Then—
He felt it.
A shift.
A deep, resonant pulse from within his core.
For the first time since awakening Takeminakata, something changed.
“It’s still activating…?”
The officer noticed it too.
His smirk faltered, repced by mild intrigue.
“Hoh…? What’s this?”
Watari exhaled slowly.
He could feel the stares, the weight of every single Musabori officer watching him.
If I don’t do this, I’m dead. If I do this…
He clenched his fists.
No, it wasn’t a choice.
Not really.
If he gave in now, he wasn’t Watari anymore.
His shoulders squared.
He lifted his gaze.
His voice was firm, unwavering.
“I’m not killing for you.”
The air grew deathly silent.
The officer’s expression didn’t change.
Watari continued.
“And if you think you can force me—”
A crackle of lightning sparked across his wrist.
His eyes burned with determination.
“Then you should’ve recruited a damn dog. I fight to win, not cleanup fodder.”
A pause.
Then—
The officer ughed.
A low, amused chuckle that grew into something far more sinister.
“Oh… you’re interesting.”
He sheathed his bde, tilting his head.
“Fine. Let’s see how long you can st.”
He turned on his heel, motioning toward the exit.
“Welcome to the Musabori, recruit.”
Yumi exhaled, barely hiding her relief.
Watari blinked, processing what had just happened.
”…Wait, that’s it?”
The officer shot him a knowing gnce.
“Don’t celebrate too soon, boy.”
Then, with a final smirk, he disappeared into the depths of the stronghold.
Silence.
Then—
“WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT?”
Yumi smacked him upside the head.
“You almost died, idiot!”
Watari groaned, rubbing his temple.
“How is that my fault? That guy was insane!”
“You hesitated.”
Yumi crossed her arms, gring.
“You think they didn’t notice that?”
Watari sighed, shoulders slumping.
”…Yeah.”
But as they walked away from the arena, his fingers absently traced the bracelet on his wrist.
Something had changed.
And if he was right…
This was only the beginning.
?
