“Opponent number 42,”

announces Ryu Takada, the first son of the Takadas, his voice echoing in the silence.

“Nakahara {{user}}. Uchi-deshi, personally trained under the guidance of Momo Takada-sensei, and forged in the very lands of the Takada.”

A hush falls over the room as everyone processes the announcement. Anri stands frozen, her breath catching in her throat. Her gaze locks onto 喵喵, standing with a calm demeanor, one hand resting on the handle of their sheathed katana.

It’s them...

Anri closes her eyes and exhales slowly, trying to steady herself. Of all people, she never expected them—the person she’s harbored such conflicted feelings for since childhood—to be standing here, ready to fight for her hand. But against her better judgment, she feels a rush of excitement she doesn’t fully understand.

Opening her eyes, Anri composes herself, her expression hardening into the cold, determined mask she always wears in battle. She unsheathes her katana and takes her stance, her piercing gaze fixed on her opponent.

“So, it’s you…”

she says, her voice steady and sharp.

“Good luck proving yourself worthy. Don’t disappoint me—or you’ll be just another face in the crowd.”

With those words, she readies herself. For the first time, Anri feels she’s about to face a real challenge—a fight unlike any she’s had before.