CTS TIME: RE 250, DAY 63 – 3:30 AM (Universe 15A Time)
LOCATION: Hikarashi Village – Land of Blaze
The spacecraft's landing thrusters roared, releasing a controlled burst of air pressure as it gently descended onto the designated platform at the Homurakage's headquarters. The structure was an imposing fortress built at the highest elevation of the village, overseeing the vast shinobi stronghold below.
Through the viewing panels, Serena, Jasper, and Sienna could see Hikarashi Village in all its glory.
It was alive with lantern-lit streets, bustling markets, and shinobi warriors patrolling the rooftops.
Farmers carried their crops toward the trading districts, blacksmiths worked tirelessly on weapons, and young genin-trained in designated dojos.
Atop the fortress-like administration building, a massive crimson banner bearing the Kasai Clan's insignia rippled in the wind.
The Homurakage, the supreme leader of the entire Land of Blaze, stood at the center of the landing platform, his arms crossed.
Behind him, ten ANBU Black Ops shinobi stood silently, their masks concealing their expressions, but their presence radiated a sharp, watchful energy.
The moment the spacecraft settled, the hatch hissed open.
Kenshiro stepped out first, his posture respectful yet relaxed.
The three genin—Ryuji, Aiko, and Kaizen—followed, their excitement barely contained.
Then, finally—
Sienna, Serena, and Jasper stepped onto the stone platform.
The wind was warm, carrying the scent of burning embers and fresh earth.
The Homurakage, a towering man with crimson hair tied back into a warrior's knot, stepped forward, his eyes scanning them with a mix of authority and warmth.
A small grin tugged at his lips as he spread his arms.
"Ah, so the famous Hyperion Defenders finally arrive!"
Without hesitation, he stepped forward and embraced Sienna in a firm, friendly hug.
Jasper blinked in surprise.
"Wait—she gets a hug?!"
Serena smirked. "Jealous?"
Jasper scoffed. "Tch. A little."
The Homurakage pulled back, his golden eyes sharp yet kind.
"Your supervisor, Sudipto, informed us of your arrival, Sienna. We've been expecting you."
Sienna gave a respectful bow.
"Apologies for my delay, Homurakage. I take full responsibility, but I will ensure my mission is completed efficiently. My only objective is intelligence gathering."
The Homurakage chuckled.
"ISA has been an important ally to us. It's our duty to provide what you need. But…"
His gaze flicked toward Serena and Jasper, eyes briefly landing on the swords strapped to their backs.
The ANBU stiffened, their hands subtly shifting toward their weapons.
Something about those swords—
Something about those two—
Felt off.
The atmosphere grew tense.
Serena felt it immediately.
She didn't flinch. Instead, she met the ANBU's gazes head-on, unintimidated.
Jasper raised an eyebrow. "Well… this is cozy."
Before the tension could rise further, the Homurakage raised a hand.
"They are our guests. Show respect."
The ANBU hesitated.
Then, after a long pause, they relaxed slightly, though their eyes remained sharp.
The Homurakage turned back to Sienna.
"Come inside. Let's discuss what exactly you need for your research."
Sienna nodded.
"Understood."
With that, the group moved toward the large double doors leading inside the administrative building, leaving the silent ANBU to continue their silent watch—
Their gazes still locked onto Jasper and Serena's weapons.
The inside of the administration building was spacious yet traditional, built with dark wooden walls, intricate carvings, and glowing torches illuminating the hallways.
Sienna, Jasper, and Serena followed the Homurakage into his private office, a large chamber filled with scrolls, ancient maps, and a wall lined with legendary weapons.
He gestured toward the floor cushions, signaling them to sit.
Kenshiro and the three genin took their places near the side, still listening intently.
The Homurakage leaned back, his fingers steepled.
"So, Sienna. Tell me exactly what information you seek."
Sienna straightened, her voice professional.
"ISA has requested a full report on the structure, hierarchy, and chakra research of the Shinobi Verse—particularly in relation to energy-based combat techniques. My task is to collect and analyze this data to enhance inter-universal understanding."
The Homurakage nodded thoughtfully.
"An ambitious project. Our world is unique in many ways… but I will allow you full access to our archives."
Jasper leaned back.
"That easy, huh?"
The Homurakage smirked.
"ISA has supported us for years. It is only right we return the favor. However—"
His gaze flicked back to Serena and Jasper.
"Your presence… is different."
Serena met his gaze steadily.
"Meaning?"
"Your swords," the Homurakage said simply. "They are unlike anything we have seen before."
Jasper sighed.
"Okay, you're like the third person today to mention our swords. What's the big deal?"
The Homurakage's golden eyes locked onto him.
"Because they radiate the same presence as something… dangerous."
Kaizen suddenly spoke up, his voice calm yet intense.
"The chakra inside those blades—it feels unnatural. It feels like…"
He hesitated.
Jasper raised an eyebrow.
"Like what?"
Kaizen exhaled slowly.
"Like the beast sealed inside Ryuji."
Silence slammed into the room.
Serena's eyes narrowed slightly.
"Beast?"
Jasper frowned, glancing toward Ryuji, the white-haired genin.
Ryuji looked uncomfortable, shifting in his seat.
The Homurakage sighed.
"That is a discussion for another time. For now, let's focus on Sienna's research."
Serena, however, wasn't letting this go.
She had a bad feeling.
And if there was something in this world that resembled their dragon spirits…
The ANBU Black Ops members didn't speak.
They didn't move suddenly.
They simply vanished—their figures fading into the wind, dispersing throughout Hikarashi Village like shadows.
They had one mission:
Observe. Watch. Report.
The three outsiders—Sienna, Jasper, and Serena—were unusual.
Their weapons, their aura, their presence—they didn't belong here.
The Homurakage's word was law, so they would respect it.
But that didn't mean they would let their guard down.
Ryuji's grin stretched from ear to ear as he practically bounced on his feet.
"Alright! Come on, I'll show you around!"
Aiko nodded excitedly, her green eyes shining.
"Yeah! We can show you the best training grounds, the ramen stalls, and—oh! The historical monument too!"
Kaizen, however, didn't follow them.
Instead, he simply muttered, "I have training at the academy," and walked off without another word.
Serena raised an eyebrow.
"Tch. What's his deal?"
Ryuji waved it off.
"Ah, don't mind Kai! He's always like that—serious, broody, trying to be all mysterious. Anyway—"
He suddenly turned, pointing a bold finger toward the Homurakage.
"Soon, I will become the strongest shinobi ever!"
The room fell silent for a second.
The Homurakage blinked.
Jasper leaned over to Serena.
"Oh boy. He's got the 'main character syndrome.'"
Serena smirked.
"Reminds me of you."
Jasper scoffed.
"Hey! I was never that cringey."
Ryuji, completely ignoring them, kept his finger pointed at the Homurakage and shouted—
"And I'll be stronger than you too, Gramps!"
For a moment, the air stood still.
Then—
The Homurakage burst into laughter.
A deep, hearty sound that echoed across the chamber.
"Oh? Is that so?" he mused, stroking his crimson beard.
"Then go ahead, Ryu. Train hard. Let's see if you can surpass me one day."
Ryuji grinned.
"Just wait and see!"
The Homurakage chuckled again before waving them off.
"Go. Show them the village. Let them see what the Land of Blaze is all about."
With that, Ryuji and Aiko led Serena, Jasper, and Sienna toward the main village.
As the doors closed behind them, the air in the office grew heavier.
The Homurakage's golden eyes flickered toward Kenshiro.
The casual warmth from earlier was gone.
Now, his gaze was sharp. Calculating. Concerned.
"What do you think?" he asked.
Kenshiro exhaled, running a hand through his silver hair.
"There's no doubt," he admitted.
"Their blades… they carry chakra unlike anything we've seen before."
The Homurakage nodded slowly.
His eyes drifted toward the frames of past Homurakage leaders, his gaze settling on one particular portrait.
The Fourth Homurakage.
The man who had sealed Nyxarion—the Void Dragon—inside Ryuji.
A man who had sacrificed his own life to protect the village.
His expression hardened.
"Their swords," he said.
"Their chakra reminds me of Nyxarion."
Kenshiro stiffened.
"You think they know something?"
The Homurakage sighed.
"I don't know. But I do know this—Ryuji won't be bound by that beast forever. One day, Nyxarion's power will awaken, and when that happens…"
His golden eyes narrowed.
"Those outsiders may hold the answers we need."
Kenshiro's fists clenched slightly.
"Then I'll talk to him. See what he knows."
The Homurakage nodded.
"Good. But be careful, Kenshiro. If they know too much… we may not have a choice but to act."
Kenshiro exhaled slowly.
He turned toward the door.
"Let's hope it doesn't come to that."
As he walked out, his mind was filled with one thought.