“As a Kinetic Operative, it’s important to keep your emotions in check, as you can leak out your power to society and it will cause some discourse. Due to circumstances, you can gain kinetics because of seeing the Crimson Light, blood transfusions, and inheriting it from your parents.”

Akihiro says.

He steps towards Saito and Tsubaki and puts them side by side and continues to speak.

“Now, my teammates will demonstrate certain features that can let you know who’s a kinetic. First, we have our first example. Tsubaki is going to strike Saito in the funny bone.” Akihiro says with a smile.

Before Saito can even react, Akihiro grabs and Tsubaki uses her knuckles to hit Saito’s funny bone. Upon impact, Saito lets out an unstable current of electricity from his palm. Saito visibly in pain looks back at Akihiro and says.

“Gyah, did you really have to do that?” Saito exclaims.

The whole room erupts in laughter and Akihiro says while grinning.

“It worked right? The funny bone stimulates your nerves in your arm and feels extremely funny when struck. For Kinetics, this sudden stimulation can be useful for an explosive attack. On to the next example, aside from that physical reaction. Emotions can get the best of us, the person to showcase this is our women’s kendo champion.”

Tsubaki immediately stops grinning and has a pout on her face. Saito, on the other hand, seems to have a big smirk on his face. The two come face to face and Akihiro says.

“Alright, these two are gonna showcase the emotional part. Saito commence Code: S.”

Saito immediately sweeps Tsubaki’s legs and catches her in his arms, bridal style. The whole class of recruits begin to jump out of their chairs and start hyping up the coolness of Saito’s display. Tsubaki, still stunned by what just happened, tries to comprehend the situation. After looking at Saito deep in the eyes as she’s cradled in his arms. She becomes extremely flushed with red and steam leaves her head.

“That’s the emotional side of things. She’s blushed so hard, that her blood temperature skyrocketed and her fire kinetic is producing steam from her head. Other examples would be someone actually becoming hotheaded on the battlefield or in the real world. The latter we wish not to happen” Akihiro says carefully.

The instructor cuts in and says.

“Although, the last one was a bit unconventional. Thanks for the demonstration of how physical traits and emotions have an effect on kinetic users.”

Saito rubs his arm to get rid of the uncomfortable feeling and Tsubaki tries to compose herself, Akihiro gives a small grin and all of three of them give a bow. The door bursts open and it's the same nurse that was going to handle Saito’s examination. She heads over to the trio and before getting angry, the instructor cuts in and explains that they helped out teaching the lesson. The nurse looks over to the trio and brings them back to the hallway. After some time, they finally reach the intended location, in front of them they enter a big dark room, the lighters flicker on and they hear someone over the PA system.

“Welcome back to the branch, Kazami-kun. I’m sure it’s been a while since you’ve tested at our facilities as you have been spending your time in America. Although we have your data from their facility, we decided to update your records since your last physical has been about two years ago. As seen from your last battle, your team synergy is still top-notch even after all these years but since you’re being reassigned to your three-man cell, we’d like to make adjustments in case, you’re selected for different party missions. It’s rare nowadays to have those missions but we have to be prepared.” The proctor says.

Saito looks over to his friends and says.

“Huh, I guess I didn’t realize it’s been two years since I did a physical. Alright! I can finally be a showoff to the people who matter most. Pay attention, you two!”

“Yeah alright, you probably aren’t all that different aside from your new lightning kinetic. Shouldn’t be all that different from when we were kids.” Tsubaki brushes off.

“I don’t know Tsubaki, considering how we fought the other day, it’s pretty strategic but there’s always some gimmick that’s peculiar.” Akihiro interjects.

Tsubaki responds pompously.

“You certainly are correct about that, he doesn’t take anything seriously I swear.”

“Oi oi, why are you guys ganging up on me?!” Saito responds in a saddened tone.

“You know what actually because you said that, I’m gonna take it seriously.” Saito says in an annoyed manner.

“I know you guys are having your little spat and everything but... You really should be taking these tests seriously. We need to take everything into account when collecting your data. This affects what missions we send you on.” The nurse affirms.

Saito grins and responds with.

“Of course, I was gonna take all this seriously, but I can’t show all my moves in the Damage Output section right?”

The nurse lets out a small smirk and says.

“Well, you are certainly right but make sure you do well. And I wasn’t going to disclose this but it seems Director Magen Odama is planning to have a small tournament soon as the anomalies aren’t too active as of late.”

“Yes! I love Magen. Finally, I’ll have a proper stage for my clownliness huh?” Saito exclaims.

“Well, I guess this gives me the chance to show you what the ladies Kendo division has taught me. Gimmicks can only go so far than actual proper instruction.” Tsubaki says sternly.

Ah yes, Tsubaki still loves being straight-laced. I understand your viewpoint but you gotta think on those big feet of yours.” Saito says while smugly smirking.

Akihiro stops texting and bursts out laughing.

Tsubaki starts visibly fuming and she goes over to try and punch Saito, but the nurse reminds her that he’s still a patient in the facility.

Saito finally steps into the room and an AI begins to explain the details of each examination.

Reaction

The speed test is three separate tests, showcase your speed and reaction speeds.

How much distance you can cover within the time allotted.

Tested with a room that morphs into any course imaginable. This one allows the use of your powers for most parts of the exam and it will be disabled during certain moments.

Your top speed.

Using a modified treadmill that would usually be used on athletes. This tests how close you can get to your limit.

Your adrenaline speeds.

This test is optional however if allowed to take part, you will be placed under a sedative that sets a clean slate on your mind, this reprograms your mind and gives you the situation of trying to save someone from their death to invoke adrenaline, and what is measured is what your limit really is and how fast you can move and react based on adrenaline.

Determination

The strength test benchmarks how much weight the individual can take, like any other physical endurance test.

The combat prowess section of this test gathers information and how much you can dish out and how much you can take before you hit your limit. Dishing out damage in the given time and the style you do it. How much you can take is checked by finding which point of your body has a certain sweet spot. Then we check how much you can take in that region.

Physical

Like the well-known FitnessGram, we measure how much you can do for each exercise. Along with those exercises, attendees will be tested how much weight they can carry or lift.

Damage Intake

In this test, the attendee will be targeted in multiple locations across their body and test to see which area is a severe weak point. This can be tested with a body skin that calculates the muscle strength of each area and/or having a combat specialist target their pressure points to see which is most vulnerable.

Damage Output

As stated, in the allotted time, the attendee will be given multiple targets to hit and each target registers how much force was in that attack and the speed it was hit. Accuracy is also important in a test like this. Style points are also awarded for how fluid the attacks and movements are.

*This happens to be one of the most popular tests, it's openly shared and broadcasted to others in each branch. Giving people more of a drive to showcase themselves and testing their skill.

Clarity

Our third category is our mental state testing. To be permitted to work, mental stability levels must be reached, if not then your license can be suspended for a given time.

Mental Stability

This test will not be shown to others aside from your certified medical attendant and yourself. Through a series of questions and brain scans, we can deduce if you’re mentally stable to enter battle.

After completing the aforementioned screenings, Saito exits the boxed room inside of the testing room and yawns.

“Geez, I felt like all these tests went on forever, but it seems like that’s all the test I have to do right?” Saito exclaims.

“Hah, you’re funny. You still have one more to do, so stop yawning and deal with it.” Tsubaki says in a demeaning manner.

“Tsubaki, I think you forget how new this final test is. We only started using it like 8 months back.” Akihiro states.

The proctor over the loudspeaker then says.

“You’re absolutely right, the both of you. Here in the Japan branch of MAN: KO, we added a fourth test, commonly referred to as EnviroForce. However, it seems like we’ll have to reschedule for tomorrow. I’ll explain the procedure to you for now.”

EnviroForce

Environmental Force tests how individuals are affected in specific environments, to simulate how the environment plays in a fight or given situation. These tests weigh on the importance of being able to adapt in any situation, even aerial combat.

Aerodynamic Flexibility

While plummeting towards the ground, steel beams collide together, and your job is to use the terrain to make your way to the goal without your body being caught on to anything or getting touched by any of the beams. Dodging and steering yourself through the air is important.

Knockback

Testing the fortitude of the attendee to see what can blow them back, how much G-Force/ Wind they can take without losing their grip from the ground. Being caught in a wind tunnel, earthquake, etc.

“Overall, Saito, you did splendidly across all of the examinations, the mental report will be discussed another time as we’ll do some extra filing and small checks. Report back here tomorrow and we’ll let you undergo the test, as we’ll also be testing someone else.” The proctor says.

“Well, what can I say? We’ve been training for years, it only makes sense that we should do well on any of these tests.” Saito says with a smirk.

“Nevertheless, all your test results are pretty good, but we still have to go over your mental stability and other sensitive information privately.” The nurse says.

“Yeah, I think that’s wise, while I’m at it I’ll make a proper report to Odama-san. Tsubaki! Akihiro! Go on without me, I’ll catch with you guys after I take care of this.” Saito shouts as he continues walking with the nurse.

Akihiro and Tsubaki stay behind and they make up their minds to leave the branch for today. They head towards the exit of the medical hall and almost reach the exit of the building.

“Oh right, it definitely felt weird that I was leaving with you. I gotta check on her, and I think you have to go practice today Kendo today, right? I’ll see you tomorrow at school, Tsun-chan!” Akihiro says.

Before Tsubaki can retaliate, Akihiro rushes back to the medical ward of the building and escapes from a potential beatdown from her. She begins to flare up but simmers down rather quickly. Tsubaki leaves Headquarters and goes for the teleportation pad that Akihiro and Saito used to enter. Once she emerges from the alleyway, she heads towards the train station, while she waits she enters a convenience store and picks up two magazines. A new volume of ShoujoHop and a lady’s magazine on How to Get Your Man. Tsubaki picks up some pocky along with her magazines and walks up to the counter. The man behind the cash registers asks for her BuyPass, and she hands it to him. The cashier scans the items and looks at Tsubaki with a questionable gaze. Tsubaki averts her gaze and packs the bag of items in her bag and briskly walks out of the store. The cashier gives out a small chuckle and says under their breath.

“She has good taste in picking up ShoujoHop, but she must be trying hard if she’s picking up a women’s magazine. Poor kid. Best of luck.”

Back at headquarters, Saito appears to be walking away from the conference room after finishing his discussion with Odama, the director of the Japanese Branch of MANKO.

As Saito and Odama walk side by side, Odama thinks up a conversation and finds his topic. Odama then says.

“Saito, I must apologize once more after all the information, you just disclosed to me. We’ll release an actual statement on your father, now that you wavered the information. But enough of that, I’m tired of wearing this stern face. How are you doing? Aren’t you living by yourself?”

“I should be fine, although I’m at a bit of a disadvantage. I’d originally paid for a small place in the neighborhood but my grandparents went above and beyond, the place I was going to pay for. Rinka is living there, as for my house, I’m in a big house that feels a bit empty. It’s still weird that my grandparents would even lend me this bigger house, when they don’t like acknowledging me since I’m my mother’s son.” Saito responds with a sigh.

“I wish I could do more to help out, however it seems our fight with the anomaly is at a pause as they aren’t as active as years before. During Daichi’s time and right when you joined it was getting crazy. They almost breached us and came to our reality… We’re truly thankful for your father and even your mother. Aside from all that, he was my buddy when it comes to fighting games.” Odama mulls over.

“Don’t worry Odama, after you taught me how to do inputs and actual combos, I’ve destroyed my dad. He’s great but he still didn’t understand number notation, maybe his biggest flaw. Either way, I should be a real challenge now.” Saito says with confidence.

“Is that so? How about we have a few matches at the arcades in Akihabara?” Odama suggests.

“I really would but by the time we get to leave here, it’d be too late considering you’re Director and all. We can play some time soon, I’m sure of it.” Saito affirms.

An assistant from the same testing hall from before rushes over to Odama and says.

“Director Magen Odama, I’d like to talk to you about our new transfer from America.

Shall we arrange that she comes at the same time as Saito, Akihiro, and Tsubaki?”

Saito perks up as he hears his name and asks the assistant and Odama.

“The proctor briefly mentioned there would be someone testing tomorrow the EnviroForce tomorrow with me. Is that the transfer? I wonder who they are.”

Magen begins to laugh and says.

“Oh, I think you’ll get along just fine with this new transfer. I'm just wondering what else might happen tomorrow.”

A girl exits an airplane with suitcases in hand, with a big smirk across her face.