Chapter 4:THE SWORDS RANKING

Scene: School Courtyard — After class ends

Haruto steps out of the classroom and spots Hinaru sitting alone on a bench, arms crossed, eyes closed.

Haruto:
"Yo! Bro, wanna hang out with us?"

Hinaru: (coldly)
"No."

Scene transition: Night outside Akaari Academy

Haruto finds Hinaru silently training under the moonlight.

Haruto:
"You're crazy strong, man. Why don't you just become an official Akaari already?"

Hinaru: (quietly)
"Don’t bother me. It’s none of your business."

Haruto:
"Then why are you training like that? You act all tough, but can’t even face a Yamari or a Hanma. You're a coward!"

Hinaru's eyes flare with rage as he slowly turns

Hinaru:
"You... little brat. You don’t know a damn thing."

He walks away into the night.

Scene: Next morning – Akaari Classroom

Haruto rushes in late.

Sensei:
"You're late. Sit down. Today’s lesson is—"

Haruto:
"Hey! Sensei… if we can't even harm the Yamari, how are we supposed to kill them?! That’s just unfair!"

Sensei: (sternly)
"You talk too much. But… good question."

He walks to the blackboard and draws a circle of colors.

Sensei:
"There are 9 ranks of Shūketsu swords, based on the colors of the 8 planets… and the sun. Each color means something different — it shows your potential."

Sword Color Ranks:

• D Rank

  • Mercury (White)
  • Mars (Tan)

• C Rank

  • Venus (Orange)
  • Earth (Green)

• B Rank

  • Uranus (Purple)
  • Neptune (Blue)

• A Rank

  • Saturn (Yellow)

• S Rank (Ultra Rare)

  • Jupiter (Red-Orange)

• S+ Rank (Mythic)

  • Sun (Crimson Gold)
  • Only 2 wielders in known history:
    1. The legendary warrior who defeated the Nameless One.
    2. The strongest Akaari of this generation.

Haruto’s eyes widen as he stares at the drawing of the red sword. A memory flashes in his mind — a man saving him with that very color.

Haruto:
"I’ve seen a red wielder before… He saved my life."

Everyone turns toward him, shocked.

Student A:
"You met the strongest warrior alive?!"

Student B:
"What does he look like?! Is he tall? Is he scary?!"

Haruto:
"Uh— I didn’t really see his face… but he was incredible."

Yuki, clearly jealous, crosses her arms.

Yuki:
"Tch… it’s not that big of a deal."

Bell rings

Sensei:
"Enough chatter. Tomorrow, we'll study the power of each sword… and you'll all fight in a 1v1 match. Be ready."

End of Chapter 4.