Hiruzen followed Reito through the massive halls of the Frost Unit’s sector, his eyes widening at the sheer scale of the place. The walls, made of reinforced ice, shimmered under soft blue lighting, and the air carried a faint chill. Despite its grandeur, the place wasn’t just for show—there was an undeniable sense of discipline in the way everything was arranged.

  Hiruzen: Damn, this place looks like something out of a king’s castle.

  They walked past several students sparring in the corridors, their movements precise and calculated. Hiruzen couldn’t help but notice the sharpness in their eyes—everyone here carried themselves like hardened fighters.

  Hiruzen: "This place is insane. How many people are in this unit?"

  Reito kept his gaze forward. "Just over 50. We used to have more, but…" He trailed off for a moment before continuing. "Lately, some students have been experiencing a weakening effect—one that dulls their abilities over time. Anyone who falls below our standard is removed from the unit."

  Hiruzen’s brows furrowed. "A weakening effect? Like something is draining their powers?"

  Reito didn’t break stride. "That information is classified."

  Hiruzen narrowed his eyes. So they know more than they’re letting on…

  Reito stopped in front of a large double-door entrance. The training grounds.

  Reito: "Before you settle in, you should meet some of your new squadmates."

  Meeting the Squad

  The training hall was massive, resembling a stadium-sized dojo with a high ceiling coated in frost. In the center of the room, two students were locked in a sparring match. One, a girl with short red hair and an easy smirk, dodged every attack thrown at her, moving like she was dancing between raindrops. The other, a tall, wiry guy with messy blonde hair, was stretching against the wall, his foot resting high above his head in an unnatural split.

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  Reito raised his voice. "Emma, Jonathan. Come meet your new squadmate."

  The red-haired girl, Emma, stopped mid-dodge and turned, her sharp eyes scanning Hiruzen before giving an approving nod.

  Emma: "So, this is the guy who actually landed a hit on you? Heh, not bad, newbie."

  Hiruzen crossed his arms. "Wasn’t that hard. Though, I did take some hits I shouldn’t have."

  Before he could react, Jonathan suddenly appeared in front of him, gripping his shoulders with both hands. His blue eyes were practically sparkling.

  Jonathan: "Dude. You actually hit Reito? That’s insane. You gotta tell me how you did it. Did you trick him? Was it some crazy feint? Oh! Or did you just tank his hit and counter?! That would be badass!"

  Hiruzen: "I… uh… just took the hit head-on and went for it."

  Jonathan gasped dramatically. "This guy’s nuts. I love it."

  Emma rolled her eyes. "Relax, Jon. You’re gonna scare him off before he even settles in."

  Hiruzen chuckled. "I’ve dealt with worse."

  He glanced between them. "So, what’s this squad thing Reito mentioned?"

  Emma: "All members of every unit are put into squads of three. It’s a mandatory rule—squads ensure higher success rates during missions and help build teamwork."

  Jonathan leaned in. "Not to mention, it keeps us from going crazy. Some people in this unit are way too serious."

  Reito: "Speaking of squads. You two lost your third member recently, correct? How about taking Hiruzen in?"

  Jonathan shot up straight. "YES! FINALLY!" He threw his arms up. "We’ve been grounded here for two weeks because we didn’t have a third!"

  Hiruzen raised an eyebrow. "What happened to your last guy?"

  Emma’s expression darkened slightly. "He caught the dampening disease Reito told you about. When his abilities weakened, he was removed."

  Jonathan shrugged. "Honestly? He wasn’t that strong anyway. I bet you’ll be way better than that loser."

  Reito’s eyes flickered toward him, sharp and unreadable. "Careful with your words, Jonathan. The weak don’t choose to be weak."

  Jonathan clicked his tongue but didn’t argue.

  Hiruzen frowned. The fact that an entire unit of elites was being affected by this "dampening" issue meant it wasn’t random. Someone—or something—was behind it.

  Before he could ask more, Reito clapped his hands.

  Reito: "Enough talk. Time to see if this squad is up to standard. I’m sending you three on a Level 2 mission."

  Jonathan practically jumped. "YES! FINALLY, SOME ACTION!"

  Hiruzen: I was just hoping to get some sleep and check out my room… but I guess getting a taste of how this unit operates wouldn’t hurt.

  Emma: "Didn’t think I’d be fighting today, but hey, I’m always ready."

  Reito nodded approvingly. "Good. Your mission is in Shinjuku. A group of criminals has been targeting the academy’s outposts across Japan, stealing resources and data. Logan’s intelligence suggests their next target is an outpost holding classified information on Modification."

  Hiruzen’s eyes sharpened. Modification? That’s not just random data. That’s research on artificially enhancing non-powered individuals… Why would criminals be after that?

  Reito: "Your objective is to wait at the outpost, intercept them, and capture them alive if possible. Do not underestimate them—these aren’t ordinary thieves."

  The room fell silent for a moment. Then, the trio snapped to attention.

  Hiruzen, Emma, Jonathan: "YES, SIR!"

  End Chapter