The Shards of War: Balancing Power

Chapter 20

As everyone gathered at Matsu's house the next day to meet Aria, they were greeted by an unexpected sight. Matsu was sprawled out on the couch, completely passed out, while Calie and Marie were engaged in a playful game of stacking cards on his head. The house echoed with laughter as the friends walked in.

Blaze couldn't help but tease, "Looks like the mighty Captain Kagayaki couldn't handle the excitement of meeting the new teammate."

Calie grinned mischievously, "Well, we wanted to make sure he looked presentable for the introduction, you know?"

Marie added, stacking another card with precision, "It's all about enhancing his natural charm."

Matsu, still unconscious, mumbled something incoherent, prompting laughter from the group. Exander shook his head in amusement, "Is this a regular occurrence?"

Orca, who was using her enhancement aura to sense the surroundings, replied, "Not really, but it's not the first time. They have their unique ways of entertaining themselves."

Angelo chuckled, "And here I thought he was the disciplined captain."

As the laughter continued, Aria entered the room, intrigued by the commotion. Blaze introduced her to the group, "Hey everyone, meet Aria, our newest teammate."

Aria smiled warmly, "Nice to meet you all. I hope I'm not interrupting anything."

Calie and Marie exchanged glances, still stacking cards on Matsu's head, and Calie quipped, "Not at all. Just a usual day in the life of Captain Kagayaki."

Aria joined in the laughter, quickly getting a glimpse into the dynamics of the group. The unexpected and lighthearted start set the tone for an enjoyable day ahead with new friendships and shared adventures.

Aria, with a friendly smile, suggested, "Maybe we should wake up the captain now."

Calie nodded in agreement, "Yeah, let's do it gently."

Leaning in, she whispered something in Matsu's ear. Startled, Matsu shot awake, his eyes wide, and his reflexes on high alert. "Where? Who do I have to kill?" he exclaimed, still halfway caught in the realm of sleep.

Blaze, chuckling, reassured him, "Easy there, Captain. No one's in danger. You were just catching some Zs while we prepared for the grand introduction."

Exander added with a grin, "You missed the card-stacking ceremony. Quite the sight."

Matsu, now fully awake and realizing the situation, rubbed his eyes and sheepishly laughed, "Guess I needed a power nap. Sorry about that."

Calie teased, "No need to apologize, Captain. It's not every day we get to see you in your vulnerable state."

Marie added with a playful smirk, "We were just enhancing your charm, you know."

Matsu, rolling his eyes with a smile, replied, "Enhancing, huh? Well, as long as it doesn't become a regular thing."

Blaze introduced Aria formally, "This is Aria, our new teammate. Aria, meet the unpredictable yet charming Captain Kagayaki."

Aria, amused by the lively group, said, "Nice to officially meet you, Captain. I've heard quite a bit already."

As the laughter echoed through the room, the group settled into a more relaxed atmosphere, ready to enjoy the day with their newest member, Aria, and the ever-entertaining Captain Kagayaki.

Then Matsu excused himself with a grin, declaring, "I'll be right back." He disappeared into his room for a mere five seconds before emerging in an entirely different outfit – the gear he dons when engaged in tactical takedown. The transformation caught everyone off guard.