Ishinara Residence.

The Ishinara family are eating dinner together.

AKARI: Dad called earlier.

MAKI: He's coming tonight?

AKARI: He'll be back by tomorrow. Still a lot of work left.

MAKI: Hmm... I kinda wish he doesn't have to go on these trips.

MAKISE: He used to went on more trips back then.

MAKI: Really?

AKARI: For quite a long time, but your dad has mellowed out a little in the last few years. Don't want to spend too much time away from us.

MAKISE: (stuffs rice into his mouth) Yep. (chewing) He would usually come back in a few days and- (swallows) -went back to work again.

RYUKEN: (nods)

MAKI: Huh...

AKARI: It's not easy to put food on the table. Especially for a family of five. I'll whip up something good tomorrow. How does curry sound?

MAKI: Ooh! Don't forget the katsu chicken.

MAKISE: Ehh... I wanted pork.

MAKI: Come on... we haven't had katsu chicken in a while.

MAKISE: We already had chicken a while ago.

MAKI: But it's not katsu chicken!

AKARI: Now, now... It's not hard to make both.

RYUKEN: (quietly chewing)

AKARI: Besides, your dad will be bringing a guest tomorrow, so I'll be making extra.

MAKI: Who?

AKARI: (smiles) Someone "special".

RYUKEN: (bites meat)

MAKI: Is it his boss?

AKARI: Ehh... not quite.

RYUKEN: (chewing)

AKARI: Ryuken.

RYUKEN: ... hm?

AKARI: Awfully quiet there.

RYUKEN: Um, well... I'm always quiet...

MAKI: A little too quiet.

MAKISE: Yeah...

RYUKEN: (confused) Ah... is- is something wrong?

MAKI: By the way, Ryu-nii. How's Kenzaki-sempai doing?

AKARI: Oh, yeah. How is he doing? I miss him already.

MAKISE: ... you just met him yesterday. (smirks) But you know, I heard about him today. Something about a Kokyu girl hitting-

RYUKEN: Ah! He's doing fine! We're doing fine. The- the- the project's doing good too.

MAKISE: You mean the one with that stupid Giant Masked Squad show?

RYUKEN: It's Ultra Rider Sentai! And it's NOT stupid!

MAKISE: Okay, okay... calm down...

AKARI: Well, as long as you're having fun, right?

RYUKEN: Uh... y- yeah...

MAKI: (sighs) I just can't imagine Kenzaki-sempai being a part of that kid's show...

Ryuken glares at Maki, feeling insulted.

AKARI: What about Kendo club? Anything going in there?

RYUKEN: Um... yeah. I'm... doing that too.

MAKISE: Quite a lot on your plate there, huh?

MAKI: (chuckles) I forgot you join the Kendo club this year.

RYUKEN: ... what's wrong with that?

MAKI: I mean, you don't look like... the swordsman type.

RYUKEN: W- what do you mean?

AKARI: Come on, Maki. I think it's healthy for Ryuken to do Kendo.

MAKI: (chuckles) Yeah. Maybe you could use those skills to good use someday.

MAKISE: By the way, is the sword still in the storage room?

RYUKEN: (chokes food)

AKARI: (glares) Makise... what do you have in mind?

MAKISE: Ryuken could give us a show with it. Hell, it could be a trick for our guest.

RYUKEN: (coughs)

AKARI: Yeah... that's "totally" not dangerous at all.

MAKISE: Well, if Ryuken won't do it, I could-

AKARI: You are NOT gonna lay a finger on that sword. Nobody will!

RYUKEN: (sweats anxiously)

AKARI: (sighs) Just wait till your dad comes back... and we'll handle it later.

MAKISE: ... you never trust me with these things.

AKARI: I wonder why...

Ryuken nervously eats his food quietly.

...

In an apartment building, located on the 6th floor, we see the number 611 on the door, next to it is a nameplate, with the name "SAWAI" written on it.

In a bedroom, filled with a variety of colours, from the bookshelves to the desk, to the walls, to the mirror stand, pieces of different coloured fabrics are scattered all over the floor, the bed, and the cupboards.

We see Mie sitting on her chair in front of her desk, placing her hands on a piece of paper. A symbol on it is glowing brightly.

Her eyes are closed, focusing on the paper as the symbol glows brighter and brighter.

MIE: (breaths calmly)

She pulls her hands away from the paper and lets out an exhausted sigh.

She grabs a water bottle from the table to drink from it, but it was empty. She stands up and walks to her door.

She comes out of her room to the dark, dull kitchen, piled with bags of trash in one corner, the kitchen table filled with empty beer cans and cup noodles, plastic wrappers and beer bottles on the sink, and a mountain of take-away boxes in a trash can.

Mie opens the fridge and carefully grabs a bottle of mineral water right behind a couple of beer bottles.

After closing the fridge, she walks to her room until she heard the sound of keys rattling at the front door.

Click!

A woman enters the apartment, wearing an office coat with slightly messy hair.

With tired eyes, she slowly walks to the kitchen as Mie stands nervously by the kitchen table.

MIE: W- welcome back, mom! Have- have you eaten?

RINA: (walks towards the fridge)

MIE: Uh... is it too dark? I can turn on the lights if you want.

RINA: (opens the fridge door)

MIE: ... um...

RINA: (grabs two bottles of beer)

MIE: S- sorry about the mess. I didn't have time to... clean it up.

RINA: (grabs an opened beer can at the bottom shelf)

MIE: I had, uh... homework to do.

RINA: (closes the fridge and drinks the beer from the can)

MIE: ... how- how was work?

RINA: (throws the empty can into the sink)

MIE: I'll- I'll clean it up later. Don't worry.

RINA: (walks to her room)

MIE: ... off to sleep?

RINA: (opens the door)

MIE: Good- good night, mo-

RINA: (slams the door)

Mie quietly stays still in the kitchen, gripping her water bottle.

...

Mizuno High. The next day.

Juri opens a door to a room.

JURI: Here we are!

Juri, Sayuri and Ryuken enter an empty room in the school, filled with dust and cobwebs all over the bookshelves and walls, with trash scattered all over the ground.

SAYURI: You found this?

JURI: Yep! If the Student Council won't give me one, then I just have to do it myself.

RYUKEN: We're definitely breaking some rules here.

SAYURI: We probably shouldn't be here, in case anyone comes by.

JURI: Relaaax... no one's gonna knock on our doors. This place has been abandoned for years.

SAYURI: How come?

JURI: It used to belong to the Literature Club.

RYUKEN: ... I've never heard of the Literature Club.

JURI: Because it doesn't exist anymore. Not enough members and funds, and now it's just an empty wasteland. Not even the teachers remember it.

RYUKEN: Why won't they clear the room out?

JURI: No club wanted it. It's at the back of the building on the highest floor.

RYUKEN: Huh...

SAYURI: ... that's pretty sad...

Sayuri looks down to see a crumpled paper. Curious, she picks it up and holds an old flyer for an ice-cream parlour.

Ryuken looks at the books on the shelves, filled with novels, short stories, essays and poem collections.

RYUKEN: They left everything here.

SAYURI: They didn't just leave the club room, they left their identity here.

RYUKEN: ... or what's left of it.

SAYURI: ...

JURI: Well, from today onwards, we're gonna give it a new identity. This club room will officially be-

RYUKEN: ...

SAYURI: ...

JURI: -the NEW "Search for the Extraordinary Club" CLUB ROOM!

RYUKEN: ...

SAYURI: ...

JURI: (smiles proudly)

RYUKEN: I'm still not used to the name.

JURI: The name is PERFECT!

RYUKEN: ... well, you sure no one's gonna find us here?

JURI: I guarantee it! Nobody cares about this place and nobody comes to this floor often. Totally abandoned! This is the perfect place for us. A mysterious room, for our mysterious club, with our mysterious team.

RYUKEN: ... well, it'll take some time for us to clean this all up.

JURI: Oh! Ryuken?

RYUKEN: Hm?

JURI: (smiles brightly) You truly have become part of us...!

RYUKEN: W- wha?! I'm- I'm not doing this for you!

SAYURI: Ryu-kun.

RYUKEN: Ah?! (blushes) Y- yes, Sayuri?

SAYURI: Don't you have Kendo lessons?

RYUKEN: Y- yeah... I think I'll be going now before Matsunaga-san yells at me again.

SAYURI: I got Karate lessons too. I'm sorry we couldn't stay any longer, Juri.

JURI: It's fiiine, don't worry about it. At least I get to show you the place. I've been eyeing it for quite some time.

RYUKEN: Wait? You wanted this place?

JURI: Yep!

RYUKEN: Not the more... common spots?

JURI: No way! It doesn't have the same vibe as the rest. This place... is seeping with the energy that I craved. The moment I knew about it, I was certain that I will create my club here, no matter what.

RYUKEN: ...

SAYURI: ... you really wanted this, Juri?

JURI: Definitely!

Sayuri cracks a soft proud smile.

SAYURI: That's good. (walks to the door) We'll come by to clean the place when we have the time. But I don't think today is possible.

JURI: That's alright.

SAYURI: Maybe next week? Is... that okay?

JURI: No problem!

SAYURI: (smiles) Alright. Goodbye, Juri.

JURI: Bye Bye!

Sayuri leaves the room while Ryuken follows her but quickly turns to Juri for a moment.

RYUKEN: Don't you have clubs?

JURI: Nope. None of them are interesting, unlike mine.

RYUKEN: ... right. Well, see you, Juri.

JURI: See you, Ryu-kun!

RYUKEN: Eh?! Y- you can't just call me that!

JURI: What? Sayuri calls you that all the time.

RYUKEN: B- but, you're not-

Ryuken lets out a resigned sigh.

RYUKEN: ... never mind.

JURI: (waves fingers) Tata, Ryu-kun!

Ryuken mumbles vexedly as Juri playfully teases him.

He catches up to Sayuri and notices her smiling softly.

SAYURI: ...

RYUKEN: ... you seem... happy.

SAYURI: Oh? (chuckles) Sorry. It's just...

RYUKEN: ...

SAYURI: It's nice... seeing her like this.

RYUKEN: ... hmm.

Juri walks around the club room, wiping some dust with her fingers and blowing them away. She slides open the curtains, illuminating the whole room.

She opens the window as dust flies out everywhere and looks out with bright motivated eyes.

JURI: ... alright!

Juri takes a deep, confident breath-

JURI: (breaths in)

-and sneezes instantly.

JURI: ACHOO!!!

...

In the Kendo dojo, the club members are sparring with one another.

Ryuken tries to hit Chohei, but he quickly dodges every hit. Chohei steps forward and strikes Ryuken on the head.

CHOHEI: MEN!

BAM!

RYUKEN: Ergh!

CHOHEI: You good?

RYUKEN: Yeah... I'm fine...

CHOHEI: You're improving on your form, Ryuken. Keep your eye on me.

RYUKEN: ... okay.

They both stare down at each other as they prepare their stances.

Ryuken rushes at Chohei and strikes down his sword at his head-

RYUKEN: MEN!

-but Chohei quickly blocks the strike and swiftly aims at his side.

CHOHEI: DOU!

BAM!

RYUKEN: Gh!

CHOHEI: Take your time, Ryuken. Once you know when, take the hit.

RYUKEN: (pants)

Ryuken catches his breath for a moment before readying himself again.

Chohei steps forward to attack. Ryuken instinctively raises his sword to strike back, but Chohei quickly hits Ryuken's defenceless head.

CHOHEI: MEN!

BAM!

RYUKEN: Argh!

Ryuken dizzily steps back, trying to regain his balance.

CHOHEI: Ryuken?

Ryuken sloppily takes off his helmet, completely drenched in sweat.

RYUKEN: (pants heavily) Haa... that was too fast...

CHOHEI: But you could've blocked it. (takes off helmet)

RYUKEN: (pants) I couldn't... even if I tried...

CHOHEI: That's 'cause you were too focused on attacking me.

RYUKEN: (pants)

CHOHEI: Defence is more important than getting the first strike.

RYUKEN: (pants) ... okay...

Ayaka walks to them from behind.

AYAKA: Hey, guys. Having fun?

CHOHEI: Ah! (blushes) Ichiyoshi-sempai!

RYUKEN: ... yeah... (pants) ... just a little tired...

AYAKA: Seems like you need to build up more energy, Ryuken.

RYUKEN: Y- yeah... seems so...

CHOHEI: Un- understood, Ichiyoshi-sempai! I'll work on that with him.

AYAKA: (smiles cheekily) How does it feel getting to teach a junior, Chohei?

CHOHEI: Ah, it's... it feels good, Ichiyoshi-sempai! I- I just hope I don't mess this up...

AYAKA: Ah, no worries, no worries. Teaching someone can be harder than you think. But I know you have what it takes. Hey, teach him that awesome move you did last year.

CHOHEI: Ah... I don't remember how I did it...

AYAKA: The heat of the battle, huh?

CHOHEI: (chuckles shyly) I guess so...

AYAKA: You know... Coach is pushing Daisuke to be the lead for the championships again, but honestly, I think you had a better chance than him.

CHOHEI: R- really?!

AYAKA: Yeah! Sure, Daisuke is stronger, but I think you're smarter and more alert when you're in the ring.

CHOHEI: (blushes) ... uh, that's... that's very flattering, sempai...

AYAKA: You know what? I'll try to persuade him to get you on the team.

CHOHEI: You- you would do that?

AYAKA: Of course! You gotta put yourself in the spotlight once in a while.

CHOHEI: Ah... (bows) Thank you, Ichiyoshi-sempai!

AYAKA: No worries, no worries. Well then, carry on, boys. (walks away)

CHOHEI: W- will do! I'll definitely work hard, Ichiyoshi-sempai!

AYAKA: (waves back) Alright!

CHOHEI: (blushes) ... I... I will...

Ryuken glances at Chohei smiling a wide grin on his face.

He then notices Kenzaki entering the dojo with a file in his hand.

RYUKEN: Kenzaki-sempai?

Ryuken walks to Kenzaki, leaving Chohei by himself.

CHOHEI: Hey, uh... do you think she likes me? I mean, I know she likes me, but does she like... "like" like me, you know? I mean, I'm not saying I'll have a shot with here. She's my senior and I'm just her junior, but you know, like... do you think-

He turns around to find himself talking to no one.

CHOHEI: Oh. You're not... you're not here anymore. That's... that's fine. ... that's alright.

Kenzaki faces the coach of the dojo.

KENZAKI: (bows) Coach. If you don't mind, could I borrow Ryuken for the rest of the day?

COACH: Hmm? How come?

KENZAKI: It has something to do with the Winterblack Program.

COACH: What? He got in?

KENZAKI: Not yet. But if he keeps going, he would very likely be a part of it soon.

COACH: You got any papers?

KENZAKI: Yes. (hands him a file)

COACH: (looks inside) Hmm... it looks legit. Ishinara!

RYUKEN: Ah! Yes, coach!

COACH: You didn't tell me you were gonna be a part of this... Winterblack thingy.

RYUKEN: Win- Winterblack?

Ryuken turns to Kenzaki, who subtly nods back.

RYUKEN: Oh! Uh... yeah! I uh, I forgot...

COACH: You can't forget about these things. This is your livelihood we're talking about! ... I think?

KENZAKI: I hope you would excuse us.

COACH: Yeah, sure. Ishinara! This gentleman needs you. You may leave.

RYUKEN: Ah, alright!

Ryuken walks away to change back to his school uniform.

COACH: (hands back the file) I never would expect that kid to get into that program.

KENZAKI: Well, his audition was quite... shocking. (chuckles)

The coach stares blankly into him.

COACH: ...

KENZAKI: ...

Kenzaki turns his head away and shamefully blushes.

From afar, Daisuke and his group of friends notice Kenzaki next to their coach.

DAISUKE: What's that guy doing here?

BOY: Something about that Winter-stuff.

DAISUKE: What about it?

BOY: I heard Ryuken got into it or something?

DAISUKE: What?! That can't be right.

Ryuken, now in his school uniform, slings his bag onto his shoulder.

RYUKEN: Sorry, Chohei-san. I have something I need to do.

CHOHEI: Hey, that's alright. I'll see you next week.

RYUKEN: I'll be off, Chohei-san. (walks away)

CHOHEI: Bye, then.

RYUKEN: (approaches Kenzaki) H- how are you, Kenzaki-sempai?

KENZAKI: I'm good, thank you. Well then, we'll be leaving now. (bows) Thank you for understanding, coach.

Kenzaki walks to the exit, followed by Ryuken from behind.

DAISUKE: (smirks) HEY, TETSUNOUJI! HOW'S THE NECK?

The dojo immediately erupts in laughter.

Ryuken looks back to see Daisuke laughing with his friends.

He turns to Kenzaki, who seems calm and collected.

COACH: ENOUGH! BACK TO YOUR POSITIONS!

They finally exited the dojo and quietly walk together in the hallway.

RYUKEN: ...

KENZAKI: ...

RYUKEN: ... Kenzaki-sempai?

KENZAKI: Hm?

RYUKEN: Are- are you alright?

KENZAKI: I'm fine.

Despite his calm tone, Ryuken still feels worried for him.

RYUKEN: ...

KENZAKI: ... I know what you're thinking.

RYUKEN: Ah?

KENZAKI: You don't have to feel bad for me.

RYUKEN: But, those guys-

KENZAKI: I've heard worst.

RYUKEN: ...

KENZAKI: ... what happened yesterday... it was my fault.

RYUKEN: ... how-

KENZAKI: I... hurt Tsuyuki in some way... and I was simply paying the price.

RYUKEN: What hap-

Ryuken quickly shuts his mouth, realizing that it's maybe best to not ask.

KENZAKI: ...?

RYUKEN: N- never mind.

KENZAKI: ...

RYUKEN: ... a- anyway... this, um, Winterblack thing... is it really true?

KENZAKI: Yes.

RYUKEN: Really?! (sighs) Man... I got a lot to deal with now.

KENZAKI: Hm?

RYUKEN: I was wondering how I could juggle between school and Kendo and... Juri's club, at the same time with the Exorcist thing, which I... still don't know how it works.

KENZAKI: ...

RYUKEN: And I know that you said that you would handle it but, I feel bad that I... couldn't help with anything at all.

KENZAKI: But you shouldn't.

RYUKEN: I- I know... and then you mentioned this Winterblack thing, which I honestly don't know how I got it in the first place.

KENZAKI: The Winterblack thing is the Exorcist thing.

RYUKEN: ... what?

KENZAKI: We can't publicly say that we're doing Exorcist business, so we use his name to hide it. Like the Winterblack Scholarship Program, the Winterblack Employment Program, the Winterblack Community Pro-

RYUKEN: Wait, wait, wait! You can just use his name... like that?

KENZAKI: Yeah.

RYUKEN: Like, wouldn't the company... notice or something?

KENZAKI: (chuckles) All the time.

Ryuken looks puzzled, wondering how it all connects.

KENZAKI: I'm sorry I had to call you out during your lessons.

RYUKEN: N- no, that's okay. I mean, this is probably more important right now.

KENZAKI: I wanted to fulfil my promise when I told you I would show you the basics. I wished we had some time yesterday, but things didn't go as expected.

RYUKEN: ... well, we have plenty of time now. I'm also free on the weekends.

KENZAKI: But I'm not.

RYUKEN: Oh?

KENZAKI: I have to be at Central in the next few days. So, I wanted to spend as much time with you today.

RYUKEN: ...

KENZAKI: Plus, there's another important part that we have to take care of.

...

Hido Mid.

Sora is walking towards the Calligraphy Club, carrying sets of paper. She sees Mie walking out with her bag.

SORA: Mie-chan, you're leaving?

MIE: Yep. Got to go home early. There's some secret shady stuff awaiting...

SORA: (chuckles) Is that so? Care to share it with me? I promise I won't tell...

SORA: Not a chance!

SORA: (laughs) Say, you free tomorrow?

MIE: Huh?

SORA: I've got bowling practice at 11. Wanna join?

MIE: Ooh...

SORA: Aki's coming too. But, uh... Kaoru's not interested.

MIE: Wait... 11 a.m.?

SORA: (nods)

MIE: Um, I don't know...

SORA: Can't make it?

MIE: I'm... probably free after 1.

SORA: Aw, man... you'll miss it.

MIE: ... yeah...

SORA: Hm... how 'bout we meet up at Senko Street around 2? How's that sound?

MIE: Oh, that's sound nice. Hmm... okay!

SORA: It's a date.

MIE: It's a date!

SORA: Oh yeah, what's keeping you busy tomorrow?

MIE: Oh, uh...

SORA: ...

MIE: ... secret shady stuff?

SORA: (smiles) Alright. See you tomorrow, Mie-chan.

MIE: Bye-bye, Sora-chan!

...

Kenzaki and Ryuken are now in the old storeroom.

Kenzaki opens up a window, brightening up the place.

RYUKEN: Somehow, this place doesn't feel scary anymore.

KENZAKI: Nothing's the same after your first Demon encounter.

RYUKEN: (chuckles) ... right.

KENZAKI: Wanna try staying here for the night?

RYUKEN: (sweats) Uh, er... no thanks.

KENZAKI: (chuckles) Alright. First off, there's some good news and bad news.

RYUKEN: ... do I get to choose which one comes first?

KENZAKI: You may.

RYUKEN: ... what's the bad news?

KENZAKI: Apparently, it's going to take a couple more weeks to finally get you into the Academy.

RYUKEN: ... hm...

KENZAKI: But the good news is that there is someone who will help us.

RYUKEN: Well, that's... nice.

KENZAKI: His name's Vinny. He was my senior officer when I was in Integration, which makes him the perfect person to understand your problem. But again, we're talking about sneaking you into the Academy without raising any red flags. At least, not until we understand your connection with the Demon Weapon.

RYUKEN: ...

KENZAKI: Speaking of which-

Kenzaki walks to a table. On top of it is a Kendo sword bag.

RYUKEN: ...?

He unzips the bag and pulls out the black and gold katana sword.

RYUKEN: Ah!

Kenzaki hands it to Ryuken, who slowly reaches for it.

RYUKEN: ...

As he finally holds the sword, his eyes begin to sharpen.

RYUKEN: ... it does... feel different...

KENZAKI: How different?

RYUKEN: Well, I never touched a sword before that night, so it kinda feels cool holding it. But, now... it's like, I can feel it. I can feel something in it.

He stares deeply into the katana.

RYUKEN: ... something moving.

KENZAKI: ...

RYUKEN: I... I wish I could Bond with it again, like that night. Is- is that why we're here?

KENZAKI: Unfortunately, I can't teach you how to Bond with a Demon Weapon. That is out of my expertise. Hopefully, we'll find someone that could help. But, before you even start thinking about Bonding, it wouldn't hurt to learn some basics first.

RYUKEN: ... alright.

He rests the katana on the table and takes a deep, long breath.

KENZAKI: ...

RYUKEN: ... I'm ready.

KENZAKI: (smiles) You sure?

RYUKEN: ... sorta.

KENZAKI: But before that, let me ask you a question first.

RYUKEN: Uh?

KENZAKI: What do you think is a Soul?

RYUKEN: Uh... a Soul?

KENZAKI: (nods)

RYUKEN: Um, it's... something that is inside of us?

KENZAKI: Really?

RYUKEN: Uh... yeah?

KENZAKI: Then where is it?

RYUKEN: Um, maybe...

Ryuken points to his left side of his chest.

RYUKEN: ...here?

KENZAKI: (smiles) That's your heart, Ryuken.

RYUKEN: Um, what about...

He points to the centre of his chest.

RYUKEN: ... here?

KENZAKI: Interesting. Why do you think that is?

RYUKEN: Uh, because it's the... centre of our body?

KENZAKI: Are you sure? If we're talking about the centre of our bodies, it should be near the bellybutton.

RYUKEN: Oh! Y- yeah... that's where you stuck that paper on me.

KENZAKI: When you get to feel it, there is always a large concentration of energy near our bellybuttons.

Kenzaki places his hand on his stomach.

KENZAKI: The centre. And from that spot, it would start to spread outwards, like blood made of light, flowing in invisible vessels through every part of our body. This... is our Spiritual Force, flowing continuously inside of us, to no end.

RYUKEN: And, every Sixther has this... energy inside?

KENZAKI: Every life has this energy. Animals, trees, humans, anything that breaths. Our bodies affect our physical health, our minds affect our mental health, our souls affect our spiritual health. It has always been there. From birth to death. It may seem insignificant since most can't see or understand it, but our souls are the glue that keeps our body and mind connected. It is the very essence that keeps us living. The very substance that keeps our feet planted where we resided. It is the core of our existence. Without it, we would be nothing but hollow shells.

RYUKEN: ... hmm...

KENZAKI: But what makes us different from the common souls? Unlike them, our souls burn brighter, flows faster and rings a different tune. Demonic souls also have a unique ring to them, allowing us Trackers to-

RYUKEN: Sense them. That's... also another word for that tune, right?

KENZAKI: We used that word a lot, huh?

RYUKEN: Y- yeah?

KENZAKI: Glad you're catching on.

RYUKEN: (chuckles shyly)

KENZAKI: Because our souls burn brighter, it allows us to unlock our sixth sense. Which in turn, unlocks the rest of our five senses to the spiritual side of the world. For example: since we have unlocked our spiritual eye, we could see spiritual creatures, like Demons, who in the eyes of common souls, cannot be seen. They can't see, hear, touch or smell any Demons, even if it's right in front of them.

RYUKEN: And... taste?

KENZAKI: I highly don't recommend it.

RYUKEN: (disgusted)

KENZAKI: This is all possible because of the flow that I mentioned earlier. It rapidly streams the Spiritual Force inside of us to our eyes, ears, hands, everywhere. There are no limits. This gives us our sixth sense, but it gave us more than that. With the Force within, we can use them, control them, expel them, in any possible and unexpected ways.

RYUKEN: Huh...

KENZAKI: We can create diverse shapes from our own energy. We can breathe searing flames from our mouths. We can blow strong winds from our spears. We can jump high and leap from the air itself. But, to deliver such feats, it all starts at the beginning.

Kenzaki reaches into his pocket.

KENZAKI: Ryuken.

RYUKEN: Ah?

He takes his hand out-

KENZAKI: Your first lesson, which is the most important...

-and raises it, holding a coin between his fingers.

KENZAKI: The Art... of Spiritual Concentration.

...

At the back of Mizuno High, a tall, muscular man with dark hair, wearing a brown leather jacket, is walking outside by himself.

The man sports a ponytail and a stubble while wearing a pair of blue-tinted sunglasses.

He looks around, cluelessly searching for something.

THE MAN: ... is this the right way?

COUGH! COUGH!

The man looks up and sees a caramel-haired girl on the highest floor of the school building, dusting a dirty cloth outside the window.

A schoolgirl with orange hair passes by the man.

THE MAN: Hm?

He notices the Hido Mid school badge on her uniform.

He scratches his head, looking more clueless.

THE MAN: Am I in the right place?

End of Chapter 15