The monks' ritual had fused Kagekiri's essence with the sacred tree, transforming the roots into both a prison and a shield. Over the centuries, the blade's energy fed the tree, causing it to grow unnaturally large. The roots became a labyrinthine fortress, holding the katana in place and masking its presence from the unworthy. Yet the blade's sentience allowed it to influence the world subtly, calling out to those it deemed worthy.
When Kaito touched the katana, the bond between them shattered the roots' hold. However, the act of freeing the blade also a su unleashedrge of dormant energy, awakening the Shade-born from their long slumber. The roots, once a barrier, now became a bridge between the realms of light and shadow, thrusting Kaito into a conflict far greater than he had ever imagined.