The forests beyond the Iron Fangs Fortress were alive with the gentle chirping of crickets and the scent of dew-kissed grass. The fires of last night's battle had long died down, leaving only embers in the air and memories on the wind.
In a quiet glade just outside the borderlands of the Beltrum Kingdom, Rio stood at the edge of a narrow stream, watching the water ripple over stone.
Behind him, Saji—still wearing his ANBU-style uniform—fastened the last of his gear, his back turned to his longtime friend.
---
A Difficult Conversation
Rio (sternly):
"Come back with me, Jon."
Saji paused.
Saji (without turning):
"You already know my answer."
Rio:
"It's been weeks. Celia's worried sick. Flora… she hasn't smiled since you vanished. I don't know what you're trying to do, but running from everyone who cares about you won't fix anything."
Saji sighed and finally turned around, pulling his wolf mask up onto his head so Rio could see his face.
Saji (calmly):
"I'm not running. I'm choosing a different road."
Rio (angrily):
"And what road is that?! You're only sixteen, damn it! You don't have to carry the world on your back."
Saji stepped closer, placing a hand on Rio's shoulder.
Saji (softly):
"I know… but there are things I need to understand. About myself. About this world. And about that woman in crimson…"
---
The Promise
Rio clenched his fists, frustrated.
Rio:
"You always do this. You act like it's all on your shoulders. You're not alone, Saji. You never were."
Saji (smirking faintly):
"I know that. That's why I'm asking you to stay behind. Protect Celia. Flora. The others. I'll handle what's beyond the shadows."
Rio looked down, conflicted, but nodded slowly.
Rio:
"Then promise me. Promise me you'll come back."
Saji smiled and raised his fist. Rio met it with his own.
Saji:
"I promise. We'll meet again, brother."
As Rio turned to leave, Saji called out one last time, his voice teasing.
Saji (grinning):
"Oh, and one more thing."
Rio glanced back.
Saji (mocking):
"Tell Celia to grow two large breasts by the time I return. It might motivate me to come back sooner."
Rio (shaking his head, laughing despite himself):
"You're such an ass."
Saji (grinning behind his mask):
"Takes one to know one."
---
Departure
Saji then formed a quick series of hand signs. A swirl of smoke erupted around him. When it cleared, he was gone—vanished like a phantom into the wind.
Rio stood in the clearing alone, gazing at the spot where his friend had stood.
Rio (softly):
"Come back alive… idiot."
With a sigh, he turned and began his journey back to the Beltrum Royal Academy.