Katsuragi POV

"Yawn~," I stretched lazily, the grogginess of sleep still clinging to me like a second blanket. Waking up has to be the cruelest part of the day. It's like prying yourself away from the most fabulous pair of oppai in the universe. But no matter how much I wanted to linger, the sun had other ideas, its relentless beams piercing through the blinds and burning into my eyelids.

Grumbling, I sat up from my futon, blinking as my eyes adjusted to the morning light. A quick glance around the room brought a grin to my face. The heavenly sight of my teammates still curled up in their sleepwear, looking as cozy as possible, made it worth getting up. And, of course, the bonus of having a certain cute boy among us didn't hurt either.

Except... something felt off.

"Where are Kanshoku and Ikaruga?" I muttered aloud, frowning as I noticed two futons conspicuously empty. It wasn't like Ikaruga to disappear in the middle of the night, and Kanshoku? He didn't strike me as the sneaky type.

My question stirred the others. Hibari was the first to groan, her bunny onesie wrinkled from tossing and turning. Yagyu followed, sitting up with her usual quiet intensity, and Asuka stretched, yawning in that impossibly cute way of hers.

"Morning, everybody," Asuka greeted, her voice still heavy with sleep.

"Morning," I replied distractedly, focusing on the empty futons. "Hey, did anyone see Kanshoku or Ikaruga last night?"

Hibari blinked at me sleepily, shaking her head. "No, I fell asleep after that pillow fight."

Yagyu's gaze sharpened. "Ikaruga wouldn't leave without reason," she said firmly. "Something must have come up."

"Should we look for them?" Asuka asked, already moving to straighten her sleep-tousled hair.

"Of course!" I declared, throwing off my blanket and standing up. "We're not leaving until we find them. Let's check the building."

With that, the hunt was on. We moved as a group, peeking into every room we passed. Most were empty, their futons neatly arranged. My mind ran through the possibilities. Had Ikaruga gone to train? Was Kanshoku trying to sneak in more snacks before the day started? My curiosity only grew with each empty room we searched.

Finally, we reached the kitchen. As soon as I stepped inside, I froze, a grin spreading across my face.

"Well, well, what do we have here?" I whispered, motioning for the others to follow.

The scene before us was pure gold. Kanshoku and Ikaruga sat slumped together, fast asleep. Ikaruga's head rested gently on his shoulder, and her usually perfect posture was utterly relaxed. Kanshoku leaned slightly against her, his face peaceful. Baking sheets, bowls, and delectable treats littered the countertops and table around them, evidence of a late-night baking session.

Asuka gasped softly. "That's so cute," she whispered, her hands clasped together.

Hibari giggled. "They must have worked hard. Look at all those snacks!"

Yagyu, as usual, kept her expression neutral, though I swore I saw the tiniest twitch of her lips. "They'll need proper rest if they're going to train today," she said quietly.

I, however, had other plans. Pulling out my phone with a sly grin, I snapped a quick photo. "Perfect blackmail material," I murmured. "Kanshoku won't live this down."

"What are you doing, Katsuragi?" Yagyu asked, her tone disapproving.

"Relax," I said with a wink. "I'm just preserving the moment. Can't let something this good go to waste."

Asuka knelt down, inspecting the table. "Whoa, look at these macarons! Did Kanshoku make these?"

"Probably," I said, plucking one up and inspecting it. "He's got talent, that's for sure."

"Should we wake them?" Hibari asked, her voice hesitant.

"Nah," I said, stepping back. "Let 'em rest a little longer. They earned it." I smirked. "Besides, I wanna see Kanshoku's face when he wakes up to find us all staring."

The group chuckled softly, and momentarily, the room was filled with a warm, peaceful camaraderie. As much as I loved teasing Kanshoku, seeing him and Ikaruga like this made me realize something. Despite their differences, they both had something in common—a relentless drive to care for those around them, whether through snacks or steadfast leadership.

"Alright, team," I said quietly, motioning for everyone to step back. "Let's let them sleep for now. We'll wake them up with a proper ambush later."

And with that, we left the kitchen, the sweet scent of freshly baked macarons lingering in the air and the image of Kanshoku and Ikaruga etched into my mind for future laughs—and maybe a little respect.

Kanshoku POV

"Yawn~," I stretched, my body aching from what I could only assume was an uncomfortable sleeping position. My shoulders felt stiff, and my back protested as I shifted.

"Where did I fall asleep?" I muttered groggily, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. As my brain gradually turned back on, I noticed an unusual weight pressing down on my left shoulder.

"Huh?" I blinked, turning my head to investigate. My heart nearly stopped.

It was Ikaruga, sleeping soundly on my shoulder. Her usually composed demeanor had softened; her head was nestled against me, and her long, dark hair cascaded over my arm. Her slow, rhythmic breathing caused her chest to rise and fall gently. The sight was... disarming.

Heat rushed to my face as my brain struggled to process the situation. "W-What the..." I whispered, careful not to move too much and risk waking her—or worse, drawing the attention of anyone else.

"Ikaruga," I said softly, my voice barely above a whisper, "please wake up."

Her eyelashes fluttered, her serene expression shifting as my voice pulled her from sleep. She stirred, her body moving slightly, and then her eyes slowly opened, still clouded with drowsiness.

"K-Kanshoku-kun?" she murmured, her voice groggy yet graceful. Her gaze moved from my face to our surroundings, then down at herself. The realization hit her like a lightning bolt, and her cheeks flushed a deep red.

"Oh no—oh my goodness—I... I am so sorry!" she squeaked, suddenly pushing herself upright. Her movement shoved me sideways, and I nearly toppled over.

"Ikaruga, it's fine," I said, trying to steady myself and calm the emotions swirling in the room. "You were tired. It's no big deal."

"No big deal?" she repeated, her hands fidgeting with the hem of her pajama top as she avoided eye contact. "I—used you as a pillow! That's completely inappropriate, especially for someone in my position!"

"Well," I began, scratching the back of my neck awkwardly, "you were probably more comfortable than I was. My shoulder feels like it got hit by a truck."

She gasped, her mortification deepening. "Oh no! Did I hurt you? I—I should have been more mindful—"

"Seriously, it's fine," I interrupted, giving her a reassuring grin. "If anything, you should thank me for being a great pillow. I mean, you were out like a light."

That earned me a small chuckle from her, though her blush remained firmly in place. "Even so, I should have been more considerate. I apologize for putting you in such an awkward situation."

"Awkward? Nah, it's nothing compared to some of the other stuff I've been through since joining this squad," I joked, though the heat still hadn't left my face. "Besides, if you ever need a human pillow again, I might just start charging rent."

Her expression softened, and she finally looked at me, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "Thank you, Kanshoku-kun, for understanding."

"Anytime," I replied, standing and stretching to shake off the stiffness. "Now, let's clean this place before the others wake up and Katsuragi gets... ideas."

Ikaruga nodded, rising to her feet with newfound determination. "Agreed. The last thing we need is Katsuragi making jokes about this."

As we began tidying the kitchen, I glanced at her. Despite the lingering awkwardness, there was a warmth in the air—a quiet understanding between us. It wasn't how I expected to start the day, but maybe it wasn't so bad after all.

We finished cleaning up, and the kitchen is now spotless. I carefully packed the matcha macarons into a small box for later. I glanced at Ikaruga, who still wore a faint blush on her cheeks. However, her usual composed demeanor was beginning to return.

"Let's get this over with," I said, taking a deep breath. The quiet of the early morning felt almost peaceful as we stepped out of the kitchen. But that peace shattered the moment we entered the main room.

"Well, well, if it isn't a couple of lovebirds," Katsuragi's teasing voice rang out, sharp and full of amusement. She stood leaning casually against the wall, arms crossed, with her signature sly grin plastered across her face.

"Did you have fun in your little kitchen rendezvous?"

The rest of the squad was gathered behind her, and while Hibari and Asuka looked more curious than accusatory, Yagyuu's usual icy glare was turned up to eleven. The tension in the air was palpable.

"I-It's nothing like that, Katsuragi!" Ikaruga stammered, her composure slipping as her face turned a deep crimson. "We were simply—he was just—"

"What she's trying to say," I cut in, my own cheeks burning, "is that we were making macarons. That's it. Nothing else."

Katsuragi's grin widened as she stepped closer, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "Oh, macarons, huh? Is that what we're calling it these days? I didn't realize baking required you to sleep on each other."

"That was an accident!" Ikaruga exclaimed, her voice rising in pitch. "We were tired after...after everything, and I must have—"

Katsuragi interrupted with a dramatic gasp, clasping her hands to her chest. "Oh, you're saying you fell asleep on Kanshoku-kun's shoulder? How scandalous!"

"Katsuragi, enough," Yagyuu's icy tone cut through the room, her one visible eye narrowing as she glared at me. "Explain. Now."

"Geez, fine!" I threw up my hands defensively. "We were just baking, okay? Ikaruga was feeling down, so I decided to make her something to cheer her up. That's all."

Hibari clapped her hands together, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Ooh, macarons! Did you make Chocolate ones? Those are my favorites!"

"Yes, Hibari, though they are matcha flavored," I said, sighing in relief at the subject change. "I made matcha macarons. They're in this box."

Asuka tilted her head, her expression curious but kind. "So you were just trying to cheer her up? That's really sweet, Kanshoku-kun."

"See? Asuka gets it," I said, pointing to her. "It's not some weird romantic thing, no matter what Katsuragi wants to think."

"Boo, you're no fun," Katsuragi pouted, but the glint in her eyes made it clear she wasn't done teasing. "Still, I guess I'll let it slide this time. But you better share those macarons, loverboy."

"They're not for you," I snapped, clutching the box protectively. "They're for Ikaruga. Maybe if you behave, I'll think about making more later."

"I'll hold you to that," Katsuragi said, winking as she sauntered past me to plop onto one of the futons.

Hibari tugged on my sleeve, her expression hopeful. "Kanshoku-kun, can I have one too? Pretty please?"

I sighed, unable to resist her puppy-dog eyes. "Fine, but just one. These are special, okay?"

As I handed her a macaron, Ikaruga turned to me, her face still red but her voice calm. "Thank you, Kanshoku-kun. For everything. I truly appreciate what you did for me."

"No problem," I replied, scratching my head awkwardly. "Just...don't let Katsuragi get to you. She's impossible."

Ikaruga smiled softly, her usual elegance returning. "I'll keep that in mind."

As the group settled down to share breakfast, I felt a sense of relief wash over me. It wasn't the most graceful way to start the day, but at least I'd made it through Katsuragi's teasing relatively unscathed. And, as I watched Ikaruga take her first bite of the macaron, a small smile gracing her lips, I realized it had all been worth it.

As Hibari popped the matcha macaron into her mouth, her expression lit up instantly. "Mmm~! It's so good!" she exclaimed, her voice muffled slightly as she savored the treat. Her eyes closed in delight, and she swayed slightly as though the flavor alone was transporting her to a peaceful dreamland.

"Glad you like it," I said with a small smile, the tension from earlier finally starting to fade.

But then something odd began to happen. Hibari's movements grew slower and more relaxed, her swaying turning into an almost drowsy rocking motion. She blinked lazily, her cheeks flushed with warmth, and let out a soft giggle. "Everything feels so...nice," she murmured, her voice softer and more serene than usual.

"Hibari?" Yagyuu's voice cut in, sharp with concern. She moved to Hibari's side, her one eye scanning her closely. "Are you okay? You're acting strange."

Hibari let out another giggle and waved her hand dismissively. "I'm fine, Yagyuu-chan! Just...relaxed. Like everything is...perfect..." Her words trailed off as she sank into a seated position, her body going almost limp.

My heart skipped a beat. "Wait a second, that's not normal. Hibari, how many fingers am I holding up?" I asked, holding up three fingers.

She squinted at my hand, smiling dreamily. "Umm...a million?"

"That's not even close!" I yelped, panic creeping into my voice.

"What did you do to her, Kanshoku?" Yagyuu demanded, her tone icy and accusatory as she glared at me.

"Nothing! I mean, it's just a macaron!" I protested, holding up the remaining box defensively. "They're not supposed to do anything weird! They're just snacks!"

"Clearly, they're not just snacks," Ikagura interjected, her voice steady but tinged with concern. "This could be one of your treats' abilities. Kanshoku-kun, think carefully—did you notice anything unusual while making them?"

I racked my brain, trying to remember. "There was the usual glow when I finished them, but that happens with every snack I make. I thought it was because I used matcha powder and chocolate together, but maybe..." My eyes widened as the pieces clicked into place. "The relaxation! Matcha has calming properties, right? Maybe the macaron enhanced that effect."

"It's more than calming. She looks like she's floating on a cloud," Katsuragi said, crouching down to poke Hibari's cheek lightly. Hibari giggled again and swatted at Katsuragi's hand halfheartedly.

"Okay, so...matcha macarons make people super relaxed," Asuka said, tilting her head in thought. "That's actually kind of amazing. Imagine using them in a fight—your enemies wouldn't even be able to stay mad at you!"

"That's not the point, Asuka," Yagyuu said sharply, though her attention remained firmly on Hibari. "Hibari could have been seriously affected by this. Kanshoku needs to be more careful."

"Look, I didn't know they'd do this!" I shot back, my voice tinged with defensiveness. "This is why I always test my snacks first—except, you know, this time, because...well, everything was kind of crazy last night."

"Crazy or not, you need to take responsibility for what you create," Ikagura said, her tone firm but not unkind. "You have a gift, Kanshoku-kun, but it's clear that gift comes with consequences."

"Fine, fine, I get it," I muttered, rubbing the back of my neck. "No more skipping tests, no matter what."

As the conversation continued, Hibari let out a content sigh and lay back on the floor, a dreamy smile still on her face. "This is the best day ever," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Well," Katsuragi said, grinning as she stood up. "At least we know what they do now. And hey, if you ever need a volunteer for testing, I'm your girl. Anything that makes you feel this good can't be all bad."

I groaned, already dreading the next round of teasing. But as I glanced at Hibari, who looked like she didn't have a care in the world, I couldn't help but feel a tiny spark of pride. My snacks might be unpredictable, but at least they worked. Kind of.

XXX

After that fiasco, we began preparing for the day ahead. It was fascinating to observe everyone's morning routines. Asuka and Ikaruga always finished the fastest but for very different reasons. Asuka moved with childlike energy, rushing through her routine as if she couldn't wait to tackle the day. Ikaruga, by contrast, was methodical and precise, and her every movement was deliberate and efficient.

Hibari and Yagyu, unsurprisingly, did everything together. Yagyu hovered protectively, ensuring Hibari didn't trip over herself while brushing her teeth or tying her shoes. It was sweet in a somewhat smothering way.

Katsuragi, well... Katsuragi's routine was loud and chaotic. She spent more time teasing everyone else than getting ready herself, and her futon was still a mess long after everyone else had tidied theirs.

Just as things settled down, a familiar poof echoed through the room. Smoke filled the air, and before anyone could complain, a figure emerged, as dramatic as always.

"Good morning, students! I have some exciting news for you," Kiriya-sensei declared, his tone uncharacteristically chipper.

"OOH, sensei, is it a new mission? And this time, it better be something cooler than that lame alleyway thing!" Katsuragi said, practically bouncing with excitement.

"That mission was more than enough excitement," Ikaruga shot back, crossing her arms. "We learned someone out there wants us dead, Katsuragi."

Katsuragi waved her off with a carefree grin. "Yeah, yeah, but it still wasn't fun."

Kiriya-sensei cleared his throat, silencing the squabble. "Incorrect on both accounts. This time, we'll be going on a field trip."

"A field trip?" Asuka tilted her head, intrigued.

"Not just any field trip," Kiriya continued, his voice rising with importance. "We'll be spending the weekend training on Shinobi Island."

The room collectively inhaled. Asuka practically leaped out of her seat. "You mean the Shinobi Island? The one where some of the greatest shinobi in history have trained?!"

Kiriya nodded, pleased by her enthusiasm. "Precisely. It is a sacred ground for shinobi, and the perfect environment for honing your skills."

Excitement buzzed around the room, and everyone reacted in their own way. Asuka and Katsuragi couldn't stop chattering about what they'd learn. Hibari looked thrilled but slightly nervous, while Yagyu silently clenched her fists in determination. Ikaruga, as always, maintained her composure, but the sparkle in her eyes betrayed her excitement.

Meanwhile, I stood there, a pit of dread forming in my stomach. How was I going to explain this to my parents?

"Excuse me," I raised my hand awkwardly. "How am I supposed to tell my parents I'm going away for an entire weekend?"

Kiriya-sensei turned to me, his face unreadable. "Your parents are not informed of our way of life, are they?"

I shook my head. "No, and I'm pretty sure they'd flip out if I disappeared for the weekend."

Kiriya rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "A shinobi must master the art of deception to survive. My advice: craft a believable lie."

I blinked. "That's... not very reassuring."

"You'll figure it out," Kiriya said with an infuriatingly calm smile. "Pack clothes, scrolls, and any supplies you might need for an island environment. We depart Friday morning. Don't be late."

And with that, a fresh wave of smoke engulfed the room, leaving us coughing and waving our hands in the air. When it cleared, Kiriya-sensei was gone, leaving me with a fresh mountain of stress to climb.

"So," Katsuragi said with a smirk, clapping me on the back hard enough to make me stumble. "What kind of 'believable lie' are you going to come up with, huh, Kanshoku-kun? A cooking retreat? A ninja-themed baking competition?"

"Not helping," I groaned, rubbing my temples.

"You'll figure it out," Asuka said with a warm smile, trying to be encouraging. "And hey, Shinobi Island! Isn't that exciting?"

"Sure," I muttered, the weight of the conversation with my parents looming over me. "Exciting."

Stress(7)

XXX

Making my way home, I was lost in thought, wrestling with the problem at hand.

"How the hell am I going to explain that I'm going on a trip this weekend on such short notice?" I muttered under my breath, frustration creeping into my voice.

The streets bustled around me, a blur of faces and conversations blending into the background. As I passed an electronics store, the distinct jingle of a TV broadcast caught my attention. I turned to see a wall of televisions flicker to life, the screen displaying a vibrant cooking channel.

"This weekend, celebrity chef Ouchi Shigeo will be performing a live show at the Tokyo Dome in front of a live audience!" the announcer exclaimed, the camera panning to a middle-aged man adorned in an ornate chef's outfit, complete with a towering white toque. His confident smile radiated through the screen as he held up a perfectly plated dish.

I stopped dead in my tracks, staring at the screen. The gears in my head began to turn, slowly at first, until the realization hit me like a ton of bricks.

"That's it!" I exclaimed, startling a passerby who gave me a bewildered look before hurrying.

The excuse was perfect. I'd already told my parents that I joined a cooking club to explain my lateness and occasional snack experiments. Why not build on that? A school-sponsored cooking club trip to see Ouchi Shigeo live at the Tokyo Dome? It was brilliant.

Excitement bubbled within me as I raced back toward the shop, weaving through the crowd without a second thought. When I burst through the front door, my chest heaving from exertion, my mom was at the counter, arranging a fresh display of snacks. She looked up, startled.

"Mom, Mom, guess what!" I blurted out, barely able to contain myself.

"Sweetie, calm down! What's gotten into you?" she asked, her brow furrowing in concern. From the back room, my dad poked his head out, adjusting his glasses as he eyed me with a curious expression.

I took a deep breath, trying to compose myself. "So...my club has a field trip this weekend!" I announced, pausing for dramatic effect. "We'll see Ouchi Shigeo live at the Tokyo Dome!"

My mom's eyes widened in recognition and delight. "Ouchi Shigeo? Live? Oh, my goodness! Of course, you have to go! This is such an amazing opportunity! We'll need to pack your things right away!" Her excitement was infectious as she clapped her hands together.

Feeling a surge of relief, I grinned. "So...that's a yes?"

"Yes, yes! Absolutely!" she said, already mentally preparing for what I'd need.

From the doorway to the back room, my dad's calm and measured voice cut in. "Son," he began, stepping into the room with his arms crossed. Are you sure you're okay? I understand the excitement, but it seems odd that you're only just discovering something happening in a few days."

My stomach dropped slightly as his glasses caught the light, hiding his eyes and giving him an almost intimidating aura. He had a knack for sniffing out when something didn't add up.

"Well," I started, rubbing the back of my neck nervously, "it was kind of last-minute. The club just got approval for the tickets, so they announced it today. We're even carpooling with a few teachers to save on costs!"

My dad tilted his head, the faintest trace of a skeptical smile forming on his lips. "Hmm. A last-minute field trip to see one of Japan's most renowned chefs? Seems convenient."

"It's legit, Dad!" I insisted, trying to sound as casual as possible. "Besides, it's a cooking club thing. You always said I should take my hobbies seriously, right?"

He studied me for a moment longer before finally sighing and nodding. "Alright. But make sure you pack responsibly and don't forget to take care of yourself while you're there."

"Of course! Thanks, Dad!" I said, feeling a wave of relief wash over me.

"Alright, sweetie, we'll start packing tonight," Mom added, already bustling around to gather essentials.

As I retreated upstairs to my room, I let out a deep breath. The first hurdle was cleared. Now all I had to do was survive the trip to Shinobi Island without telling the truth. Easy, right?

Deciding I might as well make some new snacks I headed toward my room and grabbed my Shinobi notebook before heading towards the creation station.

With a deep breath and a calm mind, I decided to start simple—onigiri. Something soothing and familiar. My stomach growled slightly in anticipation as I rolled up my sleeves and glanced around the kitchen.

"Let's go with salmon. Can't beat a classic," I muttered, opening the fridge to pull out a small filet. Just as I was gathering the rice and nori sheets, a glint on the spice rack caught my eye.

Rosemary.

I paused, the earthy, piney aroma already filling my nose just from the thought of it. "That would go great with salmon," I said to myself with a grin, grabbing the bottle and giving it a gentle shake.

I set to work, heating the rice to just the right temperature and letting it cool slightly for handling. With practiced fingers, I diced the salmon into delicate pieces, the flesh glistening like peach-colored jewels under the kitchen light. I sprinkled in the rosemary, letting its fragrance bloom across the fish, imbuing it with a rustic, comforting aroma.

Once the filling was ready, I scooped a warm handful of rice into my palm, gently pressing it flat. A spoonful of the salmon and rosemary mixture went in the center. I folded the rice over, slowly shaping it into the familiar triangular form—compact, solid, perfect. Finally, I wrapped a crisp strip of nori around the base, completing the process.

Just as the seaweed touched the surface, a soft pulse of light began to radiate from the onigiri. I stepped back slightly, watching as a gentle glow spread through the rice like a breath of magic. It shimmered in pale green and pink hues, almost like the northern lights caught in a single bite.

Then, just as quickly as it came, the glow faded, and the onigiri rested on the plate like nothing had happened.

"I could go for something minty," I mused aloud, pacing the edge of my workstation as ideas began to swirl like frosty wisps in winter air. Classic. Clean. Sharp. One image rose to the top of the swirl like a peppermint cloud—

Candy canes.

Perfect.

I moved with a newfound purpose, collecting my ingredients: granulated sugar, corn syrup, water, a vial of pure peppermint extract, and some red food coloring. In contrast, I also snagged vanilla extract from the spice shelf. The gleaming bottles clinked softly as I placed them on the counter.

Within minutes, the alchemy began.

In a saucepan, I combined the sugar, corn syrup, and water, watching as the liquid turned glassy and began to bubble under the heat. Steam wafted up, and I leaned in with a thermometer, eyes locked on the numbers. 150… 155… 160.

"Perfect."

I quickly removed the pan from the heat and poured the shimmering syrup into two separate metal trays, steam spiraling into the air like ephemeral snakes. Into one portion, I mixed in the vanilla—warm, gentle, comforting. The other, I infused with peppermint extract and a few drops of red dye. Instantly, the aroma transformed—clean and sharp, the scent of snowy winds and candy shops.

As the mixtures cooled just enough to handle, I dipped my fingers into gloves and began to stretch the vanilla taffy, folding and pulling it until it turned glossy and opalescent. The candy tugged and twisted like molten silk, cool to the touch yet warm at the core. The peppermint-red batch, meanwhile, shimmered like liquid rubies.

Once pliable, I took both and began braiding them together—white and red spiraling around each other in an elegant helix. The soft clinks and snaps of sugar cooling filled the room like an icy rhythm. I snipped and curled them into cane shapes, each one smooth, swirled, and perfectly sculpted.

With a tray of candy canes resting proudly before me, I slid them into the fridge. Now, we wait.

A short while later…

FLASH.

A sudden pulse of light burst from within the fridge—a spiraling beacon of red and white that lit up the entire kitchen. I shielded my eyes as the wave of cold rolled over me like a snowy breeze. When it dimmed, the fridge door creaked open ever so slightly, revealing a tray of transformed creations.

Each candy cane now shimmered with a glossy, almost crystalline surface, faint vapor curling around them. The blue stripe had replaced the white, giving them an arctic look—frosted, but beautiful.

Grabbing my notebook I record the process of creating my newest treats leaving a section blank for when I test the powers imbued.

After creating my two new treats I started to prepare for the island training session.

A Few Days Later

The final school bell rang, signaling the start of our weekend training trip. I hurried home to grab my pre-packed bag, making sure I had everything—extra clothes, my Treat Trigger, and, of course, an ample supply of snacks. As I slung my bag over my shoulder, my mom called out from the kitchen.

"Take care of yourself, sweetie! And remember, if you get the chance, try to learn a new recipe!" she said with a warm smile.

Dad, on the other hand, stood at the doorway, arms crossed, giving me that ever-so-slightly skeptical look. "Be careful," he said, his voice laced with something I couldn't quite place—concern, maybe? Or suspicion? Either way, I waved them goodbye and made my way to the school gates.

As I approached, I spotted my squadmates already waiting.

"Look who finally decided to show up," Katsuragi teased, throwing an arm around my shoulder with her cheeky grin.

"Yeah, yeah, I'm here," I muttered, yawning.

"Don't worry so much, Kanshoku-kun! It's going to be fun!" Asuka chirped, her infectious optimism shining through.

Before I could offer some sarcastic retort, a sudden boom erupted, and a cloud of smoke engulfed the area. Through the thick haze, a familiar silhouette emerged.

"All right, it seems everyone is accounted for," Kiriya-sensei declared as dramatically as ever. "Now, everyone, on the bus!"

XXX

When we arrived at the port, the sun was dipping lower into the sky, casting a golden glow over the waves. A nondescript boat awaited us at the docks—nothing flashy, just a standard transport vessel that looked like it had seen better days.

"Hurk—Kill me," I moaned, slumping against the railing, my world spinning into a blur of ocean and sky.

"Later," Yagyuu remarked dryly, her single eye focused on the rousing game of Old Maid the others had started.

I peeked over at them, desperately trying to distract myself. Katsuragi, Asuka, Hibari, and Ikaruga were laughing, shuffling cards, and throwing jabs at each other like this was some kind of vacation. Meanwhile, I was dying.

Life was not fair.

The boat ride stretched into two agonizing hours, each second a new form of suffering.

When we finally arrived at Shinobi Island, I stumbled off the boat like a half-dead man, my legs wobbling like jelly.

"We're here!" Asuka cheered, pumping her fists in the air.

The rest of the squad followed suit, taking in the island's tropical beauty—the clear skies, the warm sand, and the lush jungle just beyond the shoreline. Everyone looked excited and energized.

Except for me.

I staggered off the dock, still feeling like my insides were being wrung out like a sponge.

Kiriya-sensei led the way, guiding us down a dirt path that cut through the dense greenery of the island. The scenery was breathtaking—birds chirped, the scent of the ocean lingered in the air, and golden sunlight filtered through the trees.

Too bad I was too busy trying not to throw up.

After a short trek, we arrived at what was supposed to be our base of operations for the next few days.

A dilapidated cabin stood before us, looking like it had been abandoned for decades. The wooden planks creaked ominously, cobwebs clung to every corner, and dust covered every inch of the interior.

"...Is this a joke?" I asked, blinking at the sorry excuse for a living space.

"It's... rustic," Asuka tried to sound positive.

"It's a dump," Katsuragi said bluntly, kicking at a broken floorboard.

"Indeed, this place has certainly seen better days," Ikaruga sighed, rubbing her temples.

"This will do," Yagyuu stated, already setting her things down.

Hibari, on the other hand, screamed the moment she saw a spider the size of her palm skitter across the floor.

"HIBARI NO!" Yagyuu yelled, tackling her to the ground before she could bolt out of the cabin.

Kiriya-sensei clapped his hands together, ignoring the chaos. "Alright, students! Before you rest, your first task—clean this place up!"

We all groaned in unison.

This was going to be a long trip.

XXX

After Yagyuu finally pried Hibari off of her leg and calmed her down from the spider incident, we all regrouped to tackle our next great challenge—making this decrepit shack livable.

Kiriya-sensei had his own plans. "Yagyuu, you're with me. We'll be catching fish for dinner," he announced, leading Yagyuu away toward the shoreline. Yagyuu nodded silently before following, sparing only a glance at Hibari to ensure she was indeed okay.

Meanwhile, the rest of us geared up for what felt like an impossible task—turning this dust-ridden, spider-infested, probably haunted cabin into a place we could actually sleep in.

Armed with brooms, rags, and an unreasonable determination, we all got to work.

Asuka had taken it upon herself to clean the porch, though her method was... unique. She dipped a cloth into a bucket of soapy water, threw it onto the wood, and then proceeded to run and slide across the surface like a child on a slip-and-slide.

"This is way faster!" she cheered mid-slide.

"That's dangerous," Ikaruga chided, dusting the wooden beams overhead. Just as she elegantly wiped away a section of dust, an avalanche of filth collapsed on top of her.

She let out a very unladylike cough and retrieved a handkerchief to gracefully remove the soot from her face. "This place needs to be spotless before we can even consider sleeping here," she declared, completely ignoring the fact that she now looked like a chimney sweep.

"It's gonna take ages to clean this place up," Asuka sighed, wringing out her now-filthy cloth.

"Man, we're on a tropical island, and yet we're stuck here cleaning? This is tragic," Katsuragi groaned, scrubbing the floorboards without enthusiasm.

"Looks like there's five of us," I said, shaking out an old futon and sending a cloud of dust flying into the air. "Let's just do this as fast as possible, and then we can actually enjoy this trip."

Katsuragi sighed dramatically. "Fine, fine. But this better comes with a beach break later."

Hibari POV

Hibari had been assigned the precarious task of dusting the support beams above us. Climbing onto the rafters, she hummed a cheerful tune, unaware of the horrors she was about to unleash.

As she wiped along the wooden support, she noticed a dark, smudged marking tucked away in a hidden corner.

"Hmm? What's this?" she mumbled curiously, leaning closer to read the faded writing.

Before she could process the words, her washcloth slipped from her grasp and landed directly on Katsuragi's face.

"Wha—?!" Katsuragi bolted upright like she'd been electrocuted, frantically waving her arms. "I WAS JUST RESTING MY EYES, SENSEI, I SWEAR—!"

Ikaruga, who had witnessed the whole thing, let out a very controlled chuckle. "Katsuragi, if you're too tired to clean, why don't you make yourself useful and gather some firewood instead?"

Katsuragi sighed dramatically as if she had just been given the most complex job in the world. "Fiiine, fiiine... You're all just jealous of my efficient cleaning methods," she muttered before stretching lazily and sauntering off toward the forest.

Hibari, meanwhile, stared down at the faded writing again, whispering the words under her breath.

"Super Shinobi or Bust..."

After a while, we finally cleaned up the place enough to call it habitable. By then, I had finished washing the bowls while Kanshoku had set himself up in the kitchen, preparing dinner.

Asuka stood beside me, chopping leeks with ease.

"Where did you even find those?" I asked, watching as she expertly cut through them.

"I found them growing out back," Asuka said. "They were on their last legs, but beggars can't be choosers."

I hesitated before speaking again. "Hey, Asuka... do you know what a Super Shinobi is?"

She blinked in surprise, then tilted her head. "Super Shinobi?"

"I found it written on one of the beams up there," I said, pointing toward the now-cleaned support where the words had been scribbled.

Asuka pursed her lips, thinking for a moment. "Hmm... I guess someone from the previous class wrote it. Must have been a joke."

"Yeah, but..." I hesitated. "Writing a wish somewhere it won't be seen... I can understand the feeling."

Asuka smiled, her expression softening. "Yeah. It's like leaving behind a piece of yourself for someone else to find."

I nodded, feeling a small warmth bloom in my chest.

"A wish, huh?"

Kanshoku POV

The crackling of the fire illuminated the evening sky as Kiriya-sensei emerged from the shoreline, a massive net of fish and shellfish slung over his shoulder. He walked with purpose, his silhouette outlined against the setting sun, looking every bit like an old fisherman proud of his haul.

"We have returned with a great haul," he declared, his voice booming with satisfaction.

My eyes lit up at the sight of fresh seafood. "Alright, hand 'em over," I said eagerly, taking the net from Kiriya's hands. "Let's see what we've got here."

Inside was an assortment of fish, shrimp, clams, and even a few crabs. The sheer variety had me grinning as my mind raced with how I could prepare them.

"Are you sure you can handle all that?" Asuka asked, peeking over my shoulder.

"Please, this is child's play," I scoffed, rolling up my sleeves. "You're all about to witness seafood perfection."

1 hour later

The fire burned low as the aroma of grilled fish and buttery crab filled the air, drawing the entire squad around the makeshift wooden table we had set up.

"Holy crap, this looks amazing, Kanshoku!" Katsuragi practically drooled over the plates of grilled fish, buttered clams, shrimp skewers, and a massive pot of miso seafood stew.

"Indeed, this is incredible," Ikaruga added, nodding approvingly as she observed the meticulously arranged dishes.

I rubbed the back of my head, trying to hide my smug grin. "Heh, this was nothing special. Just something I threw together."

"As if!" Katsuragi scoffed. "If this is 'nothing special,' then what the hell have I been eating my whole life?"

Before I could respond, everyone clapped their hands together in unison.

"Itadakimasu!"

The sounds of eager eating filled the air.

"WOW! It tastes even better than it looks!" Asuka exclaimed between bites, expertly slurping crab meat from its shell.

Hibari let out a satisfied hum as she chewed on a grilled shrimp. Yagyuu, true to form, mainly remained silent but ate with focused appreciation.

"Hey, Kiriya-sensei," Hibari suddenly piped up, setting her chopsticks down.

Kiriya, who had been quietly savoring his meal, lifted a brow. "What is it?"

Hibari pointed to him with her chopsticks. "You caught all these, right?"

Kiriya paused mid-bite, his expression suddenly a mix of nostalgia and quiet pride.

"I may have passed my prime when it comes to fishing," he admitted, before puffing out his chest dramatically. "But I was the one who got the clams."

Hibari blinked. "That's… not what I was going to ask."

Kiriya blinked back. "Oh. Then what was your question?"

Hibari took a deep breath and asked, "What kind of shinobi is a Super Shinobi?"

Everything stopped.

The sounds of eating, the crackling fire, even the rustling of the wind through the trees—it all seemed to go silent.

I looked up from my food, noting that everyone else had frozen as well. Katsuragi had a piece of fish halfway to her mouth, and Asuka had even stopped slurping her soup.

Super Shinobi? What the hell is that?

Kiriya-sensei, usually so composed, had visibly tensed.

His sharp gaze honed in on Hibari, his eyes suddenly unreadable. "Where did you hear that term?"

Hibari, unaware of the sudden shift in atmosphere, happily answered, "I found it written in the old cabin. It said, 'Super Shinobi or Bust.' I thought it was like a cool goal or something!"

A weight settled over the group.

"Judging by the name," Ikaruga spoke carefully, her voice thoughtful, "an ultimate shinobi, one who transcends all others."

Kiriya's jaw tightened, his usual calm demeanor slipping.

"Something like that," he finally admitted, his voice much lower than before.

"Oh! If someone was like that, they could defeat all the evil shinobi and make the world peaceful!" Hibari chirped innocently, smiling at the idea.

I looked back at Kiriya. His face had darkened, his chopsticks resting on the table, forgotten.

There was a somber look in his eyes.

A look that told me… that wasn't how the story went.

The cabin was alive with hushed conversations, the girls chatting amongst themselves about anything and everything that crossed their minds—clothes, training, school gossip, and even their favorite foods. Katsuragi laughed about some absurd story from her past, while Asuka chimed in with enthusiastic agreement.

I, on the other hand, was trying to sleep.

Keyword: trying.

Between Katsuragi's loud, teasing voice, Hibari's excited giggles, and the occasional sarcastic quip from Ikaruga, I was losing the battle. I rolled onto my side, pulling my blanket over my head, hoping that if I ignored them long enough, they'd get bored and go to sleep.

No such luck.

Yagyuu POV

I stayed awake, lying on my side, eyes partially open as I watched over Hibari. She was curled up beneath her blanket, breathing soft and peaceful, with a small smile on her face even while she was asleep.

I exhaled slowly, my uncovered eye staring at her features.

Then, the memories came.

A flash—a little girl with bright red hair, tied into twin pigtails. She clutched a stuffed rabbit with a familiar black eyepatch, her laughter ringing.

She was so happy. So innocent.

Then, like a cruel joke, the image changed.

A dark road. The screeching of tires. A sickening thud.

I clenched my jaw, my fists tightening beneath my blanket. Nozomi.

Never again.

I wouldn't let it happen again.

I turned my gaze back to Hibari, her gentle breathing filling the quiet of the cabin.

No matter what, I won't let you suffer Nozomi's fate.

I wouldn't lose another little sister.

Kiriya POV

"What kind of Shinobi is a Super Shinobi?"

Hibari's innocent question wouldn't leave my mind. It clung to me like an old wound refusing to close, festering in my thoughts as I sat on the porch outside the cabin, staring at the darkened sky.

The wind carried the scent of the ocean salt, and as I listened to the distant crashing of waves against the shore, my mind drifted backward in time.

The sun was setting over the beach, painting the sky in hues of orange, pink, and violet.

Footprints trailed across the dampened sand, leading to a lone figure standing at the water's edge.

She was young, dressed in the Hanzo Academy school uniform. Her long, flowing purple hair was tied back in a ponytail that danced with the ocean breeze.

She stood there, silent, staring out into the horizon.

Then, she turned.

Her golden eyes locked onto mine, and she smiled.

A smile full of confidence.

A smile full of determination.

A smile full of sadness.

Then—

The memory faded.

I was back in the present, the night air cool against my skin.

"A Super Ninja, huh?" I murmured, rubbing the bridge of my nose.

I already knew the answer to Hibari's question.

I knew who had left that message in the old training cabin.

But that only left one question in my mind.

"Where are you, Rin?"

Kanshoku POV

The morning rays slipped through the window, warm light hitting my eyelids and pulling me from sleep. My body still ached from yesterday's work, but today wasn't a day for rest, Training was calling, and I was about to get a firsthand experience of what actual shinobi combat looked like.

After rolling out of my futon and rubbing the exhaustion from my face, I stretched my arms high, joints popping in protest. Around me, the rest of the squad was stirring, some still drowsy, others already up and about.

It didn't take long for us to change into our school uniforms before heading to the beach where today's training was set to begin.

"Man, why are we training in our uniforms at the beach?" Katsuragi groaned, stretching her arms high above her head. The salty ocean breeze tousled her golden locks, but the irritated pout on her face remained.

"We came here to train, so it's only natural," Ikaruga replied, maintaining her usual composed expression despite the sun's heat.

Just as I was about to chime in, a sudden explosion of smoke engulfed us, forcing a round of coughs from the group. When the haze cleared, standing proudly in the center of the chaos was none other than Kiriya-sensei, still wearing his ridiculous Hawaiian shirt.

"All of you, transform now. Today, we will be engaging in Frantic Training," Kiriya-sensei announced, his tone unusually firm.

"Frantic Training?" I repeated, raising an eyebrow. That didn't sound fun.

Before Ikaruga could explain, Katsuragi clamped a hand over her mouth, grinning mischievously.

"It's easier if we just show you, Kanshoku-kun," she purred, practically oozing mischief.

I swallowed nervously. That wasn't a good sign.

"Uhh... Okay then," I said hesitantly, unsure of what I was getting myself into.

With a synchronized motion, the girls took their stances, and with clear voices, they shouted—

"Shinobi Tenshin!"

A burst of energy exploded around them, as their outfits disintegrated in an eruption of light.

I stood frozen, my brain completely shutting down as I bore witness to five beautiful girls suddenly clad in nothing but the bare minimum of modesty.

My entire face erupted in flames, but by some miracle, I managed to remember the reason we were here. I also needed to transform.

Shakily, I reached for the Treat Trigger, loading in my Ni-Change Gummy.

"NI-CHANGE!"

A cheerful, uplifting tune blared from my gun, as the transformation sequence began.

I pointed the Treat Trigger skyward, swallowing my embarrassment and shouting:

"Henshin!"

A massive scroll, glowing blue and red, unfurled above me, wrapping my body in a swirling cocoon of energy. Inside, warmth spread over me, sending an electric pulse through my skin. My heartbeat quickened, my adrenaline spiked, and for a brief moment, I felt weightless.

"Dare ja? Ore ja! Ninja!"

With an explosive burst of colors, the cocoon shattered, revealing my shinobi form.

"SHINOBI SNACK ATTACK!"

My attire had changed. My black dress shirt and pants were now accompanied by an overcoat decorated with colorful images of snacks and candies. My goggles pulsed with an almost ethereal glow, and a blue scarf now billowed behind me—despite there being no wind.

The rush was addicting, more potent than any sugar high I had ever experienced.

"Okay, Girls. Please show Kanshoku the proper way to activate Frantic Mode," Kiriya-sensei instructed, nodding at the others.

"Frantic Mode?" I repeated, looking toward my squadmates.

For some reason, Ikaruga and Asuka looked embarrassed, while Katsuragi was grinning like a fox.

I didn't like where this was going.

"Begin!"

Ikaruga placed her hands together in a hand sign, and then—

OH. MY. GOD.

insert blushing gif*

THEIR CLOTHES JUST EXPLODED.

A bright flash of light engulfed them, and when it faded, they were left wearing next to nothing.

"WHAT THE HELL?!" My voice cracked, my arms flailing as I stumbled back.

Katsuragi sauntered toward me, her ample chest bouncing freely with each teasing step. She had no shame. None.

"So~, what do you think, Kanshoku-kun?" she purred, leaning forward just enough to make gravity work against her.

I felt my soul leave my body.

I-I-I— My brain short-circuited.

"I-I'M NOT LOOKING!" I shouted, violently spinning around to face the opposite direction, my hands clamped over my eyes like a monk resisting temptation.

"Kanshoku, while I'm glad you respect your squadmates and their dignity, this will be a common aspect of shinobi combat," Kiriya-sensei stated, his voice calm—too calm.

"The outfits we wear aren't just for show. They act as a secondary defense, absorbing damage and protecting us from lethal attacks. However, in Frantic Mode, we willingly sacrifice that durability for raw power and speed."

I barely processed anything he said.

BOING~

Something soft and warm pressed against my back.

BOING~

Katsuragi pressed further into me, her arms snaking around my shoulders.

"Come on, Kanshoku, join us~. Turn around, you know you want to~," she teased.

I could feel her breath on my neck.

DANGER. DANGER. DANGER.

Before I could shove her off—

ANOTHER soft sensation pressed into me from the other side.

"Katsuragi, stop this at once. Can't you see Kanshoku feels uncomfortable?" Ikaruga scolded—while doing the exact same thing.

I CAN'T TAKE THIS ANYMORE.

"I'M GONNA TRAIN BY MYSELF OVER THERE!" I screamed, practically launching myself away from the girls at breakneck speed.

If I stayed longer, my heart would explode like a piñata full of snacks.

As I fled the battlefield, I heard Katsuragi's laughter echoing behind me.

Stress(7)- (10)

Kiriya POV

Sigh~

"Well… that could have gone better. Teehee," Katsuragi said, scratching the back of her head.

"See what you did, Katsuragi?" Ikaruga scolded, her arms crossed.

"Okay, okay! I might have gone a little overboard, but it was funny!" Katsuragi defended herself, grinning.

"Katsuragi, please refrain from teasing Kanshoku too much. The boy is still adjusting to the shinobi world," Ikaruga huffed, clearly flustered.

I shook my head.

"Let him be for now. It was my fault for introducing a, stimulating subject so early in his training," I admitted, rubbing my temples.

"He said he would train alone, so let's allow him some time to cool off. In the meantime, let's begin sparring."

The girls nodded, steeling themselves for battle.

As for Kanshoku?

Well… I just hoped he'd survive the rest of the trip.

Kanshoku POV

"Huff..." I bent over, hands braced on my knees as I caught my breath. My chest rose and fell like the tide beside me, the soft crashing of waves doing little to calm the absolute chaos still echoing in my skull.

I had run far enough from the others—far enough from certain death by boob-induced cardiac arrest. The beach was quiet here, behind a natural curtain of rocky outcroppings that jutted up like jagged fangs along the coast. The salty breeze cooled my overheated face as I finally let myself breathe normally again.

"Okay... safe... I think I'm safe now."

I sat on a flat rock, the stone still warm from the morning sun. The sea sparkled like sugar crystals in the light, and for a moment, I let the peaceful atmosphere wash over me.

Then I remembered why I came out here.

"Right... training."

I opened my gear pouch and gently pulled out the Treat Trigger Mk I, giving it a light pat like an old friend. "You and me again, buddy."

Next, I rifled through the compartments in my jacket—each filled with different types of edible ammo—and weighed my options.

"Let's see…" I murmured, thumbing over the labeled packs.

Deciding to test my first-ever creation, I narrowed my gaze on the target ahead.

I reached into my pouch, fingers brushing against the familiar wrapper before pulling it free. A small, glossy piece of purple candy shimmered in the sun—a nostalgic token of where this whole insane journey began.

BOUNCING GUMMY.

The Treat Trigger clicked with a cheerful chime as the ammo was loaded. I braced myself, feet shoulder-width apart, and raised the barrel. My breathing steadied. The world shrank down to just me, my gun, and the wooden dummy downrange.

BOUNCING GUMMY BLAST.

Three shuriken-shaped gummies burst forth with a fwip-fwap sound, trailing syrupy purple streaks through the air. I winced as two of them spun off course slightly, veering into a spread pattern.

"Crap… too wide."

But then—

THUNK. THWACK. FWUMP.

Three direct hits. One after the other. Each shuriken struck the dummy from a different angle, their gooey impact echoing across the beach like applause.

"I actually hit it," I breathed in disbelief. Then louder: "I actually hit it! All three landed!"

A giddy laugh escaped my lips. It wasn't perfect, but damn if it didn't feel good.

Wanting to push myself further, I paced backward—ten, fifteen steps until the dummy was just a silhouette framed by dunes and surf.

"Okay, Kanshoku," I whispered, squaring my stance again. "You've got this. Just a little farther. Just like before."

This time, I decided to test one of my newer creations—something I'd poured more thought and flavor into.

AETHER ONIGIRI.

A soft glow pulsed from the chamber as the gun processed the snack. The Treat Trigger's voice echoed with a digital chime, gentler than before.

AETHER ONIGIRI BLAST.

The chamber snapped open with a hiss, and the salmon-packed onigiri launched forth like a glowing comet. It wasn't fast—it glided forward like it was surfing a breeze, trailing wisps of rosemary-scented light.

My breath caught.

The shot wobbled mid-flight, tilting slightly…

PAP. It clipped the edge of the target.

"Pffft—ha! Okay, I'll take it," I said, grinning despite the near-miss. "That still counts."

Over the next half hour, I pushed myself harder. I tried odd angles. Mid-roll shots. Quickdraw bursts. Some connected. Some flopped hilariously. But every single one was a lesson. A rhythm. A building block.

When I finally lowered the Treat Trigger, my arms ached from the repetition, and sweat clung to my skin in glistening streaks. The salty ocean breeze licked across my cheeks as the tide murmured beside me.

"My aim's definitely improved," I said with a satisfied sigh, reloading one last time just to hear the satisfying click of the chamber.

"Maybe… maybe I can actually hit the broad side of a barn now."

I looked down at the scuffed training dummy, gummy bits and globs of rice still sticking to it.

Progress.

No crowd, no dramatic music. Just me, my snacks, and the wind.

But for the first time in a while, I felt like a real shinobi.

And that was enough.

And then—because the universe never lets me feel accomplished for more than five seconds—I heard a familiar voice echoing through the rocks and surf.

"OI! KANSHOKU!"

I turned in time to see a blur of energy and skin barreling toward me. I barely had time to register the blonde hair before I was face-to-face with none other than Katsuragi—now clad in a tight, cleavage-defying swimsuit that left nothing to the imagination.

"There you are!" she huffed, hands on her knees, her chest heaving with every breath. "Took me forever to find you."

"Oh... h-hey," I said, trying very hard to maintain eye contact. "What's up?"

She stood upright, brushing her hair over her shoulder. "Look, I just wanted to say sorry. I didn't think you'd literally bolt the moment things got a little steamy." There was something genuine in her tone—just beneath the usual mischief, a flash of honest regret.

I blinked, surprised. "It's okay… I guess I'm just not used to your, uh, 'unique' brand of friendship."

Her lips curled into a sly smile. "Oho~ So you admit you like something about it." She leaned forward just enough for her chest to jiggle—on purpose.

"W-We JUST had a moment! Could you not immediately undo it?!" I yelped, covering my eyes with my hand.

She laughed, that infectious, teasing laugh of hers. "Yeah, yeah… Anyway, Kiriya-sensei sent me to find you. After you ran off, we did some more training. Yagyuu and Hibari split off, and Ikaruga's probably still trading sword slashes with Asuka. Sensei said you should rejoin us."

She extended her hand. I took it, her grip warm and surprisingly gentle as we returned to the main trail. Just as I began to relax again—

"Well, well... it seems I've found my targets."

The voice was flat. Cold. A deadpan buzz that carried on the breeze and froze us mid-step.

From the shade of the trees, a figure emerged like a phantom.

Pale skin. Shoulder-length seaweed-green hair. Amber eyes burned with an eerie calm. Her expression was a lifeless mask, but the massive knife she twirled in her hand told a different story.

She wore a Yellow bikini, but it was more a disguise than comfort. The blade in her hand glinted dangerously in the sunlight.

Katsuragi stepped protectively before me, her demeanor flipping like a switch.

"Who the hell are you?" she demanded, her voice hard but edged with concern.

The girl tilted her head, snake-like and slow. "My name's not important," she replied, voice monotone. "The only thing that matters is testing your strength."

Katsuragi tensed. "You're an evil shinobi, aren't you?"

The girl's lips barely moved. "Correct."

In one smooth motion, she whipped out a scroll and held it aloft. "Shinobi Tenshin."

The air crackled with power as her bikini evaporated in a flash of light, replaced by something far more terrifying. She now stood clad in a torn yellow-and-black crop top that barely clung to her chest, snake-patterned and trimmed with black frills. Her shoulders and hips bore snake tattoos, and her tattered jeans hung dangerously low, the belt unbuckled and zipper down. Leather straps coiled around her limbs like serpents, each dotted with throwing knives.

The scent of steel and venom seemed to follow her as she drew her blade with disturbing calm.

Katsuragi growled. "Tch. Fine then. Shinobi Tenshin!"

A fiery flash of light erupted from her scroll as she transformed. Her school blazer was fully open yet kept her modesty, and the Dragon Rebellion boots locked onto her feet with a mechanical hiss.

The tension between the two women sparked like static.

I gripped the Treat Trigger tightly. This wasn't just some training exercise anymore—this was the real deal.

The girl spoke one final phrase before lunging forward. "Let's see how long you last."

And just like that, the battle began.

Stress(10)- (15)

Hikage, The Blood-Fueled SerpentSnack and Shoot

"Katsuragi, catch!" I called, pulling a shimmering red-and-blue striped candy cane from my pouch and tossing it to her.

She glanced over mid-pivot, irritation flashing in her eyes. "Now's really not the time for sweets, Kanshoku!"

"Trust me!" I insisted, already loading my next round. "Just remember what happened to Hibari when she ate the mint."

Her eyes widened as the realization clicked into place. "Ohhh… I get it now." A grin slowly spread across her face. "You're not just adorable, you're brilliant."

She tore open the wrapper with her teeth, then bit down hard. The moment the peppermint hit her tongue, a visible shimmer ran through her leg—the air around it crystallizing into swirling frost.

"Let's dance, icicle legs."

With a sudden lunge, Katsuragi launched herself forward, her body twisting with practiced grace. Her right leg came sweeping in a wide arc, frost-glimmering boot slamming into the enemy's side with a bone-rattling CRACK.

CHING—!

The impact was immediate—metal met flesh and ice surged outward. Frost snaked across the girl's arms and torso, turning her skin even paler than before, a glaze of ice webbing across her limbs. She hit the ground hard and skidded several feet before rolling into a frozen crouch.

"Hh-hisss… W-What is this…?!" she stammered, steam curling from her mouth as the frost clung to her like a second skin. Her blade trembled in her hand.

But I wasn't about to wait and find out what tricks she had left.

"Flaming Fire Flakes," I whispered under my breath, the heat practically bleeding through my gloves as I slotted the crimson ammo into the Treat Trigger.

FLAMING FIRE FLAKES.

The chamber clicked into place, the barrel glowing faintly red as I leveled it toward the prone shinobi.

"Bang," I said, my voice low, resolute.

FLAMING FIRE FLAKES BLAST!

The shot ignited with a whoosh, a scorching wave of flame erupting from the barrel in a wide arc. The firestorm roared down the path of my aim, slamming into the iced-over enemy with a thunderous FOOM.

The frost exploded into steam, hissing violently as heat collided with cold. The enemy cried out, flung backward again as scorched sand scattered into the air.

The battlefield fell momentarily silent, the air rippling with residual heat. I slowly lowered my arm, smoke curling from the barrel, heart thundering in my chest.

Katsuragi turned to me, panting slightly, a fierce grin lighting up her face. "Now that's a combo move. Not bad, Snack-Slinger."

I let out a shaky breath, finally allowing a small smile to return.

"You kick, I cook. Seems like a solid strategy."

She gave me a playful punch to the shoulder. "Just don't make me the dessert next time, got it?"

"No promises."

"Did you really think that was enough?" the girl hissed, stepping out of the dissipating flames, her torn and scorched clothes fluttering in the wind. Her expression hadn't changed—still that chilling neutrality—but a flicker of intensity now burned in her amber eyes.

Then, without warning, she pulled out a set of gleaming kunai seemingly from nowhere, their edges catching the dying sunlight like fangs.

"Ninja Art—Shanking."

She disappeared in a blur, a flash of white and steel streaking forward like lightning.

Too fast. I barely had time to flinch, much less load another round. But she wasn't after me. No—her target was Katsuragi.

Blades whipped through the air with terrifying speed. The girl moved like a storm of knives, each slash aimed with surgical precision. Katsuragi grunted, trying to block, to counter—but she was overwhelmed. Her uniform tore in several places, blood welling at the edges of fresh cuts.

But even as her body screamed in protest, Katsuragi fought back. Gritting her teeth, she channeled everything into a single, devastating roundhouse kick.

WHOMP.

The wind exploded outward from her strike, the force enough to knock the girl off balance. Dust and sand whipped around them.

I knew this had to end. Now.

My fingers darted to my pouch. I pulled out the Matcha Macaron and slammed it into the chamber.

MATCHA MACARON.

The Treat Trigger sang its call, glowing with a soft green hue.

"Katsuragi, move!" I shouted and pulled the trigger.

MATCHA MACARON BLAST.

What fired wasn't a bullet, but a comically large macaron that plopped to the ground between them with a whump. It just… sat there.

"You've gotta be kidding me," I muttered, wide-eyed.

The green-haired girl arched an eyebrow. "That's it?" she said flatly, the faintest smirk twitching at the corner of her mouth.

Click.

The top half of the macaron tilted open like a lid.

"What the—" Katsuragi started before—

PSSSSSHHHHT!

A billow of green mist exploded from the pastry, enveloping both fighters in a swirling, herbal cloud.

Coughing. Wheezing. Katsuragi stumbled back, eyes watering.

"Wh-what… is this? My legs feel like jelly," she gasped, her voice trembling slightly, rising an octave as the sedative took hold.

Through the haze, I could see the enemy's movements falter—sluggish, but not stopped. The gas was working, but not equally.

As soon as the mist began to clear, I bolted forward and grabbed Katsuragi, dragging her out of the fog and behind a nearby boulder. Her weight leaned heavily against me, her breath shallow and uneven.

Minutes passed. Tense, silent minutes.

Then, from within the green haze, the enemy stepped out—her figure silhouetted against the twilight, every movement eerily graceful. She rolled her shoulders once, eyes fixed on us with that same, haunting calm.

"It seems time is up," she murmured.

She raised a single blade and pointed it at Katsuragi—who was still on her knees, body trembling, the fight carved into every bruise and tear on her skin.

"You. Get stronger." Her amber eyes narrowed, and then she turned her gaze to me.

"You too, boy with the candy gun."

"Name's Hikage."

And with that, she turned. No grand escape, no flashy ninjutsu—she simply vanished. Slipping into the shadows like a wisp of smoke.

Her name hung in the air like a curse.

"OIII! GET BACK HERE!" Katsuragi roared, surging to her feet on shaky legs—only to collapse, her knees slamming into the sand. Her fists dug deep into the ground, trembling.

"Damn it… DAMN, IT!" she screamed, voice cracking as she pounded her fists against the beach, each strike echoing the sting of failure.

I limped forward, wincing from my own injuries, and knelt beside her.

Drip.

A single tear slid from the corner of her eye, falling silently to the sand below.

"I'm weak." The words left her like a confession, one soaked in shame and helplessness.

"Hey, hey… Katsuragi. You kicked ass back there," I said, trying to keep my tone steady despite the ache in my ribs. "I was just the backup dancer in that fight. You held your ground. And we lived. That's a win in my book."

She turned toward me, eyes glassy and red. "You don't get it!" she snapped, her voice cracking with the weight of something more profound.

"Then explain it to me," I said, gently but firmly. "Help me understand why surviving is something to mourn."

There was silence between us, just the sound of waves crashing faintly behind us. Finally, she drew in a shaky breath and began.

"When I was a kid, things were normal. It was just me and my dog, Choco, and my parents. They were both shinobi… good ones too. They took missions regularly. They were always busy, but they always came back." Her voice grew softer, distant.

"One day, they didn't."

She paused. I didn't interrupt.

"They vanished without a trace. A few days later, the investigators came. Said they went rogue. Failed a mission. Abandoned their duty. Traitors." She spat the word like it burned her tongue. "Just like that… my parents were enemies of the state."

My fists clenched in anger.

"That's bullshit. They were your parents. People make mistakes, and missions go south. That doesn't make them traitors."

She shook her head, eyes full of frustration and years of buried pain. "I didn't get to argue. I was left behind—alone. So I joined Hanzo Academy. I trained. Fought. Bled. Told myself I'd become strong enough to wipe away their shame… or at least understand what really happened to them."

Her voice cracked again.

"But today… if Hikage had been just a bit stronger… If I had been just a bit slower… I would've lost. Again. And that means I haven't grown enough. I'm still not strong enough to protect the people I care about."

"Katsuragi…" I leaned in a little. "Listen. You're strong. Maybe the strongest person I know. You knock trees down with your kicks like it's nothing, and yeah, you have some... let's say unique habits, but you're always looking out for the people around you. You pulled me into this crazy world, remember? You didn't leave me behind."

A faint smile tugged at her lips. "You just called me strong and a perv in the same breath."

"Multitasking is a core shinobi skill." I grinned back.

She chuckled, wiping her face with the back of her hand. "You're a weird kid, Kanshoku."

"Guilty." I stood, biting back the groan that wanted to escape from my aching muscles. Then I extended a hand to her. "Now come on. Let's get back. You're not alone in this. We're a team, remember?"

Katsuragi stared at my hand for a long moment. Then, slowly, she took it. Her grip was warm and firm. We helped each other up—two battered shinobi leaning on each other under a blood-orange sky.

The beach was quiet around us. The tide rolled in gently, and the sun began to dip below the horizon, painting the world in warm reds and soft pinks. The colors danced on the water's surface like brush strokes on a canvas.

"Hey, look," I said, nodding toward the horizon. "The sun's setting."

She followed my gaze. "Huh. What a view."

"Beautiful, right?"

"You talking about the sunset… or me?" she teased, the glint in her eyes finally returning.

"The sunset," I deadpanned.

"Ouch. And I was gonna say you didn't look too bad, either."

"Well, now we're both liars."

She laughed—really laughed—and for a second, the weight on her shoulders seemed to ease.

Hand in hand, we sauntered back toward camp, the setting sun behind us and a new understanding between us.

Tomorrow could be a battlefield, but tonight… tonight was calm, and tinged with a sweet feeling.

Kiriya POV

I stood at the edge of the cabin clearing, watching as Katsuragi and Kanshoku stumbled into view, bruised and bloodied. Their clothing was torn, their movements stiff with pain, but it was their eyes that concerned me most—sharp, shaken, and burning with something deeper than fatigue.

"What happened to you?" I asked, my voice more strained than I intended.

Katsuragi steadied herself, her fists still clenched at her sides. "An evil shinobi," she spat. "Called herself Hikage. She ambushed us near the rocks. Kanshoku and I fought her off, but she wasn't just strong—she was hunting us."

Before I could respond, Yagyuu emerged from the tree line, her hand protectively resting on Hibari's shoulder. The younger girl trembled beside her, her usual cheer drained into silence.

"We were attacked too," Yagyuu said, her voice calm but tight like a drawn wire. "She wasn't very powerful, but she came with killing intent. I dealt with her."

Hibari clutched at her stuffed bunny, eyes wide. "She… she laughed when she missed. Like it was just a game to her…"

I turned as Ikaruga and Asuka arrived next, their steps brisk but deliberate. Asuka supported Ikaruga, whose uniform was scuffed and lightly burned.

"We weren't spared either," Ikaruga reported, her tone as composed as ever. However, the tremble in her hands betrayed her calm. "A girl named Yomi. She knew who I was—called me out by name. Her words, her eyes… she wasn't attacking randomly. She wanted me."

Asuka clenched her fists. "They weren't just testing us. They were trying to send a message."

I said nothing momentarily, letting the words weigh in my mind.

Three attacks. Coordinated. Targeted. Each of them knew where we were. When we'd be here. And they weren't interested in simply defeating my students—they wanted to break them. To isolate them.

I glanced at each of their faces. They wore their exhaustion-like armor—brave fronts over rattled spirits.

My jaw tightened.

"Three evil shinobi… all aware of our location. And attacking at once?" I shook my head. "This wasn't a coincidence. This was a planned assault."

I turned toward the cabin, my voice hardening.

"Everyone—pack your things. The training retreat is over. We leave immediately. Once we're back on the mainland, rest and recover. Then regroup at the hideout. We'll need to reevaluate everything."

"Yes, Sensei!" they replied in unison, though the usual vigor was replaced by wariness and fatigue.

As they moved to the cabin, I remained behind—alone with my thoughts.

How did they find us here?

Why now? Why together?

Was someone watching us? Feeding them information?

For a moment, the wind carried only the rustle of leaves and the distant crash of the waves. The peace of Shinobi Island had been broken—tainted by something darker than rivalry.

This wasn't just a skirmish.

It was a declaration.

I exhaled slowly, the weight of responsibility pressing down on my shoulders. There was only one course of action now. One man who needed to hear this directly.

Hanzo-sama must be informed. Immediately.

And if these attacks were only the beginning…

We would need to be ready for war.