Deep within the forest…
The towering trees swayed gently under the afternoon sun, casting long shadows across the forest floor. In a silent clearing, surrounded by dense thickets and ancient bark, Mr. Taka stood motionless. Calm. Unshaken.
He was alone—but not for long.
five figures slowly circled him, each one oozing danger.
Chains clinked.
Machetes gleamed.
The scent of bloodlust hung heavy in the air.
One of them—a bandit with a rusted chain wrapped tightly around his arm—grinned as he stepped forward.
"You've got some nice stuff on you, gramps."
From behind, a girl with wild eyes and a machete slung over her shoulder let out a short laugh.
"Yeah, that suit of yours is crispy."
To Mr. Taka's left, a gruff man raised a crude, handmade firearm, pointing it right at the old man's head.
"And that katana? Looks like it's been through hell and back."
The group erupted into laughter. Their voices echoed through the woods, cocky and cruel.
"You bet!"
But the moment didn't last.
The air shifted when the one with the gun narrowed his eyes.
"…We'll take it."
"You bet." the first bandit echoed again.
A towering figure stepped up beside the one with the gun—his axe was entwined in a thick, black chain.
"We're the Savage Bandits, old man," he snarled. "Ever heard of us? We're the Three Kings of the Bandits. And right now—we want everything you've got. Don't comply, you die. Get it, gramps?"
Another one spun his machete playfully beside the wild-eyed girl.
"Come on, gramps. You heard 'em."
Then, from above, a sixth man sat lazily on a thick branch, letting the chain on his machete dangle through the leaves. He flicked his wrist, making it rattle.
"This is your last warning, old man. Hand it over—or die."
Still as a statue, Mr. Taka finally spoke.
His voice was quiet. Calm.
"…You're not worthy of my sword."
"Huh?" Bandit 2 blinked. "What'd he say?"
They laughed again—but this time, it didn't last long.
Bandit 6 dropped from the tree, swinging his chain-machete mid-air.
"You're DEAD, old man!"
CLANG!
The blade stopped—not on flesh or bone—but against the sheathed katana in Mr. Taka's hand.
"What!?" Bandit 6 stumbled back. "You trying to mock me, gramps!?"
"He rushed again, lifting the chain-bound blade high and bringing it crashing down. But Mr. Taka moved—one step, clean and smooth. The weapon missed, slamming into the earth and leaving a deep dent in the ground." But Mr. Taka moved.
"Let's get him!" Bandit 2 shouted.
The rest surged in.
Bandit 2's machete sliced the air—
But Mr. Taka was gone.
"W-What!?" she stammered. "Behind me!?"
(Who the hell is this old man!?)
From above, the towering Bandit 4 roared and leapt, swinging the chain-axe down with explosive force—
BOOM!
Dirt and dust exploded in every direction.
"Did I get him!?"
"I—I think so…"
Bandit 1 squinted.
"…Hold on. He never even opened his eyes."
Then—he was there.
Right in the middle of them.
Mr. Taka reappeared, calm and still.
"W-What the hell!?" Bandit 3 shouted, stumbling back.
Panic broke them. They scattered—but not Bandit 3.
He aimed and fired straight at Mr. Taka's face.
(I got you now, old sucker!)
But in a blur, Mr. Taka deflected it—
With the handle of his still-sheathed katana.
"…Seriously!?" Bandit 3 gasped.
"You're all too weak," Mr. Taka said, eyes still closed. "I only draw my blade… to protect the Great Village."
Bandit 2's breath hitched.
(He… blocked that bullet?)
Bandit 3 groaned.
"Okay. We've officially confirmed—we're fighting a seriously dangerous old man."
Bandit 6 cracked his neck.
"Then let's go all out."
Bandits 2 and 5 charged, blades flashing.
But Mr. Taka danced like a ghost, untouched, his movements effortless.
Bandit 1 managed to catch him—barely—with a wrapped chain.
"Gotcha!"
With a grunt, he hurled Mr. Taka into the air—
The old man landed softly on a thick branch.
Balanced.
Still calm.
Not a sound followed.
Only the whisper of leaves.
Then—BANDITS 4 and 6 struck again, swinging with all their might.
CRACK!
The tree split into three jagged pieces.
But no body.
No blood.
Nothing.
Until—
There he was.
Behind them.
Unmoving. Silent. Eyes… still closed."
"The wind shifted, leaves bowing around him—as if the forest itself knew his name."
"Damn it… I thought we had him!" Bandit 4 cursed.
"Just who is this gramps!?" Bandit 6 growled.
To be continued…