0.23: Hajiman

Red Star High School was once well-known as the most advanced institution for ronins and humans. It remained functional for 42 years under the founder, Mister Tie Ken-tuck Goldin, and was established by the Williams family. The school aimed to unite ronins and humans while training and educating those considered potential Quarts members. Unfortunately, the school has been out of commission since the invasion of Legon City.

"I'm hungry; maybe there's something good at the store."

A young ronin, also part of the evil organizations, found the drought and stillness in the city peaceful. He had white-green hair, orange eyes, a white shirt, and a yellow tie. Recording forty-nine kills alone, he was the main epiphany in the Central region.

"Oi, Tashiro. Did you see Naohiri anywhere?" Chiampa asked him. Tashiro Korosawa was his name, ranked fourth out of the minor 10. He's been with Hajiman for 3 years but made it up the ranks fast.

"He had to take care of the 2nd Quarts; it seems like the White Angels were giving him some problems. Why?"

"The boss has summoned all of us. We got a meeting."

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All members of Hajiman gathered in an underground room with no chairs. The area was filled with demoniacs and screens on the walls.

"Why would there be a meeting all of a sudden?" Yashima (Major 6) asked.

"I don't know, probably another message from that snake…I hate that family." Felicia said.

Tashiro arrived with Chiampa while they all awaited their leader.

"Tashiro, why the sudden meeting?" She asked.

"I don't know, but I think Naohiri might."

"I also had no clue…but I heard it was urgent." Naohiri (Minor 7) said behind him.

The lights dimmed down as the boss made his way in. They all went on one knee and bowed before him. "Alright, I will be as brief as possible due to time. Cob (Major 2) has been eliminated today in battle."

"Wait, what? Whoa, so that little girl was that powerful?" Felicia said.

"Is there something you know, Felicia?" The boss asked.

"I was chasing this girl down to the central region before Cob stopped me. After that, I returned to my post."

He held his chin and stood in front of the screen. "Whatever, this is a good thing."

"How the hell is this a good thing? We lost the second-strongest Hajiman member." Takato (Major 4) said. "And it kinda ruins our title if we're the major 10s but with nine individuals."

"Takato, what is my name?" The boss asked.

He remained quiet and kept his eyes closed. "It's Tester, Boss."

"And what does that mean? Each day presents a new challenge, offering an opportunity for success or failure. However, unlike in life, where we have multiple chances to improve, the stakes are higher in war, and the risks are greater."

He stood on one of the pillars as one ray of light shone on him.

"To be or not to be, THAT is the question. One's worth is either of a positive nature or non-existent, as there is a choice to be made. Our gathering serves a singular purpose: to dominate Central City. Every action we take will profoundly impact the outcome, whether we live or die. The power over our minds lies within us, not external factors. It is imperative to think critically in every situation. The victor of a war is not of importance, but rather what valuable assets are taken from the enemy! Although the loss of a rookie may seem insignificant, eliminating a top soldier will demoralize the opposition. This is the essence of the Art of War!!"

YEAH!!

"So all my 20, be 19 today…I want you all to find someone that can fill the spot. As for the meantime, Motoroshi shall take over as the major 2."

He walked forward and turned to the crowd. "Firstly, I'll be glad to hold this position. Secondly, if Cob died, he was a liability to us. And thirdly, since it's temporary, I hope you'll all agree to-"

"I don't!" Tashiro exclaimed. "Why should we let HIM, of all people, take reign?! He's weaker than all 19 of us; I say we all move one rank up, and he becomes the minor 10!"

"I agree on that one. Roshi may look all serious, but he's not worthy of the second seat," Felicia declared.

"I think it's alright." Sekiro (Major 3) said. "I trust that Motoroshi is well capable of holding the second seat. To top it all off, he's one of the very first of us that emerged during the first apprehension,"

Felicia jumped towards him and began poking his chest. "No, no, no Kiro. The person BELOW him can't decide! HAHAHA!!"

"What did you say?"

"Guys…"

They all halted as they sensed a spiritual solid presence from the door. The most powerful among them entered, clearly in a bad mood. "I lost my friend, and you are already planning on replacing him?"

"M-Major 1?" Felicia stuttered, then stepped back.

Sekiro stood face-to-face with him, doing his best to remain composed. But the spiritas pressure caused bleeding from his nose before he passed out. Tester turned back to the commotion. "Well, it is good to see you, Major 1."

"Boss…I need someone that can stand next to me without dying. If anyone can't do that, they don't deserve to share the spot below me."