Kaitansha HQ, Japan—-
Two weeks later…
Kaitansha agents hurried through the hallways, rushing to their desks as Hayate and Marin passed through.
"The Raid begins in twelve hours!" Hayate announced. "Make sure you all monitor every single inch!"
The agents saluted.
Once Hayate turned a corner, a camera crew quickly ambushed him, with a female reporter holding a microphone to his face.
"Kaitansha Director Tachibana!" she exclaimed. "Is it true that Omariro Nyugawa will be participating in the tournament?"
"Yes," Hayate confirmed.
"How will this impact the structure and dynamics? Letting the Legendary Kaitansha back in is sure to stir up some controversy!"
"Everything will be fine," Hayate assured. "Nyugawa is a respected man, and we will make sure all Divisions have a fair shot at the Hibako."
"Will this be airing overseas? I know everyone is dying to watch Nyugawa back in action!"
"No further questions, please."
"Wait—-!"
Hayate pushed past the woman, with Marin following. Once he made it back to his office, Marin spoke.
"I believe we should notify the Kaidanchō, sir. Rules state they have twelve hours to prepare."
"Good idea," Hayate agreed. "Send an agent to all of their residences."
"Affirmative, sir."
She pulled out her phone and disappeared, leaving Hayate to pull up a feed of the Nakameguro area.
"The Hibako Misutikku…who will claim you this year?"
Denenchōfu, Japan——
BOOM. BOOM. BOOM.
"Come on, soldiers! Put some back into it!"
Inside of a large household gym, a buff man with orange hair and eyes was busy sparring with a group of young Kaitansha dressed in orange and black.
"Sir…" one groaned. "Can we take a break…?"
The man straightened. "Alright. Since you've survived ten seconds longer than last time, I'll allow a water break! To the kitchen!"
The group cheered, just as a knock was sounded on the door. The man opened it, finding a Kaitansha agent standing there.
"Greetings, Kaidanchō Gakuto Miyama of Rekkaidan," the agent announced. "Here is your invitation to the Division Raid Tournament."
Gakuto took the letter. "Thank you, tiny man! We'll burn it up, this year!"
The agent bowed and disappeared.
"You heard that, kids?" Gakuto shouted. "Tournament's coming soon! Lock in!"
"Sir, yes, sir!" they replied.
Shirokanedai, Japan—-
A young girl with soft purple hair and eyes was busy combing her hair inside her room when a knock suddenly came at the door.
"Mizuki!" a female voice shouted. "You've got a visitor!"
"I'll be right there, Mother."
She got up, calmly walking down the steps and opening the door to welcome the agent. "Hello."
"Good morning," the agent said. "Here is your invitation to the Tournament, Kaidanchō Mizuki Saionji of Seikaidan."
She gave a polite bow. "Thank you."
Seijō, Japan—-
An agent rolled up to a gated home in Seijō, where a pair of Kaitansha stopped him.
"Halt," one ordered. "This is the home of our Kaidanchō. What business do you have with him?"
"I'm here to invite him to the Division Raid Tournament," the agent explained. "Geez, can you people calm down?"
They shared a look before opening the gate. "Be quick about it."
The agent pulled in, knocking at the door, where a young man with messy black hair and tired eyes opened the door, wearing a robe.
"What?"
"Here you are, Kaidanchō Kōichi Kamishiro," the agent said. "Your invite to the Raid."
Kōichi snatched it from the agent. "Cool. Begone."
He slammed the door in the man's face, who grumbled. "Rude little jerk."
Daikanyama, Japan—-
In a large backyard, a chestnut-haired girl in a kimono was sitting outside with a group of young women, chatting as they sipped tea.
"It was amazing! I cleared over 5,000 floors in one go!"
"Have you ever cleared the 10,000th floor?"
"No, but I got really close! Floor 8,500, all on my own!"
While they talked, an agent approached. "Excuse me, ladies."
The man handed the letter to the girl. "Kōkaidan Kaidanchō Kaoru Tsukishima. We'd be delighted if you could join the Division Raid Tournament."
Kaoru eagerly took the letter. "Thank you, thank you! I'll put on a show!"
The other girls gawked and gossiped as Kaoru opened her letter. "This is gonna be so fun!"
Aoyama, Japan—-
Inside of a dojo, a woman with long blonde hair and icy blue eyes was meditating, when she heard a knock on her door. A female servant peeked her head through.
"M'lady," her servant said. "The time has come."
The woman gracefully stood up, her walk as intimidating as her height. "Leave me."
The servant nodded and left as the woman opened the door to find a young agent fumbling with the letter.
"Oops! So sorry, here you are! Kaidanchō Yuka Natori of Sōkaidan! So elegant and beautiful—-I mean, you're invited to the Raid Tournament!"
She took the letter, opening it. "Sōkaidan in second again? This sin will not be tolerated."
Her eyes coated with ice, and the servant quickly bowed and hurried off.
Akasaka, Japan—-
Three agents walked the pathway to a large home isolated from the others, where statues of golems were erected.
"Be careful," the first one said. "Sir Sunahara is no man to play with."
The other two nodded as they reached the door, hesitantly knocking. A sharp, firm voice spoke.
"Speak, kittens."
"We're here to invite you to the Division Raid Tournament, Kaidanchō Atsushi Sunahara of Naraku-Kaidan! The Director also wanted us to congratulate you on your first place win in the last Tournament!"
The door flew open, and Atsushi stared at them with a gaze strong enough to make them tremble.
"Don't come here with praise. Deliver your letter and scurry off."
"Yes, sir!"
They quickly handed him the letter and hurried off the property as Atsushi examined it. "Immature youths."
He slammed the door, tossing the letter. "Nyugawa's back. What game is he playing now?"
Minato Ward—-
Junpei pulled up to Omariro's house.
"I hope he isn't dead," Junpei thought. "Dealing with teenagers 24/7 isn't a job for an elderly man."
Junpei exited and went for the door. As soon as he knocked, Rei threw it open, wearing her own Kaitansha outfit.
"♪Hello!♪"
Junpei jumped back. "Oh! Hello. Is Omariro Nyugawa here?"
"♪Maybe! Maybe not! I really like you a lot! ♪"
Junpei adjusted his collar. "I don't have time for games. Is your Leader here or no?"
Rei stepped aside. "Come see!"
Junpei followed behind Rei as she led him into the living room, where Han and Zaria were playing video games on the TV, and Rika was vlogging.
"Guys!" Rei giggled. "Mr. Omariro has a visitor!"
They all immediately stopped and shifted their attention to Junpei.
"You again?" Zaria scoffed. "The hell are you here for?"
"Please don't say we're going to jail!" Han worried. "If so, take Rika first!"
Rika threw her phone at Han. "How about he take YOU first?"
"Idiots," Junpei sighed. "I'm here to speak with Omariro Nyugawa. Since he's applied for the Division Raid Tournament, I have a letter to give him."
The kids paused.
"Oh," Zaria replied. "In that case…Sir! You've got company!"
Omariro suddenly appeared, a stern look on his face. "Taxes not due. Tell them go, or stick hit face."
Junpei slapped his forehead. "No wonder they're like this."
Omariro noticed him. "Agent. Here. Why?"
Junpei handed Omariro the letter. "Congratulations, Kaidanchō Omariro Nyugawa of Shinkaidan. Here is your invitation to the Division Raid Tournament."
"Hmm," Omariro grunted. "Fancy letter."
"Yes. Now that I've finally gotten it to you, I will take my leave."
Junpei began to head out, but he paused for a brief moment. "Also, the Director asks if you could attend the Pre-Raid Ceremony. Your face will draw many eyes."
"Hate ceremonies," Omariro mumbled.
"I wanna go to a ceremony!" Rika interrupted. "Being on TV rocks!"
"Meh, once you've been to one, you've been to 'em all," Zaria shrugged.
"Well, if you choose to attend, we'll be expecting you at 5 PM sharp," Junpei continued. "Goodbye."
He left.
"Are we going to the big party, sir?" Rika asked. "Please? Pretty please?"
"Party?" Rei questioned. "Those still exist?"
Omariro looked at the letter in his hand. "…Fine."
Rika pumped her fist. "Yes! Party time!"
She quickly hurried into the hallway. Han just watched, his arms folded. "Women."
Omariro checked the time. "Two hours."
And then he vanished.
"Mr. Nyugawa might be the real ghost," Han thought. "I wonder how he disappears like that."
Zaria nudged Han. "Come on, let's dress up."
"Wait, uh, I decline—-!"
She dragged him away, and Rei followed. "Ooh! Are we having a tea party? I wanna come!"
Hours soon passed, and it was time to leave.
Shinjuku, Japan—-
The streets of Nishi-Shinjuku were littered with fans as music played from a large building venue.
"Move! I wanna see the Kaidanchō!"
"How do we get tickets to get inside?"
"Is Omariro Nyugawa here? I want a picture!"
Junpei and the other agents directed them back from the venue entrance. "If you're not a guest, please maintain a reasonable distance!"
The rambunctious crowd kept pushing back. Junpei noticed a line of limousines pulling in.
"Finally," he thought, relieved. "We can get this show started."
One by one, the Kaidanchō exited their limos, dressed elegantly as they approached the entrance. The crowd began to snap pictures.
"Look, it's Kaidanchō Kamishiro! He looks so badass!"
"Is that Kaidanchō Tsukishima? Gosh, she's so pretty!"
"Whoa, Kaidanchō Sunahara looks ready to kill!"
Junpei welcomed them in as they surrounded him. "I'm pleased you could all attend. Follow me. The ceremony awaits you."
"Then let us not dawdle," Yuka commanded.
They entered the building, a grand hall with music, lights, and various guests sitting at the surrounding tables. In the front was a large stage, where Marin and Hayate awaited. As soon as they stepped foot inside, all eyes were on them, and the lights dimmed.
"Welcome, my Kaidanchō!" Hayate greeted. "It's an honor to have you all gathered for the Pre-Raid Ceremony!"
They took a bow.
"We are honored to be here, Sir," Yuka stated.
"Come, join me on stage at once!"
The audience clapped as the Kaidanchō took their places, standing alongside Hayate.
"Wait, where's Nyugawa?"
The crowd suddenly went silent.
"That old man's back has probably given out," Atsushi suggested. "I wouldn't count on him showing up, Director."
"Claim false."
The entire room shifted their eyes to the door, where Omariro, in a bathrobe and loafers, was standing, with the kids behind him, dressed fancy.
"It's really him…!"
"No way! He's still alive?"
"Wow…he looks like he just got outta bed!"
The Kaidanchō gave mixed looks as Omariro walked up to the stage, where Hayate welcomed him with open arms. "Ahh! Nyugawa! A bit underdressed, but we are glad to have you!"
Omariro hopped onto the stage. "Begin show."
"Seems the old man's still got life left," Kōichi yawned. "Surprising."
"Very," Yuka remarked. "Barging in here as such. Where are your manners?"
"Guys! Guys!" Kaoru protested. "Sir Omariro's a LEGEND! We should treat him as such!"
"I'm with the girl," Gakuto agreed.
"The Director is trying to speak," Mizuki pointed out. "Please save your personal opinions for later."
Atsushi leaned down to stare at Omariro, who barely paid him any mind. "Nyugawa…you haven't changed a bit."
Omariro briefly looked up. "Sunahara same as ever."
Atsushi gave him a death stare, as Hayate interrupted the chatter. "Great, great! Now that we have all seven, please display the rankings!"
An agent pressed a button, displaying each Division's rank over their leader's head.
"It doesn't feel right seeing us in last," Zaria admitted, whispering to Rika. "We've got the coolest Kaidanchō of all, and we're rotting at the bottom?"
"We've got this!" Rika assured. "Even if we suck, Mr. Nyugawa doesn't! Remember, he beat that Raid Boss like it was nothing!"
"Yeah, yeah, he did!"
"Some of those others are shooting him dirty looks," Han noticed. "Assholes."
With the rankings clear, a display of the Chiyoda Dungeon appeared on the projector behind them.
"In a few short hours, you guys will get to see these Divisions compete for this year's prize, a Tier 3 Hibako Misutikku!"
Everyone gasped.
"Tier 3?" Yuka interrupted. "Sir, a Tier 3 box hasn't been discovered in 50 years!"
"That's right. That means the stakes of this Tournament are higher than ever. Whichever Division wins gets a massive boost to their ranks."
"Tier 3…" Zaria whispered. "If we win, we'll be much stronger! We'll actually be able to fight with Mr. Nyugawa!"
"But that means the competition will be just as hard," Han pointed out. "Everyone's gonna want it. Because our master does."
"They can try," Rika taunted. "With our Kaidanchō, we'll kick their jealous butts!"
Rei pumped her fists. "Yay!"
The Kaidanchō all looked amongst each other, while Omariro simply fixed his robe.
"Now the real question begins," Hayate proposed. "With Nyugawa back in the picture…"
The attention turned to Omariro.
"…which of you will win?"
——