Phoenix Order Arc — Blade's Secret & The Captains' Row
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The Secret Revealed
Under the towering torii gate of the Training Hall, Blade's voice was low but steady.
He recounted everything to Kinnatsu: the cursed village, the fog that whispered strange words, the broken mask of the Bandit King, and those final, haunting words — "The real war is coming."
Kinnatsu listened without interruption, arms folded, his eyes sharp and calculating like a hawk sizing up its prey.
When Blade finished, the courtyard fell silent. Suntaro fidgeted nervously, Kibito shifted his weight, and Kagami's gaze was fixed on Kinnatsu's expression, searching for any clue to his thoughts.
"So. An ancient Myou technique, hidden in some forgotten place, and a rogue ex-Order member babbling about 'the real war.'"
Kinnatsu's voice dropped to a serious tone. "That's... troubling."
Then suddenly, he flicked Blade's forehead with two fingers.
"Relax, hero," Kinnatsu said with a smirk.
"That's above your pay grade for now. Let the Head Captains lose sleep over it. You four have done more than enough."
Suntaro muttered, "You're not worried at all?"
Kinnatsu gave him a crooked smile.
"Of course I'm worried, you lightning-headed clown. But that's why we have eleven divisions. If the 'real war' comes — we'll make it regret showing its face."
He clapped his hands sharply. "Enough grim faces. You're about to meet the biggest headaches of your life."
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The Captains' Row — Meet the Guardians
Kinnatsu led them through a side corridor carved from stone, emerging into a courtyard bathed in the soft glow of spirit lanterns. Waiting there were the eleven division captains — each distinct, like legends come to life.
"Alright, fresh meat. Keep your backs straight, or these people might eat you alive," Kinnatsu joked, winking at Kibito, who immediately stiffened.
He pointed to a broad-shouldered man kneeling calmly by a koi pond, aura steady and strong.
"Division 1 — Shōrintai. Captain Ace/Neo. The elite guard protecting the Head Captains and handling the toughest missions. They meditate more than they talk — so don't expect chit-chat. They're so calm they once fought off a siege while brewing tea."
Ace nodded once, eyes closed briefly. "Stay sharp. And don't spill my tea."
From a shadowed rooftop, a slender figure dropped silently behind them. Kibito yelped.
"Division 2 — Kagegumi. Captain Jeitsu Meguruma. Our spymaster and strategist. Knows everything you don't want him to. And he loves messing with recruits."
Jeitsu smirked, eyes gleaming with mischief. "Nice scars, Blade. Try to keep some secrets next time."
A booming laugh came from behind crates stacked with supplies.
"Division 3 — Fukutai. Captain Neiki Sumiko. Medic, cook, and prankster extraordinaire. Heals your wounds, but spikes your tea if you complain too much."
Neiki grinned, sleeves rolled, bandages wrapped loosely around his forearms. "Break yourselves all you want — more work for me!"
A tall, stoic man in earthen armor marched by, face unreadable.
"Division 4 — Chiseigun. Captain Haruma Tengen. Defender of sacred ground. Cracks jokes about as often as the rocks he trains with — which is to say, never."
Haruma gave a curt nod. "Welcome."
Suddenly, a flash of fire zipped past, singeing Kagami's hair.
"Division 5 — Gōka-tai. Captain Suigatsu Okata. Fire wielder, battle-hardened, and undefeated in drinking contests. Don't lose to her — you'll regret it."
Suigatsu winked at Kibito. "Come spar with me later, pretty boy."
Near a quiet grove, a serene figure sat cross-legged beneath a tree, eyes closed as butterflies danced around him.
"Division 6 — Shizenkai. Captain Yutako Koichi. Master of the elements and nature's voice. He mostly ignores people — unless you're a tree."
Yutako opened one eye and nodded once.
Inside the dojo, a giant of a man swung a blade so fast it cracked the air.
"Division 7 — Kensei-tai. Captain Kinnatsu Yuri. Sword Saint and mentor to you lot. Collects swords like Suntaro collects bruises."
Kinnatsu's booming voice filled the space. "New blades! Good! More sparring partners!"
A calm woman in white robes stepped forward, her hands glowing faintly with healing aura.
"Division 8 — Hakutai. Captain Aori Fumiya. The gentlest healer you'll meet. But don't let her kindness fool you — she's saved more lives than anyone here."
Aori bowed gracefully. "Take care of yourselves."
Across from her, a lean young man with a monocle studied a massive war map.
"Division 9 — Senkon-tai. Captain Sekiro Tachibana. Master strategist. Plans three moves ahead and probably forgets to sleep."
Sekiro glanced up. "Interesting rookies. Don't make my job harder."
Suddenly, a boyish figure with messy hair appeared, grinning mischievously.
"Division 10 — Kagerō-tai. Captain Sukasa Minamoto. Spy, scout, and prankster. Sneakier than anyone else around here."
Sukasa leaned in and sniffed Kagami's hair. "You smell like the mountains. Cute."
At the far end of the courtyard, recruits were running laps under the watchful gaze of an older man.
"Division 11 — Shugyō-tai. Captain Iea Daibotsu. Hardest trainer you'll ever meet. If you survive his drills, you'll survive anything."
Iea barked a rare grin. "Train hard, or I'll bury you under the training yard!"
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The Head Captains — The Final Warning
Kinnatsu motioned toward the tallest spire, banners snapping in the wind.
"Up there… the Head Captains. You won't meet them tonight — be thankful. They're dumb, terrifyingly strong, and break their own training dummies by accident."
He smirked, lowering his voice.
"They're younger than me but act like they're a hundred years old. If they invite you for tea — say yes. If they challenge you to spar — run."
Blade and the others took it all in, stunned.
Suntaro muttered, "This is insane…"
Kibito shivered. "So these are the big shots…"
Kagami stared at the spire. "And we're supposed to stand beside them someday."
Kinnatsu clapped them on the backs.
"You will. Or you'll die trying. No pressure."
The night air thrummed with the weight of the Phoenix Order — eleven divisions, countless secrets, and a coming storm none of them yet understood.
Tomorrow, the Newbie Ceremony would decide their fates.
To be Continued...
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