The Cyber Ascension Arc 3 — The Battles Of New York | Volume 3 | Chapter 23: The Feeding
The morning sun stretched its golden fingers across the forest clearing, catching on the dew-covered grass. Birds chirped melodiously, their songs weaving a natural symphony that made the morning feel alive. The faint rustle of leaves blended with the laughter and low murmurings of the group as they stirred awake from the previous night's exhaustion.
Youchina stepped outside first, inhaling the fresh morning air. The light brushed against her long black hair, and a small, contented smile appeared on her face.
Youchina: "This morning is so fresh, Nashino…"
Nashino, still feeling the remnants of exhaustion from the previous battles, yawned lazily as he approached her. His hands and cheeks bore bandages from his recent fight, yet his trademark playful grin remained. Without a word, he rested his head gently on her shoulder, eyes half-closed in a mixture of fatigue and comfort.
Nashino: "Ya… good morning, Youchina."
He spoke in a soft, lazy tone. Despite his injuries, there was a warmth in his presence, and the way he leaned on her spoke volumes.
Youchina's fingers instinctively reached out, brushing lightly against his cheek to check his condition.
Youchina: "Are you okay? How is your healing?"
Her voice carried a gentle concern, a softness reserved only for him.
Nashino: "Yeah… I'm feeling better, but still exhausted, Youchina."
A faint playful undertone slipped into his voice, teasing her gently.
Across the clearing, Yuzurei and Shinoki stepped out together. Shinoki's cheeks were flushed, her voice slightly nervous as she greeted him.
Shinoki: "Yuzu-Kun! G…good morning!"
Emily, meanwhile, walked up to Jin Yuan, who was already practicing his precise strikes with a wooden sword, the rhythm of his movements calm and measured.
Emily: "Good morning, Yuan."
Jin Yuan: "Yeah, I'm alright."
His tone was steady, calm as ever, but there was a warmth in his eyes when he glanced at her.
Returning her attention to Nashino, Youchina lightly touched his cheek again, her own face tinged with soft pink.
Nashino: "You're such a softie, Youchina."
His tone was teasing, playful, yet underneath it, there was an unmistakable fondness.
Youchina responded immediately, pinching his cheek gently, her own blush deepening slightly.
Youchina: "Yes… only for you."
The unspoken bond between them spoke louder than words ever could. A glance, a touch, a shared smile—these were their true expressions of love.
---
Breakfast
The aroma of freshly made soba noodles filled the room, a comforting scent that made everyone's stomachs rumble. Shioinkin, ever the enthusiastic mentor, had prepared his signature dish, arranging steaming bowls across the low wooden table.
Shioinkin: "Okay, kids! Today, my special recipe! Sensei's Super Soba Noodles!"
Yuzurei: "OHHH! Old man, you better be a chef!"
Musukoni smacked Yuzurei lightly on the back of the head, his tone calm yet affectionate.
Musukoni: "Yuzurei! Say 'Sensei! Sensei!' Show some respect!"
Laughter rippled around the table, the camaraderie light and warm.
Nashino turned toward Youchina, a playful glint in his eye despite his bandaged hands.
Nashino: "Ya… Youchina…"
Youchina: "Yes? Anything?"
Her voice was calm, but her eyes held that familiar warmth, a silent acknowledgment of their connection.
Nashino: "See? My hands are injured…"
Youchina's eyes softened, already understanding his playful hint.
Youchina: "So?"
Nashino: "So… feed me."
She picked up a pair of chopsticks, teasingly gesturing.
Youchina: "Say 'Ahh' then."
Nashino: "Ahh."
And so began their morning ritual. Youchina carefully fed him noodles, occasionally laughing softly at his exaggerated expressions of satisfaction. Nashino's usual playful banter mixed with contented hums as he ate, the two of them sharing a quiet, intimate moment amidst the morning chaos.
On the other side, Yuzurei was less refined, shoveling noodles into his mouth with abandon. Popcorn and soup splattered across his cheeks as Shinoki, cheeks pink with embarrassment, hurriedly wiped them away with a napkin.
Yuzurei: "Ah! Tasty!"
Shioinkin chuckled heartily at the scene, enjoying the lively chaos as he ate his own bowl of noodles.
Jin Yuan, ever calm and precise, ate quietly beside Emily. She nudged him lightly, suggesting a playful challenge.
Emily: "Yuan, let's have a race—who can finish their bowl first?"
Jin Yuan gave a rare nod of acknowledgment, the faintest smile tugging at his lips. The two of them began eating, quiet determination and playful competitiveness blending seamlessly.
---
The morning passed in laughter, playful teasing, and warm glances. The air was light, free of tension, filled only with the comforting sounds of friends enjoying each other's company.
Even the quiet ones—Musukoni and Shioinkin—found themselves smiling as they watched the lively dynamics around the table, their analytical minds secretly enjoying the chaos.
By midday, the group's bonds felt strengthened, the shared experiences of battle and recovery manifesting in moments of laughter, care, and subtle romance. The room was filled with warmth—not from the sun, but from friendship, love, and the simple joy of being together.The Cyber Ascension – Arc 3: The Battles of New York
Volume 3 | Chapter 24 : The Love
The sun was sinking behind the horizon, painting the sky with warm orange and rose-gold streaks. Inside the hall, Shioinkin Sensei stood proudly with his hands on his waist.
Shioinkin: "Alright, students! Today, I have a surprise for everyone!"
Nashino yawned lightly, leaning forward with his usual lazy grin.
Nashino: "Ya…? What's it, Sensei…?"
Jin Yuan watched silently from the side, calm as always.
Yuzurei: "OLD MAN!!! DON'T LEAVE US HANGING!!!"
Musukoni immediately smacked him on the back of the head.
Musukoni: "Yuzurei! Say Sensei! At least ONCE in your life!"
Shinoki hurried behind Yuzurei, tugging lightly at his sleeve.
Shinoki: "Ah… i-if Yuzu-kun is going… then I'm coming too…"
Emily walked up beside Jin Yuan, her smile warm like morning sun.
Emily: "What's the surprise, Sensei?"
Youchina entered from the corridor and stood next to Nashino, her presence instantly softening the atmosphere.
Youchina: "What's going on here?"
Shioinkin puffed out his chest proudly.
Shioinkin: "Tonight, we're all going to see… FIREWORKS!"
Everyone froze for a second—then their eyes lit up instantly.
Yuzurei: "YES!!!! SENSEI YOU'RE THE BEST!!!"
Jin Yuan gave a small nod. Emily nudged him with her elbow.
Emily: "Come on, Yuan. Be a little happy. After everything that happened in New York… we deserve this."
Jin Yuan's cheeks turned faintly pink.
Jin Yuan: "…Fine. I'm coming."
Musukoni sighed but smiled.
Musukoni: "Yuzurei, you better not cause trouble like last time. Especially with snacks."
Nashino grinned and pinched Youchina's cheek gently, making her blush instantly.
Nashino: "Fun night ahead, huh?"
Youchina: (soft, flustered) "N-Nashino…"
---
The Fireworks…
The group arrived near the city outskirts, where festival lanterns glowed softly. Everyone had changed into kimonos, giving the night a dreamlike charm.
Nashino wore a black kimono, its sleeves slightly loose, matching his easygoing vibe.
He leaned against Youchina with a lazy smirk.
Nashino: "Ya ya… this kinda stuff is nice."
Youchina, dressed in a purple kimono with black floral patterns, stood calmly beside him—her cheeks faintly warm.
Youchina: "Yes… Nashino. It really is relaxing."
Emily twirled a little in her red kimono, standing beside Jin Yuan, who wore a deep green one.
Emily: "See? I told you this would be fun."
Jin Yuan: "...Yeah. You're right."
A rare, gentle smile appeared on his face.
Meanwhile, Yuzurei was already bouncing around in his blue kimono.
Yuzurei: "FIREWORKS ARE THE BESTTTT!!"
Next to him, Shinoki in a pink kimono with soft red flowers, blushed as she looked at him.
Shinoki: "Y-Yeah… they are, Yuzu-kun…"
Musukoni, wearing a sky-blue kimono, breathed in the calm evening breeze.
Musukoni: "Sensei… this really was the best idea."
And finally, Shioinkin stood tall in his white kimono, striking a grand pose.
Shioinkin: "Heh! Of course it was! I AM the best Sensei!"