The once-proud stronghold of the Hogosura Clan lay in ruins. Smoke curled into the sky, mingling with the acrid scent of burning stone and shattered magic barriers. The waves crashed against the broken shores of the Hogosura Island, but the sound was drowned by the echo of Shin's unleashed fury.
Shin stood in the middle of the destruction, his clothes torn, his breathing heavy. His hands were still faintly glowing with the overwhelming magic that had obliterated the clan. The ground under him was scorched black.
Aojin stumbled over the rubble, carrying the barely conscious Jirou in his arms. Umei trailed close behind, her face pale but determined.
Aojin: "Shin… you didn't just beat them. You wiped them off the map."
Shin: (looking at Jirou) "They deserved worse for what they did to him. To you. To everyone they controlled."
Jirou's eyes fluttered open for a second. His voice was weak.
Jirou: "Shin… the parasite… I can… still feel it…"
Shin: "Don't talk. We're getting you to Kiminara. They have healers who can help."
---
Arrival at Kiminara
The capital of Kiminara was a stark contrast to the ruins they'd left behind — tall marble towers, crystal lanterns floating in the air, and the soothing hum of protective wards. The moment Shin stepped through the gates carrying Jirou on his back, two familiar figures ran toward him.
Himie: (tears streaming down) "Shin! You're safe!"
Litch: (gripping Shin's shoulder) "You came back… and you brought him."
They rushed to Jirou's side as Shin gently lowered him onto a healer's stretcher.
Himie: "He looks so pale… what happened to him?"
Shin: "A forbidden magic parasite. Hogosura's doing. But I've weakened it. He'll need time to recover."
A tall figure in a green robe stepped forward — Shin's grandfather, Gang Akehara, his stern face hiding a glimmer of pride.
Gang: "You've done well, boy. Too well, perhaps. The Hogosura Clan is no more."
Shin: (grimly) "They made their choice."
---
Aojin's Truth
Later, as the healers worked on Jirou, Shin found Aojin sitting under a cherry blossom tree in the Kiminara courtyard.
Shin: "You could've left after the battle. Why are you still here?"
Aojin: (looking down) "Because… the things I did before — bullying, picking fights — that wasn't me. Hogosura's family got to me when I was young. They twisted my mind. I thought strength meant cruelty."
Shin: "And now?"
Aojin: "Now I know strength means protecting people. Like you did."
A silence passed between them before Gang Akehara appeared.
Gang: "I've spoken to the academy board. Shin, I want you back at Kiminara. And Aojin — if you're willing — you too."
Aojin: (blinking in surprise) "You'd… accept me?"
Gang: "If Shin vouches for you, that's enough for me."
Shin smirked.
Shin: "Guess we're classmates now."
Aojin: "Try to keep up."
---
The New Chapter
The day Jirou was strong enough to walk again, Shin, Aojin, and Umei stood at the steps of Kiminara Academy. Students passing by whispered — some in awe, others in disbelief at the new arrivals.
Umei: (smiling shyly) "Looks like we're starting fresh."
Aojin: "Fresh… and trouble-free. Hopefully."
Shin: (grinning) "Trouble seems to find us anyway."
From the highest balcony, Gang Akehara watched them with quiet satisfaction. The Hogosura threat was gone. The academy was whole again. And perhaps, for the first time, Shin truly felt… at home.
Shin (thinking): This isn't the end. It's just the beginning.
-THE END-