The smell of roasted meat and sizzling vegetables drifted through the small inn, wrapping the brothers in warmth. After days of training and a battle that nearly tore them apart, the simple act of sitting together at a table felt unreal.
Sogen Shihan raised a cup of tea, his weathered face softer than usual. "You three did well. Bruised, broken, and reckless… but well."
Doraibu winced, rubbing his shoulder. "Reckless? I'd call it… stylishly fast."
Supira groaned, leaning back in his chair. "You nearly burned your body out, idiot. If I hadn't evolved mid-battle, you'd still be lying in the dirt."
Kaosu tapped his chopsticks on the edge of his bowl, his expression more serious than playful. "He's right. Doraibu… don't push that hard again. Overusing your Nexus won't just hurt you—it'll hurt us too. And Supira…" He paused, then smirked faintly. "The way your spiral evolved… it saved us. I was proud of you, big bro."
Supira blinked, caught off guard, then chuckled. "Kaosu… did you just compliment me?"
Doraibu pointed with his spoon. "Mark this day in history. Kaosu actually said something nice."
The table broke into laughter, even Kaosu's lips tugging into a reluctant smile.
Sogen let them enjoy the moment before clearing his throat. "Since you three are talking about futures… what do you see ahead of you? Battles? Glory? Or something more?"
Supira spoke first. "I just want to grow stronger. To make sure no one can threaten us again."
Doraibu grinned. "Me? I want to be the fastest man alive. A legend people can't stop talking about."
Kaosu's eyes fell to his hands. For a moment, silence. "I… I just want to learn how to control myself. If I lose it again, if Kudosudo comes out… I don't want anyone to suffer for my weakness."
Sogen's sharp eyes softened. "That's a heavy burden. But burdens shared are lighter. Remember that."
Before Kaosu could respond, the door slid open. A girl stepped inside, carrying a tray of steaming dumplings. She couldn't have been older than them, with long silver hair tied neatly behind her and eyes the color of spring leaves.
She set the tray down and bowed lightly. "Forgive me for interrupting, Father."
The brothers glanced between her and Sogen in confusion.
Sogen chuckled, stroking his beard. "Boys, allow me to introduce someone important. My daughter, Shimo."
Shimo straightened, her gaze steady but kind. "It's an honor to meet you. Father has told me of your fight… and of your potential."
Doraibu leaned forward, whispering to Kaosu. "She's cute."
Kaosu elbowed him hard under the table.
Supira, ever composed, asked, "And your Nexus? Do you wield one?"
Shimo lifted her hand, and with a gentle motion, blossoms of radiant light unfurled across the table. Petals of crimson, violet, and gold spun in the air, their fragrance sweet yet strangely powerful. Each flower pulsed faintly with energy.
"I hold the Nexus of Flower," Shimo said softly. "Beauty, growth… and decay. Petals can heal. Or they can wither."
The room fell silent, the brothers staring in awe. Even Kaosu's chaos flared faintly, reacting to the serenity of her aura.
Sogen nodded firmly. "From this day forward, Shimo will join your team. Together, you'll learn not only how to fight… but how to live."
For the first time in weeks, the future felt uncertain—not with dread, but with possibility.