บท 53: mode of operation.

Ryuto Asamiya meditated on all his thoughts, his naked and sweaty body engaged in a training routine corresponding to the strength exercises of a superhuman.

Ragnarok's ambush had been beneficial, but Freya's loss left a mark on his record. The fall and the end were disastrous for the involved parties; only two leaders remained, Shogo Berserker and Ryuto, each contemplating their battle plans alone, yet their confidence in future victory remained unshaken.

The strength of both was undeniable, and the lingering doubt about the disappearance of Kei Kazama consumed the thoughts of many members of Ragnarok. However, Ryuto kept calm; Kei's situation was known, and his enlistment as a mercenary surprised Ryuto.

At the same time, Tanimoto walked through the halls of Kyorko High School. His persona as the good boy was overshadowed by the fall of his gentle and naive profile, now transformed into that of a businessman and martial artist. Few promises remained, but whispers about the final battle of Ragnarok circulated. Shimpaku had lost, and the patrols of Ragnarok's thugs now revealed the evident silence that thrived—a call to a final fight.

-I think I might take a look if Loki shows up; this is my chance, - Tanimoto commented to no one.

A heartbeat!

In the next moment, Nijima and the others, after being treated, took refuge in a small shed filled with garbage, waiting for the right moment to strike. This time, Shogo's strength was contained; few knew this, but Shogo's power, along with his talent and effort to surpass Kei, was unfathomable, leaving only minor damages in the metal shed where Nijima, Thor, Sigfried, and other lower-ranking members of the Shimpaku alliance gathered.

Nijima laid out the numerous seeds and sent a text message to Kenichi, which he otherwise would have considered an act of manipulation.

The message read: I wanted to tell you before—you're someone who continuously surprises me! I used to think that everyone has a role to play in their lives, those who were inferior due to bullying must play the role of the bullied, and those who boss them around were all born with the destiny to play that character... but your existence has left me with a different belief. After studying different types of people, you used to be categorized as weak, but now you have an incredible work ethic through hard work! Therefore, a great dream has arisen: one day establish a martial arts organization with you as the core. But now you must focus on defeating Ryuto Asamiya. Goodbye! -

-We're surrounded on all fronts, - Matsui commented, starting to wave his flag. - With Shimpaku Kengou in this situation, calling the captain here is like sending him to his death. -

-Let's just wait long enough, - Nijima replied.

-No problem; with my strength, I can break any blockade, - Yuma Chiaki/Thor commented.

Firebombs began to fill the place, the result of well-thrown Molotov cocktails. Amidst the pressure of fire and smoke, they rushed to the front door. Upon opening it, they faced the truth: they were surrounded by Loki's clones and other gang members. Thor and Sigfried were the fighters who held the advantage.

-They're trapped, - the Loki clones commented.

-Allalalaala, my defeat is not easy, - Hibiku Kegenin (Sigfried) exclaimed, performing several jumps and striking rivals with his Nirvana moves, spinning through people like a top.

Thor used the Sumo Charge to break through his opponents; the Sumo Charge is one of the most devastating moves in martial arts. Nijima laughed while the others shouted, "Shimpaku!"

Just then, Tanimoto arrived, billowing in with his black cloak and sharp, vice-filled eyes, reminiscent of his master Ma Sugetsu.

-You two... as if being part of Ragnarok wasn't enough, you had to join that Shimpaku alliance, - Loki commented.

-Don't get me wrong, Loki; I'm here only for revenge. You've abused the name of Kensei and blackmailed me, - Tanimoto replied, a murderous rage surging from deep within him. Using Honoka was something Tanimoto could not forgive.

Both Thor and Nijima were more excited about a real fight with Tanimoto's help. Panic turned into calm, and their power surged significantly. Even Loki's clones could not contend with different members of Ragnarok, who were above the common members. Nijima's antennas lit up, leaving no room for discussion.

Loki targeted Tanimoto, whom he considered one of the most dangerous individuals, above Thor and Sigfried. But Tanimoto's expertise seemed to intensify; the strength in his body was infused with numerous skills of all kinds. One single blow was enough to send Loki fleeing while Tanimoto dealt with the clones.

-Fight for me! - Loki commanded, fleeing. He knew it was complicated to fight Tanimoto, having lost once when facing him head-on. It wouldn't be prudent to engage now; if he could tire Tanimoto out, he might have a chance. However, he was cornered by Thor and Siegfried, cursing as he engaged in a light confrontation.

The members of Ragnarok began to lose morale.

-Hahaha, you are no match for Shimpaku! - Nijima taunted, his words fading into the void as he saw two newcomers arrive. The arrival of Odin Ryuto, the first fist, along with Berserker, the third fist, was a sight to behold. Odin's white and well-tailored suit exuded charisma and tranquility, marking him as the leader.

-Loki, what are you doing? Didn't I tell you I only wanted the commander of the Shimpaku alliance? So why did you call everyone here? - Ryuto questioned.

-I captured your commander after all, - Loki replied.

-Please, don't think of all those pathetic plans. Why not just capture him using your power? What a useless strategist you are... Loki, I'm going to relieve you of your position as a strategist, - Odin remarked, belittling him.

-Who exactly is the useless one, Odin? - Loki shot back.

At that moment, the members of Ryozanpaku were heading to check on the Shimpaku federation members, avoiding any accidents and ongoing problems. The five masters and Miu were present, having decided to bring snacks and tea. Watching the young fighters was something that excited them, reminding them of the times when they were troublesome youths. Kizara was bandaged, having suffered significant injuries in her battle with Freya.

-It's just beginning, - Miu commented, seeing everyone in good shape and facing each other.

During this time, Loki was performing his usual bravado, claiming leadership over everyone. He considered Ryuto weak, lacking the power to be his leader, and viewed Berserker as stronger, more beastly, and the leader he should be. Since his defeat by Kazama, Berserker had been training hard to improve his physical condition.

-Loki has made a miscalculation... because Berserker never intended to betray Ragnarok, - Nijima stated deeply, recognizing the unexpected twists from Berserker, who was perhaps the most dangerous person he had ever dared to contradict.

-Ku... Berserker, you didn't want to join me, - Loki asked.

- Join you? - Berserker questioned. - I just wanted to be in a position where it was easier to hit you. You're despicable, - Shogo replied, breaking through Loki's forces. His eyebrows were shaped like lightning, and a gesture of disapproval crossed his face. He was in peak physical condition, now that he was training seriously.

-Loki, I realized your plans a long time ago; I was just pretending not to notice. Berserker is not someone you can control, even so. You don't have the power, - Ryuto commented.

-Berserker, why? Don't you want to be number one? - Loki pressed.

-I'm not interested in numbers or weak groups; I will only stand with those I agree with, - Berserker replied, starting to feel annoyed with Ryuto but respecting him nonetheless. Unlike many, both had calm attitudes and only incited fights when the situation warranted it.

Berserker finished with a punch, just as Tanimoto had indicated that Loki was his prey. Their eyes met, and Berserker noticed a different glint in Tanimoto, surrounded by a force above the average.

The fight was about to begin.

Kei arrived at the location where everything was unfolding, limiting his presence and bloodlust as the Other Niko had taught him. The trick was to appear weak, to act like an ordinary person. By walking, behaving, and being aware, he integrated into the role; only by fully integrating could the deception work. Most fighters have incredible instincts, so one must be the person they pretend to be.

He observed the entire battle from a distance, an exciting event, and he didn't expect that the best parts were yet to come.

...