Chapter Six
Akira woke in his bed, bandages wrapped tight across one eye. His body ached with the dull rhythm of bruises and strain. I've learned to use Tao—to control it, at least to a level—but Ito keeps pushing me every day, drilling me on the five basic techniques. He says I've done well.
He stretched, wincing, then dragged himself to the shower. Hot water cut through the soreness, steam curling around him. I've grown a lot these past days, though my body feels like it's breaking apart. Still… I'm not the same kid who got smashed by a Yokai.
By the time he stepped out, towel slung over his head, his thoughts drifted. That girl… Sora, I think. Always watching me. She's strong—no doubt about it—but weird too. Hard to tell what she's thinking.
The door banged open. Ito strode in without hesitation, red ponytail swaying, eyepatch gleaming faintly in the light. "Alright, let's go. No time to waste. It starts in a couple of minutes!"
Akira blinked. "Where are we going?"
Ito only smirked and led him down the hall. They stopped before a Shinto Gate standing like a sentinel at the end of the corridor. Beyond its frame shimmered a portal, humming with Tao.
"You're becoming a Hunter today," Ito said flatly.
Akira froze, the words heavy. His chest tightened. "Hunter??"
Ito glanced over his shoulder. "You know, the people who kill Yokai using Tao, we're all Hunters, Me, Gaku, Sora." Scared?"
Akira set his jaw and stepped forward without answering. The portal swallowed him whole.
They emerged inside the Hunter Association Headquarters, Level One. Marble floors reflected lantern-light, and vast banners of each kingdom hung high across the walls. Crowds of young aspirants filled the chamber, tension and ambition radiating in the air.
At the center stood a man impossible to ignore. Regal white robes trimmed in gold. A spiral-red pin of the Sao Kingdom gleamed on his chest. His hair, long and white, was streaked with bold streaks of crimson and blue. His smile was sharp, almost theatrical.
Kenji Sato, Grand General of the Sao Kingdom.
"Welcome, future Hunters!" His voice filled the hall with ease. "I am honored to host the Hunter Exams this year. My only wish is that you pass away in great fashion—without injury, if possible. Beyond that, you are on your own."
He paused, eyes flicking to the new arrivals. "Ah. Ito Yoru, is that you?" The man's grin widened. "I heard you saved a boy from a Yokai attack. Didn't think you'd go that far."
Ito gave a one-shouldered shrug, then tapped Akira's back like a proud senior presenting his pupil. "I've taken a liking to the boy. He's stronger than he looks. Isn't that right, Akira?"
Akira straightened under the attention, fists clenching at his sides. "Of course I'm here to be King."
Kenji's smile shifted, sly now. He gestured to the crowd and pointed out a figure standing among the other aspirants—a boy with sharp eyes and calm posture, dressed in understated hunter's garb. "Good. I've also brought my own apprentice. I hope the two of them get along."