The Spiritual King returned to his seat with a dramatic swoosh of his cloak.
Rei narrowed her eyes. "What was the point of walking away just to come back?"
"To make it seem cool," the Spiritual King said bluntly, adjusting his posture like nothing had happened.
"This is serious," Okata interjected, his tone sharp.
"And what do you mean you've been there?" Rei demanded, clearly unconvinced.
"I went on a mission to investigate the area a few years back," the Spiritual King replied.
Azar frowned. "And you never did anything about it?"
"Nope," he said, unapologetically.
He leaned forward, voice dropping to a lower, more serious tone. "But the reason the Kajima and Kurata bloodlines are special… it's because of their eyes. The eyes themselves possess powerful ability."
Ryju's eyes widened. "My eyes have an ability?"
"Yep. But don't worry, I've already asked your brother to help awaken them once he returns from his mission."
Ryju blinked. "Wait… what is my big brother to you?"
"Oh, he's my bodyguard."
"Cool."
The Spiritual King clapped his hands once, drawing everyone's attention. "Now, onto the mission plan. Your sensei will remain here. I'm sending you—the students—alone."
Yuna's voice trembled slightly. "Would that… be safe?"
"Believe me," he said with a grin. "You're stronger than you think."
Kaji nodded. "Yeah, trust him."
"You ten will be boarding a plane. It'll be a five-hour ride. Team One, you'll be issued suits. Rei, you have a dress—of course."
"I know," Rei said, already anticipating it.
"When you land, Team 17 will wait outside for a signal. That signal will be a burst of energy from underground."
Azar raised his hand. "Got it."
"Team One," the Spiritual King continued, "you'll head to an abandoned bar. Inside, a bartender will be waiting. Walk up, show him your eyes, and say, 'Three-Horn Dragon.' He'll open a hidden door that leads underground."
Ryju nodded slowly. "Okay…"
"When you pass through, the atmosphere will change. You'll find yourself in a luxurious underground world—fine drinks, expensive clothing, wealthy patrons, each accompanied by trained ninjas. Observe everything. There will be gambling, dazzling lights… but stay focused."
He let that settle, then continued.
"When it's time for the auction, you'll be called to another room. Again, show your eyes. They'll direct you to the right-hand door, which leads to a higher viewing platform. That's where it begins—the auction."
Everyone grew still.
"Misa will be brought out… and that's when you strike."
Goro blinked. "Huh?"
"Goro, use your ability to create a massive hole to let Azar and his team break in from above."
"Got it."
"Oh, and I forgot to mention," the Spiritual King added, "Misa will be guarded by four elite ninjas."
Ryju leaned forward. "How do we get to her?"
"That's your job, Ryju—using your eye ability."
"But I don't have it yet…"
"I told you. Your brother will help awaken it. He already has."
"…Alright."
"Once you've secured Misa, evacuate."
"Understood," Zanden replied.
Azar clenched his fists, eyes fixed on the floor. Then he spoke, low and firm."No."
Everyone turned to Azar.
"What do you mean?" asked the Spiritual King, raising an eyebrow.
"I'm staying behind… to fight the owner of the auction. If you don't mind."
The Spiritual King let out a tired sigh. "Even if I said no, you wouldn't listen, would you?"
"I wouldn't," Azar said proudly.
Kaji chuckled. "That takes guts."
"Alright," the Spiritual King said, leaning back. "Azar will fight the owner. The rest of you will head back to the plane and stand by. If he needs help—"
Zanden stepped in. "We'll back him up. No matter what."
Azar gave him a firm nod. "I know you will."
Just then, Renji and Kurosaki entered the room.
"We're back," Renji said. "Mission complete."
"Yep," Kurosaki confirmed.
"Perfect timing," the Spiritual King said. "Renji, help your brother awaken his eye."
"On it."
Kurosaki stepped closer and whispered into the Spiritual King's ear. "Why is Kuroyami locked in his room? He hasn't come out in days."
The Spiritual King's face turned somber. "I tried to awaken his ability… but I couldn't. He feels like a burden now. Said he's quitting. Doesn't want to be a ninja anymore."
"I understand," Kurosaki murmured.
The Spiritual King rose to his feet. "Now that the plan's set—Ryju, go train with your brother. Team One, hone your powers. Team Seventeen, spar together. It'll be good preparation."
Both teams stood tall.
"Right!" they said in unison.
"And one more thing…"
The Spiritual King smiled.
"Welcome to your first mission."
To be continued...