Chapter 5:Parents Pov

The morning sun spilled warm light through the small bar, casting a golden hue over the modest furnishings. Shakuyaku moved about the room with a practiced grace, arranging bottles and wiping down the counter. The familiar scent of aged wood and the faint hint of alcohol surrounded her, but today felt different. Today marked a new beginning.

She paused for a moment, glancing toward the door of the small bedroom where her son, Jason, slept. There was something profoundly satisfying about being a mother, yet it came with its own set of worries. As the former pirate and now bar owner, she had traded the thrill of adventure for the stability of a quiet life, but that did not mean her heart was free from concern. Jason was growing up fast, and with each passing day, the weight of expectation rested heavier on her shoulders.

The soft sound of rustling sheets pulled her from her thoughts. She turned her head, her heart swelling with anticipation. "Ah, Jason, you're up early today," she called, her voice warm yet tinged with a motherly softness.

Jason stumbled into the room, his eyes still hazy with sleep. He rubbed his eyes with small fists, his brow furrowing as he tried to shake off the remnants of slumber. He looked different—smaller somehow, his movements uncertain. Shakuyaku felt a twinge of nostalgia, remembering his early days when he would chase after her with a wooden sword, mimicking the legendary pirates from stories told by his father.

"Are you alright, Jason?" she asked, concern lacing her tone. His confusion was palpable, and it sent a wave of worry through her.

"Yeah, Mom," he replied, but his voice lacked conviction. Shakuyaku's heart ached slightly; she could see that something was off, but she chose to trust that he would share whatever troubled him when he was ready.

The door swung open, and a familiar figure entered, his presence instantly transforming the room. Rayleigh, the Dark King himself, stood tall in the doorway, a playful smirk on his lips. His hair, a mix of silver and gray, framed his face, and his eyes sparkled with a mischievous glint that had not faded with age.

"Hey, kid!" Rayleigh greeted, his voice booming with warmth and enthusiasm. He dropped to one knee, meeting Jason at eye level. The sight of his father ignited a fire of excitement within Jason, and Shakuyaku couldn't help but smile at the bond they shared.

"Good to see you up," Rayleigh continued, his expression softening. "How about some sword training today?"

Shakuyaku felt a surge of pride as she watched Rayleigh speak to their son, but alongside that pride was a flicker of apprehension. She approached them, her hands resting on her hips, and a gentle smile on her face. "Just remember to take it easy, Jason," she cautioned, her voice laced with concern. "Your father has high expectations, but you're still so young."

Rayleigh chuckled lightly, glancing up at Shakuyaku with a knowing smile. "Don't worry, Shaky. I'll make sure he learns at his own pace." The affection in his voice was unmistakable. He had always been protective of their son, even as he sought to teach him the ways of the sword.

Jason's face lit up at the prospect of training, but Shakuyaku sensed a flicker of pressure behind that excitement. She knelt down beside him, cupping his face gently in her hands. "You don't have to impress anyone, Jason. It's about learning and growing. Your father just wants to share his skills with you, not push you too hard."

Rayleigh nodded in agreement, a hint of understanding washing over his face. He was acutely aware of the weight of his legacy, the expectations that loomed over Jason like a shadow. "That's right, Jason. Mastery takes time. Every great swordsman starts as a beginner. You'll get there," he said, his tone encouraging yet firm.

Jason swallowed, his excitement slightly tempered by the enormity of the moment. He was not just training under any swordsman; he was training under the legendary Dark King, one of the greatest swordsmen of the age. A sense of pride washed over him, but it was accompanied by the daunting reality of living up to that legacy.

"Alright, let's get started!" Rayleigh exclaimed, his enthusiasm infectious. He motioned for Jason to follow him outside, his heart racing with anticipation.

Shakuyaku watched as they stepped out into the sunlight, her heart swelling with mixed emotions. On one hand, she felt pride in Jason's potential and the bond he was forming with Rayleigh. On the other, a protective instinct stirred within her. She had witnessed the harsh realities of the world outside their little bar, and the thought of her son facing those challenges made her heart ache.

Once outside, Rayleigh led Jason to a small training area behind the bar. The space was modest, with a few wooden practice dummies set up, but it was perfect for what they needed. Rayleigh picked up a wooden sword, its surface smooth and worn from years of practice. He handed another to Jason, his gaze serious yet encouraging.

"First, let's work on your stance," Rayleigh instructed, demonstrating the proper way to hold the sword. His movements were fluid and precise, each motion echoing years of experience. Jason watched intently, absorbing every detail.

"Good, now you try," Rayleigh said, stepping back to observe.

Jason raised the sword, mimicking his father's stance, but his grip was shaky. Rayleigh noted the hesitation in Jason's eyes. "Relax your shoulders. You need to be confident in your stance," he advised, stepping forward to adjust Jason's grip gently. "Feel the weight of the sword. It's an extension of you."

As they practiced, Shakuyaku remained close, her heart swelling with pride at the sight of father and son training together. Rayleigh's laughter rang out, encouraging Jason as he struggled with the basic movements. Yet beneath his playful exterior, Rayleigh felt the weight of the moment. This was more than just a training session; it was a chance to impart wisdom, to share a bond that had been forged through the trials of life.

After a while, Rayleigh paused, his expression turning serious. "Listen, Jason," he said, kneeling again to meet his son's eyes. "It's not just about learning to fight. It's about understanding yourself. You'll face challenges, and sometimes you'll fail. But it's important to get back up and keep going."

Jason nodded, absorbing his father's words. Rayleigh's sincerity touched him deeply; he understood that this training was not only about swordsmanship but also about building character.

Rayleigh placed a hand on Jason's shoulder, his heart swelling with pride. "I believe in you, kid. You have what it takes."

As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the training area, Shakuyaku watched with a sense of fulfillment. She felt her worries ease, knowing that Jason was in capable hands. Rayleigh's love for their son was evident in every word and action, and she knew he would nurture Jason's potential.

With a soft smile, she stepped forward, joining them in the training session. "Can I join?" she asked playfully, brandishing a small wooden sword of her own.

Rayleigh chuckled, a twinkle in his eye. "Sure, but don't hold back!"

Together, the three of them practiced, laughter and joy filling the air. Shakuyaku felt a warmth in her heart, knowing that these moments were building a foundation for Jason's future—one where he would learn to embrace his lineage while carving his own path.

As the day faded, Shakuyaku looked at Rayleigh, their eyes meeting in a silent understanding. They were not just parents; they were a team, committed to nurturing their son's potential and ensuring that he grew into the person he was meant to be.

And as the stars began to twinkle in the night sky, the bond between them deepened, solidified by love, trust, and the shared experience of raising a child destined for greatness.