The spring sun finally rose, painting the sky in hues of gold and soft orange. A new dawn broke across the horizon, and with it, the memories of the harrowing night faded like shadows retreating from the light.
Sentarō lay sprawled on the grass, chest heaving, every breath a victory. "Heh… heh… I did it…" he muttered between gasps, his voice trembling with exhaustion. "I beat the bear… I really did it…"
THUD!
His body gave in, collapsing onto his back. He gazed up at the morning sky, its radiant colors washing over him like a reward. In his hand was the broken remnant of his wooden sword. "Heh… Mr. Ujiyuki, that was a bit harsh, though…"
Despite the complaint, a smile tugged at his lips. Memories of his grueling years of training filled his mind—early morning jogs by the riverbank, endless practice swings that left his arms numb, nights where fatigue nearly broke him. Every drop of sweat, every blister, every bruise—it all led to this moment.
He wasn't the weak boy from five years ago anymore. Now, he had strength—enough to begin his true journey.
But his peace didn't last.
Crunch. Crunch.
Footsteps approached from beyond the trees. Heavy, deliberate steps. Instinctively, Sentarō tensed. He forced himself to his feet, gripping the broken sword tightly.
From the dim shade of the forest, a shadowed figure emerged.
"Well," the man said, voice calm and faintly amused, "I was worried at first, but you actually beat that beast. Good job, kid."
Sentarō's body stiffened, his expression hardening as the figure drew nearer. "Who are you?" he demanded, raising his broken sword in defense.
"Relax, kid. I'm not here to hurt you."
As the man stepped into the light, his appearance became clear—he wore a deep purple kimono that shimmered faintly under the sun, and his hair was as black as a starless night.
Sentarō narrowed his eyes. "I'll ask again. Who are you?" His tone carried a mix of caution and quiet anger.
The man smiled disarmingly. "Alright, alright, calm down. No need to be so hostile."
But Sentarō didn't lower his guard. He shifted into a ready stance, broken sword poised to strike.
The stranger sighed, scratching his head. "Man, you really don't trust easily, huh?"
"I can feel it," Sentarō said, eyes cold. "You're hiding something. There's negative intent coming from you."
That made the man pause. His expression flickered with surprise before he chuckled softly. He can sense intent? After just five years of training? he thought, impressed.
"Alright, I get it," the man said, raising his hands in mock surrender. "I should've introduced myself first. My name is Nakagami Shigekatsu—but just call me Shigekatsu." He took a slow step forward.
Sentarō's grip tightened. "What are you doing here?"
"No need to worry, kid," Shigekatsu said with a lazy smile. "I told you, I'm not here to fight. I actually watched your battle with the bear."
He stepped closer, his tone shifting to one of mild admiration. "You're really strong, you know that?"
Sentarō's expression darkened. He leapt back, sword raised again. "Why would a normal person watch someone fight for their life against a bear?"
A faint smirk formed on Shigekatsu's lips.
"You're not normal, are you?" Sentarō said, his tone steady but suspicious. "I can feel it—you're something else entirely."
"Heh." Shigekatsu's smile widened. "You're sharp. Ujiyuki-nii-san really picked a good one this time."
The name hit Sentarō like a thunderbolt. His eyes widened. "Wait… you know Mr. Ujiyuki?"
"Of course I do," Shigekatsu replied casually. "We're blood-related, after all."
The words hung in the air.
For a moment, silence blanketed the forest—broken only by the soft rustling of leaves and the songs of morning birds.
"WHAAAT?!" Sentarō's shout shattered the stillness, sending a flock of birds scattering into the sky. Even Shigekatsu flinched at the outburst.
"The Ujiyuki I lived with for five years never mentioned a brother!" Sentarō said, eyes wide in disbelief. "You're seriously telling me you two are related?"
Shigekatsu chuckled. "Yup. He was the one who told me to come here—all the way from the Flourishing Grasslands."
"Really? Why?"
A familiar voice answered from behind the trees. "To evaluate you, kid."
Sentarō spun around, startled. From the forest shadows stepped Ujiyuki himself, his arms crossed, an amused smile tugging at his lips.
"Mr. Ujiyuki?! You were watching the whole time?!"
Shigekatsu sighed dramatically. "Took you long enough to show yourself, nii-san." His tone carried mock annoyance, but his eyes gleamed with quiet respect.
Ujiyuki stepped forward, smiling warmly at Sentarō. "Look at you, kid. You killed the bear and survived the night." His voice brimmed with pride as he reached out and patted Sentarō's head. "Seems I underestimated you. Good job—you passed my test."
Sentarō blinked, his expression softening. For a moment, the fear, exhaustion, and confusion melted away. He smiled—wide, bright, and genuine.
The atmosphere around them lightened, the tension lifting like mist under the morning sun.
Ujiyuki's gaze drifted upward for a second, lost in memory. He could still picture the boy he'd once seen training by the riverbank—sloppy swings, trembling legs, stubborn determination. That scrawny, inexperienced child had become the young warrior standing before him now.
"You've grown so much, kid," Ujiyuki said softly. "You'll make a fine samurai one day."
Sentarō's chest swelled with pride. He beamed up at his mentor. "Thanks, Mr. Ujiyuki."
Shigekatsu, standing a few paces away, watched the exchange quietly. A nostalgic warmth spread across his face. "It's been a long time since I've seen nii-san this happy…"
When Ujiyuki and Sentarō turned toward him, he grinned. "And since my brother has high hopes for you, kid—so do I." He extended a hand. "Don't disappoint us, alright?"
Sentarō hesitated for only a moment before grasping Shigekatsu's hand firmly. "Of course not." He grinned back, the exhaustion in his eyes replaced with determination.
"Good," Shigekatsu said with a smirk. "You've got spirit. I like that."
Ujiyuki chuckled. "Alright, enough dramatics. Let's get back to the house. We've got to plan your next move."
Sentarō's face lit up with energy again. "ALRIGHT! Next is the Police Force Entrance Exams!" he shouted, punching the air with renewed vigor.
Ujiyuki's expression faltered slightly. "…You do realize* there's a month of recovery and paperwork before that, right?"
Sentarō blinked. "Wait—what?"
Before Ujiyuki could respond, Sentarō turned to Shigekatsu, whispering conspiratorially, "Hey, Mr. Shigekatsu… I've been meaning to ask something."
Shigekatsu tilted his head. "Yeah?"
"Well…" Sentarō leaned closer, lowering his voice. "Since Mr. Ujiyuki's the older brother, how big's the age difference between you two?"
Shigekatsu blinked, then gave a nervous laugh. "Uh… if I remember correctly, about twenty years?"
Sentarō froze. His face twisted into disbelief before exploding with another shout.
"WHAAAT?! TWENTY YEARS?!"
The outburst startled Ujiyuki, who nearly dropped his sheathed sword.
Sentarō burst out laughing, falling to the ground. "Hahahaha! Mr. Ujiyuki, you're really old!"
Ujiyuki's face went red, though his expression stayed calm. "You're awfully lively for someone who almost died last night."
Shigekatsu couldn't hold back his laughter either. "Hahaha! I think you just found his weak spot, kid."
Sentarō laughed even harder, tears forming in his eyes. "I knew you were hiding something, Mr. Ujiyuki—but this was not what I expected!"
Ujiyuki sighed deeply, rubbing his temples. "Why do I even train brats like you…"
"Because deep down, you love us," Shigekatsu teased.
"Keep talking, and I'll make you spar with him next," Ujiyuki muttered.
Shigekatsu raised his hands in mock surrender. "Whoa, no need for violence, old man."
Sentarō's laughter echoed through the forest, mingling with the morning breeze.
The night's fears were gone. The dawn had brought warmth, laughter, and a sense of belonging. For Sentarō, this wasn't just the end of a test—it was the beginning of his true journey.
And for Ujiyuki and Shigekatsu… it was the start of something they hadn't felt in years—hope.