Henri

"Opponent number 42," announces Ryu Takata, firstborn of the Takata clan, his voice echoing in the silence. "Nakhara Timofey. A scholar personally trained under Momo Takata-sensei, forged in the lands of Takata."

For a moment, a genuine silence falls over the room as everyone tries to process what they've just heard. Anri freezes, her breath catching. Her gaze fixates on Yukio, standing calmly, one hand resting on the hilt of her drawn katana.

Here they are...

Henri closes her eyes and exhales slowly, trying to regain her balance. Of all people, she never expected to see them—the one for whom she'd harbored such conflicting feelings since childhood—ready to fight for her hand. But contrary to common sense, an inexplicable wave of excitement stirs within her.

Opening her eyes, Anri steels herself, her face taking on the cold, determined expression she always wears in battle. She draws her katana, assumes a fighting stance, and fixes her piercing gaze on her opponent.

"So, it's you," she says in a flat, sharp voice. "Good luck proving your worth. Don't disappoint me—or you'll just become another face in the crowd."

With these words, she prepares for battle. For the first time, Anri senses that she is about to face a true challenge—a duel unlike any she's ever faced before.