Chapter 2 — The Boy Who Couldn't Lift a Sword
(A flashback chapter)
Before the whispers, before the blade, before the exile…
There was a boy.
Small. Frail. Quiet.
Named Kenji Sora.
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Ten Years Earlier – Ryuzen Katana Academy
The courtyard of Ryuzen Academy roared with steel.
Boys in uniform—future warriors—clashed in drills. Sparks flew, grunts echoed.
In the far corner… one boy lay flat on his back.
Kenji.
He struggled to sit up, blood trickling from his lip. His wooden practice sword was snapped in two.
Standing over him was Takeshi Raion—broad-shouldered, loud, and furious.
"You don't belong here!" Takeshi barked. "You can't even block a strike. Just go home and cry to your dead parents!"
Laughter exploded from the watching students.
Kenji didn't reply. He stood, wobbling.
Takeshi rolled his eyes. "Master Renga should've kicked you out months ago."
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Later, Inside the Dorms
Kenji sat alone in the corner, bruised and silent. His hands trembled, but not from pain—from shame.
He had trained for three years. Still the weakest. Still mocked.
A hand suddenly placed a steaming bowl of rice beside him.
It was Kaede Mizuno, younger, wearing healer's apprentice robes.
"You know," she said gently, "even a branch becomes strong with time."
He looked at her, confused.
She smiled. "That means stop frowning. Eat."
He managed a small nod.
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Master Renga's Office
The door slammed.
"Why do you waste time on that boy?" Takeshi shouted.
Master Renga sat behind a desk of scrolls and ancient blades. "Because one day, he'll either prove us wrong… or die trying."
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One Week Later – Academy Training Grounds
"Students!" Master Renga's voice cut the air like lightning. "This year's Almighty Fight will be different."
Whispers flew like wildfire. The Almighty Fight was the annual test—only the strongest were chosen to duel in the arena.
Renga continued, "Ten of you. One victor. Honor, glory… and a place in the Council's eye."
Kenji kept his head down. He wouldn't be chosen. He knew it.
But then…
"Kenji Sora."
The name hit like thunder.
Gasps. Laughter. Even the instructors raised eyebrows.
"Me…?" he stammered.
"Yes," Master Renga said coldly. "You have a sword, do you not? Let us see what you're truly worth."
Takeshi's smirk twisted into rage.
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Night – Kenji's Dorm Room
Kenji stared at his sword.
The dull iron glimmered faintly in moonlight.
He held it tightly.
"Why me?"
Then, outside the window… a shadow flickered.
He rushed to it—but found no one.
Only a whisper on the wind.
"…you were chosen."
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Suspense End of Chapter 2:
The next morning, under the rising crimson sun, the students assembled at the arena.
And there, under the roaring crowd and the watchful eye of Master Renga, stood Takeshi Raion—grinning, fists clenched, sword drawn.
He was Kenji's first opponent.
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🩸 To be continued…
Chapter 3 – Ghosts in the Shrine of Ash