The spring sun finally rose, painting the sky in hues of gold and soft orange. A new dawn broke across the horizon, and with it, the memories of the harrowing night faded like shadows retreating from the light.
Sentarō stood staring at the beast corpse sprawled on the grass, his chest heaving, every breath a victory. "Heh… heh… I did it…" he muttered between gasps, his voice trembling with exhaustion. "I conqoured the tiger-bear… I really did it"
THUD!
His body gave in, collapsing onto his back. He gazed up at the morning sky, its radiant colors washing over him like a reward. In his hand was the broken remnant of his wooden sword.
A smile tugged at his lips. Memories of his grueling years of training filled his mind, early morning jogs by the riverbank, endless practice swings that left his arms numb, nights where fatigue nearly broke him. Every drop of sweat, every blister, every bruise, it all led to this moment.
He wasn't the weak boy from five years ago anymore. Now, he had strength, enough to begin his journey.
But his peace didn't last.
Crunch. Crunch.
Footsteps approached from beyond the trees. Heavy, deliberate steps. Instinctively, Sentarō tensed. He forced himself to his feet, gripping the broken sword tightly.
From the dim shade of the forest, a shadowed figure emerged.
"Well done, young one." the man said, voice calm and faintly amused, "that performance was nothing but fascinating. Good job."
Sentarō's body stiffened, his expression hardening as the figure drew nearer. "Who are you?" he demanded, raising his broken sword in defense.
"Relax. I'm not here for battle."
As the man stepped into the light, his appearance became clear, he wore a deep purple kimono that shimmered faintly under the sun, a dark blue haori and his hair was as black as a starless night.
The man carried a certain elegance not common in the Kurogane-machi District, as it was a district belonging to the laborer mainly blacksmiths but places where noble resides do exist.
Sentarō narrowed his eyes. "I'll ask again. Who are you?" His tone carried a mix of caution and quiet anger.
The man smiled disarmingly. "Calm down, boy. No need to resort to violence."
But Sentarō didn't lower his guard. He shifted into a ready stance, broken sword poised to strike.
The stranger sighed, scratching his head. "At least you know not to trust easily"
The man pause,watching with an impressed look on his face. His expression flickered with surprise before he chuckled softly. "He's trying to sense my intent using Chōkaku. What a smart young boy" he thought, impressed.
The man then raised his hands in mock surrender. "I should've introduced myself first. My name is Ogasawara Shigekatsu." He said, as he took a slow step forward.
Sentarō's grip tightened. "Wait, Ogasawara, as in?"
"My brother"
A familiar voice responded to Sentaro from behind the trees.
Sentarō spun around, startled. From the forest shadows stepped Ujiyuki himself, his arms crossed, an amused smile tugging at his lips.
"Mr. Ujiyuki?! You were watching the whole time?!" Sentaro asked, shock etched on his face.
"It's been so long, Ujiyuki" Shigekatsu said with a lazy smile, cutting through Sentaro's moment of shock.
He stepped closer, his tone shifting to one of mild admiration. "Seems you're doing well. You even found yourself a strong student" Shigekatsu said, with the littlest hint mockery hidden within those words.
Ujiyuki stepped forward, he addressed with a warm smile to Sentarō. "You completely shattered my expectations, kid. You killed the tiger-bear and survived the night just as instructed." His voice brimmed with pride as he reached out and patted Sentarō's head.
"It was my mistake for underestimating you. You passed my test."
Sentarō blinked, his expression softening. For a moment, the fear, exhaustion, and confusion melted away. He smiled—wide, bright, and genuine.
The atmosphere around them lightened, the tension lifting like mist under the morning sun.
Ujiyuki's gaze drifted upward for a second, lost in memory. He could still picture the boy he trained by the riverbank—sloppy swings, trembling legs, stubborn determination. That scrawny, inexperienced child had become the young warrior standing before him now.
"You've grown so much, kid," Ujiyuki said softly. "You'll make a fine samurai one day."
Sentarō's chest swelled with pride. He beamed up at his mentor. "Thanks, Mr. Ujiyuki."
Shigekatsu, standing a few paces away, watched the exchange quietly. "Hmm… it's been a while since I've seen that smile" he thought to himself, as one corner of mouth lifted.
When Ujiyuki and Sentarō turned toward him, he grinned. "Oh my, looks like my brother has high hopes for you, boy, and if he does… so do I." He extended a hand. "Don't disappoint, okay?"
Sentarō hesitated for only a moment before grasping Shigekatsu's hand firmly. "Of course not." He grinned back, the exhaustion in his eyes replaced with determination.
Shigekatsu then smirk. "You've got spirit. I like that."
Ujiyuki chuckled. "Alright, enough dramatics. Let's get back to the house. We've got to plan our next move."
Sentarō's face lit up with energy again. "YES! Next is the Shinsengumi Recruitment Exams!" he shouted, punching the air with renewed vigor.
Ujiyuki's expression faltered slightly. "Not yet, kid, there's still a month of recovery and paperwork before that"
Sentarō blinked. "Wait—what?"
"At this point, I'm not surprise. I'll explain at the house" Ujiyuki said rubbing in between his eyes in frustration. "Just go back home and rest, we'll be right behind you" Ujiyuki said, with Shigekatsu giving a light wave and a lazy smile.
Sentaro glanced at Shigekatsu and then Ujiyuki with a skeptical expression, but he went anyway.
"I do not understand why you sent him away, I was enjoying his company"
"Alright, now tell me…" Ujiyuki said turning to Shigekatsu with a stern expression as the early morning breeze sent leaves into the air.
"Why are you here?
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