Flashback...
The forge was hot, filled with the scent of burning coal and molten iron. Shifon wiped the sweat from his brow, smiling as he handed over a freshly forged katana to a tall, stern-looking man.
"Another fine blade, Shifon," the man said with a nod. "You truly are a master."
"Only because you keep challenging me, Argeus," Shifon replied, chuckling. "Every time you ask for something, you make me push my limits."
Argeus grinned. "That's what friends are for. Besides, the war's getting worse. I need the best."
Shifon nodded solemnly. "Just… make sure you protect people with it. Not destroy."
Argeus's eyes darkened for a moment, but he quickly smiled. "Of course. You have my word."
Days later...
Shifon rushed into a burning village, flames licking at the sky. Screams echoed through the streets. His heart pounded as he searched for his family, for survivors—for hope.
Then he saw him—Argeus, blood-splattered and grinning like a madman, holding a katana. Shifon's katana.
At his feet lay Shifon's son, lifeless, a deep cut across his chest, blood soaking the dirt beneath.
Shifon dropped to his knees. "No… NOOO!"
Argeus looked back with cold, distant eyes. "The strong survive, Shifon. That's the world you forged weapons for."
Shifon screamed, agony tearing through his soul, the sound drowned by the raging inferno and crumbling world around him.
Shifon woke with a jolt, drenched in sweat. His chest heaved as he wiped the tears from his face. "Just… a nightmare."
He sat up in silence, staring into the darkness of his room. Minutes passed before he sighed and stood.
"I'll listen to those boys… just once."
He walked toward the guest room and opened the sliding door gently. Charlie and Kai were asleep, snoring softly, huddled together with exhaustion painted across their faces. He looked at them and let out a quiet sigh.
"They must have worked hard these past days… for this so-called mission of theirs. I wonder what it is?"
Shifon turned and walked into his traditional Japanese-style kitchen. He began preparing rice, miso soup, and grilled fish. The crackling of the firewood and the rhythm of his chopping calmed his restless heart. For a moment, it felt like the old days.
The scent slowly wafted through the house. Kai stirred, sniffing the air. His stomach grumbled loudly.
"Smells good…" he muttered, rubbing his eyes as he got up and walked into the kitchen.
Shifon chuckled. "Sounds like your stomach's louder than you are."
Charlie stumbled in moments later, yawning. "Morning already?"
"Go clean up," Shifon said. "Breakfast is almost ready."
Kai's eyes lit up. "Yes, sir!"
In the bath, Kai leaned toward Charlie. "Why do they call Shifon 'The Monster'? He's actually pretty nice."
Charlie sighed. "It's sad, but… people believe he killed his own son. Said he went insane. I believed it once too… until recently. I learned you really shouldn't judge a book by its cover."
Kai laughed. "Wow, Charlie, you're getting wise."
"Kid," Charlie grumbled, flicking water at him, "stop laughing at everything. It's annoying."
After a hearty breakfast, the three sat together, feeling full and warm.
Shifon cleared his throat. "Would you care to explain what exactly this mission of yours is?"
Charlie nudged Kai. "Go on, it's your story."
Kai nodded. "A man named Argeus has kidnapped my friend… and we don't know what horrors he's done to him. To stand a chance against him… I need a Zenssai."
Shifon stared at him. "A Zenssai? Are you an idiot? That's impossible."
Charlie stepped in. "It's a method created by Loko."
Shifon sighed heavily. "You've made things far more complicated than I thought." He looked at Kai intently. "Are you sure you can beat him?"
Kai stood, eyes blazing with resolve. "A sword in hand… and a will to pierce the heavens. That's all I need to beat the likes of him."
Shifon blinked, then grinned faintly. The fire of youth, of hope—he remembered it well.
End of Chapter 13