Endless tournament

chapter 2.

Hinote, a determined 17-year-old, walked with purpose toward the Kaibutsu Senshi Gakkō (怪物 戦士 学校), the Monster Fighters Academy in Japan. His heart raced as he neared the gates, his eyes scanning the intimidating structure. For years, he had dreamed of becoming a kaibutsu senshi—a warrior tasked with fighting the terrifying monster factions that roamed the earth. His journey had not been easy, though, as he lacked the crucial advantage that many students here had: cursed heritage.

Cursed heritage, a powerful energy passed down from ancestors who had survived a traumatic encounter with one of the monster factions, gave its bearers extraordinary abilities. Children who inherited this energy from their grandparents would manifest it between ages 5 and 7. But Hinote had no such legacy. He was not born into power; he would have to earn his place among them by sheer will and strength. Yet, after five failed attempts at the academy's grueling entrance tests, doubts had started to cloud his mind.

But today, Hinote was resolute. This was his final chance to prove himself.

He entered the academy and made his way to Isamu, one of the senior mentors. Isamu, a towering man with a half-beard, was respected for his brutal honesty and training methods. Hinote had always admired his strength and leadership, but he knew this man would not go easy on him.

Isamu looked up as Hinote approached, shaking his head with a bemused smile. "Seriously? scoffs You again?" He chuckled, crossing his arms. "Well, I like the spirit, young man! But isn't it clear this isn't meant for you? You've got no cursed heritage, and you've already failed five times."

Hinote's hands clenched into fists. "No! I won't give up! My mother was killed by a soul monster! I need to take revenge, to fight so no one else has to suffer like I did!"

Isamu raised an eyebrow, still amused. "Revenge, huh? Well, if that's what drives you... Maybe you should start a family. Have as many kids as possible. Maybe one of your grandkids will inherit a cursed heritage and can take that revenge for you." A smirk crossed his face.

Hinote's face turned red with frustration. "Wh—hey! I'm not waiting that long!"

Isamu chuckled. "Makes sense, seeing as it would probably take a thousand years for you to even find a girlfriend..." He giggled under his breath.

Hinote scoffed and pouted. "Oh, come on! Can you just stop it? I want another chance!"

Isamu's laughter faded, but his grin remained. "Well, young man, you may not be part of one of my regular groups, but you sure are entertaining. I'll give you this one last chance to join the monster fighters. But listen, after five failures, the organization is starting to question my judgment. Normally, you wouldn't even get another shot after three."

Hinote nodded, his voice steadier now. "I understand, Isamu... If I fail again, I won't bother you anymore."

Isamu smiled warmly, patting Hinote on the shoulder. "Alright, then. Follow me."

He led Hinote to the training field, where the academy's dojo departments were located. The students were already training, their movements sharp, their focus unwavering. Isamu stepped inside and called out, "Aoto, Hanzo, Akimitsu, and Ayaka! Come here."

As the four students lined up, they exchanged curious glances, their eyes landing on Hinote with a mix of confusion and disdain. Ayaka, a short girl with sharp eyes, sneered. "Ew, isn't that the boy who tried five times to join us?"

Isamu nodded, grinning. "Yes! He is! Isn't he a tough guy? I love his persistence." He clapped his hands together. "Now, I want Hanzo to spar with Hinote for two minutes. Hinote, you know the drill. Try not to get hit—or, at least, try to get hit as little as possible." He chuckled softly, clearly enjoying the spectacle.