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Chapter 4 - Those who still see

The journey was long — hours of winding through misty mountain paths, thick forested slopes, and narrow trails that seemed to lead nowhere. Neither Sumiyoshi nor Shintarō spoke much; the weight of earlier revelations still hung over them like fog. Only the occasional sound of boots brushing against leaves broke the silence.

Then, after what felt like an eternity, the path opened.

And before them — nestled in a basin between towering cliffs — lay a hidden village.

It was quiet, ancient, and strangely untouched by time. Moss-covered stone lanterns lined the entrance. Houses were small, traditional, with tiled roofs and wooden walls. Smoke rose from chimneys. A narrow stream flowed beside the cobbled main road.

As they approached, a man with a long spear stepped forward — a guard dressed in black and grey, eyes sharp and unmoving.

Kuroda raised a hand. "It's alright. They're with me."

The guard gave a curt nod and stepped aside.

Sumiyoshi leaned closer to his brother and whispered, "Why does a village need a guard like that?"

Kuroda heard the question.

His pace slowed a little. His voice came low — filled with a quiet sadness.

"Because I won't let the same mistake happen again."

As they walked deeper into the village, Kuroda gestured around them.

"In sixteen years, I've gathered every person I could find… everyone who shares the bloodline that can still see the Spirit — and its Six Forms."

He paused, letting the words sink in.

"Only we can see them. And only we can fight them. That's why…"

He looked around, eyes darkening.

"…the Spirit started hunting our bloodline."

Sumiyoshi's breath caught. "So it's… trying to erase anyone who can threaten it?"

Kuroda nodded grimly.

"Exactly. To it, we're the only threat left."

They turned past a bend, where a large wooden gate stood — engraved with protective seals and old markings. Another guard bowed and opened the door.

Kuroda turned to him. "I've brought two more. From today on, they stay here."

Inside the gate, the village opened wider, and people looked up from their work — quiet, curious, some surprised. A few faces showed recognition.

Kuroda's tone softened. "Taiken," he called.

A young man stepped out from the side of a small structure. He was tall, with a serious face and broad shoulders. His dark tied-up hair blew slightly in the breeze. His aura was calm, but it held quiet authority.

He bowed to the guests with respectful formality.

"Yes, Father."

Kuroda nodded. "Show them to their quarters. Let them rest. They both will begin Divine Weapon orientation tomorrow."

Shintarō blinked. "Wait— what?"

Sumiyoshi looked equally stunned. "Divine… weapon?"

Kuroda simply replied, "You'll understand soon. For now, rest. And meet me at my house by sundown."

With that, he turned and walked off slowly, hands behind his back.

Their Quarters

Taiken led them to a small wooden house at the edge of the village, near a bamboo grove.

"The house is simple," he said. "But peaceful. You'll find water and bedding inside. If you need anything, ask."

He nodded once more and left.

Shintarō collapsed on the futon with a long sigh. "This is insane…"

But Sumiyoshi was already by the window, staring out at the village.

After a while, he muttered, "Wanna look around?"

His brother gave a tired chuckle. "You'll never change."

Village Exploration

The two walked through the village streets, observing the calmness of life — people tending to vegetables, sharpening tools, folding clothes.

Eventually, they wandered to the far end of the village, where tall grass grew and the trees thinned.

There, behind a wooden fence and beneath a large cherry blossom tree — stood a small graveyard.

Rows of simple stone markers, carved with names.

It was quiet here.

Peaceful.

Sumiyoshi slowed.

"…What is this place?"

Shintarō didn't answer.

He was standing still.

Staring.

Sumiyoshi followed his gaze.

Two gravestones.

Side by side.

Worn… but the names were still visible.

"Takashi"

"Mayu"

Their parents.

Shintarō's jaw tightened. He stepped closer and knelt down, fingers brushing the moss from the stones. His eyes glistened, but he said nothing.

Sumiyoshi stood back, watching.

He had never seen his brother like this.

Across the Field – Divine Training

Then, from behind the graveyard — muffled sounds of movement.

Sumiyoshi turned.

Just a little farther off, in a clearing, three figures stood — each holding a weapon.

But not just swords or spears. These weapons… glowed faintly. Their shapes were unusual — one had a whip of shimmering light, another held a crescent-bladed pole, and the third moved so fast it was hard to see.

They moved in harmony, sparring with discipline, focus, and power.

Sumiyoshi's eyes widened.

"Are those… Divine Weapons?"

He took a step forward, hypnotized by their rhythm, the way the air around them pulsed slightly.

"Is that what Kuroda meant?"

He didn't realize he had spoken aloud.

Behind him, Shintarō stood slowly, wiping his face.

"…I guess we're really in it now, huh?"

Sumiyoshi gave a small smile. "I guess we are."

And far behind them, from the shadows of the trees, Taiken watched silently — arms crossed

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