A Gift of Power
The morning sun painted the Kaneshiro estate in shades of gold, a serene contrast to the storm brewing between Kaito and Renji. Kaito called his brother to the estate's private dojo, an unusual calmness in his demeanor.
Renji entered, his usual scowl in place. "What's this about, Kaito? Another lecture about how I need to 'find my strength'?"
Kaito chuckled. "Not quite. I wanted to give you something."
Renji raised an eyebrow as Kaito extended his hand, palm glowing faintly with a psychic aura.
"What are you doing?" Renji asked, a note of suspicion in his voice.
"Helping you," Kaito replied simply. Before Renji could protest, Kaito placed his hand on his brother's chest, his psychic energy flowing into him.
The room darkened as shadows twisted and coiled around Renji. His flames flared uncontrollably before stabilizing, their orange glow now tinged with ethereal black.
"What the—" Renji staggered back, clutching his chest. "What did you do to me?"
"I gave you Ethereal Manipulation and Umbrakinesis," Kaito explained, a playful grin on his face. "Consider it an upgrade."
Renji's eyes widened as he realized the potential of his newfound powers. He summoned a shadowy tendril that writhed in his hand like a living thing.
"You… you really think I needed your charity?" Renji growled, his flames igniting again.
Kaito's grin faded. "It's not charity, Renji. You're my brother. I just want you to have what you deserve."
Renji froze, his expression unreadable. "What I deserve?"
Kaito hesitated, then sighed. "There's one more thing."
With a wave of his hand, Kaito released a seal that had been placed on Renji years ago. The effect was immediate—Renji's flames surged, their heat and intensity far beyond anything he'd ever wielded before.
"You sealed me?" Renji's voice was a mix of disbelief and fury.
"It was for your own safety," Kaito said, stepping back. "You were too young to control it back then."
Renji's fury boiled over. With a roar, he grabbed the nearest table and hurled it at Kaito.
Kaito, in true older-brother fashion, made a ridiculous face and ducked out of the way. "Whoa, calm down! It was a long time ago!"
"I'LL KILL YOU!" Renji shouted, chasing Kaito around the estate as flames and shadows erupted in his wake.
Kaito laughed as he dodged and weaved. "You're welcome, by the way!"
The Final Trial
The next day, the brothers faced their final test: a duel in front of the entire Kaneshiro clan. The courtyard was packed with enforcers and family members, all eager to see which of Masaru's grandsons would claim leadership.
Renji stood across from Kaito, his fiery aura now enhanced by the swirling shadows at his command. His expression was steely, determined.
Kaito, on the other hand, looked relaxed, almost playful.
"Ready to lose, big brother?" Renji taunted, his flames licking at the edges of his sleeves.
"Always," Kaito replied with a smirk.
The duel began with an explosion of power. Renji unleashed a torrent of fire and shadows, forcing Kaito to dodge and deflect. The younger brother's attacks were relentless, each strike more ferocious than the last.
Kaito fought back just enough to keep the crowd engaged, but anyone paying close attention could see he wasn't going all out.
When Renji finally landed a decisive blow, sending Kaito sprawling, the crowd erupted in cheers.
Masaru rose from his seat, his voice carrying over the noise. "Renji Kaneshiro, you have proven yourself worthy. You will lead this family into the future."
Renji looked down at Kaito, his expression conflicted. "You didn't fight seriously, did you?"
Kaito grinned from the ground. "Maybe I just wanted to see you win for once."
Renji helped him to his feet, his grip firm. "Why? Why throw the match?"
"Because you're the better leader," Kaito said sincerely. "I'm too impulsive, too reckless. The family needs you, Renji."
Renji's jaw tightened, but he nodded. "You're an idiot, you know that?"
"Yeah," Kaito replied with a laugh. "But I'm your idiot brother."
A Farewell
After the ceremony, Kaito gathered his things and prepared to leave. He said his goodbyes to the family, his gang, and finally, to Renji.
"You sure about this?" Renji asked as Kaito opened a portal with a flick of his hand.
"Positive," Kaito replied. "This is your world now. I've got my own path to follow."
Renji hesitated, then clapped Kaito on the shoulder. "Take care of yourself, big brother."
"You too, boss," Kaito said with a wink before stepping through the portal.
As the gateway closed behind him, Kaito found himself back in his apartment, the weight of the Yakuza finally lifted from his shoulders. He poured himself a drink, gazing out the window at the city below.
"Here's to new beginnings," he said softly, raising his glass.