Inside the darkened hideout of the Dark Sign Organization, a meeting was underway. Shadows danced across the room, lit only by the faint glow of arcane lights. Ukina leaned back in her throne, her voice calm yet commanding.
"So, Shinki… how far have you gotten with the assignment?"
Shinki, resting against the wall with arms folded, responded steadily. "Alex has gotten a bit stronger since last time. He's developed a new technique... he calls it the Blade of Death."
Zora raised an eyebrow. "Blade of Death? Never heard of that before. What's that, some kind of forgotten move?"
Ukina smirked. "Of course you haven't. That technique was once formed by Misaki of the Demon Clan when she was still alive. It's been lost for years... until now. There were only 3 people who knew that technique"
Shinki continued, "From what I observed during the assassination exams, his energy levels have increased. His speed and attacks have improved slightly too. He's slowly approaching C-rank"
Bara clicked her tongue. "If this keeps up, capturing him is going to become a serious problem. Not just that, but things would be harder to deal with when the soliders of the city find out our plan."
Ukina smiled faintly, her eyes sharp. "Then let's be patient. Shinki, observe him for a little longer. When the time comes... we'll make our move."
Kirihai, seated with her usual composed yet sharp demeanor, glanced toward Ukina. "What exactly are your intentions? You haven't told us anything yet."
Ukina's smile widened just a little. "It's only a matter of time before everything starts falling into place. You guys just keep taking orders, I can assure you that you all would enjoy what's to come."
Meanwhile, at the training grounds under the fading daylight, Alex lay sprawled across the floor, panting. He stared up at the sky, sweat dripping from his brow.
"Do I really stand a chance of winning…? I've been training by raising my energy level. Running around the place, and doing excerxuses."he whispered to himself.
"Alex!" a voice called from the distance.
Alex sat up as Kinto jogged toward him, waving a paper in his hand.
"The match table is out! You're not going to like your opponent."
Curious and slightly tense, Alex followed Kinto to the Academy. His eyes scanned the board—and froze.
Mori.
He stared at the name for a moment. Then, unexpectedly, a grin spread across his face.
Kinto sighed, seeing the dangerous glint in Alex's eyes. "Man, I know that smile. Just don't go overboard… you're fond of that."
Alex clenched his fists, with a motivated smirk. "Sorry buddy, but no can do. I'll break that blue haired bastards face foe what he did to Raquel. I'm so gonna crush his pride."
Suddenly, a voice echoed from behind.
"If you care about your life as much as you seem to, you should consider forfeiting."
Alex turned to see Mori walking past, expression cold. Alex's facial expression shifted to an expressionless and cold manner as well.
"If you dream of becoming stronger or whatever you say, then keep dreaming. Someone like you with just mere determination and skills can't beat someone like me who has sharpened his talents."
"TCH. And? What? You want me to cry and go home? Typical prideful character. Well atleats you back up your character with skills and hard work, so you aren't all bad." Alex shot back with a cold look on his face.
Mori then walked away, not looking back. "Ive warned you. Im gonna pay you back for that kick you gave me" he said.
Alex clenched his fists again. "No need, coz that kick was something you needed. Stupid scumbag."
Kinto chuckled. "Wow, that interaction played out better than i thought. But atleast you got better luck than me."
"Huh? Who are you up against?" Alex asked kinto
Kinto's expression soured. "Some chick named Rin. From the City of Steel. She looks bad tho, I hope she's not a pridfull bitch tho."
Alex blinked. "Wait, the girl with the pink hair? The one whose team just entered the city?"
Kinto groaned. "Yeah. I'd rather die than fight a gir. Im surprised sukuna and i are on good terms tho"
Later that day, Kazuki was at home, doing push-ups, when Alex suddenly climbed in through the window.
"Yo! You got a minute to chat?" Alex asked casually.
Kazuki glared. "How many times do I have to tell you—use the door!"
Sometime later, the two boys sat atop a quiet hill overlooking the city, the wind gently rustling through the trees.
"So," Alex asked, "who are you up against in the second round?"
"Shouya. From the City of Steel," Kazuki replied flatly.
Alex winced. "Ouch. That guy's no joke. I feel bad for you already." Kazuki replied with slight annoyance "Don't just say stuff like that. You'll jinx me." "My bad, my bad." Alex replied while scratching his head with a smile.
Kazuki smirked. "I heard you and that mori dude butted heads after the fight he had against raquel. I heard runo and deo talking about it on the road the other day. Turns out they might be his friends, but they don't support that *Might is right* rule.
Alex looked up at the sky. "You don't say. Well, it doesn't matter. I'll beat his ass. And if I'm in the mood, I'll stretch my hand to him."
Kazuki placed a firm fist on Alex's shoulder. "I'm rooting for you, man. I don't like how that guy carries himself. Sure, you've gotta be strong and respect yourself power or no power. But still, he reacks of pride. He believes he's better than everyone else. Well at least he doesn't go around talking his ass off and smirking. He's pridfull, but he's got sense."
Alex smiled. "I just hope everything goes well tho. Aftet this whole assassination exam arc thing, i just want to continue training with diablo without problems"
Then his expression turned distant. "It's funny… something about all this feels off."
Kazuki nodded. "Yeah. I know what you mean. I've been feeling like something bad's about to happen. An eerie feeling"
"If that's the case," Alex said, "then we better get ready."
The two boys sat in silence for a moment, the view of the city lights shimmering below.
"When we become the strongest," Alex said with a small smile, "let's come back to this hill and enjoy the view together. Got it?"
That night, far from the warmth of friendship and hopes for victory, a shadow stood atop a tall building, the city stretching before him.
Sorata gazed out with a twisted smirk.
"Living in this city must be fun. I used to live here, but my childhood was too stiff and hard to enjoy the peace here. What a fucking let down." he murmured.
"But I wonder… if everything burned to the ground, if chaos ran wild... would this city still know peace?"
The wind blew past as his smirk deepened and his white spikey hair flowed with the wind.
"Let the chaos begin." he said with a twisted smirk.
END OF EPISODE