SAI SHINU
After some time, we arrived at the training spot. We were alone on a beach.
"So… we're going to train here?" I asked.
Yosuke scanned the area and replied, "Yes. It's perfect for this occasion." After a short while, we found a good spot—a large shadow cast by a giant rock. We placed our things nearby.
I looked around, curious. "Where are the practice weapons?"
He smiled slightly. "This is the first step of your training. You'll find wood in the forest and bring it here."
I blinked. At first, I thought he was joking. But the determination in his eyes told me he wasn't. He pulled out a small knife and added, "Once you bring the wood, you'll carve the weapons we'll need for training."
I didn't waste a second and headed straight to the forest.
TARO KOI
I woke up, and at the same time, Yuri stirred beside me. The first thing she asked was, "Where is Sai?"
I hesitated but replied calmly, "Get ready, and I'll explain everything later."
Confused, she got out of bed and began preparing herself. I left the room and went straight to Sai's. I knocked, but there was no response.
I knocked again—still nothing. I tried the handle, and it turned. The door opened easily.
The room was empty. Jiro wasn't in bed, though his belongings were there.
Suddenly, Jiro emerged from the bathroom, yawning. "Good morning," he said.
"Good morning," I replied.
"What happened?" he asked.
"Get ready and come to my room," I said. "I need to tell you and Yuri some news."
"Okay. I'll be there in a few minutes," he answered.
I returned to my room, and Yuri immediately spoke. "Dad, I have to tell you something."
"I know," I said calmly.
"What? Are we talking about the same thing?"
"Yes. You have powers. And not the usual kind. You have something no one else in this world has—healing powers."
Her eyes widened. "But… how? How do you know?"
"Yesterday, when you were with Sai, I went to the room to get something I'd forgotten. Before I opened the door, I overheard your conversation. I heard you talking about your powers."
I stepped closer and wrapped her in a hug. "Hear me out," I said. "I know you were scared of my reaction, and that's why you kept it a secret. I'm not angry. I only want one thing."
I placed my hands gently on her face, my thumbs resting on her cheeks, and met her eyes. "Use this power wisely."
At that moment, a knock sounded at the door. I knew it was Jiro. I opened it, and he stepped in.
I instructed, "Sit—one on each bed." Yuri sat on hers, and Jiro took mine.
"What do you want to tell us?" Jiro asked immediately.
I began, "You haven't seen Sai or Yosuke since yesterday. The reason is… they've gone far away from here last night."
"When we interrogated the invader, he revealed he was after Yosuke. Yosuke had to leave, but he couldn't go alone."
"He wanted to leave by himself, but I made him take Sai with him. I know you'll worry about them both, but don't. In this world, Yosuke is probably one of the strongest beings alive."
"I want you to understand why we had to do this. If Yosuke stayed here, all of us would be in danger. You've seen what happened with the invader. I can't risk anything happening to either of you."
"We've all agreed on three years. In three years, we'll meet here again. In the meantime, I'll train you, just as Yosuke trains Sai."
They stayed silent for a moment.
"I mean… what happened, happened. We can't change it, but we can have hope," Jiro finally said.
"You're right," I replied.