It is a world of ninjas but not only of ninja arts. Katana skills also exist alongside them. Both combat styles are well-established. Some rely on ninja techniques, some fight with the katana, and a few are exceptionally skilled in both.

Ren (a man of 40 years with the appearance of a handsome 25-year-old, white hair, a scar from the corner of his right eye down to his nose, and small scars on the top right corner of his head, wearing shabby, torn ninja clothes, his black katana resting beside him on the ground)

He stared blankly at the children in the yard, sitting still on the veranda, his hands resting motionless on his knees.

A quiet, haunting question echoed inside him. ‘What is the purpose of my life? Actually… what is the purpose of one’s life? Why do people want to fight and kill someone?...’

A faint tremble ran through his fingers as the memories resurfaced. His eyes become blurry.

A sudden flash, a scene soaked in blood, bodies scattered like fallen leaves.

Then, a voice broke the silence from behind.

“You idiot, what are you thinking about not eating for ten days?”

The voice carried fire, and those eyes narrowed in frustration, glared at him.

“I know that incident will be painful,” the person said firmly, stepping closer, “but you have to eat.”

Ren didn’t respond. His gaze remained fixed on the children’s laughter in the yard.

“Huh... pain in the as⬛. Why did I even go that day? If I’d stayed back, I would’ve beat them to death.”

Ren suddenly turned, his voice rising in anger as he snapped, “What comes for you with them dead, Kazuma?”

Kazuma (a 40-year man with a youthful 25-year-old appearance, red hair, green pupils, wearing a modern red-and-black shirt and black pants)

“You should talk like a 25-year-old, not like a 40-year-old man,” Kazuma said with a sarcastic voice, a dry smile playing at his lips.

“All because of your stupidity ninja art.”

“You… you dare… I came up with food for you and you are talking about my ninja art? Nobody can easily do that. Only because of that…” His rant trailed off as he caught sight of Ren’s face, quiet, distant, and drowning in sorrow.

He squatted beside him and nudged his elbow gently, his eyes narrowing. “Okay I understand your pain, but you have to eat. It’s not your fault.”

Ren’s shoulders drooped as if carrying a lifetime of failure. “What is the purpose of me living?” Tears slipped down his cheeks, his voice thick with regret. “This pathetic me, even I don’t able to save a single person.”

His voice deepened, trembling. “I am able to save him, there’s nobody else in the village that has the capability of saving him on that day… you, or my daughter, or Hisagi… but me, in front of my eyes, that is happening and I am not even able to open the sheath of my katana.”

Kazuma clicked his tongue, shaking his head in frustration. “Then why are you practicing and training, you pathetic idiot? Then die.”

“Huh?”

“You heard correctly… then die. Every day crying. I already said it’s not your fault. Not because of you he died,” his voice softened, sadness threading through the edge, “It’s just an unlucky day.”

He gave a faint, teasing smile and placed a hand gently on Ren’s shoulder. “Are you afraid that old you came again? Don’t worry, I will protect you this time.”

Ren gritted his teeth, head lowering slightly as guilt clawed at him from within. “You stupid. I am doing training only for protecting my daughter. I don’t kill anybody.”

“Okay, I know,” Kazuma faintly smiled, eyes warm but distant. With a smirk tugging at his lips, he added, “Then you have to try saving him.”

“I-I…”

“You have to overcome your trauma,” he said calmly. “You also know even if you don’t do and live peacefully, the other side doesn’t think like that. Even some lower ones don’t even know your name and come to fight with you.”

The door flung open with a loud thud. Hisagi burst in, panting, sweat streaking across his brow. “Master-master, did I listen correctly or not? ‘You don’t want to eat anything nowadays’ Sakura said to me.”

“You punk, you have to knock on the door first!” Kazuma called out with a teasing voice, rolling his eyes. “And again, when did you make him your disciple, he called you so many times?”

Ren closed his eyes for a brief moment, letting out a long sigh. “I didn’t take him as my disciple. He only called like that. Even what skills I have to make him my disciple.”

“Master, don’t talk like that.” Hisagi puffed out his chest, trying to look braver than the boyish worry on his face. “I am very passionate, I am a very quick learner. Please teach me ninja art.”

His tone turned soft, almost breaking, “I have come to the age of 20 even though I don’t know a single ninja art. I just swing my katana every day.”

Hisagi (a cute teen boy, age 20, blonde hair, pale white skin, innocent brown eyes, wearing shabby, sweat-soaked clothes)

Sakura crossed her arms and rolled her eyes, clearly unimpressed. “Hey, why are you calling my dad a master! He doesn’t know anything but just timidly crying.” She leaned against the doorway, her expression half-amused, half-irritated, “Uncle is better than my dad. Ask uncle to teach you some ninja arts.”

Sakura (a beautiful 20-year-old girl with long blonde hair, a small mole on the lower left side of her lip, charming eyes, wearing a green Chinese dress)

“Hey, I have the right to choose my teacher,” Hisagi said with an exaggerated voice, chest puffed proudly.

But in his mind, a thought stirred, ‘You don’t even know about your dad. That day I saw him just standing there, holding a katana… his aura alone made me sweat and tremble. And that may not even be half… no, not even 25% of his power. If he ever used his full strength… what would happen? Just who is your dad? That day, I decided he’s the one I want to learn from.’

Sakura raised an eyebrow, her gaze sharp with a teasing grin. “Hey, what are you? Daydreaming?”

“No, just curious why the master is with a katana even though he doesn’t have skill—”

Hisagi’s words trailed off as his eyes suddenly widened. A cold shiver crept up his spine. ‘What is this feeling!’

Slowly, he turned his head and there it was.

Kazuma’s stare, heavy and unblinking, came slicing through the air like a silent threat.

“Huh?” Sakura blinked in confusion.

Hisagi let out a nervous laugh, trying to gather his crumbling composure. “Ha-ha-ha, nothing. The Tournament is coming, right? That’s why I want to learn ninja arts.”

But inside, he was screaming, ‘I have to change the topic. What is this feeling? Why did I say those words? Oh God, please save me…’

Sakura crossed her arms, her tone dripping with arrogance. “What nonsense are you talking about? Do you even know how tough that tournament is? And with your clothes? They won’t even let you enter.”

Grinding his teeth, he shot back, “What? They should be looking at skills, not clothes!”

She scoffed carelessly, eyes rolling. “You’re talking like a frog. You don’t know anything. What skills and arts do you even have?”

He didn’t answer. He knew the truth, he hadn’t learned any ninja arts yet. Still… he clenched his fists and thought, ‘I want to look cool.’

Sakura’s voice softened a little as she caught the flicker in his eyes. “Don’t feel sad. I also didn’t pass that tournament. Even though I participated three times.”

He didn’t reply.

She smirked and poked Hisagi’s forehead lightly with her finger, “Okay, this year we will go together and play. But promise me you won’t cry when you lose?”

“Wh-why do I cry?” Hisagi’s cheeks turned red with shyness.

“Poff... ha ha ha, you’re behaving like a kid.” Sakura tried to stifle her laugh behind her hand, but it spilled out anyway.

He rubbed the back of his neck, shrinking slightly under everyone’s gaze.

“Why are you laughing, you idiot?” he muttered, then cursed himself inwardly, ‘My honor is damaged. You pathetic fool, why do you behave like that in front of Sakura?... How does the master feel about me now?’

“Wait, wait, Sakura, I didn’t teach any great arts to you,” Kazuma said, arms behind his back as he watched with an amused glint in his eyes. “But if you promise one thing, I will teach you. That might help you win the tournament.”

“Really? Tell me anything, uncle… I promise I’ll do it!” Sakura bounced on her feet, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

‘What a correct situation this is. I’ll use this.’ He grinned mischievously. “Ha ha ha…”

“Uncle, why are you laughing? I will do anything. Don’t you have any confidence in your disciple?”

Ren narrowed his eyes at Kazuma, instantly catching that all-too-familiar scheming aura.

Kazuma chuckled slyly, placing one hand on his hip and pointing to the east. “Ren and I will come with you… to the tournament and participate. Then I’ll teach.”

“What? Kazuma, what shit are you talking about? If you want to go, go by yourself. Why drag me into this?”

“Uncle… that is right. What did dad do coming to the tournament?”

“I agree.” Hisagi brightened, ‘If the master comes, I will be able to see…’

“Hey, what are you talking about, idiot? What do you mean you agree?” Sakura snapped, folding her arms with a sharp glare. “Dad just got into our way. And do you think they allow anybody?”

She continued, her voice rising slightly with disbelief, “In the Capital City itself, so many tough opponents participate. Then think about other towns, villages… tens of thousands of members will come to participate. They allow it only by checking the power levels.”

“Don’t worry. I have a plan,” Kazuma said with a sly grin. “All you have to agree to is for me and Ren to come to the tournament with you.”

“O-okay, I agree.” Sakura’s voice trembled, and her brows furrowed as she thought hard. “But your age is 40, the limit is only 25?... By the way, Dad, do you agree? You don’t have to come and struggle?”

Kazuma calmly responded, “Why do you feel like that? Your dad also knows some arts, and that is my duty, not yours. And for the first question, they aren’t able to detect our age. My ninja art only few know about that, so problem solved.”

“But…” Sakura began, her voice low with worry.

“Shuuu, matter settled,” Kazuma said, cutting her off with a dismissive wave. “Go and practice what I teach. And for you—”

“Ah, I will. You don’t have to separately tell, Uncle,” Hisagi mumbled with a fearful voice, avoiding his gaze. ‘Uushh…’

Both of them stepped outside quietly… and the children outside also went to their houses.

****

“Hey idiot, I hold it only for kids. Your cunning plan, I already felt it.” Ren snapped, his voice grinning yet fierce, eyes narrowed with a flicker of fire. “Do you have any idea what you just talked about?”

Kazuma smirked, unfazed. “I helped, but you’re scolding me?” he said, pulling Ren’s cheeks with a mocking tenderness. “You have to overcome it.”

He leaned closer, lowering his voice just enough for Ren to hear. “By the way, don’t you want to look cool in front of her? She thinks you’re a timid dad. Don’t you want to teach her a lesson by showing your power?”

“Don’t talk rubbish about her,” Ren said sharply, eyes turning glassy. “She wants to protect me, and even if I’m a timid, crybaby dad in front of her… I don’t have any objection.” His voice softened, “I only allowed you to teach her for her happiness. Don’t forget that.”

Kazuma let out a teasing laugh. “Okay, okay, I understand, my lord.” Then, without missing a beat, his voice dropped to something more serious. “I know you love your daughter, Ren. But even if she wants to protect you… her way of thinking has already crossed the line because of your incapability.”

“I know,” Ren whispered, tears quietly sliding down his cheeks.

Kazuma sighed, rubbing his forehead in mock frustration. “Again crying? What have I done now?”

Silence.

“Okay, I’ll come to the point,” Kazuma said, finally sighing and locking eyes with Ren, his voice stripped of jokes and full of raw honesty. “With your power, you could rule a kingdom. You have the capability of a king… but you want to live peacefully. Even if you choose the peaceful path, even if you want your daughter to walk your path, others won’t. They’ll walk on their own.”

“Why do you want to go now?” Ren’s voice trembled, hands barely steady on his lap. “Why after so many years?”

“Because of ‘that’ death,” Kazuma answered seriously, his words falling like steady rain. “You have to overcome it. I’m not asking you to kill anyone. It’s just a tournament. And for the happiness of your daughter… I want to show her, my disciple, what you’re capable of. And by the way,” he added, “your daughter is already walking another path. What will you do then?”

“I want to forget,” Ren muttered, looking away. “Don’t drag me again… even though—”

“Okay, I lost. I’m going,” Kazuma sighed, hands raised in surrender.

“Huh!?”

“But one thing,” Kazuma added, pointing a casual finger at Ren, “you weren’t able to convince her. Then why are you talking nonsense, blah blah blah?”

“I won’t teach her anything now,” he continued firmly, “but if she comes here again, then convince her. I won’t ask ever again.”

“…Please don’t burden yourself,” he said, voice quiet now, eyes soft. “‘That’ is not your mistake.”

****

Thut sound. The door creaked open, and a familiar young voice echoed from the hallway.

“Ha! What is this dust? Master has to keep it clean.” Hisagi turned sideways with a startled jolt. “Oh Uncle, wha—”

‘I definitely will die today. God, please save me from this monster.’

“Hisagi…” Kazuma flashed a dangerous smile as he silently stepped behind him. “I know you listened to everything, right?” Then leaned closer like a ghost in horror tales, “If you accept it, I’ll kill you without pain.”

YANK! He grabbed Hisagi’s ear, pulling with brutal love. “You cheeky punk.”

Author’s Note:

> This is my first novel, and I’m still learning. If you find any mistakes, feel free to let me know!

> This chapter has been re-edited to fix grammar and improve viewpoint consistency. I haven’t changed any original dialogues, only corrected grammar and added gestures and body language to bring out a light novel feel.

> I use:

’ ’ for character thoughts

“ ” for spoken dialogue

( ) for descriptions

**** for scene separation

> Although I originally mentioned in Chapter 30 that the story would shift to a light novel style, I’ve decided to start re-editing earlier chapters too, beginning from Chapter 1, so you can enjoy a fully immersive experience right from the start. In some chapters, due to platform limits, I may not be able to add many gestures or body details, but don’t worry. After Chapter 30, all chapters are written with that full light novel style. I’ll still try my best to make each chapter visually and emotionally engaging. And once again I won’t change the dialogues. The characters’ voices and words will always stay the same.

> I also re-edited the first paragraph because some readers misunderstood my original meaning. I already explained this in the Author’s Note of Chapter 26, but since some people may have read it before the update, I’m clarifying it again here.

Thank you so much for reading and supporting this journey!