The school buzzed with a strange energy the next day. Asahi walked through the hallway, his chest puffed out and his head held high. Everywhere he went, whispers followed.
"That's him! The Monkey King's avatar!"
"Wow… I heard he defeated a giant Ayakashi all by himself!"
"No way! Homura? The guy who barely passes math?"
Asahi basked in the attention, a smug grin plastered on his face. He was no longer just the mischievous kid who skipped classes and pulled pranks. He was somebody.
A group of younger students suddenly ran up to him, clutching notebooks and pens.
"Homura-san! Can we have your autograph?" one of them squeaked, holding out a piece of paper.
"Autograph?" Asahi blinked in surprise before grinning. "Of course! Line up, everyone. There's enough greatness to go around."
Asahi scribbled his name with exaggerated flair, pausing occasionally to give the kids a dramatic wink.
"Thanks, Homura-san! You're so cool!" one kid said, stars practically shining in their eyes.
"Cool?" Asahi flipped his hair dramatically. "Kid, I'm more than cool. I'm legendary."
But his moment of glory was interrupted by a familiar voice behind him.
"Legendary? In what universe?"
Asahi froze as his teacher, Matsuda-sensei, glared down at him, her arms crossed. "Homura, if you spent half as much energy studying as you do showing off, maybe you wouldn't be failing half your subjects."
The group of kids dispersed in a flash, leaving Asahi scratching his head sheepishly.
The day after the Ayakashi attack, Asahi sat awkwardly in their living room, flanked by his mother and Yui. Across from them, two of his teachers looked equally uncomfortable.
"Asahi's actions yesterday were… remarkable," one of them began. "He showed bravery and selflessness in saving that child."
Yui beamed with pride. "See, Mom? He's a hero!"
His mother wasn't smiling. Her arms were crossed, and her gaze was locked onto Asahi like a hawk. "Go on," she said to the teachers.
"Well," the second teacher continued nervously, "there's more. Asahi is no longer just a normal student. He's an avatar now."
Yui's eyes widened. "An avatar? Like… a real one? Like Papa?"
Asahi cleared his throat. "Yeah. No big deal."
His mother turned to him, her voice sharp. "No big deal? You were fighting an Ayakashi! You could have been killed!"
"Mom, I'm fine!" Asahi protested. "And besides, Wukong picked me. He thinks I've got potential."
"Wukong?" Yui gasped. "The Monkey King? That's so cool!"
Asahi grinned. "Right? I'm basically a legend already."
His mother wasn't impressed. "You're a child, Asahi. This isn't a game. Do you understand what this means? Being an avatar isn't just about power. It's about responsibility."
Asahi's grin faltered. "I know that, Mom. But—"
She cut him off, her voice trembling. "Your father was an avatar too. And look what happened to him."
The room fell silent. Asahi glanced at Yui, who looked down at her lap, her excitement replaced by worry.
The teachers shifted uncomfortably before one of them spoke again. "Mrs. Homura, I understand your concerns. But Asahi is no longer just an ordinary boy. The world will need him. He will need training and guidance."
"Training?" his mother asked.
"Yes. We've arranged for someone to visit tomorrow to discuss Asahi's future."
Asahi entered the principal's office, his confidence faltering slightly when he saw who was waiting for him. His mother sat stiffly in one chair, her face a mixture of worry and annoyance. Across from her stood a tall man with ice-blue hair and striking blue eyes. His sharp features and elegant posture made him look like he belonged in a movie.
The man's gaze fell on Asahi, and a warm smile spread across his face. "You've grown, Asahi. The last time I saw you, you were just a baby."
Asahi tilted his head, confused. "Uh… do I know you?"
The man chuckled. "Probably not. I'm Renji Arashi, an old friend of your father's."
Asahi's eyes widened. "Wait, you knew my dad?"
Renji nodded. "We fought side by side as Hiraishi. He was one of the best—strong, brave, and ridiculously stubborn. You remind me of him already."
Asahi felt a pang of pride at the mention of his father. "So… why are you here?"
The principal cleared his throat. "Asahi, you've been invited to Koyo High School, the premier academy for Hiraishi-in-training. It's a place where students like you—avatars or otherwise—hone their skills and learn to protect the world from Ayakashi."
Asahi's jaw dropped. "Koyo High? The Koyo High?"
He had heard of the school before. It wasn't just any academy—it was the place for aspiring Hiraishi, combining rigorous academics with intense combat training. Its alumni were legends in their own right.
"Asahi," his mother spoke up, her voice tinged with concern, "this means leaving your current life behind. You won't be living a normal life anymore. Are you sure you're ready for this?"
Asahi hesitated, the weight of her words sinking in. But before he could reply, Renji stepped forward.
"I understand your concerns," Renji said, addressing Asahi's mother directly. "But I promise to look after him. He'll be safe at Koyo High. And more importantly, he'll be prepared for what's to come."
"What's to come?" Asahi echoed, frowning.
Renji's expression darkened slightly. "Asahi, being an avatar isn't just about power. It's about responsibility. The Ayakashi won't stop, and you're now a target. Koyo High will teach you how to handle that."
Asahi's mother sighed, her shoulders slumping. "If this is what's best for you… then I'll support it. Just promise me you'll be careful, Asahi."
Asahi grinned, trying to lighten the mood. "Come on, Mom. It's me. When have I ever not been careful?"
She shot him a look that could have frozen an Ayakashi in its tracks. "Do you really want me to answer that?"
Renji chuckled. "I think he'll be fine. He's got potential. And, well, a bit of his dad's charm."
Asahi sat on the roof of their house, staring at the stars. The fiery pendant glowed faintly around his neck. Yui climbed up beside him, her tiny legs dangling off the edge.
"So, you're leaving?" she asked, her voice small.
"Yeah," Asahi replied, his tone softer than usual. "It's kind of a big deal, you know? Your brother's gonna be a hero."
Yui pouted. "You're already my hero, dummy. But… are you scared?"
Asahi hesitated, then ruffled her hair. "Nah. I've got this. Besides, I'll come back to visit. You can't get rid of me that easily."
Yui smiled, leaning against him. "You better. And don't forget—if you mess up, Mom's gonna kill you."
Asahi laughed, pulling her into a playful headlock. "Yeah, yeah. Don't worry, squirt. I'll make you proud."
As they sat there under the night sky, Asahi couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. Tomorrow, his life would change forever.