Renjiro knelt before the graves of his father and mentor, Zukio. A gentle breeze swept through the mountains as he smiled softly. His once jet-black hair had turned pure white, and his brown eyes were now a deep crimson-though he could no longer see.
Yet, he didn't need his sight. He could feel the world around him.
Standing up, he bowed deeply. "Goodbye, Father... Goodbye, Zukio."
Then, without hesitation, he turned and walked away.
For four days and nights, he traveled, his body strong and unwavering despite the harsh conditions. He had no need for rest-his training had made him more resilient than most. Eventually, he arrived at a small village.
As he stepped onto the dirt road, he felt the warmth of the sun on his skin. Though he couldn't see, he could sense the glowing souls of the villagers moving about. But something else caught his attention.
He was being followed.
A small smirk formed on his lips. Without breaking stride, he turned into a narrow alleyway. The presence behind him followed.
The moment they stepped in, Renjiro was already beside them.
The unknown figure gasped in surprise.
Renjiro tilted his head slightly, as if studying their soul. "Why are you following me?"
A small, defensive voice responded. "I wasn't following you!"
Renjiro smiled. "Really? Then why sneak after someone stronger than you?"
The figure stepped forward, revealing a young boy-no older than twelve.
"I'm not a kid!" the boy huffed. "I'm twelve years old!"
Renjiro chuckled. "Alright, alright. But if you weren't following me, what did you want?"
The boy hesitated. "Nothing..."
But Renjiro already understood. He could sense them-nine other presences lurking nearby, hidden in the shadows. A small frown formed on his face.
"I see..." he muttered.
This boy was being used as bait.
Renjiro stepped out of the alley and spoke loud enough for all to hear. "I know you're there. No need to hide."
Silence.
Renjiro sighed. "Fine. If you won't come out, I'll come to you."
That was enough to make them show themselves. Nine large, muscular men stepped out from the shadows, all wearing sinister grins.
The leader, a burly man with a scar across his cheek, stepped forward. "Relax, kid. We just wanted to talk."
Renjiro remained crouched, his expression unreadable. "People who use a child as bait don't deserve to talk."
The leader sneered. "That's just how life works, boy."
Renjiro's fingers twitched. His patience was thinning.
The leader turned to the young boy. "Listen up, brat. If you want your mother to be safe, do what we say."
The child flinched, gripping a small dagger. His hands trembled.
Renjiro could feel his hesitation, his fear, and-above all-his desperation.
The boy clenched his teeth. "I'm sorry..."
He swung the dagger.
But Renjiro was already gone.
The leader's eyes widened. "What-?!"
Before he could react, one by one, his men dropped to the ground, unconscious. The alley fell silent.
He turned-only to find Renjiro standing above his fallen lackeys, his expression calm yet imposing.
The leader's face paled. "Did... did he just disappear?!"
He shouted to his remaining men. "Don't let him escape!"
But no one responded.
Slowly, he turned back-only to see Renjiro standing directly in front of him.
The boy's voice was cold, yet steady.
"People like you disgust me. You shouldn't even be called human."
Before the leader could react, he was sent flying, crashing into a wall and falling unconscious.
Renjiro turned to the child, who was shaking, afraid of what would happen next.
But instead of anger, he felt a gentle hand pat his head.
"Now then... why don't you take me to your mother?"
The child blinked, confused. "Why? Why do you care?"
Renjiro smiled. "I could be of some help. If you'd let me."
After a moment of hesitation, the boy nodded and led him through the village.
As they walked, Renjiro asked, "What's your name?"
"Leo."
Renjiro nodded. "Leo, huh? Not a bad name. But tell me... why did you bother with people like them?"
Leo's expression darkened. "Because of my mother..."
Renjiro listened quietly.
"Even though we're poor, she always worked hard and tried her best. But she became very sick, and those men told me they could help her if I did what they asked."
Renjiro's breath hitched. A twelve-year-old should never have to go through something like this.
Leo clenched his fists. "I just... I just miss my mom..."
Renjiro felt a sharp, burning anger inside him.
But instead of acting on it, he knelt down and pulled Leo into a hug.
"It's okay," he whispered. "You did what you thought was right."
Leo, exhausted from everything, finally allowed himself to cry. Before long, he had fallen asleep in Renjiro's arms.
By the time they arrived at Leo's home, Renjiro carefully pushed open the door. Inside, he saw a woman-frail, thin, barely clinging to life.
She looked as if she had been suffering for a long time.
Renjiro approached and gently touched her arm.
She was alive.
Without hesitation, he placed his hands over her and whispered, "Divine Heal."
A warm light filled the room, and slowly, the woman's body regained its color, her breathing becoming steady.
Renjiro reached into his pouch and pulled out a small bag of money. He placed it beside Leo and scribbled a note.
"Use this to live a good life. And don't become like those men, okay? :)"
Just as he stepped into the shadows, Leo stirred awake.
The moment he saw his mother-alive, healthy-he broke down, rushing into her arms.
"Mom!"
His mother clutched him tightly, crying alongside him.
From the darkness, Renjiro watched with a small smile.
He turned to leave, but then-
"Wait!"
Leo's voice rang through the night.
Renjiro paused.
"I promise... I will be a hero, just like you! I will protect the weak! And I will protect my mom!"
Renjiro smiled once more, though he did not turn back.
With quiet steps, he disappeared into the night.