54 Exodia 54: Japanese side

It's been around a week since we started our trials for the introductory battles and, finally, we have our six participants.

Or so, Mr Uzui, the head of the PE department, says. We were all in the conference hall.

It was only first-years in the Streia Course.

Out of 359 students, I think, only 6 would be chosen.

The old man, Mr Uzui, walked onto the stage, with his usual ferocious look, and addressed everyone.

"Now, I think I'll start by giving you some encouragement. Or so, some say."

His voice boomed without shouting.

He must have been using some sort of voice amplifying spell.

"This match isn't simply an introductory match, but a match of pride. If we lose, we will lose our pride. We will die, as a result."

Some students thought it was absurd but most seemed to care about what he was saying, me included.

"This means there is only one choice. To win. To win, every single match! Usually, we would only play until one side gets four wins. However, both sides have agreed to have six matches regardless."

As a matter of pride...

For some reason, this gets me stoked.

Mr Uzui cleared his throat.

"And now, for the Japanese side. Starting with a young mistress of a well-renowned family. She's known for her stubbornness and strength. This girl has even cleared a B-rank mission by herself. This girl is... Anastasia Kou Sabre Reishville!"

From behind the red curtains, Anastasia walked out. I could see her face slightly conflicted as she listened to the clapping.

Seems like she doesn't like her full name.

As Anastasia stood on the stage, in front of everyone, a picture of her appeared on a holographic screen alongside some data.

"She's this team's all-rounder. She is equally balanced in every category. Usually, that wouldn't be good but her change-making Singularity breaks that balance."

Most people accepted the fact that she was chosen.

"Now, for the next one. This girl is also from a renowned family. At a young age, she froze over an entire forest. Not only that, but she has proven to give the best results when she is needed to. Welcome the Student Council Vice-president, Akane Kabura!"

I clapped as Akane walked out and stood beside Anastasia.

I could see Anastasia's confused look.

I was the same as her.

She just went through a crisis due to her ice cold... Singularity? Anyway, I don't think she's ready to use her powers again.

Or, maybe, I'm just paranoid...

Akane's stats showed on the board.

"This girl is well versed in hand-to-hand combat and her Singularity. If you cross her, oh, will she freeze you?"

I slightly loved the way Mr Uzui was trying to joke around.

"The third was an unexpected one. She's not from a renowned family but an ordinary one. She transferred here back in April and has done her hardest to produce results despite the current slander going on about her. The final participant is... Kuroha Kuroika!"

As I heard her name, I began clapping as hard as I could. Barely anyone clapped. Only some other people clapped too and those were my friends and the ones who weren't following the situation.

Kuroha stepped out and stood beside Akane. She looked slightly nervous. Akane smiled at her, for good measures, which seemed to calm her down.

"Sir! Why is Familiar on the team?!"

"Take her off!"

"Monster!"

People started shrieking. They started treating Kuroha differently. So fucking disgusting.

If we weren't at school, I would've-

Oops, seems like I thought a little bit too much.

"And despite the fact that she is a 'monster,' she still somehow got onto the team while you all are stuck there sitting on a chair. Makes me wonder who's on top? You or her?"

As Mr Uzui finished, they shut up. They didn't talk about Kuro again.

Kuro's stats appeared on the projection.

"As you can see, her strengths are mostly in power and agility. Even for a Streia, her strength is superhuman."

Mr Uzui didn't continue until the complaints of Kuro piped down. He seemed to want to elaborate more on behalf of Kuro but he let it slide.

"Now, for the boys. This boy is from a Yakuza family. Despite being raised like a thug, he was able to become his own respectable boy. Now for Raijin Tenjin!"

A boy walked through and stood next to Kuro.

"His strengths are in his defence and stamina! In a battle of attrition, he shall not lose!"

Next, Mr Uzui called up another boy. His name was Jinrui Hashiba and his strengths were agility and intelligence.

And, finally, we had Meguru Ame. His strengths were intelligence, agility and power.

That was everyone in the team of six. I wasn't on there. Hikari wasn't on there. I wasn't there. Tatsuya wasn't there. We didn't get chosen.

Kuro gave me a sad look but I tried to not worry her by smiling. Didn't work.

"And, now, for the rest."

Mr Uzui suddenly said.

"Rest of what?"

Kuro asked.

"The Chinese Branch is here."

He said, simply.

Six people entered. They didn't seem shaken whatsoever. Not even the shyest of all of them were shaken by the crowds of Japanese.

They lined up, on the right of the Japanese, with a bit of space.

"These six will be the ones you will fight.".He addressed the six.

I looked over at the boy at the end. He was familiar. He gave me a distinctive look.

Qin remembered me and seemed to be focused solely on me.

"A week from now, you will be facing each other. Until then, no one shall do anything harmful to the other."

They all nodded.

"Now, we shall resume with our usual lessons. Everyone, please, go to class."

Everyone began moving.

I remained in my seat, staring at Qin. Eventually, he turned away and smiled. I couldn't help to do the same myself.

I then exited the conference hall.