Nobu slowly opened his eyes.
His entire body felt like it had been crushed and stitched back together.
He lifted his head—the room was dim, silent… and unfamiliar.
A man sat beside him.
Black clothes… a calm presence… and eyes Nobu would never forget.
Nobu's breath stopped.
"…Baku…?"
Baku smiled—gentle, as if nothing had changed.
Nobu's eyes widened in shock and tears filled them instantly. He grabbed Baku and hugged him, voice shaking:
"I saw you die…! You told me you only had one year left to live!"
Baku exhaled softly.
"I thought the same."
He looked toward the window… remembering.
Baku's Story
"When the last month of my life approached… I left everything behind and went deep into the mountains. I wanted to die where the wind and silence would be my final company."
"But… fate had other plans."
One night, he saw a house hidden deep in the mountain—something no one should have been able to build there.
Before he could question it,
a group of swordsmen stormed the house—blades drawn, ready to kill innocent people.
Even with his dying body,
Baku couldn't stand there and watch.
He stepped forward.
And challenged them all.
They charged at him together—but Baku's sword was still the same…
Unforgiving.
Deadly.
Absolute.
But one man cannot overcome time.
His body burned out.
His illness drained the last drop of strength…
He collapsed to the ground, certain this was his end.
A Miracle Herb
When he opened his eyes… he wasn't in hell.
He was alive.
A man stood beside him—the owner of that mountain house.
"You saved my family," the man said.
"So I saved your life."
He held a golden, glowing herb in his hand.
Baku's eyes widened.
"…Golden Herb…?"
A legendary miracle herb—believed to revive the dying and grant life beyond its limit.
Something Baku had only heard stories about…
The man continued:
"They grow only once every six years…
There were three this time."
He smiled with gratitude.
"Now, only two remain. One was for you… because your life was worth saving."
Baku clenched his fist—overwhelmed.
He never expected kindness after a lifetime of betrayal.
Back to the Present
Nobu stared at Baku, speechless.
He thought he had lost this man forever…
the only person who ever protected him like a father.
His voice cracked:
"…Baku… I needed you."
Baku placed a hand on Nobu's shoulder, firm and reassuring:
"And I came back.
Because you still need someone to guide you through the darkness you carry."
His eyes narrowed—sharp, serious.
"You will overcome the curse.
Not for revenge…
but so you can protect the people you love."
Nobu nodded, tears falling… but determination burning stronger than ever.
He wasn't alone anymore.