ZERO SHIFT

As Arthur and Ace stood in stunned silence, absorbing Kyle's words, Ace's expression softened, a look of reluctant acceptance crossing his face. Arthur, however, remained unmoved, his frustration simmering beneath the surface.

"No," Arthur muttered before slamming his hand on Kyle's desk, his voice sharp and unyielding. "Josuke doesn't belong here as a Ranger. We have protocols, steps to earn this title. You can't just throw someone in because of some potential only you can see."

Kyle leaned back in his chair, unfazed, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "My decision is final, Arthur. If Maya couldn't change my mind, then you're wasting your breath."

Josuke, who had been listening quietly, finally had enough. "And what makes you so qualified to be a Ranger, Arthur?"

Arthur turned to him, eyes cold. "Training, knowledge, and experience. Things you clearly don't have, Josuke."

Josuke held his gaze, his own voice firm. "You're right. I don't have those things… yet. But that doesn't mean I won't learn them."

The room fell silent, the tension thick between them. Ace placed a hand on Arthur's shoulder, a silent attempt to de-escalate the situation. "Let it go, Arthur," Ace said quietly. "Just like the Commander said, he'll train him. We'll give him a chance."

Arthur shrugged Ace's hand off, casting one last glare at Josuke before turning and walking out of the office without another word.As Arthur stormed out, the room remained quiet, the intensity of the moment still lingering in the air. Josuke took a deep breath, trying to shake off the tension Arthur had left behind. He glanced at Kyle, who looked as relaxed as ever, unfazed by the heated exchange. Ace, on the other hand, looked contemplative, his frustration with Arthur giving way to a more thoughtful expression.

Kyle broke the silence, his tone calm. "You've got spirit, Josuke. Not everyone would stand up to Arthur like that well except me and maya of course ."

Josuke shrugged, his gaze drifting to the floor. "I just… I know I'm new to this. But I don't think it's fair to be written off before I even start."

Ace nodded in agreement, his initial doubts about Josuke now tempered. "Look, Josuke, Arthur's got his reasons. He worked hard to get here, and he wants to make sure anyone joining the team is up to the task. He's intense, but he's not a bad guy."

Kyle grinned. "Ace is right. Arthur's tough, but he'll come around… eventually. Until then, just focus on proving him wrong."

Josuke looked at both of them, determination settling in his expression. "I will. I'll show all of you that I belong here."

Kyle leaned forward, nodding approvingly. "Good. That's the attitude I want to see."

The door opened again, and Lily and Hinata entered. Lily bounced in with her usual energy, a playful smile on her face, while Hinata lingered quietly by the door, her gaze curious yet reserved.

"What did we miss?" Lily asked, her eyes scanning the room. "I could feel the tension from down the hall."

Ace chuckled, scratching the back of his head. "Arthur and Josuke had a… difference of opinion."

Lily smirked, nudging Josuke playfully. "Already stirring things up, huh? You're going to fit right in with us."

Hinata, standing close by, nodded shyly. "It's… good to have you on the team, Josuke."

Josuke smiled at her, appreciating the quiet support. "Thanks, Hinata. I'm looking forward to working with all of you."

Kyle clapped his hands, reclaiming everyone's attention. "Alright, enough drama for one day. Now that we're all here, it's time to get to work. Training starts tomorrow, bright and early. Don't be late."

Josuke nodded, feeling a surge of anticipation. This was his chance, and he wasn't about to let it slip away.

As the group began to disperse, Ace lingered by the door, giving Josuke a small nod. "If you need help or just someone to talk to about the training, you know where to find me."

Josuke nodded back, appreciating the gesture. "Thanks, Ace. I'll keep that in mind."

With everyone gone, Josuke was left alone in Kyle's office, the weight of the upcoming challenge settling on his shoulders. This was just the beginning, and he knew the road ahead wouldn't be easy. But he was ready to prove himself, no matter what it took.