The village was quiet the morning Kaito left. Only Ayame stood at the edge of the forest to see him off, her staff glowing faintly in the pre-dawn light. She handed him a leather pouch filled with herbs, bandages, and a few charms.
"Stay true to yourself, Kaito," she said, her voice tinged with worry. "The blade will test you, but you must remember why it chose you."
Kaito nodded, gripping Kagekiri. "I'll find this temple, Ayame. And I'll come back stronger—strong enough to protect everyone."
The whispers of Kagekiri were silent for now, but Kaito could feel its energy coiled within, like a predator waiting to strike. With a final glance back at Ayame, he stepped into the shadowy embrace of the forest.
As the hours passed, the forest grew denser, its canopy blocking out the sun. Kaito's steps faltered when he noticed faint markings on the trees—symbols etched into the bark, glowing faintly in the dim light.
"Beware," whispered Kagekiri, its voice a low growl. "The Shade-born are near."
Before Kaito could react, a chilling wind swept through the trees, and from the shadows emerged three Shade-born. Unlike the one from the village, these were larger, their forms more defined.
"Well, this was bound to happen," Kaito muttered, unsheathing the katana.
The first Shade-born lunged at him, its claws gleaming. Kaito sidestepped, his movements guided by the blade. He slashed downward, severing the creature with a burst of light. The other two circled him, their eyes glowing with malice.
"Focus," the blade urged, its whispers sharper now. "Do not fear the darkness."
Kaito spun, the blade a blur of light and shadow. Within moments, the remaining Shade-born dissolved into wisps of smoke, leaving behind an eerie silence.
Breathing heavily, Kaito sheathed Kagekiri and pressed onward, his resolve hardening. The temple lay ahead, and with it, the answers he sought.