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Courtyard of the Phoenix Order — Dawn
The sun rose behind the Phoenix Walls, shadows stretching like blades across the grand courtyard. Spirit lanterns flickered out one by one as squads, officers, and Captains assembled in a disciplined ring.
In the center, Ayemi, a sharp-eyed member of Division 6, clutched her scroll so tight her fingers turned white. Behind her, the ever-sleepy Captain Yutako Koichi leaned half-dozing against a cedar post, while Kinnatsu Yuri, Captain of the Seventh Division, stood tall, arms folded, eyes warm but watchful.
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The Announcements Begin
Ayemi's clear voice carried through the dawn hush.
"Warriors of the Phoenix Order! Today, we gather for the Newbie Ceremony — to honor the Nine who endured the Mountain Emperor's Trials and the Path of Fog. These warriors stand here, having faced storms, beasts, and their own limits. They are our Order's new wings!"
A quiet ripple of awe passed through the crowd as she unrolled the ceremonial scroll. Yutako cracked an eye open and sighed.
"Too loud."
Kinnatsu elbowed him. "Pretend to be awake for once."
---
The Entrants — One by One
1️⃣ Tensho Ranmaru
"Tensho Ranmaru!"
A young man stepped forward, pale cloak drifting like mist. His sword rested easy at his hip, his eyes like calm water.
"He was the first to arrive," Ayemi said. "Rumored never to have been touched by beast or blade in the Trials."
Tensho stopped below the dais, giving a single nod — a silent declaration that spoke louder than words.
Blade clenched his fist. So that's the one everyone whispers about. He's the top…
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2️⃣ Kenshin Mouriu
"Kenshin Mouriu!"
Heavy steps echoed as a figure appeared in battered training armor, a massive stone sword, Marekuno, slung across his back. His calm eyes and the single scar on his brow gave him the air of a sleeping giant.
"He trained on Mount Kaigen under Yukio Taisin. That sword is forged from dragonbone ore."
Kenshin let the stone blade sink into the dirt beside him, the ground cracking at his feet. He barely seemed to notice.
Suntaro muttered, "Remind me never to block that thing."
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3️⃣ Kentaro Rikotsu
"Next — Kentaro Rikotsu!"
A gasp rose when a boy no older than thirteen strode out grinning, sparks snapping at his fingertips.
"Master of Lightning Myou at thirteen," Ayemi said. "Unstoppable on the mountain paths."
Kentaro shot Suntaro a wicked grin. "Try to keep up, thunder-head."
Suntaro scowled. "Watch yourself, kid."
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4️⃣ Ryen Kairo
"Fourth — Ryen Kairo."
A tanned young man emerged, draped in a travel cloak, his black blade never shifting at his side.
"From a distant continent," Ayemi read. "They say his mind is sharper than any steel — and his sword remains untouched."
Ryen barely looked at the audience, his gaze fixed on the distant peaks. Kagami frowned. What are you hiding, Kairo?
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5️⃣ Suntaro Akammi
"Fifth — Suntaro Akammi!"
A roar rose as Suntaro stomped forward, waving like he'd won a festival brawl. His thunder blade, Raitaro, buzzed with static.
"Finished the Trials in record time," Ayemi noted. "Reckless but precise."
Suntaro threw a wink at the captains. "Thunder never dies!"
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6️⃣ Kagami Hanera
"Sixth — Kagami Hanera."
The courtyard fell silent as Kagami stepped out, her every move graceful as falling snow. Her blade, Ka Kori, trailed a mist like winter breath.
"Soft like snow, but cold enough to freeze her enemies' hopes."
Kagami gave a respectful bow, but her eyes glittered with hidden steel.
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7️⃣ Yano Mikazushi
"Seventh — Yano Mikazushi."
A swirl of wind signaled Yano's arrival. She landed lightly, her blade, Furinto, humming like a flute in a storm.
"Finished her training under Xien Ryu, the Dragon Emperor. Wind itself bends to her will."
She nudged Suntaro's shoulder. "You're not the only force of nature."
Suntaro rolled his eyes. "Storm's bigger than a breeze."
---
8️⃣ Kibito Akammi
"Eighth — Kibito Akammi."
Kibito swaggered out, Makashi strapped to his back, grin wide as ever.
"Older brother to Suntaro — hard work turned to power. His blade is always ready to burn through obstacles."
He shot Suntaro a wink. "Who's the better brother now?"
Suntaro shot back, "We'll see who outranks who."
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9️⃣ Blade Taizuka
"And finally — Blade Taizuka."
A hush fell so deep, even the banners seemed to still. Blade walked forward, Kamikaze at his side — ancient sigils flickering like half-sleeping dragons.
"Bearer of Kamikaze — the sealed blade of the Five Elemental Dragons."
Kinnatsu locked eyes with him — a silent promise that the real test was just beginning.
But I'm last, Blade thought as he stepped beside the other eight.
Out of nine — I'm the bottom. After all I fought for? After the mountain? The fog? The Bandit King?
His heart squeezed tight in his chest. Am I really that weak? Or… is this where I'm meant to start?
He squeezed Kamikaze's hilt until his knuckles whitened. Then I'll climb up. One cut at a time. I'll show them all.
---
Yutako's "Speech"
Ayemi turned, desperate for formality. "Captain Koichi, your speech?"
Yutako yawned. "Don't… die."
He shut his eyes again as the courtyard erupted in laughter. Even Kinnatsu barked a laugh. "Motivating, as always."
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The Final Ranks & New Roles
Yutako lifted one lazy hand. "Ranks are from the Head Captains. One is highest. Nine is last. If you've got complaints, save 'em for the next life."
Ayemi's voice rang clear:
> "Tensho Ranmaru — Captain of the Fourth Division, Chiseigun."
"Kenshin Mouriu, Ryen Kairo, and Yano Mikazushi — members of the First Division, Shōrintai."
"Suntaro Akammi — Assistant Captain of the Fifth Division, Gōka-tai."
"Kentaro Rikotsu — Assistant Captain of the Ninth Division, Senkon-tai."
"Kagami Hanera — Assistant Captain of the Second Division, Kagegumi."
"Kibito Akammi — Assistant Captain of the Sixth Division, Shizenkai."
"Blade Taizuka — member of the Seventh Division, Kensei-tai."
The courtyard murmured at how each rank fell — highest to lowest — each one a reminder of what they'd gained… or still needed to prove.
Blade's shoulders tensed as he replayed that word: Nine.
Kinnatsu leaned in, whispering with a grin, "You start at the bottom, you've got nowhere to go but up."
Blade didn't look at him. His eyes were locked on the spire of the Head Captains.
Good. I'll climb that tower — one swing at a time.
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Epilogue — Far Away, in the Shadows
Far from the Order's blazing walls, deep in a cavern of black stone, a single lantern flickered, shadows dancing across robed figures.
At the center sat a man on a throne of cold rock. His eyes gleamed from beneath his hood.
"They think their new blades will pierce the dark."
A ripple of low laughter spread among the cloaked shapes.
He raised one hand. From his palm, inky fog oozed like tar, curling up toward the ceiling.
"But soon… the darkness will rise."
His voice echoed, soft as poison.
"And this time, the night will stay forever."
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To Be Continued…