Chapter 2: The Red Blade

The Hanma lunged at Haruto — jaws wide, claws gleaming under the fading light.

Haruto couldn’t move.

His legs refused to obey. His heart thundered in his chest.

This was it. He was going to die.

But then—

SHHHING—!

A red flash split the air. In a single, fluid motion, the Hanma was cleaved in two.

Its body collapsed to the ground with a heavy thud, black blood steaming against the soil.

Haruto blinked, frozen in place.

Before him stood a tall warrior, calm and composed. His sword pulsed — bright red, glowing like fire against the darkened sky.

> “Tch… Just as I thought.”

The man didn’t turn to look at Haruto. His voice was low and steady.

> “That wasn’t just a regular Hanma. I sensed something far more dangerous. Something strong… maybe even A-Rank Yamari-level.”

Haruto stumbled to his feet, eyes wide.

> “W-Who are you…?”

The man didn’t answer.

He slowly raised his sword, examining the blood dripping from its edge.

> “The scent is still around… but it’s scattered. Hard to track when Hanma blood’s been spilled everywhere.”

Haruto took a step forward, desperate.

> “Wait—! That thing killed my grandma…! I… I couldn’t do anything—!”

The warrior finally looked at him — his gaze sharp but not unkind.

> “Then get stronger.”

With those words, he sheathed his blade. The red glow dimmed.

And just like that… he walked away, disappearing into the trees.

Haruto stood there in silence. Eyes burning. Fists clenched.

> “Stronger… huh?”

He looked down at his hands — still shaking. Still weak.

Then to the blackened stain on the ground where the Hanma had fallen.

And finally…

To the broken house behind him.

His breath caught in his throat.

> “I swear… I’ll become strong enough to face anything. Yamari. Hanma. Even death itself.”

> “No matter what it takes.”

---