A cool breeze swept through the city of Shinzai as Kael Renji, now known far and wide as the Ryūun, prepared for another long day of council meetings and training sessions. But before he could even step away from breakfast with Hana and the kids, a soft knock echoed from the front door.
Kael opened it—and standing there was a small boy, maybe seven years old, with a travel-worn cloak, dirt-smudged cheeks, and eyes filled with determination.
Kael knelt down to his level and smiled gently. "Hi there, little guy. Can I help you?"
The boy bowed his head respectfully. "Mr. Ryūun of Shinzai... will you train me?"
Kael raised an eyebrow, surprised by the boy's forwardness. "I would… but as busy as I am, I don't usually train just anyone."
The boy's hands clenched tightly as he pleaded, "Please, sir. My mom sent me here… she said you knew my uncle."
Kael's eyes narrowed curiously. "And who's your uncle?"
The boy looked up, proud and nervous at once. "His name was Zhen Kairo."
Kael froze. His breath caught in his throat as memories of that fateful day six years ago rushed back—Zhen Kairo, the fierce and noble Wielder who had saved Kael from certain death, sacrificing himself in the final battle against Kurojin.
"You're… Zhen's nephew?" Kael said quietly, eyes wide. The boy nodded.
A deep warmth filled Kael's chest. He placed a firm hand on the boy's shoulder. "Of course I'll train you. I owe your uncle that and more. He gave his life to save mine."
The boy's face lit up with joy, his posture straightening with pride.
"What's your name, kid?" Kael asked.
The boy looked him in the eye and answered confidently, "Shio Kairo."
Kael smiled. "Alright, Shio. Let's get you settled."
As the boy walked off with a caretaker Kael had summoned, Kael gently closed the front door.
Hana, holding their daughter, peeked from the hallway. "Who was that, hun?"
Kael turned to her with a nostalgic smile. "Zhen Kairo's nephew. His name's Shio."
Hana blinked. "Zhen? The one who—"
Kael nodded solemnly. "Yeah. I'm going to train him. It's the least I can do."
Hana smiled softly. "He's in good hands."
Kael glanced out the window, eyes narrowing with a spark of purpose. "Yeah… I'll make sure he becomes the kind of Wielder his uncle would've been proud of."
And so, a new story quietly began—one tied to the heroism of the past, but destined to shape the future.