They arrive at the gate, where they're greeted by townsfolk who recognize Makama because of his grandfather.
(Panel – Bright sunlight filters through the trees. Makama and Kyo emerge from the forest, and in the distance, the town of Tenro comes into view – surrounded by a stone wall, red-tiled rooftops peeking out, and soft smoke rising from chimneys. The morning market begins to stir.)
Kyo:(stretching his arms behind his back)"Aaah… Good morning, world! And would you look at that – a whole town waiting for its morning coffee."
Makama:(quietly, eyes fixed on the city)"I haven't been to Tenro since I was a kid... It's strange seeing it again."
(Panel – They approach the city gate. A couple of guards are sipping warm drinks. One of them, older with greying hair, squints as he notices Makama, then suddenly lights up.)
Guard 1 (older):(eyes widening, then jumping to his feet)"Makama?! Takushi's boy?!"
Guard 2:(peeking over, still half-asleep)"Takushi? Wait... you mean the old man?!"
Guard 1:(grinning, clapping Makama on the shoulder)"Well I'll be! How've you been, kid? You've grown! And who's this?" (glancing at Kyo)
Kyo:(waving cheerfully)"I'm Kyo! Traveling partner, official morning soup taster in every new town."
Guard 2:(laughs)"Welcome, Kyo. Alright, let's stamp you boys in."(they stamp their hands)
(Panel – The gates open, and they enter the city. Streets of Tenro come alive – colorful food stalls fill the air with mouth-watering aromas. Kyo is visibly excited, eyes wide as he takes it all in.)
Kyo:(raising his hands, eyes sparkling)"Look at all this food! I've gotta taste everything!"
Makama:(glancing down at his hands, wrapped in worn bandages – not from wounds, but from intense training)"We can't afford too much."
Kyo:(trying to lift the mood)"Yeah, yeah, but look at all these flavors! And it's so cheap. We'll manage."
(Panel – Makama lifts his gaze from the bandages, looking at Kyo seriously.)
Makama:"We can't stay here for long. We need to see the mayor."
Kyo:(nodding, understanding)"Right, right. Adventures are fun, but missions come first."
Makama:(stepping forward into the street)"Yeah. Every minute counts."
*(Panel – They walk toward a large building, the Mayor's Hall. The streets grow quieter as they approach the inner gate.)(Panel – Makama and Kyo arrive at a tall, impressive gate, with guards stationed on both sides.)
Kyo:(looking for excitement)"There it is! Looks serious here."
Makama:(serious, approaching the guards)"We need to speak with the mayor. It's important."
Guard 1:(suspicious look)"Who are you? What's the reason?"
Makama:(with a faint smile)"Makama. I have urgent business with the mayor."
Guard 2:(checking a small list)"Ah... Makama. You're approved. Follow us."
(Panel – The guards open the gate. They enter, Kyo looking around with wonder, Makama focused on the mission.)(Panel – A grand hall inside the Mayor's house. Large windows, heavy curtains, carriages outside. Lord Hiroshi Ikeda stands near a heavy wooden desk, dressed in a dark, formal Victorian-Japanese-style suit.)
Lord Hiroshi Ikeda:(warmly, with a pleasant voice)"Welcome to Tenro, young men. What are your names?"
Makama:(respectfully, head slightly bowed)"My name is Makama, sir. And this is Kyo."
Lord Hiroshi:"Pleasure to meet you. Please, have a seat."
Makama:"Thank you, sir. We're here because there's an urgent matter concerning the city."
Kyo:(smiling, adding a light joke)"And also because I was curious about your local cuisine."
Lord Hiroshi Ikeda:(chuckles softly)"I see. It's important to enjoy the flavors of life – even when burdened with heavy tasks."
(Panel – Lord Hiroshi extends a hand in greeting to Makama and Kyo. The atmosphere is warm and open.)(Panel – Lord Hiroshi sits in a grand chair, eyes curious as he studies the boys.)
Lord Hiroshi Ikeda:"So, tell me – what brings you to Tenro? What is so urgent?"
Makama:(serious tone)"We have intel: pirates are planning to raid the city in just a few hours."
Kyo:(adds tensely)"This isn't a rumor — we saw them up close. They're preparing something big."
Panel – Lord Hiroshi Ikeda looks surprised, eyes narrowing.
Lord Hiroshi Ikeda:(pauses, tense)"A raid? Here? That can't be... how have I heard nothing of this?"
Makama:(calmly)"They're well hidden. But we won't let them catch you off guard."
Kyo:(smiles bravely)"We're here to help you protect the city."
Panel – The mayor takes a deep breath, looking at the two with trust and determination.
Lord Hiroshi Ikeda:"Then we'll do everything we can to cooperate. The city will stand—because of you."
Panel – Lord Hiroshi reaches toward a table with a map of Tenro, pointing at key areas and the outer walls.
Lord Hiroshi Ikeda:"The raid is expected to come from the Eastern Port, where they have a hidden base in the woods."
Makama:(pointing at the map)"That's the spot we need to defend. They won't get through us there."
Kyo:(looking around, excited)"I can help set up traps and quick defenses."
Lord Hiroshi Ikeda:"Here's the plan: the guards will reinforce the walls, and you'll focus on the port and surrounding forest."
Panel – He hands them a marked map.
Lord Hiroshi Ikeda:"Time is short, but with the right planning and your determination, we'll stop them."
Makama:(grinning with energy)"We'll do whatever it takes."
Kyo:"And food! I need to power up before a battle."
Lord Hiroshi Ikeda:(laughs)"You'll get something tasty and well-seasoned, I promise."
Lord Hiroshi Ikeda:"Just be careful. These pirates aren't afraid to die — and they'll use any means necessary."
Makama:(calm and focused)"We're ready for anything. We're protecting Tenro not just for you — but for everyone living here."
Kyo:(grins stubbornly)"And for the food! This city smells full of delicious surprises."
Lord Hiroshi Ikeda:(laughs warmly)"I get it, Kyo. Even in danger, keeping your spirit up makes you stronger."
Makama:"We'll keep you updated on everything."
Lord Hiroshi Ikeda:"I trust you. Every bit of help matters right now."
reinforcements.Panel – The city square near the walls. Heavy cannons are placed in strategic spots. Warriors dressed in ornate armor — a blend of samurai and European knight styles — prepare for battle.
Kyo:(walking past the cannons, touches one, visibly impressed)"Whoa… these cannons and armors… This is gonna be a legendary battle."
Makama:(scanning the preparations, eyes sharp)"We need to make sure everything's ready. There's no room for mistakes."
Panel – Lord Hiroshi Ikeda approaches with armed guards, also clad in impressive armor.
Lord Hiroshi Ikeda:(authoritative, yet warm tone)"I'm glad to see our city isn't helpless. Every fighter here knows the weight of this moment."
Kyo:(grinning, throws a fist in the air)"And don't forget — we're here to return the favor for what they did!"
Makama:(quietly, tightening his grip on his grandfather's staff)"I'll show them, Grandpa."
Panel – Lord Hiroshi turns to two young guards near the cannons.
Lord Hiroshi Ikeda:"Check every station. Report back when all are ready. No surprises."
Panel – The guards salute and move out. Kyo looks at Makama.
Kyo:(slightly more serious than usual)"You ready for this, Makama? This isn't just some back-alley fight… it's a full army."
Panel – One of the guards suddenly runs up to Lord Hiroshi.
Guard:"Mayor! Smoke at the eastern port! It's started!!"
Panel – Everyone turns toward the horizon. Black smoke rises into the sky. A strong wind begins to blow.
Lord Hiroshi:(yelling)"Positions! Everyone to your posts! Gunners — eyes wide open!"
Panel – Tenro Port. Dark warships approach the shore. Pirates land swiftly, armed and alert. Some light torches and prep bombs.
Panel – On the lead ship's deck, Captain Bratax stands tall. He wears a heavy leather coat, metal pauldrons, one eye covered by a mechanical eyepatch. His right arm is upgraded with a folding blade.
Captain Bratax:(gruff voice)"Move! Now!Within the hour I want this city burning from the base to the towers!"
Panel – A young pirate approaches hesitantly, eyes filled with admiration but doubt.
Pirate 1:"Uh… Captain, they say the city's fortified. Guards, cannons, maybe even local fighters…"
Captain Bratax:(smirks cruelly, showing worn teeth)"Tenro might look clean… but inside? They're cowards.They'll scatter like rats when the first bomb drops."
Panel – Bratax unrolls a worn map, pressing a black, scarred finger to it.
Captain Bratax:"You enter through the eastern port. I'll lead a strike from the north gate.No confusion — if it breathes, burn it. No questions."
Panel – Pirates rush to prepare, fire spreading among the docks. Smoke and chaos rise.Panel – A tall bell tower in Tenro. A guard rushes to the top, panic in his eyes. He grabs the bell and rings it hard.
Panel – Streets of the city. Citizens stop, terrified. Some flee to their homes. Others look up, frozen.Panel – Inside the mayor's office. Makama, Kyo and Lord Hiroshi stand the moment they hear the bell.
Lord Hiroshi Ikeda:(grabbing a carved walking staff)"The emergency bell?! That means... someone saw them. The pirates are coming!"
Kyo:(forced smile, pulls out a soup cup from his bag and sips quickly)"And just when my soup cooled down. It's always the worst timing…"
Makama:(gripping the staff tightly, eyes sharp)"No time. Lord Ikeda, give the order. Get the cannons ready. Place fighters at the gates.Tenro won't fall today."
Lord Hiroshi Ikeda:(nods, serious but confident)"We're not what we used to be… but we have brave hearts.And if you're with us — we just might have a chance."
Panel – Guards prepare. Barriers are placed. Cannons rolled into position. Archers climb rooftops. The air turns heavy with the scent of war.
Panel – Makama stands atop a staircase, eyes scanning the fog spreading over the city's walls. Kyo stands beside him — one hand holding a lunch box, the other a sword.The wall shakes. The battle begins.Panel – The eastern gate. Thick fog blankets the space beyond. A tense silence. Then — a single footstep.
Panel – From the fog, dozens of pirates emerge. Some wear torn armor, others with terrifying masks. Leading them is a tall, muscular pirate wrapped in chains, holding a massive double axe.
Senior Pirate:(shouting)"Break the gate! Everything inside — is ours!"
Panel – Tenro's warriors stand ready, armor blending samurai and knight designs. Shields raised, archers on the walls. Among them — Makama and Kyo, poised for action.
Kyo:(rubbing his hands, half-smiling)"I usually don't fight before second breakfast… but for you guys—"
Makama:(raising his grandfather's staff, eyes glowing)"This is my time to prove myself."
Panel – Pirates charge toward the gate. Arrows fly from the walls. A cannon roars, blasting into a group of attackers.
Panel – Makama leaps forward, rolls between a pirate's legs, strikes him from behind with the staff. The pirate crashes down, unconscious.
Panel – Kyo spins fast, draws twin daggers, dances around a pirate with a club — slices his belt, disarms him, and kicks him in the face.
Kyo:(whispers to himself)"Whoever said you can't fight in style… clearly never tasted my soup."
Panel – Chaos erupts. Smoke, flames, screams. Tenro's warriors fight bravely — but the pirates are brutal, trained, relentless.Panel – Makama fights three at once. Dodging, blocking with the staff, striking with precision. Suddenly — a thunderous sound — a side gate explodes!
BOOM!The northern wall of the city bursts apart in a massive blast. Stone chunks fly everywhere. Dust clouds fill the air. Citizens scream. Soldiers run.From the smoke —A heavy step.Another.A giant silhouette emerges through the haze.Wild black hair. Half a skull mask covers his face. Glowing red eyes.Silence. Only the soft clink of blades on his back in the wind.He doesn't speak. Only a deep, beastly growl escapes him — like a monster's breath before it strikes.Everyone freezes.
Kyo (whispers, half-choking):"What is that…?"
Makama:(gripping his grandfather's staff tightly, blinking through the dust)
Mayor (running in, eyes wide, voice shaking):"No… it can't be… that's… that's Ragan… Captain Brutax's second-in-command…"
Silence.
Mayor:"If he's here… we're doomed."
Kyo (glancing back at the mayor):"What do you mean doomed?!"
Mayor (choking on his words):"Ragan… he's not just a warrior… he's a beast in battle. Brutax's fame meant nothing without him. He's the one who did the dirty work."
Makama (stepping forward, eyes sharp):"Second-in-command to Captain Brutax… So you were there the night of the attack."
Ragan stops.His deep, glowing red eyes lock onto Makama — piercing.He doesn't speak.He simply lifts one of his blades into the air……a silent invitation.
Kyo (whispers):"He doesn't look like someone you want to mess with…"
Makama tightens his grip on the staff.A faint green-gold spark flickers around him.Deep breath.Silence.
Makama:"If it's really you… we've got unfinished business."
Suddenly, Ragan vanishes.
Kyo:"What?!"
A sharp metallic sound —CLANG!Makama barely manages to raise his staff and block the strike.He's pushed back, eyes widening — too fast.He barely registered the move.
Makama (thinking):"If I hadn't moved exactly then… it would've been over."
Kyo lunges from the side, dagger aimed at Ragan's arm —But Ragan effortlessly blocks with his second blade, never breaking eye contact with Makama.
Ragan (calmly, with a half-wicked smile):"I like a challenge."
Kyo:"Makama, left—!"
CLANG!!Makama spins and blocks again, just in time.Kyo takes the opening, aiming his dagger at Ragan's side —But Ragan rotates his second blade, blocks without even looking, and elbows Kyo hard, sending him flying.
Kyo (tumbling, landing on his knees):"Damn… he's too fast—"
Makama (pulling back his staff, running):"Stop thinking. Just move when I say."
Kyo (half-smirking, taking a breath):"Come on, staff prince… I'm just warming him up for you.""…Makama… he's not just a fighter… there's something inhuman about him."
Makama doesn't answer.
Ragan approaches slowly, his blade scraping stone with each step.The air around him grows heavier.
Kyo (low voice):"Perfect. Time to show him how painful a human can be."
Ragan (hissing through his teeth, almost savoring the tension):"That's it? I expected… more fun."
He disappears again.
Makama and Kyo turn, trying to anticipate—Silence.Suddenly — Kyo is sent flying, slamming violently into a wall. Blood sprays from his mouth.
Makama lunges toward him—But before he gets close, Ragan lands in front of him, both blades ready.
Makama (striking hard with the staff):"Not this time!"
He knocks one of Ragan's blades aside —But the second blade stabs into the ground right next to him.
Ragan doesn't move.Then, with brutal speed, he kicks Makama in the stomach —Makama flies back, rolling across the ground, gasping for air.
Kyo (trying to rise, bleeding):"Makama!"
Ragan walks toward him — slowly — like a predator stalking a wounded prey.He draws his swords slowly.His eyes glow red, and a faint black aura begins to swirl around him —As if something darker is awakening.
Makama (lying on the ground, breathing heavily, whispering):"What is this… this power…"
Ragan stops.The black aura around him twitches, distorts like smoky flame.He looks at Makama, then at the bleeding Kyo trying to stand.
Ragan (mockingly, almost amused):"I forget sometimes… you're just kids."
The aura around him recedes slightly.His blades drop into a looser grip.He lowers his power on purpose —Leaning back like he's no longer challenged.
Ragan:"I don't need my full strength for you.It'd kill you too fast… and that's no fun."
Kyo (gritting his teeth):"You sick… freak…"
Makama reaches out to the staff — now pulsing faintly with green-gold light.He barely feels his body —But something inside his heart ignites.
Ragan turns his back to them, casually wiping his blade on a torn cloth.
But then…He freezes.
His glowing red eyes fix on the pulsing light from Makama's staff.He narrows his gaze.Says nothing.
The black aura around him flickers, almost startled.He takes a small step back, barely noticing.
Ragan (quietly, not to himself nor to them):"…That essence… it's unfamiliar to me."
He stares.Trying to comprehend.A subtle rage rises — not fear, but deep unease.
Ragan:"And I don't like it."
Kyo (whispers, staring at the staff):"The staff… it's reacting…"
Makama, still on the ground, looks at his hand —The light from the staff is flowing up into his arm,Like warmth spreading through his body.
In his head, a gentle voice — not commanding. Inviting.
Takushi (calm, inner voice):"You are not alone, Makama."
The light keeps pulsing —Seeping into his palm like a living spark.
Inside his mind —A voice.Soft. Calm. Deep.
Takushi (echoing):"Makama… you're not alone."
Makama freezes.His eyes widen.
Makama:"…Grandpa?"
Another voice —The same voice, clearer now.
Takushi:"I'm with you. I always have been… and always will be."
Makama can't move.His pulse races.The world fades away — only that voice… and the feeling in his heart remain.
He closes his eyes.Whispers:
Makama:"…Is this… real?"
A blurred memory — a flash:
A vision of Takushi smiling at him as a child.Sitting with him under a tree, saying:"Don't fear the power within you.Fear is what holds you back."
Makama opens his eyes.They're not the same.
They are calm.Focused.Glowing softly with green-gold light.
He grips the staff with both hands —And stands.
Ragan notices.
The dark aura around him flickers again.
Ragan (growling under his breath):"…What are you…?"
Makama stands tall.His back still bleeding.His lungs burning.But his gaze — still.
Still as river water before the storm.
Kyo (eyes wide):"What… what's happening to you…?"
Ragan (frowning):"You look… different."
Makama doesn't answer.He just takes one step forward, the staff in one hand.The green-gold light flickers for a brief moment —As if saying: I'm here, but only if you know how to listen.
Ragan lunges first, blades drawn, slashing through the air like shadows.He reaches Makama in a second.But this time…
Makama doesn't block — he moves.A slight shift.A twist of the body.The blades pass by him, missing entirely.Like water parting for a falling stone.
Then—Boom!A single strike with the staff — not powerful, not dramatic — but precise.To the ribs.Ragan is sent flying, rolling back three meters.He rises, surprised.
Ragan:"…What the hell?!"
Makama (whispers):"I don't have to move faster than you.Just better than you."
The glow of the staff fades.But something in the air has changed.
Ragan gets up quickly, breathing heavily.He's not seriously hurt — but he doesn't understand what just happened.His red eyes glare at Makama, who holds the staff loosely, almost lazily.
Ragan:"That wasn't power. That was… instinct.What are you trying to be, a monk warrior?"
He charges again — this time unleashing a flurry of rapid strikes with both blades.Right, left, low, high —But Makama doesn't try to block…He dances around them.
He taps the ground lightly with the staff, circling Ragan, flowing like wind.
Kyo (watching from the side, still injured):"…He's not fighting against him.He's fighting with him."
Suddenly, Ragan spins and strikes Makama's back with the hilt of his sword —A direct hit.Makama falls to one knee, gasping.Pain.He's not there yet. He's still learning.
Ragan (laughing, kicking him):"Not bad. But it's not enough.You're quiet… but that just makes it easier to crush you."
Makama slowly rises.A deep breath.He doesn't lash out, doesn't yell.He only whispers:
Makama:"I can hear him."
Ragan:"Hear who?"
Makama:"My grandfather."
Ragan roars and charges again.This time, Makama doesn't dodge —He absorbs, redirects, spins —And strikes Ragan's elbow with the tip of the staff —The sword flies from his hand.
Makama spins lightly, catching the staff —Then stands before Ragan with a piercing gaze.
Makama:"If you keep going like this…You'll be fighting your own shadow."
Ragan stands, breathing heavily.One hand now empty.His gaze shifts — from arrogant… to alert.
Ragan (growling):"Impressive…But don't fool yourself into thinking you understand who you're dealing with."
He pulls a small dagger from his belt —And throws it at Kyo.
Makama reacts instantly —Leaps, blocks with his staff.The dagger embeds in the wood, then falls.
Kyo (whispers):"Thanks…"
Ragan charges in the same motion, swinging his remaining blade —Makama spins, lowers his body, the staff moves diagonally —A precise strike to the base of Ragan's shoulder.
Ragan freezes.Not badly wounded —But for a moment, his arm won't respond.
Makama (calm, not smiling, just breathing deeply):"You're fast.But you're in a hurry."
Ragan (biting his lip, spitting blood):"…You mocking me?"
Ragan charges again, this time with rage.He slashes and slashes —But slowly, he begins to miss.He overextends.
Each movement Makama makes reflects Ragan's own mistakes.As if Ragan is fighting his own reflection.
Finally —Makama taps the staff lightly on Ragan's shoulder.A soft blow. Barely looks like it hit hard.
But Ragan drops to one knee.He's breathing heavily.Sweating.For the first time — truly struggling for breath.
Ragan (whispers):"…What are you?"
Kyo (from the side, bleeding, panting, staring at Makama):"…Makama… this is incredible!"
Makama doesn't look at him — his eyes remain locked on Ragan.But his voice is steady, sharp, quiet:
Makama:"Take the mayor… get him out of here."
Kyo (shocked):"What? Alone? But—"
Makama (turning to him briefly):"I've got this."
Kyo is silent.He sees the look in Makama's eyes —This isn't the Makama he knew.This is someone strong.Determined.
He nods.Takes a deep breath, limps toward the injured mayor.
Kyo:"Don't die on me, yeah?"
Makama (half-smile at the corner of his mouth):"Not today."
⚔️ The battle continues – Ragan's dark power awakens
Ragan is still on one knee.His glowing red eyes locked on Makama —But now… something's different.
He places one hand on his mask.Fingers resting on its cheekbone.He whispers:
Ragan:"I hate using this… but you…You're pissing me off."
He closes his eyes.
Suddenly — the mask glows with deep crimson.Tiny cracks shimmer with blood-red light.
The wind around them stops.The air becomes heavy.
Shadows crawl from the ground around Ragan,Like black fingers searching for something to strangle.
Kyo (retreating with the mayor, looking back):"What the hell is that?!"
Makama (standing, staff in hand, lips tight):"That's no longer normal combat…"
BOOM!A dark explosion from the mask —The ground beneath Ragan cracks,And from the dark side of his body,A black arm bursts forth — long, twisted, writhing like a beast.
Ragan opens one eye —Now completely black, with a thin blood-red pupil.
Ragan (deeper voice, almost inhuman):"Now let's see how you dance…Inside my shadows."
Four shadow blades suddenly float behind him —Hovering in the air, moving like scorpions ready to strike.
The ground beneath Makama darkens.A black circle begins to form —Like an opening into another world.