Status Update
> [Name]: Juichi Nakamura
[Race]: Human
[Level]: 28
[Class]: Flame-Wind Warrior
[Skills]:
– Martial Arts Mastery Lv. 10 (MAX)
– Weapon Proficiency: All types (Unlocked via Martial Arts Mastery)
– Wind Elemental Mastery (MAX)
– Fire Elemental Affinity Lv. 6
– Void Element Affinity Lv. 1
– New Skill: Blazing Fire – Imbue attacks with eruptive flame damage and burn-over-time effects.
[Titles]:
– Fire Dragon Heir
– One Who Walks Between Worlds
– Friend of the Wild Flame
Juichi's breath fogged as the morning mist coiled around him. The forest was quiet, too quiet. Before him, beyond the thick bramble and jagged rocks, loomed the silhouette of the Harasen Stronghold—cold, rigid, and unwelcoming.
His fingers hovered in front of the blue-tinged status screen floating before his eyes. The numbers had risen, new powers surged through his veins… but the emptiness inside hadn't faded.
"We were only temporary friends for the mission. We are not related anymore."
Sakura's words echoed like a slap in the face. He hadn't said anything back then, but now—he couldn't just stand by. Power wasn't given to him to hesitate. It was given to act.
He dismissed the screen with a flick of his hand and tightened the black gloves around his knuckles. "Hang on, Sakura. I'm coming for you."
---
The Harasen Stronghold
Deep in the valley's mountain ranges, the Harasen Clan's stronghold sat like a wound carved into the earth. There were no gilded towers or enchanted spires here. Only practical walls, grim-faced warriors, and a history of obedience and honor that weighed like shackles on every soul who lived inside.
Sakura stood in the great hall, facing the clan council. Her brother, Renji Harasen, watched from his elevated seat, his cold amber eyes measuring her like a general weighing a defective blade.
"You've been gone five years," he said, each word clipped. "And when you finally return, it's because I dragged you back. Do you realize the disgrace your absence has brought us?"
Sakura stared back, her posture straight, her silence defiant.
"The Harasen are not built on freedom," an elder growled. "We are built on loyalty, on sacrifice. You spat on that."
Another elder waved a wrinkled hand. "Were it not for the Fire Dragon's mark upon you, we would have erased your name from our records."
It was always like this. No matter how far she ran, the chains of blood pulled her back.
Renji stood. "There is only one way to make amends. You will marry into the House of Rikudo. Their allegiance will strengthen our name."
"I refuse," Sakura said, sharp and clear.
"You don't have a choice," he replied without hesitation.
"I do."
Renji's expression darkened. "This isn't about you. It never was. It's about the clan's future."
"And what about my future?" she snapped. "What about what I want?"
"You forfeited that the day you ran."
---
At the Edge of the Stronghold
Juichi crouched on a high branch, the cold wind pressing against his jacket. Beside him, Sakata stood with arms folded, clearly unimpressed.
"This is your brilliant rescue plan?" Sakata muttered. "Charge in, punch out a few guards, yell something dramatic, and whisk her away?"
Juichi scratched his head. "Well… yeah."
Sakata sighed and rubbed his forehead. "Remind me why I let you talk me into this."
"Because I'm awesome?"
"No. Because I actually have a plan."
Juichi blinked. "Wait, seriously?"
A dangerous glint sparkled in Sakata's eyes. "But it's going to get a little messy."
---
Back Inside the Fortress
The tense silence in the hall cracked like a whip as the doors exploded inward in a burst of smoke and fire. Elders shouted, warriors scrambled, and Renji leapt to his feet.
From the smoke came a familiar voice:
"Special delivery! One dumbass and his sensei!"
Sakura's eyes widened as Juichi stepped through the fog, his silhouette blazing with ember-like sparks. Wind curled around him, dancing at his heels like loyal wolves. Behind him, Sakata strolled casually, brushing soot from his shoulder.
"Yo," he said with a two-fingered salute. "Hope we're not interrupting some boring clan business."
"You're insane," Sakura muttered, stunned.
"Maybe," Juichi said, cracking his neck. "But I'm not leaving you here."
Renji stepped down from the platform, eyes narrowed. "You dare breach sacred ground?"
"I dare a lot of things," Juichi said. "Like standing up for people who matter to me."
"You've made a grave mistake."
Juichi didn't flinch. "Maybe. But I'd rather make a mistake than regret not doing anything."
Renji's eyes glowed with fury. "Guards."
Steel rang as swords were drawn. Juichi shifted his stance, air rushing behind him as he reached for the twin daggers strapped to his back. Wind surged in response—obedient and wild.
Sakata sighed. "You always do this the hard way."
Juichi smirked. "Wouldn't be me otherwise."
Then he turned to the Harasen warriors and exhaled slowly. His voice was calm.
"I'm not here to destroy your clan. I'm here to take back my friend. So if you want to stop me—"
He drew the daggers, and with a rush of fire lacing the blades, Blazing Fire activated for the first time. Sparks ignited the ground beneath his feet.
"—then come and try."
To be Continued...