As they finished packing their equipment and prepared to leave the studio, the academy's intercom crackled to life.
"Kenta Yamamoto to the main lobby, please. Kenta Yamamoto, you have a visitor in the main lobby."
Kenta looked up from securing his tool case, surprise evident on his face. "That's odd. I wasn't expecting anyone."
"Your family?" Yuki asked, shouldering her own bag.
"Maybe my brother? But he said he was in surgery all day..." Kenta checked his phone for messages. "Nothing here."
"We'll come with you," Aiko said, gathering the last of her supplies. "Moral support for whatever surprise visitor you've got."
The group made their way through the academy's corridors toward the main building, their footsteps echoing in the quiet halls. Most students had already departed for evening activities, leaving the campus feeling peaceful but slightly hollow.
When they reached the main lobby, Kenta stopped short at the sight of a tall figure in a dark coat standing near the reception desk, his back turned as he examined the display of student achievements on the wall.
"Takashi?" Kenta called out uncertainly.
The man turned, revealing features similar to Kenta's but older, with the bearing of someone accustomed to high-pressure situations. Dr. Takashi Yamamoto smiled warmly as he saw his younger brother approaching with friends in tow.
"There's the international competitor," Dr. Yamamoto said, opening his arms for an embrace. "I managed to finish early and wanted to see you before you left for Milan."
"I can't believe you came all the way here," Kenta replied, clearly moved by his brother's gesture. "Don't you have patients tomorrow?"
"Rescheduled. My little brother competing in the International Master Stylist Championship takes priority over elective procedures."
Kenta introduced his friends, and Dr. Yamamoto greeted each with genuine warmth and interest in their individual specializations.
"I've been following your group's progress through Kenta's updates," Dr. Yamamoto said. "What you've all achieved is remarkable—reaching this level while still students."
"We've pushed each other," Aiko explained. "Individual success feels more meaningful when your friends succeed too."
"Wise philosophy. Some of my medical colleagues could learn from that approach."
Dr. Yamamoto pulled a small wrapped package from his coat. "Traditional good luck charm from our grandmother, plus some medical-grade hand care supplies. Competition work is demanding on your hands."
As Kenta accepted the gift with visible emotion, Aiko's phone buzzed with a notification.
"Message from Mei-Ling," she announced, checking the screen.
"Didn't she leave for Milan yesterday?" Rina asked.
"Early morning flight," Yuki confirmed. "Said she had some kind of advance preparation to handle."
Aiko read the message: "Hope final training went well. See you all at hotel check-in tomorrow evening. Had to coordinate some family meeting stuff in advance. Milan is going to be incredible. —M"
"Family meeting stuff?" Kenji wondered aloud. "That sounds important."
"Did anyone else get messages from her?" Yuki asked, checking her own phone. "Just wondering if there were updates we should know about."
"Nothing here," Rina said.
"Same," Kenta confirmed.
Dr. Yamamoto observed their discussion with medical precision. "Your friend sounds like she's handling logistics responsibly. International competitions require significant advance coordination."
"Mei-Ling's always been organized," Aiko said, though something about the vague explanation felt potentially significant. "She probably just wanted to settle in before the chaos of fifty competitors arriving."
As they prepared to part ways, Dr. Yamamoto addressed the group seriously. "I want you all to know that regardless of competition results, you've already achieved something remarkable. Japan is proud of what you represent."
"Thank you," Aiko said for all of them. "That means everything."
"And remember," Dr. Yamamoto added, "competition is about demonstrating your best work, not about comparing yourself to others. Focus on your own excellence."
As the group dispersed for their final evening in Japan, each carrying the weight of preparation and anticipation, Aiko found herself wondering about Mei-Ling's early departure and the family coordination she'd mentioned. The timing seemed significant, though she couldn't pinpoint exactly why.
Tomorrow would bring travel, international arrival, and the beginning of the most important competition of their lives. But tonight, they carried the support of family, mentors, and each other as they prepared to represent Japan on the world stage.
The final preparation was complete. Milan awaited.