A Team Forged at Dawn

Rei perched on the edge of the bed, fingers brushing the railing.

“Alright, We’re missing two members. Any ideas?”

Silence stretched, thick and heavy.

He heard Akira’s quiet sigh and felt the tense pause from Itsuki. Their silence said more than words, they were still against him joining the next trial.

Rei exhaled slowly, letting the stillness press against him. Then a calm voice cut through, soft but firm.

“I want to join your team.”

Rei froze, fingers gripping the railing tighter as the voice was unfamiliar.

“My name is Daichi Tsuchikage. You probably noticed me, the blind monk” the man added, voice steady.

Of course he did. Kinda hard to miss the guy, broad shoulders, flashy orange robe. But the strangest part… that white cloth over his eyes.

Rei’s lips curved into a small smile.

“I saw you… strong. Perfect fit. What do you think, guys?

Itsuki’s dark eyes narrowed, suspicious as usually

“Why … Why pick us? “

“You don’t know if Rei will get his sight back… logically, you shouldn’t pick us.”

Daichi didn’t hesitate

“I heard him choosing others over himself during the first trial. That’s enough for me.”

A short paused

“Beside I’m also blind, so I know it’s not an end.”

While Itsuki wasn’t fully convinced, Akira gave a small nod.

“Welcome to the team,” He said, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

Then he glanced at the clock.

“It’s late. We’ll talk strategy tomorrow. Rest well”

Akira and Daichi left, but Itsuki didn’t move, so Enshin glanced at him.

“I need a word with Rei. Mind giving us a moment alone?”

Itsuki clicked his tongue and moved toward the door.

“I’ll be right outside.”

Enshin leaned forward, jaw tight, eyes dark.

“I… shouldn’t have dragged you into this… If I’d known, I wouldn’t have… sorry.” he murmured, voice low.

Rei faced the exorcist, calm and steady.

“Enshin,” he whispered, “I’ll always be grateful. You showed me magic exists and gave me a chance to save my mother.”

He took a slow breath.

“I knew the risks… I chose this. No regrets.”

Enshin exhaled, shoulders loosening slightly, then shifted, careful.

“You said you want to rely on Kaitsuki. But are you sure he’s still working?”

Rei’s chest tightened. The Darkness Zone had wrecked every device.

Quickly he put a hand hovering over his earpiece.

“Kaitsuki, are you here? Please answer me!”

For a heartbeat, nothing. Then another.

“I’m here.” the rabbit’s voice said, crisp and steady.

Relief washed over Rei.

“Good. You’re still working” he muttered.

Enshin’s shoulders relaxed.

“You’re not alone, stick with your team tomorrow, and don’t push too hard. If something feels off… step back.”

“I know,” Rei replied, nodding.

Enshin put a hand on his shoulder, calm and steady.

“Alright, I’ll let you sleep. Rest well.”

Footsteps faded away for a moment, then returned, then returned, approaching him.

He sensed Itsuki standing in front of him, but neither of them spoke.

No words.

Just the faint, even breaths filling the space.

Rei’s voice cut through the stillness, calm and steady.

“You’re staying? It’s late… shouldn’t you get some sleep?”

Itsuki let out a dry chuckle.

“What? Trying to get rid of me already?”

Rei shook his head, a soft smile on his lips.

“No, not at all. I’m glad you’re here.”

Itsuki smirked.

“Then I guess I’m crashing here tonight.”

Rei raised an eyebrow.

“Really? You don’t have to, you know.”

“I know,” Itsuki muttered, voice low.

A faint shuffle from the bed, Itsuki was already settled.

“I swear… that guy’s going to pay.” he whispered, low and tight.

Rei tilted his head slightly, calm, thoughtful.

“What’s the point of vengeance? It won’t bring my sight back. Hatred chains us to the past. I’d rather focus on lessons learned.”

Itsuki snorted softly, hiding a grin.

“Lessons, huh? Let me guess… that exorcists are all idiots?”

Rei let out a small laugh, shaking his head.

“Come one. One hurt me, yes, but the others saved me. Don’t lump everyone together.”

Itsuki leaned back, arm behind his head, a faint smile breaking through.

“Yeah… I get it. Not all are useless. But still …”

The room fell silent, the faint hum of machines filling the background.

Rei exhaled slowly, letting the calm night settle around them.

“Sleep well, Itsuki.”

“You too, Rei.”

After a moment, they drifted into a deep sleep, the weight of the day slowly fading into the night.

Itsuki nudged Rei.

“Morning… sleepyhead.”

Rei’s eyes fluttered open, shapes and shadows swimming.

“Itsuki… I can see you!” His voice cracked with excitement.

Itsuki raised an eyebrow, smirking.

“Never thought my face would make you grin like that.”

Rei laughed, chest tightening with relief and thrill. He wasn’t blind anymore, and more important, he could still join the tournament.

“Can you… pass me my sunglasses?” he asked, excited

“Let me guess… these will make you see perfectly?” Itsuki smiled, holding out the glasses.

Rei grinned.

“Exactly!”

He put them on, and a soft hum from Kaitsuki analyzed his vision. Within moments, colors sharpened, edges aligned.

“Perfect. I see clearly now!”

Itsuki blinked,

“Your magic… it’s insane. How do you even—”

“A magician never reveals his secrets.” Rei chuckled

They stepped out, the morning air crisp. Their steps echoed on the pavement.

Then a commotion ahead caught their attention.

A candidate stumbled, shoved, mask falling to reveal jagged teeth.

A low murmur ran through the street.

“Half yokai? Hmph… shouldn’t be allowed in this tournament.”

“What did you just say?” the half-yokai shouted, voice crackled, fingers sparking with electricity.

Itsuki stepped forward, calm but firm.

“Combat’s forbidden outside the tournament. Would be a shame to get eliminated over these losers.”

Rei crouched, picking up the fallen mask.

“Here … your mask. Are you okay? Not hurt?”

“Thanks. I’m fine,” he replied, eyes narrowing as he took it.

“What’s your name?”

“Denryuu. The Electric Dragon.” He puffed up slightly, pride in his voice.

Rei’s eyes widened, a small smile tugging at his lips.

“Ooh, cool name! Want to join our team? We’re missing one member.”

Of course he had a reason. Half-yokai… could be useful if demons cancel magic. And he might match Akira’s powers.

Denryuu’s eyes narrowed.

“Me? Why? I don’t need your charity.”

Rei shook his head, calm.

“It’s not charity. I can feel your strength. If you want, meet the others first, then decide.”

Itsuki smirked.

“Take it. Who else would accept a half‑yokai?”

A tense beat.

Denryuu clenched his jaw… then relaxed.

“Fine.”

Rei nodded.

They walked toward the café, Akira and Daichi already waiting outside.

When Akira saw Rei with his glasses, relief washed over him, then his gaze flicked to the newcomer beside Rei.

“Who’s this? Wait … already found our fifth?”

Rei’s lips curved in a confident smile.

“Yes. This is Denryuu. Strong addition… if you’re okay with that.”

Akira’s grin widened.

“Of course. I trust your judgment. Welcome to the team.”

“Hum,” Denryuu’s voice low, muffled by the mask.

Rei led them to a quiet corner, glancing at Denryuu with a small smile.

“This spot should work.”

Denryuu’s mask hid it, but a faint smile hinted he understood Rei had chosen the spot for him.

They settled in.

Akira leaned forward, eyes bright, hands on the table.

“Alright… let’s introduce ourselves.”

“I’ve got light powers. Mostly sword work, but I can fire beams and projectiles too.”

Denryuu flicked static across his fingers.

“Electro. Quick. Lethal. Don’t underestimate me.”

“Someone’s showing off.” Itsuki smirked.

Akira blinked, muttering.

“Without a tool? It’s mean …”

“Yeah… I’m half-yokai. Problem?” Denryuu’s eyes narrowed.

Akira raised his hands, grinning awkwardly.

“Sorry. Didn’t mean to… it’s good you’re here. Our powers fit.”

The others nodded, Denryuu seemed surprised at the easy acceptance.

Daichi leaned back.

“Geokinesis. Tremors, rocks, barriers… I also have darkness. But I won’t use it, sorry.”

“Two elements? That’s rare,” Akira whispered, jaw dropping.

Rei smiled softly.

“Your geokinesis is strong enough. And I really appreciated you using it to help me.”

A brief silence.

Itsuki stretched, drawing a card from his pocket.

“Guess it’s my turn. I have a magic card. Hearts heal, diamonds create shield.”

Rei raised an eyebrow.

“No attack? What about spades and clubs?”

Itsuki shrugged, a playful smirk on his lips.

“Nope. Disappointed? Gonna kick me out?”

“You know I won’t, silly.” Rei laughed, shaking his head.

Itsuki locked eyes with him.

“Alright… you’re the last one.”

All eyes turned to Rei; curiosity thick. He snapped his fingers, a tiny flame flickered, then vanished.

“I’m a fire exorcist. I can summon a yokai too.”

Daichi’s eyes narrowed, like he could sense it wasn’t real magic.

Then Itsuki leaned forward, eyes locking with Rei’s

“You forgot something…”

“Really? And what’s that?” Rei asked, tensing slightly.

Itsuki’s smile teasing .

“You’ve got a ton of cool gadgets.”

Rei exhaled, letting out a nervous chuckle.

“Ah right… we can use them to plan strategy. Since intros are done, let’s talk strategy.”

He quickly shifted the subject, avoiding questions about his “power.”

Drinks and food arrived. Laughter, chatter, brief pauses, ideas floated, energy built . The team quietly started to exist.

A moment later, Rei watch the clock , he rose,

“Sorry, everyone. I’ve got to head out. We’ll meet in the arena later.”

He slipped away from the team and ran toward the arena, where Sarutobi and the doctor were already waiting.

Dr. Halden stepped closer, jaw dropping

“Your sight… it’s back?”

“A little, but with these I can see perfectly,” Rei said, adjusting his VR glasses.

The doctor nodded.

“Good.”

He lifted Rei’s arm, fingers brushing his pulse. Then he froze slightly, eyes narrowing.

“Your magic… hasn’t returned. You can’t continue ,sorry” he said, voice low

Rei’s stomach dropped . Then he clenched his fists, heart hammering.

He hadn’t had any magic from the start, but it’s not like he could tell them.

Rei’s mind raced.

He needed a plan, fast.