Hiro's training, a torturous journey filled with anguish, came to a deadly end as the sun set on the forest, casting its last tired light. The force of Kanji's strikes caused his muscles to give up from sheer tiredness and suffering, leaving him lying on the ground with a transient awareness.
With a mix of worry and steely determination, Kanji carried Hiro's unconscious body on his back. He spoke in a whisper , '' we continue again tomorrow.''
Kanji began to make his way back home, as he made his way into the dark forest, his head began to swirl with conflicting ideas. His mind raced as he carried Hiro on his back. His expression was a mask of stoicism. His thoughts of doubt echoed through the forest, '' Was I too harsh?'' he thought to himself. Then as though responding to his question, a resolved voice, a voice of gloomy dread, began to emerge within him. it whispered, '' Something is coming, and I have to get him ready, I can feel it they are almost here.''
Again kanji's thought soon drifted back, as it continued to discuss what had happened on the training ground. ''That speed '', he thought to himself, a complicated chain of doubts and inquiries running through his mind. '' what manner of speed is that for a person who has never engaged in combat?''
The air, once a confidant, now seemed a silent accomplice to his inner turmoil. Kanji's brow furrowed as he attempted to untangle the puzzle that was Hiro. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the duo arrived at their home, kanji carefully placed Hiro on the bed. The room, illuminated by the flickering light of a candle, seemed to hum with an unsettling silence as Kanji stood by the bedside, watching over Hiro's prone form.
The day's event replayed in his mind's eye, like a broken record of strikes and defeats. He could almost hear the rhythmic thud of swords and punches during their sparring. But there was something more, an undercurrent of strangeness that Kanji couldn't quite put his finger on. He pondered the mystery of Hiro, of his hidden potential, of his sudden cryptic speed.
Just as Kanji's thoughts began to spiral into the depths of confusion, a gentle knock on the door echoed through the silent room. It was Cora, her face a tempastry of concern. she stepped into the dimly lit room, her eyes seeking out the unconscious Hiro on the bed.
'' What happened?'' she asked, her voice a whisper as if she feared waking the slumbering Hiro. '' why is he like this?'' kanji's gaze, heavy with the burden of unanswered questions, met Cora's.
At that moment, Kanji's hesitation, his unwillingness to tell the events of the day, melted away like ice in a warm fire. '' He pushed himself too far,'' he said, his voice low and solemn as he lied to Cora. '' The training was.... intense''.
Cora's brow creased in worry. '' He's only human, more so he is still a child, kanji, take it easy on him. whatever is it that you saw that made you start this training shouldn't cause you to make him go through this sought of punishment.''
kanji sighed, his breath a cloud of regret. '' I know, But he must be prepared. The world beyond these trees... it's not a very blissful one and I won't be here for him forever moreover I have been meaning to tell you something but this isn't the right moment to do so''. Cora looked deep into Kanji's worried eyes and then she realized what could be bothering Kanji.
Cora's gaze began flitting between Kanji and the motionless Hiro. '' You think the stories that as been going around are true?'' she asked, her voice barely more than a tremulous whisper. '' You think they are coming after all these years?''
Kanji nodded, his expression grave. '' They are already here, Cora. I can feel it in my bones. The world is changing, and we must change with it, or be swept away.'' His words, though somber, carried a steel in their spine. He would not let Hiro fall victim to the darkness that was gathering.
With Cora's attention fixed on Kanji, the older man drew a deep breath, his mind already spinning with plans and strategies. '' We must prepare for the worst,'' he said, his voice taking on a fierce edge, '' Hiro must be trained, his skills honed to a razor's edge. I must push him harder than ever before, even if it means risking his life.''
Cora swallowed, her hands wringing together in a nervous dance. '' But will he survive it?'' she asked, her eyes pleading. kanji's jaw set in a grim line, his mind replayed the day's event in vivid detail, the memory of Hiro's speed like a brand seared into his consciousness.
His movements had been... unnatural, almost inhuman. he had been fast, yes, but it had been more than that. he had moved with a pace some sword master couldn't, a speed that had defied all logic.
He has something within him, '' Kanji muttered, half to himself. '' Something the world has not seen in ages .'' His gaze refocused on Cora, his words spilling out like a confession. '' I feel some unnatural about him'' Kanji replied, his voice low and urgent, '' If I can help him unlock his full potential, then he will be more than a match for anything he faces.''
kanji's face hardened his expression a mix of grim determination and fierce resolve. '' I will find a way. I must''.