Laybirth Kingdom – Midday
The sun blazed overhead, casting a golden hue across the bustling streets of Laybirth Kingdom. Despite the heat, the city remained alive with energy—citizens moving, trading, shouting, laughing.
In the shade of a tall stone wall near the marketplace, Team One sat on the ground, leaning back and resting, plates of food and drinks in hand.
"Man, what is this booze?" Kaji muttered, taking another swig from a clay bottle. "It's so tasty, I might just stay here a little longer."
"Don't you get drunk?" Kenshiro asked, mouth full of food.
"Nope. Not at all." Kaji grinned.
"How?"
Kaji pointed a thumb at his chest.
"Because I'm perfect."
"You're not," Kenshiro deadpanned.
Nearby, Rei squinted into the distance and pointed. "Look—they're setting up something."
She gestured toward a group of workers hammering wooden boards together.
"Looks like they're building a platform," Ryju said, cheeks puffed with powdered doughnuts. "And they're working fast."
"Must be important," Kenshiro muttered, wiping his hands.
Curious villagers began gathering near the construction site. A buzz spread through the air.
"If it's important," Kaji said, hopping to his feet, "let's check it out."
They joined the growing crowd. The workers moved quickly, finishing a raised wooden stage. In its center, something tall began to form.
"A throne?" Kaji guessed silently, watching. "Must be for the king."
Spiritual King's Office – Great Village
Sunlight filtered into the Spiritual King's chamber. Okata leaned against the bookshelf, arms crossed.
"So, are you going to tell us what's so special about Team One?"
The Spiritual King looked away. "If I say it out loud, I might jinx it."
"Oh, come on. Don't give me that superstitious stuff," Okata scoffed.
"I'm serious," the King replied. "Remember their fight with Uzuki three weeks ago?"
"Yeah. They got slashed up bad. We thought they wouldn't make it."
"Exactly. And you know a cut from Uzuki leaves permanent scars."
Okata frowned. "Yeah, that's what everyone says."
"Then answer this—have you seen a single scar on any of them?"
Okata blinked, thinking. "Now that you mention it… no. Not on Ryju, Goro, or Rei. I can't see Kenshiro or Shun under those clothes, but still…"
"Is that normal?" the King asked.
"Not even close."
The King leaned forward. "That got me thinking. The nurse said the same thing—no scars, no internal damage. They should've died… but they didn't."
He paused, then added, "And while I was talking to Ryju, the nurse said something else when they survived. She said, 'It must've been divine.'"
Okata raised an eyebrow. "You saying… they're divine?"
"Something like that," the King said. "If it's true… I want to test them. Push them."
"So that's why you sent them on this mission—to awaken their real power."
"Exactly. I didn't expect it to happen overnight, though. I'm not rushing it."
Okata smirked. "Now I'm curious too. I want to see what they're really made of."
The King chuckled. "Me too. I just hope I'm right."
Laybirth Kingdom – Town Square
The construction was finished. A towering chair—at least six feet high—stood tall in the center of the platform. Behind it, the golden palace glimmered in the distance.
"That's a tall chair," Rei muttered.
"Right?" Ryju replied, brushing powder from his chin.
"Must be for the king," Shun added, eyeing the structure.
"When's it starting?" Kaji asked, scanning the crowd.
Suddenly, the entire square erupted in cheering.
Voices echoed together:
"It's time!"
"The king is coming out!" Kenshiro shouted.
"Let's be ready," Ryju said, straightening his back.
Then—smoke. Thick, white, and swirling—rising suddenly and obscuring the entire platform.
"What's with the smoke?" Ryju asked, tense.
"No idea," Kaji muttered. "But stay on your toes."
Kenshiro narrowed his eyes. "Something's off."
As the smoke cleared, a line of golden-armored guards stood at the front of the platform, formation tight and menacing.
And then, they saw them.
Three boys and one girl, standing on the platform. Two stood to the left. Two to the right.
At the center—seated on the tall throne—was a single boy. Calm, composed.
Jinko.
"Jinko," Ryju whispered.
"So that's him," Kaji muttered.
"The one leading this kingdom," Kenshiro said.
"And those must be his four generals," Shun added.
"They look strong," Goro said quietly.
Jinko said nothing.
He only smiled—gazing down from his throne at the people below.
To Be Continued…