After weeks of travel, Makoto finally stood before the imposing fortress of the Black Order. Its towering walls loomed against the sky, a mix of ancient architecture and modern fortifications. Makoto adjusted his scarf, his hands trembling slightly as Timcampy buzzed excitedly around him.

"This is it," Makoto murmured, staring up at the massive gates. "Master said this is where I'm supposed to go, but... it feels kind of overwhelming."

Timcampy landed on his head, chirping softly as if to reassure him. Makoto smiled faintly, reaching up to pat the golem. "Thanks, Tim. Let's hope they're a little more normal than Master."

The massive gate stood silent for a moment before creaking to life. Its surface rippled like water, forming a distorted face that peered down at Makoto. Its expression was one of curiosity and mild suspicion.

"Who dares approach the gates of the Black Order?" the door boomed, its voice echoing across the courtyard.

Makoto blinked, startled. "Uh... hi! My name's Makoto Naegi, and I'm here to—"

The door's gaze shifted, focusing on Makoto's cursed eye, which had begun to glow faintly. Its expression twisted into one of alarm. "An Akuma! You dare try to enter the Order?!"

"Wait, what?!" Makoto yelped, waving his hands frantically. "I'm not an Akuma! I swear!"

The door ignored him, its face contorting in anger. "Begone, foul creature!"

Before Makoto could react, the door began to push outward, forcing him back with surprising strength. Timcampy chirped in alarm, flitting around Makoto's head as he scrambled to keep his footing.

"This is a misunderstanding!" Makoto shouted, stumbling over his own feet. "I'm not an Akuma! I'm an Exorcist!"

The commotion at the gate didn't go unnoticed. From within the Black Order, a figure approached—a tall, blue-haired swordsman with a perpetual scowl etched onto his face. His dark Exorcist uniform contrasted sharply with the serene cherry blossom petals drifting from his sword.

Yu Kanda stopped a few paces away from the gate, his sharp eyes narrowing as he took in the scene. "What's going on here?" he demanded, his hand resting on the hilt of his blade.

The door's booming voice responded immediately. "An Akuma attempts to infiltrate the Order!"

Kanda's gaze shifted to Makoto, his scowl deepening. "That scrawny kid? An Akuma?"

Makoto, still pinned against the ground by the force of the door, waved his hands weakly. "I'm not an Akuma! I'm just... really unlucky!"

Kanda raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "Tch. If the door thinks you're an Akuma, that's good enough for me."

"Wait, no!" Makoto shouted, scrambling to his feet as Kanda unsheathed his sword. "I'm not your enemy!"

Kanda lunged without hesitation, his blade slicing through the air with lethal precision. Makoto barely dodged, tripping over his own feet and landing in an undignified heap.

Timcampy chirped angrily, diving toward Kanda in an attempt to distract him. Kanda swatted the golem away with a glare. "Stay out of this, you flying pest."

"I swear, this is all a misunderstanding!" Makoto cried, his cursed eye glowing brighter as his Innocence materialized instinctively. The green wheel spun in front of him, its light casting eerie shadows across the courtyard.

Kanda stopped mid-strike, his scowl deepening. "A parasitic Innocence? Hmph. Maybe you're not an Akuma after all."

"Thank you!" Makoto gasped, clutching his knees as he caught his breath.

"But you're still suspicious," Kanda added, his sword still drawn. "And annoying."

Makoto groaned. "Why does everyone say that about me?"

Before Kanda could continue his assault, a familiar voice rang out from behind him. "What's going on here?"

Both Makoto and Kanda turned to see Lenalee Lee, her graceful figure framed by the open gate. She looked between the two of them, her brow furrowing in confusion.

"Kanda, what are you doing?" Lenalee asked, her tone sharp.

"This idiot showed up glowing like an Akuma," Kanda replied, gesturing toward Makoto. "The door thought he was suspicious, and I agreed."

Lenalee's gaze softened as she looked at Makoto, who was still catching his breath. "You're the recruit Cross sent, aren't you?"

Makoto blinked. "Yes! That's me! Makoto Naegi. I'm supposed to join the Black Order."

Lenalee smiled warmly, stepping between Makoto and Kanda. "It's okay. You're safe here. I'll explain everything to Komui."

Kanda huffed, sheathing his sword. "Tch. Fine. But if he steps out of line, I'm cutting him down."

"Noted," Lenalee said dryly, giving him a pointed look. She turned back to Makoto, extending a hand. "Come on. Let's get you inside."

Makoto took her hand gratefully, his nerves settling slightly. "Thank you. I thought I was going to get kicked out before I even got in."

Lenalee laughed. "Don't worry. The door has a... unique sense of judgment."

Timcampy chirped in agreement, circling Makoto's head before landing on Lenalee's shoulder. She smiled, scratching the golem's head. "Looks like Timcampy's fond of you. That's a good sign."

As Lenalee led Makoto through the winding halls of the Black Order, he couldn't help but marvel at the sheer scale of the place. Scientists bustled through the corridors, carrying stacks of papers and strange equipment. Exorcists in uniform trained in open courtyards, their Innocence weapons gleaming in the sunlight.

"This place is amazing," Makoto said, his awe evident.

Lenalee smiled. "It can be overwhelming at first, but you'll get used to it. Everyone here is working toward the same goal: fighting the Millennium Earl and protecting humanity."

Makoto nodded, his determination rekindling. "I'll do my best."

As they approached Komui's office, Lenalee turned to him, her expression softening. "Don't let Kanda scare you. He's not as bad as he seems."

Makoto raised an eyebrow. "Are we talking about the same guy?"

Lenalee laughed, opening the door to reveal Komui Lee, who greeted them with a wide smile and a steaming cup of coffee. "Ah, you must be Makoto Naegi! Welcome to the Black Order!"

Makoto smiled nervously, stepping inside. "Thank you, sir. I'm ready to help however I can."

Komui's grin widened. "That's the spirit! Now, let's get you settled in."

To Be Continued...