_Akimitsu's Declaration_
Akimitsu stood tall, facing Kuroba.
"I have no family," Akimitsu said, "but Hoshizuro is my family, my friends."
Kuroba sneered.
"You're no match for me."
Zoren charged forward.
"Rai, kimi no tame ni!" ("Lightning, For Your Sake!")
Zoren's lightning-infused blade struck Kuroba.
Kuroba dissipated, revealing a clone.
The group gasped.
"A clone?" Ryūgi asked.
"This changes everything," Takashi said.
The heroes exchanged worried glances.
And on that evening.
The former leader of HOSHIZURO, Sam.
"Akimitsu, you're a natural leader," Sam said.
"Lead Hoshizuro, unite us."
Akimitsu shook his head.
"I'm not the one who defeated Devourer," Akimitsu said.
"Akira did, with his friends."
The group fell silent, shocked.
"Akira?" Kazumi whispered.
"The one who wielded Steelstone?" Ryūgi asked.
Akimitsu nodded.
"Yes, him."
The heroes looked at each other, reevaluating their understanding.
"Akimitsu, are you sure?" Zoren asked.
"You're the strongest among us."
"I'm not seeking power," Akimitsu said.
"I'm seeking protection for Hoshizuro."
The group nodded, respecting Akimitsu's decision.
"Akira, then," Sam said.
"We must find him."
The heroes set out to find Akira.
Their journey would change Hoshizuro's fate.
Ryūji approached Akimitsu, his eyes narrowing.
"Akimitsu, why are you lying?" Ryūji asked.
"You're the one who defeated Devourer, aren't you?"
Akimitsu hesitated, then nodded.
"Yes, I defeated Devourer... but Akira helped me."
Ryūji's expression changed from suspicion to surprise.
"Akira?" Ryūji repeated.
Akimitsu continued, "His dream was to become the leader of Hoshizuro. I don't desire to rule. I won't suit it."
Ryūji studied Akimitsu's face.
"You're passing the leadership to Akira out of friendship?" Ryūji asked.
Akimitsu nodded.
"I want Akira's dream to come true. He's the right leader for Hoshizuro."
Ryūji smiled.
"I understand. Your humility makes you a true hero, Akimitsu."
The others gathered around, intrigued.
"Akimitsu, explain," Sam said.
"Akira's vision for Hoshizuro aligns with ours," Akimitsu began.
"Unity, protection, and prosperity. He's the leader we need."
Takashi nodded.
"We trust your judgment, Akimitsu."
Kazumi smiled.
"Akira will be proud."
Zoren placed a hand on Akimitsu's shoulder.
"Your selflessness inspires us."
The group resolved to find Akira.
Their journey would unite Hoshizuro under a new leader.
Akira walked through Hoshizuro's market, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.
Suddenly, Zoren and Takashi approached him.
"Akira, come with us," Zoren said, his expression serious.
"What's going on?" Akira asked, curious.
"Just follow us," Takashi added.
Akira hesitated but trusted his friends.
They led him to Sam's residence.
"Akira, please enter," Sam said, his face stern.
Akira obeyed, sensing something important.
Inside, Akimitsu, Ryūji, and Kazumi waited.
"Akira, we need to discuss something," Sam began.
Before Akira could ask questions, Sam continued.
"Akimitsu has declined leadership. We've chosen you as Hoshizuro's leader."
Akira's eyes widened in shock.
"What?! Why me?!" Akira exclaimed.
The room fell silent.
"Akira, trust us," Akimitsu said. "You're meant for this."
Zoren nodded.
"Your compassion, wisdom, and strength make you perfect."
Takashi smiled.
"Hoshizuro needs you."
Kazumi added.
"Unity, protection, and prosperity – your vision aligns."
Ryūji placed a hand on Akira's shoulder.
"We believe in you."
Akira's mind reeled.
Leadership? Him?
The group led Akira to the town square, where a sea of faces awaited.
Sam stepped forward, microphone in hand.
"Ladies and gentlemen, gather 'round!"
The crowd quieted.
"We've come to a realization," Sam began.
"Akimitsu, our hero, has declined leadership."
Gasps and murmurs spread.
"But we've found the perfect leader," Takashi added.
Someone who embodies unity, protection, and prosperity."
Kazumi smiled.
"Akira, step forward!"
Akira hesitated, confusion etched on his face.
"Akira, you're Hoshizuro's new leader!" Sam declared.
The crowd erupted in cheers and applause.
Akira's eyes widened in shock.
He scanned the faces, searching for answers.
Akimitsu's knowing smile.
Zoren's encouraging nod.
Takashi's reassuring gesture.
The crowd chanted Akira's name.
Akira's face flushed.
He opened his mouth to speak.
But words failed him.
"What...what do I say?" Akira whispered to Akimitsu.
Akimitsu chuckled.
"Speak from your heart, Akira."
Akira took a deep breath.
"Hoshizuro...I..."
His voice trailed off.
The crowd's cheers grew louder.
As Akira struggled to find words, a commotion arose at the crowd's edge.
Two figures pushed through, their faces filled with pride.
"Akira!" they exclaimed in unison.
Akira's eyes widened.
"Otōsan! Okaasan!" (Father! Mother!)
His parents, Kaito Hoshinaka and Yumi Hoshinaka, reached the front.
Kaito, a sturdy man with a warm smile, hugged Akira.
"We're proud of you, son!"
Yumi, with her gentle eyes and kind face, beamed.
"Our Akira, leading Hoshizuro!"
The crowd cheered louder.
Akimitsu stepped forward.
"Kaito-san, Yumi-san, your son is Hoshizuro's chosen leader."
Kaito nodded.
"We knew he had greatness in him."
Yumi smiled.
"Akira, say something to your people."
Akira took another deep breath.
"Hoshizuro...I promise to protect and unite our community."
The crowd roared approval.
Kaito and Yumi exchanged proud glances.
Their son, the leader of Hoshizuro.
To be
Continued.