The city had settled into a deceptive calm by morning, the chaos of last night's battle leaving only the faint scorch marks and scattered debris as reminders. Teriyaki sat on the edge of a rooftop, legs dangling over the side, watching the sun rise over Minato Town.
He still couldn't believe everything that had happened. A Purple Samurai? Powers he could barely control? And now Flare and Akonto, allies he barely knew, standing by his side. His ordinary life felt like a memory from another world.
"You can't keep hiding on rooftops," Flare said, landing lightly beside him, daggers sheathed. Her red hair caught the morning light, glowing like fire. "You've got people to find. Allies. And enemies waiting to find you."
Teriyaki's stomach twisted. Allies? He wasn't even sure he could control his own powers. "I don't even know where to start… How do I find anyone who can help?"
Akonto stepped out from the shadows, his calm presence grounding the moment. "We start with those who already walk between worlds. Those who have faced the same threats you will soon confront. The weak will fall behind, the strong will survive—and the strongest will choose to stand with you."
The first of these potential allies appeared that very evening. A group of street fighters, each with their own quirks and skills, had been tracking disturbances in the city's energy. Teriyaki's aura drew them like moths to flame.
A boy no older than Teriyaki stepped forward first, green-haired and wiry, eyes wide with curiosity and excitement. "You're… glowing! Who are you?"
Teriyaki hesitated, then remembered Kuro's words. "I… I'm Teriyaki. And I need your help. There are forces coming—dangerous forces that you wouldn't believe if I told you. But I can show you. If you fight with me, we can protect this city… maybe even the world."
The green-haired boy's grin widened. "I'm in. This sounds way better than boring school."
One by one, others joined, drawn by Teriyaki's aura, by the whispered promise of a world teetering on the brink. Flare watched with a mixture of pride and exasperation. "Looks like he's got charisma… in his own weird way."
Akonto's eyes narrowed. "Charisma alone won't keep them alive. They will need training, discipline, and courage. And more than anything… they will need to trust each other."
The night air crackled with energy as the new recruits practiced under Teriyaki's guidance. Each person brought unique abilities—speed, strength, elemental control—but none had mastered them fully. Mistakes were made. Minor injuries occurred. Yet, in each setback, the team grew stronger, learning to coordinate, to anticipate, to trust Teriyaki's leadership.
From the shadows, unseen eyes watched. The White Fang organization had sensed the surge of power. Members whispered of the boy who wielded the legendary Purple Samurai energy, a new player in the chaotic balance of power.
"Prepare for him," a voice hissed. "He is awakening. And when he does… we will be waiting."
Teriyaki, unaware of the looming threat, finally allowed himself a small smile. He wasn't alone anymore. Allies were beside him, and for the first time, he felt a glimmer of hope that he could face what lay ahead.
But somewhere in the distance, the city's lights flickered as though warning of the storm yet to come.