One night, long time ago, when Takeshi Hongou was still a child. He was trying to sleep at night. Suddenly an explosions happened nearby his house. The explosion rocks the small wooden house, causing Takeshi to bolt upright in his futon. Smoke fills the room as flames lick at the thatched roof. His mother, Yumi, screams his name from the main room. Takeshi's heart pounds as he rushes toward her voice, coughing through the thickening smoke. The front door is blocked by burning debris, and the windows are too high for a child to reach. Takeshi's small hands frantically search for an escape route as the fire spreads rapidly through the dry wooden structure. The heat is intense, making his skin prickle with pain. Through the haze, he spots a small gap under the door - just wide enough for a child to squeeze through. Without hesitation, he drops to his stomach and crawls toward the opening, the heat searing his back. As he squeezes through, he feels something grab his ankle, holding him back.
The grip tightens, dragging him back into the inferno. Through the smoke and flames, Takeshi sees his mother, Yumi, reaching for him. Her clothes are partially burned, her skin red and blistered. "Run, my child!" she screams, tears streaming down her face as she holds onto him with weakening strength. "Run to the dojo! Find Sanada-sensei!" Her words crackle with pain as the flames consume the house. The heat intensifies, and the grip on Takeshi's ankle tightens painfully. His mother's strength wanes as the fire claims more of the house. With a final, desperate push, Takeshi wrenches free and crawls clear of the burning structure. Behind him, his mother's agonized screams pierce the night air. The heat from the inferno is intense, and smoke chokes his lungs as he scrambles to his feet.
Takeshi stumbles backward as he surveys the chaos before him. His small village, once peaceful and serene, has erupted into a scene of absolute devastation. Orange and yellow flames engulf the wooden structures, casting an eerie glow over the terrified villagers as they flee for their lives. Through the haze, Takeshi sees people running wildly in all directions, their faces contorted with fear.
The burning village is swarming with shadowy figures, their forms writhing and twisting like smoke in the wind. These are no ordinary attackers - they move with unnatural speed and grace, their bodies seeming to blur and distort as they strike. The villagers' screams echo through the night as the creatures tear through them with inhuman strength. Takeshi's legs give out beneath him as he watches the horror unfold. His small body quivers with terror, the heat from the fires making his skin feel as if it's being seared. Through tear-blurred eyes, he spots an elderly woman, Mrs. Tanaka, trying to protect her infant grandson. A black figure descends upon them, its ethereal blade slicing through her defenses. Takeshi's heart shatters as Mrs. Tanaka falls, her body dissolving into black mist. The baby's cries are cut short as another figure swoops in, its inhuman hands reaching for the child. The night air carries the smell of burning flesh and wood, mingling with an otherworldly metallic tang that makes Takeshi's stomach churn. His mother's last words echo in his mind: "Run to the dojo! Find Sanada-sensei!"
Takeshi's small frame shakes violently as he witnesses the horrific scene before him. The burning village is a hellscape of destruction, with villagers being methodically hunted and slaughtered by the army of black figures. The air is thick with smoke and the acrid smell of charred flesh. Through his tears, he sees a group of survivors - including several of his friends - cornered by a cluster of the creatures. The survivors desperately try to fight back with farming tools and whatever they can grab, but their efforts are futile against the supernatural attackers. One by one, the villagers fall, their bodies dissolving into black mist as they're touched by the ethereal blades. The only escape route appears to be a narrow alleyway between two burning buildings, but it's quickly becoming blocked by falling debris.
Takeshi's small heart pounds as he watches his friends' desperate struggles. He knows he should run, but his feet seem rooted to the spot. The black figures close in, their ethereal blades glinting in the firelight. One of the villagers, Takeshi's friend Kenji, manages to land a solid blow with a wooden beam, but it passes right through his attacker as if it were smoke.
The creature retaliates with a swift slash, cutting clean through Kenji's makeshift weapon and into his flesh. The young boy's scream is cut short as his body disintegrates into black mist, joining the growing cloud of dissolved villagers. The remaining survivors break and run in different directions, only to be hunted down methodically by the shadowy attackers. The metallic tang in the air grows stronger, and Takeshi feels a strange, pulsing energy emanating from a nearby alley.
A figure holding a sword emerges from the alley. He is tall and muscular, with long black hair tied in a topknot. His face is stern, and he holds a long katana, its blade glowing with an inner light. This is Sanada Yukimura, the blade guardian of Shizuka Village. Wielding the Legendary sword Kaze No Kokoro or Heart Of The Wind. His presence immediately commands respect and authority. The black figures pause in their slaughter, their heads turning to face the new threat. The air vibrates with tension as Sanada Yukimura steps forward, his legendary sword humming softly. The black figures, previously focused on their hunt, now turn their attention to the new arrival. The wind suddenly picks up, swirling around Yukimura in a protective vortex. The metallic taste in the air intensifies, and the pulsing energy grows stronger. The shadowy figures pause momentarily, their twisted forms flickering as if affected by the wind. Yukimura's stance is relaxed yet ready, his grip on the Kaze no Kokoro firm and controlled. The legendary sword's hum grows louder, and its blue glow intensifies, cutting through the darkness of the burning village. The black figures begin moving again, their movements more cautious now as they circle Yukimura.
The shadowy figures attack simultaneously, their ethereal blades slicing through the air with inhuman speed. Yukimura moves with lightning-fast reflexes, each swing of his sword leaving a trail of wind that pushes back the attackers. The clash of steel against the supernatural entities echoes through the village, mingling with the sounds of burning wood and screaming villagers. Takeshi watches in awe as Yukimura's blade dances through the air, each strike accompanied by a gust of wind that sends the shadowy attackers reeling. The legendary sword's hum grows louder, its blue glow intensifying as it cuts through the darkness. The black figures seem to hesitate, their forms distorting under the assault of wind and steel. One by one, they dissipate into nothingness, banished by Yukimura's mastery of Kaze no Kokoro.
The night air is thick with smoke and the metallic smell of blood, as Yukimura moves with inhuman speed, his blade a blur of motion. The shadowy figures recoil from his attacks, their forms wavering as they try to counter the wind's force. Takeshi watches in horror as his friends and neighbors fall, their bodies dissolving into black mist when touched by the ethereal blades. The legendary sword hums with increasing intensity, its blue glow casting an eerie light across the battlefield. Yukimura's movements become even more fluid and precise, each swing of his blade accompanied by a gust of wind that disperses the black figures. The creatures, realizing their disadvantage, begin to retreat, but Yukimura's counterattacks keep them pinned down. Yukimura's relentless assault pushes the shadowy figures back, but their retreat reveals a terrifying sight - Yumi Hongou, Takeshi's mother, lying motionless in a pool of blood near the burning dojo. The black figures seem to be using her as bait, their forms coalescing around her body. Yukimura notices the trap too late as he charges forward, the wind from his blade temporarily parted by a dense mass of shadowy attackers.
The metallic taste in the air intensifies as Yukimura charges forward, his legendary sword cutting through the smoke and chaos. The shadowy figures part momentarily, revealing Yumi's lifeless form - her body pale and still, a dark pool of blood spreading beneath her. Takeshi's heart breaks at the sight, his mother's final words echoing in his mind. Yukimura's next swing of Kaze no Kokoro creates a powerful gust of wind, dispersing the black figures momentarily. But as he closes the distance to Yumi, the shadowy attackers converge again, their ethereal blades flashing in the firelight. Yukimura's blade moves in a blur of motion, deflecting the supernatural attacks even as he kneels beside Yumi. His face betrays no emotion, but the legendary sword's hum grows louder, its blue glow intensifying as if responding to his unspoken rage.
The shadowy figures regroup, their ethereal forms coalescing into a singular mass of darkness that towers above. Yukimura stands, his eyes locked on the threat as he raises Kaze no Kokoro. The legendary sword's humming reaches a fever pitch, its blue glow casting an eerie light on his face. The wind suddenly intensifies, swirling around him in a protective vortex that pushes back the burning debris. The black mass of shadowy figures surges forward, its countless ethereal blades extending like a forest of death. Yukimura moves with inhuman speed, each swing of his sword leaving a trail of wind that pushes back the attackers. The clash of steel against the supernatural entity echoes through the village, mingling with the sounds of burning wood and screaming villagers. The legendary sword's hum grows louder, its blue glow intensifying as it cuts through the darkness. Suddenly the shadowy figures banished and a tall figure emerges from the darkness. His face is obscured by a black mask that reflects the flames of the burning village, while his body is adorned in elaborate black and purple armor. He carries a sword with a blade as black as the night, its edge seeming to drink in the light around it. The figure steps forward, his movements fluid and controlled, as he raises his weapon in a challenge. "You've held out longer than expected, Blade Guardian."
Yukimura stands his ground, his body taut with tension as he faces the masked figure. The wind around him swirls faster, Kaze no Kokoro's glow intensifying. "I am Sanada Yukimura, Blade Guardian of Shizuka Village. Speak your name, shadow-wielder, so that history will know the face of Evolt's master."
The masked figure chuckles darkly, his armor clinking softly as he moves. "History?" He scoffs, raising his ebony blade. "You speak as if there will be any left to record it. I am Kurotaka, Elite member of Evolt and wielder of this blade - Kusaragi No Tsurugi. Your village was merely the first step in our grand design."
The wind from Kaze no Kokoro intensifies, sending embers and debris spiraling around Yukimura as he prepares for battle. "Then let this be the last." The wind howls as Kurotaka lunges forward, his black blade cutting through the air with inhuman speed. Yukimura deflects the attack with Kaze no Kokoro, the clash sending a shockwave of air that extinguishes nearby flames. "Your sword's power is impressive, but you cannot protect this village forever."
Yukimura's eyes narrow as he parries another strike. "Perhaps not, but I can ensure you never take it." The legendary swords clash in a blur of motion, their blades singing with otherworldly power. The wind from Kaze no Kokoro battles against an unseen force surrounding Kusaragi No Tsurugi, creating an eerie dance of light and shadow. Takeshi watches in horror as the two warriors exchange blows, their movements too fast for the eye to follow. Yukimura's face sets in fierce resolve as he presses forward, but Kurotaka's skills match his own. The masked warrior's attacks are relentless, his black blade seeming to devour the very air it cuts through. Yukimura responds with fluid grace, each swing of Kaze no Kokoro creating gusts of wind that push back the supernatural assault. The clash of legendary swords echoes through the burning village, drawing the attention of the remaining survivors who watch from hidden vantage points. Yukimura's feet move with practiced precision across the scorched earth as he weaves between Kurotaka's lightning-fast strikes. The wind from Kaze no Kokoro howls around him, creating a protective barrier that deflects the shadowy tendrils attempting to encircle him. Sweat beads on his forehead, his breath coming in short gasps as the battle intensifies.
Kurotaka's masked face shows no sign of exertion as he presses forward, his movements becoming increasingly erratic and unpredictable. The black Blade of Extinction, Kusaragi No Tsurugi leaves voids in the air where it passes, creating a disorienting effect that makes it difficult for Yukimura to track its path. The clash of legendary swords sends shockwaves through the village, toppling already weakened structures and sending debris flying. The wind from Kaze no Kokoro intensifies, howling like a tempest as Yukimura unleashes its full power. The gusts batter against Kurotaka, forcing him back with their sheer force. The masked warrior's stance falters for a moment, his black blade struggling to cut through the onslaught of air. Yukimura takes advantage of this opening, lunging forward with a speed that belies his exhaustion.
Kaze no Kokoro arcs through the air, its glowing blade aimed directly at Kurotaka's heart. The wind howls, creating a vortex that surrounds the two combatants, isolating them from the rest of the burning village. Kurotaka's eyes widen behind his mask as he barely manages to deflect the strike, the force of the wind sending him stumbling backward. Kurotaka unleashed his shadow army to aid him. The shadowy figures surge forward, their ethereal blades slicing through the wind as they converge on Yukimura. The Blade Guardian's eyes narrow in concentration as he weaves through the onslaught, Kaze no Kokoro humming with each precise strike. The wind vortex intensifies, whipping the flames of the burning village into a frenzied dance. Takeshi watches in horror, his heart pounding as Yukimura battles against impossible odds.
The shadowy figures swarm around Yukimura like a living tide of darkness, their ethereal blades flashing in the firelight. The wind from Kaze no Kokoro howls as it cuts through the attackers, but for every one that dissipates, two more seem to take its place. Kurotaka stands back, his black blade held ready as he watches the battle with cold detachment.
Yukimura knew he was at a disadvantage. He couldn't defeat Kurotaka and the shadow army while also protecting Takeshi. With a fierce battle cry, Yukimura unleashed the full power of Kaze no Kokoro. The wind swirled into a massive tornado, engulfing the shadowy figures and sending them flying. Kurotaka barely managed to maintain his footing, his black blade raised defensively against the onslaught. Yukimura seized the opportunity. He scooped up Takeshi with one arm, holding the boy tightly against his chest. With Kaze no Kokoro in hand, he leapt into the swirling vortex of wind. The tornado lifted them off the ground, carrying them high above the burning village. Takeshi clung to Yukimura, his face buried in the Blade Guardian's shoulder as he sobbed uncontrollably.
Below, Kurotaka watched as Yukimura and Takeshi disappeared into the night sky, the tornado obscuring them from view. His masked face twisted in anger and frustration. "You may have escaped today, Blade Guardian," he called out over the howling wind, "but mark my words - Evolt will have those swords, and we will rule this world!" The wind carries you and Yukimura high above the burning village, the flames and chaos dwindling beneath you. You cling to Yukimura's shoulder, your heart pounding in your chest as the tornado propels you through the night sky. The air is cold at this height, numbing your face and hands, but you barely notice through the shock and grief of what you've just witnessed. Yukimura holds you tightly, his face set in grim determination as he steers the wind with Kaze no Kokoro. The legendary sword hums softly in his grip, its blue glow illuminating his face and the swirling vortex around you. You can feel the power of the sword coursing through the air, guiding your ascent and keeping the shadowy attackers at bay.
As the tornado carries you further from the village, the wind begins to subside. Yukimura's face is grim as he surveys the destruction below - the once peaceful village of Shizuka now a smoldering ruin, its people slaughtered or scattered by Evolt's attack. He knows that this is only the beginning, that the secret organization will stop at nothing to claim the seven legendary swords for themselves. Yukimura's thoughts turn to you, Takeshi. He can feel your small body trembling against his, the shock and grief of losing your family and home etched on your young face. He knows that he must protect you, not only because you are the last surviving member of the Hongou clan, but also because he sees potential in you - the same potential he saw in your father so many years ago.
As the wind carries you and Yukimura through the night sky, you look down at the smoldering remains of your village. The devastation is overwhelming - homes reduced to charred rubble, fields scorched and blackened, the once peaceful streets now littered with the bodies of friends and loved ones. Tears stream down your face as you remember the laughter and warmth that once filled this place, now replaced by death and destruction. You bury your face in Yukimura's shoulder, sobbing inconsolably as the wind carries you away from the ruins of your home. The grief is overwhelming, a suffocating weight that presses down on your chest and makes it hard to breathe. You cling to Yukimura like a lifeline, the only anchor in a world that has suddenly turned upside down. He holds you tightly, his strong arms a comforting presence even amidst the chaos.
As the tornado finally dissipates, Yukimura gently sets you down on a remote mountaintop, far from the devastation of Shizuka Village. The night air is cold and crisp, a stark contrast to the heat of the burning village. Yukimura kneels down to look you in the eye, his expression serious yet compassionate. "Takeshi, I know you are hurting," he says softly. "What happened to our village...it's unforgivable." He places a hand on your shoulder, his grip firm and reassuring. "But we cannot let this tragedy break us. We must honor the memory of those we lost by continuing to fight against Evolt and their quest for power."
Yukimura's words hang heavy in the air, and for a moment, you can only stare at him through tear-filled eyes. The pain of losing your family and friends is still raw, the grief threatening to overwhelm you once again. But deep within you, a spark of determination begins to kindle. You think of your mother's final words, her desperate plea for you to find Yukimura and escape the village. You remember the way she fought to protect you, even in the face of impossible odds. And you remember the faces of your friends and loved ones, the laughter and joy that once filled the streets of Shizuka Village. You take a deep, shuddering breath, trying to steady yourself as you meet Yukimura's gaze. "I...I want to fight," you whisper, your voice trembling with emotion. "I want to make sure that what happened to our village doesn't happen anywhere else. I want to protect people, like you and my parents did."
Yukimura's eyes widen in surprise, then soften with understanding. He places both hands on your shoulders, his grip firm and reassuring. "Takeshi, I understand your desire for justice," he says gently. "But the path of a Blade Guardian is not an easy one. It requires strength, dedication, and sacrifice. Are you prepared to face those challenges, to give up the life you once knew in order to protect others?"
You take a deep breath, steeling yourself as you meet Yukimura's gaze. The determination in your eyes is evident, a reflection of the strength that lies within you. "I'm ready," you say firmly, your voice growing stronger with each word. "I know it won't be easy, but I can't just stand by while Evolt destroys more lives. I want to honor the memory of my family and friends, to make sure their deaths weren't in vain." Yukimura nods solemnly, a glimmer of pride in his eyes as he listens to your words. "Very well," he says at last, rising to his feet. He reaches out a hand to help you up, and you take it gratefully, your legs still shaky from the events of the night. "From this day forward, Takeshi Hongou, you are no longer simply the son of Yumi and Hiroshi."
"You are now my student, a Blade Guardian in training. Your path will be one of hardship and danger, but also of purpose and honor. Together, we will hunt down Evolt and put an end to their twisted ambitions. We will protect the legendary swords and ensure that they never fall into the wrong hands."
Yukimura's words fill you with a sense of determination and purpose. You nod firmly, your grip tightening on his hand as you rise to your feet. The mountaintop is quiet, save for the soft rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze. The moon hangs low in the sky, casting a silvery glow over the landscape. In the distance, the ruins of Shizuka Village smolder, a grim reminder of the destruction wrought by Evolt. But here, amidst the tranquility of nature, a new chapter begins.