Claws of Operation Eclipse (C.O.E)

"C-Can we just rest now?" Ariana gasped, collapsing onto her knees, her chest rising and falling in rapid, shallow breaths. Sweat dripped from her temple, pooling beneath her on the smooth training floor.

Her voice was barely above a whisper, but the exhaustion in her tone spoke volumes. She had given it everything she had over the past week, and her body was ready to give up.

Xander stood over her with his usual detached expression. He folded his arms, his silhouette framed by the blinding overhead lights. "You're a fast learner," he remarked, his voice calm, almost clinical. "But your endurance needs serious work."

Ariana glared up at him, her cheeks flushed from the effort. If looks could kill, he'd have dropped dead on the spot.

But Xander was unaffected, as usual. Instead, he turned on his heel and climbed onto a raised platform at the side of the room, holding a sleek black remote. He glanced down at her, his emerald eyes gleaming with a mischievous glint.

"Now, get ready for the water endurance test," he announced, the corners of his lips curling into an uncharacteristic grin.

"Wha—what water endura—"

Before she could finish, he pressed a button on the remote.

A loud, mechanical hum echoed through the room, followed by the rush of water. Ariana froze as jets of water shot out from hidden nozzles, flooding the entire space within seconds. The cold liquid climbed rapidly, submerging her ankles, her knees, and then her chest.

Panic flared in her chest as the water reached her shoulders. "What the hell?!" she sputtered, flailing as she tried to keep her head above the rising tide.

Xander's voice rang out, calm and mocking. "I see you can swim."

She shot him a venomous glare, though it took all her energy just to keep herself afloat.

Why is he smirking like that?

Because you love it, her subconscious teased.

Shut up, CM. This is not the time!

Just as she managed to steady herself, the current shifted. The water began swirling in a spiral, pulling her into its vortex. She kicked and thrashed against the relentless pull, her muscles screaming in protest. The harder she fought, the stronger the current seemed to grow.

For a moment, she thought she was going to drown. Her lungs burned, her vision blurred, and the edges of her consciousness began to fade.

But then, just as suddenly as it had begun, the water drained away.

She collapsed onto the floor, soaked to the bone and gasping for air. Every inch of her body felt like it was on fire, her muscles trembling with fatigue.

Xander descended from the platform, his boots clicking softly against the damp floor. He crouched beside her, a satisfied smirk playing on his lips.

"You've passed the test," he said simply.

Ariana glared at him, her teeth clenched in frustration.

This guy is nuts.

But he's driving you crazy, Ari.

No, no, no! Shut up, CM!

Despite herself, she couldn't ignore the flicker of warmth in her chest as he looked at her—really looked at her—for the first time. His smirk softened into something resembling genuine admiration, and for a fleeting moment, she wondered if there was more to him than the cold, unyielding exterior he always wore.

BANG!

The door to the training room flew open, slamming against the wall with a deafening crash.

"Hugo summons you," Darwin announced, his deep voice carrying an air of authority. He absently stroked his whiskers, his feline eyes narrowing as he surveyed the scene.

"You don't know how to knock?" Xander snapped, irritation flashing across his features.

"Don't you dare fucking yell at my cat," Ariana shot back, stepping in front of Darwin protectively.

Xander's eyes darkened, his expression turning icy. He took a step toward her, his presence towering and oppressive. "Let me make myself clear," he said, his voice low and menacing. "The next time you raise your voice at me or curse, it will be a moment you'll deeply regret."

Ariana's breath hitched. His emerald eyes burned with a cold intensity that sent a shiver down her spine.

"Un-der-stood?" he growled, his tone sharp enough to cut through steel.

"Yes, sir," she stammered, her voice trembling.

Darwin raised an amused brow but wisely kept his comments to himself.

Elsewhere…

Yuna and Yuka stood in the grand office, their heads bowed as they awaited their father's orders.

Sakura, the head of the Yakima Clan, sat behind his massive ebony desk, his fingers steepled and his expression unreadable. He rarely smiled, but today, a slow, sinister grin stretched across his face—a sight that made both of them uneasy.

"You two are going to Gue," he began, his voice smooth and deliberate. "Your mission is simple: create chaos and retrieve the chip."

Yuka nodded immediately, but Yuna hesitated, her instincts screaming that there was more to his words than he was letting on.

"You'll be working with the Italian Mafia Don," Sakura continued, his grin widening. "And you'll take the Takumis with you. If you encounter the girl…" He trailed off, his tone darkening. "Bring her to me."

"Yes, sir," they responded in unison, bowing deeply before leaving the room.

At W.O.D. Headquarters…

Hugo turned to face the gathered group, his expression grim. Ariana, Xander, Gru, Darwin, and Wince stood before him, their attention fixed on the holographic display behind him.

"I've just received intel from our spies," Hugo began, his tone heavy. "The Yakima Clan is planning an assault on Gue. And…" He hesitated, his eyes flicking briefly to Gru before continuing. "They're bringing the Takumis."

Gru stiffened at the mention of the Takumis, his normally carefree demeanor replaced by a tense, guarded expression.

Ariana glanced around the room, confused by the sudden shift in atmosphere. "Who are the Takumis and the Yakima Clan?" she asked hesitantly.

The room fell silent. Everyone turned to her with a mix of shock and incredulity, as if she had just suggested something unthinkable.

Hugo chuckled softly, breaking the tension. "Ah, my dear, where do I even begin?"

He leaned back against the console, his tone shifting to one of storytelling. "The Yakima Clan is one of the oldest and most powerful families in the world, their influence stretching across continents. They trace their lineage back over 6,000 years to the era of the twin dragon spirits of chaos, Ranmaru. Over time, they built an empire, consolidating their power through alliances with three ninja clans collectively known as the Akuma Venom."

He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in.

"The Takumis are the second most elite of the Ninja clans. Ruthless, efficient, and fiercely loyal to the Yakima name. If they're involved, this is no ordinary mission."

Ariana swallowed hard, a chill running down her spine. For the first time, she realized just how deep she had been pulled into this world—and how dangerous it truly was.