[Training Grounds – Just After Hajime Was Allowed to Join]
As the team regrouped, Sockoo lifted her hand again.
Sockoo (stern):
“Also. You won’t be on the main roster.”
The world stopped.
A faint gust of wind rolled through. Somewhere, a dramatic violin string snapped.
Hajime (slowly turning, eyes twitching):
“…I’m sorry. What?”
Sockoo (casually):
“You’ll be backup. I want you on reserve in case things go south. That’s final.”
Hajime (snapping):
“WHAT— B-But I’m the strongest for FUCK’S SAKE! I fought STRIKEKA! STRIKEKA! THE SAME GUY WHO GAVE BAKU A HARD TIME BACK IN THE DAY!”
He started gesturing wildly, pointing to himself.
Hajime (shouting):
“I’m literally the best and only option for this! I AM THE ACE HERE!”
Bondo (shrugging):
“Arguably.”
Hajime (suddenly turning like a demon):
“Do NOT start with me, BONDO BUSHIDA. I will rip your world a fucking-sunder.”
Bondo (instantly humbled):
“…Okay.”
The air fell silent. Even the wind stopped moving.
Yu slowly took a step back.
Emily blinked twice and covered her mouth.
Daka leaned to Rizra and whispered, “That was kinda hot.”
Angel just nodded silently.
Ray in the back: “Language, but also… fair reaction.”
Hajime (still fuming):
“Why, Sockoo?! Why are you doing this to me?!”
Sockoo (gentle, but serious):
“Because I care. You just woke up from a coma. You’re still recovering. If I throw you into the main bracket and something happens—if you break again—I won’t forgive myself. I trust you, but I won’t gamble with your life.”
She stepped closer, placing a hand on his chest.
Sockoo (softer):
“So help me from the outside first. Be our ace when it matters most. And I’ll decide when it’s safe for you to fight.”
Hajime (gritting teeth, pouting):
“…Tch. Fine. But I’m pouting.”
Sockoo (smiling):
“You already are.”
Everyone stayed quiet as the storm settled.
Then…
Bondo (muttering, copying Hajime’s pout):
“…Don’t start with me.”
Hajime side-eyed him so fast Bondo blinked and looked away immediately like a scolded dog.
The Music Strikers were forming—with fire, chaos, and ridiculous power.
And the tournament was getting closer.
[Scene – Music Strikers Gear Up | Training Grounds, Day Before Tournament Announcement]
The sun glared down over the cliffside field where the Music Strikers stood, their silhouettes bold against the wind. Boxes of equipment were scattered around them—each one stamped with Ray's custom blacksmith logo, and inside…
New. Battle. Outfits.
?? Hajime
? Outfit: A sleek, black high-collared combat suit, flexible yet armored.
? Symbol: A white “X” stretched across his chest—simple, sharp.
? Boots: Specially designed to enhance his blue flames, with soles that generate friction-resistant force for mid-air flame dashes and close-range attacks.
? Aura: Quiet intensity. He looks like a soldier from a forgotten age, mysterious and deadly.
???? Daka
? Outfit: Light gray cloak with frost-touched edges, short-sleeved underneath for mobility.
? Tech: Built-in wrist cuffs that pulse when he uses wind, and leg armor that chills the air around his feet for ice-step acceleration.
? Style: Rogue-like, with sharp-eyed clarity. A walking winter breeze.
?? Rizra
? Outfit: Sleek black-and-red combat gear with reinforced gloves and boots.
? Extras: Her gloves crackle when she moves, built to absorb and channel shock damage.
? Design: Open shoulders, cropped jacket—classic brawler with modern flair.
?? Makoto
? Outfit: Long white coat with circuit patterns running down the sleeves.
? Weapons: Two high-tech magic guns at his sides with adjustable forms.
? Style: Tactical, stylish, and chaotic. Glasses glint with menace.
???? Sockoo
? Outfit: A black and orange bodysuit with glowing cat-shaped flames flickering across her back.
? Design: Tailcoat-like flare near her waist, and flame pattern gloves.
? Aura: Commanding yet wild. Her Itsuki energy pulses like a heartbeat of fire.
???? Emily
? Outfit: Long elemental dress-coat that shifts in color depending on magic.
? Details: Glowing gems on her belt represent her elemental wheel.
? Look: Mystical, elegant—witch of all elements.
?? Yu
? Outfit: White layered robes with glowing blue circuits pulsing through them.
? Cape: Flows like digital code unraveling behind him.
? Feel: Calm yet terrifying. Pure magic incarnate.
????? Yosuke
? Outfit: Tight dark armor with green and purple poison runes lining the sleeves.
? Weapon: Thin, curved venom blade at his hip.
? Style: Assassin-vibe. Dangerous, quiet, cool.
??? Angel
? Outfit: White and gold divine armor with halo-like magic rings hovering behind her.
? Design: Mix of priestess robe and paladin guard.
? Presence: Protective and radiant.
? Bondo
? Outfit: Sleeveless high-speed battle suit with yellow lightning bolts stitched across his back.
? Boots & Gauntlets: Made to ground and channel massive voltage.
? Energy: Flashy, loud, and fast.
???? Amy
? Outfit: Psychic-themed bodysuit with flowing ribbons that float mid-air due to her aura.
? Details: Eye-shaped emblems stitched along her sleeves that blink faintly.
? Vibe: Elegant but mentally overwhelming.
[Ray watches from a distance, arms crossed.]
Ray:
“…Look at them. Bunch of kids about to cause a world-level incident.”
Hajime (adjusting collar):
“Yeah… but at least we’ll look good doing it.”
As wind picks up, the camera pans out.
The Music Strikers stand united—ready for the tournament, their bond stronger than ever.
And war-ready with style.
[Scene – Tournament Grounds | Team Housing Area – Morning of the Striker Tournament]
The Music Strikers arrived, excitement and tension buzzing in the air like static. Tournament banners flapped in the wind, teams from across regions unpacked gear, shared greetings, and prepared for battle.
Inside their assigned living quarters, a shocking notice awaited them…
?? ROOM ARRANGEMENTS: ONE BOY & ONE GIRL PER ROOM.
Hajime: (reading)
“…Please tell me this is a joke.”
Sockoo: (shrugging)
“Nope. Tournament rules.”
Pairings (by the Straw-Draw System):
? Hajime & Sockoo
? Daka & Emily
? Amy & Bondo
? Rizra & Makoto
? Yu & Yosuke
? Angel (…sharing with tournament staff temporarily until a spot opens)
Daka & Emily were both turning bright red, trying to look anywhere but at each other.
Amy: (snickering)
“Cute. Should I prep the wedding?”
Bondo: (smirking)
“Better be careful, Daka. One wrong move and Emily might explode.”
Emily: (grumbling, face beet red)
“Wh-Why would I explode…?”
Meanwhile, Rizra crossed her arms and glared coldly at Makoto.
Rizra:
“Try anything weird and I will break all your bones.”
Makoto: (cocky grin)
“No promises.”
Rizra:
CRACK!
Makoto is now buried halfway through a wall.
Makoto (muffled):
“…Worth it…”
Angel blinked in confusion, looking over to Yu and Yosuke, who had already tossed bags onto the beds like this was nothing.
Angel:
“Wait, why are they paired? They’re both guys.”
Sockoo:
“We all drew straws. Yu and Yosuke tied… weirdly.”
Angel:
“…Still. Even if Yu looks like a girl, he’s not.”
Yu: (smiling sweetly, holding a hairbrush)
“I’ll take that as a compliment~”
Yosuke: (grumbling)
“If he brings any more glitter into our room, I’m sleeping outside.”
Sockoo clapped her hands.
Sockoo:
“Alright! Time to introduce our last-minute teammate.”
A strange figure stepped in. Half-casual, half-eerie.
White hair, mismatched red and blue eyes, pale skin.
Despite his skeleton magic, he looked completely human… aside from the faint bony glow when he smirked.
?? Rei – The Bone-Walking Comedian
Rei:
“Hey hey~! I’m Rei. I’ve got bone jokes, bone strength, and bone-chilling power. Get it? No? Okay, tough crowd.”
Hajime:
“…Why does he sound like the skeleton version of a dad joke?”
Sockoo (sighing):
“Baku found him wandering around with no home. Turns out… he knew half of us already. So Baku told me to keep him around for the tournament.”
Angel’s eyes widened. She stared at Rei with faint recognition.
Angel:
“…Wait. You’re the one Strikeka kidnapped back then…”
Rei: (quietly)
“Yeah… I was the failed experiment. Skeleton magic corrupted my body, but didn’t kill me. Guess I’m half-alive, half-dead.”
Everyone fell silent.
Rei (grinning again):
“But hey, at least I don’t need sunscreen!”
Amy:
“...He's weird, but kinda funny.”
Yu:
“I like him.”
Hajime:
“I don’t trust him. But I respect the chaos.”
Sockoo nodded firmly.
Sockoo:
“Rei’s with us now. He’ll be our backup in the early matches. And if we’re lucky—our surprise finisher.”
Makoto (picking rubble off himself):
“Why do all our teammates have trauma and punchlines?”
Hajime:
“Because the universe loves chaos… and we're its favorite show.”
And with that, the Music Strikers were ready.
Tournament day had begun…
And their newest member just boned his way into the squad.
Stolen story; please report.
Hajime:”Hey Narrator SHUT UP WITH THESE DAMN PUNS
Scene – Tournament Signup Booth | Afternoon]
The Music Strikers approached the check-in desk, the line buzzing with excitement from other teams. Sockoo led the group while Hajime yawned, still not fully recovered from Ray’s training torture. As they waited, a blonde girl with a ponytail and fiery red eyes stood ahead of them, staring intensely at Hajime.
Suddenly, she gasped.
“Big bro?!”
Hajime: (tilting his head)
“…Huh?”
The girl pouted, crossing her arms with the exact same exaggerated expression Hajime makes when he’s annoyed.
“What? You don’t remember me?”
Yu: (whispering)
“…That pout… that’s Hajime’s pout…”
Angel:
“She’s got the eyebrows too…”
Daka:
“They’re like… clones.”
The girl placed a hand on her hip and proudly declared:
?? “I’m Jessica Hamamoto. I’m 16 years old, and my magic is Fire Angel.”
Everyone turned to Hajime. His eyes widened—
Suddenly, memories crashed down like a wave.
?? Flashback
— A young Hajime, no older than 5, brushing a little girl’s hair.
— Giving her snacks when their parents were away.
— Teaching her how to make her fire magic tiny and pretty like sparklers.
— Holding her hand while she cried at night, afraid of her power.
Hajime (quietly):
“…Jess…”
Jessica: (smiling warmly)
“There it is… finally. You remember.”
Hajime: (almost tearing up)
“I thought they… left me with no one… I didn’t know…”
Jessica nodded slowly, sadness flashing in her eyes.
Jessica:
“They told me you ran away. That you didn’t want to be part of the family anymore. I thought you hated us…”
Hajime: (shaking his head fast)
“No—! I didn’t even know you were still… I thought they took you and left me.”
Sockoo: (softly)
“…So she’s your sister?”
Hajime: (nodding, almost whispering)
“My little sister… I used to call her Jessy Spark.”
Jessica: (grinning proudly)
“You still remember the nickname.”
Yu: (emotional whisper)
“...This is too sweet. I’m gonna cry.”
Bondo:
“This plot twist got me rethinking the whole Hamamoto family arc.”
Rizra:
“She better not be evil…”
Makoto:
“She’s not. Evil people don’t pout like Hajime.”
Jessica walked up and hugged Hajime, burying her head into his chest. Hajime flinched at first… then slowly wrapped his arms around her, hugging her tighter.
Hajime: (smiling faintly)
“…My baby sister’s all grown up.”
Jessica: (grinning)
“Yeah. And I’m gonna beat your ass in this tournament, big bro.”
Hajime: (deadpan)
“…There it is.”
Everyone smiled.
The long-lost sibling had returned…
And the tournament just got way more personal.
[Scene – Music Strikers' Apartment | Strategy Room – Evening Before Round 1]
The Music Strikers gathered around the table, charts, team brackets, and snack wrappers scattered across it. A screen displayed the tournament’s structure.
Emily adjusted her witch hat dramatically.
Yu was silently calculating odds in his head.
Makoto and Rei were on the couch arguing over who’s more “romantically irresistible,” clearly not taking this seriously.
Sockoo: (clapping hands)
“Alright, we need to choose four people for the first round tomorrow. Let’s be logical here.”
Rizra: (cracking her knuckles)
“Meaning we ignore those two morons.” (nods toward Makoto and Rei)
Makoto: “HEY!”
Rei: (grinning)
“We bring laughter to the battlefield.”
Yu:
“And zero results.”
Sockoo ignored the banter and looked at the group with a leader’s focus.
Sockoo:
“Alright, so… we need a good spread. Someone ranged. Someone durable. Someone fast. Someone who can control the field.”
Daka:
“My wind and ice can stall and control areas. I’ll go.”
Emily:
“I’ll support from behind. I can swap elements depending on who we face.”
Bondo:
“I’ll bring speed and lightning. We need pressure.”
All eyes shifted to the final slot…
Hajime: (rising confidently)
“I’ll take the final slot.”
Sockoo: (immediately)
“No.”
Hajime:
“DAMN IT—!!”
Rizra:
“She didn’t even hesitate.”
Hajime: (dramatically gripping his head)
“I’m the ace! You’re sending in side characters before the main event?!”
Sockoo: (sighs)
“You’re too strong. And unpredictable. If we reveal you now, they’ll start prepping counters.”
Yu:
“She’s right. You’re our… how do you say it… nuclear option.”
Angel: (nodding)
“We need to save Hajime for a real boss fight. Or for a team that gives us real trouble.”
Hajime: (pouting, arms crossed)
“I am literally the main character, guys. Main. Charac—”
Makoto: (interrupting, smirking)
“Not with that attitude, buddy.”
Rei: (smirking with him)
“He’s in his ‘grumpy little brother’ arc.”
Hajime: (death-staring both of them)
“I will rip the bone marrow out of you, skeleton. And you, Makoto—I’ll shove your gun magic where the sun don’t shine.”
Sockoo:
“Okay, focus.”
? Final Round 1 Lineup:
? Daka – Control & Area Lock
? Emily – Elemental Support
? Bondo – Speed & Pressure
? Rizra – Brawler Frontline
Yu:
“Solid formation. Balanced. No overkill.”
Hajime: (grumbling)
“I’m gonna go rage-doodle in my notebook.”
the Music Strikers smiled. Their first battle lineup was set—
[Scene – Same Room, minutes after deciding the Round 1 lineup]
As the group finalized the choices, Angel, thoughtful and calm as always, leaned back with her arms crossed.
Angel:
“Wait… are we sure about this? I mean… we’re throwing in Daka, Rizra, and Bondo all at once? That’s… three of our heavy hitters gone in the first round.”
The room went silent for a moment. Even Makoto and Reistopped their dumb side convo.
Emily: (looking concerned)
“She’s got a point…”
Yu:
“It’s a risk. If the next rounds are harder, we’ll need strength left.”
Sockoo stood still, then glanced down at the bracket. She exhaled deeply, then looked back up.
Sockoo:
“Yes. I know it’s bold… but I have a plan.”
Everyone turned to her.
Sockoo:
“Look… the first round is where teams get cocky. Most send in weak players to test the waters. If we send in overwhelming force, we blow through it, make a name, and we make every other team panic.”
Yu: (nods)
“Psychological warfare.”
Rizra:
“Scare the hell out of them before the real war starts.”
Bondo: (cracks his neck)
“Make ‘em piss their pants early. Got it.”
Angel:
“But what if the first round isn’t weak?”
Sockoo: (smiling slightly)
“Then it’s better we send three people who can adapt, no matter the challenge.”
Daka: (arms crossed, but calm)
“I can hold a whole zone alone if needed.”
Emily:
“I’ll focus purely on supporting. I’ll conserve everything.”
Rizra:
“And I’ll make sure nothing walks out of our side.”
Yu:
“And remember… we’ve still got Makoto, Rei, me, Angel, Amy, Yosuke… and Hajime in reserve. We’re not exactly empty.”
Hajime: (from across the room, still pouting)
“‘Reserve’ makes me sound like a benchwarmer.”
Sockoo:
“No. You’re our finisher. We don’t send you in unless the world’s about to end.”
Angel gave a small nod. She was still wary—but she could feel the confidence in Sockoo’s voice.
Angel:
“…Alright. Just making sure this wasn’t all muscles and pride talking.”
Sockoo: (grinning)
“Nah. I save the muscle and pride for round two.”
Everyone laughed lightly.
The Music Strikers were confident, focused, and ready.
Round One was going to be a statement.
[Scene – Team Strategy Room, right after the laughter fades]
Hajime, still leaning on the wall, eyes half-lidded but sharp, let out a low sigh. The faint smirk he wore was gone. Everyone turned when his tone shifted.
Hajime:
“…That kind of strategy can backfire, you know.”
The room tensed. Sockoo raised an eyebrow but didn’t interrupt. Makoto and Rei immediately went quiet, sensing a shift.
Hajime:
“I get the whole ‘make a statement’ thing. Trust me, I’ve done it before. But if you throw Daka, Rizra, and Bondo in all at once… you’re frontloading our power. That’s dangerous.”
Emily:
“But if they win—”
Hajime:
“No, listen.” (He pushed off the wall and stepped forward, pointing his fingers together—his iconic thinking gesture.)
Hajime:
“If we win easily, great. But what if they take damage? What if one of them gets injured? What if the enemy planned for an aggressive team and set traps? Or worse—what if they lose?Then what?”
Yu: (quietly)
“…Then we’d have to send in multiple of us to clean up.”
Hajime:
“Exactly. This isn’t a one-round game. It’s a war of attrition.And the more we reveal now, the easier it’ll be for teams to counter us later. If Daka uses one of his high-level moves or Rizra shows her best combos… we’re giving free intel.”
Sockoo: (arms crossed)
“So, what’s your suggestion?”
Hajime:
“Stagger the power. One heavy hitter. One all-rounder. One wildcard. Mix styles. Keep people guessing. Make it harder to counter. Save the big combos for later. Wear out other teams—not ourselves.”
He paused, then looked at Sockoo, voice quieter.
Hajime:
“I know you trust them. I do too. But if you want to win the whole tournament—not just survive Round One—you’ve gotta play it like a long game. Trust isn’t just sending your best up front… it’s knowing when to hold back.”
The room went silent.
Even Rizra and Bondo didn’t argue.
Sockoo stared at Hajime, processing, then looked at the bracket again.
Sockoo: (quietly)
“…Okay.”
She exhaled.
Sockoo:
“We’ll rethink it. You’re right.”
Hajime stepped back, arms crossed. But this time, there was no smugness. Just seriousness. The strategist side of him—sharpened by pain and battles—had surfaced.
The Music Strikers weren’t just strong now.
They were thinking like winners.
Makoto scratched the back of his head, leaning slightly toward Rei, whispering with a weirded-out expression.
Makoto:
“Man… it’s actually kinda scary when Hajime gets serious.”
Rei, with one arm slung over Makoto’s shoulder, leaned in and nodded with a mock whisper:
Rei:
“Yeah, bro turns into some kinda general. Like, I lowkey expected lightning to strike when he started talking.”
Hajime, hearing them from across the room, side-eyed them.
Hajime:
“…I can still hear you idiots.”
Makoto:
“GAH—SORRY, COMMANDER!”
Rei:
“WE SERVE THE FLAME GENERAL NOW—”
Rizra: (deadpan, glaring)
“Shut up before I throw you both in the ring first.”
Sockoo, hiding a small grin behind her hand, muttered under her breath:
Sockoo:
“…It is kinda hot when he’s serious, though.”
Emily: (blinking)
“Did you say something?”
Sockoo:
“NOPE. I SAID TACTICAL PLANNING IS HOT—uh—I mean, smart! Tactical planning is smart. Yup.”
Angel: (teasing)
“Someone’s flustered~”
Hajime, now blushing and covering his mouth with his sleeve, muttered:
Hajime:
“…Rage on desu…”
The tension cracked. Everyone laughed—but deep down, they knew this tournament just got serious. And with Hajime’s brain in the mix, they might just stand a real chance. As the laughter died down, Sockoo folded her arms, eyes narrowing thoughtfully. Everyone turned to her as the air grew just a bit more focused.
Sockoo:
“…Alright. Maybe I jumped the gun.”
Hajime: (raising an eyebrow)
“Oh?”
Sockoo: (sighs)
“Hajime’s right. If we throw all our heavy hitters in round one, we risk being out of aces for the next rounds if something unexpected happens. I was thinking too emotionally.”
Yu: (nodding)
“It’s the classic bait. We could win the first round, but lose our trump cards early. Smart teams will try to tire out or even injure our best.”
Sockoo stepped forward, pointing at the board where the names were listed.
Sockoo:
“Okay. Let’s revise. We’ll split the heavy-hitters and balance support. Here's what I’m thinking now for Round One…”
1. Makoto – Mid-range fighter with magic guns. Versatile and underestimated.
2. Emily – Elemental witch, flexible with battlefield control and defense.
3. Rei – Wild card. He’s new, but his skeleton magic can throw opponents off.
4. Angel – Holy magic for support, healing, and overwhelming light damage.
Bondo: (frowning)
“You sure, Captain? That leaves me, Daka, Rizra, Hajime, and Yu off the field.”
Sockoo:
“That’s the point. If the enemy team throws in their best in round one, our next squad will stomp them. If they don’t? We still take the win and conserve energy.”
Hajime: (smiling approvingly)
“That’s the captain I trust.”
Rei: (raising a bone hand)
“Wait, so I’m actually going in? I thought I was just here for the snacks and fan service.”
Rizra: (glaring)
“You’re going in. No snacks. No service. Just fight.”
Makoto:
“Well, guess we’re first blood. Let’s show ‘em what Music Strikers can do.”
Sockoo nodded, determination in her eyes.
Sockoo:
“Round one will set the tone. Let’s make it loud.”
