The halls of the Shiba estate felt different today. They weren't any wider, nor were the intricate crimson banners any more vibrant than they had been yesterday. The polished obsidian floors still reflected the flickering lantern light, and the air still carried the familiar scent of burning incense mixed with the crisp mountain breeze. Yet, as I walked through these halls, every step felt heavier.

"Lord Kai."

The guards bowed as I passed. That was new. Yesterday, I was just Kai, the youngest son, the reckless little brother, the boy still getting scolded by Grandfather for burning down the training fields. Today, I was the heir of the Shiba Clan.

I didn't ask for this.

Benimaru was supposed to take this role. My older brother—strong, disciplined, the perfect warrior. But he left. No one talks about it much, but I know why. He wanted to be free, to carve his own path without the weight of the Shiba name pressing down on him. And now that weight was on me.

I stepped into the council chamber, where my father, grandfather, and the clan elders were already seated. Their gazes were sharp, measuring. Testing. As if trying to see if I could bear the burden they had placed on my shoulders.

"Sit, Kai." My father's voice was calm, but there was an edge to it. He wasn't just my father now—he was the Shiba Clan's leader, and I was his successor.

I sat, folding my arms, trying not to let them see the tension in my jaw.

"The heir of the Shiba Clan must embody strength, wisdom, and restraint," my grandfather began, his weathered face unreadable. "Our flames do not burn recklessly. They are a beacon, guiding our people. Do you understand?"

I nodded. I understood the words, but whether I believed them was another matter. My flames had never been restrained. They raged, they consumed. Even now, I could feel the fire in my blood stirring, restless.

"The responsibilities of the heir are many," my father continued. "You will oversee the training of our warriors, handle disputes among our people, and stand as our shield against any who threaten the clan."

I exhaled through my nose. Training? Fine. Settling disputes? Sure, I'd deal with it. But being a shield? That was harder. I wasn't Benimaru. I didn't fight with calm precision. I fought like wildfire—unpredictable, uncontrollable.

"Understood," I said finally.

The meeting continued, filled with talks of alliances, trade agreements, and matters that all felt so… distant. I was used to problems that could be solved with my fists or my fire. But these? This was a different battlefield altogether.

By the time I left the chamber, the sun had dipped past the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and violet. I found myself standing at the edge of the training grounds, watching the younger warriors spar. They still looked at me differently now, with expectation in their eyes.

I clenched my fists, letting a small flicker of flame dance across my fingertips.

Heir of the Shiba Clan.

I wasn't sure if I was ready. But ready or not, this was my path now.