Chapter VI: Keep It Together
The second day at school dawns, and with it comes the anticipation of training day. The students head to their respective locker rooms. Each locker room is so spacious that you can fit 10 elephants inside. They suit up for the training there.
"Man, I can't wait for today's training!" (Hageshi)
"Yeah, I bet it's going to be good." (Ryujin)
"Say, I heard that our other classmates have profound powers?" (Samero)
"Sure do, but let's observe them if our time to battle has not come yet." (Ryujin)
"Agree", Hageshi and Samero nod their heads.
The Special Power and Defense Class, adorned in identical body suits, gathers for the challenges that await them at the school grounds. Still, surrounded by large grandeur buildings, yet the grounds is spacious. The atmosphere crackles with a mix of excitement and nervous energy as the rules of training are unveiled. Then, Hajime-sensei shows up, holding a clipboard.
"Good Morning my dear students. Are you ready for our training today? I know it's supposed to be Dr. Denji Aoshima who would be observing you at this time. Yet as your adviser, I'm here to observe and facilitate as well. He just have some errands to finish before coming here at the grounds. Before we begin, I'll just discuss some ground rules so that each fight is a clean fight, and minor injuries are to be expected. But, major injuries or even life-death situation is by far an offense, and the penalty can be expulsion from the class. By the way, if you feel nauseous right now, do not yet engage in this activity. However, the clinic is just there in the corner. (He points to the ornate designed building with a Caduceus). Thus, agility, speed, endurance, and coordination shall be observed, but it will meet some of the criteria needed in the activity as well. As a matter of fact, this is somewhat like a 'Power Show-off', that's why, we're going to observe, how do you know well about your own abilities and power. First, we'll start off with a warm-up, then into combat. The following process after that, will be announced after that. Ok then, shall we begin?"
The warm-up session commences with a series of obstacles designed to test their agility, strength, and adaptability. The students navigate through the course, some with ease, others facing the hurdles with determination. Ryujin, fueled by the thrill of the challenge, finds himself among the twelve students who revel in the experience while others succumb to exhaustion.
The next phase of training plunges them into combat, a practice match pitting students with the same zodiac signs against each other. From Capricorn to Aquarius, the battles unfold, each showcasing the unique abilities of the participants. Ryujin, though initially nervous, discovers the exhilaration in honing his skills through practical application.
As the first fight ignites between two Capricorns, Kuebiko Hayashi and his adversary, Nakao Yuichi. The air resonates with punches that metamorphose into a goat's powerful kicks. The intensity of the battle escalates, horns growing and clashing.
"You're not holding back, are you?" Kuebiko asks.
"No chance! It's practice, but I'm giving it my all!" Nakao replies.
"Then, it's time to tangle up your perpendicularity of your statement there mate" Kuebiko says.
Despite the ferocity, Hajime-sensei's reminder echoes through the grounds that this is just practice combat.
With a turning view, grape vines appear from nowhere, and Nakao is trapped with the vines. And it's all Kuebiko's activity. In the aftermatch, Kuebiko's plant vine manipulation ultimately secures his victory, a testament to his prowess.
"Ok, next will be Sagittarius. Remember my dear students, it doesn't matter if you win or lose, at least you show your ability."
The following battle showcases Haruto Ogata, a Sagittarius, against his zodiac counterpart, Kaneda Terumoto. Armed with only a stylus, like the ones used in Tablets, Haruto's strategic mind unfolds.
"Let's see if you can dodge this!" Haruto challenges.
"Think again buckoo!" the frantic Kaneda retorts.
A stylus-drawn arrow dances in the air, following the lines etched on mid-air. The opponent, with Accureyes enhancing his eyesight, dodges with precision. However, Haruto's cunning prevails, and an arrow finds its mark, pinning the opponent to the wall.
"Looks like my artistic touch worked!" Haruto exclaims.
"Impressive, but I'll get you next time!" Kaneda vows.
The victory belongs to Haruto.
"Next, we will now have the Scorpios." (Hajime-sensei)
Dr. Denji Aoshima arrives and takes over the podium, though Hajime is assisting him.
Hageshi Hamasaki, a Scorpio, faces his opponent, Fujima Ienobu with sand manipulation prowess. Defending himself with a sand wall, Hageshi swiftly turns the tables, launching his adversary into the air using a trampoline of sand. But, Fujima transforms her hands into claws, and has now a tail and her weight doubled as she plunges into earth. She attacks Hageshi. Hageshi attacks back with sand balls.
"Is that all you got?" Fujima taunts.
"Watch closely!" Hageshi responds.
Little did Fujima know, that there is already a sand bed under her. The sand eventually rises and clamps her. Hageshi secures his victory.
"Alright, next are the Libras." (Hajime-sensei)
Next, Rikiyo Furumi, a Libra, demonstrates her anti-mass movement against her Libra counterpart, Iida Aomi.
"I can't control it!", Iida exclaims.
"Precision matters, my friend," Rikiyo counters.
As Iida starts to kick her, she floats through the air. With Rikiyo's hand movement, she makes her sick by the anti-mass movement and is then declared the winner.
"Next, Virgos" (Dr. Aoshima)
Kitsune Kubo, a Virgo, showcases martial arts expertise against her Virgo counterpart, Risu Inugami. The fight starts off ferociously, as Risu attacks Kitsune. However, just as Risu combos her, Kitsune vanishes.
"Where did she go?" Risu wonders.
"Down here!" Kitsune announces, knocking her out and being declared the winner.
"You might ask 'What does the Fox say', now you can't hear it. I say, ding ding dinga ding, there's a winner!" (Kitsune)
"Next, Leos!" (Dr. Aoshima)
Inoshiro Kasai, a Leo, unleashes a scorching heatwave against his opponent, Katsunan Wakabayashi. The fight starts as they attack each other. Then, the atmosphere begins to warm, and becomes hotter.
"Too hot to handle!" Katsunan cries.
It turns out to be Inoshiro's heatwave ability.
"You can't beat the heat with the fleet of this beast!" Inoshiro asserts as he claims victory.
As lunchtime arrives, Ryujin, Hageshi, Haruto, and Inoshiro gather at the cafeteria, sharing a table.
"No way, you're into gaming too?" (Hageshi, Haruto, and Ryujin)
"Yeah. Fortnite, God of War, Papers Please, DDLC, Minecraft, Roblox and more." (Inoshiro)
The camaraderie among them blossoms as they discuss their tactics and experiences.
"That heatwave move, Inoshiro, that was incredible!" Ryujin praises.
"Well, Leo's gotta bring the heat, right?" Inoshiro grins.
After expressing their gratitude for the meal, Inoshiro, curious about the strategies of his companions, turns the conversation towards their combat tactics.
"I rely on precision and surprise. Keeps them on their toes," Haruto explains.
"My sand manipulation is versatile that it can be a shield or a weapon," Hageshi adds.
"I bet that you won't bump into Anakin, man how he hate sand, that iconic part from Star Wars." (Inoshiro)
"Impressive! Ryujin, what about you? What's your plan if you were to go into combat?" Inoshiro asks.
Ryujin, deep in thought, looks up.
"It depends on my opponent's power. It's challenging to formulate a plan when you don't know their abilities. Adaptability is key," Ryujin replies.
The group continues their conversation, their bonds strengthening as they navigate the intricacies of their shared journey in the Special Power and Defense Class.