The trio worked hard together as a team, with each helping the others with their shortcomings. Kagura oversaw the team's weightlifting and diet. He made sure everyone ate tons of proteins and carbs. Red oversaw the overall health of the group. She made sure that the team kept up with stretches and rested when it was necessary.

  Raioten was in charge of cardio and despite his silence, education. He led the group with running drills and made sure the team was far ahead on their studies. The team trained vigorously in order to ascend to the upper floor at the end of the year.

  Their weekly schedule was broken one day when the Warden announced that a member from the third floor was going to pay everyone a visit. The prisoners all discussed who it could be. Throughout the day, everyone shot glances at the staircase that led to the third floor.

  Kagura: Whoever it is, I'll kick their ass!

  Raioten shook his head rapidly, urging Kagura to avoid a fight for once in his life.

  Red: Actually Blue, I agree with him. This could be a big opportunity for us to prove ourselves. If we can take them down we'll be that much more prepared for the next floor.

  Kagura: What? Oh yeah that too! Totally what I was thinking, glad you caught on.

  Raioten just sighed out of disappointment. Raioten did his best to convince them of a peaceful alternative. When the two of them agreed on something, there was virtually no way he could get them to listen. As the Warden made his way towards the third floor stairway, the groups all got together in anticipation.

  Raioten was hit with a wave of fear as he heard the door reopen. Everyone was clamoring as the Warden and the guest walked down. Raioten grew more and more terrified the closer they got. He couldn't contain his fear and grabbed Red and Kagura, dashing away as fast as he could.

  Kagura: Oi! What are you doing!?

  Red: Put us down you damn midget!

  The two broke free of Raioten's grasp on the cafeteria. They were fuming at his seemingly random actions.

  Red: You better have some really good acting skills to explain this crap you little flea.

  As the two turned to go back out into the common area, Raioten stood in their way. He shook his head and flailed his arms about to get them to stop. Kagura grabbed him by the arm and spun around quickly. He tossed Raioten to the other side of the cafeteria with ease.

  Kagura: Sorry bro, but we've got butt to kick!

  Kagjra and Red took off for the main corridor while Raioten was struggling to stand. The impact of his crash was one thing, but Raioten couldn't get his body to move properly due to his dizziness. He remained on the floor, head spinning, for a few moments. When he could finally move,

  Raioten sprinted out with urgency in each step. When he emerged outside, the corridor was littered with the unconscious bodies of the other prisoners. Kagura and Red were in front of their adversary, both of them reeling from their injuries.

  Jugo: Hey, there he is! How have you been kiddo? I'll be right there, give me one second.

  Jugo reached down and grabbed Kagura by his shirt.

  Jugo: You're pretty strong for a little squirt, I'll give you that, but you've got a long way to go!

  Before Jugo could strike, Raioten freed Kagura from his grasp with a kick. He lifted his injured comrade and hopped backwards to safety. After setting Kagura down next to Red, Raioten took up a protective stance.

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  Jugo: Oh? It seems you've made another friend, that's awesome! I hope you've been training hard.

  In a flash, Jugo appeared right in front of Raioten.

  Jugo: Because I've gotten much faster.

  Raioten was barely able to dodge Jugo's strikes. Sweeping Raioten's legs, Jugo was able to counter his mobility. His follow up strike was blocked however, by Kagura, who grabbed Jugo's arms as tightly as he could.

  Kagura held on for dear life as Jugo swung him around. Red and Raioten rushed together and were able to land a solid tandem strike on Jugo, knocking him over. The three kids all stood together as he rose up.

  Jugo: Wow, you tykes managed to get me! We can stop for now, I've seen more than enough.

  Raioten looked at everyone confusingly.

  Jugo: What, did you think I just came down here swinging in everyone? They all attacked me first.

  Raioten turned to Kagura and Red and began softly hitting them out of anger. For a moment, Raioten had considered that they were going to be killed. After recovering in the infirmary, the teams, except for the children, all went back to their normal schedules. They introduced Kagura to Jugo, and they were like two peas in a pod. Jugo praised the young boy's strength and Kagura vowed to surpass him.

  Jugo: Oh I bet you will. That reminds me, you three need to step it up with your training.

  Red: What does that mean?

  Jugo: Just what I said. The third floor isn't like this one. I can't go into specifics but it's kind of like a mixture of the other two. Even with the guys left here, you all might not be able to make it to the third floor.

  Kagura: Are you serious?

  Jugo: Absolutely. Some of these teams are real threats. You guys are going to have to kick it up a notch from here on. I'll come back a little while before the competition to check on your progress but for now, you guys need to step it up.

  Raioten looked confused by Jugo's words. Red and Kagura were fired up. They rushed off to the gym immediately to begin extra workouts.

  Jugo: Not going to go with them?

  Raioten focused his eyes on Jugo, studying his facial expression.

  Jugo: What? You guys really do need the extra work. You'll lose the competition without it.

  Raioten softened his expression and began to run laps around the common area. Jugo let out a sigh of disappointment and made his way up the observation room.

  Warden: And?

  Jugo: This will definitely be the most raw talent in one competition. If you blink, you might miss the whole thing.

  Warden: I see, good. Any standouts?

  Jugo: Most of the teams are actually pretty much on par with one another. There is one team however, with a major weak link.

  Warden: I know what team you mean. Don't worry about that, I'll personally make certain that weak link is nonexistent.

  Jugo: I can't wait to see it.

  The Warden took Jugo back up to the third floor. He then waited until everyone was asleep on the second floor. He descended from the observation room and went to the children's room. When he arrived, Raioten was already standing in the doorway like a guard dog.

  Warden: Did I make too much noise? How did you know I was here?

  Raioten glared at the Warden, his sky blue eyes almost glowing through the darkness of the room.

  Warden: Pathetic, even your eyes have lost their edge. Come with me now, don't make me wait.

  Raioten reluctantly followed the Warden back to the storage room. Marina's mutilated body was still right where Raioten left it, and the room now smelled of decay.

  Warden: You will remain here until I say so, do you understand? You are to become the perfect warrior, with no more distractions!

  Before Raioten could even nod in agreement, he was struck with a powerful knee. As he keeled over, writhing in pain, the Warden picked him up by his hair.

  Warden: I almost forgot how much I loved those eyes of yours, they shine so brilliantly when you're in pain. These next 7 months are going to be great. Each and every time you see me, you better be ready kid.

  The Warden continued to attack Raioten into the night, only stopping when his knuckles began to bleed from hitting the child so much. He left he boy in the room with a promise to return. Word was sent to Red and Kagura the following morning that Raioten would return before the competition. Red nearly attacked the guards who delivered the news. Had Kagura not held her back, an all out brawl would've began.

  Red: I promised him Kagura, I promised that I'd stay with him to protect him.

  Kagura: He'll be fine, he's a lot tougher than he looks.

  Red: But what if he isn't? I let him get taken and he could end up dead because of me.

  Kagura: If we find out that my little bro was killed by these jerks, WE'LL TEAR THIS PLACE DOWN!

  Red: YEAHHHHH!

  The two did their best to prepare for the competition with brutal workouts. They worked out their sorrow and frustration at Raioten's disappearance each day to create the best version of themselves. As they trained with one another, Raioten spent his on the defensive.