Deceived master
The master was surprised to see the two individuals approaching. "But how?" Ken smiled at the master and his apprentice, "It has been our goal from the beginning; we just had some matters to take care of." He pointed to the supply cart behind him, "I assume things are quite challenging for you, so take these."
The nearby people, with the master's approval, joyfully began to pull the cart. "Yes, master, now you will train us, Makoto and me." The master nodded with a smile, "That's enough, my child, you have shown us the light of hope again, your wish is my command." The master quickly stood up, "Yasushi, continue your training." Yasushi nodded and left their side, "So, you're not disappearing suddenly this time; after all, there are people around." Ken laughed as Yasushi walked away, unaffected by his words, continuing to walk, "Come, follow me," the master showed the way to the temple for Ken and Makoto, "A different training method will be applied for both of you; our sweet girl needs to learn to awaken the spirit within her first." They both nodded and began their training.
Ken received great attention from people with the supplies he brought. Everyone looked at him as a hero. Ken felt both sad and happy when he saw the situation of the people on this side. It was truly a community spirit, living in solidarity, not enemies with each other, preserving their own fertile lands using the power of the spirit. A community that never fell into despair.
"Before we start the second day of your training, there are things I need to tell you about this place." The master stood in front of them with his staff, "Although we maintain the fertility of our own lands with the power of the spirit, we have to go to the other side for missing materials. This task is often very risky, but thanks to you, we've stored a good supply. Thank you very much." Tears of happiness welled up in the master's eyes.
A skinny man came forward, "This was our fellow who was attacked a few days ago while coming from the other side." "If he weren't the chosen one with a mask, I wouldn't have survived. I didn't see him clearly, but I'm sure he was the last chosen one." "I'm sure he was, my child. I'm sure Yu saved you." The master patted the man's back, and he rushed to his brother, "He brought his brother to us, limping. He is truly amazing." "Indeed, it's hard to find someone like him." Makoto nodded in agreement with the master's words. Ken, passing the gratitude part, signaled them to focus on training; the master nodded.
"Yes, Makoto, you are progressing really fast. I'm sure you'll soon awaken the flow within." Makoto never broke her concentration, tirelessly trying to create the flow within. "You're doing very well too, Ken. You've already moved on to controlled power; it's an incredible progress speed." The master continued to watch them; the days went on like this.
"I FINALLY DID IT, KEN-CHAN, I DID IT, I FEEL THE FLOW, MASTER, I FEEL THE FLOW." Makoto immediately ran to Ken, "I FEEL IT!" Ken stroked Makoto's hair, "Well done, Makoto, you're truly a genius." Makoto blushed, "Yes, I am." The master stood up behind them, "You are progressing incredibly fast too, Makoto. Now, you must also reach controlled power. Not as fast as Ken, but I'm sure you will achieve it rapidly."
Days passed again, Makoto mastered her abilities, and Ken learned his first art, the Seisaku art. "You've done really well; today, you'll perform a new mission. Go to the forest and hunt a deer." "Alright, master," they both said simultaneously and headed to the forest together. "I wonder where that bear is now, the bear that changed the fate of my children." The master returned to the temple with sorrow.
Before long, Ken and Makoto returned with a dead deer. "Enjoy," Makoto cheerfully presented the deer in front of the master. While the master was laying the deer on the ground, he noticed the wounds on their arms. "I might be overstepping by asking, Makoto, even though I'm not sure if it's right, but I'll ask. How did those wounds happen, or do you want me to heal them?" Makoto's joy faded away, and she stepped back, becoming silent. "It's better if you don't know some things, master," Ken said. "Ah, I understand, I see. I'm sorry," the master stood up. "You passed the test; now we can continue our art lessons. Makoto, can you tell me which two arts you will choose?" Makoto regained her composure, "Seisaku and Kanri, master." "Understood, let's go then," the master played with his beard and headed outside; his two students followed him.
Years passed, and Ken gained a better understanding of the region; the people living there had no conflicting thoughts, a truly remarkable place with a unified purpose. "You've grown, Ken, hahaha, the big day has finally come," tears filled the master's eyes. "I knew this day would come." Ken had mastered controlling the flow within, and together with Makoto, they had made significant progress. "Yes, old man, it's time to go now," the master froze as Ken laughed with tears in his eyes. "Where to, Ken?" "To my old region, my home. I've achieved what I wanted, and now I can hunt people more comfortably." "We will hunt," Makoto immediately rested her head on Ken's shoulder. "But, but didn't you come here to be trained and then take on the chosen mission?" The master had lost all his joy. "I'm sorry, old man; I just came for training, I deceived you, I'm sorry. But I told you from the beginning, I am not chosen," the master sadly turned away. "You'll come back eventually, Ken; I'll be waiting for you." "We'll see," he took Makoto in his arms, "vuhuu, let's go."
Ken, with Makoto, dashed to his own region, and Yasushi blocked their path in the middle of the road. "I knew you'd do this, traitor coward." "So, you want a second round, I'm up for it," Ken drew his sword, and Yasushi was filled with anger. "This time, I'll make you pay, coward."