(Scene: testsukan, sector 4.)
Morning light flutters into the upstairs window, shining onto kai's face, who still lies on the couch. Bandages wrapped tightly around his torso, the room quiet and still as he stares up at the ceiling. Kai: "i lost.. i feel so-" Aris: "weakling." not real, the voice echoing through kai's head. what the crowd said "push over." what dabo said "you're the type i hate the most." kai: "i.. have to show them.. i have to get strong." he sits up, exhaling with one hand pressed lightly against his bandages. then- Yobi walks past the room. then, he comes back peaking into the door. Yobi: "you're up!" Kai: "hey."
the cafe hums quietly below. Kai now sits at the counter, Yobi beside him. Makimi pours him a cup of coffee. Makimi: "don't beat yourself over a loss, kid.. it happens! plus, you just got to sector 4 anyway!" Kai looks down in his reflection in the dark coffee "really..?" Yobi places a hand on kai's back, reassuring. then, *ding* Aris walks through the door. Makimi: "captain!" Aris smirks "look who's up" Kai: "Aris.." he stands. Aris: "before you even say anything! you're.. extremely weak." Kai's shoulders buckle, recoiling. and Aris just walks past him casually, grabbing a cup. "back there you looked like a complete rookie, and almost died for it." Kai nods "right.." Makimi reaches to pour Aris' coffee- *DINGG!* Makimi: "welco-" she freezes. so does Aris and Yobi. Kai looks around in confusion.. at the doorway.. stands gajo. Aris comes out from behind the counter "Yo.. Kisame." confusion in his voice. Gajo looks down "Sorry for barging into your territory, Aris." Kai whispers to Makimi "Who the hell is this guy..?" Makimi: "That's Kisame Gajo.. he's the leader of the dragon gang. A territory boss... and easily.. the strongest in sector 4." Gajo chuckles a bit, scratching his cheek. Aris: "is.. there something you need..?" Gajo looks around.. then his eyes land on Kai. "ah!" he steps forward "you'd be Kai, right?" Kai nods "uh-huh.. that's me.." Gajo: "Mind if i talk to ya?" Kai blinks "sure." they walk outside.. Makimi and Yobi looking to Aris. But Aris just shrugs.
Outside, Gajo slides his hands into his pockets, Kai following. Kai: "so..? what's up??" Gajo: "i seen you back in that tournament, you had some impressive power." Kai's eyes widen "for real?? but all i did was lose.." Gajo chuckles "that's why i said power, not you." Kai lowers his head. Gajo: "ive never seen anyone with such a high line count. not even i can produce that much at once." Kai: "really..?" Gajo nods "mm-hm. that's why many expected more from you back there too. With enough training.. you could become something really powerful!" Kai's expressions shift. "NO WAY!!" he jumps up "that's actually EXACTLY what i needed!!" Gajo laughs "Oh? i like your spirit!" Kai: "You see, i needa get stronger! Because imma become a really respected guy, gain some status and somewhere great like sector 1!!" Gajo's smile changes slightly. "Oh yeah..?" he places a hand on Kai's shoulder. "Kai, you have the potential to be seriously strong. let me help you.. do that." Kai's eyes glimmer as he looks up at Gajo.. like he's a hero or something. both of them grin. Kai: "OKAY!" *CLAPP!* the two dap up.. a start of a new friendship.