Rain washed over Kuhani Village like a quiet curse, drenching its cracked stone roads and whispering across the rooftops. It was a vast village both formidable and forsaken where danger crept behind every alley, and the poorest of souls wandered with hollow eyes.
At its center stood the 12th Division Headquarters, a dark monument of stone and steel. Inside its cold halls, shadows moved with purpose.
Within the war chamber, the silence was broken.
"I want Captain Namato of the 7th Squad. Immediately."
The words came from General Iman, head of the 12th Division. A man who spoke little, but when he did, blood often followed. His voice was heavy, soaked in steel.
Sir Nizuru, his loyal right hand, looked up from the war map, startled.
"You rarely request for Namato," he said. "Is this something important?"
General Iman didn't turn to look at him. He only smirked slightly, his face half-lit by the stormlight through the windows.
"You'll find out when he gets here."
Not long after, the great doors opened with a creak. Captain Ryujin Namato entered the chamber with soaked boots and a wary gaze. His white cloak, trimmed with black lightning, trailed behind him like a banner of defiance.
"You hardly ever call for me," Namato said bluntly. "So let's hear it. What's going on?"
Iman finally turned to face him, his eyes sharp as a drawn blade.
"There's been movement from Kyujin Village. They're planning an assault within the next week. Their forces now include new reinforcements — each one possessing the strength of two captains combined."
Namato narrowed his eyes.
Iman continued, voice grim.
"That is why we need Rogiru… and Akira. We need the demon clown and the Blado Slayer."
The words hit Namato like a brick. His expression tightened.
He remembered, seven years ago, when he was only ten. Akira had been his mentor — a man who trained him with patience and fire. A man who told him the truth about Iman. The General had dueled Rogiru and Akira in the past — and lost to both.
Namato's voice rose, laced with disbelief.
"Are you insane? Rogiru and Akira both retired early to live in peace. Akira is ill. He has a wife and two children. You want to drag him out just to fight your war? Have you no shame?"
Nizuru stepped forward, face burning with fury. His loyalty to the general was unshakable.
He grabbed Namato by the shirt and pulled him close.
"Don't get cocky just because you became a captain at sixteen. You still have a lot to learn, brat."
Namato slapped Nizuru's hand away and drove his foot hard into Nizuru's chest. The man staggered back.
Namato's tone became low and deadly.
"If Akira dies out there, will you be the one to raise his kids? Feed his wife? Or will you pretend you cared only after he's gone?"
He took a step forward, voice rising with cold defiance.
"And if my rank bothers you that much… we can settle it outside. I'll show you exactly why I was made a captain at sixteen."
Nizuru laughed darkly, chest still heaving.
"You've become reckless. Very well. Let's fight, boy."
"Enough."
The word snapped like thunder. General Iman's voice silenced the room.
"We'll continue this discussion tomorrow. Akira will be summoned."
---
Headquarters Chaos
Word spread fast.
Throughout the barracks, rumors twisted the truth. Some claimed Namato disrespected the general. Others said Nizuru provoked him. Disputes broke out between squads. Fists nearly flew.
Inside the 6th Division Barracks, the noise was unbearable — gossip, arguments, false reports.
A quiet but firm voice cut through the chaos.
"Enough. What happened is not your concern. Return to your duty posts."
It was Captain Taro Oetsu — calm, respected, feared in his own way. The murmurs died as his presence filled the room.
"Yes sir," came the collective reply.
Some soldiers grumbled under their breath, but none dared defy him openly. Squad Six was close to their captain, but not even loyalty overrode the force of command.
Once the barracks settled, Oetsu stood quietly near the window, watching the rain.
'What could have happened between them…? It's not like Namato to lose his cool, and even less like Nizuru to engage in a public brawl.'
His thoughts were interrupted by a familiar voice.
"I see you're worried, Captain."
Lisa Hanami, his lieutenant, had walked in without sound.
"Is it that obvious?" he asked.
Lisa smiled faintly. "You've got the same face you wore during the Wailing War. Don't worry. It's just tension — nothing we haven't seen before."
"Maybe," Oetsu said. "But something feels off."
He turned away from the window.
"I need rest. Wake me if anything changes."
"Good night, Captain," Lisa said, exiting quietly.
---
(The Captain's Council)
The following morning, twelve captains gathered beneath the great stone dome of the War Hall. The question before them: should Akira, the Blado Slayer, be summoned?
The vote was cast. Seven captains said yes. Five said no.
Namato sat in silence, devastated. There was nothing more he could do.
Iman wasted no time. A messenger was dispatched.
---
(Akira's Home)
Far from the village, nestled in the quiet hills beyond the cursed marshes, Akira's home was peaceful.
Inside, Kaito and Taru asked their father questions about his past as a warrior. Taru, though not Akira's son by blood, had been raised here since infancy.
Years ago, his father had been assassinated. With his dying breath, he wrote a letter and summoned a magic crow to deliver it to Akira.
"My dear friend. My wife is already dead. Assassins came for us. I've hidden my son Taru in a basket under the basement. My daughter … they took her. Please. Take care of him. Help me find her. I ask only this one last favor, friend."
As Akira finished telling his story to the boys, a loud knock came at the door.
He opened it. A soldier in dark armor stood outside.
"General Iman has requested your presence."
Kaito stiffened. Taru clenched his fists.
"Dad… can we come too?" Kaito asked.
Sorai, Akira's wife, immediately refused. But Akira placed a hand gently on her arm.
"They should come. It's time they learn what it means to become warriors — and awaken."
He kissed her on the forehead and passed her a sealed envelope.
"Hide this in the basement. Give it to them… if I don't return."
Sorai trembled. "Don't talk like that. You'll come back. I believe in you."
Akira only smiled.
He packed his weapons — blades wrapped in silk, a forgotten sword from his final battle, and one last heirloom.
Together with the boys, he stepped out into the storm.
---
The Return of the Slayer
When they arrived at the headquarters, all twelve captains stood in quiet anticipation.
Akira entered with measured steps. Rain still clung to his shoulders, but his presence was calm — like a mountain that even time could not move.
The captains welcomed him with nods of deep respect.
All but one.
General Iman stood, arms crossed, a smirk playing on his lips.
"It's been a while, old friend."
Akira didn't smile.
"Get to the point."