Arrival at Hiraguri Town – The Phoenix Walls
Three weeks after the Bandit King's defeat, Blade and his team finally stumbled through the gates of Hiraguri Town, where the towering walls of the Phoenix Order rose like a fortress of stone and iron, covering almost the entire city.
The four travelers were dirt-caked, clothes torn, blades dull from constant skirmishes with beasts, rogues, and even their own doubts.
As they crossed under the massive phoenix crest carved into the gate, Blade's knees buckled.
"Blade—!" Kagami reached for him too late. He collapsed, face-first in the dirt. Suntaro and Kibito burst out laughing.
"Haha! Look at our fearless leader!" Suntaro teased. "Down like a sack of rice at the finish line!"
Kibito nudged Blade's shoulder with his foot. "Oi, Captain Blade, want me to carry you princess-style?"
Blade's muffled voice rose from the dirt. "Shut up…"
Suddenly, a calm but thunderous voice interrupted them.
"Well, well… you've grown, but you're still just kids."
They turned — standing with his arms folded, hair tied back neatly under his white captain's haori, was Kinnatsu Yuri, the man who had once trained them before they set off for Mount Akatsuki.
Kinnatsu arched an eyebrow at Blade's face in the dirt. "Good to see your spirit's still intact. Last time I saw you, ten months ago, you couldn't even hold your aura properly."
Suntaro helped Blade up, who rubbed his sore nose. "Master Kinnatsu… we made it."
Kinnatsu tilted his head. "Barely. And look at you — you stink. But you're stronger. I can feel it."
Kagami bowed slightly. "Sir. We'll receive our official positions at the Newbie Ceremony in two days, correct?"
Kinnatsu smirked. "That's right. But first… you all should—"
His face turned dead serious. "—train. Right now. Ten thousand push-ups. In the mud. No food until sunrise."
Their jaws dropped open in perfect sync.
"WHAT?!" Kibito shrieked. "We've walked for three weeks non-stop!"
Suntaro grabbed his hair. "You can't be serious—!"
Kinnatsu burst out laughing. "I'm joking. Even the Phoenix Order wouldn't break your backs after you nearly killed yourselves getting here."
He threw a bag at Kibito's chest. "Inside this place, you'll find a bath, real food, and a bed that doesn't try to bite you back."
They all exhaled in relief.
"Get clean. Eat like you've never eaten before. You'll need every ounce of strength for what's next."
Kinnatsu's eyes gleamed as he turned. "Come on. Let me show you the real heart of the Phoenix Order."
---
Inside the Phoenix Order
They crossed through the gates into a hidden courtyard — bridges arched over koi ponds glowing with spirit energy. Crimson banners embroidered with the Phoenix crest flapped in the warm breeze. Warriors sparred in training fields, while children carried baskets of medicinal herbs.
Kinnatsu led them through stone halls, explaining each Division as they passed by banners and bustling squads.
"Remember these names," he said, voice echoing off the ancient walls. "Every division has a soul."
He gestured to an armored unit training with blunted spears.
"Division 1 — Shōrintai. The spearhead of our Order. They'll be your shield when the enemy storms the gates."
Past them, men in black cloaks seemed to vanish into the shadows.
"Division 2 — Kagegumi. Our eyes and ears. If you have secrets, pray they never find them."
They passed bustling medics tending to the wounded.
"Division 3 — Fukutai. They'll stitch you back together when you think you've lost it all."
The introductions continued — warriors clad in earthen armor, fire-wielders, bladesmen, and the white-robed healers of Hakutai. Each group saluted them as they passed.
Finally, Kinnatsu stopped before the towering Training Hall, its gates etched with ancient runes.
"This is your home now," he said, folding his arms. "Tomorrow, you rest. But the day after that… the Newbie Ceremony begins. You'll stand before the High Council. Your ranks, your captains — they'll all be decided."
Blade looked around, shoulders tense but eyes burning with purpose. "We'll be ready."
Kinnatsu studied him. "Good. Because if you're not — you'll be sent back to Mount Akatsuki. Or worse."
He started to turn away — but Blade stepped forward, voice quiet. "Master Kinnatsu. I need to speak with you."
Kinnatsu glanced back, eyebrow raised. "Hm? Something on your mind, Blade?"
Blade clenched his fists. Suntaro, Kagami, and Kibito looked at him, surprised.
"There's… something I saw on the road. Something I need you to know. About the Bandit King — and the fog."
Kinnatsu's eyes sharpened, his usual teasing air replaced by the razor focus that made him a legend.
"Alright," he said. "Speak. But make it quick. In the Phoenix Order, secrets don't stay buried for long."
Blade's voice was steady as he began.
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To Be Continued....