Makoto woke up to the sound of Timcampy chirping near his ear, the little golem flitting around his room with restless energy. His new quarters in the Black Order were modest but comfortable—a bed, a desk, and a small window that overlooked the training courtyard.
Stretching with a groan, Makoto swung his legs over the side of the bed. Despite the warmth and camaraderie he'd experienced the day before, Hevlaska's prophecy lingered in his mind, its weight pressing down on him like a lead blanket.
The child of infinite chance... salvation or destruction...
He shook his head, forcing the thought away. "It's too early to stress about that," he muttered, standing up and ruffling Timcampy's head. "Come on, Tim. Let's see what today brings."
Makoto wandered into the bustling main hall, where scientists and Exorcists moved about with purpose. Lenalee was waiting for him, her cheerful smile instantly easing his nerves.
"Good morning, Makoto! Did you sleep well?" she asked.
"Yeah, thanks," Makoto replied. "Still getting used to everything, though."
"That's normal," Lenalee said. "Let me show you more of the Order today. There's a lot to see."
As they walked, Makoto began to notice how easily people warmed up to him. The scientists who had been too busy to greet him yesterday now waved as he passed. Some even stopped to chat.
"Hey, Makoto!" Johnny called, grinning. "I heard about your cooking skills. Can you teach me sometime?"
"Sure," Makoto said, smiling shyly. "But I can't promise it'll turn out perfect."
"You're too modest," Jerry chimed in, walking past with a tray of food. "That stew yesterday was legendary!"
Makoto scratched the back of his neck, his cheeks turning pink. "I just got lucky."
"Lucky or not, you're already making a name for yourself," Lenalee said, giving him a playful nudge. "Come on, let's head to the training grounds."
The training grounds were alive with the clash of swords and the hum of Innocence weapons. Exorcists sparred in pairs, their movements precise and deliberate. Makoto watched in awe, his cursed eye glowing faintly as he tried to follow their techniques.
"That's Kanda over there," Lenalee said, pointing to the far corner of the yard. Kanda was practicing alone, his blade slicing through the air with incredible speed. Cherry blossom petals drifted around him, a byproduct of his Mugen sword.
"He's incredible," Makoto murmured.
"He's also probably going to challenge you," Lenalee added with a laugh. "It's his way of testing new recruits."
As if on cue, Kanda sheathed his sword and strode toward them, his usual scowl firmly in place. "You," he said, pointing at Makoto. "Spar with me."
Makoto froze. "Me? But I'm... not exactly ready."
"That's the point," Kanda said, his tone flat. "If you can't handle a fight, you don't belong here."
"Kanda," Lenalee began, frowning. "Don't—"
"It's fine," Makoto interrupted, summoning his Innocence. The spinning wheel glowed in his hands, its green light casting sharp shadows on the ground. "I'll do my best."
The match began with Kanda lunging forward, his blade a blur. Makoto barely managed to dodge, his cursed eye flaring as it allowed him to anticipate the next strike. He sent his wheel spinning toward Kanda, but the swordsman deflected it effortlessly.
"Too slow," Kanda said, his strikes relentless. "You're holding back."
"I'm not!" Makoto protested, his voice strained as he dodged another attack. "I just—"
A sudden misstep sent him sprawling to the ground, his Innocence spinning wildly out of control. The wheel rebounded off a nearby training dummy, ricocheting toward Kanda, who dodged it with a growl.
"Control your weapon!" Kanda barked.
"I'm trying!" Makoto shouted, scrambling to his feet.
Timcampy flew in circles above them, chirping in alarm as Kanda closed the distance again. Makoto raised his wheel defensively, the green light flaring as he braced for impact.
The spar ended abruptly when Lenalee stepped in, her dark boots planting firmly between the two combatants. "That's enough, Kanda," she said firmly. "Makoto's still learning."
Kanda sheathed his sword with an irritated huff. "If he doesn't push himself, he'll never survive."
Lenalee crossed her arms. "Pushing yourself doesn't mean overexerting on your first day."
Makoto, still catching his breath, gave a weak laugh. "Thanks, Lenalee. I'm not sure I'd survive another minute of that."
Kanda turned, his voice quieter but still sharp. "You're not bad. Just don't expect your luck to carry you through everything."
Makoto blinked in surprise. "Was that... a compliment?"
"Don't get used to it," Kanda muttered, walking away.
Lenalee smiled, helping Makoto to his feet. "See? Even Kanda respects you in his own way."
"Is that what that was?" Makoto asked, dusting himself off. "Because it felt like he was trying to kill me."
Lenalee laughed, leading him out of the training grounds. "You'll get used to him."
Unbeknownst to Makoto, Komui and a group of senior generals observed the sparring match from a distant balcony. Komui sipped his coffee, his usual cheer replaced by a contemplative expression.
"He's rough around the edges," one general remarked. "But his synchronization rate is undeniable."
Komui nodded. "And his Innocence is... unique. It's tied to chance itself—a concept we've never fully understood."
"Do you believe Hevlaska's prophecy?" another general asked.
Komui's gaze lingered on Makoto, who was now laughing with Lenalee as they left the courtyard. "I believe Makoto Naegi is capable of great things. But whether he leads us to salvation or destruction... only time will tell."
To Be Continued...