The Socho building sat in the middle of the Nexus village showing everyone who passed, it's architectural beauty . Beneath the normal Socho office was a room,with a round wooden table at the middle, surrounded by six wooden chairs with Fire ,Stone, Sound, Lightning,Wind and water written in kanji at the top of each chairs.
Five figures convened in the dim glow of the light beacon. They were the Socho,the leaders of the elemental clans—masters of their respective domains and protectors of balance across the fractured land.
Each bore an aura of immense power, yet the room felt heavy with tension. They had not gathered like this in years, and the massacre of the Homuragi clan was a bitter reason to reunite.
The Kazekuni Socho of the Corolla village,Fuji Sora, who wore robes of green and gold, the patterns shifting like wind through tall grass. His silver hair cascaded down his back, and his piercing gaze moved between his counterparts. "We should begin," he said, his voice soft yet commanding.
"I agree," grumbled the Mizuou Socho, Tsurugi Mizutani of the Stomatia village,his hair blue like the sea short and silky,with some of it covering his eyes . His outfit was a blue robe,with waves designed on it.
"The annihilation of the Homuragi is no small matter ,the shadows are trying to take out each of the clans so that the guardians won't be reincarnated and they won't be able to seal Daimao Maoshi when he returns."
As Tsurugi said this ,the entire room became even tenser because of the ominous name of the Shadow King that was uttered.
The Ongaku Socho,Otani Otozawa of the Syncarp village ,dressed in flowing black silk garment ,nodded solemnly. His features were serene but betrayed a deep sadness. "What of the survivors? Have any been found?"
"Only one, apparently,he was the only one who survived" replied the Kaminari Socho, Tora Kaminari , his voice like distant thunder. His golden eyes gleamed under the light, and his dark robes shimmered with static energy. "But he is only a child—fragile and untrained. The Homuragi were obliterated to the last, leaving no guardians for him but he came with a scroll containing a large number of fire techniques."Tora said as he took a deep breath, waiting for the information to sink in ,then he spoke up and said"The only survivor is Shinji Homuragi,the son of Enjin,the late Enketsu Socho "
The entire room was shocked by this new piece of information that Tora just revealed.
The Skiishi Socho,Ishizaki Iwamoto of the Cortex village, leaned forward. His massive frame was covered in earthen tones, and his presence felt as unyielding as a mountain. "Then the question becomes: who will raise the child? This is no ordinary burden. The survivor carries the Homuragi's legacy, the blood of the late Enketsu Socho as well as the shadows' target on his back."
Silence fell over the chamber as each Socho pondered the question.
The massacre had been swift and brutal,carried out by the Shadows . By the time word reached the Socho, it was too late. Only one child, no more than Six years old, had been hidden away by the Enketsu Socho
"The child is not just a survivor," said Kazekuni Socho, breaking the silence. "They are a symbol. The shadows know this. They will come for him again and the other clans too"
"We need answers first," said the Mizuou Socho "Why did the Shadows do this now ,why not before or after"
The Ongaku Socho's voice was calm but firm. "Speculation serves us little. The child may hold the key. They might have seen something or heard whispers of the enemy before the attack."
"Even if they did," said the Skiishi Socho, his deep voice resonating like a quake, "they are too young to understand. What they need now is protection and guidance"
"As a matter of fact,the boy told me something"The Kaminari Socho said.
"What!"
"He told me that he heard the shadow who led the massacre,the Kurokage saying"Master will be pleased" "
"Maoshi!"
This sounded in the mind of all the Socho
"It has almost been 100 years since Maoshi was last revived , so the shadows must be preparing for his coming, that's why they did this now " the Skiishi Socho said as the room tensed up.
"Back to the previous matter,Protection is one thing," The Mizuou Socho said, standing abruptly. "But this is also about preparation. We cannot allow the Homuragi's knowledge to be lost. The child must be trained—not just in combat, but in their clan's wisdom. Without it, we all stand weaker."
"And who will train them?" asked Mizu Socho, her gaze sharp. "The responsibility is immense, and their presence will make any Socho's stronghold a target."
Kazekuni Socho folded his arms. "It cannot be Ishizaki ,Your temper is ill-suited for a child who has just lost everything."
Ishizaki scowled but did not argue.
Mizuou Socho continued. "And it cannot be me. My domain is not that protective. The waters ebb and flow, but they do not shield as stone does." He glanced at the Ongaku Socho.
"Do not look at me," The Ongaku Socho rumbled. "My fortress is strong, but I lack the subtlety needed to guide such a delicate soul. The child would resent me before long."
All eyes turned to Kaminari Socho.
The air around him crackled faintly as he met their gazes. "You would place this burden on me?"
"You are the best choice," said Kaze Socho. "Your wisdom is tempered by patience, and your domain—high in the storm-cloaked mountains—is defensible. The child would be safe with you."
Kaminari Socho's expression darkened, but he said nothing for a long moment. Finally, he spoke. "I will not refuse, but we must all acknowledge what this means. Raising the child will not be enough. We must prepare for war."
The five Socho spent the rest of the night discussing how to strengthen their clans and prepare for the next attack.
The Kaminari Socho was tasked with enhancing offensive measures. His warriors would train to counteract stealth tactics like those used in the Homuragi massacre.
Mizuou Socho would bolster defenses along rivers and coasts, ensuring that no enemies could exploit the waterways.
Skiishi Socho would fortify the mountains and valleys, creating hidden strongholds where refugees and allies could find safety.
As for Kaminari Socho, his role was twofold: to protect and train the last survivor of the Homuragi, and to preserve their knowledge.
The meeting concluded as dawn began to break over the Socho Building. The Socho filed out one by one, each returning to their domains with heavy hearts and renewed determination.
Kaminari Socho lingered behind, his thoughts clouded with doubt. The weight of responsibility pressed down on him like the storm clouds that often surrounded his mountain home.
Mizuou Socho approached him before leaving. "You will do well," he said gently.
"Will I?" he replied, his voice low. "The child has lost everything. What can I offer them that will ease their pain?"
"Time," she said simply. "And understanding."
With that, she departed, leaving Kaminari Socho alone in the empty hall.
"I know just what to do "
Shinji sat quietly on the bed in the hospital ward reflecting on the horror he saw on the night of his clans' massacre.He heard footsteps from a distance, coming towards his direction,as the door knob moved ,he became tense, wondering who it could be.
The door opened to reveal the figure of Tora Kaminari.
Tora approached cautiously ,a small child about the same age as Shinji , almost an exact replica of Tora followed behind him.
Tora then knelt down to meet Shinji's gaze as he said
"You are safe now , don't worry ,i even brought a friend"he said softly, pointing to the boy behind him.
"Hey , I'm Denki Kaminari,nice to meet you "the boy said
"Shinji Homuragi "Shinji said
"I know you have been through much," he continued, "but I will do everything in my power to protect you. You carry the legacy of your clan, and that is not a burden you must bear I'll do what I can to make you feel loved and at home even though this is not your home,in the place of your father "
Shinji's eyes flickered with a spark of something—hope, perhaps, or defiance.
Kaminari Socho extended his hand. "Come. It is time to leave this place."
Shinji immediately took his hand and the three of them walked out of the hospital room and out of the building.
As they stepped into the morning sun , Shinji asked
"Where are we going?"
"To your new home"Tora said
They got in front of a beautiful house, nothing extravagant but well furnished and clean.
As they entered,they saw a woman in the kitchen,as the saw them ,she ran towards them and bent down to meet Shinji's gaze .
"Hey there little boy, you must be Shinji ,nice to finally meet you."She said showing a big smile, Shinji was first fluttered but regained composure and replied with a little head nod.
Tora glanced at the child beside him, and a sense of resolve settled over him as he thought
"The road ahead would be fraught with danger, but I will ensure that the last survivor of the Homuragi clan and the legacy of my old friend will not only survive—but also thrive."