The Gauntlet

As Izumi, Myamura, and Elite burst through the front door of the sealed building, they were met with a formidable obstacle—an army of 150 gangsters, all loyal to Sayo. The trio wasted no time and leaped into action, determined to clear their path.

**Izumi:** (with a fierce resolve) "We can't let them stop us!"

Myamura and Elite, their fighting domains activated, moved with extraordinary speed and precision. Their combined efforts created a whirlwind of martial arts mastery, mixed with devastating strikes and fluid movements.

**Myamura:** "Stay close and watch each other's backs!"

Elite's monk-like composure was a stark contrast to the chaos surrounding them as he delivered precise strikes and counterattacks.

**Elite:** "We cannot be deterred!"

The gangsters, initially confident in their numbers, found themselves overwhelmed by the skill and power of their adversaries.

Gangster 1: (panicked) "They're too strong!"

Gangster 2: "We can't hold them back!"

Myamura, the master of close-quarter combat, displayed his expertise as he engaged the gangsters in a flurry of precise and devastating moves. His strikes were lightning-fast, and he moved seamlessly from one opponent to the next.

**Myamura:** (with precision) "You can't match my close-quarter combat skills!"

His enemies found themselves unable to defend against Myamura's rapid and calculated attacks. With each move, he incapacitated multiple opponents, creating an opening for Izumi and Elite to press forward.

Elite, a master of both kung fu and karate, unleashed a powerful combination of these martial arts styles as he engaged the gangsters. His movements were fluid, and his strikes were executed with precision and grace.

**Elite:** (focused) "Let me show you the true power of martial arts."

With his kung fu and karate techniques, Elite exhibited a range of strikes, kicks, and blocks that left the gangsters in awe and fear. His movements were a testament to his years of disciplined training and unwavering dedication.

Gangster 3: (nervous) "He's a martial arts master!"

Gangster 4: "We can't stop him!"

Elite's control over his body and his deep understanding of combat allowed him to neutralize multiple opponents at once. His skillful use of kung fu and karate created a formidable presence on the battlefield, making it clear that he was not to be underestimated.

As Izumi observed Myamura's close-quarter combat and Elite's kung fu and karate techniques, he found himself instinctively mimicking their moves. His actions mirrored theirs with uncanny precision, leaving Myamura and Elite stunned.

**Myamura:** (bewildered) "He's copying our moves..."

**Elite:** (in amazement) "It's true, our students told us. Izumi possesses a rare ability..."

Izumi, realizing that he was effortlessly replicating their techniques, marveled at his newfound skill. His eyes glimmered with a mix of surprise and determination.

**Izumi:** (focused) "I can mimic and adapt... just like you both said."

Myamura and Elite exchanged a knowing glance, recognizing that Izumi's unique ability was a game-changer. It added a new layer to their team's capabilities, making them an even more formidable force against the gangsters and, ultimately, against Sayo.

After defeating the gangsters on the ground floor, Izumi, Myamura, and Elite ascended the stairs to the upper level of the building. There, they were confronted with three closed doors leading to separate rooms, each concealing a mystery of its own.

**Izumi:** (surveying the doors) "We have to find them, but we don't know which room they're in."

Myamura, always the strategist, offered a solution.

**Myamura:** "Let's split up. We'll each check a room. If we find them, we'll signal the others."

Elite and Izumi nodded in agreement, understanding that time was of the essence.

**Elite:** (resolute) "Agreed. Let's go."

With a determined spirit and their skills at the ready, the trio moved toward the doors, preparing to face whatever challenges lay behind them as they began their search for Amane, Fuji, and Itsuki.

In the concealed control room, Sayo monitored the trio's progress through surveillance cameras. A sinister grin crept across her face as she observed Izumi, the focus of her malevolence.

**Sayo:** (whispering to herself) "They're walking toward their death."

Her gaze remained fixed on Izumi, and her grin widened with a wicked delight.

**Sayo:** (mockingly) "Oh, my poor grandson. Looks like you're going to meet your end by your own father. Such a happy day it is."

Sayo reveled in the anticipation of what she believed was an imminent tragedy, her cruel intentions fueling her determination to see her sinister plans through to the end.