“I know,” Ren said quietly.

“Then it’s okay,” Kemuri replied.

Ikari Smirked. “Heh… why are you so concerned about that fool?”

He stepped forward, his eyes glinting with scorn. “I thought I saw something in you… but turns out, you’re even more boring than that garbage… Come.”

Ren stepped forward calmly. “He’s just a fool, so what? Anyway—both of you, come at me at the same time.”

“Hey… are you looking down on me?”

“No. I’m not like you.”

“Huh?”

Ren’s voice—calm but razor-sharp. “I don’t bully the weak like you.”

Ikari burst into a creepy laugh. “Hahaha! You’re interesting. So you’re saying you’re strong?”

Ren shook his head. “No. I’m not strong.”

Ikari’s eyes widened. “Then what?”

“But I’m certain…” Ren exhaled. “I’m stronger than both of you.”

Ikari grinned, sparks flickering from his right hand. “Heh. Then prove it.”

Ren didn’t move. Instead, he looked Ikari in the eye and asked, “Hey… let me ask you something. Why do you think I use a katana?”

“Huh?”

***

Meanwhile, the conversation continued between Kazuma and Sakura.

“Master… why are you angry with me?” Sakura’s voice trembled. “I was just talking to Ken…”

Kazuma’s eyes narrowed. “You just talked to him? Really? Then tell me… in what tone? In what way?”

Sakura’s lips quivered. “I… I didn’t want to look cheap in your eyes…”

“What nonsense are you talking about?”

Tears welled up in her eyes as she clenched her fists.

Kazuma folded his arms. “You always say he cries too easily… but now you're the one crying.”

She wiped her tears, trying to steady her voice. “I’ve always loved him. But if I start acting differently just because I found out he’s strong… doesn’t that mean I only saw his power? Wouldn’t you look down on me for that?”

Kazuma stayed silent and turned away.

“Tell me… if you were in my place, would you have believed what you both told me? I believed in him—even when it felt strange—because he took care of me.”

She continued, voice cracking. “I know how I sounded… but I just wanted to cheer for him in my own way. I’ve always loved him, even when I talk like that…”

He blinked in disbelief. ‘She… thinks that deeply?’

“If I start talking normally now just because you said he’s strong… what would you think of me? I can think too, Master. Don’t treat me like a child… He told me not to ask anything… so I didn’t.”

Kazuma sighed. “Don’t cry. I get it. Just… talk normally from now on. I don't feel anything.”

“Really?” Sakura’s voice lit up faintly.

Kazuma grunted. “Haa…”

“Say that while facing me.”

“What’s the point? Whether I say it facing you or not, it’s the same.”

“No, it’s not! Look at me and say it!”

With a long exhale, Kazuma turned slowly to face her. “Okay. Now are you happy?”

Sakura sniffed, hiding a small smile. “Hmph. I thought you’d be crying when you turned around… but you’re just normal.”

Kazuma gave her a sarcastic glare. “Huh? Why would I cry? I’m not like you.”

Sakura pouted. “Ugh, I don’t cry. I was acting.”

Kazuma tilted his head slightly, a small smirk curving on his lips. “If you’re going to lie, make it believable.”

Sakura puffed her cheeks, eyes narrowing with a teasing glare. “Buu!”

Kazuma sighed, arms crossing, his expression amused. “Well… okay, okay…” He glanced sideways. “But from now onwards—”

Sakura quickly nodded, her eyes wide with innocence. “Okay! But promise one thing—you won’t get angry at me.”

Kazuma simply nodded in return, silently.

Suddenly, from the arena floor—

Ren’s voice rang out again, his tone calm but cutting. “Why do you think I use the katana?”

Sakura blinked, confused. “Huh? Master, what is Ken talking about?”

Kazuma answered immediately, shrugging without interest. “He just uses a katana, that’s it. He’s an idiot.”

Sakura frowned. “I asked for an answer, but you’re not giving one!”

Kazuma shot her a flat look. “That’s the answer. What else do you think? He’s not a combat-type, that’s why he uses a weapon. I already said it. Your dumb brain just didn’t get it.”

“Oh! That’s actually correct, right…”

*******

A sneer curled on Ikari’s lips. “How can I know?”

Ren’s gaze didn’t waver. “Because I mostly depend on my katana and my Tai art.”

“Tai art? So what?” Ikari chuckled, licking his lips. “You’re looking down on me?”

*******

– { Now I get it. 80% confirmed. But we’ll be sure if he uses that node.}

– ‘Maa?’

– “Mom, if he uses it, then it’s 100% confirmed right?”

– { Huh? Are you mental? If he uses it, it's only 95% confirmed. 100% isn’t possible unless he says it himself. By the way, we’re just assuming. Others think he’s just someone who uses a katana. }

– ‘Maa, please talk in a way I can understand! How else can I follow?’

– “Ohh, you’re listening too? Didn’t realize.”

Yuki snapped, – ‘I’ve been here the whole time!’

– “Ah okay, okay, just kidding!”

– { I’m guessing—if the opponent only use basic lightning, he won’t be able to stand against him. }

*******

Ren narrowed his eyes. “Then, I’ll show you what it is.”

Ikari blinked. “Huh—?”

Before he could finish, Ren vanished. A sudden force slammed into Ikari’s chest.

A flash. The world flipped.

He crashed into the edge of the ring wall.

Silence.

‘What… what just happened? He hit me? I didn’t even see him move… This pain… did I crash into the wall and fall?’

The crowd fell dead silent.

*****

“…Haruki, you said 101, right?” Sujin asked quietly.

“…Yes.”

“Now I understand. But…”

“I’m not sure. It’ll still increase.”

“...Right.”

Miya stared without blinking, unable to speak.

***

“Master, what just happened?! How did Ken move so fast and hit that hard?”

“That’s Tai art. But not basic.”

Sakura frowned. “Explain clearly!”

“I don’t know. I can’t unlock it.”

She groaned. “Liar again!”

“I’m telling the truth,” Kazuma said calmly.

Then— A voice came from the side. Kazuma’s head turned sharply. “Huh?”

A guy (Number ‘1’) sat with his hoodie pulled low over his forehead, his face hidden in shadow. His tone was calm, measured as he spoke with deliberate clarity.

“From listening to your words, I comprehend a few things. First, you and that guy near the healer call them ‘masters,’ so both of you must be younger than the two.”

“Second, they are telling lies—you didn’t believe them, but because he cares for you, you chose to believe… maybe lies about the arts not being taught to you, or that the guy named Ken is not strong.”

“Third, even after being told he is strong, you still call him disrespectful, which makes the other angry. But you said something like, ‘After knowing, if I talk like that, I’m only seeing power,’ and didn't ask him anything because you love him.”

Both looked at him, confused.

He let out a long sigh, then added, “Well, if you love him, tell him. He seems like an understanding guy—maybe he’ll understand and marry you.”

Kazuma’s lips twitched, and a puff of air escaped as he tried to stifle a laugh.

“Why are you laughing, Master? Hey, who are you?” Sakura snapped sharply, narrowing her eyes. “You sound like a creepy guy, just listening without saying a word until now.”

That guy’s calmness didn’t waver. “I’m just curious about your words. What’s wrong? And he looks strong. There’s nothing wrong with loving him.”

A flash of anger sparked in Sakura’s eyes. “You bastard! First, show your face! Damn it, what makes you think that? You totally misunderstood.”

“Huh? Did I miss something?” he replied, shrugging. “I came after Haruto-san dropped weapons on the ground… Ummm, even though I didn’t see the first fight and got here late…”

Sakura’s voice rose sharply, filled with irritation. “Hey! First, get far away from here, you creepy guy! You don’t know anything, and you’re talking rubbish!”

He blinked. “You only told him, right? ‘Even after knowing he’s strong, I still want to cheer for him like that—I love him even if he talks disrespectfully.’ ”

Suddenly, her hand shot forward, reaching for that guy’s neck with sharp anger. “You…”

The tension broke instantly as his expression shifted, a nervous but joyful smile spreading across his face. “Wait, I’m leaving, don’t get angry!”

He got to his feet and moved up the arena stairs without looking back. “But he does that using that node, right?”

Kazuma’s voice dropped to a calm, steady tone. “How old are you?”

“25,” came the straightforward reply.

Kazuma nodded slightly, a knowing smile touching his lips.

***

Ren called out to Kemuri. “Hey, you! Are you going to fight, or just admit defeat?”

“Hey, Ikari! Wake up, you idiot! You just fell for that?” Then, more determined, he said, “Fine. I’ll defeat you myself.”

Kemuri slipped his hands into his pockets and smoothly pulled out shurikens, hurling them with deadly precision.

Ren’s body moved like water, dodging each shuriken with smooth, effortless grace.

Kemuri followed up quickly, flicking kunai from his wrist, but Ren stepped back, circling smoothly as he avoided every strike with ease.

“Hey, bastard! Don’t just dodge — fight!” Kemuri snarled, frustration mounting. He thought. ‘Shit, what is this? None of my attacks are landing… What’s with this guy?’

“Are you done talking?”

Suddenly, Ren appeared behind him and slammed his palm into Kemuri’s back. “What!?”

Kemuri was thrown backward, crashing hard against the ring wall.

Ikari slowly stood, his voice dripping with mockery. “Hitting someone unguarded? You coward… Come on now.”

Lightning crackled as Ikari formed a spear in his left hand. With a burst of speed, he lunged at Ren.

“You still don’t get it,” Ren said. With a single step, he closed the distance, striking Ikari’s right shoulder with his palm, flipping over his shoulder, then chopping down on his left wrist at an angle.

***

“Shit, because of that creepy guy, I didn’t see the fight.”

Kazuma’s voice came calm but steady. “Well, don’t worry about it.”

***

A sharp scream of pain rang out. “Ahhh!” Lightning discharged from Ikari’s hand. ‘What the hell? This bastard—my wrist feels numb!’

Without hesitation, Ren snapped a swift kick to Ikari’s right leg. “Ahhhh!”... ‘Damn it… I need to focus on the flow. He’s striking with precision!’

Ren followed up with a kick to the other leg, and Ikari crashed hard to the ground.

“Don’t bother trying to stand. If you want to leave.”

Ikari’s breath hitched as he lay defeated. ‘Well… I guess I’m weak.’

***

– ‘Hey, could you do that?’

– “Why are you comparing me to that guy?”

– { I’m 95% sure now. He fights just like before. Then also he didn’t use his type. }

– “Is it because he doesn’t have a type?”

– { He hasn’t fully used it yet. So we can’t be sure. }

– “Then you’re saying he does?”

Yuki let out a sulky sigh. – ‘I’m bored. You’re talking without me again.’

Yui laughed softly. – “Then stay bored.”

She huffed. – ‘Don’t talk to me, I’m upset.’

A smile curved on Miko’s lips, clearly amused. – { You’re acting like such a child, you know? }

– ‘...’

***

Ren slowly opened his mouth, his tone calm yet intense. The tip of his katana gleamed as he aimed it at Ikari. “If you want to win, just win. Why humiliate your opponent?”

His eyes hardened. “What do you gain by disrespecting others? Especially in a fight like this.”

His voice dropped, heavy with conviction. “That way of winning is pathetic.”

***

Sujin rose from his seat, curiosity evident in his tone. “Hey, you look interesting. Who is your Master?”

Ren lifted his head, turning his back toward Hisagi, who had fallen across from the cabin. Without looking back, he answered calmly, “I don’t have one. And now, I am the Master.”

“Huh? What?”

Ren’s voice remained steady as he continued, “He is my disciple. If anyone wants to do anything to him, they have to go through me first... If you do that, I will...”

He paused, then added with a dry edge. “Well, nothing. Of course, I can’t involve myself in one-on-one battles.”

***

“Master, Ken agrees to take him as a disciple!”

Kazuma said with frustration, “That idiot, what is he thinking by saying that?”

He said in a gibberish way, “ ‘I thill thow the thell.’ And he even stopped mid-sentence.”

“He didn’t say that. You’re just imagining the full line, Master.”

“...”

***

Ren’s eyes narrowed as he spoke firmly, brushing off the urgency. “You don’t have to heal now.”

A burst of anger erupted from Miya, her voice sharp and confused. “Huh? Hey, what are you talking about?”

Without hesitation, Ren lifted Hisagi onto his shoulders with steady strength.

“Hey, I’m telling you, but you’re not listening. I have to heal him.”

“Don’t worry. You can heal, just not right now.”

Ren strode toward the center of the arena where Ikari lay sprawled. He raised his head and glanced sharply to his right, where Kazuma sat watching silently. Without making a sound, Ren parted his lips and mouthed silently. ‘Come.’

Kazuma’s eyes widened slightly, confused. “Huh? What? Does he want me to come? Is that what it means?”

“Master? Did Ken call you?” Sakura whispered.

“Wait here,” Kazuma replied quietly.

In one swift motion, Kazuma jumped up and rushed down the stairs to the arena floor.

Haruto stepped forward, raising his voice. “Hey, why did you come? The match is over. The winner is 100.”

Ren’s voice stayed calm but firm. “Don’t come any closer. I’m not doing anything strange.” Haruto halted.

A hushed exchange began between Ren and Kazuma through mind voice exchange art.

– Hey, why did you call me?

– Do something.

– Huh? I don’t understand. Do what?

– Look at him.

– Huh? Well, I get it. But what do I do? There’s nothing to use.

– That’s why I took Hisagi.

A sudden realization hit him. – Umm, sometimes your dumb mind works surprisingly well.

Kazuma’s tone grew urgent. “… Sujin—I mean, Sujin-sama, this boy Hisagi lost consciousness. We need to heal him.”

Miya’s voice rose defensively. “Hey, I already told him, but he took him!”

Sujin’s voice remained calm and steady. “She’s the healer.”

“I know, but there’s something wrong with him. Her healing doesn’t work.”

‘Shit, what am I even saying?’

“Huh? Hey, don’t underestimate me.”

Kazuma shook his head quickly. “I’m not underestimating you. It’s different.”

Sujin’s voice stayed smooth. “Then what? Do you want another healer?”

Kazuma replied firmly, “No, that’s not necessary—because I’m a healer.”

– “That red-haired guy is a healer?”

– { If he’s really him, then no… I haven’t seen him use healing. }

– “Huh!? Then why is he lying!?”

Miko's reply was dismissive and confused. – { How should I know? }

***

Kenzo’s eyes flickered as he thought to himself. ‘I want to watch the matches too. Maybe I’ll go later. Inori-sama will allow it.’

|“Then what? Do you want another healer?”|

Inori sat in her room, her gaze fixed on the screen. Furrowing her brow, she murmured softly, “Hm, why did that guy come suddenly to the arena floor?”

Inori (Age 40, appears 28–30 due to de-aging art, has a fair skin tone, a sweet voice, and a cheerful yet tranquil demeanor.

She wears an elegant, fitted cream-pink robe with long sleeves and golden embroidery at the bottom, clipped at the back for structure. The wide neckline gracefully reveals her collarbones and the soft curve beneath—without exposing anything.

A dark pink cream sash secures the robe at the waist. Below, she wears a layered light pink skirt under the robe, paired with fitted black leggings for mobility.

Her hair is a mix of black and light brown, tied in a short ponytail, and adorned with an ornate hair clip.)