Kaizo descended the stairs, backpack slung lazily over his shoulder. On the couch, curled up like a dark loaf of bread, was Infinity—snoring softly.

  Kaizo crouched beside him and poked the black kitten’s cheek.

  Kaizo (shaking Infinity): “Yo. Rise and shine, abomination.”

  Infinity blinked awake,and began stretching his tiny paws with a yawn.

  Kaizo: “I’m heading to school. Are you coming with or staying here?”

  Infinity (groggy): “Mmm… staying sounds nice…”

  Kaizo: “Yeah, no… I don’t trust you home alone yet.”

  Infinity (suddenly alert): “Fair. I wouldn’t either.”

  Kaizo: “Then you’re coming with me. But you’ve gotta stay hidden in my hoodie, got it?”

  Infinity: “Understood, boss..”

  Kaizo (patting his head): “Good boy.”

  Meanwhile, across Shinkami City…

  Yumi was already up. She adjusted her school skirt and grabbed her toothbrush as she headed for the bathroom.

  Just as she pushed the door open—

  BUMP.

  Rinako: “Ugh, watch where you’re going, you idiot!”

  Yumi (flatly): “…Morning to you too.”

  Rinako scoffed and shoved past her, muttering under her breath. Yumi ignored her, brushing her teeth quietly. As always.

  Living in this house wasn’t exactly fun.

  Fourteen-year-old Arai Yumi had been through more than she ever let on. Her father was taken from her at a young age. Her mother vanished without any explanation two years later. She never truly got closure and to her credit, she handled the changes really well for a child her age.

  Now she lived with her aunt, Tomiko, who took care of her but rarely interacted with her niece. Her cousin Rinako made her life hell, while the younger one, Sakura, played the role of a bully—but offered secret kindness when no one was watching, so it was her one saving grace in this toxic household. It had been a lonely year for Yumi though, as she struggled to make friends and even explore half the city she currently stayed in.

  That is... until yesterday.

  Downstairs, the TV was already on as the girls entered the kitchen. The smell of eggs and bacon filled the air and Sakura was already eating her breakfast.

  Tomiko: “Good morning, girls.”

  Rinako: “Morning.”

  Yumi (softly): “Morning…”

  Tomiko slid their plates onto the table and sat down with her own, eyes already locked on the television.

  A breaking news report was showing a blurry image of the mountainside from last night.

  Reporter: “Still no clear footage of the bear-like creature seen rampaging through the outskirts. Officials are investigating…”

  Tomiko (frowning): “Have you girls heard about that attack on the news?”

  Rinako (mouth full): “Some big animal or whatever, right?”

  Yumi (playing dumb): “Of course not… sounds wild.”

  She kept her tone light, but her mind flashed back to Kaizo—the way he fought that creature like it was routine.

  She hadn’t freaked out then, only because something told her that he needed her to stay calm. That if she screamed or panicked… he might’ve lost.

  She kept quiet, just like always.

  After breakfast, Yumi slipped on her shoes by the door.

  Yumi: “I’m heading out.”

  No response. Not from Rinako, not from Tomiko.

  She stepped outside, letting the door close behind her.

  Then—

  Sakura (softly, through the doorcrack): “Hey… take care today.”

  You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

  Yumi turned, surprised.

  Yumi (softly smiling): “…Thanks.”

  Back at Kaizo’s house…

  He was munching down his breakfast when Infinity started bouncing around like a kitten on sugar. One miscalculated hop—

  CRASH!

  His plate shattered on the floor.

  Kaizo: “Really? I just sat down—”

  Before he could even grab a paper towel, Infinity had already zipped to the mess like a vacuum, licking up every crumb of food… and then swallowed the ceramic shards whole.

  Kaizo (blinking): “...You just ate a plate.”

  Infinity (licking his paws): “Mmm. A little crunchy, but not bad.”

  Kaizo: “Can you eat anything?"

  Infinity (grinning smugly): “Maybe.”

  Kaizo just stared at him, feeling a mix of grossed out and impressed.

  Kaizo: “Is that healthy?”

  Infinity (confused): “No idea.”

  At school, Kaizo was just settling into his morning routine when an announcement came over the intercom.

  Intercom: “Kaizo Nekodaira, please report to the principal’s office.”

  Kaizo glanced toward us, then down at Infinity, who was tucked snugly inside the left shoulder of his jacket.

  Kaizo: “It’s been a while since I saw Aunt Ayame. Wonder what that lady needs from me?”

  His aunt, Ayame, wasn’t just any principal—she was the youngest in the school’s history.

  Hoshikawa High had become her domain at just thirty years old, a position earned through years of pushing herself from young teacher, to administrator, to assistant principal, to the top seat. Her knack for organization and her rare ability to actually connect with students set her apart from most in the field.

  But she also had an agenda.

  Ayame sat at her desk, typing quickly on her computer. At the sound of a knock, she looked up.

  Ayame: “You can come in!”

  Kaizo stepped in and dropped into the chair across from her desk.

  Ayame (smiling): “It’s been a while since I’ve seen my favorite nephew…”

  Kaizo (sarcastically): “But I’m your only nephew...”

  Ayame (sighing): “I know that, Kaizo…”

  Kaizo (smirking): “How have you been, old lady?”

  A hardcover book flew across the desk, smacking him on the top of the head.

  Ayame: “I see some things never change…”

  Kaizo (rubbing his forehead): “Ow—still quick with the cheap shots, huh?”

  Ayame: “Look, I called you here because—”

  Kaizo (leaning forward): “You need a favor. I know. What’s up?”

  Ayame: “I need you to participate in this year’s Apex Circuit.”

  Kaizo raised an eyebrow.

  Kaizo (perplexed): “…Come again?”

  Ayame (serious): “Let me explain. It’s a martial arts tournament—mostly young fighters, some Horizon users. I need you to place at least third for a cash prize big enough to fund tech upgrades for the school. Some staff deserve raises, too. A percentage would go to you, of course.”

  She leaned back in her chair, her eyes narrowing slightly.

  Ayame: “I know you haven’t fought in a while… but you’re still your father’s kid. I figured it was worth the gamble.”

  Ayame’s reasoning had roots deeper than she’d admit.

  The Catharsis Program—a corporate endorsement system—had turned promising martial students, or Luminaries into gold mines for schools willing to exploit them. At first, Ayame thought it was twisted. But the money it generated could transform her school and give her the leverage to retire early. The problem? Recruiting actual martial artists or Horizon users to an academic school was nearly impossible.

  That’s when she remembered her sister-in-law’s request from months ago—to take in her nephew. Kaizo wasn’t just your typical martial artist; he had a complex history that could possibly help her out. Plus, they both had similar blood running through them.

  Kaizo sat there, staring at the desk, lost in thought.

  Inside the Infinity Realm, the little black cat was watching him think, wanting to speak but choosing silence.

  After a pause, Kaizo looked up.

  Kaizo: “On three conditions, Auntie.”

  Ayame: “Alright… what are they?”

  Kaizo: “First—” He reached into his jacket and pulled Infinity out by the scruff. “—my cat gets to come to school as well.”

  Ayame (perplexed): “Why was it in your shi—”

  Kaizo: “Second, I get this week to train for the tournament. It’s next Friday, and today’s Friday. Lastly, I want a custom uniform. I’ll make the designs.”

  Ayame narrowed her eyes.

  Ayame (suspicious): “You were planning to bring him to school regardless of what I said, weren’t you?”

  Kaizo (grinning): “Yep.”

  Ayame (curious): “You need the whole week off, though? How washed are you?”

  Kaizo (deadpan): “I might be just as bad as you, honestly…”

  Ayame (sincerely): “Oh. That’s bad…”

  (Slight Pause)

  Ayame: “Fine, I’ll agree to what you said… but now you have to win the whole thing."

  Kaizo (saluting): “You got it, Madam President.”

  As Kaizo left, Ayame leaned back in her chair, letting out a deep sigh.

  Ayame (quietly): “This kid… At least he’s acting like his old self again. He hasn’t been like this since—”

  Her words trailed off, the memory unfinished.

  Kaizo walked down the hall toward the cafeteria.

  Kaizo: “Negotiations complete.”

  Infinity (perched on his shoulder): “Meow.”

  As they reached the cafeteria doors, Infinity quickly darted back under Kaizo’s jacket.

  Kaizo (confused): “Why did you hide again?”

  Infinity (thinking): “I thought about it and just because she said I can come here, doesn’t mean I just walk around freely.”

  Kaizo (grinning): “Smart cat.”