Two cloaked figures raced through the moonlit forest. One was a tall, broad-shouldered man, his face covered, a short katana strapped to his back. Beside him, a woman in identical attire cradled a baby close to her chest.
After weaving through trees and darkness, they arrived at a wide, grand building. The structure was lined with windows, vines trailing down the sides, and surrounded by a playground—shiny red swings, polished sandboxes, and bright yellow seesaws gleaming faintly under the stars.
It was an orphanage.
They moved quietly to the large double doors at the front. The woman trembled as she slowly lowered the baby, her eyes brimming with tears.
Without a word, she placed the child on the doorstep. The man knelt beside her, resting a reassuring hand on her shoulder. She exhaled shakily, then placed a folded letter beside the baby. The man followed by laying a sheathed katana on the cloth.
"Farewell, our beloved son. We love you…" they whispered together.
Then the man knocked hard on the door—three firm pounds—and the two disappeared into the forest, swift as shadows.
Inside, a maid with a red bow tied at the back of her head was cleaning in the kitchen when the loud knocking startled her.
"H-Huh? What was that noise?" she mumbled, hastily wiping her hands. "These darn kids, playing pranks again in the middle of the night… Ugh."
She hurried to the front door, grumbling as she yanked it open. "Who the hell knocks so loud at this—"
She froze.
A baby wrapped in white cloth lay on the doorstep. Beside him, a small katana and a letter.
"Oh! Uh…" She glanced around. No one in sight. The night was still.
Bending down, she picked up the note with gentle hands.
To whoever is reading this: This is our beloved son, Nagato. By the time you read this, we are already in another realm, being pursued. Despite everything, we wished to raise Nagato ourselves. But now, we entrust his future to you and this orphanage.
If possible, guide him to become a skilled swordsman—and inspire him to become a Realm Watcher.
There is another note wrapped in his blanket. Please do not read it. Give it to him only when he is ready to learn the truth.
Please take care of Nagato. Our sincerest thanks.
Another slip of paper lay tucked beside the katana. She read aloud:
Kaminari Isshin. When the bearer grows, so too does the blade.
"Oh my…" she whispered.
She gazed down at the sleeping child and smiled, picking up the sword and sliding it into the ribbon at her waist. Lifting the baby gently in her arms, she said with a warm chuckle, "Poor little thing… No matter who you are, I—no, we—will care for you, Nagato."
She closed the door quietly and made her way up the dim, silent staircase. Her yellow eyes shimmered faintly—an ability allowing her to see in the dark. She reached a plain wooden door and opened it with her left hand, still cradling the child in her right.
Inside was a quiet room with scattered toys, a soft gray crib lined with cushions, and white-painted walls. She laid the baby down carefully and placed the small katana beside the crib.
Then—a voice, cool and stern, cut through the silence.
"What are you doing in this unused room at this hour?"
The maid jumped. A woman stood in the doorway, dressed in a formal maroon uniform, her sharp glasses reflecting the moonlight.
"Oh! Madam Varessa!" the maid gasped. "There was a baby outside, with a katana—uh, called Kaminari Isshin—next to him!"
She turned to the baby with a giddy grin. "He's just so cute! I couldn't leave him out there!"
Varessa's voice cut through the room like frost. "Enough. You're too loud. You'll wake the child."
The maid winced. "S-sorry, Madam…"
Varessa sighed. "What is this child's name?"
"I don't know much, but there's a note," the maid said, handing it to her.
Varessa read silently, her expression unreadable. When she finished, she gazed at the child.
"Very well. This child will become a Realm Watcher."
"R-really?!" the maid lit up.
Varessa's voice remained cool. "But only if he earns it. If he fails to prove himself, he will remain here as one of the Realm Protectors—forever."
"Yes, Madam," the maid nodded.
"As for the sealed note—he will receive it only after passing the Realm Watcher Qualification Exam. Win or lose, he deserves the truth."
Varessa turned crisply. "Now return to bed. We rise early."
"Yes, Madam. Thank you, Madam," the maid said quietly, then turned to the sleeping baby. "Sweet dreams, little one…"
She slipped out of the room. Varessa followed and slowly closed the door behind her.
Silence returned.
Suddenly, the baby's chest pulsed—just once—with a soft blue glow. The katana beside him rattled faintly in response. A flicker of energy danced through the air.
Then, just as quickly, it vanished. The baby shifted in his sleep and sighed softly.
All was still again.