The sun had climbed above the distant hills, its pale golden light spilling gently across the dojo courtyard. Dew still clung to the wooden planks, shimmering faintly as morning warmth began to settle in.

  Kurogane Daichi sat alone at a low wooden table near the veranda. A bamboo cup rested in his calloused hands, steam curling lazily into the air. He drank slowly, eyes half-lidded, savoring not just the tea—but the rare silence that followed exertion.

  The morning air was crisp, carrying the scent of earth, pine, and something faintly nostalgic.

  With a long breath, Daichi stood and stretched his arms high above his head, joints popping softly.

  “Hah… I’m all better now,” he muttered. “Let’s resume basic training.”

  Nearby, Akitsu Shouga—who had been sitting cross-legged in quiet reflection—quickly rose to his feet. Without exchanging another word, the two stepped into the open training grounds.

  Daichi glanced over his shoulder, studying the boy with an unreadable gaze.

  “Since I already know you’re exceptional at dodging and striking,” he said, “we’ll work on something you lack—defense.”

  “Defense?” Akitsu echoed, a faint unease tightening his chest.

  “Yes. Blocking. Parrying. Receiving force without returning it blindly.”

  Daichi stopped and turned fully toward him. “Try to block or redirect my punches.”

  Akitsu swallowed and raised his hands, shoulders stiff, palms open.

  Daichi stepped forward.

  Without warning—

  A sharp, powerful punch sliced through the air.

  Akitsu didn’t think.

  His body moved on instinct.

  He twisted, seized Daichi’s arm, shifted his weight—

  And slammed him into the ground.

  The impact echoed across the courtyard.

  Then—silence.

  Daichi didn’t move.

  Akitsu’s blood ran cold.

  “M-Master?!”

  When Kurogane Daichi opened his eyes again, warm afternoon light filtered through the open dojo entrance. His head throbbed. A damp cloth rested across his forehead.

  He groaned and slowly pushed himself upright.

  “…What happened?” he muttered. “Where’s the boy?”

  Ayame Hoshizaki sat beside him, hands folded neatly in her lap, posture calm as ever.

  “You were thrown unconscious,” she said gently. “Akitsu-kun… went for a walk through the village a while ago.”

  Daichi stared—then burst into laughter, ignoring the ache in his skull.

  “That kid… unbelievable!” he laughed. “One of a kind! I absolutely cannot let him go, Hoshizaki!”

  “Yes,” Ayame replied evenly. “He is extraordinary. Appearing out of nowhere with no memories at all…”

  Daichi waved dismissively. “Strange or not, I don’t care! I won’t lose him!”

  “You’ve already said that,” she replied.

  Daichi leaned closer, a mischievous glint flickering in his eye.

  “Hoshizaki… mind doing me a favor?”

  For the briefest moment, Ayame stiffened.

  Shock flickered beneath her composed expression—but there was no disgust. No anger.

  Only quiet acceptance.

  Meanwhile, Akitsu wandered aimlessly through Sunwind Village.

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  Why does this keep happening…?

  His fists clenched at his sides.

  I need to apologize to Master.

  How did I even do that…?

  Those movements—those techniques—had felt natural. Too natural.

  His thoughts spiraled.

  Was I that strong before?

  Or is there something wrong with me… something unnatural?

  “Hey, kid! Over here!”

  He turned.

  An elderly woman waved enthusiastically from behind a small mochi stall, her grin wide and playful.

  “Yes, ma’am?” Akitsu approached cautiously.

  “Call me Hikari-san,” she said cheerfully. “No need for formalities.”

  “O-Okay. I’m Akitsu Shouga.”

  “Hah! So you’re the boy that old Daichi wouldn’t stop bragging about last night?”

  Akitsu blinked. “You know my master?”

  “Of course,” she laughed. “That fool and I grew up together. Practically inseparable.”

  “So… you’re family?”

  “Something like that.” Her smile softened. “It’s good to see him take a disciple. He’s been lonely.”

  “Lonely…?” Akitsu frowned. “Why?”

  Hikari sighed.

  “He lost his love and his child on the same day. After that, he shut himself away. People avoided him for months.”

  Akitsu’s chest tightened.

  “Wait… what about Hoshizaki-san? Isn’t she his child?”

  Hikari froze.

  “…Hoshizaki?” she repeated slowly. “There’s no one in this village with that name.”

  Akitsu’s heart skipped.

  “What…? But she lives with him—”

  Hikari waved her hand. “Maybe he adopted someone. Or maybe he’s finally lost his mind.”

  Akitsu forced a weak smile.

  “I… see.”

  She handed him a small bundle of mochi wrapped in paper.

  “Take this,” she said gently. “And don’t leave him, Akitsu-kun. He needs you.”

  Akitsu bowed and walked away.

  What is going on…?

  Why does this bother me so much?

  The sun dipped low by the time he returned to the dojo.

  Ayame sat quietly at the front steps.

  “Welcome back, Akitsu-kun.”

  “Is Master alright?”

  “He’ll be back shortly.”

  “So training’s over for today?”

  “Yes. It resumes at sunrise.”

  Akitsu handed her the mochi. “For you and Master.”

  Her eyes softened. “Thank you.”

  “Good night, Hoshizaki-san.”

  Inside his room, Akitsu collapsed onto his futon.

  “Today was… a lot.”

  Minutes passed.

  “I’m starving,” he groaned. “But I’m too comfortable to move…”

  The door slid open.

  He turned—

  Ayame stood there, now dressed casually, lantern light reflecting softly against her hair.

  “Akitsu-kun,” she said gently. “Would you like to go outside?”

  “…Outside?”

  “There’s a small hill behind the dojo,” she said. “You can see the village lights from there. I thought… it might be nice.”

  Akitsu hesitated—then nodded.

  “…Yeah. That sounds good.”

  Her lips curved into a faint smile.

  They stepped into the cool night air together.

  As they walked beneath the stars, Akitsu felt his chest tighten—not with fear, but with anticipation.

  This place.

  These people.

  What am I really walking into?