After six days, Sunday finally came.
Everyone gathered at Shin's house, their bags packed and spirits high. Excitement buzzed in the air like static. Outside, Master Kyo waited patiently in his car. The trunk popped open. They loaded their bags, exchanged goodbyes with their families, and climbed in.
"Alright, let's go," Kyo said calmly, shifting gears.
The car ride to the airport was filled with chatter and energy.
"You all have to stay close to me. No lurking around in the airport," Kyo warned as they entered the terminal.
"Okay, Mister Kyo," they replied in unison.
"Since I'm your coach, you can call me Master. If it doesn't bother you," Kyo added, walking ahead.
"Okay, Master Kyo," they repeated.
"Hey, Haru, let's get to the plane before the others!" Ren grinned.
"And do you even know which way it is?" Haru raised an eyebrow.
"This way!" Ren pointed through the left window at a nearby plane.
"That's not our plane. Our one's on the right side," Haru replied dryly.
"Master Kyo said to stay close. No lurking around," Zhen reminded them as he caught up.
"Fine…" Ren muttered, falling back in line.
They followed Kyo to the correct plane. Surprisingly, the business class section was entirely empty.
"Wait, why is this empty?" Haru asked, glancing around.
"I booked the entire business class for us," Master Kyo said casually.
"Don't you think it's a waste of money?" Zhi asked curiously.
"Isn't this your first time on a plane?" Kyo countered.
"It is," Zhi admitted.
"But not mine," Shin replied, leaning back confidently.
"Neither mine," Zhen added.
"So it's not your first time, huh?" Master Kyo smiled.
"Nope," Shin and Zhen said together.
"Well, it's our first time!" MyungJin said with a bright smile.
"Whatever, I'm taking that seat over there!" Ren darted toward one of the window seats.
"Well, I'm taking that one!" Jim followed.
They all found their seats. The plane took off. After 2 hours and 30 minutes, they landed in Nagasaki, Japan.
Outside, the sun shone dimly behind clouds as they drove to their lodging.
The hotel wasn't an ordinary one—it looked more like a traditional monastery with wooden beams, paper walls, and curved rooftops. But it was silent. Empty.
"This hotel's also just for us?" Jim asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Yes," Master Kyo nodded.
"Whatever, I'm going to my room. I need rest," Haru said, stretching.
"And I'm going to explore this monastery," Zhi said with curiosity in his eyes.
"This is a hotel," Master Kyo corrected calmly.
"I'm coming with you," MyungJin said, tagging along with Zhi.
"I'll rest too," Jim yawned.
"Alright, training starts tomorrow. I'll go buy water blasters for your sessions," Master Kyo said as he turned to leave.
"Can I come with you, Master?" Ren asked.
"Sure," Kyo replied with a nod.
"Okay then, I and Zhen are heading for a short tour of the city," Shin said.
"But come back before nightfall," Master Kyo instructed.
Soon, the group dispersed.
Zhi and MyungJin explored the empty halls. Eventually, they reached the roof. A gentle breeze swept past them.
"This hotel is big," MyungJin said, looking around.
"And not that high either," Zhi replied.
"Are you scared of heights?" MyungJin smirked.
"A little," Zhi admitted.
"Then it's lucky for you it's only a few floors," MyungJin said, laughing lightly.
"Hey… with your power, can you only use thermal vision and scope mode?" Zhi asked curiously.
"No, there are lots of features," MyungJin replied, tapping his temple. "Like I can watch movies, learn languages, or even martial arts in seconds. So many possibilities."
"Can you check others' powers too?" Zhi asked.
"I guess I can try," MyungJin said, intrigued.
"Then check Haru's powers first. I still don't believe he uses 50% of his brain."
"Nope. I'm checking yours first," MyungJin said with a grin.
"I won't let you!" Zhi stepped back cautiously.
"Let's see if there's a feature to scan others..." MyungJin muttered, eyes glowing faintly as he searched his system. "There is… but I have to touch someone to scan their power."
"That's great! Now go check Haru—he's probably still in his room."
"But first, let me try it on you!" MyungJin lunged.
"I said no!" Zhi turned and ran.
MyungJin chased after him through the hallway, their laughter echoing down the walls.
Meanwhile, in the city…
Shin and Zhen entered a nearby police station. The atmosphere was quiet. A single officer sat at the front desk.
"Hello, sir," Shin greeted him politely.
"Hello. How can I help you?" the officer replied.
"We're here to meet Mister Kouki," Zhen said.
The officer's expression shifted slightly. "When did you last meet him?"
"About a year ago," Shin replied.
"Did something happen to him?" Zhen asked cautiously.
The officer hesitated, then spoke. "Sorry to tell you... but he's dead now."
Shin's eyes narrowed. "How did that happen?"
"Why are you asking?" the officer responded, suspicious.
"We worked with him on a case," Shin explained.
"I understand. But I can't share any more details," the officer said firmly.
"We understand. Goodbye," Shin nodded.
"Have a good day," the officer replied.
The two left the station.
Not long after, they entered a dense, shadowy jungle just outside the city. The trees loomed tall, their branches whispering in the wind.
"I think it was him who killed Mister Kouki," Shin said, glancing ahead.
"So that proves it. He wants revenge," Zhen replied.
"Yes... and we better be ready for anything," Shin said quietly.
"Do you think he's still in this jungle?" Zhen asked, looking around.
"If he is, he'll attack us soon," Shin muttered, alert.
They moved carefully between trees. Silence surrounded them, thick and heavy.
After a while, Zhen sighed. "I don't think he's here. Let's go back."
"Alright. Let's head out," Shin agreed.
With the sun lowering in the sky, they made their way back toward the hotel—minds heavier than when they had left.