Shoto walked towards the track field, his eyes fixed on Hikaru, Ryuji, and, surprisingly, Ren, who was with them. Ren and Hikaru were deep in conversation, though Shoto couldn't make out their words. Neko jumped off Shoto's back as they approached the field.
Yumiko, seated among the crowd, had planned to have lunch but decided to watch Shoto instead. She waved to get his attention. Shoto noticed and waved back softly. Meanwhile, Hikaru scrutinized Ren carefully as Ren sighed.
"So if one of you guys wins, I have to join your merry band of... followers? I'm not getting it," Ren said.
Hikaru chuckled, adjusting his glasses. "You could say we're a merry band, but I'm serious about this. Afterward, I can show you the talking cat." Ren glanced at Ryuji, then at Shoto, who was approaching.
"Okay, it's a deal, but I still want to see the talking cat if you lose," Ren said, smiling. He then looked directly at Hikaru. "Try to outrun me." He walked away as Shoto arrived, looking at Ren and then back at Hikaru. "Are you guys ready?" Hikaru walked away quietly, and Ryuji followed, nodding at Shoto with excitement. Shoto smacked his face softly and followed them.
Kuro arrived as the girls in the crowd, including Yumiko, screamed like excited fans. "AHHHHH, KUROOOO!"
Kuro waved at them with a cocky smile, then looked at Hikaru, Ryuji, and Shoto in their simple T-shirts and shorts, each with a number. He focused on Shoto, a wicked smile on his face.
The seventy participants crowded at the starting line. Kuro bumped into Shoto carelessly, giving him a disrespectful look. "Hmm... you're that kid dating Yumiko Chidari, right?"
Shoto looked at Kuro nervously but didn't respond. "Not gonna answer, huh? Well, once she sees how fast I am, she'll be all mine. Hehehe." With a snarky look, Kuro bumped Shoto again, preparing for the marathon. Shoto stared at the ground, clenching his fist tightly, then walked slowly to the starting position. To most participants, it was a marathon, but to Shoto, Kuro, Hikaru, and Ren, it was a race. Neko, perched on the fence, launched an arrow into Shoto's back, causing his head to slump.
Everything went quiet for Shoto, as if he were deaf. The flare gun sounded, starting the marathon. Ren and Kuro sprinted ahead, leading the pack as they exited the school grounds towards the woods. Everyone else had run off except Shoto. Yumiko grew concerned as her boyfriend hadn't moved. The man who fired the gun walked to Shoto, placing a hand on his back. "U-um sir, we're star—"
Before he could finish, Shoto's muscles tensed, his eyes dilated white as he dashed off, matching Ren and Kuro's pace. Meanwhile, Ren and Kuro ran side by side. Kuro gave Ren a sly look and picked up speed, challenging him. Hikaru and Ryuji followed a few feet behind. Hikaru analyzed the situation while Ryuji looked back for Shoto.
"Where is he?" Ryuji asked quietly. Hikaru noticed a silhouette passing the crowd and smirked.
"He's coming," Hikaru said. Shoto passed the crowd effortlessly, catching up to Hikaru and Ryuji.
"OUT OF MY WAY!" Hikaru pushed Ryuji back as Shoto zoomed past them, screaming like a maniac. He used every ounce of adrenaline to catch up. Despite being pushed, Ryuji smiled and picked up his pace, aiming to catch Shoto and the track stars. Hikaru ripped off his number, stopping as the crowd passed him.
"I'll leave the rest to you two," he said, walking back to sit with the audience. Shoto sped past Ren, who was shocked. Was Ren even trying? Kuro glanced back at Shoto, now running beside him. Kuro scoffed, but every time he tried to pass Shoto, Shoto stayed right beside him.
Kuro wondered, "What the hell is wrong with this kid? How is he keeping up with me?" At 1K, 2K, 3K, and 4K, Kuro started to sweat, slowing down as Shoto sped up. Annoyed, Kuro tried pushing Shoto repeatedly, hoping to trip him.
"FALL, YOU ASSHOLE!" Kuro shouted, shoving Shoto aggressively. Shoto leaped and kicked Kuro in the face, knocking him out and breaking his two front teeth. Shoto resumed running, aiming to reach the track field quickly. Ren jogged past Kuro, watching Shoto run.
"Well, I might as well catch up. I have a bet to win," Ren said. He got into a running stance, and with a sound like a shotgun, he sprinted towards Shoto, leaving a trail of dust. At 9K, Shoto hit a curve and headed back to school, with Ren close behind. They were neck and neck. Shoto ducked for more speed, and Ren did the same. They crossed the finish line together, ending in a tie. Yumiko was in awe of Shoto's speed.
Ren stopped, hands on his knees, catching his breath. Shoto collapsed, breathing slowly. Hours later, Ryuji finished third, followed by the rest. The marathon was over. Ryuji looked at Shoto, still on the ground. "You ran so fast I couldn't even see you! You're probably the second fastest in the school." Hikaru walked over, kicked Shoto's legs, then smacked them. Shoto screamed in pain.
"Good job," Hikaru said softly. Shoto looked at him, shivering from the smacks. Neko and Ren approached.
"You're good. Unfortunately, it ended in a t—what's with the cat?" Ren asked.
"The name is Neko, nice to meet you!" Neko said, smiling. Ren smiled back at the cat, then at Hikaru. "Alright, I'm in. We can exchange numbers later. See you, Shoto." Ren walked off, and Yumiko ran to Shoto. Shoto tried to get up, but Yumiko tackled him with a hug, knocking him down.
"You were amazing, Shoto! I'm so proud of you!" She hugged him tightly. Ryuji gently lifted her off.
"He's tired, Yumiko. I'll carry him home." Ryuji gave Shoto a piggyback ride. Shoto looked at the cat, exhausted.
"Y-you know the way back?" Neko nodded, and Ryuji started walking with Yumiko and Shoto. Hikaru watched, pushing his hair back.
"So that arrow gives him an adrenaline boost?" Neko glared at Hikaru. Hikaru continued, "Are you ever going to tell me the rest of your plan that involves us?" Neko kept glaring but looked ahead.
"I'm not sure, but I picked the right person for recruiting! Just keep at it." Hikaru glanced back at the cat and walked away. Hiding behind the bleachers was a mysterious individual. He smirked, but Neko noticed and he disappeared. Who was that mysterious person? We will find out soon, but for now, only two more people were left to recruit, except for Wind and Ice. What happened to Kuro by the way? He's still knocked out, dreaming that he won that little race and the girls.