Four days later, after Danzai had trained him, the three embarked on their journey to the fallen Ogushi Land, Kenzo’s birthplace. The path they took was a horrible one, as they had to go through more forests, rivers, and horrific mountains. Yoshida is doing this for Kenzo’s sake, as he will be able to grasp who he is and how this can unlock the power within.
Despite the hardships they were going through, a resilient Yoshida continued to lead the way to Ogushi Land. “Come on, you two, we can’t stop now,” he said.
The terrain became craggy as they approached the outskirts of the fallen Ogushi land. The air was heavy with a sense of foreboding, yet their resolve seized to fade away.
The journey was demanding both mental and physical willpower, which they still had.
“I want to know who I am.” Said Kenzo in his mind.
As they neared their destination, the fallen Ogushi Land, The once pleasant place is now covered in battle scars taken two decades ago and bruises etched into the earth.
They had reached their destination, witnessing the Ogushi Land in a state of complete sadness.
“So, this is my birthplace, Yoshida?” Kenzo said
“It’s a shame I didn’t get to witness the greatness of this land,” Danzai said, taking in the disastrous air that filled the place.
The sight was heart-wrenching for Yoshida.
“It pains me to see this place again.”
Crumbled structures and broken walls stood as a silent witness to a glorious past now lost to time.
Kenzo’s eyes swept across the desolate landscape, suddenly getting visions of when it prospered.
Kenzo didn’t understand his emotions once he and the others arrived there.
“What am I seeing?" he said to himself.
Kenzo sat down on the crumbled floor, looking up, witnessing a lonely place in desperate need of a friend.
Yoshida calls Danzai and Kenzo and raises his hands, telling them, “Danzai and Kenzo, what you see before your eyes is the Ogushi Land in its relentless state, done by the Sasaki.
Yoshida pointed at Kenzo. “This is where you’ll learn everything, as I said a million times, but it won’t be told by me; it will be told by your ancestors.”
“What do you mean, ancestors?” said the confused Kenzo.
Yes. What do you mean by ancestors? How does that work, Kenzo speaking to his ancestors?” said Danzai.
“Come on, Danzai. You should have a little idea of what I can be talking about." Yoshida tried to make him think.
Danzai, as he was about to speak, froze and just understood what Yoshida was trying to say.
“I see now that it all makes sense why you wanted him to come here so badly for Kenzo.”
“You understand what he is saying?”
Danzai takes a seat and allows Yoshida to explain what he wants to say.
Yoshida leaned forward, his eyes filled with conviction. "It starts with quieting your mind, just as we did during our journey here. Through meditation and deep introspection, you create a space within yourself where you can connect with the spiritual realm. Your ancestors will communicate with you through whispers, visions, and intuition. Trust your instincts, Kenzo, and let their guidance flow through you."
Danzai, who had been quietly observing the conversation, spoke up for the first time. "It sounds like a powerful and sacred practice. Are you certain Kenzo is ready for this?"
Yoshida nodded, his gaze steady and unwavering. "Kenzo has shown immense strength and resilience throughout our journey. He has a burning desire to understand his true self. I believe he is ready to embark on this spiritual journey and embrace the wisdom of his ancestors."
Kenzo took a deep breath, his doubts gradually transforming into a sense of anticipation. "I am willing to try, Yoshida. If there's a chance to uncover my true identity and find my purpose, I want to seize it."
Yoshida smiled warmly, a spark of pride in his eyes. "That is the spirit, Kenzo. Embrace the legacy of your ancestors and let their voices guide you. The fallen Ogushi Land will bear witness to the rebirth of your true self."
Kenzo closed his eyes.
“Will this work?” Danzai asked
***
Kenzo reopened his eyes, seeing nothing but darkness. With no Yoshida or Danzai in sight, what he saw was a bright light shaped like a door. He slowly heads towards the light, and once he gets near it, everything suddenly becomes even brighter. Once the brightness cools down, he looks at a scene that will never leave his head.
A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.
It was the scene of him finally confirming he was a part of the Ogushi bloodline as he saw lookalikes of him of different ages and genders living happily in their spiritual world after death.
“This is real; Yoshida and Danzai were right about this. I am a part of the Ogushi Clan!” he said excitedly.
He ran around hugging the random Ogushi ancestors, making them very confused, saying, “Who is this guy?”
He couldn’t stop running to explore, but then quickly remembered what he was here for.
“Right, I can’t get too carried away; there’s still something I must do." - he said
***
“Do you think he is there?” asked Danzai.
“The fact that he hasn’t opened his eyes yet says it all, don’t you think?" Said Yoshida
“I guess you’re right.”
***
Standing in the centre, Kenzo shouts, saying:
“EVERYONE HERE, LISTEN TO ME!”
They all look at Kenzo.
“I AM HERE TO ANNOUNCE THAT I AM THE ONLY BLOODLINE MEMBER OF OUR CLAN, THE OGUSHI. MY NAME IS KENZO OGUSHI!” He said it courageously.
The whole bloodline stared at him, but two people were coming out of cotton. The two people were a man and a female, looking remarkably similar to Kenzo.
Tears welled up in Kenzo's eyes as he realised it at first glance. "Are... are you my parents?" He choked out, his voice trembling with emotion.
The woman, with tears of joy in her eyes, stepped forward and nodded. "Yes, Kenzo. We are your parents. We have watched over you from this realm, watching you grow.”
The man, Kenzo's father, spoke with a mixture of pride and sorrow in his voice. "We regret that we could not be with you physically, but we have always been here in spirit, cheering you on, my son."
Overwhelmed with emotion, Kenzo ran towards them and embraced them tightly. "I never knew you existed, but I always felt like something was missing in my life," he said, his voice trembling. "Now I understand. I've always been connected to the Ogushi bloodline, to you."
His mother caressed his cheek gently. "You are a part of us, Kenzo. The strength, courage, and determination you possess are traits passed down through generations of our family. We are proud of the person you have become."
His father added, "You are our legacy, Kenzo. Carry the Ogushi name with honour, and let our spirit guide you on your path."
***
Yoshida and Danzai witness tears coming out of Kenzo’s eyes.
“He’s met them now, hasn’t he?" Danzai asked.
“Yes, Danzai... he has,” he said, trying to hold back his tears.
***
Under the resplendent moonlight, Kenzo sat cross-legged in a secluded chamber within the fallen Ogushi Land. His father, the former leader of the Ogushi Clan, stood before him, his eyes reflecting the weight of centuries of history.
"Kenzo," his father began, his voice carrying a mixture of pride and sorrow. "Our bloodline, the Ogushi Clan, has always been shrouded in secrecy. We possess a unique gift: the ability to channel the spirits of our ancestors, granting us enhanced strength in battle. But we are not the only bloodlines in this world."
He took a deep breath, and the room seemed to hum with anticipation. "The Musenge, known for their lightning attacks, and the Sasaki, who use their blood to enhance their samurai strengths, have been both allies and adversaries throughout history."
Kenzo's eyes widened, intrigued by the revelation. "How are we connected to them?"
His father sighed, his gaze distant yet painful. "Many generations ago, a bond was forged between the Ogushi and the Musenge. Together, we fought side by side against common threats, and our families became intertwined through friendships and marriages."
"However," he continued, his expression darkening, "ambition and envy led to discord, and the Sasaki Emperor, Lei, sought to control both our bloodlines. He craved power and believed that by uniting the Musenge and the Sasaki, he could control the Ogushi as well."
Kenzo's heart sank at the thought of the malevolent Sasaki Emperor. "What happened then, Father?"
With a heavy breath, his father revealed the painful truth. "Lei Sasaki, with his right hand, Alina Sasaki, betrayed us. They orchestrated a treacherous attack that targeted the heart of our clan. Many brave Ogushi warriors were lost that day, and I fell in battle, unable to protect our family."
“But Yoshida was there to take me safely,” Kenzo said.
"Yes, that’s true,” his mother and father said.
Kenzo’s body starts to feel funny, becoming aware that his time in this realm will end. He asks his father one thing.
“Father and Mother, Yoshida told me about a sword that I’ll find in our land; do you know about it?"
His father said, “Of course, I do remember I was the one that told Yoshida about it being deep underground; you have to use your gut feeling to find it.”
Kenzo’s body starts to disappear.
“Well, son, it seems your time here is over.” His father said
“Remember, my son, no matter what, we will always be proud of you.” His tearful mother said,
Every Ogushi wished him "Good luck!” waving at him.
***
Kenzo woke up from the other world instantly, using his strength to break down the ground. Seeing a glowing item, he pulled it out to be a crimson, blue katana that was built for Kenzo in the future.
There was no need for Kenzo's wooden sword anymore; he now required what he needed for the Sasaki. The wind blew around him to showcase the tremendous power that was slowly breaking his limits.
“Kenzo, Is it time now?" Danzai and Yoshida said with anticipation.
“IT IS TIME NOW, MY FRIENDS; NOW WE GO TO THE EMPEROR AND KILL THIS BASTARD ONCE AND FOR ALL!”
***
Within the grand halls of the Sasaki Emperor's palace, a chilling aura of power and authority permeated the air. Lei Sasaki, the ruthless and ambitious ruler, sat upon his ornate throne, his eyes narrowing with cunning.
One of his loyal soldiers kneeled before him, his body bearing the scars of a fierce battle. "Your Majesty," the soldier began, his voice trembling with both fear and reverence. "I have grave news to report. During the recent conflict with the Ogushi Clan for 21 years, one of their bloodline members survived. He escaped the Sasaki district and is still alive."
Lei Sasaki's eyes flashed with a mixture of anger and surprise. "A survivor from the Ogushi Clan? That is unacceptable. They were supposed to be eradicated," he growled, clenching his fist.
Could this be Mahi’s child by any chance? Lei said in desperation to his soldier.
Without hesitation, Lei called upon his right hand, Alina Sasaki, a formidable warrior known for her cunning and ruthlessness. "Alina," he said, his voice low and dangerous, "you are to find this survivor and bring him to me, alive if possible, but dead if necessary. I want no loose ends threatening the Sasaki dynasty."
Alina nodded, her steely gaze never wavering. "Consider it done, Your Majesty," she replied with unwavering confidence. "I will hunt down this Ogushi bloodline member and bring him to you."
As she departed, Lei watched her with a sense of satisfaction. Alina was his most trusted ally and an expert tracker. He knew that she would stop at nothing to complete her mission.
Now that Kenzo has required his blade, how will things turn out for him and his group?
