The gathering at the captain's hall
Kinnatsu's brief but impactful speech
The departure and each group's journey dynamics
Blade's rest moment after a long walk
And a smooth buildup into the next scene
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Chapter: The Journey Begins
The golden morning light filtered through the tall windows of the Central Captain Hall. One by one, the selected warriors of the upcoming exam gathered, the echoes of their footsteps filling the vast marble hall. The mood was mixed—excitement, tension, and uncertainty clouded their expressions.
From Division 3, Qui Toriko, the silent but ever-observant assistant, stood near the far pillar, his arms folded. From Division 7, the energetic Suntaro stretched and yawned loudly, already drawing attention. Kyoishi, the calm and refined assistant from Division 10, nodded politely as she entered. Jinshi from Division 11 leaned casually against the wall, polishing the hilt of his blade. Yano, the agile fighter from Division 8, arrived last, her sharp eyes scanning the room. Each division was represented well, and the room buzzed with anticipation.
Suddenly, the side doors creaked open. Jeitsu Meguruma walked in with his usual confidence, scroll in hand, his brown eyes scanning the crowd. Behind him trailed Kinnatsu Yuri, calm and composed, her arms behind her back.
Jeitsu gave a dramatic sigh, "Alright, enough standing around like mannequins in a museum. Let's have a word from the heart of our team. Captain Kinnatsu, would you bless us with some motivational poetry or cryptic wisdom?"
A few chuckles rose in the room.
Kinnatsu stepped forward slowly. She didn't look at any one person. She simply raised her voice, clear and steady.
> "I don't have words for you.
What I do have… is belief. And trust.
Each of you—chosen for a reason.
And I expect you to find that reason yourselves."
The room went quiet.
Akashi broke the silence, throwing his hands in the air, "Tch… our captain doesn't talk much, but when she does—chills."
Kibito nudged Kentaro, whispering, "Bet she's a secret poet."
"Alright then," said Ryen Kairo, who stood near a window, arms folded. "When do we leave?"
Jeitsu rolled open the scroll with a flick. "Now. Location's pinned just south of the old Chirei Forest. Five squads. One trial path. Let's see who arrives first."
The atmosphere instantly shifted. Everyone straightened. Words of farewell were replaced by tightening of belts, adjusting of weapons, and silent nods. The journey had begun.
---
Squads on the Move
Squad 1 — Kibito, Kentaro, Suntaro
Barely ten minutes into the journey, Kibito was already laughing.
"I bet I'll be the first one to reach the trial gate," he shouted.
Kentaro scoffed. "Only if that gate is made of firewood. You'll burn it down before entering."
Suntaro laughed, but his laugh ended in a challenge. "Why don't we race to the next marker?"
The three broke into a sprint, shouting and teasing each other like wild kids.
---
Squad 2 — Kenshin Morriu and Team
In contrast, Kenshin's group moved like a silent wave. Each step in unison. Back straight. Eyes forward.
"Maintain pace. Don't speak unless necessary," Kenshin ordered quietly.
Behind him, Marekuno, his sword spirit, shimmered faintly at his side, sensing the seriousness of the mission. The air around them was calm, but heavy with purpose.
---
Squad 3 — Blade Taizuka's Team
Blade marched ahead, slightly irritated. "I'll crush them all. Every single trial. I'm not here to make friends."
Jinshi, walking beside him, gave a slow yawn. "Noisy brat."
Qui Toriko simply nodded in agreement, eyes always watching the forest line for surprises.
Blade's grey eyes narrowed. "Tch. Say what you want. I'm not stopping till I've passed all of them."
---
Squad 4 — Ryen Kairo's Team
Ryen Kairo's group was silent. Quiet. Calculated. Unlike the others, there were no loud words or visible emotions. They walked like ghosts through the woodland trail, only the wind stirring their cloaks.
Ryen looked up once—towards the high tree lines—scanning for movement, calculating distances, studying everything. His mind was like a sharpened blade.
---
Five Hours Later
The trail had become steeper and the sun was now past its peak. Blade, usually full of fire, was beginning to slow down. His steps faltered slightly. Sweat dotted his forehead.
"Damn…" he muttered, stopping at the edge of an open field. "Let's take a break."
He dropped to the grassy patch, arms spread, staring at the sky.
Qui sat silently against a tree, unsheathing and inspecting his blade.
Jinshi crouched beside a stone, drawing lines in the dirt with a stick. "You talk big but break fast," he smirked.
Blade glared. "Shut up."
"Rest while you can," Qui said without looking. "The real test doesn't start until we're tired."
---
As they rested, other groups passed nearby in flashes—Kenshin's disciplined march, Kibito's loud laughter in the distance, and even Yano from Division 8 leaping tree to tree like a shadow.
The scene faded as the camera pulled back—five groups, five destinies, all converging toward a single path deep within the mountains of Chirei Forest.
The journey had just begun.
---
To be continued...
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