Scene 1 – Hidden Mist Training Grounds, Evening]
The training field was drenched in fog and faint torchlight. Riku, Shiroku, and Ringo stood in a loose triangle as Mei paced around them.
"You fought well on the mission," she began, voice cool and calm. "But surviving a mission and becoming a team are not the same thing."
She clapped once.
"You'll fight each other. Two rounds. Then we talk. Riku, you're first—against Ringo."
Riku blinked. "Wait, seriously—?"
But Ringo was already cracking her neck and pulling her gloves tighter.
"Oh, I'm serious. And you'd better not hold back, gem boy."
[Scene 2 – Sparring Match: Riku vs. Ringo]
The fight was fast and brutal. Riku's crystal defense techniques clashed with Ringo's fluid, aggressive taijutsu. Her footwork was unpredictable—a leftover trait from wielding the Kiba blades—and she moved like lightning.
Riku struggled at first, relying too much on his jutsu. He formed a prism shield to block a kick, but Ringo slid under it and swept his legs.
"You're hesitating again," she hissed, pinning him with her elbow. "Crystal's not just for walls, kid. Think offense."
Riku winced but nodded. "Noted…"
[Scene 3 – Sparring Match: Shiroku vs. Ringo]
This match was more calculated. Shiroku's water techniques and shifting hydration form made him slippery and deceptive. Ringo enjoyed the challenge—her grin widening as they exchanged blows.
"You fight like someone with something to prove," she observed mid-fight.
Shiroku scowled. "I do."
"Good. Use it."
The match ended in a draw—barely.
[Scene 4 – Campfire Debrief]
Later that night, the three sat around a small fire just outside the training field. No Mei. No teachers. Just flickering light and silence.
Finally, Ringo broke it.
"You both fight like loners."
Riku gave her a look. "Not all of us had partners or swords or—"
"Swords didn't make me good. They made me loud," she said. "Teamwork made me dangerous. When I was your age, I hated my squad. Thought I didn't need them. Then one of them died because I went ahead without waiting."
Shiroku's eyes flickered.
Riku lowered his gaze. "…What happened after?"
"I had to tell his mother. That was the first time I really hated myself."
Silence again.
Then Shiroku surprised them both.
"I'm sorry," he said. "About your teammate."
Ringo blinked. Then smiled faintly. "Didn't expect that from you, water boy."
"I know what it's like to carry your clan's pride like a coffin," Shiroku muttered. "You mess up, and it's not just you. It's generations."
Riku nodded slowly. "We all have something to prove."
He reached into his coat and tossed Kōten a tiny fruit slice. The beetle chirped and landed on his shoulder.
Ringo leaned forward. "Alright, I'm going to say it—weird summon. Kinda cool, though."
"He's smarter than most people," Riku muttered.
Kōten preened.
Ringo grinned.
"Alright, you two aren't so bad."
[Scene 5 – Mei Watching from Afar]
From a nearby rooftop, Mei and Ao watched the trio at the fire.
"They're still rough," Ao commented.
"But they're bonding," Mei said.
"Ringo's already testing their edges."
Mei smiled faintly. "Good. That team will either kill each other… or become something dangerous."
Ao folded his arms. "You're betting a lot on them."
"I'm not betting," she replied. "I'm investing."
End of Chapter
Team Twelve Status Update:
Trust Level: Building
Tactical Efficiency: Improving
Camaraderie: Fragile, but forming
Notable Development:
Riku is learning to fight with others, not just for survival.
Shiroku is beginning to see value in shared burden.
Ringo, no longer holding herself above them, is stepping into her role as teammate and mentor.
END