The Arrival of New Competitors

As the Shinsei Academy Tournament approached, elite students from various prestigious schools gathered, each eager to prove their strength. Among them were:

 • Tsubaki Hanekawa (Kagutsuchi Academy) – A dual-wielding swordswoman with fiery red hair and inhuman speed, rumored to have never lost a match.

 • Kaito Sumeragi (Hoshiyama Academy) – A wind manipulator known for his cocky personality and tactical mind.

 • Reiji Kanzaki (Tenma Academy) – A cold and calculating ice user who preferred eliminating opponents from a distance.

 • Satsuki Araragi Jr (Tenshou Academy) – A strategist Eyes who rarely fought but specialized in gathering information on potential rivals.

Despite the presence of these powerful fighters, one name stood out for an entirely different reason—Haruto.

The Forgotten Past

Haruto walked through the academy halls, lost in thought.

“It’s not over.”

The demon’s words echoed in his mind. If a low-class demon had been that strong, how powerful were the ones above it?

But something else was bothering him.

He had encountered Tetsuya Minami and Eri Kurosawa, his old classmates from before he transferred to Shinsei Academy. Back then, there had been no rankings just normal students.

And back then…

“I used to talk about anime with them.”

But when he asked, they didn’t remember.

“Anime? What’s that?”

Eri had frowned at him, as if he were speaking nonsense.

“Are you making things up again?”

It wasn’t just them. No one remembered.

Not a single person.

It was as if anime had been erased from existence.

But why could he still remember?

Before he could think too much about it, a group of students nearby started whispering.

“Is Haruto really trying to join the competition?”

“His energy tank isn’t even enough for the qualifiers.”

“Maybe he thinks he’s in one of those fake ‘anime’ stories he keeps talking about.”

Laughter followed.

Haruto clenched his fists but didn’t respond.

They weren’t wrong—his energy reserve was lower than the top fighters. Even though he had unlocked his real power, he still couldn’t maintain it for long.

A Secret Meeting

Meanwhile, in a quiet training hall, Kai and Rin met with Ami in secret.

“We need Haruto on the team,” Kai said.

Ami raised an eyebrow. “Haruto? The same Haruto who barely qualifies as a F-rank?”

“He’s stronger than you think,” Rin insisted. “He’s just…., Hmm.”

”Covering up” Kai muttered.

Satsuki Araragi Senior, who had been observing from the sidelines, chuckled. “And why would he do that? What kind of idiot hides their potency in a place like this?”

Kai’s eyes narrowed. “You wouldn’t understand.”

Satsuki smirked. “You’re right—I don’t understand why you’re wasting time on someone with barely any energy reserve.” He then turned to Ami. “Anyway, I’m here for something else. I want to know if you noticed anything strange about the recent demon attack.”

Ami crossed her arms. “Strange how?”

Satsuki leaned in. “Someone killed a high-class demon, but no one saw who. You were there, weren’t you? Do you know anyone suspiciously strong?”

Ami thought back to the battle. The energy clash had been unlike anything she had seen before. But when they arrived, the demon was already dead—and Haruto was gone.

“No,” she said finally. “Whoever did it disappeared before we got there.”

Satsuki studied her for a moment before sighing. “I see. Well, if you do find out, let me know.”

With that, he left.

As soon as he was gone, Ami turned back to Kai and Rin.

“You really think Haruto should be on our team?” Kai asked quietly.

“He’s determined,” Rin said. “He wants to fight alongside us, there is nothing to be worried about.”

Kai hesitated before adding, “True, And if we don’t keep him close, someone else might realize how powerful he really is, and the worst part, he might be seen as a threat to the city”

Ami sighed. “Fine. Look like you two are determined. But if he screws up, it’s on you two.”

……..

Haruto’s Resolve

Later that night, Kai and Rin finally confronted Haruto.

“Why are you so determined to join the competition?” Rin asked.

Haruto was silent for a moment. Then he looked at them and said, “I want to stand next to Ami and fight.”

Kai raised an eyebrow. “Then why are you still hiding your power?”

Haruto looked away. “Because if people find out, things will change. And right now, I’m not ready for that.”

Rin and Kai exchanged glances.

They still didn’t fully understand Haruto’s reasoning—but for now, they would trust him.

The competition was only days away.

And whether Haruto was ready or not, soon, everything would change.

…….