The next morning at college, the group gathered beneath the old oak by the main gate. Akio was already there, waiting with a serious look on his face.
"Hey, Akio!" Yui waved.
"Yo, finally. Yui told me everything about Rex," Akio said, nodding. "And I heard what you need me to do."
Akio folded his arms. "Listen up — the Dashing Peeps are coming on the trip, and they already know you beat the Achievers. They've figured out you'll be after them. Worst part: they're bringing the same recorder they used to frame Rex. If we don't get that camera first, they'll use it again."
Krish grinned. "Nice. So we get the camera, flip the script, and toast them."
Kaizen's eyes lit up. "Hell yeah. I'm gonna make those bastards regret messing with us."
Akane held up a hand. "Not by going berserk, Kaizen. Remember last time — don't lose it in public."
Kaizen waved her off with a smug smile. "Relax. I won't hurt our own people. Promise."
Yui added, "And don't hurt them too much, either."
Akio said, "But we'll have to deal with Troy and Wiz — they're the strongest members of that group. And I've also heard there's a new mysterious figure among them."
Kaizen burst out laughing. "Troy and Wiz? What kind of duo is that? Sounds like a magician and a boxer combo!"
Krish smirked. "Knowing you, you'd probably still fight them head-on just to test that theory."
Kaizen grinned. "You know me too well, bro."
Akio sighed, ignoring their banter. "Anyway, both of them are dangerous. Troy specializes in speed and close combat, while Wiz uses psychological tricks during fights. They're not easy opponents."
Akane crossed her arms. "All the more reason to plan carefully. We can't let them see us coming."
Yui nodded. "Right. Let's get that recorder quietly and expose the truth."
Kaizen stretched his arms and said with a smirk, "Quietly or not, as long as we win, I'm in."
Everyone burst into laughter.
Kaizen smirked. "You telling me that? Please. I've got Krish and Rex backing me."
Akio blinked. "Rex is coming on the trip?"
"Yeah," Kaizen answered. "He's stable now. He wants in."
"Good," Akio said. "Because Kaito's got backup plans — and Hana will be there. That girl's clever. She set Rex up."
Akane's jaw tightened. "Hana… she pretended to be innocent, right? We can't trust her."
Yui tapped her chin. "Akio, what's your plan?"
Akio leaned in. "Simple: I'll try to swipe the recorder and swap it with a fake before they can use it. I'll get close, look like I'm just some goofy attendee, and then—boom—camera gone."
Krish nodded. "Stealth, not slaughter. I like it."
Kaizen shrugged, half-eager. "Why steal when we can just beat them and take it?"
Akane rolled her eyes. "Because we don't want a scene at a picnic. Discrete wins."
"Exactly," Akio agreed. "If we create a scene, they'll bury the footage or run. We need proof to expose them publicly — not make them run and hide the evidence."
Krish added logistics, "We'll use the picnic activities as cover. Lots of people, mixed groups, staged events — perfect for slipping in and out. Yui and Akane will handle the distraction. Kaizen and Rex will be the backup muscle if things go south. I'll manage escape routes and a safe spot for the camera."
Yui smiled. "I can organize one of the games — tug-of-war or a dance challenge — something with a crowd. That'll give Akio a window."
Akane nodded. "And I'll schedule our group to be right next to their team. Berlin can also be on standby if we need a quick extraction."
Kaizen pumped a fist. "So — picnic plan: infiltrate, swap camera, expose them. Easy."
Akio gave him a flat look. "You make it sound easy. It isn't. Kaito's cunning. Shawn and Michael are strong. And Hana's there to manipulate people." He looked at each of them. "We need timing, calm heads, and backup plans. No sudden rage, Kaizen."
Kaizen grinned but his eyes were steady. "Got it. No public demon mode. We do this smart."
Akio smiled faintly. "Good. One more thing — keep an eye on small details. Who stands where, who watches the camera, who's always on their phone. Those things tell you who's protecting the evidence."
Krish clapped his hands once. "Alright. We meet tomorrow to rehearse. Akio, send us the exact spots you'll use and any codes or signals."
Akio tapped his phone. "Will do. I'll also talk to a couple of people who can help us on-site. If anyone sees something odd before the trip, report it. We adapt fast."
Kaizen laughed, louder than he should have: "This is actually gonna be fun. Can't wait to see their faces when we flip the script."
Akane smirked. "Try not to drool too much, chief."
Yui sighed, smiling. "Stay safe, everyone. We bring the camera back — and Rex gets his name cleared."
Akio stood and stretched. "I'll be ready. Meet at the oak tomorrow morning for final checks. Don't be late."
They dispersed, the plan set and the mood a strange mix of nerves and excitement. Under the old oak, the Reapers Squad felt smaller and yet stronger — a band of mismatched fighters ready to take one risky step toward justice.