‘What happened? Why do their faces look sad? And why are they looking at me like I’m disturbing something?’

Sakura’s eyes widened as Kazuma entered. Without a word, she rushed toward him, burying her face into his chest. Her slender arms wrapped tightly around him, trembling as tears flowed freely.

Kazuma’s expression softened. He gently placed a hand on her head, “What happened? Tell me. I’ll solve it if it’s in my hands.”

“I want to go to the academy, be strong, and make friends,” she said between sobs. “B-but Dad doesn’t allow me to go and keeps saying the same words.”

“Okay, go.” Ren blinked back tears. His voice broke as he spoke. “Stop crying. I won’t stop you, and for the fees, I have savings… I was saving them for you.”

– Hey, what are you talking about? Are you really sending her?

– Then… you tell her. Maybe she’ll listen to you.

– Okay, I’ll handle it. Stop crying, you idiot.

Kazuma smiled faintly, placing a hand on her shoulder with a gentle firmness. “I also don’t want you to go.”

“Huh!?”

He gave a small chuckle, brushing a strand of her hair behind her ear. “Don’t misunderstand me. Instead, I’ll teach you. Will you accept me as your master?”

She stepped back, eyes wide with surprise. “Really?” she asked, her voice laced with curiosity and hope.

“Yes. But for the friends part, I’ll try to act like your friend, though I can’t act your age. And I won’t be as many friends as at the academy. But one thing I can guarantee… you’ll have someone stronger than the academy teachers.”

– Hey, are you joking?

– I stopped her for now. You should thank me, idiot. There’s no other method. Or convince her yourself… Why ask for my help?

“Okay, I accept you, Uncle, as my master.” She wiped her tears and smiled.

*****

A guard, face hidden beneath a black cloth with only his eyes visible, stood in Sujin’s private chamber. His voice was steady and loyal. “All are ready for the tournament, Sujin-sama. We just have to wait one month.”

Kenma Sujin (with a little short boxed brown beard, ripped body, 40 years old, wearing a red robe and scars on his forearms.)

(The throne room is spacious, with three seats beside the throne, seats next to the pillars along the entryway, and side seats for people. But he doesn’t go to the main room unless there are serious declarations or announcements. Sometimes he just goes to the balcony and declares.)

(There are many rooms in the palace such as Throne room… The palace is at the center, connected to five roads, with tall buildings along them. Each road is blocked at the end by a huge circular wall that surrounds the entire Capital City, with a single entry between large pillars.)

Sujin’s finger tapped rhythmically. “Ha ha ha! I’m curiously excited to see how the members perform this year. Seriously, in past years, participants haven’t done so well. At my age, all were tough, you know?”

“..”

His eyes narrowed. “How are my sons doing? I haven’t allowed them to participate till now, but they’ve turned 20… and one of them might be a future king. Are they learning properly?” He coughed lightly, then smirked. “I know you teach them properly, but now they are my pride.”

He continued, “This year, we have to win. Then more coins will come to us and missions… not just for the coins. It’s a matter of pride.”

“I am trying my best, Sujin-sama, but Roy…”

Sujin slammed his palm onto the wooden table beside him. “Okay, I understand. He is a stubborn child… he is Mom’s boy.” His chest heaved once before he composed himself. “Well, at least one son is good. Try to allow more participants this year… then we might see some strong ones. I know this may not work, but…”

“Tell me, Sujin-sama.”

“Try to reduce the power level required for entry. Some new members at age 16 or 17 may have less energy, but if we polish them, or if they evolve during the rounds, we could gather strong members. Keep checking on my sons.”

“Sujin-sama, this may inconvenience you… but is it alright to reduce the requirement? There’s also something opposite to your words… trash will come too.”

There was a brief silence.

“And my analysis… with a rough estimate of 10,000 members wanting to participate… only 100 will pass. But with your proposal, maybe 150 will pass.”

He continued, “Many people in the kingdom don’t have much kairo energy. They are normal folks… farmers, workers, craftsmen… but have the zeal to participate or for coins. Sorry for my words, but if even 50 more members increase, I think they will be trash too.”

“Why sorry? You’re thinking logically. But let me ask you something…”

“Ask anything, Sujin-sama.”

Sujin turned, a faint smile playing on his lips. “Do you believe in miracles?”

“..”

He said with a smile, “I believe. You may be right, but there’s also the possibility of hidden talent. Maybe not 16 or 17… could be 25 too, right?”

“I also believe, but I lost hope long ago. But I understand your words. I will make instructions as per your orders, Sujin-sama.”

“For ninjas, Kairo level isn’t the only thing that matters. Of course, it’s important… but so are endurance, agility, stealth, focus, speed, IQ, precision…”

****

Ren walked through the quiet village path. (There are barely 20 houses in that village, with farmlands outside.)

He stopped in front of a modest wooden house, hesitated a moment, then slid the door open and stepped inside.

Inside, Sakuragi turned from arranging something on a table, startled by the sudden presence.

Sakuragi (35 years old, wearing a black widow dress, with medium fair skin tone)

“Ren-sama, what happened? Did something go wrong? Is there any issue about Sakura?”

He lowered his gaze, then he bowed deeply to the floor. Tears dripped silently to the wooden planks below. “Don’t call me sama.”

“Sorry for not saving your husband.”

She stood there, frozen. Then her lips trembled as she turned away, hiding her eyes with one hand. “Why are you bowing, Ren-sama? Please, don’t say sorry. What happened… he just died because of his rash mouth.” Her voice broke as tears slipped down her cheeks. “Please raise your head, Ren-sama.”

He slowly raised his head, “Just call me Ren or even call me a fool. This pathetic fellow couldn’t even unsheathe his katana.” His voice lowered, full of shame. “I know you’re crying and just saying those words to comfort me. Please turn this side, or I’ll come to that side.”

Wiping her tears quickly, she faced away. “Please don’t. I don’t want you to see my face, Ren sa… okay, I won’t call you sama. Don’t worry about me… it was just his unlucky day.”

“Can I tell you something? After listening, tell me if you agree or not.”

She didn’t turn. “Don’t request, you have to order. If you and Kazuma-san didn’t come that day, maybe nobody in this village would be living like now.”

“I’m not talking about that. Why are you bringing up the past?”

She turned sharply, “I’ll do it. I know what you’ll say… that dumb Sakura, did she do something again?”

“Not that… I want to participate in the tournament.”

Before he could even finish, she quickly walked to him and knelt down. Her hands cupped his face gently as she blinked in surprise. “Again? Did I hear correctly? I agree.”

“Huh!”

“I know what you’re going to say. You’re worried about what I think, right? Maybe I’ll ask why you’re going now and not ten days ago when you didn’t save my husband. Right?”

His eyes widened. “You know that and you’re saying you agree!?”

“Why would I stop you?” She smiled cheerfully. “Go and show your power to your daughter.”

“Actually, I didn’t want to go because of that guilt. But Kazuma keeps asking and now he’s even blackmailing me.”

She laughed openly, brushing her hair behind her ear. “Then I’ll definitely support Kazuma-san. I also don’t want you bound to this village.”

Ren gave a sheepish smile. “Even you are also supporting Kazuma.”

She looked at him tenderly, with a calm and warm tone, she said, “I always wanted a brother in my childhood… someone who could protect me with his almighty power. And when I saw you that day, I felt that way.”

“But I was afraid to face you and started calling you ‘sama’ like all the villagers, because of your strong presence. But after seeing your personality, I didn’t fear but I respected you in my own way… well… I want to call you oniisan.”

(older brother, niisan - casual, oniisan - Respect)

Her expression hardened, voice trembling with fury. “I think my husband talked rashly. But those scoundrels killed him in front of all the villagers to create fear. They don’t know about you…”

She continued, “Kazuma-san also didn’t want to make the issue bigger. But if you’re willing to go, he’ll always support you.”

“...”

“Oi! I’m just talking about your power, not about my husband,” she leaned closer, and teased. “Don’t cry. After some days, I’ll return to normal.”

“...”

“Still thinking? This time, I’m asking my oniisan, not Ren-sama. Can you do me a favour?”

Ren met her gaze. “I’ll do anything.”

With tears pooling again, she said softly, “Then beat those bastards. My worry is that my husband’s death will go in vain. This news didn’t even cross the Capital City entrance. They don’t even know your name, lowly scums. They’re guards of the chief.”

She leaned forward and hugged him affectionately, “But promise me one thing… don’t kill anybody. I don’t want the past oniisan. I want you to start a fresh life.”

Ren nodded faintly. “I’ve thought that too…” He smiled gently. “Now I’ll ask you a favour. You have to do it.”

“Oh, now you’re ordering? Okay, tell me. Is it teaching Sakura some manners?”

“Why are you so irritated with Sakura? She’s my daughter.”

“Then that makes her my niece,” she said while pulling his cheeks playfully. “Okay, tell me what I have to do?”

“HIT ME.”

“Huh!?”

“You heard me correct. Just hit me hard, then maybe, just maybe, I can atone a little for my mistakes… no, my sins.”

Without hesitation, her punch rocketed into his cheek. His eyes went wide as he flew sideways into the wooden wall with a crash. The room shook.

‘Hu hu um... What happened now? My eyes… they’re blurry…’

She rushed to him and sprinkled water on his face. His eyes fluttered open, vision unfocused.

“Do you think I wouldn’t hit you? You let your guard down against me? Poor oniisan. My husband died because of you. Even though he was rude, he loved me. Now what? Can my hit atone for you, at least a little?”

“Yes, somewhat. I didn’t think you’d hit me like that. Your punch is so powerful…”

“I only hit you because of you, idiot! If it were anybody else, they’d come at me. And by the way… I’m calling you an idiot. Can that atone you more?”

Ren raised his head weakly, “If you want to hit more, hit me… I’ll happily receive it, guard down, every punch. I know… even 100 punches won’t be enough.”

He slowly stood, wobbling, vision spinning.

“Come, hit the second—”

And then he collapsed forward, face-first. “Well… you hit hard, you know?” he mumbled, coughing blood.

A few minutes later…

His blurry vision slowly cleared as he saw Sakuragi crouching beside him, tears flowing freely.

“Don’t cry. Your niisan won’t die that easily,” he said, forcing a crooked smile. “There are still 99 punches left.” He coughed, chest heaving. “But please give time between hits. After 100 punches… at least forgive me 1%.”

She scolded him through a sob. “Fool, what are you talking about? I don’t resent you… so what would I even forgive you for?” She sniffled, wiping her face. “I don’t think I hit that hard… Did you get weak?”

“I’m not weak… That punch really hurt.” He leaned against the wall, a dazed smile spreading across his bruised face. “Well, I’ll stand after some time. Don’t disturb me.”

30 minutes later…

Sakuragi poked his shoulder with her finger. “Oi, wake up. You’re definitely getting weak.”

Ren stirred, yawning, and sat up. “Well, anyway… I feel like a light burden has been lifted.” He rubbed his cheek. “Is there anything to eat? Before leaving, at least let me eat your food.”

She crossed her arms and gave him a playful glare. “I would’ve cooked delicious food if you’d told me before coming. Well, wait a few minutes… I’ll prepare rice, curry, and dumplings.”

30 minutes later…

“Still not ready? I’m hungry because of your punch!”

As she arranged food on the floor, she yanked his ear with mock irritation. “Now you’re complaining? You suddenly said you wanted to eat!” Then she smiled gently. “Well, eat as much as you want. After that, if you’re still hungry, I can cook more. There are plenty of grains and vegetables… Thanks to you, the villagers live peacefully by farming.”

“I didn’t do anything. Everyone is like that these days.”

He continued, “We’ll depart in three days.”

“I heard from Sakura that there's still one month left until the tournament. So why the hurry!? You can reach it in three days even if you go slowly, right?”

“Well, Kazuma said if you agree to me coming, we’ll depart in three days.”

She tilted her head. “Still… It’s too early. Wait, Kazuma-san said that!? Then maybe there’s a reason behind it.”

Ren stood, walked toward the exit. He made his way directly to the yard behind Kazuma’s house.

****

Behind Kazuma’s house, “Uncle, teach me the art. You said if I agreed, you’d teach me, right? It’s been almost an hour. Now I have endurance and a minimum Kairo level. Teach me something hard!”

“Keep quiet. Just practice increasing your avatars with accuracy.”

On the swing nearby, Hisagi sat sideways, rocking slightly while munching on fruit.

From behind the swing, Ren was approaching.

Kazuma noticed first. “Do you want to go?” he asked casually, his voice soft but pointed.

Ren turned slightly to the right, not making eye contact. “Yes.”

“Oh, really? I didn’t think you’d come this quickly. Can I take that as a yes… you’ll walk that path again?”

Still turned away, Ren replied quietly, “No. I want to create a new path… and walk in that.”

Kazuma blinked. He quickly closed the distance and grabbed Ren’s face, forcing him to turn.

“Hey, I understand you’re angry at me, but why are you saying that while looking away?” he asked. Then his expression immediately changed.

A red, swollen mark bloomed on Ren’s left cheek. “Hey… who did this to you?”

Ren looked away, his voice embarrassed and low. “Th-that is… well, Sakuragi hit me.”

“She’s not the type to hit out of anger. Did you do something? Why?”

“I only asked her to hit me,” Ren muttered, voice almost sulky. “But I didn’t think she could hit that hard.”

Kazuma puffed out a laugh, covering his mouth. “Sakura, look at your dad’s face once… it’s funny!”

Sakura and Hisagi both rushed forward, eyes widening.

“What happened, Dad?!”

“Who dared to hit you, Master, like that!?”

Kazuma, struggling not to burst into laughter, explained, “Hey, don’t worry. It’s a small matter. Sakuragi hit him.”

Leaning closer to Hisagi, he whispered with a grin, “Do you think anybody else could hit him? Just leave it.”

“Aunty hit you, Dad? I don’t think she’s that type of person. Did you do something?”

Kazuma coughed. Trying to shift the topic, “Well, that’s over, Sakura. Don’t ask your dad.” Then he switched to a more serious tone, “Now, coming to the main point, we both are coming to the tournament with you. So I want to tell you three points.”