Every recruit was required to master every discipline without exception.

Spears were thrust, twirled, and spun until every movement flowed like a dance.

Arrows flew until striking the mark became second nature.

Swords rose and fell against dense crimson bamboo until each swing sliced clean through the stalks with effortless precision.

Finally, the time came to choose their signature weapon.

Eiji gravitated toward the odachi, its massive, sweeping blade the only thing capable of matching his raw strength.

Haruki, however, chose the naginata. Every sweep of the long polearm moved with him like a graceful dance.

By the end of their second year, they were officially anointed as the Blades of Tsutsumi.

The village erupted in celebration, a swirl of vibrant colors and the scent of burning incense offered to the spirits of snow and preservation.

“How long has it been since we last enjoyed a walk like this together?”

Fuyuki was reminiscing as he strolled beside his brother.

He glanced over at Eiji and smiled,

“You've gotten so much bigger.”

“Yeah? And you're still built like a twig,”

Eiji chuckled.

“Hey!”

Fuyuki protested with a laugh.

“I may not look like it, but we train physically at the temple. Magic grows when the body is strong enough to support it.”

Eiji smiled warmly, listening to Fuyuki.

“I bet you'll become an even more incredible mage, soon.”

He ruffled Fuyuki's hair before resting a hand on his head.

“I'm proud of you.”

He noticed the metal band on his wrist.

“Rowan…”

The peaceful atmosphere gave way to a mixture of tension and anticipation as Village Chief Fuyukisei and General Hyosei stepped forward to address the crowd.

“A month from now, the Sacred Rite shall be held.”

The crowd grew silent as the chiefess continued.

“It is a ceremony where every warrior of Yaiba-Tsutsumi shall attend regardless of rank, and years of service.”

Hyosei stepped in.

“The Sacred Rite shall be held to determine the next Yaibashō, the Blade General.”

The crowd murmured.

“Next general?”

“Why? Is he going somewhere?”

“Does he plan on retiring?”

“I bet his real son will claim the title.”

“I know some of you are confused.”

He paused.

“Age has finally begun to claim what youth once gave me. My body could no longer bear the responsibilities of this title.”

Hyosei admitted, voice resigned.

“And so, we decided that it is time to find someone worthy to inherit both the title and the duty.”

Haruki's pulse quickened.

He felt immense pressure and excitement; finally, the moment of his ascension is near.

And that’s when he saw Eiji across the crowd.

For the first time, a flicker of doubt pierced his pride.

…

The morning light felt sharp and unforgiving.

Haruki was out for a brisk run when he happened upon Eiji and his circle of friends.

“I can't wait for the Trials,”

Seiya couldn’t hide her excitement.

“I may not stand a chance against you, Eiji or Haruki. But at least I'll get to experience what it's like to stand in the general's shoes.”

Seiya straightened.

“Well... minus all the politics.”

Nobutaka and Nadare nodded.

“You're the only one who can truly challenge Haruki.”

Nobutaka patted Eiji’s shoulder.

Hidden among the nearby brush, Haruki froze. Every muscle in his body tensed as he waited for Eiji's answer.

“I'm not entering,” Eiji quietly answered.

“I’m not going to compete with him.”

Haruki's expression darkened.

“Is that how little he thinks of me?”

Haruki slowly lowered his head.

His fists clenched.

Without looking back, he walked away.

“To me…”

Eiji spoke softly,

“Haruki is already our General.”