Chapter 10 – Shadows Within
The dojo was silent except for the hiss of the wind. Ashura stood blindfolded in the courtyard, his sword drawn. Master Iroh circled him slowly, staff in hand.
Master Iroh: "Your body grows stronger. Your blade sharper. But none of it matters if your heart is divided. Conflict within breeds weakness without."
Ashura clenched his jaw, trying to track Iroh's movements. Step. Shift. Step. His instincts flared, but he swung too soon—crack! Iroh's staff smacked his ribs.
Ashura (grunting): "Tch… I almost had you."
Master Iroh: "Almost is the difference between life and death."
---
That night, Ashura sat alone outside, staring at his palm where the diamond seal pulsed faintly. He remembered the moment it burned into him, the overwhelming force, the fear. He hated how little control he had.
Temari walked over, holding a lantern.
Temari: "Still brooding? You'll wrinkle that face if you keep scowling."
Ashura (smirking tiredly): "You sound like an old woman."
Temari (kicks him in the shin): "And you sound like a brat who nearly died three times in training today."
They shared a small laugh, but Ashura's gaze drifted back to his hand. His smile faded.
Ashura (quietly): "I can't control it… It's like there's someone else inside me."
Temari, unusually serious, rested a hand on his shoulder.
Temari: "Then maybe stop fighting it. Learn who that someone is."
---
The next day, Iroh placed Ashura in meditation.
Master Iroh: "Close your eyes. Do not chase strength. Seek stillness."
Ashura breathed deeply. The world blurred. Darkness surrounded him until he stood inside a vast void, face-to-face with his own reflection—only distorted. Its eyes glowed white, its smile sharp.
The reflection whispered: "Power without balance destroys. Balance reveals truth."
---
Ashura's eyes snapped open, sweat dripping down his face. Iroh knelt before him, expression grave.
Master Iroh: "Listen well, Ashura. You must find harmony within yourself. Only then will your true self reveal itself."
The words echoed inside him like a bell.
Ashura bowed his head, determination blazing.
Ashura:
"Then I'll find it. No matter what it takes."