Yet, beneath the surface, he couldn't shake the worry for his fallen comrades, a reminder of the sacrifices made in the pursuit of power.
"As for the rest of you," the instructor continued, his gaze sweeping over the assembled students, "it is time to leave this place and make your way down the mountain. Tomorrow, there will be no training, as we have an important announcement to make. Rest well and prepare yourselves for what lies ahead."
With that, the students dispersed, their minds buzzing with thoughts of the day's events and the mysteries yet to be revealed. As Haruto made his way down the mountain, the weight of the ancient scroll in his hands, he couldn't help but wonder what new challenges awaited him on the path ahead.
After a bath and a change of cloath, most students begun walking down the mountain, on a well crafted road of stairs, Haruto staired at the wooden plank and paper scroll on his hand, he hand't opened it yet.
As Haruto descended the finely crafted stairs that wound their way down the mountainside, he couldn't help but marvel at the serene beauty that surrounded him. The rugged terrain softened by the carpet of fallen leaves, their vibrant hues of gold and crimson creating a breathtaking tapestry against the backdrop of the setting sun.
The air was cool and crisp, carrying with it the earthy scent of pine and the faint rustle of leaves as they danced on the gentle breeze. Shafts of golden light filtered through the canopy above, casting dappled patterns of shadow and light on the forest floor below.
As Haruto walked, the rhythmic crunch of leaves beneath his feet echoed through the silent woods, a soothing melody that seemed to harmonize with the natural symphony of the forest. His steps were steady and sure, his mind filled with thoughts of the day's events and the challenges that lay ahead.
Despite the tranquility of his surroundings, Haruto couldn't shake the sense of unease that lingered in the back of his mind. The events of the day had left him shaken, his victory tinged with the knowledge of his fallen comrades and the dangers of harnessing Chi.
Yet, as he continued on his journey, Haruto felt a flicker of determination ignite within him. He would not falter in the face of adversity, nor would he allow fear to dictate his actions. With each step he took, he drew strength from the beauty of the natural world around him, finding solace in the simple majesty of the mountainside.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky with hues of pink and orange, Haruto's heart felt lighter, his resolve renewed. With the ancient scroll clutched tightly in his hand,
As Haruto continued his descent down the stairs, lost in his thoughts, he was suddenly startled by the sound of approaching footsteps. Before he could react, a familiar voice called out to him, and he felt a pair of arms wrap around him from behind in a playful embrace.
"Haruto! I finally caught up to you!" exclaimed his friend, a mischievous grin playing on his lips.
Haruto chuckled, feeling a surge of warmth at the unexpected reunion. "Hey there, Kaito," he replied, turning to face his friend and returning the hug with a one-armed embrace. "You almost made me drop this," he added, gesturing to the ancient scroll clutched tightly in his hand.
Kaito laughed sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck. "Sorry about that, buddy. I couldn't resist sneaking up on you like old times."
As they walked side by side, Kaito's expression turned serious, his playful demeanor giving way to a more solemn tone. "Hey, Haruto, I heard some interesting news while I was in town earlier," he began, his voice tinged with excitement.
Haruto arched an eyebrow, intrigued by his friend's sudden change in demeanor. "Oh? What kind of news?" he asked, curiosity piqued.
Kaito grinned, unable to contain his excitement any longer. "You won't believe it, but apparently, Yu Kizuna and Hiruko woke up after the doctor refilled their Chi reserves," he revealed, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "And get this—they unlocked their Jigoku!"
Haruto's eyes widened in disbelief, his mind reeling at the implications of Kaito's words. "No way... Are you serious?" he exclaimed, scarcely able to comprehend the magnitude of what his friend was saying.
Kaito nodded eagerly, his grin widening. "Yep, it's true! Looks like the shock of losing to you and getting a draw in their match was enough to push them over the edge," he explained, his voice filled with awe.
Haruto's heart swelled with a mixture of pride and disbelief. He never imagined that his victory in the sparring match would have such far-reaching consequences for his fellow students. But as he reflected on the news, a sense of determination welled up within him.
"If they've unlocked their Jigoku, then that means they're now legitimate members of the Jigoku Clan," Haruto mused, a newfound sense of respect for his former opponents blossoming within him. "I guess we'll have to keep an eye on them from now on."
Kaito nodded in agreement, his expression serious. "Definitely. With their newfound power, they're sure to make waves in the clan," he remarked, his gaze thoughtful.
As they continued their descent down the stairs, Haruto couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation building within him.
"The jigoku clan, although most of us are children from noble and even leaders of the clan, the fact that one of our parent is an original member of the clan means that were illigitement heirs, hell some of us don't even know our dear dads" Kaito said.
"Yeah, and because of that we have to prove we are worthy of been considered full jigoku's other wise we get killed off with our parents and siblings, despite the circumstances were jigoku by name only but not legitement members of the clan"
"Yup the outcast of outcast that are either reserves, toys, or corpses" Kaito said, despite his words a smile played on his face as the robes hi wore danced in the wind.
"Unless we unlock the jigoku eyes before we reach 18 we are dead, but the clan heads won't tell u how to unlock them, but Lord Ido despite only been 7 has already unlocked the second stage of his Jigoku"
"Lord Ido the second pure blood jigoku son from The head of the clan Lord Bloodfire, a true genius in both Chi manipulation and the jigoku eyes, I hear he already manipulates blood, that's so badass" Kaito said.
"Meanwhile I can't even get my Chi to flow the right fricking direction" Haruto said, a hint of disappointment in himself.
"Oh yeah, since you are lord Bloodfire's illegitement son, Lord Ido is like a half brother to you"
"But don't worry to much, I can teach you on Chi control and gathering, with the help of the guide in your hands we can pull an all nighter!!" Kaito said excitedly.
'His always looking for a reason for me to spend time with him everyday, but I guess considering his family dynamic I don't blame him' Haruto said as he admired the view of the sun completely setting and darkness filling the sky.
"Hey Haru, I stole some buns from mister big nose, their stuffed with the good meat as well" Kaito whispered as he pulled out four buns from his robes. And catching Haruto offguard.
Haruto couldn't help but chuckle at Kaito's antics, his friend's carefree attitude never failed to lift his spirits. "You never cease to amaze me, Kaito," he said, accepting one of the buns with gratitude. "Thanks."
As they continued their descent down the stairs, the scent of freshly baked buns filled the air, mingling with the crisp autumn breeze. Haruto savored each bite, the savory meat filling warming his stomach and fueling his resolve.
"Hey, Haru, do you ever wonder what it would be like to unlock your Jigoku eyes?" Kaito asked, his tone thoughtful as he nibbled on his bun.
Haruto paused, considering the question. "Sometimes," he admitted, his gaze drifting to the darkening sky. "But I try not to dwell on it too much. Right now, I'm focused on mastering Chi control and gathering. Once I've accomplished that, then maybe I'll think about unlocking my Jigoku eyes."
Kaito nodded in understanding, his expression thoughtful. "Yeah, you're right. One step at a time," he said, his voice filled with determination. "But when the time comes, I have no doubt you'll unlock your Jigoku eyes and become a true member of the clan."
Haruto smiled at his friend's words, a sense of gratitude washing over him. With Kaito by his side, he knew he could overcome any challenge that lay ahead.
"Hey take this, it should help you and your sister for now," Haruto said as he gave the scroll to his friend.
"I'm taking you on that offer for the allnighter, as well as one more of the buns, these things are delicious now wonder bister big nose is fattened, he eats well"
Kaito's eyes lit up with gratitude as he accepted the scroll from Haruto. "Thanks, Haru. This means a lot," he said, tucking the scroll securely into his robes. "And I'm definitely holding you to that all-nighter. We'll master Chi control and gathering together!"
With a grin, Haruto passed another bun to Kaito, the warmth of their friendship enveloping them like a comforting embrace. "Glad you like them," he chuckled. "And yeah, old Mister Big Nose won't be missing a few buns. Besides, he could use the exercise."
As they shared a laugh, the weight of their worries seemed to lift, if only for a moment. With each step they took towards the village, Haruto felt a renewed sense of determination and purpose. Whatever challenges awaited them, he knew that together with Kaito, they could face them head-on.