ă€ŠThe Inherited Darknessă€‹


 Into The Night

    In the peak of night, a blur of movement dashed through the rooftops of Japan. A group of individuals, cloaked in black, followed their target from above. Below them was a businessman who walked alone on a silent street, his pace steady but each step filled with anxiety. He clutched a briefcase tightly, his eyes darting nervously from side to side. As the businessman turned into a dimly lit alley, he was met by 3 shady men.

    Words were exchanged in hushed tones, the briefcase''s contents a mystery. Above the rooftop, the cloaked figures observed with keen eyes, like predators watching their prey. With a subtle nod from one of the leading figures, a signal was made to the others. Without hesitation, the cloaked members dropped down from the rooftop. They struck with deadly precision, the bodies of the four men falling to the ground simultaneously.

    "The target has been neutralized...", a female voice stated, her tone calm and collected.

    The figures then vanished into the night once moreˇŞthe only evidence of the violent encounter is the lifeless bodies hidden in the darkness of the alley.

    7:30 a.m, September 16, 2020...The early morning sun rose over the city of Fukuoka, casting a warm glow through the curtains of a small apartment. In the corner of the dull room, an alarm clock chimed, signaling a new day for 17-year-old, Kurashi Ito. His darkened eyes slowly open as he gradually reaches over to turn the alarm off, sliding off of his futon and shuffling towards the bathroom entrance. His gaze fixed into the mirror, his emotionless eyes and messy black hair reflecting at him before showering. Turning on the faucet, Kurashi allowed the cold water to fall on his lean frame, lost in the sound of the water falling from above. After showering, brushing his teeth, putting on his school uniform, and grabbing his bag, it was time for him to leave for school.

    Throughout Kurashi''s life, he lived with quiet detachment, a routine he followed without purpose. His apartment was bareˇŞno photos, no personal items, nothing to indicate that someone truly lived there. It was just a place to exist.

    The silence of the apartment was broken when the door was opened, and the outside sound of the city became prominent. Hands in his pockets, he walks down the apartment stairs to the parking lot where the bike rack is located. Kurashi pulled the bike from its resting place, and the journey to school began. The travel was accompanied by the hum of distant traffic and the occasional chatting of others. Kurashi moved through the city like a ghost, blending into the background noise of a world that seemed to rush right past him.

    As he arrived at the school gates, Kurashi parked his bicycle with the same practiced efficiency, walking past his fellow students, their voices a distant murmur that barely registered within his consciousness. The bell then rang, signaling the start of another school day, as Kurashi made his way to the back of the class. The classroom buzzed with activity. Gossiping girls talking about their plans after school, and boys absorbed in their conversations, laughing without a care in the world. Yet Kurashi sat in silence, his gaze fixed on the window.

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    As the day unfolded, Kurashi continued his silent journey through the corridors of his high school. Unseen, unheard, he stepped through the lively environment of teenage existence to his last class. Clouds started to gather over the city by this time, and raindrops slowly slid down the classroom windows. The class was almost over when the light rain turned to heavy downfall not long after. The outside world was now blurred, the view from his window now distorted by the downpour. The bell then rang, signaling the end of the school day, and Kurashi stood up to leave. At the main entrance, he takes his phone and shoes from his locker and leaves the school. In the pouring rain, Kurashi grabbed his bike and went on his way back home. The city was painted with grey. A blurry haze from the rain diluted his senses.

    Home emerged from the gray curtain of rain as he parked his bike. After walking up the apartment stairs, he opens his door, escaping the storm behind him. He changed out of his damp school uniform into something more comfortable, putting on black pants and a blue hoodie. After a few hours of settling down, he turned his attention to the corner of his apartment where cardboard shipping boxes were stacked. He walked over slowly and opened one of the boxes. Inside, only two items remained: a worn-down journal and a carefully folded piece of paper. Kurashi picked up the journal, unfastening the strap to see what was written inside.

    "Son, if you are reading this, it means it''s time for you to know the truth. I can''t explain everything, but I want you to read this carefully. You possess something that ordinary people do not; you come from a clan that holds power far beyond human capabilities. I understand it''s hard to believe, but this is your destiny. To assist you, I had someone create a map for you. Let it guide you, and remember that I will always be with you."

    It made no sense to him. Kurashi had never known his dad, nor did he understand how this journal ended up in the box. The boxes were used for storing clothes and other items that Kurashi had never touched.

    Kurashi looks back at the neatly folded paper in the box and replaces the journal with it. After unfolding the map, there was a vague outline of a region drawn with a small dot inside it. He got up, walked to his desk, sat in the chair, and opened his laptop. After a few clicks, Kurashi found what he was looking for.

    "Hida Mountains...", Kurashi said in a quiet monotone voice.

    After quickly getting up from his desk and unloading his schoolbag, Kurashi slips the empty bag over his shoulders, grabs his phone, and walks out the door. "12:17 a.m." the phone displays as Kurashi descends the apartment stairs. The rain had diminished to a drizzle as he made his way through the narrow streets, his silhouette blending with the shadows cast by the dim streetlights. The only thing accompanying him was the sound of the constant drumming of raindrops on his bag. For a split second, Kurashi felt an instinct that someone was following him. He looked over his shoulder but saw nothing, so he continued walking.

    Upon reaching the convenience store, the bright neon lights reflected off the wet pavement. As Kurashi entered and walked down the aisles, his mind was in a haze. What was the meaning of the journal? How did it get in the box? There were many unanswered questions. After picking up a few essential goods, he walked to the front to check out. The bell above the door jingled as he stepped back into the rainy night, his face partially shielded by the hood. With the necessities for survival, Kurashi was now heading to the Hida Mountains.

 A New Life

    At 5:43 a.m., Kurashi arrives at the Fukuoka train station. The screeching of the brakes dulled when the train appeared on the platform. Kurashi enters the compartment and notices it is sparsely populated, so he gravitates toward an empty seat by the window. He placed his bag in the seat beside him and took a deep breath as the clattering of the wheels began again. With his eyes gradually closing from the lack of sleep, he forces himself to keep them open.

    As time passed, he slowly let his head fall against the train window., his eyes fixed on the bright sun rising over the horizon, its rays casting an orange glow on the world. As the train cut through Japan, Kurashi lifted his head off the window, looking over at his bag in the other seat. Unzipping the bag, he pulled out the worn-down journal of his late father. After reanalyzing the information, he was left with even more unresolved thoughts. Kurashi couldn''t escape the questions about his existence and the mysterious bloodline his father spoke of in the journal. He puts the journal back and takes his phone from his hoodie pocket, the lock screen showing "11:25 a.m."

    "Now arriving at Meitetsu-Gifu Line...", the train announces in an automated robotic tone.

    Kurashi grabs his bag and gets off the train. The unfamiliar city was alive with activity, contrasting sharply with the tranquility of the train ride. With his bag over his shoulder, he moves through the city streets, which gradually give way to more rural landscapes with each step he takes. The quietude of nature surrounded him as he progressed, the Hida Mountains becoming more vivid. Upon entering the forest in front of the mountain range, Kurashi places his bag down next to a tree. He then rests, letting his back lean on the tree trunk. He reaches over to his bag, grabbing a water bottle and a dried meat stick for fuel. Looking up at the sun glimmering through the leaves, Kurashi''s eyes slowly closed shut.

    After a few hours, his eyes began to slowly reopen. Kurashi looks over to his left and grabs the neatly folded map out of his bag. As he analyzed it, he discovered that the marked spot was nearby. Following the map''s guidance, he navigated through the dense woods until he stumbled upon the hidden cache of his late father, a thin black case covered in dirt. Kurashi took off his bag, wiping the dirt from the case. Inside was a katana, its handle and guard pure black with a blade made out of high carbon steel. There also laid a black sheathe with a shoulder strap connected to it, confirming the truth behind his father''s journal. The strap went over his right shoulder, tightening it for the sheathe to fit firmly on his back. He then picked the katana up, his dead eyes reflecting off of the blade. The katana gently slid into the sheathe on his back. Calmly, Kurashi grabbed his bag, hoisting it onto his left shoulder, and continued on his walk.

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    Exiting the forest, he encountered the view of the broad mountain range. The ascending of the mountain was not only a physical challenge but symbolized the pursuit of who he was. After a cruel hike, Kurashi had made it, the breathtaking view from the top providing a moment of reflection. A convergence of past and present unveiled the path forward. While looking at the blue sky, he heard something zip right behind him.

    "Are you lost? I can''t have any trespassers around here." a commanding voice emerged from behind Kurashi.

    Kurashi turns around to see a young man holding a kunai in his right hand, his jet black hair parted down the middle and his eyes crystal blue. Kurashi took the situation in, concluding that this guy must have been from his clan.

    "Who are you?", the guy continued to question, "What are you here for?"

    A moment of silence fell before them as the stranger awaited an answer.

    "Kurashi Ito...", Kurashi responded in a whisper.

    The stranger froze for a moment after what he heard.

    "Ito...that can''t be. The Ito clan has been gone for almost a decade."

    The guy examines Kurashi more closely, noticing the katana residing on his back.

    "Wait, is that...", the stranger questioned in disbelief while lowering his kunai, "So it''s true...I never would have thought."

    Spinning the kunai around his fingertip, the man took a final moment to scan Kurashi.

    "Sorry about that, really...", his tone shifted from serious to friendly in an instant, "Names Hikari Aoirai...C''mon, I''ll show you the base".

    Following behind Hikari, they walked further along the Hida Mountains before coming across the base. A valley set in the core of the mountains. The base, a harmonious blend of imposing high black metal walls and traditional Japanese architecture, revealed itself. The sight of flowing water, which gives the base its power, added an element of natural beauty to the secretive location.

    They reach the entrance of the base, stopping under a black torri gate to take in the view.

    "Welcome to Naishotetsu, son of Yasushi."

 The Lost Ronin

    The colossal main gate ruptured open as Kurashi and Hikari walked through. Inside the walls were different, something that Kurashi had never experienced before. The streets, lined with traditional Japanese buildings, stretched across the towering black steel walls. The base seemed to operate with quiet efficiency. People walked the streets with purpose, creating an atmosphere of discipline and order. There was an unspoken unity among them, a shared understanding of the unique existence they led.

    "So...What was your life like before coming here?", Hikari asked in a curious tone, trying to break the silence.

    "I was in high school.", Kurashi responded quietly.

    "I see...did you get good grades?"

    "Average..."

    "A girlfriend?"

    Kurashi shook his head no.

    "Any friends?"

    Kurashi shook his head no once again.

    Hikari couldn''t find the words to respond with, so the two of them spent the rest of their walk in utter silence. Eventually, they arrived at a large Japanese temple located within the center of the base. Inside the main temple and through a long hallway, Hikari knocked gently on the main office door.

    "You may enter...", a rusty voice rang out from behind the door.

    In front of them was the leader of the base, a wise and elderly man adorned in traditional attire.

    "What is it you need, Hikari?", the old man asked sitting at his desk.

    "Sorry for the sudden intrusion, Lord Fujita", Hikari respectively stated while bowing his head, "But it seems the rumors of the Ito clan were true. He''s here...the lost fragment of the Ito clan."

    "Fragment of the Ito clan?"

    Lord Fujita looked over at Kurashi, squinting his wrinkled eyes to get a better look.

    "The son of Yasushi, to believe you truly exist".

    Hikari looked up from bowing and asked, "Lord, I ask you to please inform Kurashi."

    "Kurashi, is it? It would be my honor.", Fujita said as he stood up from his desk, "Hundreds of years ago, during the Sengoku period, a band of tarnished ronin was formed. Abandoning their samurai ideals, these ronin turned to the way of the shinobi, fighting from the shadows to protect the nation''s peace. Leading them was a man from the Ito clan, a strong and wise warrior whose name was lost in time. He was the father of Naishotetsu...the man who discovered a mysterious power that bestowed upon him supernatural abilities."

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    Lord Fujita looked out of a window, a clear view of the base present outside.

    "With the growth of members, a stronghold was needed...Somewhere the members could live and strategize. To solve this issue, Naishotetsu was established.", Fujita stated before looking back at Kurashi, "The power which we now call "ryokukami" was passed down through their descendants. Over the years, the base evolved...each generation contributing to its growth. There were many great leaders of the base, but one man stood out far from the rest. Yasushi Ito, your father, built up what this base is today: the strongest member Naishotetsu has ever had...Then one day, he just disappeared without a trace, never to be seen again."

    Lord Fujita walked over to a case of artifacts on the wall and picked up a worn-down black kitsune mask. He then made his way to Kurashi, handing the mask over.

    "This mask...was your father''s, let this be a symbol of your fate."

    Kurashi looked down at the mask, trying to understand what was so special about it.

    "And Hikari..."

    "What is it, sir?"

    "I am entrusting you to mentor Kurashi.", Lord Fujita stated as he walked back to his desk, "After all, I assume the next leader of Naishotetsu will have no problems handling this."

    "Yes sir, thank you for your time Lord Fujita."

    Now outside of the temple, Kurashi and Hikari continued their walk through the streets.

    "What do you think Kurashi, is it all coming to you?"

    Hands in his pockets, Kurashi responded with a subtle shrug of his shoulders.

    "Hmm, wanna talk about it more over some ramen?", Hikari asked with a warm smile, trying to lighten Kurashi''s mood, "Who knows...it might all come to you on a full stomach."

    "I''m fine..."

    Shortly after, Kurashi''s stomach growled, a natural reaction after a long journey.

    Arriving at the ramen booth, its rich aroma of broth filled the air.

    "Long time no see, Hikari. What would like today?", the chef behind the counter asked.

    "The usual Tokushima bowl, but make it two this time."

    "Two Tokushima bowls coming right up."

    After getting their food, Hikari had something he wanted to say before eating.

    "Look...I''m going to be blunt with you. The potential that you have exceeds most of the others here...And to make that potential come true, you have to put in the work to achieve it."

    Kurashi stared blankly at Hikari, his expression void of emotion.

    "What I''m trying to say is that I want you to start your training tomorrow morning".

    "Tomorrow morning?"

    "Yeah, as Lord Fujita said, starting today, you will be under my supervision...Think of me as your new mentor, but just don''t get all over-mannered. I''m not that much older than you are."

    After finishing their meal, they made their way to Hikari''s house. A beautiful traditional Japanese home that held three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room, and a kitchen. The atmosphere was warm, the scent of traditional Japanese materials filling the air. Entering the house, Hikari showed Kurashi to his room. Sliding the door open, the room contained a low platform bed, a nightstand, and a dresser with a small TV sitting on top of it. As night fell, Kurashi settled down, unpacking all of his things, and heading to bed. A good rest would be needed for what was coming the next day.

 Draw Your Sword

    Early the next morning, Kurashi woke up to the soft rays of the sun filtering through the sliding paper doors of his new room. Sliding the bedroom door open, Kurashi took a deep breath, inhaling the familiar scent of grilled fish and miso soup. As he walked over and sat down at the kitchen table, he noticed a handwritten note beside his breakfast.

    "Mornin'' Kurashi, training will start at 8:30 a.m. near the cliff edge where we originally met. There''s some breakfast I made, so eat up. You''re gonna need it for today."

    After finishing his meal in silence, Kurashi returned to his room to get ready, changing from sleepwear to more suitable clothes for training. Putting the strap over his shoulder, so the sheath could lay on his back. He slid the katana in before leaving the house.

    Upon reaching the cliff edge, Kurashi found Hikari shadowboxing, his movements fluid and precise. With his sharp perception, Hikari noticed Kurashi''s presence and turned around to greet him.

    "What''s up, you ready to start?"

    "Yeah, I think so..."

    "Good to hear, I want you to start by stretching. Don''t want you catching a cramp mid-session."

    Kurashi began to pull his arms back, stretching his shoulders out.

    "What are we doing?"

    "Well, I''m glad you asked. Your regiment will consist of a 4-mile run, 600 push-ups, and a 45-minute sparring session...Pretty simple if you ask me?"

    After he was done stretching, the training began and despite being in good physical shape, Kurashi still found the training physically demanding. The 4-mile run pushed Kurashi to his limits, every breathless step becoming blurred by the lack of oxygen. The push-ups also proved challenging, with each burning repetition pushing his muscles further to their limits. After finishing his workout, drained from the exertion, he kneeled on the ground to catch his breath.

    "Now that the warm-up is over, it''s time to get to the real training."

    "Warm-up?"

    "Stand up Kurashi, the session starts now."

    Kurashi slowly stood up, his legs still weak from the 4-mile run.

    "Draw your sword.", Hikari ordered as he pulled his kunai out of his leg holster.

    Kurashi hesitantly slid his katana out of the sheath, letting it hang off by his right side. Flipping his kunai to a reverse grip, Hikari held it right in front of his face.

    "Ryokukami: Static Flash..."

    A sudden spark of blue electricity then appeared from under Hikari, and before Kurashi could blink, Hikari was already behind him.

    It was only when he felt a warmth dripping from his chest that Kurashi realized that he had been cut. Slowly touching his chest with his left hand, Kurashi looked down to see that his fingertips became stained with blood. Glancing over his shoulder, Hikari stood there, the blue electricity crackling around his body.

    "Don''t let your guard down, vigilance will be the difference between life and death."

    In a flash, Hikari continued to strike with blinding speed, his attacks coming from all angles. Unable to withstand the perpetual attacks, Kurashi eventually fell to the ground, his eyes slowly closing.

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    "Is this truly where you fall?"

    After concealing his kunai in his holster, Hikari turned around to walk away, his hands casually tucked into his pockets. However, as he began to walk away, he glanced back to find Kurashi, bloodied and battered, attempting to stand once more. There was a flicker of surprise in Hikari''s gaze, an acknowledgment of Kurashi''s resilience.

    "That''s more like it.", Hikari stated while flipping his kunai back out.

    Kurashi, struggling to keep himself up, gripped his katana tightly with both hands. With one last strike, Hikari dashed back at him to deal the final blow. And in a split second, Kurashi deflected the oncoming strike, his senses momentarily sharpened. With a swift motion, Kurashi countered with an ascending slash, the blade of his katana slicing through the air with deadly precision. In a burst of speed, Hikari evaded the lingering attack. Despite the valid effort, Kurashi succumbed to his wounds, collapsing to the ground.

    "He deflected my attack...without any prior training?"

    Slowly regaining his consciousness, the sterile scent of a hospital filled Kurashi''s senses. He was unable to move, his bandaged body heavy from the intense training. The room was dimly lit, with a single-window casting a soft glow onto the pale walls. The rhythmic beeping of the heart monitor provided a backdrop to the silence that enveloped the room.

    "You awake Kurashi?"

    Kurashi turned his gaze to the right, noticing Hikari sitting in a nearby chair, his expression a mix of worry and relief. Kurashi''s eyes slowly drifted back toward the ceiling shortly after. A nurse then entered the room, fitted with a long white medical coat.

    "Sir Hikari, will you please be more careful with your future training? We don''t need unnecessary injuries within the base."

    "I know, I know...Sorry for causing an inconvenience."

    "The wounds were fatal...excessive for just mere training.", the nurse stated while looking at her notepad, "Though thankfully, he is recovering rather quickly. The wounds should be healed within a few days."

    Hikari nodded, an acknowledgment of the nurse''s words.

    "I''ll be going now. Please call if you need anything."

    A silence then enveloped the room, broken only by the distant hum of medical equipment.

    "Kurashi, what you''re going through...it''s essential."

    "Essential?"

    "I''ve already told you...the potential you have is only obtainable by putting in the proper training.", Hikari stated as got up and walked to the door, "It won''t be easy...but nothing of value ever is."

    As Hikari left the room, Kurashi was left alone once again.

    Three days passed since Kurashi had been hospitalized, and Hikari was on his way to the main temple. As he entered the main office, he found the leader occupied with paperwork. As he approached, he cleared his throat to announce his presence, prompting the leader to look up from his documents.

    "You asked to see me?", Hikari questioned with his hands behind his back.

    "I did...", Lord Fujita replied while putting his pen down, "I wanted to know how the training was coming along."

    "Just as expected, sir. He is already showing a lot of promise."

    "You must be pushing him very hard. I heard he''s in the hospital."

    "Yes sir..."

    "What''s his status?"

    "Full recovery...dismissed earlier this morning."

    "Ahh, that''s good to hear."

    A few seconds passed before a thought came to Hikari.

    "Lord...am I really the best pick for this?"

    "Hikari...you need to have more confidence in yourself. With the potential that Kurashi has, only the strongest as yourself would be fit to guide him...You were Yasushi''s sole student after all."

    "Yeah...thank you for your considerate words, Lord Fujita.", Hikari responded in an unsure tone before leaving the office.

    Back at the house, Kurashi walked into the bathroom, the sound of the water breaking the silence. With practiced ease, Kurashi unfastened the bandages wrapped around his torso and wrists, the fabric unwinding to reveal the skin beneath. Stepping into the shower, the hot water gently rained from above. Kurashi closed his eyes, letting the sensation of the falling water envelop him. After getting out of the shower, Kurashi changed into nightwear: a white t-shirt and plaid pajamas.

    "Kurashi, come here for a minute.", Hikari''s voice rang out from the kitchen.

    Sliding the door open, Kurashi walked in to see Hikari cooking at the stove.

    "Sit down, the food is almost done."

    Sitting at the table, Kurashi silently waited for his meal to be prepared.

    "How are your wounds?" Are they fully healed?"

    "Yeah...I think so."

    "That''s good to hear...That means you can start your training back up tomorrow morning."

    Hikari turns to the kitchen table with a plate in his right hand, gradually setting the meal down in front of Kurashi.

    "4:30 a.m., be at the cliff edge.", Hikari stated as he walked back to his room.

    Kurashi had just gotten out of the hospital, but it seemed he may be going right back.

 The Power Within

    A month of training flew by with discipline: a daily routine of a 6-mile run, 800 push-ups, and 2 hours of sparring each day. After the vigorous training, Kurashi''s lean frame became well-toned with muscle, and his movements were now swift and methodical. With his sharpened mind, his blade moved with precision, as if he had years of experience as a swordsman. Through the improvements of his training, his demeanor had yet to change.

    4:30 a.m., October 25, 2022...the day after the training ended, Kurashi and Hikari walked through the streets to the cliff edge, the matte grey sky clouding above them.

    "I have to admit, it''s impressive how far you''ve come in such a short time." Hikari stated with a reassuring smile, a hint of nostalgia within his voice "You''re developing way faster than I did at your age...kind of envy it."

    "Am I?"

    "Sure are...probably took me six months to get where you are now."

    "Six months?"

    "Yeah...I was a pretty slow learner back then.", Hikari stated while scratching the back of his neck.

    The two sat in silence for a moment as Hikari thought to himself, the cool morning air flowing past them.

    "With how smoothly things are going. I think we can speed up the process a bit."

    Kurashi stood there in silence, his expression as unreadable as ever.

    "It''s time...time to unlock your ryokukami."

    At the very edge of the cliff, Kurashi sat down, gazing off into the horizon.

    "Alright, close your eyes."

    As Kurashi slowly closed his eyes, the view in front of him faded away.

    "Relax...take a deep breath," Hikari stated calmly as he stood behind Kurashi.

    Back straightened, eyes closed, shoulders relaxed, and hands gently resting on his knees, Kurashi took a deep breath in.

    "To awaken, you need to be in a state of tranquility...blocking out all outside sources. When that time comes, your soul with be in its purest form...Sink into your inner world and let the light guide you."

    Hikari waited a moment to let his words sink in before continuing.

    "This is your world, so I won''t be able to help from this point on..." Hikari stated as turned to walk away "Good luck...I''ll be here when you return."

    Two days passed, and Kurashi had still yet to make any progress within the time. Even with the lack of advancement, Kurashi remained composed, tuning out all outside distractions.

    When night fell on the third night, Kurashi''s eyes fluttered open, finding himself engulfed in a realm of profound darkness. It wasn''t the typical darkness of the night, but an abyssal void that seemed to stretch endlessly in all directions. It was as though he had stepped into a world untouched by time, where the boundaries of reality blurred into obscurity.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

    Slowly, Kurashi pushed himself up from where he had been kneeling, feeling the eerie stillness of the air as he rose. With each step he took, small ripples spread outwards from where his foot touched the ground, creating a gentle splashing sound that reverberated through the emptiness around him. As he walked further, Kurashi felt a subtle pull, a gravitational force that drew him deeper into the vast emptiness.

    It was then that a dim white light came into view, piercing through the veil of utter darkness. As Kurashi moved forward, the blur sharpened, revealing a radiant white orb suspended in the void. Extending his right hand, he reached out for the orb. As his fingers inched closer, his hand was repelled by an unknown force. It was as if an invisible barrier surrounded it, keeping Kurashi from ever making contact. With a resolute breath, Kurashi closed his eyes and surrendered himself to the unknown.

    The force that once stood between Kurashi and the orb slowly began to dissolve, fading away like a wisp of smoke in the wind. Kurashi''s hand descended further into the surface of the orb, seeming to merge with its boundless energy. In a firm grasp, Kurashi closed his hand around the orb, his fingers wrapping around its ethereal form. At that moment, a blinding white flash emitted from his right hand, forcing him to close his eyes shut.

    When Kurashi opened his eyes, he found himself kneeling by the cliff edge once more, the familiar landscape stretching out before him. Adjusting his eyes back to the real world, the sound of approaching footsteps became more vivid.

    "You back?" Hikari questioned as he walked up to the edge "How''d it go?"

    Kurashi looked down at his right hand in silence, confused as to where the orb went.

    "The light...did you find it?"

    "Yeah, it was right here..." Kurashi responded in a whisper, still looking at his right hand.

    "Hmm, sounds like a success to me..."

    Hikari''s gaze locked onto Kurashi, a sense of fulfillment in his expression.

    "Already, huh? This kid never fails to impress me." Hikari thought.

    "What now?", Kurashi questioned as he stood up from the ground.

    "Take out your blade..."

    Kurashi hesitated for a second before unsheathing his katana, holding it by his right side.

    "You see, the Ito clan were known for their psychic powers, each branch of the clan specializing in their own unique abilities: mind reading, mind control, memory manipulation, precognition...But the strongest branch, the one you descend from, specialized in telekinesis."

    "Telekinesis...so that was my father''s power?"

    "Well, your father was a special case...Originally a telekinesis user, he found a way to inherit the other branch''s abilities as well...No one knows how since each branch strictly passes through to their own descendants, but...I guess that doesn''t go for someone like him."

    There was then a moment of silence as Kurashi took in this newfound knowledge.

    "Toss it to the ground."

    Kurashi tossed the blade to the ground and awaited Hikari''s next direction.

    "Now, visualize the blade coming back to your hand," Hikari said with his arms crossed over his chest.

    Focusing, Kurashi sensed a stable connection form between his mind and the katana, like an invisible thread weaving through the fabrics of reality. Hikari''s gaze widened as he watched the katana arise from the ground, defying the laws of gravity as it drew toward Kurashi''s outstretched hand. The blade then settled into Kurashi''s grasp, sliding it back into the sheath once more.

    "Alright, let''s call it a day...Good work, Kurashi."

    Kurashi nods his head in agreement, his hands tucked deep in his pockets.

    "It''s been a long time since I''ve seen that..." Hikari thought.

    Back at the house, Hikari tended to the stove, the flickering fire casting a warm glow over his features. There at the kitchen table, Kurashi sat patiently for the food to be done. After Hikari finished cooking, he placed the steaming dish in front of Kurashi.

    "Here, this was my favorite as a kid."

    The meal, a bento box, consisted of grilled chicken, sushi rolls, steamed veggies, and rice.

    "So how''d it look? Your inner world, I mean."

    "It was completely dark..."

    Hikari paused to think for a moment.

    "Completly dark? That''s not right..." Hikari thought.

    The inner world is the place that reflects the user''s soul. It is shaped by experiences, emotions, desires, and fears. Unlike the vast, unsettling darkness Kurashi experienced, the inner world tends to manifest into a natural setting, mountains, forests, fields, and rivers being the most common.

    Hikari decided not to bring this up to him, and the two of them ate in peace. After finishing their meals and heading to bed, terrible news would emerge the following day.

 The New Leader

    7:23 a.m., October 28, 2022...the sun shines over the main temple of the base.

    Standing outside of the main office door, a secretary waited patiently with a tower of papers in hand.

    "Lord Fujita, may I enter? I have the documents you''ve asked for."

    After no response, she slowly peaked into the office, her gaze widening at the scene.

    "Ahhhhhh!"

    The papers slipped from her grasp, fluttering to the floor as she stumbled back. In front of her, Lord Fujita''s lifeless body slumped in the chair, his throat slit wide open.

    Elsewhere at the base, Kurashi slid open the door of his modest room and moved to the kitchen. It was his day off from training, so he took his time making his morning coffee.

    Once the brewing finished, Kurashi went to throw the used coffee bag away. Lifting the lid of the trash can, he saw that it was filled with a mountain of tissues, all of them tainted with blood. Without much thought, he tossed the bag on top and went to the living room.

    Sitting on the couch with a steaming black coffee in hand, he grabbed the remote and turned the TV on.

    "Good evening, everyone! This is Kana Suzuki coming to you live from the heart of Tokyo. With October coming to an end, it''s that time of year again¨CHalloween is just around the corner! Whether you''re dressing up as a classic ghost, a scary ghoul, or even your favorite anime character, it''s time to prepare those costumes and sto-"

    Click

    "Tonight on ''Tokyo Insights'', we delve into the secrets of Japan''s hidd-"

    Click

    "Reports are coming in of rising concern as more young women have gone missing in Toyama Prefecture. Authorities have confirmed-"

    Click

    Kurashi then turned the TV off, as nothing seemed to pique his interest.

    At the main office a few hours later, Hikari stood in the office alone, examining the lifeless body remaining in the chair, perplexed by the sight before him. The once wise and commanding Lord Fujita now sat motionless, robbed of all authority.

    "Sir..." a man stated as he came up to the doorway.

    Hikari didn''t answer, his eyes still locked on the corpse.

    "Ummm...Sir?"

    Hikari looked over his shoulder, acknowledging the man''s presence.

    "We''re ready to take the body."

    "And the funeral?"

    "It will be ready tomorrow morning."

    Hikari turned his gaze back to the corpse sitting in front of him.

    "Thanks for letting me know. Just...give me a moment please."

    "Of course, sir..." the man responded in a bow.

    As the man left, Hikari stepped up to the corpse, his fingers grazing along the desk.

    "You always warned me about the weight of responsibility...How heavy it could be. You really did...and I never listened."

    He paused for a moment, the lifeless office enveloping him.

    "It wasn''t that your words didn''t mean anything to me. I just couldn''t bring myself to believe something like this would ever happen...I''m sorry."

    At the same time, Kurashi strolled through the base for some fresh air, his expression cold and detached. However, even for someone as disassociated as himself, it didn''t take long for him to notice something was wrong. Along the streets, groups of members clustered together for discussion.

    With his head down, he stopped as the whispers of a distant conversation reached him.

    "Lord Fujita...assassinated?" a woman stated, her face becoming pale.

    "Yeah, heard it was brutal..." a man responded in disbelief.Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.

    "But...who would do such a thing? Everyone respected Lord Fujita."

    "Damn right, he was...but respect like that makes enemies too."

    "Enemies? You think someone from the outside got in?"

    "No, that doesn''t make sense...It would have to be someone on the inside."

    "A traitor? You really think so?"

    "I mean think about it. Whoever did it knew his schedule...knew he stayed in the office late every night. Then killed him without being seen? That''s not something a stranger pulls off."

    "So someone here, someone we might know, did this?"

    "I''m not saying it''s for sure, but...isn''t it possible? This place isn''t exactly free from tension."

    "I know...but to go this far? To kill him? That''s...unthinkable!"

    "Unthinkable or not, it happened...And if it was someone inside, that means they''re still walking around, pretending to be just like the rest of us."

    The woman fell silent, glancing nervously around the street.

    "I just hope they found who did it. And soon."

    "Me too...I heard Hikari is looking into it himself."

    "Really? That''s good to hear...but to have such a burden at his young age."

    Tuning out of their conversation, Kurashi made his way back to the house.

    Sliding the main door open, Kurashi walked into the living room to see Hikari sitting on the couch, his hands covering his face.

    After hearing the subtle footsteps of Kurashi, Hikari lifted his hands from his face, his eyes red and puffy.

    "Oh, your back..." Hikari said in a friendly tone, his voice strained yet attempting warmth.

    Kurashi didn''t respond, walking past him into the kitchen. Opening the fridge door, Kurashi grabbed a cold bottle of water.

    "Is it true?" Kurashi asked in a whisper.

    Turning his gaze towards Hikari, he stared with a blank expression.

    "Is the lord dead?"

    Hikari took a moment to respond, trying to find the courage to speak.

    "Yeah...he was found this morning."

    Kurashi''s expression didn''t change.

    No sadness

    No sorrow

    He just merely stood there listening to Hikari''s words.

    "The funeral''s tomorrow..."

    Kurashi gave a subtle nod, taking this moment of silence to walk to his room.

    Just as his hand touched the doorknob, Hikari spoke up.

    "Kurashi, just show up...please."

    The next morning, the overcast sky mirrored the somber mood of Naishotetsu. A gentle drizzle began as people dressed in black gathered at the gravesite, where the Fujita family''s lineage rested. The air was thick with grief, muffled sorrows carried by the wind as the ceremony commenced.

    Kurashi stood on the outskirts of the crowd as if he were watching the others. The rain grew heavier, the droplets pattering against the black umbrellas.

    Hikari stepped forward, his figure silhouetted against the gray horizon. He took a deep breath, his voice loud enough to carry through the rain but trembling with raw emotion.

    "Let us show one final sign of gratitude. Lord Fujita...may you rest in peace."

    One by one, the gathered mourners lowered their heads, their collective grief forming out of their respect.

    The rain began to fall harder, as though the heavens themselves mourned the loss.

    When the ceremony concluded, the crowd dispersed, leaving only Hikari behind. Standing motionless before the gravestone, the rain soaked through his clothes. It didn''t seem to faze him, as he stared deeply at the name etched into the stone. After what felt like an eternity, he finally turned and made his way to the main office.

    The office was eerily pristine given the tragedy that had unfolded. The desk was orderly, devoid of any trace of the man who had once sat there.

    In the chair, Hikari gripped the armrests tightly, his gaze shifted to the ceiling.

    "Everyone, I''ll do my best...I promise."

    As the rain continued to fall, Hikari remained there, alone with the weight of his vow.

 A Killers Presence

    October 30, 2022...Naishotetsu has begun to go back to its normal ways under Hikari''s leadership. However, there was still a lingering sorrow in the air, an unspoken grief felt by all members.

    That morning at the main office, Hikari sat at his desk, his pen scratching against the papers. Even with a mountain of papers stacked at the corner of his desk, he remained diligent in his work.

    But a sudden knock on the door broke his concentration.

    "Come in..."

    The door opened slowly, and Kurashi stepped inside, his katana sheathed on his back. His hands were stuffed casually into his pockets, and his half-lidded eyes gave him the air of someone who hadn''t slept in days.

    "You asked for me?"

    "Yeah..."

    Hikari leaned back slightly, rubbing his temple before meeting Kurashi''s gaze.

    "There''s been trouble in Toyama prefecture. Murder...disappearances...drug trafficking...I believe there''s an organized group behind it all."

    Hikari lifted the pen in his hand, pointing it right at Kurashi.

    "I want you to investigate."

    "Why me?"

    "You''re more than prepared now...Besides, this is reconnaissance only. Your mission is to locate their hideout and assess their operations. Nothing more."

    Kurashi stood there, staring blankly at Hikari.

    "Look, if anything goes wrong, I trust you''ll handle it as you see fit...But just don''t take unnecessary risks, alright?"

    Kurashi gave a subtle nod.

    With a sigh of reassurance, Hikari stood up from the chair, retrieving a neatly folded black uniform from behind his desk. As he walked over to Kurashi, he extended his arm out to him.

    "Here...I want you to take this. Wear it when you head out."

    Kurashi hesitated before reaching out, taking the uniform without a word.

    "You''ll leave when night falls, so rest up for the time being."

    Kurashi gave a subtle nod as he left the office.

    As Hikari watched him leave, he thought to himself.

    "He''s ready...I know he is. So why am I worried?"

    When night fell, Kurashi got prepared and set off on his mission. As he stepped out of the base, he took a moment to gaze up at the full moon, the black hoodie he wore over his uniform making him appear as a shadow under its light.Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.

    After a lonesome walk, Kurashi arrived at the Toyama district early in the morning. Walking through the streets to find any type of lead, his katana drew wary glances from those who passed him, as having a katana in public was illegal.

    A middle-aged man, unnerved by the sight of Kurashi, decided to flag down two nearby officers.

    "Officers," the man began to explain, his voice low but anxious. "There''s a boy walking around with a katana on his back. I think he''s up to something."

    "Where''d you see him?" one officer asked.

    "Right there! He''s-"

    The man stopped mid-sentence, as the spot where Kurashi had been was empty.

    The officers exchanged skeptical looks.

    "Have you been drinking, sir?"

    "What? No!"

    The man spun around again as if Kurashi would reappear.

    "He just there!"

    The other officer sighed.

    "Just go home. It''s too early for this."

    Meanwhile, in a nearby alley, Kurashi leaned against the wall. It would be hard to find anything with all the eyes on him, so he decided to wait until the festival started to move again.

    Hours passed and the festival had begun.

    Kurashi walked into the crowded streets, the air now filled with excitement and blurred voices. Costumes of all kinds turned the streets into a sea of vibrant colors. With his hood pulled low, Kurashi maintained his focus, scanning the environment around him.

    Amidst all the commotion, a small movement caught his eye. A little girl in a tattered nightgown, her face pale with terror, ran into an alleyway followed by a group of men. Kurashi emerged from the crowded street without hesitation, following them into the dark alley.

    Kurashi slowly crept through the narrow path, not making a single sound. The alley was narrow and suffocating, the dim light from a flickering streetlamp barely piercing the darkness. When Kurashi reached the voices, he saw that the men had cornered the girl, their intentions undeniable.

    The girl trembled on her knees, her voice unable to plead for any help.

    "Ya'' know it''s dangerous for a little girl like ya'' to wander off alone." one of the men said, teasing the horrified girl.

    Another one of the other men walked up to the girl, an unsettling grin on his face.

    "Don''t worry...We''re just here to help ya'' get back home."

    "Yeah, boss says he misses ya''. Said to bring you back by any means."

    Their eery laughter echoed off the damp walls, mingling with the distant sounds of the festival.

    But one of the men paused, his grin fading away as his senses caught something. He squinted into the blackness, searching for a movement that wasn''t quite there anymore.

    "Hey...I think there''s someone-"

    The man was abruptly silenced.

    Kurashi moved with lethal precision, his blade slicing through the man''s throat in a swift motion. The man clenched his hand around his neck to stop the bleeding, struggling to find a way to breathe.

    The others turned around as they heard the body collapse to the ground, their eyes widening in horror at the sight of their comrade now lying in a pool of blood.

    From the shadows, Kurashi''s hooded figure gradually came into view, his blade dripping with blood as he held it in his right hand.

    Before they could react, Kurashi dashed in at the remaining men, his movement a blur of motion. One by one, the men fell to his blade, leaving only one alive. Overtaken by a sudden panic, the man scampered away from the scene, trying to escape the nightmare around him.

    But Kurashi wasn''t done.

    As the man ran away, Kurashi slowly lifted his left hand, his palm facing outward. The escaping man now stood frozen in place, his movement suspended by an unseen force. The panic in his eyes was unmistakable as he looked down, realizing that his body was no longer his own.

    "My body...it won''t move!"

    Kurashi approached slowly, his footsteps echoing off of the cold pavement.

    "Wh-who are you!"

    The footsteps got closer and closer until Kurashi finally stood right behind the man.

    "I am no one..."

    With a swift motion, Kurashi''s blade flashed through the air, severing the man''s head from his body.

    Kurashi then swung his katana down, ridding the blood from its blade before sheathing it on his back.

    The was nothing Kurashi felt from taking those lives.

    No guilt

    No pleasure

    Nothing

    As he gazed over his shoulder, Kurash''s cold eyes met the girl on the ground. In fear, she covered her eyes with her small shaky hands.

    Kurashi then turned to the girl, walking towards her with a killer''s presence.

 Shadow Of Toyama

    Kurashi approached the girl slowly, his hands buried in his pockets. The glow of the distant festival lights flickered faintly in the alley, casting long shadows that danced across the walls. The girl sat frozen in fear, her small frame trembling as Kurashi stopped before her.

    As he stopped a few feet away, her wide eyes darted to a small rock near her feet. And with a shaky hand, she grabbed it and hurled it towards Kurashi.

    "Get away from me!" the little girl shouted, her voice cracking halfway through.

    The rock barely grazed Kurashi''s leg.

    Unfazed by the puny attack, Kurashi stared blankly at the poor girl, his unblinking eyes void of color.

    The girl now had no other defense, her breath hitching as she realized her fate.

    "Mama..." the little girl cried to herself.

    With a step closer.

    Then another step closer.

    Kurashi was now within arm''s reach of the girl.

    With a killer right in front of her, she squeezed her eyes shut, bracing for the worst.

    As Kurashi knelt at the girl''s level, he tilted his head slightly, studying her reaction as if she were some puzzle to be solved.

    "Where are they?" Kurashi asked quietly.

    The girl opened her eyes, blinking up at him in confusion.

    "The men...where are they?"

    "You''re notˇ­going to hurt me?" the girl whimpered in confusion, wiping her nose with the back of her hand.

    Kurashi ignored the little girl''s concern.

    "Where?"

    "I-I don''t know..." the girl replied tremblingly.

    Kurashi exhaled quietly through his nose, the closest thing to a sigh. With no useful information to gain, he turned and began to walk away.

    "Wait!"

    The girl''s small hand shot out and grabbed his left arm, her grip weak but desperate.

    "Please...don''t leave me. The bad guys...they''ll get me again," she said in a fragile whisper.

    He suddenly stopped as if a thought had come to him.

    Instead of offering reassurance, he resumed his walk, dragging the girl with him as her tiny hands clung desperately to the back of his hoodie.

    Looking around the alley, her eyes landed on the lifeless bodies scattered on the ground. Though she could hear it all along, she had not seen what unfolded around her until now. Five men, or what was left of them, shredded in a way that didn''t seem humanly possible.

    The girl''s stomach churned, placing a hand over her mouth to stifle a scream.

    "Didˇ­you do this?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.

    With no guilt in his doings, Kurashi kept walking quietly.

    The girl swallowed hard as she lowered her gaze to the cracked pavement beneath her, trying to get the haunting image out of her head.

    Now out of the dark alley, they emerged into the bustling streets of the Holloween festival.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.

    Lanterns swung gently in the nightly breeze, its warm glow casting a dim light over the crowded streets. The aroma of grilled skewers and sweet pastries lingered in the air, mingling with the occasional bursts of laughter and chatter from the crowd of masks and costumes.

    Despite the lively atmosphere, the festival felt like another world to the little girlˇŞa cruel dream she couldn''t touch.

    Her grip on Kurashi''s hoodie tightened, as her eyes darted nervously around to the strangers passing by.

    "Mister?"

    Kurashi glanced over his shoulder, his face half-lit by the glow of a nearby lantern.

    "Are you...a good guy?"

    Her voice wavered, the question sounding both childish and unbearably heavy.

    "I don''t know..."

    The girl''s heart sank.

    "But you killed themˇŞthe bad guys."

    He didn''t answer.

    "And...you saved me? You have to be a good guy right?"

    The girl began to give herself hope. A slight hope that she would be saved from her never-ending nightmare.

    "And if I''m not?" Kurashi whispered while looking over his shoulder.

    The little girl looked down in disappointment, upset by the response she received.

    "Good or bad...Can you promise me one thing?"

    The girl stopped speaking for a moment, trying to build the courage to speak up.

    "Promise that you will protect me."

    "Protect?"

    The mission he was given was simple.

    Locate the hideout.

    Assess their operations.

    Nothing more. Nothing Less.

    Kurashi then spoke up to the girl, her eyes widening at his soft voice.

    "You''ve been there, have you? Know where they are...Tell me where, and...I will."

    "Really?" the girl responded, truly in disbelief by his response.

    "O-okay, I''ll try my best to remember."

    The festival faded behind them as they turned into a secluded part of town. The air grew colder, thick with the acrid smell of cigarette smoke. Cracked pavement and boarded-up windows lined the streets they walked and it was then a vague memory came to the girl.

    "This place...I remember."

    The girl began to look around, horrifying memories seeming to return to her.

    "The scary sounds...the laughing...the darkness...the fear...I remember."

    They walked further through the streets, their footsteps merging with the faint night breeze. It was then that Kurashi noticed the sound of a car engine coming to a stop, its tires crunching softly on the pavement below it.

    Now hiding along a wall, covered by the depth of the night, Kurashi observed the scene before him. The car then shut off and two men stepped out, closing the car doors behind them. As the two men approached the front door of an abandoned warehouse, three other men stood guard, their posture casual yet alert. With a stern nod from one of the guards, the two men were allowed into the warehouse, the large metal door shutting behind them.

    "It''s here...This is it." the little girl whispered, her voice a mix of both recognition and fear.

    "Walk up there..." Kurashi commanded, his voice devoid of emotion.

    "What! Why would I do that?! They would just take me again..."

    Kurashi turned around to the girl, his cold stare forcing her to look down at the pavement. She was in no position to deny his words, no matter how scared she was.

    "We made a promise, remember that..."

    The little girl walked into the open, fidgeting with her hands as she closed in on the guards.

    "He promised me...I''m safe...I''m safe...I''m safe...I''m safe..."

    Her fidget became more intense. Now picking at the skin around her nails.

    "I-I just have to be brave, that''s all."

    As she came into light, one of the standing guards noticed her.

    "Look, if it isn''t our little escape artist." the guard mocked at the sight of her.

    "Didn''t like the outside did ya''?" another guard added in.

    The two guards found humor in the mocking of the little girl until the other guard stepped in.

    "Cut it out! Stop picking and just get her inside. The boss is already pissed enough." the third guard commanded, finding his coworkers aggravating.

    The two guards stopped laughing instantly, turning to him with disdained looks.

    "For someone about to get a bonus, you seem kinda'' ungrateful. If you don''t want the extra cash, I''ll be more than happy to take it for ya''."

    "And none of us of gonna'' get it if you don''t bring that damn girl inside. Now hurry up!"

    "Fine, fine...", the first guard responded, walking over the the girl.

    His arm reached out for her.

    "C''mon, it''s time to head back inside."

    The little girl closed her eyes, afraid of what was to come.

    She could only hope.

    Hope that a good guy would save her.

    "He promised me...I''m safe...I''m safe...I''m safe..."

    Before she could be touched, from the top of the warehouse, a phantom had silently descended from the darkness. Falling from above, Kurashi drove his katana down into the collarbone of one of the guards, blood spraying as he pulled the blade out.

    With a swift pivot, Kurashi severed the head of the other guard standing at the door. The last guard, who stood near the little girl, fumbled desperately to pull out his gun from his waistband. Finished with the other two, Kurashi''s cold eyes turned upon him, slowly lifting his left hand in his direction.

    "What the fuck are you-"

    The guard''s words were cut off as Kurashi closed his fist, an unseen force puncturing the insides of the guard, forcing him to cough up blood as he fell to the ground in agony.

    Three lifeless bodies now littered the ground.

    With the guards now taken out, the little girl had stepped cautiously around the dead bodies, as she ran to Kurashi''s side. As Kurashi opened the warehouse door, he was now about to enter the world of Toyma''s biggest crime syndicate.

 What Are Promises

    With his hood now pulled up, Kurashi crept into the warehouse door. The room yawned before him, vast and dimly lit. Overhead lights flickered sporadically, casting a pale, sickly glow onto the stained concrete floor. The air was stillˇŞchoked with the stench of sweat, chemicals, and stale tobacco. Wooden crates loomed in disorderly stacks, some precariously balanced on rusted shelves, others abandoned mid-transfer across the cluttered floor.

    Men filled the space like scavengers, some slouched at tables coated in lines of white powder, murmuring lowly as they wasted time. Others groaned under the weight of crates, sweat glistening on their brows as they shuffled through their labor.

    Sitting at a table with three others, a lanky figure with a patchy beard paused mid-conversation, lifting his head from a pile of white powder. Squinting his eyes for a better view, he saw two figures standing at the entrance. Recognition flashed across his face, as he scrambled from his seat, pushing through the crowd toward the back of the warehouse.

    "Daichi!" the man yelled as he ran through the working men.

    The lanky man burst into the doorway of a secluded office in the back of the warehouse.

    "Daichi, Sir! The girl...she''s back."

    In the cluttered office which reeked of alcohol and cigarette smoke, Daichi leaned back in his chair, blowing smoke out from his mouth. Wrinkled yen, cigarette buds, and an almost empty whiskey bottle crowded the desk before him. His black hair was slicked back with excessive gel, and his ill-fitting suit stretched awkwardly over his rounded stomach.

    "Back you say? It''s about damn time." Daichi stated as he fixed the cuffs of his suit.

    His lips curled into a grin as he pushed off his chair to stand.

    Daichi walked out through the office door to the main floor, and the lanky man followed behind like a dog to its owner. As they made their way to the front of the warehouse, Diachi and Kurashi''s eyes met. Despite his stubby build, Diachi''s stride leaked with confidence as he closed in.

    Stopping a few feet away, Diachi fixed the buttons of his suit that had come undone, eyeing Kurashi up and down before looking over to the trembling girl.

    "Now what''d I tell you about staying put..."

    Daichi paused and took one step forward, crouching down to the girl''s level.

    "You didn''t have to run, sweetheart. Everyone was worried about you."

    His voice dripped with false sympathy.

    "Mama..." the little girl whispered.

    Looking up from Kurashi''s hoodie, she spoke up a little louder.

    "Mama...where is she?"

    Standing back up straight, Daichi''s demeanor reset.Stolen novel; please report.

    "You know kid...that''s a really good question. I couldn''t tell you where she would be, but there is one thing I can say for sure."

    Daichi paused a moment, suspense building in the girl''s chest as a grin widened across his face.

    "Bodies like hers? They sell for big cash...Only reason I''m still even in business."

    Daichi couldn''t help but laugh hysterically to himself, finding humor in the words he spoke.

    But there was no humor.

    No comedy

    Only cruelty

    The sinister laughter startled the girl, sending her retreating behind Kurashi once more. As Daichi calmed himself down, his gaze shifted from the girl to Kurashi.

    "And you kid...get out of here. Consider letting you leave alive your payment for bringing the girl in."

    With a silent signal, Diachi turned and tapped the man beside him on the chest, walking back to his office.

    As the lanky man stepped forward, he leaned around Kurashi, reaching his hand out for the girl. The moment his fingertips brushed her sleeve, Kurashi unsheathed his katana in a single motion, severing the man''s hand.

    "Ahhh my hand! My Fucking hand!!!"

    The man screamed in panic, stumbling back as blood spewed from his wrist. However, his cries were abruptly silenced as the blade pierced through his heart. Twisting the blade inside the man''s chest, and then pulling it out, the man fell to the ground.

    There was silence.

    Bodies froze

    Hearts dropped

    And all eyes were on Kurashi.

    The solitude of the warehouse was only interrupted when Daichi''s voice screeched out.

    "Get him!!!"

    Armed with pocket knives and pistols, twenty-three men now surrounded Kurashi, all with the intent to kill him where he stood. The first few to rush in at him met their end with flashes of silver, their bodies collapsing to the floor. Kurashi''s movement was seamless, utilizing the layout of the building to disappear between shelving. Gunshots echoed off the walls, and blood splattered as Kurashi''s katana danced.

    A sharp pain tore through his side as a knife grazed him, drawing blood and ripping through his hoodie, but he retaliated by brutally driving his katana into the attacker''s throat. Bullets whistled past Kurashi, the gunners unable to track him as he dashed around. Through the gunfire, one bullet grazed his left shoulder, leaving a burning sensation as he continued. Ducking below a gunner''s bullet, he swept the legs out from beneath the man, plunging his katana right into his chest. Few men remained, fear now replacing their rage. The incoming attacks were now uncoordinated, so Kurashi exploited every opening, killing the rest of the men with single yet vital strikes. In a matter of minutes, the warehouse was now littered with bodies, the floor stained with blood. Kurashi flicked his katana to rid the blood and sheathed it on his back. Looking down at the floor, he leaned down to pick up a pistol from one of the bodies. Behind him, a soft whimper caught his attention. Turning around slowly, Kurashi''s cold stare locked onto Daichi. The once confident man was now frantic, the blatant panic seen in his eyes. But in his grasp was the girl, tears steadily streaming down her cheeks. The arms of Daichi wrapped tightly around her neck, pulling her close as he pressed the barrel of the gun against her temple.

    All it took was one step from Kurashi to strike fear into Daichi.

    "Stay back! Stay back or I''ll blow her brains out!"

    His hands shook in fear, causing the little girl to flinch.

    "Please don''t..." the girl pleaded.

    "Shut up! Shut the fuck up! This is your fucking fault! If you didn''t go running away, this shit would''ve never happened."

    "Please...", the little girl whimpered out to Kurashi.

    Kurashi remained unfazed, his emotionless eyes boring into Daichi.

    As Kurashi lifted the gun, the tension snapped.

    A bullet was fired.

    Daichi staggered back, his eyes widened as blood poured from the hole in his chest. As his grip on the girl loosened, his lifeless body crumpled to the floor.

    As the girl stood before Kurashi, she looked down at her chest, as blood began to soak her distressed white gown. When she looked back up at Kurashi, her eyes began to slowly shut.

    "You...promised"

    She reached her hand out for Kurashi as her eyes completely shut, collapsing to the ground in a pool of blood.

    With a broken promise, Kurashi now stood above the corpses with only one thought in mind.

    The mission was complete.

 Along The Stream

    Corpses littered the ground, their blood pooling into the cracks of the concrete.

    Even with the overwhelming amount of evidence left, he made no effort to erase anything.

    The mission was completeˇŞthat was all that mattered. With nothing left to do, he sheathed his katana with a soft click and exited the warehouse, stepping back into the night without a second glance. A wandering thought came to him along his lonely walk back to the base.

    "Is this it? Is this...my purpose?"

    The question remained unanswered.

    After hours of walking, Kurashi returned to Naishotetsu early in the morning, the rising sun hanging over his head. Through the streets and inside the main temple, Kurashi stepped into the main office.

    "Oh, you''re back," Hikari stated as he looked up from his desk, his eyes softening as he saw Kurashi. "What''s your status?"

    "The mission is complete..."

    There was no trace of pride or reliefˇŞjust the simple, factual response Hikari had come to expect.

    Hikari exhaled deeply as he leaned back in his chair.

    "That''s great to hear...I''ll handle the report, so head back and rest up."

    As he turned to leave, Hakari''s eyes narrowed on Kurashi.

    "Wait a sec!" Hikari spoke out, his voice almost commanding.

    Rising from his chair, Hikari crossed the room quickly, his sharp eyes scanning Kurashi. Noticing the blood-stained tear on Kurashi''s shoulder, Hikari brushed at the torn fabric to reveal the shallow cut visible just beneath.

    "What happened?"

    "It''s nothing..." Kurashi stated quietly, pulling away from Hikari''s grasp.

    "Stop moving..."

    Hikari frowned as he saw the other cut on Kurashi''s side. Though the cut wasn''t deep, the dried blood made it look far worse than it was.

    "Go to the infirmary...Get it treated before you head back to the house."

    Kurashi didn''t respond, but gave a faint nod and turned to leave.

    As the door closed behind Kurashi, the weight of unspoken words settled in the room.

    "Sometimes, I really do wonder what''s going on in that head of yours," Hikari muttered to the empty room.

    Back at the house, the first thing Kurashi did was take a shower. Steam filled the room as the hot water cascaded down his fatigued body. His wounds, still stained with the dried blood from his mission, began to wash away, the crimson water dissolving into the drain.

    After the shower, Kurashi pulled on a loose shirt and sweatpants, making his way to his bed. When his head hit the pillow, he instantly fell into a deep and dreamless sleep.Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

    The next day passed slowly.

    The house was completely silent, as it often was when Hikari wasn''t around. Just like every other day, Kurashi had no desire to do anythingˇŞno urge to eat, no interest in leaving his room. He simply stayed in bed, staring at the ceiling, his mind as blank as the walls around him.

    Then, around midnight, an unsettling sound pierced the stillness. A cough so deep and painful, it sounded like it was tearing through someone''s chest.

    Reluctantly, Kurashi slid off from the side of the bed. Quietly making his way across the room, he pulled the door open just slightly to peek through. In the dim light of the hallway, he saw Hikari hunched over the kitchen sink. His body shook with each agonizing cough, his face pale and drenched in sweat.

    Kurashi paused for a moment, staring at the sight.

    No words

    No movement

    Instead, he simply shut the door, softly and without a sound, and returned to his bed once more. For the rest of the night, Kurashi sat in silence while listening to the faint sounds of Hikari''s coughing echoing through the house.

    The next few days seemed to blur together, each one just like the last. Kurashi barely left his room, doing nothing more than observing the slow, relentless passage of time.

    10:13 a.m. November 6, 2022

    A soft knock echoed on Kurashi''s door.

    "Kurashi?" Hikari''s voice came from the other side of the door, calm yet insistent. "You in there? I need to talk to you for a minute."

    A moment of silence passed before the door slid open. There Kurashi leaned against the door frame, his shoulders slumped over and the dark circles under his eyes even more prominent.

    Hikari frowned when he saw Kurashi.

    "You good? Have you not been getting any sleep?"

    Kurashi shrugged his shoulders lazily.

    "What do you need?"

    Later, they were in the living room. On the couch, Kurashi sat down with his hands wrapped around a steaming cup of black coffee. In the kitchen, Hikari cooked lunch over the stove.

    "About the training...it''s just an annual thing we do here."

    Hikari moved the pan off of the heat, stepping over to a cutting board to slice vegetables.

    "Down the mountain range, there''s a training ground that you''ll attend."

    "When?" Kurashi asked quietly, his voice barely audible over Hikari''s cutting.

    "A few days from now...The 11th to be exact. You''ll be staying there for a while, so pack what you need before you leave, alright?"

    As usual, Kurashi dismissed himself as he walked off to his room.

    "Hey, wait a minute. The food is almost do-"

    Hikari was cut off when Kurashi''s door clicked shut. Alone in the kitchen, Hikari sighed deeply, running a hand through his hair.

    7:47 a.m. November 11, 2022

    "Remember, just follow the stream down the mountain..." Hikari stated at the front door, his hands tucked in his pockets. "You should know when you''ve made it."

    Standing outside the front door, Kurashi threw his backpack over his shoulder, nodding in acknowledgment.

    "Alright, if you''re good to go. I won''t hold you here any longer. Just make sure you make the most out of your time there. It''s important..."

    With that, Kurashi set out for Naishotetsu''s training ground.

    Outside of the base, Kurashi followed a path alongside the stream that flowed out from beneath the base. The gentle sound of the river streaming down was soothing for the lonely walk, its clear waters revealing both pebbles and small fish.

    After a while, the training ground came into view.

    The grounds consisted of a set of buildings that surrounded a vast center field. Though the field was expansive, the grass remained lush and well-maintained. The buildings, resembling those inside the base, were of traditional Japanese architecture.

    Scattered across the center field were other members who had come for training. Instructors were also there, dressed in a distinct black uniform, shouting directions and corrections so all could hear.

    Noticing a large group of members huddled together, he walked over to them, only close enough to listen.

    "Boy dormitory on the right! Girl dormitory on the left!" A female instructor commanded, her tone leaving no room for questions. "Take your time settling down. You all will begin your training tomorrow morning."

    Entering the dorm''s main lobby, where trainees were already forming bonds, he walked through the crowded entrance to the right wing of the building. At the end of the narrow hall was Kurashi''s room, a deliberate choice to ensure minimal disturbance.

    The door creaked open as he stepped in. The room was small yet sufficient, furnished with a single bed, a wooden desk, and a chair. Setting his bag down on the bed, he unpacked the necessities that he brought with him. After unpacking his things, Kurashi sat at the edge of the bed, his gaze fixated on the single window in his room.

    Early the next morning, an announcement was made.

 A Misused Weapon

    "All trainees, please report to the field at this time. I repeat...all trainees, please report to the field at this time." A woman''s voice commanded over an intercom.

    As the trainees tunneled out of the dorms, all dressed in distinct black uniforms, they filed neatly into symmetrical rows along the center field. Standing in front of the assembly was an old man, his long grey hair slicked back and the wooden cane in his right hand holding up his weight.

    All members stood tall in the old man''s presence.

    "Welcome...to your annual training." The old man spoke up, his voice raspy yet filled with wisdom. "Over the coming month, you will be pushed to your limits...physically...mentally...emotionally. All to become the strongest person you can be. Though, you''re not alone...If you look around, those next to you share the same goal. Support each other. Learn from each other. And grow with each other. Here at this training ground, failure is not an option."

    The members remained quiet, listening deeply to what the old man had to say.

    "Here at Naishotetsu, we follow a strict set of rules." The old man continued with his speech, observing the member''s readiness. "Number one..."

    "The mission always takes priority, no matter the circumstances!" The members responded in unison, their shared voices filled with passion and determination.

    "Number two..."

    "One must not use ryokukami for any personal gain or selfish desire! Only fighting as a member of Naishotetsu!"

    "Number three..."

    "Remain out of sight from the public at all times! Never to be seen by a citizen!"

    The old man nodded his head in confirmation of the member''s responses.

    "Now...as we do every year. We will start with a simple practice."

    The old man made his way to the far right of the front row, now standing in front of the first member.

    "I want you all to state your name and age...simple?"

    "Yes, sir!"

    "Good, then let''s begin."

    One by one, the members introduced themselves. The old man''s cane tapped against the ground as he made his way through the rows, occasionally pausing to offer a nod of approval or even a word of encouragement.

    There were many members the old man had high expectations for, but one member stood out far from the rest. Stopping in front of a boy with his hands tucked in his pockets, the old man awaited his response.

    "Kurashi Ito...Age 17."

    The reaction was immediate, all members turning their gaze over to him. The old man slightly narrowed his eyes, studying Kurashi with a mix of curiosity and recognition.

    "The Ito...I haven''t heard that name in a long time." The old man had stated in nostalgia, placing a firm hand on Kurashi''s shoulder. "You have a lot to live up to kid. Don''t let your father''s legacy go to waste."

    Kurashi gave into no reaction.

    Even though the old man moved on from Kurashi, all eyes still lingered on him. The mention of the Ito clan''s revival had clearly caused many whispering conversations.

    After the introductions, the trainees were given a tour of the grounds. The six main buildings surrounded the field: the instructor''s quarters, the boys'' dorm, the girls'' dorm, the dojo, the gym, and the cafeteria. As the day came to an end, the trainees returned to their dorms, but everyone knew the real training would begin the next morning.

    8:17 a.m. November 12, 2022

    Back at the base, Hikari walked through the main temple''s hallway, the sun''s rays breaching the windows. As he reached the council room, he opened the door slowly and entered. The room was dim, lit only by the soft glow of candles lining the walls.

    Seated around a large table in the center of the room were seven elders, their faces etched with the weight of decades. Their conversations paused when Hikari entered, his sharp eyes scanning each of them.

    "You called for me?" Hikari questioned from the doorway, his voice steady but carrying an edge of suspicion.Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.

    The elder at the head of the table, a man with a long gray beard and tired eyes behind thin-rimmed glasses, leaned forward.

    "Hikari, we have some concerns about the kid."

    "Kurashi? What about him?"

    An older woman with her silver hair tied in a tight bun clicked her tongue.

    "It is clear to us that you are not making enough of him."

    "I understand your concerns, but Kurashi is making great progress for the time he''s been here. I mean...the kid learned to use his ryokukami in less than 2 months. Not to add that his first mission was a complete success." Hikari stated in a defensive tone.

    Another chipped in aggressively, his head clean of hair and his eyes agitated.

    "It''s not enough...You''re treating him like some normal trainee. He''s an Ito!"

    The bun-haired elder interjected, getting the conversation back on topic.

    "Hikari, let''s not dance around it...You''ve grown soft. You''re letting your emotions cloud your judgment. You should be pushing him harderˇŞmuch harder."

    One of the other elders, an old man with a stubby brown beard, added to the conversation.

    "That''s true...your sentimental attachment is making you unreliable. Your role, Hikari, is not to pamper him. It''s to make him strongˇŞno matter the cost. We need the kid to be both stable and powerful, and if you can''t make that happen then we will."

    Hikari''s fist tightened at the elder''s harsh words.

    "The hell? You think he''s some kind of weapon? He''s just a kid trying to figure out his place in all this."

    "Once again, Sentiment won''t get us results. If you can''t seem to get it done, we won''t stutter to take this matter into our own hands. Do you understand?" The bun-haired elder responded.

    Hikari nodded his head with a sense of resentment for the elders.

    "I understand Elder Ohara. If you would excuse me, I have some work to get back to." Hikari stated as if he had lost a battle, bowing his head with disappointment and walking out of the door.

    In the hallway, Hikari murmured to himself in aggravation

    "Stable? Powerful? Talking like he''s some kind of weapon."

    Hikari couldn''t help but let out an aggravated sigh.

    "Screw those narrow-minded elders. Doing only what would benefit themselves."

    Back at the training grounds, the members assembled on the field dressed in their black uniform, ready for the trials ahead of them. The old man, his face weathered with wrinkles of experience, stood in front of the members once again.

    "Listen well...today marks the beginning of your journey. You will undergo a schedule that will push you past your limits. Endurance will be forged with a six-mile run. Strength will be built through weight training. Technique will be sharpened with hand-to-hand combat. And precision will be honed as you master your ryokukami. You''ll rotate through these exercises in groups of four. And after the training is over, you are free for the rest of the day. Is that clear?"

    "Yes, Sir!"

    "Then you are dismissed."

    The trainees split into groups and headed to their designated areas.

    Inside the dojo, Kurashi kneeled in a seized position on the tatami floor, his dark eyes fixed on the instructor standing in front. The instructor was a young woman with sharp green eyes and dark brown hair tied into a loose braid.

    "Now, we will start with the art of ryokukami..." The instructor stated as she paced before the group, her voice gentle yet commanding. "First, I want to clarify that ryokukami is not just a technique, but rather a way of life. Inside all of you resides a power...waiting to be brought to the surface, and this training will help you do so...Now, I want you all to remember that this is not a competition. Each of you will awaken at your own pace, so be patient with yourselves and your peers...With all that said, close your eyes, and let us begin."

    Time went by in the dojo, and was now time to move to hand-to-hand combat.

    At the center field, Kurashi''s group gathered to listen to the instructor. The instructor was a tall man with short black hair and a scar along his forehead.

    "Listen up! We''ll focus on the basics for now. I will pair you randomly, so you will have to adapt on the spot. Keep in mind that fights aren''t won just through strength alone. Make sure to stay light on your feet and be ready to counter at all times. Watch for all movementˇŞthe shift of their weight, the tension in their stance. Understanding your opponent is just as important as overpowering them...Now, matches will either end by knockdown or time. Time to pair up and begin!"

    "Yes, Sir!"

    After an intense session of sparring, it was time to move on to the next exercise.

    At the edge of the forest, Kurashi and his group stood before the instructor, a mature woman with short black hair and brown eyes.

    "The trail you will be running is through the forest. It''s a long run, so be sure to pace yourself and maintain your stamina. It will be over once you make your way back here, so whenever you are ready. You can head out!"

    Inside the damp forest, Kurashi made noticeable space between himself and the others in his group, his pace steady and his breathing controlled. Though the others lagged behind, one trainee was matching Kurashi''s pace.

    A boy his age with snow-white hair and piercing blue eyes.

    Neither spoke a word, only focused on reaching the end of the run.

    After finishing the run, the instructor came up to them, impressed by their performance.

    "Wow, 23 minutes! Good job you two! Take some time to rest up before you move on."

    The two of them took this time to catch their breath before the others caught up.

    After the draining run, Kurashi''s group then moved on to weightlifting.

    Inside the gym, state-of-the-art equipment lined the roomˇŞdumbbells, barbells, squat racks, benchesˇŞthe metal gleaming under bright lights.

    The instructor, a muscular man with a beard and short brown hair, stood at the entrance.

    "Here...you will build true strength. When you are here, make sure not to rush through the exercise and maintain good form. Proper technique will prevent injuries and help you lift more effectively...Lastly, I advise working with a partner. Keep each other accountable and push yourselves together. That''s it, you can begin."

    As the trainees began, the instructor handed out a simple workout plan, detailing exercises that targeted desired muscle groups.

    With others pairing up and pushing each other, Kurashi remained alone, following his own workout plan given to him by Hikari. After the workout was done, they all gathered before the instructor.

    "Good job all of you...Strength comes from being resilient, so the more that you push yourself, the more results you will see. I am proud of what I saw today, so keep it up."

    It was then that the training for the day was done.

 The True Test

    8:49 p.m. November 12, 2022

    The Cafeteria buzzed with the low hum of conversations and the clinking of utensils. Trainees grouped around tables, sharing their experiences of the day. The building was warm, with soft yellow lights and homemade food putting the members at ease.

    In stark contrast to the warm atmosphere, Kurashi sat alone at a corner table, his plate untouched. It was as if there was some invisible barrier separating him from the lively world around him. The conversations and laughter seemed to slowly fade into a distant murmur, drowned out by the deafening silence of his isolation.

    As night fell, all members began to make their way back to the dorms for the night.

    Lights off

    Doors shut

    The grounds went silent, signaling the end of the day.

    However, that signal did not speak for Kurashi, as he threw on his hoodie and left the dorm unnoticed. The night was cold with the consistent gust of wind, the half-moon behind a veil of thick clouds. In front of the gym, Kurashi opened the door and stepped inside, the fluorescent lights buzzing softly, casting a harsh white glow over the space.

    Inside, a lone figure caught Kurashi''s attention.

    It was the guy from his group, his pitch-white hair unmistakable. As he worked through a set of pull-ups, sweat poured from his brow, obvious that he had been working for a while now. When the door closed, he paused and looked over his shoulder, his sharp blue eyes meeting Kurashi''s indifferent gaze. For a moment, neither spoke, creating an awkward tension between the two.

    Throwing a towel over his shoulder, the white-haired boy made his way over to the entrance where Kurashi stood, his shoes scuffing softly against the polished floor.

    "Hey, you''re Kurashi, right? I don''t think we''ve had the chance to meet yet. My name''s Jin..."

    Kurashi nodded his head slightly, his expression unreadable.

    "I noticed you keep to yourself, so I won''t hold you up. Just thought I''d introduce myself before heading out." Jin said as he walked past Kurashi to the door, wiping the sweat from his face with the towel. "See you around."

    For a moment, Kurashi watched the door swing shut, Jin''s footsteps fading away as he left the gym. Now the gym to himself, Kurashi returned to his routine.Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.

    7:02 p.m. November 13, 2022

    Training had passed by just as the day before, and the trainees clustered in the cafeteria. In the same isolated seat, Kurashi sat alone at the corner table.

    But his solace was broken when someone walked over to his table.

    "Mind if I join you?" Jin asked with a tray in hand, his voice carrying a genuine warmth.

    Kurashi responded with a subtle nod, a fraction of movement that indicated acknowledgment rather than invitation. But Jin took this as permission, seating himself across from Kurashi.

    "I''ve gotta say..." Jin stated as he unwrapped a rice ball. "A lot of people are talking about you."

    "Me?" Kurashi questioned softly.

    "Yeah, I mean...you came out of nowhere. No one expected there to be a survivor from the Ito clan, so everyone''s talking-"

    Their conversation was interrupted when a voice from another table caught their attention. It was the boy who was partnered with Kurashi during hand-to-hand combat, his face cut and bruised.

    "Seriously, I don''t get why he has to hit so damn hard! It''s like he doesn''t know how to hold back!"

    His complaint was met with sympathy and agreement from the others at his table.

    "I can''t believe the instructor let him get away with that." Another trainee added in.

    Even with the constant complaints, Kurashi didn''t seem to mind.

    Tuning out of the other table''s conversation, Jin leaned back in his chair, stretching his arms above his head.

    "You know, Kurashi...I appreciate having you in the group. It''s refreshing to have someone I can compete with."

    After a moment of silence, Jin leaned forward, his arms resting on the table.

    "When we get back to the base. We should spar sometime." Jin stated with a competitive glint in his eyes. "I want to see what you''re capable of firsthand...What it''s like to fight an Ito."

    Kurashi scratched his head, trying to come up with a response.

    "Okay..."

    Three weeks of training went by, repeating the same day over and over again.

    Wake up

    Train

    Eat

    Sleep

    9:02 a.m. December 3, 2022

    "All trainees, please report to the field at this time. I repeat...all trainees, please report to the field at this time." A woman''s voice commanded over an intercom, just as every other day.

    Lined up on the field once again, the old man from before had returned.

    "Three weeks...for three weeks you have pushed through relentless training. Your dedication and resilience have not gone unnoticed, and I am pleased by what I''ve seen so far. But...what you have faced so far is merely the foundation for what''s to come. The training from here on out will be far more intense...The true test starts today."

    The old man paused for a moment, surveying the determined trainees in front of him.

    "You will now partake in situations that resemble the chaos of actual combat. Teams of five will be formed, and inside the forest, will battle against five other teams. Understood?"

    "Yes, Sir!"

    "There will be four rounds, each having a winning team. After rest and recovery, those winning teams will battle it out once more to determine who stands above the rest...However, there are set rules that will be followed. Any unnecessary attacks, actions that only produce harm, will result in the immediate disqualification of your team. This exercise is about honing your skills and understanding the true nature of combat, not for blatant violence. Now, your objective is simple...be the last one standing."

 A Simple Objective

    "The last one standing..."

    Those words echoed through Kurashi''s mind.

    Standing at the front, the old man''s voice carried over the trainees.

    "You will be given some time to strategize with your team before the battle begins. Use it wisely..."

    10:56 a.m. December 3, 2022

    The assembled trainees were now divided into teams.

    Soon after being broken up, the first six teams gathered at the forest''s edge, each of them filled with a mix of determination and adrenaline. When the last team entered the forest, disappearing behind the large trees, the battle would begin with the screech of a whistle.

    Those not competing in the first round took this time to strategize with their teams. As Kurashi''s team huddled to discuss their plans, he stood alone, his eyes closed, absorbing the whispers around him.

    "If we set up an ambush along the east side, we can catch at least two teams off guard."

    "We need to stick together no matter what happens. Watch each other''s back and don''t take any unnecessary risks."

    After a couple of hours, a team emerged from the dense forest victorious.

    Leading the team was a girl with a distinct silent grace. Her piercing pink eyes remained downward, deliberately avoiding the gazes of those around her. With long pitch-black hair that framed her pale face, her straight bangs stopped just above her striking eyes. Strapped to her right thigh, she holstered a single sai, its handle meticulously wrapped in black silk. Despite her serious expression, there was an unnerving calm to herˇŞan utter lack of concern.

    Behind her, the members of her team followed with unease. They came out of the forest unscathedˇŞyet not one of them carried the confidence their leader had.

    Their shoulders were tense, and their steps were hesitant.

    Was it embarrassment?

    Guilt?

    Soon after, the remaining teams exited the forest, all of them severely bruised and beaten.

    An instructor then came up to the victorious team.

    "Well done team two. Rest up and prepare...you will be moving onto the second phase."

    As the team crossed the center field, there was something that had a hold on Kurashi.

    His focus was on her.

    The leader.

    She was different.

    There was something about her that pulled him in.

    Not in an obvious wayˇŞthe way people whispered about her reserved nature or the effortless precision she displays in battleˇŞbut something deeper, something unable to be put into words. Kurashi was never the type to dwell on these things, yet he found himself watching her, trying to understand what it was.

    Then, as if she sensed his stare, Misaki''s eyes flickered over to him.

    The moment their gazes met, Kurashi''s chest tightened.

    Not in fear.

    Not in shock.

    But in something unfamiliar.

    He averted his eyes elsewhere, breaking the connection first.

    His silent confusion was broken when a voice spoke to him.

    "Um, Kurashi..." A girl from his team asked from behind, her voice shaky. "Would you...like to discuss the plan with us?"

    He turned around to see the girl awaiting his response, regarding her for a moment to process the request.A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

    No words came out.

    Only a subtle shake, rejecting the girl''s offer.

    "Oh...um, well if you change your mind. We would like your input on the plan." The girl stated in rejection, turning back away to the rest of the team.

    Kurashi watched as the girl walked back to the team, the rest of them distraught after hearing of her rejection.

    There was no plan that he needed to review, as his mind was already set.

    "The second round will now commence!"

    At the forest edge, the next six teams entered. Among the competitors stepping into the fight was a boy with snow-white hair.

    1:03 p.m December 3, 2022

    Inside the thick forest, Jin''s team gathered at their designated starting point.

    "Alright, let''s go over the plan one more time," Jin stated with authority, kneeling in front of his team members. "Izumi, TakeshiˇŞyou two are on point. Your speed and coordination will be key to scouting ahead and dealing with immediate threats."

    In front of Jin stood Izumi with her arms crossed, her black hair cut to shoulder length with emerald green tips that matched her eyes.

    "Got it...", Izumi said in acceptance of her task.

    Casually leaning back against a nearby tree was Takeshi, his rugged spiky black hair and glistening hazel eyes giving him a fierce look.

    "What about you? Where will you be during all this?" Takeshi questioned Jin, his tone challenging but not disrespectful.

    "Right behind you two, coordinating our movement and providing support when needed."

    "And what about us?" A slim boy with messy brown hair asked.

    Jin turned his gaze to the remaining two members standing slightly behind Izumi.

    "You two will handle flank watch. Your priority is to make sure there aren''t any ambushes set up, and to deal with them if there are, understood?"

    The two others nodded in agreement to the plan.

    With confirmation from his teammates, Jin stood from his stood from his kneeled position.

    "Alright...that just about covers all of the plan. Now all we can do is wait..."

    While waiting for the whistle, the team fell into silence, each of them lost in their thoughts. Time seemed to stretch endlessly as they braced themselves for the impending signal. And after what felt like an eternity, a whistle shattered the stillness. Without hesitation, Jin and his team dashed into action, each member lining into their designated roles.

    As they navigated through the dense forest, Jin noticed something was wrong. Abruptly stopping, he raised his right hand in the air, a silent command for his team to halt.

    "What''s wro-" Izumi asked quietly before being cut off.

    Jin responded with a silent gesture, pressing his finger to his lips.

    With trust in Jin''s intuition, the team followed him through a thick set of bushes. As they emerged on the other side, they encountered a lone boy, a member from another team who crouched behind a tree. The lone member looked up as Jin and his team gathered around, his frantic eyes revealing his distress before he even spoke.

    "If you''re going to do something, then just do it already!"

    Jin then kneeled to the distressed member, his demeanor calm and composed.

    "Look, we''re not going to hurt you. All we want from you is some information."

    "That''s it?"

    "That''s it..." Jin responded with a slight smile.

    The boy swallowed hard and exhaled, his shoulders slumping as tension drained from his body."Alrightˇ­our team was setting up an ambush on the east side of the forest. It worked at firstˇŞwe caught another team off guard and wiped them out. Butˇ­" His hands tightened into fists. "Someone must''ve been watching. Another team crashed down on us. Two of ours dropped instantly. The rest of us ran, but we got separated along the way...That''s all I got. Now justˇ­pretend you never saw me."

    Jin''s smile disappeared when he stood back up, walking away from the boy.

    "Rule number six: never give information to the enemy...no matter what."

    Before the lone member could respond, Takeshi walked up to him with a fierce look in his eyes. Without warning, Takeshi delivered a direct punch to the member''s face, knocking him out in an instant.

    As Jin began to walk away, Izumi fell into step beside him.

    "You think his team is still in?" Izumi asked Jin.

    Jin looked over to his left, his eyes meeting Izumi''s.

    "Probably not...if they were ambushed as badly as he said, they''re likely out of the fight...But now we have a lead. Our priority moving forward should be to track down that team before they set another trap."

    Cracking his knuckles, Takeshi walked over to join Izumi and Jin

    "If we''re done here then let''s head out..."

    In agreement, Jin signaled to the other two members standing on watch that it was time to head out. Now with a set objective, they were on the run once more. The forest was quiet, with no wildlife in sight.

    But thenˇŞvoices.

    Jin raised his fist, and his team dropped to a knee, pressing themselves behind cover. Beyond the thick leaves, a small clearing stretched out before them, occupied by an enemy team.

    Izumi leaned close to JIn, her voice barely a whisper. "You think this is the team that guy was talking about?"

    Jin''s eyes flickered between the enemy team and her. "It''s hard to say...We don''t have enough information. Not yet...""What''s the point in hiding? We''re in perfect position to attack." Takeshi stated in disagreement with Jin''s plan. "It would be a waste to stay here."

    "And if we attack now, we risk drawing more attention to ourselves," Jin responded to Takeshi. "Let''s observe just a bit longer...See if we can gather more information. Maybe find a way to neutralize them without compromising our position."

    "I agree...It''s best to wait for the right moment to strike." Izumi said in a whisper.

    Takeshi''s hazel eyes flashed with irritation, his shoulders rising and falling as he took a deep breath.

    Ignoring Jin''s reasoning, Takeshi walked out into the clearing, his gaze locked onto the enemy team with a predatory gaze. He stalked toward the clearing, his posture brimming with confidenceˇŞor recklessness.

    Jin stiffened. "TakeshiˇŞ"

    Too late.

    A flickering flame burst to life in Takeshi''s right palm as he walked into the clearing, his presence undeniable.

    The element of surprise was now gone.

    The enemy team had already turned to the approaching figure.

    Their whispers ceased.

    Their stances shifted.

    The fight was now inevitable.