The ship had docked at Japan's coastal port.
Night lights reflected beautifully across the ocean.
After the official match review, both teams were given rest hours before the next boarding cycle.
Instead of returning to their cabins—
Riku found himself standing near the outer deck railing.
Ocean wind. Quiet waves.
Footsteps approached.
Kaito.
Scene 1 – Captain to Captain
Kaito leaned beside him.
"You fight differently than most."
Riku glanced sideways.
"Is that a compliment?"
"It's an observation."
Silence for a moment.
Then Kaito continued:
"You don't just command your Core Beast.
You move with it."
Riku smirked slightly.
"You and Tora aren't exactly separate either."
Kaito looked toward the ocean.
"Tora saved me once.
Before I deserved that strength."
That line hung heavy.
Riku understood.
Bolt shifted slightly in spirit form beside him.
Two captains. No hostility.
Only recognition.
Scene 2 – Mira & Ayane
Inside the ship café area, Mira sat across from Ayane.
Green tea between them.
Ayane smiled softly.
"You saw through Phantom Ember in under five seconds."
Mira replied calmly:
"You cast shadows differently when you lie."
Ayane blinked.
Then laughed lightly.
"So you read people too."
Mira didn't deny it.
Ayane leaned forward.
"Let's promise something."
"What?"
"Next time we fight… no hesitation."
Mira's lips curved slightly.
"Agreed."
No jealousy. No tension. Just sharp minds respecting each other.
Scene 3 – Toma & Haru
Training room.
Crash.
Boom.
Haru slammed a training dummy.
Toma adjusted his glasses.
"You waste 12% energy with that wide stance."
Haru turned.
"You calculate during fights?!"
"Yes."
"…You're scary."
Toma pushed his glasses up.
"You're loud."
They stared at each other.
Then both burst out laughing.
Haru grinned.
"Next time I won't lose to platform endurance."
Toma nodded.
"Next time I won't lose to brute force."
Scene 4 – Full Team Conversation
Later that night—
Both teams gathered on the observation deck.
City lights glowing behind them.
Ren Arashi spoke first.
"Let's be clear."
Everyone turned toward him.
"This tournament is not just about pride."
His eyes briefly flickered toward Riku.
"Something is changing inside certain Cores."
Riku remained calm.
Ayane added softly:
"Rumors in Japan say evolution isn't always pure."
Mira crossed her arms.
"We've heard similar things."
Haru folded his arms.
"Whatever happens, I just want stronger opponents."
Kaito looked directly at Riku.
"Then let's survive long enough to fight again."
Riku smiled.
"You better not get eliminated before that."
For the first time—
Both teams laughed together.
Ocean wind moved through the flags.
Nepal.
Japan.
Two teams. Not enemies. Not allies yet.
But something better—
Rivals with respect.
Scene 5 – Quiet Foreshadow
As the night ended—
Ren stood alone near the railing.
His expression serious.
He spoke quietly:
"Keep watching him."
Ayane appeared behind him.
"You sensed it too?"
Ren nodded.
"That lightning… it didn't feel normal."
He looked toward Riku in the distance laughing with Haru.
"If he evolves first…"
Ayane finished the sentence.
"…the balance of this ship changes."
Cut to—
Bolt's spirit form flickering faintly.
Just for a second—
A darker shade beneath the lightning.
Gone instantly.
⚡ End of Chapter 36