The morning sun shone brightly over the small island. The sound of waves crashing against the shore echoed as a light breeze swept through the only house standing on the remote land—the house of Kurata.
A muscular figure stood by the shore, wiping the sweat off his face with a towel. His shoulders were broad, and his gaze sharp. It was Takeshi—now 21, his body honed from years of rigorous training. He exhaled deeply, the scent of saltwater in the air, and slung the towel around his neck.
Satisfied with his morning routine, Takeshi walked back to the house. Inside, Kori sat cross-legged on a low wooden bench, stretching her arms. Now 19, she was beautiful, with long black hair tied up in a loose bun. Her skin-tight training jeans clung to her toned figure, and she wore a cropped top, showing faint scars from the years of intense battles she had fought.
"You're leaving today, right?" Kori asked, looking up as Takeshi walked through the door.
"Yeah," Takeshi replied quietly, tossing the towel aside. His voice carried a sense of purpose.
Kori bit her lip for a moment, hesitating. "Let me come with you."
Before Takeshi could answer, the door slid open, and Kurata stepped inside. His beard had grown slightly white over the years, but his posture was still firm—like a warrior who had never lost his edge. He glanced between the two with a small, knowing smile.
"You can go wherever you want," Kurata said, his voice calm but heavy with finality. "I'm done training you both. You're adults now. The rest is up to you."
Just as they were about to respond, a loud, energetic voice burst into the room.
"Uncle! Can I go too?"
Raiden barged in, wearing a mischievous grin. Now 17, he had grown into a striking young man—his disconnected undercut with short bangs with his sharp, dark eyes. But his carefree spirit hadn't changed a bit.
Kurata shook his head without hesitation. "No, you're not done yet. You still have more to learn."
Raiden groaned loudly, throwing his hands into the air. "Aw, come on! I'm tired of being stuck here with you, old geezer!" He crossed his arms, pouting like a kid. "I want to leave! I want to go and fulfill my dream! You've spent the last ten years teaching us about fighting and slavery—what else is left for me to learn?"
Kurata's gaze didn't waver. "You're not ready yet, Raiden."
Raiden's face twisted in frustration, but he knew arguing was pointless. His uncle had made up his mind.
An hour later, Takeshi and Kori stood at the shore, preparing to leave. The wind carried a slight chill, and the sea ahead stretched endlessly before them. Takeshi adjusted the straps on his bag, while Kori did one last stretch.
Raiden stood at the edge of the water, waving to them with a wide grin. "Don't you dare die out there!" he shouted playfully.
Kurata, standing right behind him, didn't share the humor. With a sharp smack to the back of Raiden's head, he growled, "Don't say such things."
Raiden rubbed his head, scowling. "Geez, old man, was that really necessary?"
Kurata's eyes narrowed as he looked down at his nephew. "Enough talking. Back to training."
Raiden groaned, dragging his feet as Kurata turned toward the training ground. "What a hassle, old geezer..." he muttered under his breath, though a small smile played on his lips.
With that, Takeshi and Kori gave one final wave before setting off into the unknown. Their lives were just beginning—filled with endless possibilities and dangers ahead. And as they disappeared into the horizon, Raiden couldn't help but feel the pull of adventure tugging at his heart.
But for now, his place was here—with his uncle. And he knew deep down that the day would come when he'd finally be ready to chase his dreams.