The morning sun, bright yet warm, reflected gently off the ancient pagoda, bathing it in a golden hue. Its presence radiated an indescribable serenity, as if time itself slowed within its boundaries. The tall trees surrounding the structure swayed softly, their leaves whispering secrets as the early morning breeze passed through them.
In front of the pagoda lay a small courtyard paved with worn stone tiles, each crack and imperfection telling a story of countless years. At the center of the courtyard rested a shallow pond, its water clear and calm. Schools of colorful fish swam lazily beneath the surface, gathering eagerly as crumbs fell from above, breaking the stillness with soft ripples.
The crumbs were scattered by an old yet firm hand.
As the sunlight shifted once more, it revealed the figure of a man standing beside the pond. He wore an ancient ninja kimono, simple yet refined, its fabric carrying the weight of history. His left hand rested behind his back, while his right hand continued to feed the fish with slow, deliberate movements.
The man faced the rising sun.
His eyes were deep—vast like an abyss that seemed to swallow light itself. Yet beneath that depth lay an overwhelming calm, the kind no ordinary person could possess. It was the calm of someone who had faced extraordinary hardships. The calm of someone who had survived wars, losses, and eras long forgotten. Or perhaps… the calm of one who possessed supreme strength.
"Alas~," the man sighed softly, his voice carrying a quiet heaviness. "The era of peace has truly come to an end."
His gaze never left the horizon.
"The struggle of this planet is but the beginning," he continued, his tone steady, neither fearful nor hopeful. "I just hope fate is on our side this time."
As his words faded into the air, a single leaf detached itself from one of the towering trees above. It drifted gently downward, carried by the wind, before landing softly on his outstretched fingers.
Sensei Kanoe Watanabe gazed at the leaf, his expression profound and discerning, as though the fragile object carried the weight of destiny itself.
A faint golden glow flickered around his pinky finger.
With the slightest push—
Whoosh!
The leaf shot forward, slicing through the air at blinding speed as it flew toward the east, its destination unknown, vanishing beyond the horizon in an instant.
After finishing feeding the fish, Sensei Watanabe turned in the opposite direction. His movements were unhurried, his posture relaxed. He began to walk away from the courtyard.
Yet with each step he took, meters of distance were crossed.
His body blurred.
Flash-stepping through space itself.
Whoosh! Step!
The world seemed to fold beneath his feet as he traversed vast distances effortlessly. His expression remained unreadable, calm to the point of eeriness.
If anyone were to witness Kanoe Watanabe at this moment, they would immediately understand one thing—
This man was terrifyingly strong.
After some time, he arrived before a small shed nestled near a quiet garden. The soil around it was rich and dark, supporting plants and herbs unlike anything the current planet had ever encountered. Their shapes were strange, their colors vivid, and faint mystical energy pulsed from them, barely visible to the naked eye.
Inside the shed, Sensei Watanabe moved with practiced ease. He boiled water, prepared leaves, and brewed tea with meticulous precision. Surprisingly, he poured the tea into two cups.
He placed them on a small wooden table and spoke calmly into the empty air.
"Aren't you going to join me for some tea?"
Silence answered him.
The wind rustled the plants. Steam rose gently from the cups.
Then—
A golden portal blossomed open beside the shed, its edges shimmering with ancient runes. From it stepped a bald yet feminine figure, her presence commanding and dignified. Her robes flowed gracefully, and her eyes carried the wisdom of countless centuries.
"Greetings, Sensei Kanoe," she said, her voice elegant and composed. "Apologies for intruding upon your abode without prior notification."
Sensei Kanoe waved his hand dismissively, a faint smile forming on his lips. "Oh, I don't mind. Having someone to share a cup of tea with on a morning like this is a blessing for this old man."
He gestured toward the seat opposite him.
"But then again," he added knowingly, "you didn't come here for tea, did you?"
The Ancient One gave a slight bow before taking her seat. She lifted the cup and sipped the tea slowly, savoring its flavor.
"Good tea," she murmured. "As always."
Setting the cup down, she looked up at him. "Yes. I came here for matters of far greater concern. And I'm sure you are already aware of them."
Sensei Kanoe's expression darkened subtly. "I know," he replied. "But they are not yet ready."
Silence enveloped the atmosphere once more.
The steam from the tea curled upward lazily, the only movement in the space between them.
After several seconds, The Ancient One took a deep breath and spoke again.
"Thousands of years ago," she began, "after the Great War, with the Mystic Alliance. Your Ninja Academy, the mystic force, and my Magic Academy stood together. We were hostile to one another for generations, yet because of the prophecy, we were forced into agreement. The prophecy told of warriors who would protect the planet and galaxy beyond. Their potential was so terrifying, hostile forces from beyond had hunted them for centuries. The alliance had to agree to nurture them, to protect unforeseen catastrophes."
Her eyes narrowed slightly.
"But I know that wasn't the true reason," she continued. "It was all for that inheritance… wasn't it?"
Sensei Kanoe's eyes widened, genuine surprise flickering across his usually composed features.
"How do you know about this?" he asked.
"No need to be surprised, Sensei Watanabe," she replied calmly. "From the day I inherited my teacher's mantle, I was bound to know."
She paused before adding softly, "It is my duty."
Sensei Kanoe locked eyes with her. The pressure in the air intensified, heavy and oppressive. The plants around them swayed unnaturally, reacting to the unspoken tension.
Then—
He chuckled.
"Haha… yes," he said with a resigned smile. "That is true. You are the Ancient One now. You have every right to know."
He stood up slowly, turning his back to her as he gazed toward the distant horizon beyond his garden. He took a deep breath.
"But even so," he said quietly, "one should not often go against destiny, Yao. Some things are not meant to be coveted."
Yao set her tea down and responded firmly, "Yes, Sensei. Your words today, I shall always remember."
She rose to her feet.
"Moreover," she continued, "I only came to check on the progress of the chosen ones."
"There is no need," Sensei Kanoe replied calmly. "Though I appreciate your sincerity, I understand my responsibility. I have lived long enough to know what truly matters—and what does not."
Yao took one final sip of her tea before setting the cup aside. She bowed slightly.
"Thank you for the tea, Sensei. I shall take my leave."
"Hmm," he responded. "Go on."
Without hesitation, The Ancient One conjured another golden portal and stepped through it, disappearing as swiftly as she had arrived.
The portal closed.
Silence returned.
Sensei Kanoe Watanabe stood alone once more, facing his small garden. The serenity of the morning seemed thinner now, fragile, as if it could shatter at any moment.
He sighed deeply, his thoughts heavy.
"In the face of such treasure," he thought inwardly, "can the human heart truly stay firm?"
He shook his head slightly, worry etched into his expression as visions of chaos yet to come crossed his mind.
--- ✦ ---
Do any of the readers have an idea what the inheritance is?.
Moreover honest review, guys. Is my writing improving or nah?
Thanks for the support, guys.
Power stones, guys.