Prologue part one: Jujutsu Kaisen the origin

The world is cruel. They're incapable of understanding that all I wanted was to be happy, but the world took everything from me. They took it all away, and now I'll take it all back from them. I am the end.

This is my story.

In ancient times, in a country known as Japan, in a place where the snow never stopped falling, there was an estate. Several people moved about, but in one area of the estate, the clash of two wooden swords could be heard.

A man with spiky black hair and a beard, dressed in a white kimono, stood before a child no more than five years old. The child also wore a white kimono; his black hair partially covered his eyes, which were as dark as night.

The wooden swords clashed in the air, but the man increased the force of his blow, pushing the boy backward until he fell on his back.

The man spoke in a stern voice:

"Kaito, how long will you remain so weak? You are the most fragile of your brothers. Our clan, the Kagyo, is at the top thanks to our power. As part of our family, your duty is to protect weak humans from the sorcerers who sow chaos."

Kaito, with effort, stood up and replied:

—I understand, Father. I'll do my best to improve.

The man, with a cold stare, corrected:

"I told you not to call me 'father' during training. Call me 'clan leader,' Kenzou."

Kaito, gritting his teeth, assumed a fighting stance and launched his attack. His father, Kenzou, answered each blow with deadly precision, striking with even greater force, leaving his son spitting or gasping for breath. But Kaito did not give up. He fought with all his might, attacking again and again.

Time passed, the sun began to set, and the snow fell softly. Finally, Kaito collapsed to the ground, exhausted and covered in wounds. Kenzou watched him indifferently and, turning away, began walking toward the exit.

"Get up, the cold will start to penetrate and you'll freeze," he said without flinching, and left the place.

Kaito, still on the ground, managed to stand with difficulty. He took a few hesitant steps, but soon his strength gave out, and he fell to his knees. At that moment, the sliding door opened, and a woman with black hair, dressed in a yukata , hurried in. Seeing him, she bent down and gently lifted him into her arms.

—Kaito, are you okay? —the woman asked with obvious concern.

Kaito looked at her with tired eyes and replied in a low voice:

—Mother, don't worry. I'm fine. I just need to rest.

Before finishing the sentence, Kaito closed his eyes, surrendering to exhaustion.

The woman, Akina, Kaito's mother, held him firmly and left the room. She walked with him in her arms to another part of the estate, where several maids were waiting for her. One of them, alarmed at the sight, asked:

—Mrs. Akina, what happened to young Kaito?

"He trained with his father," Akina replied calmly, but with a hint of worry in her voice. She cradled her son in her arms and continued, "Let's take him to the bath first, and then to bed. I'll take care of him afterward."

The maids nodded and followed orders. Carefully, they helped Akina wash Kaito, meticulously cleaning his injured body. Once finished, they carried him to his room, where they laid him on a futon. The dim light of a candle illuminated the space, casting soft shadows on the walls.

Akina sat beside her son and placed her hands on Kaito's chest. At that moment, a blue, flame-like energy appeared in her palms, beginning to heal the boy's wounds and bruises. The marks from the blows gradually disappeared until his skin was free of damage.

When she finished, Akina withdrew her hands, sighing deeply as she watched her sleeping son.

"These wounds are much worse than they should be," he murmured, his voice tinged with worry.

She stood up and, after looking at him one last time, spoke in a low voice:

—Rest, Kaito.

With those words, she left the room, leaving her son to rest in the tranquility of the night.

Akina could be seen walking through the silent corridors of the estate, while the snow continued to fall relentlessly beyond the sliding doors. Her expression was calm, but her eyes reflected concern. Finally, she reached a room lit by a dim oil lamp. Inside, Kenzou sat on the floor in front of a low table laden with food.

Akina entered the room and sat down opposite him, remaining silent for a moment as she watched him.

Kenzou looked up and spoke:

—How is Kaito doing?

"He's resting," Akina replied gently, though her tone held a slight note of reproach. "But, Kenzou, don't you think you're being too harsh on him? He's weaker than his brothers, and he's still just a child."

Kenzou took a sip of tea before answering:

"Kaito isn't weak. His potential is greater than that of all his brothers. But talent alone isn't enough. Only with harder training will he become strong."

Akina sighed deeply, looking down at her hands.

"You may be right about his talent, but his nature is different. Kaito is kind; he doesn't have the will to fight the way you expect. I don't want that kindness to be lost."

"That's precisely why I'm training him this way," Kenzou replied, his voice firm but not harsh. "Kindness without strength is useless. His will is weak, unlike his brothers'. However, I'm certain he can overcome his limitations and become someone worthy of our clan's legacy."

Akina remained silent for a few seconds, reflecting. Then, she stood up and walked over to her husband, sitting down beside him.

"I just hope you'll be careful with it in the future, Kenzou," he said in a softer tone, but still full of concern. "Don't push it to the point of breaking it."

Kenzou turned his head slightly to look her in the eyes.

—I've never let you down before, Akina. Trust me.

They gazed at each other for a moment that seemed to last forever. Finally, Akina offered a faint smile and rested her forehead against Kenzou's in an intimate gesture.

—I trust you, but remember, he's not a weapon. He's our son.

Kenzou closed his eyes for a moment, allowing himself a moment of vulnerability.

—I know. And that's why I won't fail him.

The snow continued to fall outside the room, while silence settled between Akina and Kenzou, filled with understanding and determination.

The next day, Kaito slowly opened his eyes, staring at the ceiling of his room. For a few moments, he remained motionless. Then, he sat up on the futon, looking around, then at his body.

"I have no more wounds," he thought as he touched his body. "It must have been my mother who healed me with her reverse energy."

Carefully, she stood up and walked to a wooden wardrobe on the other side of the room. She opened the doors and chose her clothes: a simple but comfortable dark-colored kimono. When she had finished dressing, she fastened her belt and walked to the sliding door.

When he opened it, sunlight flooded the room, illuminating his face. Kaito squinted for a moment, adjusting to the brightness, as the cool morning air caressed his skin.

With calm steps, he left his room, bending down to put on the sandals that awaited him by the door. Outside, the snow-covered landscape shimmered in the sunlight.

Kaito began walking calmly down the corridors, the sound of his sandals echoing softly on the wood. He soon encountered a maid, who, upon seeing him, gave a slight bow before speaking:

—Miss Kaito, your breakfast is ready. Everyone is waiting for you at the table.

Kaito nodded briefly.

-Thank you.

Without another word, he continued on his way. His steps led him to a large room with sliding doors. Carefully, he slid them open, revealing the dining room where his entire family was already gathered.

The low table was surrounded by five people, six if you counted Kaito. At one end sat his mother, Akina Kagyo, with a serene and elegant expression. At the other end, as usual, stood his father, Kenzou Kagyo, with his upright posture and imposing gaze.

On either side of the table sat his siblings. His older sister, Misaki Kagyo, had straight black hair that fell perfectly neatly, except for a single strand that crossed her face. Her cold gaze showed no emotion whatsoever. Beside her stood Renjiro Kagyo, the second oldest brother, with spiky hair like his father's and an amused smile.

On the opposite side, facing them, stood their other sister, Kagyo. Her hair was also straight, but her appearance was much calmer and more refined compared to her siblings.

Kaito walked towards the table, taking a seat next to Hinata, while his eyes quickly scanned each member of his family.

The clan leader, Kenzou, waited until Kaito was in place before speaking, his deep voice resonating in the room:

—Now that we're all here, it's time to eat.

With that signal, the servants began to enter, bringing in the carefully prepared dishes, while the Kagyo family settled down to share another meal together, each with their own characteristic thoughts and silences.

After they finished eating, the maids began to clear the empty plates with precise and silent movements. Akina, the mother of the family, looked at her children with a calm smile before speaking:

—Children, could you go to the village together and bring me some things?

The brothers nodded in unison, without questioning the request. Satisfied, Akina returned their warm smile.

Kenzou, the clan leader, intervened with his deep, authoritative voice, making sure to capture everyone's attention:

—When they return, they will resume their training according to their abilities. Except for Kaito. He will train with me.

The brothers' eyes flickered toward Kaito for a moment, but neither said anything. They simply nodded and began to rise from their seats, preparing to leave.

The four siblings, each four years apart in age, gathered at the entrance to the estate, ready to leave. The cold air bit at their skin, and the landscape was covered in a thick layer of snow that crunched under their feet.

Misaki, the eldest sister, walked in front and to her side, carrying a sheathed katana. Beside her was Renjiro, the second eldest brother, with his characteristic mocking smile and also a katana resting at his waist.

Hinata and Kaito walked behind, both unarmed. The group's silence was broken by Renjiro, who spoke in a mocking tone:

"My little brother, it seems you haven't awakened your ability yet. Do you plan to keep accumulating energy pointlessly?" he chuckled . "There's a limit to our bodies. If you're not careful, you could explode."

Kaito looked up at him, but maintained his timid tone as he replied:

—I don't know what skill I want, so I don't know how to use my stored energy either.

Renjiro let out a laugh, amused and carefree.

—That's funny! What do you mean you don't know what to do with your energy? You just have to decide what you want, and it will do the rest. It's simple.

Kaito lowered his gaze, unable to answer. Insecurity was reflected in his eyes, but before he could say anything else, Misaki, who had been walking in front, glanced at him sideways and spoke coldly:

"Stop bothering him, Renjiro. He's just a child."

Renjiro raised an eyebrow and smiled mischievously as he replied:

"Misaki, our clan may be small, but we possess an exceptional ability: absorbing energy. We transform that energy into a unique skill for each of us. But if we fail to awaken our abilities, the clan will disappear in the future." He turned to Kaito and added in a more serious tone, "So, little brother, you'd better work hard."

Before the tension escalated, Hinata intervened calmly but firmly:

"You should shut up, Renjiro. You're just bothering him. Kaito is different from us, and I'm sure he'll achieve amazing things in the future."

Then, Hinata looked at Kaito with a gentler expression and said:

"Take all the time you need, but don't take too long. And remember the rules of our absorption ability: the first, and most important, is that you never absorb evil energy or negative emotions. If you do, something terrible will happen. The second is that you must awaken your ability before you turn ten. If you don't, your body won't be able to contain any more energy and will explode."

Kaito nodded slowly, processing his sister's words. His older brothers glanced at him, their expressions fluctuating between curiosity and approval.

After a few more minutes of walking, the group arrived at a sizable town. The bustling streets were filled with people moving between shops, markets, and lively conversations.

The siblings began wandering through the town, buying different things at each stall they visited. At one point, Misaki, the eldest sister, stopped and fixed her gaze on a point in the distance. Her expression turned cold and alert. Then, she turned to her siblings and spoke in a serious voice:

—I think it's time to go.

The others looked at her strangely, but Hinata nodded quickly.

"You're right," Hinata said. "We already have everything we needed."

Without asking any more questions, the group began walking back to the snowy trail that connected the village to their home. The snow-covered trees stood like silent guardians along the path.

After a few minutes, Misaki, who was at the head of the group, suddenly stopped.

"How long do you plan to follow us?" he said coldly, looking towards the forest that surrounded them.

The brothers were surprised. Renjiro, always quick to react, drew his katana and positioned himself at the rear of the group, ready for any attack.

At that moment, a voice echoed among the trees, deep and mocking:

—I see you have good senses. Not bad for the future leader of the Kagyo clan.

The voice belonged to a man who emerged from the shadows of a nearby tree. His long, orange hair, tied in a ponytail, cascaded down his back. He wore a gray yukata adorned with embroidered petals and leather boots. His presence exuded both confidence and danger.

—After all —the man continued—, you are the future leader, aren't you?

Immediately, several figures emerged from the trees, surrounding the brothers. Each carried a weapon and wore a determined expression.

Misaki observed them calmly, quickly assessing the situation. Her gaze fell on the orange-haired man, and she noticed an emblem embroidered on his yukata: a stylized blue flame. She frowned and spoke in an icy tone:

"You belong to the Sorcery Association. Our clan has served that organization for generations, protecting humanity from other sorcerers."

The man gave an arrogant smile before replying:

—Things change, little one.

Her smile disappeared and her tone turned serious:

—Today, you must die. You are the last. We have already sent another group for your parents.

The brothers' eyes widened in surprise and rage. Without wasting a moment, Misaki drew his katana with a swift and precise movement.

"If that's the case, there's no need to hold back anymore," he said coldly. "Renjiro, use your ability to the fullest. Hinata, protect Kaito. You two stay in the center."

Hinata nodded and took out two small daggers, placing herself next to Kaito in a defensive position.

"Understood," he replied firmly.

Renjiro, for his part, smiled with amusement as he raised his katana.

"This will be interesting," he said, a spark of excitement in his eyes.

The orange-haired man, still with his katana sheathed, raised a hand and gave an order:

—Attack with everything you've got! Don't hold back.

The attackers, who had surrounded the brothers, drew their katanas in perfect synchronization. At the same time, the orange-haired man did the same, displaying a sword that looked sharp and elegant.

At that moment, a blue energy in the form of flames began to surround the blades of the attackers' katanas . The flames vibrated intensely before dissipating, leaving a tense silence in the air.

The Kagyo and their enemies stared at each other, like predators assessing their prey. The tension broke when Misaki, with dazzling speed, appeared before the enemy leader.

The leader barely had time to react, drawing his katana to block the attack. The clash of swords resounded loudly, sending shockwaves that kicked up snow and shook the branches of nearby trees. The fight had begun.

Renjiro charged at several enemies simultaneously, a defiant smile spreading across his face. With a swift movement, his katana began to glow with an intense blue flame that engulfed the entire blade. At the first impact, one of his enemies' swords melted instantly.

"Can't you handle a little heat?" Renjiro joked as he burned the enemy with a precise strike, forcing him back with a cry of pain.

Other attackers surrounded him, but Renjiro spun around, unleashing an arc of blue fire that melted nearby weapons and scorched the air with searing heat. The enemies fell to the ground, defeated or severely wounded, unable to withstand the ferocity of his attack.

Meanwhile, Misaki continued her duel with the enemy leader. With swift and calculated movements, her katana unleashed wind-like slashes so powerful they tore branches from nearby trees and split the snowy ground around her.

"You have talent," the leader said with a crooked smile as he dodged an attack, "but it won't be enough."

Without responding, Misaki appeared before him in an instant, unleashing a devastating slash that cut the leader in two. However, the man vanished into thin air as if he had never been there.

"An illusion?" Misaki murmured, turning around quickly.

Without hesitation, she unleashed another wind slash toward a point to her right. The attack sliced through trees and kicked up a cloud of snow, forcing the true leader out of hiding. He attempted a direct counterattack, but Misaki easily blocked it, causing another metallic crash that echoed through the forest.

"You can't hide forever," Misaki declared coldly, pushing him back.

As the fight progressed, one of the enemies tried to take advantage of Hinata and Kaito's apparent vulnerability, launching himself towards them with the intention of finishing off the younger siblings.

"I won't allow it!" Hinata shouted.

At that moment, shimmering threads emerged from the ground and quickly intertwined, forming a sharp stake that pierced the attacker before he could reach the two siblings. The enemy fell to the ground, defeated, while Hinata stood firm before Kaito.

"You're safe with me," Hinata said calmly, looking at her younger brother.

Kaito nodded, admiration reflected in his eyes.

Back in the main fight, Misaki finally managed to break through the enemy leader's defense. With a decisive move, she disarmed the man and knocked him to the ground with a blow that echoed through the forest.

Renjiro, for his part, finished off the few remaining enemies using his blue flames, leaving only ashes and melted swords behind him.

"Well, that was fun," Renjiro said as he sheathed his katana and walked toward his brothers with a confident smile.

Misaki lowered her sword and turned to the others, making sure everyone was okay.

"Is anyone hurt?" he asked in an authoritative but protective tone.

"We're fine," Hinata replied as she helped Kaito to his feet.

The brothers regrouped, surrounded by the defeated bodies of their enemies. Misaki looked at the enemy leader, who lay unconscious on the ground.

"This isn't over." Her voice was cold and calculating as she observed the blue flame emblem on the man's clothing.

"We'd better go back and warn our parents," Renjiro said, his gaze hardening.

Without another word, the four brothers began walking back home, leaving the snow-covered battlefield behind.

The silence between them was heavy, broken only by the crunch of snow beneath their feet. The tension remained palpable, and each processed what had happened in their own way.

After some time, they arrived at the estate. Upon opening the front door, they froze at the shocking scene unfolding before them.

The courtyard was littered with bodies. Men and women lay scattered about, their katanas fallen, the snow stained red with their blood. In the center of it all, Kenzou, the brothers' father, stood firm, holding a bloodied katana. His gaze was cold and calculating, and blood trickled slowly down the blade.

Kenzou looked up when he heard the door open and, seeing his children, spoke calmly:

—Children, they're back.

The brothers looked at him with a mixture of surprise and respect. For a moment, silence once again filled the room. But without questioning him, they all nodded, understanding that something bigger was happening.

Suddenly, Akina, their mother, appeared in the doorway of the house, holding another katana, her clothes lightly spattered with blood. Her expression was serene, but her voice firm as she addressed her children:

—Go on. We need to talk.

Without hesitation, the siblings followed their parents into the farmhouse, leaving the chaos of the courtyard behind. They knew what lay ahead wouldn't be easy, but they were ready to face it together.

After some time, the Kagyo family gathered in the main hall. The atmosphere was tense, but everyone maintained a composed demeanor. Misaki was the first to break the silence:

—Father, they were from the Sorcery Association. They attacked us on our way back.

Kenzou nodded, his gaze cold and calculating.

"We know," he replied calmly.

Akina added, in a softer but equally serious tone:

"We sent them to the village to keep them safe. We thought they wouldn't dare attack them in the cities. But here on the estate, the maids have fallen."

The brothers lowered their heads for a moment, in respect for the lives lost. Then, Misaki spoke again, this time in a more serious tone:

—What will we do now? And why were we attacked?

Kenzou leaned slightly forward, resting his hands on his knees.

—They attacked us because we are a threat to their power.

Akina continued, with a determined look:

"In this world, there are people with special abilities. Over time, clans formed based on these abilities. Our clan possesses a gift they consider dangerous: the ability to absorb and transform energy into unique skills. That's why we've been labeled 'sorcerers.' Now, all the sorcery clans have declared us enemies."

Hinata frowned, processing the information.

—So that's why they attacked us. But our duty has always been to protect humans from those with abilities who betray humanity, the so-called "witches." Now, are we considered one of them?

Akina placed a hand on Hinata's shoulder, in an attempt to comfort her.

—Don't worry, children. There is a solution.

Kenzou intervened, in a firm voice:

"Even though they consider us a threat and want to hunt us down, they have limitations. They can't attack us in cities or towns without breaking the Association's laws. That's why, from now on, we'll leave this estate and live in the city."

The brothers looked at each other, processing their parents' words. Renjiro, always carefree, spoke with a smile:

—Well, at least the city will be more interesting.

Misaki glared at him, but nodded.

—If that guarantees our safety, we will do it.

Hinata, who had remained silent until then, finally spoke:

—We will protect the clan. And we will find a way to show them that we are not what they think we are.

Kenzou and Akina exchanged a proud glance. The decision had been made.

At that moment, they all stood with determination and began gathering their belongings. They moved efficiently, aware of the urgency of the situation. First on their list was to head to the nearby village to stock up on essential supplies. They would spend the night there, using the cover of darkness to stay safe. At dawn, they would set off for a larger city, where they would change their identities and blend into the crowd, remaining hidden in plain sight. Their goal: to survive and protect what remained of the Kagyo legacy.

The family left the farm, casting one last glance back before setting off for the nearby village. They walked in silence through the snow, their thoughts racing. Uncertainty mingled with determination. Kaito watched as his older siblings held their heads high, while his mother walked steadily beside them.

After a while, they arrived at the village. The streets were quiet, covered by a thin layer of snow, and only a few people wandered about. They walked to a modest restaurant, a wooden structure with lanterns illuminating the entrance. Kenzou turned to his family and said:

—We'll eat something before looking for a place to spend the night. I have an old friend in this town; he'll help us.

They all nodded silently and went inside. The restaurant was warm, with a fire crackling in one corner. They sat at a table near the window. Despite the cozy atmosphere, Kaito noticed the other diners watching them closely. The glances were discreet but constant, which made him a little nervous.

A waiter approached their table, with a polite smile.

—Welcome. What would you like to order?

Misaki, without looking up, calmly replied:

—Anything quick and hot, please.

The waiter nodded and disappeared into the kitchen. While they waited for their food, the silence among the family was palpable. Renjiro broke the tension.

"It's strange how the people in this town always seem to be on high alert. I haven't stopped feeling their eyes on me since we came in," Renjiro remarked, frowning.

"Now that you mention it, it's strange," Akina replied quietly, looking around. "It seems like they don't trust us anymore, even though we've helped them so many times."

Kenzou nodded thoughtfully and added:

"It's possible the rumors have reached the ears of the townspeople. That's why they're looking at us like that."

The food arrived soon after: bowls of hot ramen, rice, and green tea. The family ate in silence, appreciating the warmth of the dishes. However, Kaito still felt watched. He looked out the window and thought about what would come next, wondering if they would ever be able to live in peace.

When he finished, Kenzou left some coins on the table and stood up.

—Let's move on. We shouldn't stay here any longer than necessary.

They left the restaurant and continued walking until they reached a house on the outskirts of town. Kenzou went ahead and knocked loudly on the door. After a few moments, a man with his hair tied back opened it. His eyes lit up as he recognized his old friend.

"Kenzou!" exclaimed the man, surprised. "What are you doing here?"

"Takeshi, I need your help," Kenzou said seriously. "Can we stay tonight?"

Takeshi looked around, assessing the situation. After a brief pause, he nodded.

—Come in. You'll be safe here.

The Kagyo family entered the house, feeling a brief sense of relief as Takeshi firmly closed the door, aware that this night would be longer than it seemed.

The family settled into Takeshi's house, grateful for his hospitality. While the children rested in one room, Kenzou and Takeshi sat in the main room to talk.

"So the Sorcery Association has finally decided to attack openly?" Takeshi asked, frowning and with his arms crossed.

"That's right. They've declared our clan a threat and are now hunting us down like criminals." Kenzou sighed, running a hand over his face. "We lost our servants, and now we must abandon our home to protect the children."

Takeshi nodded slowly, processing the information.

"I understand the seriousness of the situation. You'll be safe here for tonight, but you must be careful. Rumors travel fast, and this town is no stranger to them."

—I know, and that's why we don't plan to stay long. We'll leave for the city at dawn tomorrow. It will be easier to hide there.

After the conversation, Kenzou thanked Takeshi again and went to rest with the rest of his family. The house fell silent, with the snow falling gently outside.

Kaito, lying on a futon, gazed around the room with a vacant stare. His mind wandered as his eyes fixed on the window, where snowflakes fell ceaselessly, painting the landscape white. Gradually, fatigue overcame him, and he closed his eyes, surrendering to sleep.

However, it wasn't long before a strange chill enveloped him. The sensation was icy, almost supernatural, as if his body were in a place completely exposed to winter. Restless, he slowly opened his eyes, but what he saw left him paralyzed.

Before him unfolded a terrifying scene: his family knelt on the ground, surrounded by amulets and bound with thick ropes. They were in the center of the village, where a crowd of villagers watched them with looks filled with distrust and hatred. In front of them, a group of people dressed in more elaborate clothing, clearly different from the others, were conversing amongst themselves.

What caught Kaito's attention most was the figure of Takeshi, who was receiving a bag of coins from one of these people. The metallic sound of gold echoed in the air, as cold as the snow that surrounded them.

Kenzou, his face filled with anger and disdain, shouted at the top of his lungs:

—Takeshi! How dare you betray us like this?

Kenzou's voice boomed like thunder in the oppressive silence, but Takeshi barely glanced at him, maintaining a cold and distant expression.

"It's not treason, Kenzou. It's survival. Having them here would only endanger everyone who lives in this village. The Sorcery Association doesn't tolerate mistakes."

At that moment, a voice echoed through the place, full of amusement and arrogance:

—I see you're awake. That's good.

From behind the family, a figure appeared, walking with an unsettling calm. A young man with long, white hair tied in a ponytail, and blue eyes that seemed to glow strangely, stopped beside the villagers, turned around, and observed them with a superior smile.

Kenzou stared at him, and his eyes widened in surprise and tension.

—You are from the Goyo clan.

Kenzou's words caused the brothers to exchange astonished glances. Akina, their mother, spoke coldly, though her tone couldn't quite mask a hint of concern:

—Apparently, the Sorcery Association really does consider us a significant threat if they've sent the Goyo clan.

The young man with white hair turned his face slightly towards the family, with a mockingly amused expression, and introduced himself:

—My name is Sorata Goyo. It's a pleasure to meet you.

Kenzou gritted his teeth, recognizing the name immediately.

—I've heard of you. You're only 17. You're the next leader of the Goyo clan.

Sorata smiled disdainfully, shrugging his shoulders.

—That's right, but honestly, that title isn't something I care about much.

Her gaze slowly slid over each member of the family, pausing on Misaki, the eldest sister.

—You have a lovely family, Kenzou. Although, sadly, they will all die.

The entire family felt a chill run through their bodies at Sorata's words, but what he said next was even more chilling:

"Well, not all of them. Her," he said, pointing at Misaki, "I'll keep her."

Misaki glared at him with a mixture of fury and contempt. The tension in the air became unbearable, and Kenzou, filled with rage, tried to stand up abruptly.

"You will not touch my daughter!" he roared, as his energy began to focus.

Before Kenzou could react, a flash of energy pierced his chest, fired with deadly precision from Sorata's palm. Blood spurted from the wound, and Kenzou stared down in disbelief. A trickle of blood trickled from his mouth as he collapsed to the ground, lifeless.

"How inconvenient ," Sorata muttered wearily, slowly lowering his hand. A cold smile spread across his face. "You should have stayed put."

"Father!" the brothers cried in unison, their voices filled with despair as they struggled to free themselves from the ropes that bound them.

Akina, still on her knees, looked at her husband's body with eyes full of fury and suppressed tears.

" How dare you? " she murmured, her voice breaking, leaning towards Kenzou's lifeless body.

Sorata let out a soft laugh, as if it were all just a simple form of entertainment for him.

"How touching. But honestly, they don't stand a chance. Now, where should I begin?" Her gaze fell on Misaki again, and her smile widened with a dangerous glint of malice.

Suddenly, Renjiro and Hinata broke free from the ropes that bound them with a furious cry, unleashing their energies. The talismans that had contained their power shattered into pieces, and they both stepped out of the circle with determination, facing Sorata.

"Stop!" Misaki shouted desperately, but the brothers had already channeled their abilities.

Renjiro summoned a torrent of intense flames, while Hinata unleashed a blast of ice that froze the air around her. Both attacks converged on Sorata, generating a deafening roar that sent the villagers reeling back.

—Boom!

Dust and debris covered the place, but when the cloud dissipated, Sorata stood there, unharmed, with an expression of utter amusement.

—Interesting. —he commented sarcastically, as if he were watching children play.

Before the brothers could react, a figure appeared behind them in an instant: a man with black hair and a katana in hand. With a swift and precise movement, their heads rolled to the ground.

The bodies of Renjiro and Hinata fell lifeless, while their blood soaked the snow.

"No!" Misaki and Akina shouted in unison, their voices filled with horror and pain.

Sorata turned his head slightly towards the man who had intervened.

—Shigure Zenin . I thought you were just going to watch.

The man, holding his blood-covered katana, replied coldly:

—Changes of plans. It seemed more efficient to me this way.

Misaki, her eyes filled with tears and fury, pointed at him with trembling determination:

"Damn you! You're the man with the celestial restriction. Even the Zenin clan is involved in this!"

Sorata smiled, seemingly enjoying the chaos.

"Relax, Misaki. You'll have a much more interesting purpose with me." Then he looked at his subordinates and gave an order: "Take her away. We'll take her to the Goyo clan. The rest of you, leave them with the villagers. After all, they were the ones who started it all by calling them sorcerers."

The talismans on the ground began to glow, and those attached to Akina, Misaki, and Kaito 's necks activated, unleashing excruciating pain. All three instantly fell unconscious.

"With the seals active, they won't be able to use their energy. They don't have to worry about anything," Sorata said with a calm smile.

His subordinates carried Misaki and began to leave. Before departing, Sorata glanced sideways at the villagers and spoke coldly:

—It's your turn, villagers. Do with them as you please.

Shigure started walking, following the sorata .

The villagers smiled with satisfaction. The village leader, a frail-looking old man who used a cane, stepped forward.

—To the dungeons! Put them in there right now.

The villagers obeyed and began dragging Akina and Misaki's unconscious body into the village.

Akina, beginning to wake up, looked at the leader with pure hatred.

—Why ? Why are you doing this to us? We helped you so many times. When famine ravaged the village, we hunted for you. We cured your illnesses. We supported your prosperity. And yet you betrayed us. Why?!

The old man looked at her with disdain and replied coldly:

—Because you are nothing but sorcerers. You always frightened us. Before you had the chance to kill us, we decided to eliminate you first.

Akina, filled with fury and tears, swore with all her being:

"I'll kill them all! No matter how or when, I swear I will!"

The old man raised his cane and hit her in the face, silencing her instantly.

—Shut up, bitch. You're just a nuisance.

After some time, Akina and her son Kaito were chained up in a damp, cold prison. The atmosphere was so frigid it seemed to seep into their bones. Akina, her strength waning, approached her son as best she could and hugged him tightly, trying to protect him from the cold, though she could barely protect herself.

Tears began to stream down her face as a storm of emotions engulfed her: anger, sadness, helplessness, and despair. She tried to stay strong, but the weight of what had happened was almost unbearable.

Kaito slowly opened his eyes, feeling his mother's tears fall onto his skin. Looking at Akina's face, he saw her expression filled with pain, and that made him start to cry too. The memories of what had happened—the betrayals and the deaths—hit him like an avalanche.

"Mom," Kaito whispered between sobs, feeling his mother's hug tighten.

Akina, trying to calm him despite her own suffering, stroked his head and whispered in a trembling voice:

—Son, don't worry. I'll get you out of here. I promise I'll keep you safe.

With determination, she reached for the back of Kaito's neck, searching for the talisman that kept him sealed. When her fingers touched the cursed object, a spark of energy struck her, making her recoil with a cry of pain.

" Ahh !" she exclaimed, clutching her hand as an intense burning sensation coursed through her skin.

Watching her trembling hand, Akina gritted her teeth in fury and thought:

"Damn it. These talismans need energy to be removed. Without it, I can't do anything."

Kaito, seeing his injured mother, began to cry even more, feeling useless in the face of the situation.

"Mom, I'm sorry. I can't do anything," she said through tears, burying her face in Akina's chest.

Akina hugged him tighter, closing her eyes with a mixture of pain and determination.

"Don't say that, Kaito. You're not to blame for any of this. Just hold on a little longer. I promise I'll find a way to get you out of here, even if it costs me my life."

At that moment, the sound of footsteps echoed through the corridor. The light from a torch dimly illuminated the cell, casting shadows on the wall. Akina looked up with suspicion and fury as she recognized the figure of the village leader.

"Open it," he ordered in a dry voice to the villagers who accompanied him.

The villagers obeyed, opening the cell and entering with determined steps.

—Separate them. Place the mother and child in opposite corners. Make sure Akina is ready for the plan, but just leave the child there.

Kaito and Akina struggled with all their might as the villagers dragged them along, but their efforts were futile. The chains kept them bound, and the villagers' superior numbers gave them the advantage. Akina cried out:

"Leave him alone, you damned cowards! If you do anything to him, I swear you'll pay for it!"

"Silence, witch," the leader replied coldly. "You should be grateful. They'll have two meals a day. It's no more than they deserve."

The villagers seized Akina and chained her to one corner of the cell, while Kaito was left in the opposite corner. They were several meters apart, unable to reach each other. The village leader took one last look from the doorway before leaving, followed by the villagers.

Kaito tried to move toward his mother, pulling with all his might on the chains, but they were secured to the wall, limiting his movement to barely a meter. His small body trembled, not only from the cold, but also from helplessness.

"Mom!" Kaito shouted, tears streaming down his face.

"Kaito," Akina replied, her voice trembling but full of determination. "Don't worry, son. I'm here. No matter what happens, I won't let them hurt you."

They gazed at each other from a distance, separated yet bound by an unbreakable bond. Though chains and circumstances tried to break them, their love and hope remained their greatest strength in that darkness.

The echo of the villagers' footsteps disappeared in the corridor, leaving the cell in an icy silence, broken only by the sound of the wind that seeped through the cracks in the prison and Kaito's sobs.

For the next few days, Akina and Kaito remained locked in that frigid, gloomy cell. They received barely two meals a day, small portions that weren't enough to restore their strength. The cold intensified with each night, making the place even more inhospitable. Akina tried to free herself from the chains so she could reach her son and hug him, but her efforts were futile; the lack of energy caused by hunger weakened her body.

The nights were especially cruel. One of those nights, colder than usual, Akina noticed Kaito closing his eyes, about to succumb to sleep. Alarmed, she shouted to him:

—Kaito, don't fall asleep! If you do, you'll die. Hang on, son!

Despite being exhausted and numb with cold, Kaito opened his eyes at his mother's words. The desperation in her voice filled him with fear, but also with determination. With a superhuman effort, he stayed awake all night, battling exhaustion.

When dawn finally arrived, a ray of light slipped through a small window in the cell, dimly illuminating the place and signaling the start of a new day. Akina, her voice trembling but filled with relief, spoke to him:

—Now you can sleep, son. It's safe. Get some rest.

Kaito, his eyes heavy and his body on the verge of collapse, finally closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep. Meanwhile, Akina watched him with sadness and worry, knowing that every day in that place was a battle between life and death.

Time passed slowly. The nights remained a torment of cold and hunger, while the days reflected despair and suffering. The family had been forgotten by the outside world, and their existence was reduced to a daily struggle for survival. Thus, a year passed in that cell, marked by pain, hunger, and cold, but also by Akina's silent hope, as she never stopped thinking of a way to escape and save her son.

The days dragged on, like an endless torment, but one morning the sound of multiple footsteps echoed through the cellblock corridors. Akina, still chained, looked up at the sound of several people approaching. The village leader appeared in front of the cell, accompanied by several villagers with grim faces. Akina glared at him with hatred, while the leader maintained his cold, indifferent expression.

"It's been a year since you've been in this cell," the leader said in a neutral voice.

Akina didn't answer, her gaze remaining filled with fury. The leader continued, ignoring her silence:

—You've been here long enough. It's time to talk. If you do what we ask, we might let you leave this town.

Akina narrowed her eyes suspiciously and replied in a defiant tone:

—What do you want, old man?

The leader gave a slight smile before answering:

—At first, we planned to wipe you all out, but the plan has changed.

The leader glanced sideways at one of the men accompanying him, who took out a bunch of keys and unlocked the cell. The leader entered calmly, approaching Akina, who watched him with growing suspicion.

—I want to transform this town into a place for sorcerers. You will help us accomplish this.

As he spoke, his gaze shifted towards Kaito, who was watching him furiously, unable to hide his contempt.

Upon hearing these words, Akina felt a surge of anger course through her body. She quickly stood up and lunged at the leader, but the chains stopped her, pulling her back and leaving her defenseless.

"Never!" he shouted, his voice filled with fury.

The leader, completely impassive, turned around and calmly left the cell. Before leaving, he added:

—I'll give you until tomorrow to decide.

The group walked away, leaving Akina alone with her frustration. She clenched her fists so tightly that blood began to ooze from them. Finally, with a sigh of helplessness, she collapsed back to the ground.

Kaito, worried about his mother, broke the silence:

—Mother, are you alright? What did that old man want?

Akina looked at him with a forced smile, trying to reassure him:

—Don't worry, Kaito. Everything will be alright.

Kaito nodded slowly, trusting his mother's words, and leaned back against the wall, exhausted.

The next day

The village leader returned, accompanied by the same group of people. He stopped in front of the cell and, with a smile that Akina interpreted as mocking, said:

—So, Akina, what do you decide?

She glared at him with hatred, but finally answered, letting the words out like poison:

—Do whatever you want. But don't you dare touch my son. If you do, you'll pay dearly.

The leader smiled broadly, as if his words were a form of entertainment for him:

—I'll take that as a yes. Don't worry, we won't touch your son. He's still too young.

Then he looked back and nodded to his companions.

The men opened the cell and approached Akina. They removed the chains that had kept her prisoner for so long, but before she could move, the leader added:

—Follow us. If you do anything stupid or try to escape, we'll kill your son.

Akina gritted her teeth and nodded, glancing sideways at Kaito. Before leaving, Kaito called after her in a trembling voice:

—Mother? Where are you going?

Akina turned to look at him. Her face wore a serene smile, but her eyes reflected a mixture of sadness and determination.

—Don't worry, son. I'll be back soon.

Kaito nodded, though he couldn't hide the worry on his face. Akina, escorted by the villagers, left the cell, the echo of footsteps reverberating through the dark corridors.

Kaito remained in his cell, his mind racing with worry for his mother. The hours passed slowly, from morning until evening, and the echo of footsteps resonated through the dark corridors. Hearing the sounds approaching, Kaito raised his head, filled with both hope and fear.

The cell door opened, and a familiar figure appeared: it was Akina, brought back by the villagers. Her body moved with difficulty, her steps unsteady. The villagers shoved her carelessly and chained her again before leaving without a word.

Kaito watched his mother with concern, but something about her alarmed him deeply. Akina seemed different. Her eyes, which had once shone with determination and tenderness, were now empty, as if life had been ripped from them. Her kimono was disheveled, and a strange liquid trickled slowly down her legs.

"Mom," Kaito tried to say, but the words wouldn't come out. A tightness in his chest silenced him, a feeling of helplessness he had never felt before.

Akina glanced at him sideways and, in a subdued voice, murmured:

—I'm fine, Kaito.

Then she turned away, her back to him. Kaito froze. His mother had never done that before; she always tried to look at him, to smile at him, even in the most difficult times. That night was different. Something in the air shifted, something inside him began to slowly burn.

Hate.

It was a feeling he barely understood, but he felt it growing inside him, fueled by rage and helplessness. Kaito lay back staring at the cell ceiling, his eyes filled with tears and suppressed fury.

The days turned into weeks, and then into months. Every morning, the villagers took Akina away and returned her in the afternoon. Each time she came back, her condition was worse. Her body was covered in bruises, her movements were slower, and her eyes grew duller. Akina barely spoke to her son, and finally, she stopped speaking altogether. The cell was plunged into an unbearable silence.

Meanwhile, Kaito clenched his fists so tightly that his nails dug into his palms. Rage and pain consumed him. He wanted to do something, anything, but the chains and his own weakness kept him trapped.

One day, Akina gave birth. The belly that had grown slowly for months finally revealed a new member of the family. Kaito, who had been denying reality all this time, couldn't avoid facing the truth. The hatred he felt exploded inside him, filling him completely. His powerlessness became even more unbearable.

But the villagers didn't stop. They took the newborn, snatching him from Akina's arms. She screamed, begging them not to take him.

"Let us out!" Akina cried desperately. "I've done my part of the bargain!"

The villagers didn't respond. The indifference on their faces was like a dagger to her heart. Akina understood that it had all been a deception, a cruel trap.

From that day on, the villagers began to commit even more atrocious acts. They would enter the cell and rape Akina while Kaito stood there, powerless. Akina, with tears in her eyes, would scream at her son not to watch.

"Kaito, don't look! Don't look!" she begged, trying to protect him from the horrifying reality.

At first, Kaito screamed in desperation, begging them to stop. But the villagers wouldn't listen. Eventually, Kaito stopped screaming. He simply stared at the wall, his eyes empty, as rage and pain slowly consumed him.

The days turned into weeks, the weeks into months. The cell was a nightmarish place, an abyss of suffering and despair. Akina could barely move; her body and spirit were broken. Kaito, though young, felt his soul hardening. The hatred he felt for the villagers and for himself for being powerless grew uncontrollably. It was like a flame threatening to consume him completely.

The years began to pass. Now, five long years had gone by since Akina and Kaito were locked in the cell. During this time, Akina had given birth to four children and was pregnant with a fifth. Time had taken its toll on them both. Kaito, now with long hair and an emaciated body, bore the marks of years of suffering. Akina, for her part, barely resembled the woman she had once been. Her body was broken, worn down by constant childbirth and mistreatment. Her once vibrant hair had turned ashen white, clear evidence of physical and mental exhaustion.

That night, they were both in the cell, each in a corner. The cold was relentless, and silence filled the air. Akina broke the silence with a soft, broken voice:

—Son. Can you talk to me?

Kaito, surprised to hear his mother's voice after so long, turned around quickly, sitting up on his stone bed. His eyes widened in surprise and concern.

"Mother!" she exclaimed, with a mixture of joy and anxiety.

Akina also sat down, looking at her son with eyes full of sadness and tenderness.

—Son. It's been a long time since we spoke. Forgive me.

Kaito responded kindly, trying to calm her down:

—Don't worry, Mother. What do you want to talk about?

A faint smile appeared on Akina's face, a smile that tried to hide her pain.

—I'd like to hear from you, to know what you would have liked to do with your life. What were your dreams? What skills would you have liked to have?

Kaito lowered his gaze, thinking about his mother's question. After a moment of reflection, he replied in a nostalgic voice:

"My dream ... I always wanted to live with you and my brothers on that estate, in peace. I dreamed of a quiet life, surrounded by the clan's servants, all of us taking care of each other. Mother, I always wanted a peaceful life, far away from all this."

Akina listened attentively, and a single tear rolled down her cheek.

"I'm so glad to hear that, son. I would have wanted that life for us too." He paused, looking at Kaito's neck, where a talisman with a seal glowed faintly. "But... without that seal, your energy absorption ability would have exploded the moment you turned ten and hadn't awakened your main ability. It's thanks to it that it didn't happen."

Kaito raised his head, looking at her seriously.

—Mother. Why is this happening to us? We haven't done anything wrong.

Akina sighed deeply, lowering her gaze.

"In the world of sorcerers, humans born with special abilities are rare, even in renowned clans. But in the Kagyo clan, we are all born with the ability to absorb energy and transform it into something superior before we turn ten. That makes us unique... and feared. The world fears us, son. Even though we were the ones who protected them, who fought for them."

Kaito gritted his teeth in anger, feeling powerless in the face of the truth. Akina continued, her voice heavy with resignation:

"The villagers of this village, and of all the nearby villages, knew about us. Even if we had fled from here, they would have stopped us somewhere else. To them, we are nothing more than monsters that must be eliminated. But they also need monsters to protect themselves."

Akina looked Kaito straight in the eyes, with a mixture of sadness and determination.

—Do you understand, son?

Kaito nodded slowly, leaning back against the wall. After a long silence, he spoke in a whisper:

—I wonder how much longer we'll be here. I wonder how my older sister is doing.

Akina lowered her gaze, clenching her fists in helplessness.

—I hope she's alright. Kaito, I promised you in the past that I would save you, but I haven't been able to keep that promise.

Kaito looked at her sadly.

—Mother, what do you mean?

Suddenly, Akina pulled a sharp object from her sleeve. Kaito's eyes widened in horror as he saw what his mother was planning.

"Mother! What are you doing?" she cried desperately.

Akina began to cry, her hands trembling.

—I'm sorry, son. I can't take it anymore. The pain is too great. I don't want any more of my blood to be contaminated by them.

Kaito began to pull with all his might on the chains that held him, trying to free himself to stop his mother.

—Mother, don't do it! Please, no!

Akina's tears fell incessantly as she pointed the object towards her heart.

—Forgive me, son. I couldn't keep my promise.

With a swift and decisive movement, Akina plunged the object into his heart. His body slumped against the wall, and life drained from his eyes as blood began to slowly trickle out.

Kaito screamed with all his might, desperately pulling at the chains, but it was in vain. His mother was dead.

He fell to his knees, completely defeated. His body trembled, and his mind went blank. Pain and helplessness consumed him, leaving an unbearable emptiness inside.

A few hours later, a group of villagers arrived at the cell. They stopped, shocked by what they found. They opened the door and removed Akina's lifeless body, while Kaito remained seated on his stone bed, his gaze vacant and showing no trace of the will to live.

Hours later, the village leader appeared in front of the cell, his expression mocking and disdainful. His voice resonated cruelly:

—You brat, you couldn't save your mother. Look what you've done. Now you'll have to live alone in this hole. Hmph .

Kaito didn't even look up. He remained motionless, like an empty statue.

The leader continued, his tone full of contempt:

"Damn witches. Now you're the only one left. I'll make you live in agony for the rest of your days because of your failure. Your mother was important to the village, and you, a useless brat, couldn't protect her."

Without getting any reaction from Kaito, the leader turned around and left the place, his mocking laughter echoing through the halls.

Time passed. Kaito remained in the cell, fed only two rations a day, the bare minimum to keep him alive. Although he sometimes wished for death, something inside him always compelled him to eat, as if a spark of his humanity refused to be extinguished completely. Days turned into weeks, weeks into months, and months into years.

Chained and completely malnourished, Kaito's body was barely a shadow of its former self. His black hair had grown tangled and wild, falling in clumps that covered his empty face.

One morning, a group of villagers appeared in front of his cell. With disdain and mockery, they opened the door. One of them spoke:

—You damned leech, it's time you died. You're wasting the village's food.

Without waiting for a response, they began to savagely beat him, unleashing their hatred and frustration. Kaito didn't make a sound, didn't complain, and didn't show the slightest trace of pain in his eyes. His body withstood the blows until he was on the verge of unconsciousness, but his spirit was already broken.

The villagers removed his chains and dragged him by his hair out of the cell. As they walked through the gloomy dungeon corridors, Kaito's skin felt the cold air above ground for the first time in years.

As they stepped outside, the snow and icy wind lashed at their bodies. The sun, though faint, illuminated their gaunt faces, vaguely reminding them of life outside those walls. Ahead of them, the village leader waited with a satisfied smile.

"So they beat him almost to death," he muttered cynically. "Well done."

One of the villagers, carrying Kaito's battered body, commented:

—It's a shame to lose a specimen like this.

The leader nodded.

"You're right, but if we leave him alive, he'll only be a burden. His mother was the only one who was useful, but she died five years ago."

He sighed and pointed contemptuously:

—Take him to the crater and throw him in. Let him suffer a slow and miserable death.

Without another word, the villagers began dragging Kaito's lifeless body along the snowy path. As they did so, Kaito could barely feel the cold of the snow beneath his skin. It had been years since he had experienced the outdoors, neither the warmth of the sun nor the harsh chill of the snow. His thoughts were empty, his mind trapped in a limbo between grief and resignation, as he was carried toward his apparent end.

After walking for a few minutes along a snow-covered path, surrounded by trees bare from winter, the villagers reached the edge of a deep crater. Without stopping, they lifted Kaito by the arms, preparing to throw him in. One of them noticed something peculiar about his neck and asked:

—What is that thing she's wearing around her neck?

Another villager, after observing him carefully, replied:

"That must be the talisman of the seal. They placed it on him so he can't use his abilities."

The first one frowned, intrigued:

—The talisman on the seal? Hm. What if we take it off?

The others looked at him as if he had said the stupidest thing in the world and, in unison, shouted:

-No!

"Why not?" asked the villager, somewhat confused.

Another responded harshly:

"If we take that talisman away from him, he could regain his powers and kill us all. Don't be an idiot. Just throw it into the crater and let's be done with this."

The villager nodded with a certain resignation. Holding Kaito by the arm, he pushed him toward the abyss. However, before he could fall, Kaito reacted instinctively. He grabbed the villager's arm with both hands and shouted, his voice breaking with panic:

—I don't want to die! Please don't throw me out!

The fear in his eyes was heartbreaking, tears streamed down his cheeks as he begged for mercy. The villagers looked at him with contempt and, noticing his resistance, began to beat him with punches and kicks, shouting in fury:

"Let go, you damned leech! You have no right to live!"

Kaito continued to cling on with all his might, pleading desperately:

—Please! Don't do it! I beg you!

But the strength in his hands began to fail. The blows and kicks of the villagers quickly weakened him, and with a final stifled cry, his fingers released from the arm that held him. His body fell into the abyss, disappearing into the darkness of the crater.

As Kaito began to fall, his gaze shifted to the sky. Everything seemed to slow down. His eyes flickered to the villagers, who were laughing maliciously. He gritted his teeth in fury, and then time began to move forward again.

His body plummeted downward at great speed. Kaito turned his head down, noticing with horror that he couldn't even see the bottom of the crater. Desperate and using the last of his willpower, he raised his hand to his neck.

He tried to tear off the seal that bound him, but an electric shock coursed through his body, burning his hands. The energy was overwhelming, but Kaito didn't give up. With a cry of rage and pain, he pulled with all his might, and finally ripped off the talisman.

At that moment, his body had already plunged into the darkness of the crater's depths. As the seal was released, Kaito felt a surge of energy course through him. He spun around to look at the sky one last time and, with his last breath, cried out:

—I don't want to die! Not like this! I hope to survive!

At that moment, Kaito's body reached the bottom of the crater, crashing brutally to the ground. Blood began to gush out, and Kaito tried to open his mouth to speak, but his body refused. His eyes lost their light, remaining motionless.

A good distance away, in a quiet room, sat Misaki. Her lifeless eyes stared into space as she sat motionless. Suddenly, she began to weep silently, for no apparent reason, as if something inside her knew what had happened.

Elsewhere, a voice resounded:

—Kaito. It's time to wake up. How long will you stay asleep?

Kaito, confused, thought:

What's happening? That voice. I've heard it before. My eyes. I want to open them.

The voice spoke again, this time more clearly:

—Kaito, get up. It's time to train.

Slowly, Kaito opened his eyes. A bright light blinded him for a moment, but his vision soon adjusted. When he managed to focus, he saw the ceiling of a house. Surprised, he sat up abruptly, his eyes wide open. He looked at his body, which seemed smaller, and then looked around. He recognized the place: it was his room.

Sunlight streamed through the half-open door. At that moment, a figure appeared, partially blocking the light.

Kaito looked up and, seeing the person in front of him, his eyes filled with tears. His trembling voice was barely audible:

-Mother.

Akina looked at him with a raised eyebrow and asked:

—Kaito, what's wrong? Are you okay?

Kaito immediately stood up and ran towards her, hugging her tightly.

Akina crouched down to be at his level and spoke gently:

—Is something wrong, Kaito?

Kaito smiled and replied:

—Nothing, I just had a nightmare.

Akina smiled too and stroked her hair:

—I understand. It's time to eat, let's go.

Kaito took his mother's hand as they left the room. As they walked through the snow-covered garden, Kaito looked at it and smiled happily. After a while, they arrived at the dining room, where his father and brothers were already waiting for them.

Kaito sat down, looked at his brothers, and noticed an empty seat. Then he asked:

—Mom, where's Hinata? I don't see her.

Akina replied with a smile:

—She's outside, busy with something. Don't worry.

Kaito nodded, and soon the food arrived. They all ate together, enjoying a peaceful day. As usual, Kaito spent the rest of the day training with his father, playing with his sisters, or keeping his mother company. The days passed peacefully, filled with happiness. However, during all that time, Misaki never reappeared.

One day, while they were having breakfast, Kaito got up from his seat. The whole family and the maids looked at him curiously.

Kaito bowed deeply and said:

—Thank you, family, for this moment.

Akina looked at him with concern and replied:

—Son, sit down. I don't know what you're saying.

The others looked at each other in silence, until Kenzou, Kaito's father, spoke:

"I wasn't a good father, Kaito. But if that's your decision, we can only accept it."

Akina slammed her fist on the table, her voice trembling with anger:

—Kenzou! What do you mean by that?

Kenzou looked at her calmly and replied:

—What else can we do? It's the path he wants.

Akina glared at him furiously, tears welling in her eyes, and said:

"Outside there will only be pain for him! It's better that he stays. I promised to protect him!"

Kaito intervened in a firm voice:

—Mother, I want to go. You don't have to worry about me. I'll survive until the end.

Akina burst into tears and said between sobs:

—I'm a terrible mother. I abandoned my son and, in the end, I couldn't protect him.

Kaito smiled and replied:

"These peaceful days with you, living with my family and the Kagyo clan servants, are everything I've ever wanted. I don't hate you for what happened, Mother. I don't hold a grudge. And if that isn't enough, I forgive you, Mother."

Akina lowered her head, stood up, and ran towards her son, hugging him tightly.

The maids, upon witnessing the scene, began to cry.

Kenzou closed his eyes seriously, while Kaito's brothers also burst into tears.

Kaito returned the hug. Then, decisively, he turned around, opened the door, and left the room.

The family got up and followed him. Kaito walked toward the entrance of the clan's estate, putting on his sandals as he trudged through the snow. As he approached, the Kagyo clan members watched him silently, raising their arms in farewell.

Kenzou spoke solemnly:

—Son, once you cross that door, you won't be you anymore. You'll be someone else. But don't forget that for us you'll always be our son.

Renjiro, his older brother, added:

—Brother, become the strongest.

Hinata, her sister, spoke with tears in her eyes:

"You were our little brother. We should have protected you, but we failed. We're sorry. We'll be waiting for you, Kaito."

Akina, trying to hold back her tears, said tenderly:

—Son, keep going without stopping. If that is your wish, we will respect it, my dear son.

The other members of the clan said in unison:

—Young master, take care on your journey. We will be waiting for you when you return.

Kaito turned around to look at everyone one last time. Then, he walked toward the entrance, each step filled with pain and longing. Words caught in his throat, but tears streamed down his face.

As he took his final step, he said:

—Wait for me. I'll surely return after I've accomplished what I want.

And with that, it disappeared completely.

Elsewhere, in a place where there was only darkness, Kaito opened his eyes. He looked around and thought:

—How strange, I can't see anything.

He moved his hands toward his face and said:

—I can't see my hands either, but I feel like my eyes are open.

Kaito began to move his body as if nothing had happened. He sat down and reflected:

"It's strange. Why can I move? I fell from that height; I should have broken every bone in my body."

He sighed resignedly, gazing once more at the darkness that surrounded him. Suddenly, a sharp pain shot through his head.

Kaito clutched his head in both hands and began to scream. Fragments of unfamiliar memories flooded his mind. The longer it went on, the more intense the pain became. Finally, after what seemed like hours, the torment ceased. Kaito took a deep breath, trying to calm himself, and murmured:

"What are these memories? It's like they're from another life, but they're just fragments. Why are they appearing now? Hmm . This is strange. Could it be that I'm dead and have come back to life? But how? It doesn't make sense."

He sighed again, trying to find answers, and stood up. He looked around once more. Gradually, his vision began to clear. What he saw stunned him: a strange energy seemed to float in the air, completely surrounding him.

His eyes could perceive it clearly. It was like a dense, strange miasma, moving with a life of its own. Kaito, curious, reached out toward that energy. When his fingers touched it, the strange energy violently surged into his body.

Immediately, he felt a sharp pain in his chest. Emotions began to flood his mind: pain, suffering, anger, hatred, envy. Each one felt so intense that it seemed to overwhelm him.

Those emotions soon transformed into thoughts. Something was changing inside him. Kaito placed both hands on his chest, trying to contain the torrent of sensations.

After a while, the emotions subsided. His mind went silent. Exhausted, Kaito fell to his knees on the dark floor, breathing heavily.

Kaito sat on the floor, still breathing heavily. With a mixture of frustration and bewilderment, he spoke aloud:

—Damn it! What was that? Also, my absorption ability took that energy... and those emotions I felt. Hmm . Those thoughts weren't mine.

He remained silent for a moment, closing his eyes. Slowly, he began to concentrate, trying to understand what was happening inside him. As he did so, he felt something within him calling to him.

Kaito opened his eyes, surprised, and was suddenly mentally transported to a strange space within himself. There, in front of him, was a sphere of energy floating in the darkness.

He examined the sphere closely and noticed something alarming. Before, the sphere had been a bright, almost celestial blue. But now, it was a deep blood red, and a strange, dark, and turbulent energy emanated from it.

Kaito reached out toward the sphere, but the energy emanating from it made him instinctively recoil. There was something deeply unsettling about that transformation.

With a frown, he whispered:

— What is this ? This wasn't here before.

He stared at the sphere, feeling that something inside him had changed forever.

Kaito emerged from his mental space and opened his eyes. The atmosphere was still filled with that strange energy, like a miasma slowly moving around him. Without hesitation, he reached out and cautiously touched it again.

This time, energy flowed back into his body, but it was different. The emotions returned: pain, suffering, anger, hatred, envy. However, this time it didn't hurt. They flowed through his mind like a turbulent river, but without sweeping him away.

Kaito closed his eyes again and concentrated. When he opened them, he was back in his mind's space. There was the sphere of energy, floating in the darkness. But something had changed: the violent energy that had previously emanated from it seemed to have vanished, as if it now accepted him.

With a determined step, Kaito approached the sphere. He observed it for a moment and, without hesitation, extended his hand toward it. His fingers touched the surface of the sphere, and in that instant, a torrent of thoughts and emotions flooded him.

She closed her eyes tightly as the fragments of information sorted themselves out in her mind. At that moment, everything made sense.

Kaito opened his eyes within his mental space, his gaze firmer and more determined than ever. He whispered to himself:

—Now I understand.

A faint gleam crossed her eyes as a smile slowly formed on her face.

—I see. So I died in that place, but I have been reborn again.

The fragments of memories that were once confusing now began to fit together like pieces of a puzzle. However, the clarity came with a burden: the emotions and memories of the Kaito he once was were still there, mingling with new sensations that were beginning to form.

"These emotions," she whispered. "The ones I felt before have disappeared, but now new ones are replacing them. And these memories ? They haunt me, as if they were mine and yet not. This is complicated."

Kaito closed his eyes, trying to calm the storm in his mind. He took a deep breath and, when he opened them again, he was back in the present.

Darkness still surrounded him, and although he tried to look at his hands, the lack of light made it impossible to distinguish them. He could only feel them, and that was enough for now.

"I suppose for the time being," he said softly, letting out a long sigh. "Survival will be my only goal."

He stood up, feeling the ground beneath his feet. Then he looked around and spoke, his voice echoing in the void:

—I am no longer Kaito. I am another being. The third to be reborn.

He paused, reflecting.

—In my first life, I didn't belong to this world. In my second, suffering followed me. But in this, in this third life, I will be what the world hates.

He took a few steps forward, as the strange energy of the place began to swirl around him with increasing intensity.

"This energy," he continued, observing her. "It's the darkest emotions of humans, all gathered deep within the world."

He paused, and then, in a voice filled with determination and resentment, declared:

—I am the creation destined to bring despair to everything around me.

The energy around him began to swirl at a dizzying speed, as if responding to his words. Kaito clenched his fists as he continued:

"What they did to me in my second life, I will return tenfold. I am the curse they themselves created."

The energy seemed to respond to his will, slowly entering his body, flooding him with a dark and visceral power.

Kaito began to walk as he felt the energy flow within him. His mind was filled with calculating thoughts:

"First, I'll stay here for a while. I'll use this body's abilities to create a powerful technique. In my first life, I have vague memories of fictional characters with interesting abilities. I'll choose the most useful one, the one this energy can manifest."

He paused for a moment, glancing to one side, though everything was still dark. The only thing visible was the energy floating in the air.

Second, this world is too big to destroy alone. I'll need allies.

Kaito raised an arm, concentrating his energy into a point in front of him. The energy slowly began to gather, forming a shape. After a while, something small took form.

Kaito couldn't make out the details; he could only perceive the energy and the incomplete structure of the being. The creature moved, but before it could stabilize, it exploded, and the energy scattered in all directions.

Observing the dispersion, Kaito sighed, his tone cold and analytical:

—I need practice. And a specific skill to make it work.

However, instead of getting frustrated, he continued walking, his thoughts now focused on his plan:

—First, I will absorb all the energy from this valley until there is nothing left. Then, I will use my unique ability and leave this place.

He paused for a moment, his dull eyes fixed on the darkness that surrounded him.

—And when I get out, I'll destroy them all.

A deathly silence invaded the space, as the energy of the place seemed to bow completely to his will.

The days began to pass as Kaito walked around the place. For some reason, his body didn't need food or rest; it seemed that the very energy of the environment sustained him. Kaito noticed that his body had completely changed.

As time passed, his eyes began to adjust to the darkness. Little by little, he could make out the shapes and contours of the place. It was then, observing his reflection in a faint surface of dark energy, that he discovered something surprising:

"My hair," she murmured, running her hand through her hair. "It's turned white."

He also noticed that his body was no longer as he remembered it. It was thinner, but it emanated a strange, contained strength, something he couldn't quite describe.

Time continued to pass, and days turned into years. During this time, Kaito began experimenting with the energy around him. He managed to create deformed creatures, mindless beings that wandered erratically. However, there was a problem:

"They always explode," he said, watching one of his creations disintegrate in a burst of energy. "I need to stabilize them."

Despite the difficulties, he didn't give up. His determination grew with each failed attempt. The violent and unstable energy remained a challenge, but Kaito learned to control it with each experiment.

The days turned into months, and the months into years. A whole decade had passed in that place.

Kaito, now different in both body and mind, stood in the center of the vast, dark void. His gaze reflected a mixture of coldness and purpose as he observed the result of his latest experiment: a more stable creature, which, though still deformed, seemed to last longer before collapsing.

"Ten years," he whispered, a crooked smile on his face. "I've learned a lot in this time, but there's still more to achieve."

The energy of the place seemed to revolve around her, responding to her will like never before. Her control over it had evolved, and with it, her vision of the world she once knew.

"This is only the beginning ," he said softly, reaching out toward the creature and watching it slowly vanish into a dark mist. "I'm not ready to leave here yet, but soon. Very soon."

A year later, Kaito walked through the darkness. Unlike before, there was no longer any mist, nor any trace of energy floating in the air; the place was completely empty. Finally, he stopped in a corner of the vast abyss and murmured:

—The last bit of energy left in this place.

He reached out toward the small remaining concentration of energy. Upon touching it, it was absorbed into his body. Kaito felt his insides shift once more, his being adapting to the new accumulation of power.

Without stopping, he began walking toward the highest point the place allowed. When he reached it, he looked up. In the distance, barely visible, a faint yellow dot dimly illuminated the space. During his time there, Kaito had used that dot as a reference point to distinguish when it was day.

He sighed deeply, his gaze fixed on the light. At that moment, his body began to swell, as if it were about to explode. However, the pressure quickly subsided, returning him to normal.

Kaito looked down and examined his body. He was thin, his ribs and bones clearly visible. His torso was bare, while his pants, barely more than rags, hung tattered. Despite everything, he didn't feel cold. On the contrary, a feeling of warmth surrounded him, as if this place were his true home. His white hair, now extremely long, trailed along the dark floor.

"It seems my ability is about to explode," he murmured, running a hand through his hair. "But every time it reaches that point, it compresses. This has been happening for six years. Well, I had about five years' worth of energy, so it was likely to explode six years ago , but nothing has happened. It's probably because I'm no longer human, but something else."

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

—Today, I will awaken my abilities.

Concentrating, Kaito entered his inner world. There, before him, was the gigantic ball of energy. It was so enormous that he compared it to a sun, but this one shone with an intense red, as if burning with uncontrollable fury.

"My parents told me about this," he murmured, observing the sphere. "When you awaken an ability, you should find a ball of energy about two meters in diameter and blue in color. But this—" He looked up at the sphere, surprised by its enormous size. "This is huge."

Kaito slowly approached the sphere, feeling the heat emanating from it. He raised a hand and placed it on the red surface. The energy pulsed beneath his touch, as if it were alive. He closed his eyes, and memories of his first life began to surface in his mind.

"I sorted through the memories of my first life ," he said softly. "And I found a useful, but inefficient, skill. So I looked for something better. I found another."

A slight smile appeared on her face as she continued.

"If I'm not mistaken, those abilities belong to fictional characters from the same world. But they'll be useful here. The first ability is weapon replication, and the second is a place where I can store them: the Gate of Babylon."

He concentrated even more, feeling how the energy in the sphere reacted to his words.

—Before, when I tried to ask for something like this, my ability reacted as if it were warning me that the energy wasn't enough. But now, this is different.

The energy inside the sphere began to spin faster, responding to his will.

"I hope both abilities evolve. And if the Gate of Babylon grants me some of the weapons I remember from that fictional world," he laughed, his excitement barely contained. "That will be perfect."

Kaito closed his eyes, channeling all his concentration into the sphere. The energy began to resonate, and his interior filled with a mixture of emotion, purpose, and power.

—It's time to wake up.

Energy began to surge with overwhelming force within Kaito's inner world. In an instant, everything exploded. The energy blast completely filled his inner space, an uncontrollable vortex illuminating every corner. Kaito was abruptly ejected from his mental world, his eyes snapping open in the real world.

At that moment, a surge of energy violently erupted from his body, shaking everything around him. The ground trembled as if it were about to collapse, while deep cracks began to form from the pressure. A flame of intense red engulfed his body, radiating an overwhelming heat that seemed to consume the area.

The air around Kaito churned, as if space itself were being torn apart by his power. But then, something unexpected happened. The flame surrounding him changed color, transforming into a brilliant golden hue mixed with red undertones. A blinding light filled the area, making it shine brighter than ever before.

Kaito let out a bloodcurdling scream, a roar that echoed like thunder in the vast abyss. With his scream, a dense cloud of vapor erupted from his body, spreading in all directions and completely engulfing the area.

Inside the steam, Kaito remained motionless for a moment, breathing deeply. Slowly, he raised his hand and moved it gently. The simple gesture unleashed a gust of wind that forcefully swept away the steam, partially dissipating it. Then, from above, a faint sliver of light managed to filter through the large crater that crowned the place. That light reached him.

The glow revealed a completely transformed Kaito. His once emaciated and weak physique had changed drastically. His body was now muscular, with a structure that radiated power and perfection. His skin seemed to reflect a healthy glow, and on his hands, sharp claws had replaced his human nails.

Kaito sighed deeply and tilted his head back, closing his eyes for a moment. The light caressed his face, as if confirming his rebirth. Lowering his head, he slowly opened his eyes, his pupils glowing with a fierce intensity.

"I have been reborn. Again," he said, in a deep, resonant voice, full of determination and a touch of coldness.

It was clear: Kaito was no longer the same. He had transcended the limits of what was once human. Now, he had become something entirely new, something the world was not prepared to face.

Kaito extended his hand, and something began to take shape. They were red, lightning-like patterns that rapidly joined and intertwined. After a moment, a katana fully materialized in his hand.

Kaito studied the katana closely, and in the reflection of its blade he saw his own eyes. The image startled him: his eyes had changed completely. The sclera was now a deep black, while the golden iris shone with reddish flashes. The pupil, elongated like that of a beast, reinforced the feeling that he was no longer the same.

"So this is my new self," he murmured as he continued to examine the katana, feeling the energy that had created it flow in sync with his own power.

Kaito moved the katana to the side and released it into the air. The blade was absorbed by a golden wave that distorted the space around it.

Kaito watched intently and then pointed to a spot in the distance. Behind him, another golden wave appeared in space, from which the katana shot out at great speed towards where he had pointed, causing a loud crash.

—BOOM!

The impact raised a cloud of dust, and Kaito watched as the katana began to slowly disintegrate, turning into sand-like dust.

He closed his eyes for a moment, concentrating deeply. When he opened them, several golden waves appeared in the air behind him. From these waves emerged a variety of weapons: spears and swords of different sizes and shapes that shot toward a nearby wall. Upon impact, another powerful crash resounded:

—BOOM!

The explosion raised another cloud of thick smoke as Kaito watched with satisfaction.

"It's complete. I already have the skills. Also, it seems I was able to recreate some weapons," he said, as he watched the weapons slowly disappear, disintegrating into dust.

She extended her hand to one side and slowly opened it, murmuring:

—All that remains is to check if that weapon is here. The sword that splits the world .

At that moment, the space in his hand fractured, as if time itself had stopped. From that fracture emerged an imposing and strange weapon: the Sword of Rupture, Ea . It was long, with a unique and complex design that seemed more like a relic from another universe than a simple sword. Its blade was composed of segments that appeared to spin and vibrate with primal energy, while a red and gold glow emanated from its core. Each fragment of its structure radiated immense power, as if it had the ability to tear reality itself apart.

Kaito held the sword for a moment, studying it closely, and thought:

—So here it is, the most powerful weapon.

He let out a sigh, and the sword disintegrated into dust like the others.

"It's not time to go out yet. First, I must perfect my powers," he concluded, turning on his heels and walking again into the vast emptiness that surrounded him, his determination stronger than ever.

After walking for a while, Kaito stopped abruptly. With a swift motion, he slammed his hand down, striking the ground with his palm outstretched. At that moment, red markings began to appear on his body, running up his arm and extending to his face. They glowed brightly, pulsing like vibrant currents of energy.

Simultaneously, new markings began to appear on the ground, spreading in a complex pattern that connected various points in the crater, forming a network that unfolded from side to side. Energy began to flow powerfully through the markings, filling the place with an oppressive and powerful aura.

Kaito looked up and spoke in a firm, authoritative voice:

—It is time for my allies to be born. Their creator claims them.

The energy of the place stirred violently, rising like an invisible storm. Small stones on the ground began to float, while the darkness of the crater expanded with greater intensity, covering everything like an impenetrable shroud. Markings on the ground burned with a deep red glow, and swirling vortices began to form at various points in the energy grid.

Kaito slowly sat up, his gaze fixed on the vortices completing before him. In a solemn voice, he declared:

—I curse this place. Follow my orders.

From the vortices, strange and deformed beings began to emerge. Some had features reminiscent of humans, but their bodies were grotesquely twisted and distorted. Others were true abominations, monsters born of unimaginable terror. These creatures spread throughout the crater, filling the place with their malevolent presence.

The beings, realizing the presence of their creator, turned their gazes toward him. One by one, they bowed briefly, showing absolute respect. Kaito, however, regarded them with complete indifference, as if their existence held no importance for him.

In a cold, emotionless voice, he ordered them:

—Stay put and wait for the birth of more allies.

The curses obeyed, sinking into the shadows until they disappeared completely.

Kaito gazed at the empty crater, now charged with the trace of his power. He thought to himself:

"This place fills with energy every so often. I'll use it as an incubator for these creatures. Besides, it seems some of them have a degree of consciousness. It will be interesting to see how they develop."

With a serious look, Kaito turned on his heels and began to walk.

—Now, it's time to train my skills. I must prepare myself to face all the beings that inhabit this planet and destroy them.

Darkness enveloped him one last time before his figure emerged at the crater's edge. The years had passed in a whisper, and now, after five long years of preparation, Kaito stood where sunlight barely filtered through, dimly illuminating his body. Around him, hidden in the shadows, gathered the fruits of his power: hundreds of deformed and terrifying beings. Some possessed more human forms, while others resembled wolves, snakes, and even stranger creatures, but all shared a dark and unsettling essence.