Chapter VII: Splashing
The air in the bustling cafeteria crackles with excitement as Ryujin and his friends engage in animated conversations.
"Well, guys are you excited for the remaining combats in the training?", Hageshi asks while checking Facebook on his phone.
"Yeah, but mostly nah. Besides, we're already done with our own combats.", Haruto responds back as he plays Doodle Jump on his tablet.
"But we need to support the others, especially Ryujin." (Inoshiro)
"So true." (Hageshi)
"Oh yeah, Ryujin, do you have a plan now for your upcoming battle?" (Inoshiro)
"Well, technically I've gone through many battles. Metaphorically, not the battle you're thinking of. But, it will depend on how my opponent will move. It's better to observe your opponent first before landing attacks that might not work, and would lead to defeat." (Ryujin)
"Cautious, I like how you think, Ryujin. I wish there would be an anime about that." (Hageshi)
"Yeah. But we only still got Attack on Titan and One Punch Man." (Inoshiro)
"I agree with Ryujin on cautiousness. Since just like Bombsquad. If you don't know how your opponent moves, you'll die numerous times there." (Haruto)
The vibrant hubbub of students preparing for the upcoming battles echoes through the hall, adding to the anticipation that fills the atmosphere.
"So, Ryujin, you ready?" (Hageshi)
"Well, yeah, just my palms getting sweaty", Ryujin says as he swings his hands to dry off the sweat.
"Don't be nervous. Just like you said, don't worry and focus on your opponent", Inoshiro says as he give a pat on his back.
"C'mon bros, he's an Aquarius, one of the most powerful constellations." (Haruto)
"Yeah, but we'll be there for you." (Hageshi and Inoshiro)
The bell rings, signaling for the combatants to make their way to the arena, transforming the once lively cafeteria into a sea of expectant faces.
"There's the bell." (Haruto)
"You got this Ryujin." (Inoshiro)
"But I think, Aquarius might be last." (Hageshi)
The four of them arrive back at the grounds. Dr. Aoshima and Hajime are having a talk on abilities. Then, as the students are already there, there prepare to finish the last battles.
"Are all of you here now? Is everyone present? Is the class complete?", Hajime asks the class, holding the clipboard.
He then counts the heads, and confirms that the class is complete. Dr. Aoshima steps forward, "Alright, next combat are the Cancer."
"I already have fought it, Sir", someone says in the background.
"Sorry, Cancer the Constellation, as in crabs."
Ca1, Okaki Tamotsu, and Ca2, Aoto Abe, are the first to enter the battleground. The tension escalates as Okaki lunges at Aoto, attempting to grab his leg in a show of raw strength. Aoto, however, showcases his agility, effortlessly dodging Okaki's aggressive advances.
"You won't escape that easily, Aoto!" Okaki declares.
"You'll have to be quicker than that!" Aoto replies.
The atmosphere shifts as Aoto executes the Silver Crab Constriction with precision, effectively ending the battle and securing a decisive victory.
"Impressive teamwork, isn't it?" Okaki remarks.
Aoto nods, acknowledging their success in unison.
"Ok, that was the Cancers. Now, next are the Geminis", Dr. Aoshima checks the list on the clipboard.
The following skirmish unfolds between Ge1, Miran Suzuki, and Ge2, Miku Nagano. The battle kicks off with Miku's aggressive charge, forcing Miran to shift into a defensive stance.
"Prepare yourself, Miran! This is going to be interesting!" Miku warns.
"I'm ready for whatever you've got!" Miran responds.
As Miran attempts a counterattack from behind, Miku skillfully camouflages within the surroundings, leaving Miran bewildered and vulnerable.
"Where did he go?" Miran mutters.
A punch lands, and Miran finds himself knocked out, his hopes of victory dashed in an unforeseen twist.
"Well, that didn't go as planned," Miran says to himself.
From the crowd,
"That's some karma collected" (Inoshiro)
"Yeah, like dude got -1000 aura now" (Haruto)
"It's very something, expect the unexpected they say." (Ryujin)
"Geminis are done. Now, for the Tauruses.", Dr. Aoshima declares.
The arena buzzes with excitement as the spotlight shifts to Ta1, the formidable Murasaki Aikawa and Ta2, the bulky Otake Misaki. Charging forward with bull-like determination, Murasaki faces a surprising challenge. Otake conjures a towering wall of trees and sets it ablaze, creating a formidable obstacle.
"You think a wall of fire can stop me?" Murasaki challenges.
"Let's find out!" Otake counters.
Undeterred, Murasaki delivers a flying kick that breaches the fiery barrier, but Otake has disappeared.
"Bish! Where did you go?" Murasaki calls out.
Murasaki is caught off guard as Otake, now behind her, attempts to capitalize on the element of surprise. However, Murasaki's swift retaliation with a powerful body blow sends Otake flying horizontally, securing her triumphant victory.
"Omae wa mou, shinderu." (Murasaki)
"Nani?!" (Otake)
Then, a powerful punch, what a blow.
"Nobody puts Murasaki down that easily!" she asserts.
"What a nice kick!", Hajime comments.
"Yeah, but needs more improvement.", Dr. Aoshima says.
"Kid must have training in other Judos or martial arts.", Hajime adds.
"Hmm, it might be... or natural instincts and genes. Alright, moving on, to Aries'". Dr. Aoshima adds.
Horns clash in the next battle between Arita Yoshimochi and Araya Benkei. The two opponents engage in a fierce exchange, each kick reverberating through the arena. As they separate, the aftermath reveals a draw, neither competitor gaining a decisive advantage over the other.
"You're quite the opponent!" Arita acknowledges.
"Likewise. Let's call it a draw, shall we?" Araya suggests.
Hajime adjusts his clipboard.
"Hmm, that was something, a draw." (Hajime)
"I'd say, their level of ranking and stamina are on par, the same perhaps. Ok, next, Pisces." (Dr. Aoshima)
The stage is set for a unique showdown between Pis1, Samero Uozumi, and Pis2, Rin Kojo. Samero initiates the battle with a powerful punch, only to be met with Rin's seaweed hair that seems to have a life of its own.
"What kind of hair is that, Medusa?" Samero exclaims.
"A special kind! Watch and learn!" Rin replies.
Undeterred, Samero adapts, unleashing the Flying Scales technique to defend against the incoming seaweed tentacles.
"Let's see if you can handle this!" Samero challenges.
However, Rin's strategy proves effective, as the scales are eventually overwhelmed, entangling Samero and securing Rin's victory.
"Looks like my seaweed had its way with you!" Kaiso jokes.
Samero chuckles, acknowledging Kaiso's unconventional victory.
"So, it looks like we're down to the last constellation then." (Hajime)
"Yes. Finally, the Aquarius'", Dr. Aoshima declares.
The grand finale unfolds with Aq1, Takeshi Yukimura, and Aq2, Ryujin, facing off. Takeshi erects an imposing defensive barrier of ice, attempting to fortify his position. Undeterred, Ryujin summons a thunderous volt, shattering the ice and leaving Takeshi momentarily vulnerable.
"Impressive, Ryujin, but I'm not done yet!" Takeshi declares.
However, Takeshi retaliates, sending ice debris hurtling toward Ryujin, who struggles to evade the barrage.
"This is tougher than I thought!" Ryujin admits.
Just as Takeshi seems on the brink of victory, Ryujin, summoning an inner reserve of strength, stands defiantly and resumes the fight with unparalleled speed.
"I won't give up that easily!" Ryujin asserts.
The arena witnesses an electrifying spectacle as Ryujin unleashes a relentless series of lightning-fast punches, culminating in a water-powered strike that sends Takeshi soaring.
Hajime-sensei's announcement of the preliminary exam results brings relief, dispelling fears of expulsion for both winners and losers alike.
"Well done, everyone! Remember, this is just the beginning," Hajime-sensei reassures.
The winners, with a sense of accomplishment, leave the arena, leaving behind the echoes of their hard-fought battles.
As the victors celebrate their success, the defeated contestants reflect on the invaluable experience gained in this intense crucible of combat. After that, they all go home.
Exhausted yet victorious, Ryujin makes his way home, flanked by Ichiro and Reina. The weight of the day's challenges and triumphs overwhelms him, and with tears in his eyes, he shares the news of his hard-fought victory.
"That's incredible, Ryujin! You did it, Onii-chan!" Ichiro exclaims.
"We're so proud of you!" Reina adds.
The journey through the unpredictable world of constellation powers has taken an unexpected turn, leaving Ryujin and his friends poised for the countless adventures that await them.