The humid air hung heavy in the forge, the scent of hot metal mingling with the earthy aroma of the dojo. Yuito, his face alight with excitement, unfurled his designs for his new katana. Master Sada, his weathered face etched with a lifetime of experience, peered at the drawings with a skeptical frown.
"Colorful," he observed, his voice a low rumble. "Very colorful."
Yuito, undeterred, quickly sketched a new design, a whirlwind of vibrant colors, a lightning bolt arcing across the blade, and a curious, mini-blade attached to the hilt. It was a masterpiece of chaotic beauty.
"Perfect!" Yuito declared, beaming.
"Indeed," Master Sada conceded, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Now, let us begin your training."
Yuito's eyes widened. "Sword moves! I'm ready!"
Master Sada, however, had other plans. "First," he said, his voice stern, "you must learn to meditate while holding your sword. Focus your Numen energy, and channel it into the blade. Make it spark."
Yuito blinked, bewildered. "Wha—what? Why?"
Master Sada simply smiled and walked away, leaving Yuito staring after him, his mind reeling.
Hours later, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Yuito sat slumped against the dojo wall, his arms trembling with exhaustion. He tried to focus, to channel the invisible energy within him, but his efforts were met with only frustration.
Master Sada, observing him from the shadows, nodded approvingly. The boy had spirit. He wouldn't give up.
With a renewed surge of determination, Yuito gripped the hilt of his sword. He closed his eyes, picturing the lightning bolt, feeling the energy coursing through his veins. Suddenly, a jolt, a spark, and then a cascade of blue electricity erupted from the blade.
"Yes!" Yuito cried, his voice filled with exhilaration. "I did it!"
Master Sada stepped into the light. "Excellent, boy. But this is merely the beginning. The Senshi exams are approaching, and you must be strong."
Yuito, his stomach growling, nodded eagerly. "I'm ready!"
"Good," Master Sada said, a mischievous glint in his eye. "There are noodles."
Yuito's eyes widened. "Noodles? Sweet!"
"They are... not yet made," Master Sada corrected, a wry smile playing on his lips.
Yuito deflated. "What? You sounded so sure!"
"A master of misdirection," Master Sada chuckled. "Let us remedy that."
As they began to prepare the noodles, Riku, another student of Master Sada, entered the dojo.
"How's training going, Yuito?" Riku asked, his eyes twinkling.
Yuito, startled, stammered, "Uh, good! Yeah, good."
Master Sada, ever the matchmaker, chuckled. "I see a budding friendship here."
Yuito and Riku both blushed. "We're just friends," Riku insisted.
Master Sada raised an eyebrow, unconvinced.
Soon, Riku took his leave, and Yuito, exhausted but exhilarated, finally retired to his room.
Meanwhile, deep within the lair of the Infinity Monsters, Oni, his face pale with fear, stood before his master, Youkai.
"We failed," Oni stammered, "The master escaped!"
Youkai, his eyes burning with fury, slammed his fist on the ground. "Incompetent fool! One simple task!"
Oni cowered. "We—"
"Silence!" Youkai roared, his voice echoing through the cavern.