SAI SHINU
By the fifth morning, the weight of all those unspoken questions, all those shadows, became unbearable. I knew what I had to do.
I approached the head of the village, Namae's father. His hall was quiet, lanterns casting long shadows across the floor. He sat cross-legged, eyes sharp and unreadable, waiting.
"I've come to confess," I said, stepping inside.
He didn't respond, only motioned for me to continue.
"It was me," I said finally. "I killed him."
The air seemed to still. I could feel the villagers' whispers echoing in my chest, even though none were present.
"You killed him?" His voice was calm but edged with steel.
"Yes," I said, meeting his gaze. "He created chimeras, manipulated lives, wore blood as armor. He played god. I couldn't let him continue."
"And why confess now?" he asked. "You could have left. You could still run."
"I stayed," I said, my voice firm, "because of Namae. Because of her promise to protect a child. I won't abandon her. If there is blame to be cast, let it fall on me, not her."
He regarded me silently, weighing every word, every ounce of conviction in my posture.
"You understand the consequences," he said.
"I do," I replied. "I don't ask for mercy. But I ask for purpose.
His eyes, sharp and penetrating, studied me as though measuring my soul.
"You think fighting my army will absolve you?"
"No," I said quietly. "Nothing absolves me. But at least I live—or die—with purpose."
He paused, fingers drumming against the armrest of his chair, then finally spoke.
"The colosseum was built for more than punishment. It is a place of trial and spectacle—a reminder to the people of strength and discipline. No death shall be dealt there, only combat. It will be entertainment for the village… but also a test for you."
My chest tightened. It wasn't what I expected, but it was something I could accept.
"Very well," he said at last. "Tomorrow at dawn, the colosseum. Your strength will be tested, not your guilt. My army will not show mercy, but they will not kill you."
I bowed deeply. "Thank you."
As I turned to leave, he called after me, his voice carrying the weight of command:
"Sai Shinu. Pray that your strength matches your guilt. My army awaits, and they will not hesitate."
"Let me ask you a question," the master said, his tone quiet but heavy, the kind of voice that demanded answers.
"Yes, sir," I replied, my throat dry but my resolve unshaken. "I will tell you anything."
His eyes narrowed. "You saw them, didn't you? The monsters."
I clenched my jaw. "Yes. I didn't just see them—I cut them down. Every one that stood in my way."
He studied me, searching for hesitation. "You have killed… what was it? Hundreds?"
My voice was low, almost a growl. "Thousands."
A pause. His expression darkened with curiosity. "And when you put them to the stake, when their blood stained your hands—what did you feel?"
I stared straight into his eyes. My heart twisted at the memory, the endless slaughter, the hollow silence inside me as they fell. "Nothing," I said, the word breaking out of me like a confession.
A cruel smile touched his lips. "Nothing? Then why spill blood, if not for the pleasure of it?"
I stepped forward, fire burning in my chest. My fingers tightened on the hilt of my blade until my knuckles ached.
"Because I had no choice," I said, my voice raw. "Because the world you built, the chains you forged, left me with nothing but blood. I don't kill because I enjoy it—I kill because I must. Because I will tear through anything, anyone, to reach my revenge."
The master tilted his head, as though amused by my pain. "Revenge?" he echoed.
"Yes," I whispered, my voice shaking but sharp as steel.
I didn't reply. I just stepped into the morning light, knowing that every whisper, every suspicious glance, and every shadow of guilt would follow me straight into the colosseum