The dojo was abuzz with anticipation. Word had spread that the annual martial arts competition between Higan Dojo and the rival Kamura Dojo was approaching. It was more than just a showcase of skill—it was a matter of pride and honor for both schools.
Master Hiroshi stood before the gathered students, his presence commanding even in his silence. His eyes swept over the room, pausing momentarily on each student as if weighing their worth.
"This competition is not about strength alone," he began, his voice calm yet firm. "It is about discipline, focus, and the spirit of martial arts. I will select five students to represent Higan Dojo. If your name is called, you will carry not just your skills, but the honor of this temple."
The room grew tense. Whispers broke out among the students, many sneaking glances at Ryota, the senior student who was widely expected to be chosen. Ryota sat with his arms crossed, a smug grin on his face as if his selection were already guaranteed.
Master Hiroshi began calling names.
"Aiko."
Aiko stepped forward, her expression calm but determined. She bowed deeply, earning murmurs of approval from the other students.
"Ren."
A tall, wiry boy nodded and joined Aiko at the front.
"Yumi."
A quiet girl with a fierce reputation for precision took her place beside Ren.
"Kaien."
The room fell silent.
Kaien blinked in surprise, unsure if he had heard correctly. Ryota's face twisted in disbelief, and a ripple of murmurs spread through the dojo. Kaien felt Aiko nudge him lightly, snapping him out of his daze.
"Go on," she whispered with a smile.
Kaien stood, his heart pounding, and made his way to the front. He bowed deeply to Master Hiroshi, who nodded in acknowledgment.
"And finally," Master Hiroshi continued, "Max."
The murmurs grew louder. Max was a younger student, known more for his diligence than his skill. His inclusion was unexpected, and Ryota's anger was palpable.
"What?" Ryota burst out, stepping forward. "Master Hiroshi, with all due respect, why not choose me? I've trained harder than anyone here!"
Hiroshi's gaze didn't waver. "You have strength, Ryota. But you lack humility and discipline. Both are essential in representing this dojo."
Ryota's fists clenched, his face reddening, but he knew better than to argue further. He stormed to the back of the room, his muttering audible to everyone.
Kaien felt the weight of Ryota's glare on his back but tried to focus on Master Hiroshi's words.
Later that evening, after the dojo had emptied, Kaien found Master Hiroshi in the meditation hall, sitting cross-legged before the altar. The soft glow of lanterns illuminated the room, casting long shadows on the walls.
Kaien hesitated in the doorway, clutching the dragon pendant around his neck. Finally, he gathered his courage and stepped forward.
"Master Hiroshi," he began, his voice quiet but steady.
The old monk opened his eyes and looked at Kaien, a faint smile on his lips. "What troubles you, Kaien?"
Kaien knelt before him, lowering his gaze. "I... I have questions. About my parents. About this necklace. I've always wondered who they were and why they left me here."
Hiroshi's expression grew somber. He regarded Kaien for a long moment, his eyes filled with a mix of compassion and hesitation.
"I understand your curiosity, Kaien," he said finally. "But some answers are not mine to give."
Kaien's shoulders sagged, disappointment evident in his posture. "Will I ever know?"
Hiroshi reached out, placing a hand on the boy's shoulder. "In time, the truth will reveal itself. Trust in your journey, Kaien. The necklace you wear is a part of that truth. It is more than a keepsake; it is a key to understanding who you are."
Kaien looked down at the pendant, its faint glow reflecting in his golden eyes. "A key to what?"
Hiroshi shook his head, his expression unreadable. "That is something only you can discover. But know this: you are meant for something greater than you can imagine. Do not fear the unknown. Embrace it."
Kaien nodded slowly, though his heart still felt heavy with unanswered questions.
The next morning, training for the competition began in earnest. Master Hiroshi pushed the chosen students harder than ever, drilling them in technique, endurance, and strategy. Aiko excelled, her movements sharp and precise. Max struggled at first but showed remarkable determination, earning quiet praise from Hiroshi.
Kaien found himself somewhere in the middle. His instincts were strong, and his agility often caught his opponents off guard, but he lacked confidence. Aiko often stayed after practice to help him refine his movements, her encouragement giving him the strength to push through his doubts.
Ryota, meanwhile, spent the days brooding, his resentment toward Kaien growing with each passing hour. He took every opportunity to mock or undermine him, though Aiko was always quick to put him in his place.
"You've got this," Aiko told Kaien one afternoon as they sparred in the courtyard. "Don't let Ryota get inside your head. He's just jealous."
Kaien nodded, though he couldn't shake the feeling that Ryota's anger was building toward something dangerous.
As the competition drew closer, the atmosphere in the dojo became charged with excitement and nerves. Kaien couldn't help but feel a mixture of pride and fear. He had been chosen to represent the dojo—a chance to prove himself not just to the others, but to himself.
And somewhere deep inside, a part of him wondered if this was the first step toward uncovering the truth Hiroshi had spoken of.
The pendant around his neck pulsed faintly, as if in agreement.