Outside, the Great Village was alive with daytime activity. The sun cast long, golden rays over cobblestone streets bustling with vendors reopening their stalls and townsfolk going about their daily routines. Children's laughter echoed from nearby playgrounds, and the faint sound of horses' hooves clattered down the main road. Lanterns hung from wooden posts, swaying gently in the midday breeze, while horse-drawn carriages was going through and out the village.
Two days had passed since the Spiritual King had revealed the unsettling truth about Uzuki—the boy who had nearly taken them all down. For Ryju, those days had been restless. His mind replayed the fight, Uzuki's cold eyes, and the razor-thin line between life and death.
Now, at last, his friends were being discharged.
Ryju's chest tightened with relief as he saw them step out of the hospital, blinking against the sunlight, their wounds still fresh but their spirits unbroken.
"Hey! You're finally out of the hospital!" Ryju called, his voice bright with hope.
Rei stretched, lifting her arms to the sky and taking a deep breath of fresh air. "It feels so good to be outside… like I can finally breathe again."
Kuroyami looked around, taking in the busy village streets. "So… what's next? What do we do now?"
Ryju shrugged, watching people going about their day with curious glances toward them. "I don't know yet."
Goro rubbed his bruised shoulder beneath his cloak. "One thing's for sure—we need to get stronger. We can't be this weak if we want to survive."
Kenshiro yawned, shading his eyes against the bright sun. "Can I just go home now?"
"NO!" the group shouted together, laughter bubbling up beneath their exhaustion.
Kenshiro blinked in surprise. "Wow… so you can all yell now, huh?"
Their laughter filled the sunny street, blending with the distant neighing of horses and the low mooing of cattle grazing in nearby pastures.
From the edge of the bustling street, a familiar figure approached—the girl with long blue hair, her head bowed low in shame.
"Hi," she said softly, voice trembling. "I'm sorry… it's all my fault."
Ryju stepped closer, gently placing a hand on her head. "It's not your fault. What happened only showed us how much more we need to grow."
She looked up, hope shining in her eyes. "So… you're not mad?"
"Not at all."
"My name's Misa," she said quietly.
"Nice to meet you," they all said together, smiles warming their faces under the bright sun.
Ryju smiled. "Hey, want to go grab something to eat? We could all use a break."
"Yeah!" they all cheered.
Later — Ramen Shop Bathed in Sunlight
The ramen shop was small and cozy, nestled on a sunlit side street. Warm light filtered through open windows, carrying the scent of rich broth and fresh noodles. Steam rose from bowls piled with colorful toppings, while the chatter of other diners blended with the clinking of chopsticks.
"OMG! This ramen is amazing!" Rei said eagerly, slurping her noodles.
Ryju nodded, savoring the savory flavors and the cool sweetness of his lemonade. "This chicken's incredible too… and this lemonade? Perfect."
Goro's mouth was full, but his satisfied grin spoke volumes.
"Told you," Kuroyami said proudly.
"You weren't lying about this place," Kenshiro added, rubbing his sore jaw.
Ryju's expression turned serious as he leaned forward. "Now that we're all together… it's time we get serious about training."
Rei nodded, determination lighting her tired eyes. "I know."
"But how?" Goro asked, rubbing his shoulder again.
"I was thinking we should ask the Spiritual King himself."
Kenshiro groaned. "Even if I'm lazy, I know we need training."
"Yeah," Kuroyami agreed. "Let's go ask. I'll pay the bill."
Ryju's gaze darkened slightly. "There's something else. I met Uzuki again."
Rei gasped softly. "What?!"
"What did he say?" Goro demanded, leaning in.
Kuroyami's voice dropped. "This guy is really getting under your skin."
Ryju nodded. "He appeared out of nowhere while I was walking. Said he wanted to check if you were okay."
"Is he mocking us?" Rei asked sharply.
"I don't know. But I went to the Spiritual King to learn more."
Ryju's eyes locked with each friend's. "He's the strongest contender in this year's challenge—the Prodigy of the Sword. Mastered the One Sword Style by age five."
"FIVE?!" they all echoed in shock.
Ryju's voice lowered, weighted with warning. "And it gets worse. He's mastered the Blinded Sword Style—a technique where he fights without sight, relying on sound and instinct alone. If he hears you… you're already dead."
A heavy silence settled over the table.
"That's why we have to ask the strongest person in the village to train us."
Shun stood, voice steady. "Then let's go. Right now."
Outside the Spiritual King's Office
The village streets hummed with daytime life—the distant clatter of horse hooves on stone, the gentle lowing of cattle in nearby fields, and the murmur of villagers chatting as they worked. The sky was bright blue, dotted with fluffy white clouds drifting lazily.
The group moved together toward the Spiritual King's office, resolve tightening their steps.
Ryju knocked firmly.
"Come in," came the calm voice.
They entered together.
"Spiritual King," Ryju began, voice steady but respectful, "we've come with a request. Please train us. We need to be stronger."
The Spiritual King raised a single eyebrow. "Why should I help you? Wouldn't that be unfair?"
"PLEASE!" they said in unison, bowing deeply.
His expression softened just a fraction. "The rules do not forbid my aid. You are the future of this village."
He glanced thoughtfully at their hands.
"Ryju, Rei, Goro, and Shun—you don't need weapons. Kuroyami, Kenshiro—you may find swords suit you best."
He stepped back, decisive.
"Training begins tomorrow. 7 AM sharp."
Groans rippled through them.
"But… thank you, Spiritual King."
Gratitude lit their faces. Their next chapter had begun. They understood who they were, the enemies they faced, and for the first time—how to fight back.
Tomorrow, their training would begin.