Kenji reached the village farm just as the morning mist began to lift.
The farmland stretched wide, spanning the size of several houses joined together. Rows of crops filled the earth, already dotted with men hard at work.
"Morning, Kenji. Ready to work?" one of the men called out.
"Yes, sir," Kenji replied. His expression was neutral, eyes distant and dark.
The man hesitated, studying him with quiet pity. "Listen, Kenji. It might be best if you—"
"How can I help?" Kenji interrupted calmly.
The man let out a resigned sigh. "You'll pack the harvest into crates and buckets over there. Alian called in sick today, so you'll also help the herb group."
"Okay."
Kenji moved without complaint, disappearing among the rows of crops.
Back at the house, Yume woke with energy she could barely contain.
She bathed quickly, changed into her hakama, and tied her light brown hair into neat pigtails. Without hesitation, she hurried into the boys' room.
Takahiro was still asleep.
Golden sunlight spilled through the window, catching in his blond hair and making it shine. In the village, Takahiro was often spoken of as if he were royalty. From his flawless features to his calm smile and bright eyes, he seemed blessed in every way.
Yume climbed onto the bed and sat on him.
Takahiro stirred under the sudden weight. His eyes opened slowly, revealing gem-like green irises.
"Morning, Yume," he said, voice still heavy with sleep.
"Morning, oni-san," Yume replied, beaming.
Takahiro rose and prepared for the day, slipping into his hakama and taking the wooden sword leaning beside the doorway.
Outside, Ray was already waiting.
"Morning, Master," Takahiro said, bowing.
"Morning, Papa," Yume added cheerfully.
Ray sighed. "How many times must I tell you, little one? During training, I am 'Master.'"
Yume smiled unabashed. "Papa is Papa."
Ray shook his head, though a small smile betrayed him. Takahiro smiled as well.
They walked a short distance from the house to an open field.
"Let's begin," Ray said. "Both of you have awakened. Congratulations. Yume, even if late, an awakening is still a blessing."
Yume's smile widened.
"I'll explain briefly," Ray continued. "Awakening is the moment when one's Hashi core is born and their Hashi veins fully develop."
He turned to Takahiro. "What is Hashi?"
"Hashi is the energy that connects all living things and flows through them," Takahiro answered.
Ray nodded. "Correct. Humans are not born with a core. When young, the body is sensitive and absorbs the world's Hashi slowly, forming one over time. Those whose bodies are favored awaken early, some as young as nine. Others awaken later."
His gaze shifted to Yume. "Eleven, in your case."
Yume raised her hand.
"Yes?"
"What about Kenji?"
Ray's expression tightened briefly.
"Kenji is… a special case," he said carefully. "His body absorbs too little of the world's Hashi and refuses to retain it."
He looked down for a moment, then straightened, the mentor returning.
"That is all for now. Let us begin today's training."