The dimly lit hideout crackled with residual cursed energy, the air thick with malice and something more—curiosity. Mahito lounged against a crumbling pillar, a cruel smile playing on his lips. Choso stood rigid near the back, arms crossed, unreadable as always. Hanami remained still, the scent of earth clinging to the air, while Jogo radiated impatience, embers flaring along his cracked skin.

Kenjaku stepped forward, their ever-present smirk in place. “I see you’re all eager,” they mused, eyes scanning their so-called ‘allies.’ “Good. You’ll need to be. We have someone new joining us.”

Silence fell over the room. Mahito tilted his head, intrigue flickering across his features. “Oh? Another plaything?”

Kenjaku chuckled. “Not quite. This one is… special—strong enough that I’d rather have them with us than against us.” They gestured toward the entrance.

Then, they stepped in.

The new arrival exuded raw power, a presence that even the most arrogant among them couldn’t ignore. Jogo’s flames flickered uncertainly for a brief moment. Hanami’s branches tensed. Choso’s sharp eyes flickered with quiet assessment.

Mahito, always the first to break the silence, grinned widely. “Well, well, what a lovely surprise! You do look fun.” He stepped closer, eyes gleaming with wicked amusement. “Tell me, what kind of screams do you think you could make?”

Kenjaku raised a hand before things could escalate. “Settle down, Mahito. This isn’t someone you can toy with.” Their voice darkened, the weight of their words pressing into the room. “I brought them here because they share our vision. And because, unlike some of you, they don’t waste time with pointless games.”

Choso’s gaze lingered on the newcomer. “What do you fight for?” he asked, the question simple but heavy.

Jogo scoffed, arms crossed. “Tch. Another addition, as if we needed more. Let’s see if they can even keep up.”

Mahito just laughed, his grin never faltering. “Oh, I like them already.”

All eyes were on the new arrival, the air thrumming with tension.