February 14, 2013, Thursday, 7:00 am, Nakameguro Apartment Rooftop...
A thick blanket of gray clouds stretched across the Tokyo skyline, diffusing the neon glow of the city's restless heartbeat. Despite the gloom, the streets pulsed with life. Street vendors fired up their grills, filling the air with the rich scent of grilled skewers and sizzling takoyaki. The distant chatter of early commuters, the hum of passing cars, and the occasional chime of a bicycle bell blended into the morning's chaotic harmony.
Elric sat against the concrete ledge on the apartment rooftop, his sharp eyes fixed on Ichiro and Hiroki as they went through their training drills. His silent yet ever-watchful presence was an unspoken force keeping them in check.
Miruko, however, was absent from their usual routine. Instead, she was running, circling the neighborhood block steadily but punishingly. From his high vantage point, Elric tracked her movements without fail. Whenever she so much as slowed down, he flicked a small pebble in her direction, a silent command that needed no words. His gaze wasn't just omnipresent; it was inescapable.
The Muto twins exchanged glances, their curiosity piqued.
"Why's she running laps around the block?" Ichiro finally asked.
Elric's cold stare cut through the air like a blade. It was a warning, one that needed no verbal reinforcement. Ichiro swallowed hard and promptly shut his mouth. Hiroki, however, clenched his fists as realization dawned.
It was about the classroom building. The partial collapse gave Principal Takamori a heart attack. However, he was assured that the government would repair the damage within a week.
And Miruko was running because of it.
The stairwell door creaked open, cutting through the crisp morning air as Miruko rounded the corner for her tenth lap around the block. The sudden arrival briefly halted the Muto twins' wrestling match as their eyes flicked toward the newcomers.
Jujutsu sorcerers Nanami, Ino, Benikiba, and Hina were stepping onto the rooftop, an unexpected yet seemingly inevitable gathering. The presence of professional sorcerers carried a weight of urgency, but if Elric was surprised, he didn't show it. Still leaning against the rooftop's ledge, he acknowledged them with a simple nod.
"Good timing," Elric said, his tone unfazed. "I was just about to go over the situation."
Meanwhile, Benikiba and Hina's attention drifted to the twins, who had resumed their sparring match. Ichiro and Hiroki grappled fiercely; their determination was evident in every movement. Benikiba smirked, clearly entertained. "They've got fire; I'll give them that," she mused, nudging Hina.
Hina, watching with quiet admiration, clasped her hands together. "They're really giving it their all."
Elric wasted no time launching into his briefing. He outlined everything: Nakameguro High's deteriorating state, the explosion at the street market, cursed objects with brainwashing effect, and the presence of loan sharks expanding their influence. His explanation was methodical, each detail stacking atop the next like puzzle pieces, revealing a dark, twisted picture.
Nanami listened intently, absorbing the weight of the information. Just as he was about to offer his speculation, a sudden flick of Elric's wrist caught his attention.
A tiny pebble zipped through the air behind him.
Nanami and Ino instinctively followed their path to the exhausted Miruko, who had begun to slow down.
Tap.
The tiny impact landed on her shoulder, but the reaction was immediate.
"Agh! Seriously?!" Miruko's exasperated scream echoed across the rooftop as she picked up the pace again.
Ino blinked. "Isn't pelting someone with rocks a bit harsh?"
Elric didn't hesitate. "Back in my training days, stopping mid-run meant getting hit with a hand-sized rock. A pebble is an easy, non-lethal version."
Ino's jaw tightened slightly, exchanging glances with Nanami, who merely sighed in that tired, knowing way.
"Remind me never to take part in your training methods," Ino muttered.
Benikiba snorted. "Smart of him, though. Keeps her moving."
On the other hand, Hina looked slightly concerned but chose not to comment. She adjusted her scarf, watching Miruko push through her exhaustion under Elric's ruthless, unspoken command.
The rooftop air grew heavier as the conversation shifted back to pressing matters. There was much to discuss, but one thing was certain: this wasn't just about a crumbling high school or scattered incidents anymore.
Something much bigger was at play.
Nanami adjusted his tie with a weary sigh. "I should let you know I was still obligated to report to my superiors at Jujutsu HQ."
Elric, who had been leaning against the railing of the rooftop, barely reacted. He simply glanced at Nanami, waiting for the inevitable bad news.
"They were frustrated. Very frustrated," Nanami continued, his voice calm yet carrying the weight of bureaucracy. "I included everything that's happened so far, including your binding vow, the agreement of the mentioned individual, and the current circumstances."
Elric arched a brow. "And?"
"They didn't like it, but they had no choice but to accept it." Nanami's lips curled into a barely noticeable smirk. "A binding vow is absolute, after all. They won't be pursuing your identity."
Elric let out a long breath, raking a hand through his hair. "Well, that's a relief. One less headache to deal with."
Despite the assurance, Nanami's expression remained unreadable. His gaze sharpened as he crossed his arms. "That being said… what are your plans after the loan shark problem is resolved?"
Before Elric could respond, Ino chimed in. "You should just join Jujutsu society. You clearly have the skills."
Elric, however, let out a short chuckle, shaking his head. His expression turned serious as he shot Ino a pointed look. "And what? Walk right into 'that man's' radar?"
The air around them grew tense. The other sorcerers, Benikiba, Hina, and even the Muto twins, shifted their attention to Elric.
"If he finds out I joined forces with any organization or society, he will dismantle the entire society within the day," Elric stated flatly.
Ino furrowed his brows. "Wait… you're saying your mentor..."
Elric didn't elaborate further, but the sheer certainty in his voice sent a cold realization through the group. The mere thought of this unknown "man" destroying Jujutsu society in a single day was absurd, but somehow, none could dismiss it outright.
Nanami's gaze darkened. He didn't press further. There was no point.
Elric let out a small sigh before regaining his composure. He leaned back slightly, stretching his shoulders as if shaking off the heavy atmosphere. "After all this loan shark bogus is over, I want to tour Japan. Sightseeing, taking it easy before my main job at the company starts."
His voice was casual, but there was a weight behind it, one that didn't go unnoticed by the others.
Benikiba snorted. "Tch. You? Taking it easy? Yeah, right."
Elric raised an eyebrow at her. "You got a problem with that?"
"Just feels off, that's all." She rolled her shoulders. "You don't strike me as the 'peaceful getaway' type."
Ino crossed his arms, smirking. "Yeah, I kinda pictured you in some underground fight club rather than sipping tea in Kyoto."
Elric exhaled sharply, unimpressed. "Believe it or not, I don't live to throw hands every day. I'd rather enjoy some quiet for once."
Miruko, still recovering from her earlier exhaustion, raised an eyebrow. "That sounds… kinda normal for you. Unexpectedly normal."
Elric scoffed. "That's the point."
The way he said it so firmly, so certain, made them realize he wasn't joking.
There was a longing buried beneath those words that didn't match the powerful fighter they had come to know. A life beyond battle. A life beyond the shadows of his past.
For a brief moment, no one spoke.
Instead, his thoughts drifted elsewhere back to a concern that had been lingering in his mind.
"That reminds me," Nanami said, shifting the conversation. "There's something strange happening at Meiji Jingu Gaien Ice Skating Rink in Shinjuku."
Elric's attention snapped back to him, interest flickering in his eyes. "Go on."
"The ice rink business has been plummeting recently. Reports of accidents, vandalism, and property damage have increased, with faint traces of cursed energy detected on site." Nanami's tone was matter-of-fact, but it had an underlying seriousness.
"But?" Elric prompted.
"But the traces are inconsistent and minuscule. Jujutsu HQ deemed it 'insignificant' and dismissed the case."
Elric hummed in thought, his mind already turning. The timing of the ice rink's decline and the reported incidents weren't random. It mirrored the exact kind of situation loan sharks would exploit to seize control of a business.
His gaze flickered to the sky, mentally organizing his schedule.
Tomorrow, he will have home visit sessions with his students.Today, however… there was suddenly an open slot.
Then, something clicked.
Elric's expression sharpened. A lightbulb moment.
Without hesitation, he turned toward the running track below. "Miruko, stop running."
The sharp command made every one pause. The other sorcerers and the Muto twins exchanged uncertain glances, confused by Elric's sudden interruption of the training session.
Nanami blinked, tilting his head. "Something on your mind?"
Elric ignored the question momentarily, his gaze distant in thought. "How long would it take to get to the ice rink?"
Nanami, already seeing where this was going, exhaled. "By car? Fifteen to twenty minutes."
Elric's smirk lingered as he turned back to Nanami. "By the way, is anything happening at the ice rink today?"
Nanami adjusted his cuffs, considering the question. "Actually, yes. The rink opens early today at 7:30 am for a special event."
Elric's expression sharpened. "Special event?"
"Some kind of promotional skating session. Public access before regular hours. It's meant to attract more visitors, but it doesn't seem to work, especially with the recent incidents." Nanami's tone remained even, but there was an unmistakable weight behind his words.
Elric's mind moved quickly, piecing things together. An early opening meant fewer people. Fewer people meant less oversight. And if the loan sharks were involved, they'd likely use this window to cause more trouble.
He turned back to the group, a confident smirk playing on his lips. "Perfect. We're heading to the ice rink for training."
Ino, caught off guard, frowned. "Wait, what? That's our plan?"
Benikiba cracked a grin, rolling her shoulders. "Well, this just got interesting."
Miruko, still catching her breath, wiped the sweat from her brow and sighed. "Guess I'm not done running today…"
Hina clutched her scarf, uncertainty flickering in her eyes.
Elric's smirk only widened. "Time to stretch those legs. We've got a rink to crash."
Meiji Jingu Gaien Ice Skating Rink, 7:30 am...
As Elric and his students stood before the Meiji Jingu Gaien Ice Skating Rink, he couldn't help but admire the majestic structure before them. The rink's arched entrance and frosted glass walls glistened softly in the morning light, hinting at the frozen expanse within.
"We came here a lot when we were kids," Ichiro remarked, his eyes reflecting a mix of nostalgia and resolve.
Hiroki nodded, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Yeah. Back then, it felt like a completely different world."
Beside them, Miruko looked utterly drained, her breaths ragged from the relentless running Elric had imposed earlier. She hunched over, hands on her knees, her eyes struggling to stay open.
Elric glanced at her, a flicker of disapproval crossing his features. He turned his back on them, letting out a quiet, dissatisfied sigh. "Pathetic. I expect more from you."
Miruko winced but nodded, gritting her teeth as she forced herself upright.
Moments later, Benikiba and Ino arrived, adding a weight of experience to the group.
Before they left the apartment, Nanami informed Elric of his absence, explaining he had other pressing investigations to attend to. He'd instructed Benikiba and Ino to accompany Elric, ensuring he wasn't alone in this venture.
"Hina will be with me," Nanami had added. "She's the best at constructing durable veils essential for containing potential threats."
Elric had reluctantly agreed, knowing the value of a well-placed veil in curbing chaos. Still, he felt slightly uneasy at the separation, recognizing that Nanami's strategic mind always played multiple angles.
Back in the present, Elric's shoulders sagged as he assessed his motley crew.
Benikiba snorted, crossing her arms with a challenging grin. "You don't look too impressed, Elric. Doubting our skills already?"
Ino gave a playful shrug, his casual demeanor barely masking the readiness in his posture. "Come on, Elric. Give us a little credit."
Elric exhaled sharply but managed a faint smirk. "We'll see soon enough."
Without further delay, they pushed open the heavy double doors, stepping into the chilled interior of the rink. The cold air rushed to greet them, biting at their exposed skin as their footsteps echoed softly against the smooth, icy surface beneath.
After passing the counter, the group was met with an unexpected sight of dozens of young skaters gliding gracefully across the ice. Their bright-colored training outfits contrasted against the pristine white of the rink. Coaches stood along the outer edges, observing their students with sharp, analyzing eyes.
Benikiba and Ino halted in their tracks, exchanging looks of surprise.
"I thought this was just a promotional event. How the hell did they manage to get so many skaters?" Ino muttered.
Elric, watching the young skaters with an unreadable expression, answered matter-of-factly. "They're figure skaters. Most likely ranging from beginners to intermediate levels."
Miruko, Ichiro, Hiroki, Benikiba, and Ino all turned to Elric in unison.
"Wait… How do you know about figure skating?" Miruko asked, still catching her breath from earlier.
Elric remained unfazed as he observed the skaters' movements, his analytical gaze dissecting each step, turn, and spin. "It's simple. Young figure skaters start training as early as five. Progress depends on practice, body control, and balance. The way they move tells me exactly what level they're at."
Before anyone could pry further into how he knew so much, Elric suddenly turned and walked toward the locker rooms.
"I'll get my skates."
The others had no choice but to follow his lead, though their curiosity remained.
Stepping onto the ice, Elric effortlessly navigated through the chaotic flow of skaters, moving as though the ice was merely an extension of his footing. Not a single misstep, not a single waver.
Miruko, on the other hand, was a complete disaster.
The moment she stepped onto the ice, her legs betrayed her, sending her arms flailing. "W-Wait...!"
Ichiro and Hiroki skated in easily, and their childhood experiences returned to them naturally.
Benikiba, as expected, stepped onto the rink without a hint of hesitation.
Elric turned to her, intrigued. "You've skated before?"
She scoffed, adjusting her gloves. "Tch. 'Skated before'? I was a professional figure skater before all this bodyguard business."
That revelation stunned everyone.
"Wait... WHAT?!" the Muto twins shouted in unison.
Even Miruko, struggling to stay upright, snapped her head toward Benikiba in shock.
Ino, who had decided to stay on the sidelines, let out an amused chuckle. "Hah. And here I thought you were only good at punching people."
Benikiba rolled her eyes. "I can do both."
Elric smirked but didn't comment. Instead, he gestured toward his students.
"Line up."
The Muto twins and Miruko did as they were told, though Miruko looked increasingly nervous.
Elric approached Ichiro and Hiroki first. Without warning, he pushed them forward.
The twins slid effortlessly across the ice but remained upright, their balance firm.
Then, Elric turned to Miruko. She gulped.
Elric placed a hand on her shoulder and gave her a light shove. A sound of thud was heard. Miruko crashed onto the ice.
A few of the young figure skaters gasped, and some of the coaches shot disapproving glances in Elric's direction.
Elric ignored them. Instead, he observed the result with his usual cold analysis.
"The twins are naturally stable but need to ground themselves further to avoid unnecessary sliding," Elric mused. Then, he shifted his gaze to Miruko, who was still groaning on the ice. "As for you, you're absolutely the worst."
Miruko glared at him. "Gee, thanks."
Elric continued, "Despite having a Cursed Technique, you lack control over your stance. You fall at the slightest push. That won't cut it."
To prove his point, Elric crossed his arms and issued a challenge, "Push me."
Ichiro stepped up first. He planted his skate into the ice, then shoved as hard as possible.
Elric didn't budge. Instead, Ichiro was slid back. Elric's stance remained unshakable, even on ice, as if he were rooted to the ground. From Ichiro's point of view, it was like trying to push a mountain.
"This is what it means to have true stability," Elric explained. "If you can control your balance here, then you'll have an advantage in everything else, combat, mobility, even reactions."
Then, Elric added an incentive, "If you achieve near-absolute stability without slipping or sliding, I'll buy you all lunch."
Miruko perked up. "Wait, really?!"
"And if you, Miruko, pass this test, I'll annul your punishment."
Her eyes lit up with newfound determination.
The Muto twins were also eager, already focusing on adjusting their weight on the ice.
While they trained, Elric skated across the rink with effortless grace. Every turn, every shift of his body screamed experience, his form too fluid to be anything but professional.
Benikiba, watching from the side, hesitated before calling out. "Oi. Let's skate together."
Elric arched a brow. "You want to do pair skating?"
Benikiba clicked her tongue, crossing her arms. "Tch. Don't make it weird. Just go with it."
Elric sighed but complied, lending his hand out to Benikiba like a gentleman to a lady. Despite their contrasting outfits, Elric in casual wear and Benikiba in her formal suit, the moment they moved, the atmosphere shifted.
They glided in sync, their steps perfectly matched, as if they had rehearsed the routine a hundred times before. The fluidity of their stunts mesmerized the other skaters and coaches.
Ichiro and Hiroki stared, mouths hanging open.
Miruko's expression twisted. Why did he look so natural skating with another woman?!
As the performance continued, Benikiba stole glances at Elric. She had assumed he was just good at skating, but this was something else entirely.
"You… You've done this before."
Elric remained focused, guiding their movements with precise, professional technique, "It was part of my training."
Benikiba nearly faltered. "Training? For what?!"
Elric's gaze darkened slightly. "My mentor hired professionals: a figure skater and a hockey player. Both had a violent history. Their methods weren't… gentle."
Benikiba's breath hitched, "Your mentor's insane."
Elric didn't argue and gave a blank face in response.
Their performance continued until one of the coaches near the rink gasped, "Wait… That's Chizuru Takamine! The delinquent skater! The one who sent her rival to the hospital!"
"I heard that she had an attitude problem," another coach added, "that made it difficult to work with her coach and sponsors..."
Benikiba instantly scowled. "You wanna say that again?" she growled, already turning to confront them.
But before she could act, Elric's hand suddenly grasped her wrist and spun her back into position.
"Ignore them," he said simply, his voice calm yet firm. "Stay focused."
Benikiba's heart skipped a beat. She clenched her jaw, forcing herself to comply. For the first time in years, someone had told her to focus, and she actually listened.
The music changed as if in sync with the moment, shifting to a duet performance piece.
Benikiba was startled for a second, but Elric guided her seamlessly through the choreography.
It turned out the ice rink manager noticed how the pair were performing. He asked the music operator to change the music to add flair.
By the end of their performance, both were covered in sweat, breathing heavily.
Then, the rink erupted into applause.
Figure skaters, coaches, and even curious spectators cheered for them.
Benikiba and Elric exchanged glances. Then, together, they turned and bowed.
As the final notes of the music faded, Elric and Benikiba stepped off the ice, their breaths still heavy from the intense performance. Sweat clung to their skin, but neither looked exhausted, only satisfied.
Before they could fully process the moment, Ino approached them, arms crossed, a smirk tugging at his lips.
"Gotta say, that was one hell of a show," Ino admitted, nodding toward Benikiba. "Never thought I'd see a former delinquent spin like a pro."
Benikiba scoffed, brushing her damp bangs aside. "Tch. You act like I haven't been on the ice before."
"I knew you were good," Ino shrugged, "but damn, even Elric kept up."
Elric, stretching out his shoulders, glanced at Ino and gave a rare nod of appreciation. "Not bad, huh?"
"Yeah," Ino added, "and thanks for giving me some great footage."
Elric's expression barely changed, but the subtle flicker of amusement in his eyes was unmistakable. "Good work bringing a camera."
Ino blinked, suddenly stiffening. "Wait. How the hell did you...?"
Elric tilted his head slightly, his gaze sharpening. "You tried to hide it, but I felt it. The entire time, I could tell I was being watched." His voice was calm, yet his words carried the weight of certainty.
Ino groaned, running a hand through his hair. "Seriously, your senses are ridiculous."
Elric smirked. "They've saved my ass more than once."
Benikiba folded her arms, intrigued. "So you knew he was recording the whole time?"
"Felt like a predator's gaze was on me," Elric admitted. "The feeling pointed in his direction, and the way he moved was too calculated, too steady. It wasn't just casual watching."
Ino sighed, realizing there was no point in denying it. "Fine, you got me. But it wasn't for anything shady. I just needed some physical evidence for Jujutsu HQ."
Elric shrugged. "Doesn't bother me."
But then, his eyes flicked toward the camera in Ino's possession, his expression shifting into something more thoughtful.
"That camera of yours…" Elric murmured. "It's not just any ordinary one, is it?"
That piqued Ino's curiosity. "What makes you say that?"
Elric's smirk deepened slightly. "Let's just say I have a use for it. But I'll need your cooperation."
Intrigued, Ino leaned in slightly, his curiosity now fully hooked. "Alright. I'm listening. What's the plan?"
After wrapping up his private conversation with Ino, Elric shifted his gaze across the rink. Amid the scattered skaters and watchful coaches, his eyes landed on one figure standing near the ice's edge.
The man stood with a composed yet contemplative posture, his gaze fixed on something or someone inside the rink. There was a quiet authority about him, yet something about his demeanor felt oddly hesitant, as if caught between action and restraint.
Elric approached without a sound, his footsteps absorbed by the cold air, "Oi."
The coach flinched.
A slight, startled squeak escaped his throat as he spun around, his posture stiffening. His reaction was almost comical.
"D-Don't sneak up on people like that!" the man blurted, holding a hand over his chest as if calming his racing heart.
Elric, unfazed, narrowed his eyes slightly. Now that he got a better look at the man, recognition clicked.
Kenshiro Asuka.
Elric's gaze sharpened. He knew that name.
A former Olympic figure skater. One of the most technical and graceful competitors Japan had produced. His career had been cut short due to a devastating injury, forcing him into retirement long before his time.
When Elric's realization became clear, Asuka let out an awkward chuckle, rubbing the back of his head. "Geez. You actually recognize me? Thought most people forgot about me after I disappeared from competition."
Elric didn't miss the tinge of embarrassment in his voice.
"You were one of the greats." Elric's voice was neutral and factual. "Not easy to forget someone like that."
Asuka sighed, shaking his head with a small, self-deprecating smile. "I appreciate the sentiment, but I'd rather not be stuck in the past."
Elric crossed his arms, tilting his head slightly. "Then what's a retired Olympian doing here?"
At that, Asuka's demeanor shifted not into discomfort but something more grounded. His expression softened as he gestured toward the ice.
"I'm here because of her."
Elric followed his gaze toward a lone girl at the rink's entrance.
She was small, only twelve at most, but even from a distance, her stance was intense. Her hands were clenched, her posture stiff, yet her eyes burned with unshaken determination.
"Reika Hoshizora. She's my star student," Asuka continued. "Started skating late, only a few months ago. But despite the age gap and lack of training, she has the potential of catching up to the intermediate level within two months."
Elric's eyes flickered with interest. "That fast?"
Asuka smirked, sensing his intrigue. "She's got talent, no doubt about it. More importantly, she's got the drive. She wants to go all the way to the Olympics."
Elric took a moment to observe the young girl again.
A late bloomer… yet already advancing at an unbelievable pace.
Elric wasn't easily impressed, but he had to admit that this girl had potential.
Elric's question hung in the air, but Asuka folded his arms and studied him closely instead of answering directly, "I should be the one asking you something."
Elric raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"
Asuka's sharp gaze flickered with curiosity. "That footwork of yours... Your choreographic technique is too refined to be amateur work. It reminds me of someone."
Elric barely reacted, offering only a lazy shrug. "Misunderstanding. I trained with a professional for a month. Nothing serious."
But Asuka wasn't buying it.
A month? No way. Even the most talented skaters wouldn't have footwork that fluid in just a month of training.
Before Asuka could press further, a voice hesitantly cut through their conversation, "C-Coach…?"
Both men turned.
Standing a short distance away was Reika Hoshizora, gripping the hem of her jacket with tensed fingers.
She had approached to get Asuka's attention but froze when her eyes landed on Elric.
Her entire body went rigid. Her breath hitched. And then a visible shudder ran down her spine.
Elric immediately noticed. Her wide, unblinking stare, the way sweat began forming at her temples, trickling down like bullets.
His usual presence wasn't intimidating to children. Most kids, if anything, were annoyingly curious about him. Yet this girl looked terrified.
Elric tilted his head slightly, genuinely puzzled. "Oi. What's with that look?"
Reika didn't respond. She couldn't.
Asuka, realizing the situation, rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. "Sorry about that. Reika's a bit on the shy side. If she sees someone she doesn't know, she kind of… freaks out."
Elric, however, wasn't convinced. This wasn't just social anxiety.
He'd met plenty of reserved, awkward kids before. Reika wasn't just nervous; she acted like she had seen something unnatural.
Then it clicked. Reika can see it, curse energy. That's why she's reacting this way.
Elric took a step forward, attempting to calm the tension. "Hey, kid, relax. I'm not gonna..."
But the moment he moved, Reika spun on her heel and bolted. Like a frightened puppy with its tail tucked between its legs, she ran off without another word.
Elric blinked, watching her disappear around a corner. "...Well. That was new."
He wasn't used to kids being scared of him. If anything, they were usually annoyingly drawn to him. A flicker of disappointment crept into his expression for the first time in a long while.
Sensing the shift, Asuka let out a small chuckle and patted Elric's shoulder reassuringly, "Don't worry about it. Reika's like that with everyone at first. She'll warm up to you… eventually."
Asuka was about to press further, but Elric smoothly redirected the conversation before the coach could dig deeper.
"Forget the kid for a second," Elric said, glancing around the rink. "There are a lot of figure skating coaches here… and not just locals." His sharp eyes flicked across the rink, noting several foreign coaches giving instructions to their students, their voices mixing with the sound of blades carving through the ice.
Asuka followed his gaze and nodded. "Yeah. Some of them flew in with their skaters from overseas. They're here to train and get their students prepped for upcoming tournaments."
Elric narrowed his eyes slightly. "Is that normal for this rink?"
Asuka chuckled. "Well, today isn't just any normal training day." He leaned against the barrier, tilting his head toward the rink's center. "There's a figure skating competition scheduled for 2:00 pm."
Elric raised a brow. "A competition?"
"Yep. Nothing too high-stakes, mostly regional-level, but still a good opportunity for young skaters to prove themselves." Asuka crossed his arms, his tone light but carrying the weight of experience. "For some of these kids, this is their first shot at the bigger stage."
Elric glanced at the ice, watching the young skaters glide through their drills. His mind was already piecing things together.
A major event. A rink filled with foreign and domestic coaches. A sudden surge of disturbances leading up to this competition.
Something wasn't adding up.
As Elric observed the young figure skaters, something felt off.
Their performances were technically sound, but their movements lacked confidence. Their eyes were dark-rimmed, weary, and unfocused. Some skaters hesitated before jumps, others stumbled on routines they should have executed effortlessly.
They weren't just tired. They were drained.
Elric's sharp gaze didn't miss the signs of lack of sleep, excessive stress, and growing anxiety that clung to the air like fog.
He muttered to the man beside him without taking his eyes off the ice. "They look exhausted."
Asuka, who had just sat on a bench near the rink, exhaled heavily.
"Your analysis is dead-on." His voice carried a quiet frustration laced with something deeper: helplessness.
Elric crossed his arms, glancing down at the coach. "What's going on?"
Asuka ran a hand through his hair, leaning forward with elbows on his knees. "It's been a mess, honestly."
He gestured subtly toward the ice. "After a series of incidents, these kids started losing their edge. They've barely had enough practice, and on top of that…" His voice lowered. "They've been pressured by the ice hockey team."
Elric's expression darkened. "Pressured how?"
Asuka hesitated briefly before answering, "One of the hockey players… a real sick bastard. A pedophile."
Benikiba and Ino, who had been listening nearby, stiffened at the revelation.
Elric's entire demeanor cooled into something unreadable.
Asuka continued, voice tight with disgust. "He was charged, but they let him go due to lack of evidence."
Elric's jaw clenched. Typical.
"And he's still around?" Elric asked, voice eerily calm.
Asuka nodded grimly. "Yeah. The guy still lurks around the rink. He's never been caught doing anything outright, but…" He gestured toward the young female skaters. "Most of the girls here are scared of him."
Elric followed his gaze, and it clicked.
The hesitation... The stress... The exhaustion... The skaters weren't just nervous about the competition. They were afraid.
"And the boys?" Elric asked.
Asuka sighed. "They're being intimidated by the hockey players. Some of those guys are big, heavy-hitters. They make it clear that figure skaters aren't welcome here."
Now, it made sense.
The shaky footwork, the tired eyes, the lack of confidence. The skaters weren't overworked but harassed, pushed, and suffocated in their training space.
Benikiba cracked her knuckles, her expression shifting into something downright predatory. "And nobody's done anything about this?"
Asuka let out a short, bitter laugh. "We've tried. Complaints, reports, and meetings always get swept under the rug." He shook his head. "The hockey team's got backing. The rink management doesn't want trouble. The cycle continues."
Elric didn't say anything right away. Instead, he simply stared at the ice, silent, calculating. That was all Benikiba and Ino needed to see. Something was about to happen.
Before Asuka could explain further, a sudden, sharp laugh cut through the air. It was loud, unrestrained mocking. The sound rippled across the ice like a shockwave.
Miruko, Ichiro, and Hiroki froze mid-training. The Muto twins instinctively shifted their weight, bracing as if expecting an unseen impact. Miruko's breath hitched as she tried to maintain her footing, but the disturbance threw off her already unstable stance. She fell. And she wasn't the only one.
Several of the younger skaters jerked in surprise, their focus shattered. One lost control in the middle of a spin, crashing onto the ice. Another skater's skates tangled awkwardly as they collapsed onto their knees.
Once filled with the rhythmic glides and soft whispers of skates cutting the ice, the rink descended into silence.
Except for the laughter, Elric's eyes narrowed.
The coach's face darkened, his lips pressing into a grim line.
Benikiba's gaze sharpened. Ino instinctively adjusted his stance, his usual laid-back demeanor vanishing into something serious and alert.
The laughter grew louder.
It wasn't just amusement; it was derision and contempt. A deliberate, oppressive sound meant to unnerve, and it was working.
Elric knew that voice. His muscles tensed slightly, not in fear but in recognition.
Slowly, his gaze shifted toward the source. A group had entered the rink. Tall. Broad-shouldered. Heavy footsteps clicking against the ice-proof flooring. Their builds alone radiated raw intimidation. They were hockey players. However, not just any players; a team of them appeared.
Elric could already feel it. The tension in the air changed. The balance of the rink had shifted. They weren't here to skate. They were here to remind everyone who really controlled this place.