Shunjiro, Itsuki, and Yoshinori emerged from the forest’s edge triumphant, still riding the adrenaline rush of their hard-won victory. Shunjiro clutched the captured enemy flag, wind ruffling its fabric. A broad grin split his face. “I can’t believe it, we actually did it! We beat Sora!” he crowed, voice breaking with excited laughter. He shot a proud look at his teammates. “You guys were awesome.” Itsuki matched his grin, her eyes bright. “Told you we could pull it off. If we work together, there’s nothing we can’t handle.” She gently patted the flag as if it were a treasured trophy. Shunjiro turned to Yoshinori, eager for validation from their stoic partner. “You have to admit, that was amazing, right? We crushed it!” Yoshinori merely pushed his hair back, glancing aside. “The plan worked,” he said coolly. “We did what we had to do.” Shunjiro’s elation dimmed a notch at Yoshinori’s reserved response. Still, he sensed a subtle warmth beneath the other boy’s calm exterior, Yoshinori never showed his cards easily. Before Shunjiro could press him further, the crunch of footsteps announced someone’s arrival. Sora stepped into the clearing, looking distinctly unamused. An irritated edge sharpened his usually confident smirk. “Well,” Sora said, crossing his arms, “guess I underestimated you three.” His gaze flicked over the captured flag in Shunjiro’s hands. “But let’s get one thing straight-” He tossed a contemptuous look at Shunjiro. “You keep saying ‘we’ beat me, but as I recall, it was Yoshinori’s lightning that took me down.” Shunjiro’s cheeks heated. “We all contributed!” he argued, voice rising defensively. “Our teamwork-” “Sure, sure,” Sora cut in, eyes rolling. “Teamwork. Right. I’ll remember that next time.” He turned on Yoshinori, jabbing a finger in the air. “Don’t expect a cheap shot to work twice. I’ve already adapted to that lightning of yours.” Yoshinori’s expression remained unreadable. “If you say so,” he replied softly. “Count on it,” Sora growled, annoyance written across his face. Before Shunjiro could breathe a sigh of relief, Sora’s expression shifted. His nose wrinkled in disgust, and he took a step back. “What’s that smell?” he asked, his tone sharp. Shunjiro’s face turned beet red, the memory of Ryota’s earlier antics flashing through his mind like an unwelcome replay. “Um, it’s nothing!” Shunjiro blurted out, his words rushed. “Just… ignore it.” Sora’s laughter rang, loud and carefree. Shunjiro’s embarrassment deepened, the sound like salt in the wound. Why does this keep happening to me? With a final glare, Sora stalked off into the thinning crowd, evidently still stewing over his defeat. Shunjiro watched him go, exhaling a tense breath. A small, relieved laugh bubbled out of him. “Well… that could’ve been worse. He’s not exactly a graceful loser.” Itsuki shook her head. “He’ll get over it, or not. Either way, we’ve proven ourselves.” Yoshinori stared where Sora had disappeared, then turned away, as though the whole exchange was of little consequence. “Let’s move on,” he said quietly. As they made their way back toward the main camp, Shunjiro caught a familiar glimpse of someone just beyond the crowd, dark hair, a certain stance that made his heart jolt. Takeshi? His pulse leaped. Without warning, he broke into a jog, weaving between other recruits. “Takeshi!” he called, scanning the throng of faces, his stomach twisting with urgency. I know I saw him… Behind him, Itsuki noticed his sudden change in direction. “Shunjiro? Where are you going?” she asked, breaking into a run to catch up. When she found him, he was standing at the edge of a bustling clearing filled with spectators, scanning the masses. His eyes had that frantic, searching quality. “Shunjiro?” Itsuki repeated softly, placing a hand on his shoulder. “Hey. What’s wrong?” He swallowed hard, gaze flicking over every face in the distance. “I-I thought I saw my brother earlier,” he admitted, voice strained. “But I can’t find him now. Maybe… I was just imagining things.” Her expression softened with compassion. “If you really think he was here, maybe he left before you could catch him?” She hesitated, a flicker of shared pain crossing her features. “I know how it feels to search for someone you can’t quite reach.” Shunjiro’s chest tightened. Despite her gentle smile, it was clear she understood the ache of an elusive loved one. “Yeah,” he breathed, forcing a shaky laugh. “It’s so frustrating. I just want to see him, you know?” He cast a final glance at the crowd. “Guess I was wrong this time.” Itsuki squeezed his shoulder in silent sympathy. “If there’s anything I can do to help you find him, let me know,” she offered softly. Shunjiro’s eyes stung for a moment with gratitude. “Thank you, Itsuki.” A moment later, they heard footsteps crunch behind them. Yoshinori approached, brow creased in quiet puzzlement. “What’s going on?” he asked, gaze flicking between the two of them. Shunjiro cleared his throat, feeling unexpectedly self-conscious. “Ah-it’s nothing major. I just… thought I recognized someone from my past. Turns out it wasn’t them.” He plastered on a small smile. “Don’t worry about me.” Yoshinori studied him a moment, then nodded. “If you say so.” He paused, looking like he wanted to ask more, but withheld it. “We should regroup,” he said instead. “Exams aren’t over yet.” Shunjiro managed a grin. “Right. Thanks, by the way… for beating Sora. I, uh, owe you for that.” “Don’t mention it,” Yoshinori replied with a faint shrug, but Shunjiro noted a shadow of warmth flicker through the other boy’s eyes. As they walked back toward the arena where the next trials would be announced, Shunjiro’s thoughts lingered on Takeshi’s possible presence. Each time he imagined his brother’s face, a pang of longing struck. Could I have really seen him? Or was it all in my head? He clenched a fist at his side, determination welling up inside him. Once these exams are over… once I become an adventurer… I’ll track him down. I’ll find out why he’s been so distant. Beside him, Itsuki cast a glance his way, her own quiet resolve burning for reasons unknown. Yoshinori strode on the other side, eyes forward, as if preparing himself for any challenge that might come next. They marched in step, three new companions bound by shared trials and unspoken hopes. And Shunjiro, gaze steady on the path ahead, silently vowed: I’m going to pass these exams, become strong enough to stand on my own, and then, Takeshi, I promise I’ll find you.