Sakura Festival

Majisuka 5

Part 1: The Challenge Begins

The sun was setting over Majisuka Academy, casting long shadows across the school grounds. Inside the notorious halls, where battles and rivalries were as common as classes, a new storm was brewing. The Rapappa, the feared and respected student council known as the Brasswind Band, ruled the school with an iron fist. At the top was Salt, their President—a legendary fighter known for her cold demeanor and unparalleled strength. Below her stood the Four Heavenly Queens: Yoga, Bakamono, Magic, and Otabe, each formidable in their own right.

In these halls, strength was everything, and the one who ruled at the top was undisputed. But ever since her first day at Majisuka, Sakura had her eyes on the top. She had fought her way through countless challengers, finally facing Salt in a climactic battle. But Salt had bested her, leaving Sakura with an unquenched desire for a rematch. Since then, Sakura had been standing guard, refusing to let anyone else challenge Salt until she had her chance to settle the score.

A group of freshmen had gathered, all eager to make a name for themselves by challenging the Rapappa. But as they approached the stairway leading to the top floor where the Rapappa held court, they were met by Sakura, her gaze steely and unwavering.

"No one gets past here," Sakura declared, her voice carrying a weight that silenced the group. "Not until I've finished my fight with Salt."

The freshmen exchanged frustrated glances. They had heard the stories about Sakura—how she had come close to toppling the Rapappa, how she was relentless in her pursuit of strength. But they were here to make their mark, and they weren't about to back down easily.

One of the braver freshmen stepped forward, clenching his fists. "You already lost to her once. Why are you still holding onto this grudge?"

Sakura's eyes narrowed, the memory of her defeat still fresh in her mind. "Because I wasn't strong enough then. But I've trained harder, fought stronger opponents. I'll challenge Salt again, and this time, I won't lose."

Before the freshman could retort, a new voice interrupted the tense standoff. "So, I have to beat you before I can even think about challenging Salt?"

All eyes turned to the newcomer—a girl with a confident smirk on her face. Her name was Lee Chaeyeon, an exchange student from Korea who had recently transferred to Majisuka Academy. Her reputation had preceded her, as rumors swirled about her unique fighting style that combined capoeira and ballet, an elegant yet deadly dance of fists and feet.

Sakura eyed Chaeyeon with a mix of curiosity and caution. She could sense that this girl was different from the others. "If you want to challenge Salt, you'll have to get through me first."

Chaeyeon's smile widened. "Sounds fair enough. I've been looking for a good fight since I got here."

With a swift motion, Chaeyeon dropped into her fighting stance, her movements fluid and graceful, yet radiating power. Sakura mirrored her, muscles tensing in anticipation of the battle.

As the two squared off, the tension in the air was palpable. The other students watched in awe and trepidation, knowing they were about to witness something extraordinary.

In the Rapappa clubhouse at the top of the school, the Four Heavenly Queens lounged around, each in their own world. Yoga was meditating, Bakamono was playing with a puzzle, Magic was flipping through a book of illusions, and Otabe, the Vice President, was carefully reviewing reports of recent challengers.

Salt, as always, was lying on the couch, her eyes closed as if she were sleeping. But she wasn't asleep—just lost in her thoughts, bored by the lack of worthy opponents. Otabe glanced over at her leader, knowing that Salt had grown tired of the endless cycle of challengers who weren't even worth her time.

"Another one," Otabe remarked casually, her voice breaking the silence. "Sakura just took down another freshman who thought they could challenge you."

Salt didn't even bother opening her eyes. "If they can't get past Sakura, they don't deserve to challenge me."

Otabe smirked. That was just like Salt—always dismissive, always cool. But there was something different this time. "There's a new one, though. An exchange student from Korea. She's got a unique style. Might be interesting."

Salt's interest was piqued, if only slightly. "We'll see," she muttered, before drifting back into her thoughts.

Downstairs, the fight between Sakura and Chaeyeon was in full swing. Chaeyeon's movements were mesmerizing, a blend of graceful spins and powerful strikes that kept Sakura on her toes. But Sakura wasn't to be underestimated. Her strikes were precise, her defense impenetrable, and her determination unwavering.

The battle raged on, each girl pushing the other to their limits. Sweat dripped from their brows, but neither showed any sign of backing down. Chaeyeon was impressed—Sakura was as strong as the rumors had said. But she wasn't about to lose her first real fight at Majisuka Academy.

With a swift kick, Chaeyeon aimed for Sakura's head, but Sakura ducked just in time, countering with a powerful punch that sent Chaeyeon stumbling back. The impact was strong, but Chaeyeon managed to regain her balance, her eyes shining with newfound respect.

"You're strong," Chaeyeon admitted, breathing heavily. "But I'm not done yet."

Sakura nodded, acknowledging her opponent's strength. "Neither am I."

As they prepared to clash once more, a hush fell over the crowd. This was just the beginning of what would be a long and grueling journey—for both Sakura and Chaeyeon.

To be continued...