DISCLAIMER: I do not own anything.
The morning after receiving Master Kael's letter of recommendation, Benimaru stood in his training clearing as the sun climbed over Whispering Pines, holding the folded parchment in his hand like a promise made solid. At ten years old, with his Flame-Forge Katana at his hip and the warmth of his Semblance simmering just beneath his skin, he knew that every moment between now and his twelfth birthday would be dedicated to proving he was worthy of a place at Signal Academy.
"Two years," Master Kael said, stepping into the clearing with his usual quiet grace. The retired Huntsman carried a wooden practice staff in one hand and a leather satchel in the other. "Long enough to refine what you've learned, and to master something new. Something that will set you apart when you face the academy's instructors."
Benimaru bowed his head respectfully. "What do you have in mind, Master?"
Kael set the satchel down and pulled out a small cloth-wrapped bundle, unwrapping it to reveal a smooth, polished stone the color of storm clouds. "They call it the Sightstone – used by ancient Huntsmen to train their perception beyond what the eyes can see. Over the next two years, we'll be working on a technique known as the Mind's Eye."
He tossed the stone to Benimaru, who caught it easily. It was heavier than it looked, and seemed to hum with a faint, steady energy. "The Mind's Eye isn't about seeing with your eyes," Kael continued, assuming a relaxed stance in the center of the clearing. "It's about feeling the flow of Aura in the world around you – the subtle vibrations of movement, the energy signatures of living things, even the twisted emptiness that marks the presence of Grimm. It will let you predict attacks before they're made, sense threats before they appear, and fight even when you can't see."
From that day forward, Benimaru's training took on a new intensity. While he continued to hone his swordsmanship, Taekwondo, and fire manipulation – pushing his Fire Manipulation to Rank E (65% complete) and Blazing Edge to Rank E (70% complete) – the bulk of his time was dedicated to mastering the Mind's Eye.
The first phase of training was simple in concept but brutal in execution: blindfolded combat. For weeks, Benimaru would stand in the clearing with a cloth wrapped around his eyes, while Kael or one of the village's trained fighters attacked him with practice weapons. At first, he was clumsy and slow, relying on nothing but his hearing and instinct to dodge and counter. More often than not, he'd end up on the ground, bruised and frustrated.
"Patience, boy," Kael would say each time he helped Benimaru to his feet. "Your ears will only take you so far. You need to reach out with your Aura – feel the way the air shifts when someone moves, the way their energy focuses before they strike. The Mind's Eye isn't something you do – it's something you become."
Slowly but surely, progress came. Benimaru learned to extend his Aura outward in a gentle wave, like ripples on a pond. He could sense the weight of Kael's staff as it cut through the air, could feel the shift in his master's balance before he stepped forward. He began to anticipate attacks not just seconds in advance, but heartbeats – his body moving on instinct before his mind had even registered the threat.
SYSTEM NOTIFICATION: New Skill Unlocked – Mind's Eye (Rank F – 5% complete). Ability to perceive surroundings through Aura detection and environmental awareness. Effects: Reaction time increased by 25%, threat detection range extended by 10 meters.
As his mastery of the technique grew – climbing to Rank E (40% complete) after a year of training – Benimaru began to use it in real-world situations. When Grimm ventured too close to the village, he could sense their presence long before anyone else, giving the watchmen time to prepare. During sparring matches with travelers passing through Whispering Pines, he'd anticipate their moves with uncanny accuracy, often ending fights before they'd properly begun.
But training wasn't the only thing occupying Benimaru's days. He'd made a promise to his mother – to ensure she'd be taken care of even when he left for Signal Academy. With Kael's help, he began taking on work that would let him earn enough to build a substantial savings.
The first job was with the village's lumber merchants, helping to clear fallen trees from the forest paths and transport timber to Silver Creek. His strength, honed by years of training, let him carry loads that would have exhausted grown men, and his Mind's Eye let him navigate the treacherous mountain trails even in heavy fog or darkness. For each cart he delivered, he earned 500 lien – enough to buy food for the week, with a little left over to set aside.
As word of his skills spread, more work came his way. The village blacksmith, Gareth, hired him as an apprentice during his free time – teaching him how to maintain weapons, shape metal, and even infuse Dust into simple tools. Benimaru proved to be a quick study, his hands steady and his focus unwavering. Gareth paid him 1,000 lien a week, plus extra whenever he helped with special orders.
But the most lucrative work came from sanctioned youth combat tournaments held in Vale City once every three months. Kael had arranged for Benimaru to compete under his supervision, ensuring the matches were safe and fair. Fighting against other young warriors from across the kingdom, Benimaru's combination of fire manipulation, close combat skills, and the Mind's Eye made him nearly unbeatable. He won first place in eight out of ten tournaments he entered, earning prize money that ranged from 10,000 to 50,000 lien per victory.
"Use this wisely," Kael had said after Benimaru won his first major tournament, handing him a leather pouch heavy with lien notes. "Money can buy you tools and training, but it can't buy you honor or skill. Save it for when you need it most."
Benimaru took those words to heart. Every week, he'd count his earnings and place the majority of them into an iron strongbox he'd had Gareth forge specifically for the purpose. He kept track of every lien in a small notebook – 2,000 from lumber work, 8,000 from blacksmithing, 35,000 from tournaments – watching the numbers climb slowly but steadily.
His mother, Sakura, tried to insist he keep the money for himself, but Benimaru would have none of it. "You've given me everything," he told her one evening as he added another stack of notes to the box. "Food, shelter, love – you've never let me go without anything I needed. When I leave for Signal, I want you to be able to fix up the cottage, buy whatever you need, and not have to work yourself to exhaustion every day."
Tears filled her eyes as she pulled him close. "My little flame," she whispered, running her fingers through his red hair. "You already give me more than any mother could ask for. But I'll keep this safe for you – until you need it for something important."
By the time Benimaru turned twelve, the strongbox held exactly 500,000 lien – every penny earned through hard work and dedication. On the morning of his birthday, he carried the box to his mother's room and set it on her bedside table, the key hanging from a leather cord around his neck.
"It's all yours," he said simply. "Use it however you need to."
Sakura opened the box and looked at the neatly stacked notes inside, then back at her son. "I'll put some aside for repairs," she said softly. "And the rest… I'll save for when you come home to visit. Maybe we can take a trip to Vale City together – see the markets, visit the museums, celebrate all you've accomplished."
Benimaru smiled, feeling a warmth in his chest that had nothing to do with his Semblance. In his past life, he'd known only loneliness and betrayal. Here, in Remnant, he'd found a family that loved him unconditionally – and a purpose worth fighting for.
The final weeks before leaving for Signal Academy were a blur of preparation. Gareth spent hours maintaining the Flame-Forge Katana, sharpening the blade and recharging the Fire Dust inlay to ensure it was in perfect condition. Kael gave him a leather travel pack filled with essential supplies – a first aid kit, rations, extra clothing, and a small vial of concentrated Fire Dust for emergencies. He also provided detailed instructions on how to get to the Bullhead landing pad in Silver Creek, where the transport to Patch Island would depart from.
"Qrow Branwen and Taiyang Xiao Long will be your instructors at Signal," Kael said the night before Benimaru was to leave, sitting with him and Sakura by the fireplace. "Qrow is one of the best Huntsmen in Vale – unorthodox, but brilliant when it comes to Grimm tactics and combat strategy. Tai is a master of hand-to-hand combat and weapon design – he'll help you refine your skills and maybe even improve your sword if you ask him nicely."
He pulled out a sealed envelope from his pocket and handed it to Benimaru. "This is the acceptance letter – Signal has already approved your admission based on my recommendation and your performance in the tournaments. All you need to do is present this when you arrive."
Benimaru took the envelope with trembling hands, his heart racing with excitement and nervousness. Two years of training, of working, of saving – all of it had led to this moment. He was finally going to Signal Academy, finally going to begin the journey that would make him a true Huntsman.
That night, he barely slept. He spent hours packing his things, checking and rechecking to make sure he hadn't forgotten anything. His sword was carefully wrapped in cloth and placed in its scabbard, his travel pack was organized to the last detail, and the acceptance letter was tucked safely inside his shirt, close to his heart.
When dawn finally broke, Sakura was already awake, cooking his favorite breakfast – blueberry porridge with honey and fresh-baked bread. They ate in silence for a few minutes, then she stood and walked to her wardrobe, pulling out a dark red scarf embroidered with silver thread.
"I made this for you," she said, tying it around his neck with practiced hands. The pattern was of swirling flames and falling cherry blossoms – a combination of the heritage she'd passed down to him and the element he'd always been drawn to. "Your grandmother made one just like it for me when I left home. It won't stop a Grimm's claw or a blade, but it will remind you that you're never truly alone."
Benimaru touched the soft fabric, feeling the warmth of her magic woven into every stitch. "Thank you, Mama," he said quietly, his voice thick with emotion. "I'll never take it off."
The walk to Silver Creek took two hours, with Kael accompanying Benimaru and Sakura to ensure they arrived safely. The morning air was cool and crisp, carrying the scent of pine needles and wildflowers. Villagers they passed along the way stopped to wish Benimaru well – Old Man Henderson pressed a small bag of dried fruit into his hand, Mrs. Tanaka gave him a jar of her famous pickled vegetables, and even the mischievous twins from down the road had come to say goodbye, their usual grins replaced by solemn nods of respect.
At the edge of Whispering Pines, Benimaru turned to look at his home one last time – the wooden cottages nestled among the trees, the smoke rising from chimneys, the familiar paths he'd walked a thousand times. He'd spent twelve years in this village, had grown from a reborn child to a trained warrior here. It would always be his home, no matter how far he traveled.
"The Bullhead will be leaving at noon," Kael said, breaking the silence. "We should get moving if we want to make it on time."
The journey to Silver Creek was quiet, with Benimaru walking beside his mother, carrying his travel pack and sword. They talked of small things – the garden she planned to plant in the spring, the books he'd promised to send her from Signal's library, the stories he'd tell her when he came home for the holidays.
When they reached the landing pad on the outskirts of Silver Creek, a sleek blue and white Bullhead was already waiting, its rotors spinning slowly as it prepared for departure. Other families were gathered there too, saying goodbye to their own children who were heading to Signal Academy. Benimaru could see a few other young warriors his age, their faces a mix of excitement and fear, their weapons carefully secured to their packs.
"Hey! Red head!"
He turned at the sound of the voice to see a girl around his age, her most striking feature is her voluminous, wavy golden-yellow hair that cascades down past her shoulders, with strands framing her face and flowing outward dramatically. She has bright lavender eyes and a warm, self-assured smile. She wears a stylish combat outfit centered around warm tones of gold, brown, and orange. She was waving enthusiastically, standing beside a younger girl, She has short, layered dark red hair with vibrant red highlights that frame her face, and distinctive large silver eyes that give her an intense, sharp gaze. Her outfit blends gothic and combat styles, dominated by black and red tonesand a bright red cape that seemed to glow in the morning sun.
"Master Kael told us you'd be on this flight!" the older girl called out, moving toward them with an easy confidence. "I'm Yang Xiao Long, and this is my little sister Ruby!"
The younger girl gave a shy wave, her silver eyes wide with curiosity as she looked at Benimaru's sword. "Hi," she said softly.
"Benimaru Enjou," he replied, giving them both a small bow. "It's an honor to meet you – Master Kael spoke highly of your family."
Yang grinned, striking a playful pose. "Well, can you blame him? Dad and Uncle Qrow are pretty much legends. Though between you and me, they're also huge dorks."
Ruby giggled, covering her mouth with her hand. "Yang, you can't say that!"
"Why not? It's true!" Yang laughed, then turned to Sakura and Kael with a more respectful expression. "Ma'am, sir – thank you for raising such an awesome warrior. I've heard all about Benimaru's tournament wins, and I can't wait to train with him at Signal."
Sakura smiled warmly. "I'm sure you'll all learn a lot from each other. Take care of my son, won't you?"
"Of course!" Yang promised, throwing an arm around Ruby's shoulders. "We'll look out for each other – that's what Huntsmen do, right?"
As the pilot called for all passengers to board, Benimaru turned to his mother and master for one last goodbye. He pulled Sakura into a tight embrace, holding her as if he could keep her there forever.
"I'll write every week," he whispered in her ear. "And as soon as I get leave, I'll come back to visit."
"I know you will, little flame," she replied, pressing a kiss to his forehead. "Now go – show them what you're made of."
He then turned to Kael and bowed deeply, the proper respect for a teacher who had given him everything. "Thank you, Master," he said simply.
"You've earned this, Benimaru," Kael replied, placing a hand on his head in a rare gesture of affection. "Remember – strength isn't just about power. It's about knowing when to protect, when to help, and when to show mercy. Become the Huntsman your father would have been proud of."
With one final wave to the faces watching from the landing pad, Benimaru turned and walked toward the Bullhead, Yang and Ruby falling into step beside him. As he climbed aboard, he felt a mix of emotions – sadness at leaving home, excitement for what lay ahead, and determination to make the most of this opportunity.
The interior of the Bullhead was spacious and comfortable, with rows of seats along either side and storage compartments built into the walls. Benimaru stowed his travel pack and sword in one of the compartments, then joined Yang and Ruby in seats near the forward windows. As the Bullhead lifted off with a gentle lurch, Ruby pressed her face against the glass, her eyes wide with wonder.
"Oh wow!" she exclaimed, pointing at the landscape below. "Look at how small everything is! The trees look like little green dots, and the river looks like a silver ribbon!"
Yang leaned over beside her, grinning. "I know, right? When I first took a Bullhead to visit Dad on Patch, I couldn't stop staring out the window either. Wait until we get closer – you'll be able to see Signal Academy from the air, and it's even more amazing."
Benimaru watched the two sisters with a small smile, then turned his own gaze to the window. The view was breathtaking – rolling hills covered in forests, small villages dotted across the landscape, and in the distance, the blue expanse of the ocean stretching to the horizon. He'd never been this high before, never seen so much of Vale at once. It gave him a new perspective on the world he'd sworn to protect – how vast it was, how many people there were who needed help.
"Hey, Benimaru – have you ever been to Patch before?" Yang asked, breaking his reverie.
He shook his head. "No. I've never been farther from home than Vale City."
"Well, you're gonna love it there," she said enthusiastically. "The academy is huge – there are training arenas, workshops where you can build and repair weapons, a library with thousands of books, and even a cafeteria that serves the best pancakes you've ever tasted. Dad says they make them with special Dust-infused batter that gives you extra energy – though I think he just likes them because they're covered in syrup."
Ruby turned away from the window, her eyes shining with excitement. "I've been studying everything I can about Signal! I know all about the history of Huntsmen – how they were first organized after the Great War to protect the four Kingdoms from Grimm and other threats. I've read every book on weapon design in the Whispering Pines library, and I've already sketched out three different concepts for my own weapon – a scythe that can also transform into a rifle!"
She pulled a small notebook from her pocket and flipped it open to show him detailed drawings of a large, complex weapon with rotating parts and Dust infusion points and intricate mechanical diagrams alongside each sketch. Benimaru leaned forward, his eyes wide with fascination. The designs were advanced – far more complex than anything he'd attempted with his own sword.
"These are incredible," he said sincerely. "You designed all this yourself?"
Ruby blushed slightly but nodded proudly. "Dad helped me understand some of the engineering principles, but I came up with the basic concept and most of the mechanics. I want it to be versatile – able to handle close combat and long-range attacks, and switch between different Dust types depending on what we're facing. Right now I'm working on integrating gravity Dust so I can adjust the weight of the scythe blade in mid-swing!"
As she spoke, her hands moved in animated gestures, demonstrating how the weapon would transform and function. Benimaru found himself completely captivated – not just by her technical knowledge, but by the passion that radiated from her. It reminded him of how he felt when talking about his training or the Mind's Eye technique.
"Have you had a chance to build any of it yet?" he asked.
"Just a prototype," Ruby admitted, her expression becoming more serious. "Dad says I need to master my Aura and Semblance first before I try working with real Dust and metal – he doesn't want me getting hurt. But I've practiced with wooden models, and I've already figured out most of the fighting style I want to use with it."
Yang chuckled and ruffled her sister's hair despite Ruby's playful protests. "Trust me, she's already pretty dangerous with just a stick. Last month she managed to disarm me three times in a row during our sparring session – and I wasn't even holding back that much!"
"Was too!" Ruby shot back with a grin. "You were just distracted thinking about that new combat boot design Uncle Qrow showed you!"
As the sisters bantered back and forth, Benimaru felt a sense of ease he hadn't experienced in a long time. In Whispering Pines, he'd been the only one his age training to be a Huntsman – the other children had respected him, but they'd never really understood his drive or his abilities. Here, with Yang and Ruby, he felt like he'd found people who shared his passion and his purpose.
The Bullhead climbed higher, and the landscape below shifted from land to ocean. The blue water stretched out endlessly, sparkling like crushed sapphires in the sunlight. In the distance, Patch Island began to take shape – a lush green jewel rising from the waves, with white sand beaches lining its shores and dense forests covering its interior. Atop the highest hill, the distinctive towers of Signal Academy stood out against the sky – a mix of modern architecture and ancient stonework, with flying buttresses and stained glass windows that caught the light like rainbows.
"Wow," Ruby breathed, pressing her face against the window again. "It's even bigger than I imagined."
"Wait until you see the training grounds," Yang said, her voice filled with pride. "There are arenas that can simulate different environments – forests, deserts, mountains – so we can train for any situation. And the weapon workshop is amazing – they have every tool you could ever need, plus master smiths who'll help you with anything you're working on. Dad teaches most of the weapon design classes there – he can make just about anything, and he knows all the tricks for infusing Dust without causing explosions."
"Uncle Qrow teaches Grimm studies and combat tactics," Ruby added, turning away from the window long enough to share more details. "I've read all his published papers on Grimm behavior patterns – he says that understanding how they think is just as important as knowing how to fight them. He also teaches survival skills – how to find food and water in the wilderness, how to treat injuries when you don't have access to a healer, how to navigate using the stars and landmarks."
Benimaru listened intently, making mental notes of everything they said. He'd prepared as much as he could for Signal, but there was still so much he didn't know – so many skills he'd need to learn if he wanted to become a true Huntsman.
"Hey, Benimaru – what's your Semblance?" Yang asked suddenly, leaning back in her seat with a curious expression. "Master Kael mentioned you had some kind of fire ability, but he didn't go into details."
Benimaru nodded and held out his hand, focusing for a moment before a small, gentle flame sparked to life in his palm – dancing and flickering without burning his skin. "Fire Manipulation," he explained. "I can generate and control flames, and channel them through my sword. The Dust in my blade enhances the power, and I've been working on combining it with my combat styles to create different techniques."
He demonstrated by shaping the flame into a small sphere, then into a crescent shape before extinguishing it. "I can also use it to enhance my movement – create bursts of fire to propel myself faster or jump higher."
"Whoa, that's so cool!" Yang exclaimed. "My Semblance is called Burn – it lets me absorb energy from attacks and convert it into strength and speed. The more damage I take, the stronger I get – though Dad keeps telling me I shouldn't rely on getting hit to win fights."
She flexed her arm with a grin. "Not that I mind – there's nothing better than knocking out a Grimm with one good punch!"
Ruby shifted in her seat, looking a little shy. "My Semblance… well, I haven't fully awakened it yet. Dad says it'll come when I find my true purpose – when I understand what I'm fighting for beyond just wanting to be a Huntsman. But I can already feel it sometimes – like a warm presence in my chest, and my speed seems to increase when I'm protecting someone."
Benimaru nodded thoughtfully. "Master Kael says Semblances are tied to our deepest emotions and desires. Mine awakened when I was protecting my village from the White Fang – when I realized I'd do anything to keep the people I care about safe."
The conversation flowed easily after that, as the Bullhead continued its descent toward Patch Island. They talked about their training routines, their favorite types of combat, and what they hoped to achieve at Signal. Ruby was especially excited about the possibility of learning advanced weapon design, while Yang was looking forward to sparring with other skilled fighters from across Vale.
As they neared the island, the pilot's voice came over the intercom: "Attention all passengers – we will be landing at Signal Academy in approximately five minutes. Please fasten your seatbelts and secure all loose items. Welcome to Patch Island!"
Benimaru felt a flutter of excitement in his chest as the Bullhead began its final approach. Through the window, he could see more details of the academy – students practicing in outdoor arenas, small groups walking along tree-lined paths, and the main entrance gate with the Signal Academy crest carved into stone: a sword crossed with a torch, symbolizing knowledge and strength.
"You nervous?" Yang asked, noticing his hands were clenched slightly in his lap.
Benimaru nodded honestly. "A little. What if I'm not good enough?"
"Hey," Yang said firmly, placing a hand on his shoulder. "You've already proven you're good enough – you earned your place here just like the rest of us. And besides, we'll be here to help you out. That's what teaming up is all about, right?"
Ruby leaned forward with a determined expression. "Yeah! We can practice together – you can teach me about the Mind's Eye technique, and I can help you with weapon modifications if you want!"
Benimaru felt a wave of gratitude wash over him. He'd been worried about being alone at Signal, about not fitting in or having no one to turn to when things got tough. But sitting here with Yang and Ruby, he realized he wasn't alone at all – he'd already found friends who understood him and wanted to help him grow stronger.
The Bullhead touched down smoothly on the academy's landing pad, and the rotors began to slow. As the side door slid open with a hydraulic hiss, warm sea air filled the cabin – carrying the scent of salt, pine, and something sweet that Benimaru would later learn was from the cherry blossom trees lining the path to the main buildings.
"Ready to start the rest of our lives?" Yang asked, standing up and grabbing her bag.
Benimaru stood too, adjusting the red scarf around his neck and feeling the weight of his sword at his hip. He thought of his mother back in Whispering Pines, of Master Kael's teachings, of the promise he'd made to protect Remnant's people. Then he looked at his new friends – one with a bright smile and a love of fighting, the other with brilliant silver eyes and a passion for creation – and knew that his journey was just beginning.
"More than ready," he said, and followed them out into the bright sunlight of Patch Island.
The path from the landing pad to the main academy buildings wound through a grove of cherry blossom trees, their pink petals falling like snow in the gentle breeze. Other students were disembarking from the Bullhead behind them, their voices mixing with the sounds of birds singing and distant clashing from the training arenas.
As they approached the main gate, a tall man with a short, spiky black hair with subtle gray streaks, styled to stand up slightly at the front. His facial features are sharp and defined, with a confident, somewhat laid-back expression in the front view. Beside him stood another man with a short, tousled blond hair and sharp blue eyes, with a slight stubble on his jawline and a confident, relaxed expression. A small stud is visible in his lower lip, adding a subtle edge to his look.
"Uncle Qrow! Dad!" Yang exclaimed, rushing forward and throwing her arms around the black-haired man.
Taiyang Xiao Long laughed and pulled his daughter into a tight hug, then ruffled her hair with affection. "There's my little firecracker! I see you've already made a friend."
His gaze shifted to Benimaru and Ruby, and his smile widened. "You must be Benimaru – Kael sent me a letter telling me all about you. And Ruby, little one – you're getting so big! Your mom's been asking me to keep an extra eye on you while you're here."
Ruby ran forward and hugged her father tightly. "I'm so excited, Dad! I've already planned out which classes I want to take, and I have so many ideas for my weapon!"
Tai laughed and kissed the top of her head. "We'll talk about that after you've settled in – first things first, we need to get you all registered and show you to your dormitories."
The black-haired man – Qrow Branwen – stepped forward, his red eyes scanning the three students with a sharp gaze that seemed to see right through them. Despite his casual posture, Benimaru could sense the immense power radiating from him – the kind of strength that came from years of fighting Grimm and protecting the innocent.
"So you're the famous Benimaru," Qrow said, his voice rough but not unfriendly. "Kael says you've got a good head on your shoulders and a Semblance with real potential. He also says you're one of the few kids he's trained who actually listens to instructions – which is more than I can say for some people I know."
He shot a look at Tai, who just grinned in response.
"Welcome to Signal," Qrow continued, turning his attention to all three. "Here, you'll learn everything you need to become Huntsmen and Huntresses – but let me be clear about something. This isn't a game, and it isn't about proving who's the strongest. It's about protecting people who can't protect themselves, about standing against the darkness that threatens our world, and about working together because none of us can do this alone."
He paused for a moment, his expression becoming more serious. "You'll face challenges here that will push you to your limits. You'll fail sometimes – maybe even more than you succeed. But if you're willing to learn from your mistakes, if you're willing to stand by your friends, and if you never forget why you're here… then you might just become the kind of Huntsmen this world needs."
Benimaru felt a surge of determination in his chest. Those words could have been spoken by Master Kael – they echoed everything he'd been taught about what it meant to be a true warrior.
"Come on," Tai said, clapping his hands together to break the moment. "Let's get you all checked in. We've got registration to complete, uniforms to issue, and then I want to see what you can do in the training arena – especially you, Benimaru. Kael says you've developed some interesting techniques I'd like to see firsthand."
As they walked through the main gates and into the academy grounds, Benimaru's eyes widened in wonder. The campus was even more impressive up close – grand stone buildings with soaring towers stood alongside modern facilities with glass walls and advanced technology. Students were everywhere – some practicing combat forms in open courtyards, others working on weapons in outdoor workshops, and still more sitting on benches with books spread out in front of them.
"This way to the administration building," Tai said, leading them along a wide path lined with banners bearing the Signal Academy crest. "After we get you registered, we'll show you to your dorms – the boys' and girls' dorms are separate but connected by a common area, so you'll still be able to study and train together."
"Dad, can we show Benimaru the weapon workshop first?" Ruby asked eagerly. "I want to show him the tools they have there – I think it'll help him with ideas for modifying his sword!"
"After registration, little one," Tai promised with a smile. "One thing at a time."
As they walked, other students began to gather around, curious about the new arrivals. Benimaru could feel their eyes on him – some looking curious, some looking competitive, but most looking like they were just as nervous and excited as he was. He thought of the 500,000 lien he'd left with his mother, of the training he'd endured, of the promise he'd made to protect Remnant.
Two years of preparation had led to this moment. Now, the real work was about to begin.
SYSTEM NOTIFICATION: World Quest – Guardian of the Kingdoms – Progress increased to 10%. New sub-objective: Complete Signal Academy training and graduate with honors. New Location Unlocked: Signal Academy, Patch Island. New Allies Unlocked: Yang Xiao Long, Ruby Rose.
Benimaru adjusted his grip on his sword's scabbard, feeling the familiar warmth of his Semblance stirring beneath his skin. The flame of his past had brought him here. Now, he'd use it to light the way forward – for himself, for his friends, and for everyone who needed a guardian in the darkness.