RYUSATSUGA

Darkness.

That was the first thing Kaien felt.

A deep, thick silence, almost liquid. Like being submerged under a river of ink.

Then, a voice.

It wasn't human.

—How many will die because of you this time?

Kaien tried to speak, but he had no mouth.

—Will you protect them… or lose them?

The darkness stirred. A figure appeared: a boy with his own face, soaked in blood.

—The sword didn't choose you. It used you.

—

Kaien woke with a start.

Sweating. Panting.

He could barely move. He lay on a makeshift bed, surrounded by bandages and the smell of incense.

The cabin wasn't his.

—You're finally awake —a firm voice said, without a trace of mockery or tenderness.

Akari sat beside him, arms crossed. Her expression was calm but attentive.

—You're in Hanzo's cabin. My name is Akari. You slept for two days. You're weak, and the fever hasn't fully gone down.

Kaien tried to sit up, but pain forced him to lie back down.

Akari approached and, without asking, placed a hand on his forehead.

—You're still hot. Don't try to move more than necessary.

—Are the children okay? —Kaien asked hoarsely.

—They're fine. A little restless, but unharmed. They took turns watching over you while you slept. Especially the youngest.

—Haru?

—Yes. He's determined. He didn't leave your side.

Kaien smiled with effort.

Akari was silent for a few seconds then said without emotion:

—What you did was risky… and necessary. But if you wield that sword again without understanding it, you could kill yourself.

She stood and walked toward the door.

—Rest. When you're ready, we'll talk.

The door opened with a soft creak.

—He's awake! —a small voice shouted, and seconds later, a stampede of disorderly footsteps filled the cabin.

Haru was the first to arrive, stumbling with enthusiasm.

—Kaien! You're alive! —he exclaimed, eyes shining with relief.

Mei followed, and without thinking, hugged one of his legs tightly.

—Ouch! —Kaien winced in pain—. That leg almost got eaten by a monster, you know?

Mei stepped back a bit, guilty, but he managed to smile faintly.

Riku stood at the door, arms crossed, barely hiding a smile.

—Don't get too close —Akari said firmly from the back.

The children stepped back slightly but didn't take their eyes off Kaien. Haru offered him something wrapped in a cloth: a withered flower, carefully preserved.

—I found it near the river. I saved it for when you woke up.

Kaien took it with trembling hands, feeling something break and rebuild inside him at the same time.

—Thank you… for taking care of me —he murmured.

—We took turns watching over you —Riku finally said seriously—. I stood night watch, you know?

Kaien chuckled softly.

—You're not bad at that.

Akari returned and said:

—If you want to live, you'll have to learn.

Kaien looked at her.

—Learn what?

She smiled faintly.

—To wield the sword… and to control the curse.

And in the quiet that followed, Kaien felt a new fire ignite inside him.

A new journey had begun.

| Author's Note |

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