Kaz lived in solitude, a life shaped by the aftermath of a devastating war that had claimed his parents. The ruins of civilization surrounded him, with remnants of once-great cities now reduced to crumbling structures overtaken by nature. He dwelled in a small, modest home on the outskirts of a ravaged village, where the air was perpetually thick with the scent of decay and memories of what once was.
His only remaining family was an elderly uncle, a master of martial arts, who had taken Kaz under his wing after the war. Uncle Hiroshi lived in a secluded mountain dojo, a place of tranquility and discipline, in stark contrast to the chaos of the world below. Here, Kaz found solace in rigorous training and the wisdom imparted by his uncle. Hiroshi san was a man of few words, his face etched with lines of experience and hardship, yet his eyes carried a depth of understanding and compassion.
Like his friend Gail, Kaz had no one else in his life. The war had left deep scars on humanity, altering every aspect of life. Communities had disbanded, trust was a rare commodity, and survival was the primary concern. Kaz's unique appearance—a blend of his mother's native features and his father's heritage—set him apart in the isolated region where he lived. The locals viewed him with suspicion and sometimes open hostility, considering him an outsider in a time when unity was scarce.
Kaz's mother, a gifted storyteller, had often recounted tales of their heritage when Kaz was a child. In the evenings, she would light a small fire in their humble home, and her voice would weave magic in the air. She spoke of their roots in this land, their ancestors' valor and honor, and the ancient traditions they upheld. Her stories were rich with the scent of blooming flowers and the sound of rivers flowing gently, a stark contrast to the harsh reality Kaz faced daily. Though Kaz's father had passed away early, As long as the mother was alive, she kept his spirit fresh.
Kaz's father's ancestors had journeyed to a distant, eastern realm long ago, seeking prosperity and peace. They were once welcomed, their skills and knowledge respected and cherished. However, over generations, as wars and strife changed the political landscape, the warmth of that welcome faded. Now, Kaz was treated as an outsider, a relic of a past that the present no longer acknowledged or valued.
Kaz was still in shock from Gail's arrest, yet he vividly remembered how Gail's father, a stern yet loving man, had fought to protect him from the authorities. He could still see the struggle, the desperation in the man's eyes, and the fierce love that drove him to stand against insurmountable odds. This memory stirred thoughts of his parents, the sacrifices they had made, and the love they had shown.
Retreating to the corner of his room, Kaz allowed the weight of his emotions to wash over him. Tears welled up in his eyes, and he did nothing to hold them back. He was torn between sorrow for Gail's capture and a deep longing for his parents. The memories of his mother's gentle voice and his father's silent strength played in his mind, bringing a mix of comfort and pain.
Losing his father at a young age had left him feeling vulnerable, a sensation that had never quite left him. He believed that if his father were still alive, he would have been there to offer help and advice, guiding him through this turbulent time. His mother's death had been the final blow, severing his last connection to a world that had once made sense. Uncertain of how to respond to Gail's arrest, Kaz felt overwhelmed by the enormity of the situation.
In this chaotic, post-apocalyptic world, Gail was his only companion, the single thread of connection to a semblance of normalcy. With Gail gone, Kaz felt an acute sense of loss, a gaping void where hope had once resided. How could he move forward in a world that seemed determined to strip him of everything he held dear?
"Where could Gail be now?" Kaz wondered aloud, his voice tinged with despair. He gazed out the window at the desolate landscape, the once-vibrant fields now barren and grey. "In this devastated land, like the rest of the world, I have no one. My only hope was the magnificent city of Neo Eden and finding a friend there. I thought that place was a utopia. My entire goal in life was to travel there and obtain citizenship. The rest of the world is just ruins. I had no attachment to staying in this land. But now all my hopes are gone. Neo Eden is not the city I thought it was, and I no longer have Gail."
His thoughts swirled in a maelstrom of confusion and despair. The room, dimly lit by the dying embers of the fire, felt like a cage, closing in on him. The walls, adorned with relics of his family's past—his father's old armor, his mother's favorite tapestry—seemed to press down on him, reminding him of everything he had lost.
Lost in thought and desperate for a solution, Kaz recalled an old memory of his mother. Her voice, soft and melodic, seemed to echo in the room, bringing with it a sense of calm.
"Your father used to say that his ancestor traveled here from western lands," his mother had said, her voice imbued with nostalgia and pride. "A place situated between two rivers. He was a skilled warrior and managed to gain great respect. This respect was passed down to his descendants, and people respected them. But now the situation is different, and it might get even worse in the future."
"What do you mean, mother?" young Kaz had asked, his eyes wide with curiosity, the flickering firelight reflecting in them like tiny stars.
"Yes," she had replied, a hint of sorrow in her eyes. "When survival becomes the priority for people in the aftermath of the war, they will forget about your generation and your ancestors. At that time, you will be more entangled in racial issues. You know you look different from others, and this could cause problems for you. But what will never change in this land is the respect for the honor of warriors."
Young Kaz, who had previously listened to his mother's words reluctantly, now paid attention: "Do you mean I should become a warrior?"
"Exactly. You are very smart. Surely your intelligence will help you a lot in this area. You should go to your uncle. Start martial arts classes. You know he is one of the best masters in this land. Besides giving you credibility here, martial arts and learning to use cold weapons will help you defend yourself in the future."
After the war, technology had almost disappeared or come to a halt worldwide. The only technological advancements on Earth were in Neo-Eden. Most advanced weapons had been destroyed, electricity was limited, and the few remaining computers had a hard time accessing the internet. The internet existed mainly to promote Neo Eden, the world's technology center.
"But mother," young Kaz had said, his voice filled with dreams, "I wish to continue my education from the remaining books, increase my knowledge, and one day travel to Neo Eden."
His mother had smiled gently. "I understand your efforts and interests, but as advice, always have a backup plan. Years ago, a foreigner traveled to our land. He managed to gain the highest respect. His name was Yasuke. You will also appear as a foreigner, so if one day your uncle and I are not here, it is better to know martial arts to defend yourself and gain respect."
Kaz came to his senses, deciding that to escape his despair, he needed to continue his training. He took his short-curved sword and started practicing with his tall wooden training dummy. He struck it several times, each blow echoing his determination. He continued his training until nightfall.