Chapter 3 – The Higher Ranked Protectors
Months had passed since that day Hakuji stumbled into the dusty dojo.
Master Genzō's endless yelling, bamboo-stick whacks, and nonsensical speeches about "listening to the sword's heartbeat" had finally paid off.
Now, Hakuji stood in the training yard, the katana firm in his grip. His movements were sharp, fast, and precise—his blade sang through the air.
He sheathed it with a satisfying click.
The old master nodded.
"Good. You are no longer just a boy with a sword. You are now… a swordsman."
Hakuji grinned.
> "About time. My back can't take any more of your 'fall-until-you-learn' exercises."
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The Invitation
One week later, Hakuji received an official letter—gold-inked, sealed with a crest he didn't recognize.
"To Hakuji, wielder of the blade and protector of the future,
You are hereby summoned to serve as one of the Higher Ranked Protectors."
Hakuji nearly choked on his instant noodles when he read it.
> "Higher ranked what now?! …Wait. Protectors?! That sounds cool."
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Zoha's Palace
The palace was breathtaking—walls plated with shimmering silver, ceilings carved with neon-lit patterns, and at the center of the hall, the massive golden statue of the Insane Swordsman loomed.
At the foot of the statue stood Zoha, his royal robe swaying softly as he looked down at the new arrivals.
"You five will live here now," he said calmly. "You are my Higher Ranked Protectors. Each of you has proven talent beyond ordinary soldiers. Together, you will guard this palace, and above all, this statue."
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The Team of Five
Hakuji glanced around at his new teammates. One by one, they introduced themselves:
1. Raido – A tall, sharp-eyed man with spiky black hair and a permanent scowl.
He cracked his knuckles as he spoke.
"I don't talk much. I kill fast. Bare hands, one pistol, that's all I need."
His aura was so calm yet violent that even Hakuji shivered.
2. Ishisakawa – A man in his late 30s, quiet and calculating. His eyes glowed faintly whenever someone spoke.
"I can read the flow of thoughts," he explained in a low voice, resting his hand on his SMG. "Makes shooting easier when I know what you'll do before you do it."
Hakuji gulped.
> "So… you can read my mind right now?"
Ishisakawa smirked.
"Mostly. And yes, that thought was embarrassing."
3. Najimi – A cheerful young woman with short hair tied in a messy ponytail. She waved at everyone with both hands.
"I'm Najimi! Martial arts, guns, sniping—you name it, I do it!"
She pulled out two pistols and spun them like a circus trick.
Hakuji blinked.
> "…Are you trying to impress us or shoot the chandelier?"
4. Aharen – A small, silent figure sitting in the corner. She looked almost half-asleep, her bangs covering her eyes.
When Zoha introduced her, she simply pulled out a poisoned kunai, flicked it at the wall, and the blade embedded perfectly between two bricks without a sound.
Hakuji leaned closer to Najimi.
> "Wait… she's not even human-speed. That was scary."
Najimi whispered back, grinning.
"She's the fastest killer alive. Don't blink."
5. Hakuji – Finally, all eyes turned to him.
He scratched his cheek awkwardly, katana resting on his shoulder.
"Uh… I'm Hakuji. Katana, guns, sniper, pistol—kinda all-rounder, I guess. But, uh, don't expect me to be serious all the time. I'm just here because the dojo kidnapped my life."
The others stared blankly.
Najimi burst into laughter.
Raido muttered, "Tch. Clown."
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The Palace Rooms
After introductions, Zoha's servants led each protector to their personal quarters.
Raido's room was spartan—just a bed and a punching dummy. He smirked approvingly.
Ishisakawa's room was stacked with books, maps, and weapons. He immediately began organizing.
Najimi's room was cozy and bright, with practice mats for martial arts. She squealed, rolling on the bed.
Aharen's room was practically empty—dark, silent, with knives neatly arranged. She didn't even blink before lying down.
Finally, Hakuji's turn.
The servant opened the door… and inside was a ridiculously oversized chamber. Chandeliers, silk curtains, golden furniture, a massive bed big enough for ten people, and even a bathtub in the middle of the room shaped like a dragon.
Hakuji froze.
His jaw dropped.
Then—
"ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!" he screamed, echoing through the palace.
"This isn't a room, it's a freaking museum! Where am I supposed to sleep, on the chandelier?! I don't deserve this!!"
Najimi poked her head in, laughing.
"Wow, Hakuji, you're basically a prince now."
Hakuji fell to his knees, clutching his head dramatically.
> "I JUST WANTED A NORMAL BED!"
And thus, the Higher Ranked Protectors' strange new life in Zoha's palace began.
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✨End of Chapter 3✨