dude wasn't even smug about winning. The real MVP."

ArcadeFanGirl:Thesaluteat the end was so smooth. Why is this guy not in esports yet?
ArcadeHighlights:

"Clip of the day: Akito's flawless execution of Kallen Kaslana's ultimate on Bronya. The whole arcade CHEERED. Someone please explain how this guy isn't a pro gamer yet?"

RandomGamerFan:Kiana's face during the third match is a MEME. Someone please screenshot that and add captions.

HomuLoreLover:Okay but seriously, how does Kallen Kaslana even WORK? Every time I've tried, I just lose in five seconds.

RaidenStalker:Can confirm Akito is a Chiba Academy student. He's been seen hanging out with Raiden Mei. This group istoointeresting.

SaltyKiana:Akito is now my nemesis. Nobody should be that good at both classic arcade gamesandfighting games. UNFAIR.

BronyaRespecter:Props to Bronya for taking that L gracefully. Still, what a match.

HomuProTips:Kallen Kaslana is only OP if you've mastered her timing. That ultimate was NEXT LEVEL. Akito clearly knows his stuff.

A Special Post from Haruto's Account ( HoshizoraSnaps)

Caption:"When your friend gets dragged to an arcade, obliterates the reigning champ, and walks away like it's no big deal. Also featuring Kiana's progressively dropping jaw. #Iconic #PerfectVictory"

Attached Images:

A shot of Akito sitting at the machine during the second match, focused and calm.

Kiana standing behind him, her expression shifting from eager anticipation to disbelief.

A video clip of the final seconds of the third match, with Akito pulling off Kallen's ultimate and Bronya's Homu being utterly decimated. Cheers erupt in the background.

Kiana with her mouth wide open, pointing dramatically at the screen as Akito smirks in the background.

NagazoraStudent:How did Kiana even get Akito to go to an arcade?! He doesn't seem like the type.

HoshizoraSnaps:Kiana dragged him. Literally. No say in the matter.

ArcadeJunkie:Dude's a legend. Tell him to sign up for the Homu Fighter regionals!

HoshizoraSnaps:Good luck convincing him. He barely takes hisownvictories seriously.

KianaFan101:WHY IS SHE SO FUNNY HERE? That jaw drop could cure my depression.

HoshizoraSnaps:Kiana is the gift that keeps on giving.

RaidenGroupie:What's with Akito's 'luck pause'? Is that a real thing or an excuse for him being amazing?

HoshizoraSnaps:You'd have to ask him, but he's not big on explaining his so-called "luck."

—-

Earlier

Haruto sat at the group's usual table, scrolling through his phone with an incredulous look on his face. "You're not going to believe where Kiana dragged Akito," he announced, tilting his phone to show Mei and Airi the posts flooding social media.

Mei leaned in, her brow furrowed. "The arcade? That's where she took him?"

Airi, munching on a snack, didn't look up from her own phone. "Not justanyarcade. The Homu-themed one. And apparently, he beat someone named Bronya? She's trending right now."

Mei's eyes widened. "Akito beat someone in an arcade game? But I thought he hated stuff like that."

Haruto grinned. "Oh, he definitely doesn't hate it. Look at this." He played a short clip of the third match. The screen showed Kiana standing behind Akito, her jaw progressively dropping lower with every move he made.

In the background, Bronya's knight Homu was getting absolutely dismantled by Kallen Kaslana. By the time Akito executed Kallen's ultimate, Kiana's jaw might as well have been on the floor.

Mei snorted. "Is she okay? She looks like she just saw a ghost."

"Probably more like her pride taking a hit," Airi commented dryly. "He's probably explaining to her right now that this is his 'luck break' because Christmas is coming."

Mei rolled her eyes. "He blameseverythingon his luck. I bet he's already said something like that."

Haruto smirked, scrolling to another video. "Well, luck or not, people are losing their minds over it. Look at the comments. They're calling him a prodigy."

"Of course they are." Airi flicked a crumb off her sleeve. "People love an underdog story. And Akito's... well, he's Akito."

Mei sighed, shaking her head. "What am I going to do with that guy?"

Haruto laughed, leaning back in his chair. "You could start by congratulating him when he gets back. Unless Kiana drags him to another ridiculous challenge."

—-

As Akito and Kiana walked out of the arcade, Kiana finally regained her ability to speak. "Okay,seriously, HOW did you do that?!"

Akito shrugged, stuffing his hands into his pockets. "Like I said earlier, my luck's on pause. I figured I'd enjoy it while it lasts."

"That's not an answer!" Kiana huffed. "You were, like, psychic with those moves! And Kallen Kaslana?! Nobody even picks her!"

He glanced at her with a smirk. "Maybe you should practice more instead of rushing in headfirst all the time."

Kiana groaned, covering her face with her hands. "I can't believe I lost to herandyou in one day."

Akito chuckled, nudging her toward a nearby food stall. "C'mon, I'll buy you something to eat. Losing's easier to deal with when you've got a full stomach."

She perked up immediately. "Fine, but I'm getting the biggest thing on the menu!"

Akito sighed. "Yeah, yeah. Let's just hope my luck holds out long enough to keep my wallet intact."

Spoiler:It did not.

—-

The arcade's bright lights spilled out into the street as Bronya stepped through the glass doors, her small frame standing still as if waiting for something. Moments later, a sleek black car pulled up to the curb. The passenger window lowered, revealing a tall, blonde woman with a calm yet calculating gaze.

"Bronya," Cocolia said softly. "Get in."

Bronya obeyed without hesitation, her movements precise and mechanical. She slid into the front seat, her small, prosthetic-enhanced frame fitting neatly against the cushioned interior. As Cocolia drove, silence hung between them, punctuated only by the hum of the engine.

Cocolia's hands gripped the wheel as her sharp eyes scanned the quiet streets of Nagazora. Despite her composed exterior, her mind raced.

Bronya had been different in the arcade—more animated than usual, her empty expression replaced by something close to determination. It was rare, almost unsettling, to see her so engaged.

Competitiveness,Cocolia long has it been since Bronya has cared enough to truly compete?

Her thoughts wandered to the two teenagers Bronya had been playing against. The white-haired girl, all exuberance and energy, had reminded Cocolia of the children back at the orphanage—noisy, relentless, and untamed. But it was the boy, the one Bronya had ultimately lost to, that piqued her interest. He had a strange air about him, quiet yet sharp, like a coiled spring waiting to release.

Akito, wasn't it?She thought back to the final match. His calm, deliberate strategy and the way he wielded Kallen Kaslana—a character notorious for her complexity—had been nothing short of impressive. He'd taken Bronya seriously, treating her as a worthy opponent, and she had responded in kind.

The corners of Cocolia's mouth tightened. That spark of competitiveness had been rare to see in Bronya ever since...

Her thoughts hit a wall.

Seele.

The name brought a flash of pain that she buried instantly. It was a name she avoided, a wound she refused to acknowledge. The memories of that night—Bronya's desperate screams, the shadowy void where Seele had vanished—threatened to surface. Cocolia clenched her jaw and shoved them aside.

There was no point dwelling on the past. Seele was gone, and Bronya was her responsibility now.
—-

Bronya broke the silence, her voice as even and monotone as ever. "Matushka, when will the operation begin?"

Cocolia's eyes flicked toward the towering ruins of the ME Corporation building in the distance. Its dark silhouette loomed like a phantom over the city, a reminder of its fall and her role in it.

"Soon," she said, her voice steady. "Preparations are nearly complete. All that remains is the final component."

Bronya's gaze followed her adoptive mother's line of sight, landing on the skeletal remains of the building. "Understood," she replied, her voice devoid of emotion.

For a brief moment, Cocolia glanced at her ward. The faint glow of the city lights reflected off Bronya's pale face, highlighting the emptiness in her expression.

She deserves more than this,Cocolia thought, a pang of guilt surfacing.

But then she steeled herself. What she was doing, she believed, was for the greater good. Bronya, the other children, even Seele—they were all part of a grander plan. Sacrifices were necessary, and Cocolia had long since accepted the weight of those sacrifices.

As they approached their destination, the orphanage where their "family" awaited, Cocolia spoke one last time.

"You did well today, Bronya," she said, surprising even herself.

Bronya turned her head slightly, the faintest hint of confusion crossing her face. "...Thank you, Matushka."

The car continued its journey into the shadows, leaving the bright lights of the arcade far behind.

—-

The soft glow of a computer monitor illuminated Cocolia's otherwise dark office. Bronya sat nearby, quietly sorting through a stack of mission files, her precise and methodical movements almost mechanical. The silence between them was a comfortable one, as it often was when they worked in tandem.

Acting on a hunch, Cocolia leaned forward, her fingers dancing across the keyboard as she accessed the old ME Corporation database. After Bronya's unexpected display of competitiveness at the arcade, Cocolia had found her curiosity piqued about the boy Bronya had played against.

"Hoshizora Akito," she murmured, typing his name into the search bar. To her surprise, a file popped up almost instantly.

The file opened with a basic overview of Akito's profile. However, as Cocolia read further, she found details that caught her attention.

Synesthesia:Akito was noted to possess a rare dual form of synesthesia.

Scent Synesthesia:Specific scents were triggered by hearing certain names, an unusual phenomenon that ME's researchers had flagged as potentially tied to unique neurological wiring.

Audio-Visual Links:Akito also experienced translucent, colored shapes that overlaid his vision, triggered by sound. The report detailed how this made his perception of the world almost alien to ordinary individuals, yet he seemed adept at navigating it with surprising precision.

Background:Akito's place of birth was marked as unknown, and his nationality was similarly flagged as unconfirmed. What stood out, however, was a mention of an old caretaker named Alfred Hanzo.

Cocolia frowned. The name rang a faint, distant bell.

A sub-section detailed Alfred Hanzo's involvement with Akito. Hanzo was listed as a former operative with ties to Schicksal, noted for his extensive experience in fieldwork. The report described him as having retired years ago due to "bad health," though Cocolia couldn't help but scoff at that particular detail. Few agents ever truly retired from Schicksal unless they wanted to disappear.

More intriguing was the story of how Hanzo had come to take in Akito.

The file recounted an operation where Hanzo had dismantled an illegal trafficking ring—one that, according to the notes, had also engaged in experimentation on human subjects. Akito, a child at the time, had been one of the victims. Hanzo had reportedly "adopted" him in the aftermath, defying orders to leave the boy in institutional care.

Cocolia's frown deepened as she scrolled further. Hanzo had been noted for his affinity for animals, specifically his habit of training them as companions and, curiously, operatives in his off-the-books missions.

The file listed several of Hanzo's known pets:

Captain:A cat noted for its intelligence and surprising agility.

Lieutenant:A dog with advanced training in reconnaissance and protective duties.

Admiral:An unknown animal described only as being capable of aquatic operations, which had previously piqued her curiosity.

Mangy Dog:A scarred canine Hanzo had rescued from an illegal animal fighting ring.

Cocolia leaned back in her chair, suddenly recalling something Bronya had mentioned earlier: the way Hoshizora seemed to attract animals. Ravens, crows, dogs—all of them seemed to follow him, forming an almost eerie entourage.

Bronya, who had been silent until now, looked up from her files. "Matushka," she said softly. "Hanzo trained animals extensively. It is possible that Hoshizora learned from him."

Cocolia nodded. "That would explain the videos circulating online," she said, referring to the recent footage of Akito surrounded by animals, including what appeared to be the very same mangy dog Hanzo had rescued.

Her gaze returned to the file. Much of Akito's background was scrubbed clean, no doubt deliberately. Still, the information she had uncovered painted a curious picture.

Hanzo had been more than just an operative; he'd been one of Schicksal's best on-the-ground agents, specializing in dismantling hidden illegal operations. After his so-called "retirement," he seemed to have shifted his focus from Honkai-related matters to combating trafficking and illegal animal rings.

"It is strange," Bronya remarked, breaking her usual monotone with a hint of curiosity. "Hoshizora seems to have inherited Hanzo's penchant for animals. Perhaps that is why he attracts them."

Cocolia allowed herself a small smile. "Perhaps."

But her mind was still turning over the implications of what she'd discovered. Akito Hoshizora wasn't just an ordinary boy. He was the ward of a man who had spent his life battling the shadows of the world, and despite Hanzo's disappearence from the public eye, it seemed his legacy had left a lasting impression on the boy.

Her gaze drifted back to the screen, landing on the old building of ME Corporation visible in the background of an attached image. For now, she would keep her findings to herself.

"Let's continue our work," she said, closing the file.

"Yes, Matushka," Bronya replied, returning to her own tasks.

But as Cocolia turned her focus to the mission at hand, she couldn't shake the thought of Akito and what role he might play in the days to come.

As Cocolia leaned back in her chair, a stray thought flitted through her mind like a whisper.

'What if Alfred Hanzo never truly left his Honkai-related hunting grounds?'

Her fingers drummed against the desk, her gaze drifting toward the sparse notes and vague descriptions regarding Hanzo's animals. It was impossible to ignore how peculiar they had been.

Hanzo's reputation as a field operative had been stellar, but his eccentricity extended to his unique affinity for animals—creatures that were anything but ordinary. A pang of unease settled in her stomach as she recalled the records:

Captain:The large feline was officially listed as a housecat, yet descriptions and photos painted an entirely different picture. Captain resembled a panther in size, musculature, and presence, leading to speculation about gigantism mutations. The whispers among certain circles were darker—perhaps exposure to Honkai energy during experimentation had altered her biology.

Lieutenant:A dog whose prowess in the assault squad was noted as almost supernatural. He displayed enhanced strength and remarkable endurance, attributes far exceeding those of any normal canine.

The Mangy Dog:Rescued from a brutal fighting ring, this canine was a scarred and battered survivor. Yet, he exhibited an uncanny resistance to physical damage, almost as if the harsh conditions of his past had forged something otherworldly in him.

Admiral:This mysterious animal was an enigma. While little information existed about its origins, the fact that Hanzo had taken Admiral on deep-sea missions was a glaring anomaly. Considering most Honkai facilities employed common species, the assumption was that Admiral had undergone mutations to adapt to such environments.

Satellite and Observer:Two animals with roles as elusive as their appearances. They were rarely seen during operations, and yet they had been with Hanzo for years—too long for ordinary lifespans to apply. Longevity due to experimentation was the prevailing theory, though no official records confirmed it.

The pieces were falling into place in Cocolia's mind, and the picture they painted was unsettling. Hanzo's cadre of animals was not just a testament to his skills as a handler but evidence of something deeper—something tied to the Honkai.

Had Hanzo's "retirement" been a cover for continuing his work in secret?

If so,she thought grimly,what does that mean for Akito?

She allowed her gaze to linger on Bronya. The girl was engrossed in her task, her silver drills bobbing slightly as she read over files. It was Bronya's behavior that had initially drawn her attention to Akito, yet now she couldn't shake the suspicion that Akito's calm, unassuming demeanor might be a mask.

And if Hanzo had shaped the boy's upbringing as he had trained those animals, then Akito was no mere teenager. He was likely another of Hanzo's creations—an heir to his methods, his ideals, and perhaps even his missions.

The thought left her unsettled, a gnawing unease she couldn't dismiss.

Returning her attention to her computer, Cocolia began pulling more threads, digging into records and connections that might illuminate the truth. Bronya noticed the change in her demeanor and tilted her head curiously.

"Matushka, is something wrong?"

Cocolia shook her head, masking her thoughts behind a composed smile. "Nothing, Bronya. Just a stray thought. Let us continue."

But as they returned to their work, Cocolia's mind raced with possibilities. Alfred Hanzo had been a master of uncovering the hidden, and it seemed his legacy was alive and well—both in his animals and in the boy he had left behind.

Akito sneezed suddenly, the force of it startling everyone around the table at the outdoor café they'd gathered at.

"Bless you!" Kiana chimed, biting into a sandwich with a grin.

Airi raised an eyebrow, lowering her phone from the message she was typing. "What was that about? You're not catching a cold, are you?"

"No," Akito muttered, sniffing slightly as he rubbed his nose. "It's just… this always happens when someone's talking about me. It's been like that since forever. Hasn't changed, whether my luck's active or not."

Haruto, who had been absentmindedly spinning his camera on the table, perked up. "Wait, you're saying sneezing is, like, your cosmic tell? That's such an old-school superstition."

"It's not a superstition if it keeps happening," Akito replied dryly, sipping his coffee.

Mei gave him a quizzical look, brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "You mean, no matter what? Even when you're in your 'holiday grace period' with your luck?"

"Yup." Akito leaned back in his chair, looking resigned. "Apparently, the universe doesn't take a break from gossiping about me."

Kiana chuckled, slapping him on the shoulder. "Sounds like you're just that popular, Akito! Maybe I should call up all my followers and tell them to start talking about you, just to see how many sneezes we can rack up in a day!"

Akito gave her a tired sidelong glance. "Please don't."

Haruto laughed, already lifting his camera to snap a photo of Akito's expression. "Classic! Between your weird luck and your sneeze radar, you're like a walking urban legend."

"More like a walking headache," Airi muttered, though the corners of her mouth twitched upward.

Mei sighed but smiled, resting her chin in her hand. "I guess we shouldn't be surprised anymore. If anything, it's just another one of Akito's quirks."

Kiana, unfazed, finished her sandwich and immediately began scanning the menu for dessert. "Well, whatever it is, it's hilarious. By the way, thanks for letting me tag along, Akito!"

"I didn't exactlyletyou," he replied, tone flat. "You just showed up."

"And you didn't say no!" she shot back cheerfully, sticking her tongue out.

Akito sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Because I didn't have the energy for that fight."

Kiana smirked triumphantly, earning a soft laugh from Haruto and a gentle shake of the head from Mei.

"Don't worry, Akito," Mei said, her tone warm. "We're used to it. She's not so bad once you get to know her."

Akito's only response was another soft sigh as he leaned back, gazing up at the sky. Somewhere, someone was probably talking about him again, and he braced himself for the next sneeze.

He paused, a faint frown crossing his face. He hoped it wasn't the old geezer.