The snow had melted away, and the village was bathed in the gentle warmth of spring. The air carried the scent of blooming flowers, and the cheerful songs of birds echoed through the streets. Villagers bustled about, preparing for the upcoming Harvest Festival, laughter and chatter filling the air.
Amid this calm, the village chief, Tanaka, arrived at the tavern. Luo Wei and Feng Huang, Kaito's parents, welcomed him warmly. Tanaka was an old friend of Feng Huang's, a man whose laughter could fill the room and whose wisdom was respected throughout the village.
As they caught up, Tanaka's gaze drifted toward the cradle where Kaito sat silently, watching with his usual detached calm.
"Kaito's growing up fast, isn't he?" Tanaka said with a smile.
Feng Huang nodded proudly. "Yes, he's a quiet one… but there's a strength in him."
Tanaka's eyes lingered on the boy for a long moment. "I think he has potential. I've seen that spark before—the mark of a Weaver."
Luo Wei and Feng Huang exchanged startled looks.
"A Weaver?" Luo Wei whispered. "Do you really think so?"
Tanaka nodded slowly. "It's possible. If he's meant to be one, his Thread Resonance Index might awaken soon. But… it's not always a blessing. A bad Vital Thread can bring misfortune. Some awaken with unstable TRIs that lead to suffering."
Kaito listened quietly, his gaze distant as his mind stirred.
In my past life, I awakened my TRI at sixteen… a curse disguised as power. The Karma Thread bound me like chains, twisting my fate until the end. But this time, I'll awaken at nine. I know the technique—one that won't exist for another two millennia. I'll perfect it early.
He paused, recalling the difficulty of his old path.
It took me sixty-nine years to reach Rank 3 as a Thread Weaver. My talent was poor, but my will was absolute. This time, I'll ascend faster. I'll hide my power, bide my time, and when the moment comes—strike.
Feng Huang's brow furrowed. "We can't afford the Weaver's Academy… and if his TRI turns bad, we may not be able to protect him."
Kaito's face remained calm, though his mind was already planning ten steps ahead.
Don't worry, Father. My destiny is mine alone. I'll awaken when I choose—and on my own terms.
The conversation drifted toward lighter topics as Luo Wei served tea and snacks. Kaito continued to observe in silence, his small eyes reflecting the flickering candlelight. Every word, every movement, he absorbed—like a god trapped in a child's form.
When the sun began to set, Tanaka stood and smiled.
"I should take my leave. It's always good to see you both. And Kaito… I have a feeling we'll see great things from him one day."
Feng Huang chuckled, though a hint of unease lingered in his eyes. "Yes… perhaps we will."
When Tanaka left, silence filled the room. Luo Wei and Feng Huang exchanged a glance—hope and fear entwined. They both knew their son's life would not be an ordinary one.
At the window, Kaito watched the last light fade.
Let them hope. My power will remain hidden… until the world is ready to burn.