I jolted awake, the cold morning air sinking into my skin. Jin's voice snapped me back to reality. "You look like you've seen a ghost," he remarked, noticing the uneasiness still gripping my body. I couldn't bring myself to tell him what I just experienced. The vision of my father is more than just a memory—it's a message, a warning, and a burden I now carried.
I've been training under Jin for weeks now, learning to harness Spirit Kenki, I couldn't keep running from the past. My father's message was clear: I needed to master Kenki to face Reapers of the Shadow, the group responsible for destroying my clan. But first, It's time to share the truth of what had happen to the Ryoma clan with those who had become my mentor, and people I can trust.
Taking a deep breath, I glanced at Jin, then Li, who had been watching from a distance, as usual. Today, his non-interested demeanor seemed more attentive, as if he sensed the shift in the air. I decided it was time to tell them everything.
"I've been hiding something from you both." I began, my voice low but steady. "You've shared your wisdom with me, guided me on this path of growth. It's only fair that I tell you the truth about why I'm here—and what drives me."
Jin's expression softened, while Li's gaze became even more focused. "ehh, Go on." Jin said, his tone encouraging yet firm.
I took a moment to gather my thoughts, then spoke with the clarity of purpose I'd found in my vision. "I am the last heir of the Ryoma clan. My family was once one of the most respected and feared in all of Tenshima, led by my father, Hiroshi Ryoma—the Ascended Samurai. He was known for his unmatched mastery over Kenki and his unwavering sense of honor. But all of that was destroyed in a single night."
Li's brow furrowed, and Jin's usually unshakable composure wavered slightly. They had clearly heard of my father's name and the Ryoma clan's legacy.
"Assassins ascended upon our estate under the cover of darkness," I continued, my voice teeth gritting with anger. "They were no ordinary warriors. They call themselves the 'Reapers of the Shadow,' a group of ronin who have forsaken Bushido and now sell their swords to the highest payer. Their leader, a man shrouded in darkness, wielded a twisted version of Kenki—something dark, something that corrupted his spirit."
Jin's eyes flashed with recognition, and he clenched his jaw. "The Reapers… I've crossed path with them before, but I didn't realize they were capable of such monstrously."
Li's expression was grim. "The Reapers of the Shadow are more than just mercenaries. They are men who have completely abandoned honor for power. To think they would target the Ryoma clan… there must be a reason behind it."
"They killed everyone," I said, my voice trembling with the memory. "My father fought with everything he had, but even he was brought down. His last stand was nothing short of legendary, but against that darkness, he fell. I was the only one left alive, and now I carry the weight of our clan's demise."
Jin and Li exchanged a look, one that spoke of deep understanding. For a moment, silence hung between us, the weight of my story sinking in. Finally, Jin spoke, his voice steady but filled with a newfound respect. "So that's the fire that keeps you going. Vengeance is a powerful motivator, but it's also a dangerous path. If you're not careful, it's darkness can consume you. But gladly, I can see that you're not driven by hatred alone—you seek justice and the restoration of your family's honor."
Li nodded in agreement. "The Ryoma name carries a legacy of strength and integrity. If you wish to reclaim that honor, you'll need more than just power—you'll need control and purpose. The Reapers are skilled, but they are lost. They fight only for themselves, and that is their greatest weakness."
I looked them both in the eyes, the flames of determination burning brighter within me. "That's why I need to master Kenki—not just to avenge my family, but to rebuild the Ryoma legacy and ensure that those who walk the path of darkness are brought to justice."
Jin placed a hand on my shoulder, his grip firm yet reassuring. "You've taken the first step by speaking your truth. From this day forward, we'll train not just to make you stronger, but to mold your spirit into an dominating force. The Reapers may have stolen much from you, but they haven't taken your will and spirit. And that is something we'll forge into a weapon that they'll never see coming."
Li, the ever stoic warrior, gave a rare nod of approval. "You have our support, Hatori. We'll help you perfect your skills, but know this—the journey ahead is dangerous. You'll be tested not just in body, but in spirit. Only through discipline and resolve can you overcome the challenges that await."
With their words, I felt a sense of resolve settle within me. The burden I carried no longer felt like a prison within me but a responsibility—a duty to honor those who came before me. My father's spirit still lived within me, guiding me toward a destiny I had yet to fully understand. But now, with Jin and Li by my side, I knew I wasn't walking this path alone.
As the morning sun rose, Jin turned to me with a familiar gleam in his eye. "Enough talk. The next step in your training is Saint Kenki. If you thought Spirit Kenki was tough, you're in for a rough awakening. But if you're serious about avenging your clan, you won't regret a single thing in this. Prepare yourself."
I nodded, a fierce determination taking hold. The road ahead was treacherous, filled with dangers I couldn't yet imagine. But I was ready to face it. The vision of my father's confident smile still lingered in my mind, urging me forward. No matter the cost, I would reclaim the honor of the Ryoma name and bring justice to those who cast us out.
The flame of Kenki would be the fire that tempers my resolve. The journey had just begun, but I was more determined than ever to see it through the end. For my family, for my clan, and for the honor of the samurai way.