Part 3 – Before the First Step
Their classroom was already lively when they entered.
Arashi was talking loudly with Daichi near the desks while Souta leaned back in his chair listening. Hina and Amaya were near the window, and Izumi sat nearby flipping through a notebook.
"Hey!" Kaito called out as they walked in.
Arashi turned immediately. "Took you long enough."
"We're not late," Ayame replied.
Daichi leaned back slightly with a grin. "You ready for today?"
"Obviously," Kaito said.
Hina folded her arms. "Everyone says that until the first match starts."
Amaya laughed softly while Souta glanced toward Haruto. "What about you?"
Haruto placed his bag down beside his desk.
"I'm ready," he said quietly.
The conversations continued around the room—students guessing who they might fight, arguing about strategies, and joking about who would get knocked out first.
Then the classroom door slid open.
Daigo walked in.
The room slowly fell silent as their sensei stepped to the front.
The classroom slowly settled as Daigo stepped inside.
Students who had been talking quickly returned to their desks. Chairs scraped lightly across the floor as everyone took their seats.
Daigo walked to the front of the room and opened the attendance sheet.
One by one, he began calling names.
After finishing, Daigo closed the sheet and looked up at the class.
"I won't take much of your time," he said calmly. "You all know what today is."
A few students straightened in their seats.
Daigo folded his arms.
"Remember how you trained these past months—both for solo combat and for teamwork. The tournament will test both."
Some students exchanged quick glances.
"And before anyone worries," he continued, "every participant will be given time during the tournament to channel Seiryu. So don't concern yourselves about that."
A few relieved murmurs moved through the room.
Daigo raised a finger slightly.
"But listen carefully to this part."
The room grew quiet again.
"You do not need to create temporary storage for Seiryu. What you should create is complete storage."
He paused to let the words settle.
"Temporary storage doesn't last long. If you rely on it, Seiryu may not be there when you actually need it in a fight."
Several students nodded, remembering their training.
"So make sure your storage is stable and complete," Daigo finished.
He picked up the attendance sheet again and turned toward the door.
"That's all."
He glanced back at the class.
"Now gather your things."
A small smile appeared on his face.
"Let's go."