A New Life

5:43 a.m, Kurashi arrives at the Fukuoka train station. The screeching of the brakes dulled when the train appeared at the platform. Kurashi walks in to see the compartment was sparsely populated, and gravitates towards an empty seat by the window. He put his bag in the seat next to him and took a deep breathe while the clattering of the wheels slowly started up again. With his eyes gradually closing from the lack of sleep, he forces them to stay open. The soft hum of the train and the distant click-clack of the wheels on the tracks created an ambiance of isolation. Within the silence of the compartment, Kurashi's internal struggles echoed. His identity elusive, not able to understand himself or those around him. 

With the time to kill, he slowly let his head fall on the train window. His eyes becoming fixated on the bright sun rising over the horizon, its rays casting an orange glow on the world. As the train cut through Japan, Kurashi lifted his head off the window, looking over at his bag in the other seat. He unzips the bag, pulling out the worn-down journal of his late father. After reanalyzing the information, it left him with even more unresolved thoughts. Kurashi couldn't escape the questions about his existence and the mysterious bloodline his father spoke of in the journal. He put the journal back, zips the bag, and pulls out his phone from his hoodie pocket. "11:25 a.m", the lock screen on his phone shows.

"Now arriving at Meitetsu-Gifu Line...", the train announces in a automated robotic tone. 

Kurashi grabs his bag and gets off of the train. The unfamiliar city casting a frenzy of life, contrasting sharply with the tranquility of the train ride. With his bag over his shoulder, he moves through the city streets, which gradually give way to more rural landscapes with each step he takes. The quietude of nature surrounds him as he progresses, and the Hida Mountains became more vivid. Upon entering the forest in front of the mountain range, Kurashi places his bag down next to a tree. He then rests himself, letting his back lean on the tree trunk. He reaches over to grab a water bottle and a dried meat stick from his bag. He then looks up at the sun glimmering through the leaves, before closing his eyes.

After a few hours, his eyes slowly open. Kurashi looks over to his left and grabs the neatly folded map out of his bag. As he analyzed it, he discovered that the marked spot was nearby. Following the map's guidance, he navigated through the dense woods until he stumbled upon the hidden cache of his father. It was a thin black case covered in dirt. Kurashi took off his bag, kneeled down, and wiped off the dirt. He then opened the case, and inside was a katana, its handle and guard black with a blade made out of high carbon steel. There also laid a black sheathe with a shoulder strap connected to it, confirming the truth behind his father's journal. The strap went over his right shoulder, tightening it for the sheathe fit firm on his back. He then picked the katana up, his dead eyes reflecting off of the blade. The katana gently slid into the sheathe on his back. Calmly, Kurashi grabbed his bag, hoisting it onto his left shoulder, and continued on his walk.

Exiting the forest, he encountered the view of the broad mountain range. The ascending of the mountain was not only a physical challenge, but symbolized the pursuit of who he was. During the hike, the only sound was the rocks being trampled upon and the wavering of the wind blowing past him. Kurashi had made it, the breathtaking view from the top provided a moment of reflection. A convergence of past and present unveiled the path forward. While looking at the blue sky, he heard something zip behind him.

"Are you lost? I can't have any trespassers around here.", a commanding voice emerged from behind Kurashi.

Kurashi turns around to see a guy holding a kunai in his right hand. The stranger who, had black hair parted down the middle and blue eyes, wore a black shirt, grey sweatpants, and white shoes. Kurashi ignored the questions and looked at the guy with his dead eyes. After examining the situation he was in, Kurashi came to the conclusion that this guy was a member of his clan.

"Who are you? What have you come here for?", the guy continued to question Kurashi.

"My name is Kurashi Ito...I've come to find my lost clan within the Hida Mountains.", Kurashi responded in a monotone voice after fully understanding the situation.

The stranger's eyes widened as he heard what Kurashi had said.

"Ito...the Ito clan has been gone for decades.", the man said in a confused tone.

The guy examines Kurashi, noticing the katana on his back.

"So it is true...I thought it was just a rumor being spread through the base.", the stranger says with relief.

"I'm Hikari Aoirai...", his tone shifting from serious to friendly in an instant, "follow me, I'll show you the base".

The two walked further along the Hida Mountains before coming across the base. A valley set in the core of the mountains. The base, a harmonious blend of imposing high black metal walls and traditional Japanese architecture, revealed itself. The sight of flowing water, which gives the base its power, added an element of natural beauty to the secretive location. They reach the entrance of the base, and both of them stop to take in the view.

"Welcome to Naishotetsu, son of Yasushi.", Hikari said with a slight smile on his face.