Training Will Begin

Three days have passed since Kurashi had been hospitalized, and Hikari was on his way to the main temple. As Hikari enters the office, he finds the leader occupied with paperwork. Hikari approached, his footsteps echoing softly on the polished wooden floor. Hikari then clears his throat to announce his presence, prompting the leader to look up from his documents.

"You asked to see me?", Hikari asked with his hands behind his back.

"Yes I did...", Lord Fujita said while putting his pen down, "How is the training coming along".

"Just as expected sir.", Hikari stated in a formal tone.

"That is good to hear.", Lord Fujita responded with a sense of relief.

A few seconds passed before a thought came to Hikari.

"Lord...", Hikari stated hesitantly.

"What is it Aoirai?", Lord Fujita said with concern.

"Am I really the best pick for this?", Hikari stated with concern.

"Of course, with the amount of potential that Ito has, only the strongest as yourself are fit to guide him. You were the sole student of Yasushi after all.", Lord Fujita responded with reassurance, "You've completed countless missions by yourself. You just need to have more confidence in yourself".

Hikari stated with a sense of gratitude, "I see...thank you for your considerate words Lord Fujita.", as he turned to the door.

Fujita stated, "One more thing...", as Hikari was about to leave the office.

"What is it?", Hikari questioned as he turned around.

"The blade on his back...is it Yasushi's?", Fujita said in a curious voice.

"I noticed that the blade looked familiar. Although it resembles closely to the katana master once used, I don't know for sure if that is the case.", Hikari responded with his right hand on his chin.

"He really is a strange kid, just make sure to keep an eye on him.", Fujita said while picking his pen back up.

"Yes sir...", Hikari responded while bowing his head.

After the meeting, Hikari made his way back to the hospital to check on Kurashi, the sterile scent meeting him as he entered. Hikari navigated through the hospital corridors until he reached room 13. As he peeked into the room, he noticed that the bed was neatly made, void of any patient. His steps echo in the quiet hallway as he heads back to the front desk.

"Good afternoon Sir Aoirai, what can I do for you?", the receptionist behind the front desk stated in a mannerly tone.

"Where is the boy that was in room 13?", Hikari said with a sense of concern.

The receptionist's fingers dance across the keyboard, searching for answers amidst the sea of digital records.

"It shows that he was discharged earlier this morning.", the receptionist said looking up from the computer.

Leaving the hospital, Hikari made his way back to his house. At the house, Hikari walked into Kurashi's room, but he was still nowhere to be seen. Noticing the absence of Kurashi's katana, Hikari's instincts lead him to the cliff edge.

As Hikari reached the cliff edge, he spotted Kurashi in the distance. Kurashi's movements were methodical yet filled with quiet intensity as he practiced his sword techniques. Kurashi executed a series of swift slashes, his katana glinting in the fading sunlight. The rhythmic sound of the katana slicing through the air echoed through the serene surroundings. The wind tousled his hoodie, revealing glimpses of bandages underneath, a testament to the recent battle. The setting sun painted the sky in hues of orange and pink, casting long shadows across the rugged terrain.

As Hikari approached, he couldn't help but notice the grace in Kurashi's movement. Hikari took a step closer, making his presence known without disrupting the state of the moment. Kurashi then suddenly stopped, his refined movements coming to a halt. Gently sheathing his katana on his back and turning around, the two faced each other in the setting sun.

"It's notable that your movements have improved considerably in the little time you've been here.", Hikari said with his hands in his pockets.

Kurashi stood there quietly, his dead eyes piercing at Hikari.

"Man, I don't like these situations in the slightest, they are always so awkward.", Hikari said under his breath with a sigh.

"What are you here for?", Kurashi asked in his monotone voice.

"What do you think?", Hikari responded.

After hearing what Hikari had said, Kurashi reached for his katana.

"I wouldn't do that Kurashi...", Hikari said in a commanding voice, "That's not why I am here".

Kurashi slowly let his hand fall back down to his side.

"I just want to talk for a bit", Hikari stated with reassurance, "Let's head back before night falls".

They walk back through the base to their house. The streets were vacant, the only sounds being the steps they took and the wind that passed them. Entering the house, Kurashi walked into his room, taking off his sheathe and setting it on the side of the dresser. Kurashi stood in front of the dresser, his gaze fixated on the mask that sat on top. With a deliberate movement, he reached out and lifted the mask, feeling its weight in his hands.

He traces his fingers over the smooth surface of the mask. The kitsune mask, matte black and devoid of any pattern, was a symbol for something that he could not yet grasp. He walks into the bathroom and turns on the shower, the sound of the water breaking the silence. With practiced ease, Kurashi unfastened the bandages wrapped around his torso and wrists, the fabric unwinding to reveal the skin beneath. Stepping into the shower, the hot water gently rained from above. Kurashi closed his eyes, letting the sensation of the falling water envelop him. After getting out of the shower, Kurashi switched into nightwear, a white t-shirt and plaid pajamas.

"Kurashi, come here for a minute.", Hikari said from the kitchen.

Kurashi slid the door open to see Hikari cooking at the stove.

"Sit down, the food is almost done.", Hikari stated as Kurashi walked in.

Sitting at the table, Kurashi silently waits for his meal to be prepared.

"That sword...is it your father's?", Hikari questioned.

"I think so...", Kurashi said quietly.

"So there's a possibility?", Hikari questioned to himself as he plates the meal.

Hikari turns to the kitchen table with a plate in his right hand, gradually setting the meal down in front of Kurashi. The plate contained chicken curry with a side of rice, steam emitting from the freshly made food.

"Your training will officially begin tomorrow.", Hikari stated while he cleaned up from the cooking, "4:30 a.m, be at the cliff edge".

After Hikari finished cleaning, he walked over to his room.

Hikari stated, "After you're done eating, clean the dish and head to sleep. You'll need to get up early tomorrow", as he closed his room door behind him.

As Kurashi eats his meal, his actions are mechanical, almost robotic, as if he's simply fueling his body out of necessity rather than deriving any pleasure from the experience. After finishing his meal, Kurashi cleans the plate and heads back to his room, closing the door behind him. In his bed, Kurashi slowly drifts into a deep sleep. Ample rest would be a necessity for the coming day.