Afternoon at Reikosha Academy, inside the building, Reji kicked a chair and glared at a nearby student. "Hey, kid! Bring me my pen or I'll break you!" Seiyan watched from the side and rolled his eyes. "Idiot…" The boy nervously handed over the pen, his hands shaking slightly. Reji grabbed it and inspected it closely for any dirt. "Perfect." He then sat down at his desk, spinning the pen between his fingers.
Tatsuo walked toward him and stopped in front of his desk. Reji looked up, raising an eyebrow in annoyance. "What do you want?" he asked in a sharp tone.
Tatsuo spoke calmly. "Griffin's students are coming to this school again. I've heard about them, they've become stronger than expected. Oko, who used to be an underdog, is now insanely strong."
Reji paused, then burst into laughter. "So what? Compared to me, they're weak. Besides, they'd just get trapped by my kusarigama chain."
Reji stood up, the chair scraping loudly against the floor. He walked toward the window and glanced back at Tatsuo. "You don't know my Reikou, right?"
"No. You've never told us about it," Tatsuo replied.
Reji smirked. "Alright, I'll tell you. The old man who trained me since I was a kid showed me Reikou, and I liked it. It's… colorful."
11 years ago…
In a small village within Astra Virel City, a young Reji with dark green hair practiced with a wooden sword. He wore polished brown leather armor studded with brass over a soft sage linen tunic and loose breeches. Olive wrappings bound his calves, and leather guards protected his shoulders and arms. A wide belt secured his waist, and he stood barefoot, sturdy and youthful. His jet-black hair fell in soft, unruly waves across his forehead, neat yet wild like feathers caught in a breeze.
His father, Masaru Kuroda, watched him from nearby, smiling as he sipped coffee from a wooden cup. "Reji, you're getting good with that sword, huh?" he said, walking closer. He crouched low, elbows resting on his thighs, his posture relaxed yet ready, his gaze steady and confident.
He gently patted Reji's head. "You're a great young warrior. No wonder I'm proud of you." He laughed softly and kissed his forehead. "I can't imagine how strong you'll be when you grow up… you might even surpass me."
Reji smiled. "Papa, how can I surpass you? You're strong, you saved the Shadow Village! I can't even protect a butterfly…" He looked away, pouting.
Masaru chuckled. "You're not thinking clearly, Reji. You're still a kid. I was like that too. People who are weak can become strong, just like me. One day, you won't just save a village… you'll save the world."
Reji looked at him curiously. "If anything happens, I'll protect them?"
Masaru nodded. "Yes. It sounds simple, but it's not."
"Why not, Papa?"
"Because you'll face powerful enemies. Protecting the world is simple to say… but to do it, you have to fight."
He placed a hand on Reji's shoulder. "I'll be watching you, Reji. As your father, I protect you… and tomorrow, I have something to give you."
Reji's face lit up. He dropped his wooden sword and hugged his father tightly. "Yay! You're the best, Papa!"
Masaru smiled and hugged him back, full of warmth and protection.
Later that afternoon, Reji continued training, swinging his wooden sword with energy. "Yah! Ha!" He jumped and kicked a tree, but it didn't move. "Wah!"
Masaru watched him, smiling. Behind him, the door opened. Yuriko, Masaru's wife, stepped out. She wore a crimson and black tunic trimmed with leather, tight leggings, and sturdy boots, her presence calm yet strong.
She walked over and sat beside Masaru on the stairs. "I'm really proud of our boy, Reji. He's so cute, even when he's trying so hard," she said with a soft laugh.
Masaru smiled and kissed her cheek. "Yeah… it's funny."
They both laughed.
Then their younger son, Kenji Kuroda, ran toward Reji holding a small stick, smiling widely. Reji paused and looked at him. "What do you want, Kenji? And what's that stick?"
Kenji grinned. "It's my sword! Let's fight!"
Reji crossed his arms. "I can't fight you, you're too small. And you can't beat me. I'm going to surpass Dad and Mom!"
Kenji burst into tears and threw the stick. "Ahhh! Mama! Papa! Reji is a bad brother!"
Yuriko stood up and walked over, gently picking Kenji up and holding him close. "Kenji, don't cry. It's okay, we'll teach him a lesson." She kissed his forehead, holding him protectively.
Reji pouted. Masaru approached him with a smile. "Next time, don't bully your little brother, okay?" He patted his head. "I already see your potential, Reji. And you're right, you will surpass me and your mom."
Reji looked up at him, smiling. "Papa… you're amazing!"
Yuriko watched them warmly while Kenji slowly calmed down in her arms.
That night, Masaru returned home. A katana rested at his hip, its sheath tied firmly to his waist sash, angled for easy reach. He stepped inside and looked toward Yuriko in the kitchen.
"Masaru, what's wrong? Did you get it?" she asked with a smile.
Masaru smiled back and walked toward her, pulling her gently before kissing her forehead. "Yes, I did. I'm going to surprise him tomorrow for his birthday."
Yuriko's smile widened as she kissed him softly. "You're the best father, Masaru… how about dinner?"
He nodded. "Sure."