Both of them followed her quietly, walking wherever she led without asking too many questions. The evening breeze felt calm, yet the air carried a strange excitement.
They finally stopped in front of a traditional-looking house.Asuka rang the bell confidently and waited.
A minute passed.
From inside, a cheerful voice called out, "Wait! I'm coming!"
Taiju and Inupi exchanged confused looks. Who exactly was she expecting?
The door opened.
A girl with light pink hair stepped outside, blinking in surprise before smiling.
"Yo, Asuka," she said casually.
"Yo!" Asuka replied, grinning. "Everyone meet our fourth member."
Senju tilted her head in confusion. "Fourth member…?"
Asuka placed a hand on her shoulder. "This is Senju. She'll be joining us. Any problems?"
Taiju stared at her for a second, clearly shocked."This little shrimp is gonna join us? What's she even gonna do?"
Senju narrowed her eyes instantly. "What's THAT supposed to mean, you gorilla?"
Inupi suppressed a laugh while Asuka ignored them and turned to him.
"So? Is it okay if she joins?"
Inupi nodded calmly. "If you chose her, I trust your judgment."
"Hehe." Asuka gave a silly little laugh, clearly pleased with herself.
Behind her, Taiju and Senju were already arguing like lifelong rivals.
Asuka sighed. "Okay, okay! Senju, come with me — I'll explain everything on the way. Let's go grab food."
They stopped in front of a restaurant, warm lights glowing from inside.
"Now THIS is a vibe," Asuka said dramatically.
Taiju blinked. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"Ah… I mean this is exactly what I was looking for — delicious food!"
"Oh," Inupi nodded seriously, as if she had said something profound.
They sat near the window. Asuka immediately grabbed the menu with sparkling eyes.
"I'm sooo hungry," she said, practically vibrating with excitement.
Inupi cleared his throat and turned to Senju.
"Well… we didn't explain much. I'm Inupi, this is Taiju, and from now on we're following Asuka as our leader. She wants you to join our team — if you're comfortable with it."
Senju froze for a moment, unsure.
Then her eyes lit up like stars.
"That sounds SO COOL! You should've told me sooner! Are we gonna beat up some losers?!"
Inupi looked shocked… then laughed softly. "Yeah, sure. Losers too."
Taiju leaned back with a smirk. "You sure this chibi can even fight, Asuka?"
Without looking up from the menu, Asuka replied casually, "She's been training with Wakasa-san. She's actually one of the best fighters."
Senju blushed, scratching her cheek. "You didn't have to say that…"
"Ohhh really?" Taiju teased. "Good. I was worried she'd be a burden, she kinda looks brainless."
"I'm NOT dumb!" Senju snapped. "I can do anything!"
"Okay then," Taiju grinned wickedly. "What's 65 × 65?"
Senju froze.
"Uh… wait… that's easy…"
She started counting on her fingers, muttering numbers under her breath, getting increasingly frustrated.
"Why is this so hard?! You did this on purpose!"
Everyone burst into laughter, even Senju eventually joining in.
Inupi leaned toward Asuka. "There's a gang in the west. I was thinking we should start there."
Asuka shook her head. "We don't fight just to fight. If we can avoid violence, we should."
Taiju groaned. "Then what? Just sit around and be boring?"
"We'll fight when necessary," Asuka said calmly. "But bullying the weak isn't our style. Anyone who disagrees can step away now."
The group exchanged looks.
"…Fine," Taiju said. "Just don't bore us with your holy speeches."
Asuka laughed loudly. "Don't worry. Leave the entertainment to me!"
The waitress came over.
"One Spaghetti Aglio Olio e Peperoncino!" Asuka ordered instantly, eyes shining.
Senju laughed. "You really love Italian food, huh?"
"It's tasty. You have to accept it."
After eating and talking far longer than planned, the group wandered around until they reached a quiet park.
They were looking for shade when a group of teenage boys walked in.
"Well, well… is this a date?" one of them mocked.
Taiju cracked his knuckles. "You guys here for a fight?"
The boys hesitated, clearly intimidated."We're just passing by… and anyway, your team leader isn't here, right?"
Taiju smirked. "Our leader won't fight. I'll handle you."
They squinted toward Asuka, who was calmly sitting on a bench.
"A… girl? Your leader is a girl?" They burst into laughter. "Man, at least follow someone strong!"
Before anyone could react .....
THUD.
Senju's kick landed square on one guy's face.
She landed lightly, grinning. "Was that enough flavor, or should I add more?"
The gang yelled in anger and rushed forward.
The fight broke out fast, loud, and chaotic.
Moments later, the gang stumbled back, bruised and breathing heavily.
"This isn't over!" they shouted before running away.
Silence fell.
Taiju laughed first. "Okay… that was kinda fun."
Asuka smiled warmly at her team. "See? Entertainment guaranteed."
Senju pumped her fist proudly. "We totally won!"
Inupi sighed but smiled anyway. "Yeah… this team might actually work."
The sun dipped lower behind them as the four walked away together bickering, laughing, and already feeling like something bigger than just a team.