𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 (Kunikida x Y/N)

8: A mission

Y/N stood in the center of the training room, her breath labored as beads of sweat slid down her flushed cheeks. The air was thick with tension, yet she didn't falter. 

She looked up and saw the countless sake bottles hanging from the ceiling, each one swaying toward her as if taunting her resolve. Without hesitation, she drew her gun, and in one swift motion, she charged forward.

Bang!

One bottle shattered into pieces.

Bang! Bang!

Two more followed, shards raining down as she fired with precision.

Her focus was unwavering as she took down the final bottle, watching the glass explode in midair before the shards scattered on the ground around her feet. 

Her arms dropped as she took a step back, trying to catch her breath, her chest heaving as the adrenaline surged through her veins.

Wiping her forehead with her forearm, she stood up straight, only to hear a slow, deliberate clap from behind her. 

Startled, she turned around and saw Yokiri Sanzu leaning against the wall, clapping, her mischievous smile in place. 

Katou stood beside her, silent but approving, and behind them, their mentor, Tekusai Aoba, observed with his usual quiet intensity.

"You never cease to amaze," Yokiri smirked, pushing off the wall and walking closer.

"That was some impressive shooting, Y/N. You've definitely stepped up your game."

Y/N narrowed her eyes playfully at her as she walked toward them, grabbing her towel from a chair in the corner of the room. 

"Since when were you three here?" she asked, wiping her face.

"We've been watching you for a while." Yokiri replied, crossing her arms. 

"Just making sure you don't slack off."

Y/N chuckled as she took a swig from her water bottle, but her smile faded when Tekusai spoke.

"Very well done, Y/N. You've improved greatly," Tekusai said, his deep voice filled with pride. 

"I'm glad to see you pushing yourself."

She froze, lowering the bottle as his words hit her harder than expected. Her gaze drifted to the floor as she muttered. 

"I just....want to protect myself."

The room grew still, and Tekusai's expression softened. He knew all too well the weight Y/N carried. The memory of Aria, her closest friend, still haunted her. 

Aria's death had left a scar so deep that Y/N threw herself into relentless training, determined to protect those still with her: Tekusai, Katou, and Yokiri—the only ones left who truly mattered to her.

Tekusai stepped forward, his eyes filled with understanding. 

"I know what you're going through, Y/N. You're still healing. We all know how much you're hurting over Aria's death." he said quietly.