Morning broke gently over the lush valley of Heiwana Kitsune no Mura. Mist clung to the trees, the sun casting a golden glow over thatched-roof homes nestled among blooming cherry blossoms. The village stirred to life with quiet joy—kitsune villagers, their tails swaying, moved gracefully through morning routines while children's laughter echoed in the streets.
Among them, two young kitsune darted through the bustling village. Mujihina, with a wild spark in his eyes, and Kaede, his determined rival, raced through narrow paths lined with market stalls.
Mujihina's foot caught on a pot a villager had dropped, sending him tumbling straight into a fish stand, a cloud of dust exploding around him. Yet Kaede's victory cry was cut short as Mujihina reappeared ahead of her, having launched himself from a rooftop and slid down a clothesline with reckless ease.
"I got you this time!" Kaede laughed breathlessly, only to gape as Mujihina landed with a smug grin.
"No you don't!" he called over his shoulder, sprinting ahead.
"Whaaaat?!"
Side by side, they tore across a field toward the massive cherry blossom tree that marked the village's edge. With a final leap, they collided into the tree's trunk, stirring a great puff of dust. Coughing and laughing, they collapsed beneath its spreading branches.
Kaede crossed her arms, her breath still uneven. "I don't believe this. You tripped over a pot, smashed into a stand, and still beat me! How does that even happen?"
"Maybe I'm just naturally faster," Mujihina teased, his eyes glinting. "Grace isn't everything, you know."
"Grace isn't anything to you, apparently!" Kaede shot back, poking a finger at him.
"It was a strategy. You wouldn't understand," Mujihina said loftily, brushing at the bump forming on his head.
"Oh, really?" Kaede huffed, incredulous. "Crashing into everything was your strategy?"
Mujihina grinned as if imparting ancient wisdom. "Momentum. You keep moving, even if you hit a few things."
Kaede rolled her eyes. "You only won because you ricocheted off a market stand with that airhead of yours!"
"Hey, if it works, it works," Mujihina chuckled. "Maybe you should try it."
Kaede gasped in mock outrage. "Excuse me?! I'm a skilled runner with precision!"
"Skilled runner… with precision… who still lost."
Kaede gave a playful growl and lunged at him, only to freeze at the sound of a calm, raspy voice.
"Well. Did you get that out of your system?"
They both looked up to see Tatsuo, Kaede's father, standing beneath the tree with a fishing pole in hand and a warm smile on his face.
"If you're done racing around, how about the two of you join me on the lake?"
"I'm in!" Mujihina jumped to his feet, eyes gleaming. "Let's see who can catch the biggest fish, Kaede!"
"You know my father is the best Fisherman in the village, right?" Kaede grinned. "This one's mine!"
"Eager as ever," Tatsuo chuckled. "We need to replenish Arui's fish stock. It was his stand you ran into, Mujihina."
Kaede smirked. "It wasn't his fault, Dad. It was his 'technique.'"
Tatsuo raised an amused eyebrow. "Why don't you two go apologize to Arui and grab Mujihina's pole? I'll meet you at the gate."
Together they chorused, "Yes, sir!" and took off toward the market.
The village market bustled with life as sunlight spilled over colorful stalls. Arui, an older fisherman, worked behind his battered fish stand, trying to straighten up the mess. Mujihina and Kaede approached cautiously, sheepish expressions on their faces.
"Uh, hey, Arui!" Mujihina began, rubbing the back of his neck. "About that little accident…"
Kaede offered a quick nod. "We're really sorry, Arui."
The kitsune sighed, his brow furrowed as he adjusted a tarp over his crates. "Looks like you two were at it again, huh?"
"Yeah, I'm sorry about that," Mujihina admitted, glancing away. "Didn't mean to wreck anything."
"We'll make it right," Kaede added. "We're going fishing with my dad to bring you a fresh haul."
Arui's stern face softened slightly. "Tatsuo, huh? Alright. I'll hold you to it. But try not to turn the market into a racetrack next time, alright?"
Relieved, Mujihina punched the air in triumph. "You got it! No more wild races… at least, not here!"
Arui shined a gentle smile at the kids.
Kaede smiled warmly. "Thanks, Arui. We'll be back soon."
As they turned to leave, a soft voice called out.
"Kaede."
Kaede spun around, her eyes lighting up. "Mom!"
Miyuki stood nearby, her serene smile framed by silver hair. Kaede rushed into her arms.
"Making amends for your recklessness, I hear," Miyuki teased gently. "Going fishing with your father?"
"We are!" Mujihina chimed in. "But—oh! We have to get my pole!"
Kaede gave her mother a quick squeeze. "We'll see you at dinner, Mom!" And with that, they darted off again, leaving Miyuki watching fondly as they disappeared.
At Mujihina's home, the air was quieter. Inside, a small gathering of villagers surrounded a tatami mat where an injured man lay groaning in pain. Yuriko, a graceful kitsune in white and gold, knelt beside him. Her hands pressed together in prayer as a soft glow surrounded her.
"Lady Amaterasu," Yuriko murmured, "grant me the strength to heal. Let your love be known with every flicker of the flame."
As she extended her hands, delicate flames danced over the man's body. The villagers gasped, watching as the pain left his face and his wounds vanished beneath the light. When the flames faded, the man slowly sat up, tears in his eyes.
"My leg… it doesn't hurt at all! Lady Yuriko, thank you—thank you so much!"
Yuriko smiled gently. "I'm glad you're feeling better."
At the doorway, Mujihina and Kaede stood frozen, watching in awe.
Kaede, inspecting the healed villager with exaggerated curiosity, straightened up and gave a playful grin.
"He's good as new!" she declared, hands on her hips.
Mujihina, meanwhile, gazed at his mother, admiration glowing in his eyes.
"It's always amazing to see what you do, Mother," he murmured with quiet reverence.
Yuriko turned toward him, her serene face softening with affection.
"What WE do, Mujihina," she gently corrected. "The Kitsune Flames can be harnessed by any member of our clan."
"But they don't all heal, right?" Mujihina asked, tilting his head curiously.
Yuriko's eyes gleamed with pride.
"That's right! Your father and the Kyubi no Yojin are a good example of the good we can achieve when our flames burn to protect instead of heal. Once your flames awaken, we'll know whether they hold the power to heal or to defend."
Kaede chimed in, her hands clasped dramatically in front of her.
"Oh, don't worry, Mujihina! With how clumsy you are, I'm sure yours will be healing flames. You'll need them just to survive your own accidents!"
Mujihina shot her an exaggerated glare.
"Hey! I'll have you know, I've been working on my reflexes!"
Yuriko laughed softly, shaking her head at the two.
"Go on, you two. Tatsuo's waiting, isn't he?"
Mujihina's eyes widened.
"Oh! That's right! We still need to grab my fishing pole!"
Kaede clapped her hands together in mock horror.
"We're gonna be late!"
Without wasting another second, the two kids turned on their heels and bolted out of the house, laughter trailing behind them as Yuriko watched with a fond, maternal smile.
The village gate stood tall and weathered at the edge of the settlement, framed by sakura trees swaying gently in the breeze. Tatsuo waited there, leaning casually on his fishing pole, a thoughtful smile on his face as he watched the two kids dash toward him.
"You took your time," Tatsuo teased as they skidded to a stop, slightly out of breath.
"Alright, alright, you two. Let's head to Lake Shizuka. We've got fish to catch!"
As they arrived, the lake was a shimmering expanse of silver, mirroring the sky and surrounded by whispering reeds. Birds darted over the water's surface, and the sun hung lazily overhead as if watching their little adventure.
Tatsuo guided them to a wooden boat, helping them climb in before pushing off into the lake. As the boat floated smoothly across the water, Mujihina leaned over the edge, eyes wide with excitement, while Kaede carefully baited her hook.
"Remember," Tatsuo said, casting his line with a practiced flick, "fishing takes patience."
Mujihina wrinkled his nose.
"Patience?"
Kaede smirked.
"Your greatest weakness, Mujihina."
They spent the afternoon in quiet competition, laughter ringing across the lake. Mujihina's line jerked wildly as he pulled in a small fish, triumphant. Kaede, determined, soon followed with a larger catch, flashing him a victorious grin. Tatsuo watched them with a peaceful expression, occasionally reeling in a fish with the calm ease of a veteran fisherman.
As the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long golden rays across the water, the boat rocked gently, and the weight of the day began to settle over them.
"Alright, you two," Tatsuo said, packing away the last of their catch, "time to head back. Arui's going to be happy with this haul."
Mujihina leaned back, stretching his arms behind his head.
"Maybe… but next time, I'm definitely catching the biggest fish."
Kaede laughed softly, tucking her hair behind her ear.
"In your dreams."
The three kitsune began heading back to Heiwana.
Up over the hill came Mujihina, Kaede, and Tatsuo, each of them carrying a large net filled with shimmering fish. At first they were only blurry shapes against the glowing sky, but as they drew closer, their laughter and cheerful voices carried down into the market.
"…and did you see the size of that last one?" Kaede laughed, eyes bright.
"I thought you were going to fall in trying to pull it up," Mujihina grinned, his voice tired but proud from the day's work.
As they reached Arui's stall, the joyful noise gradually softened. Mujihina stepped forward, swinging his net onto the wooden stand with a heavy thud.
"Just like we promised," Mujihina said, wiping sweat from his brow and smiling wearily.
Kaede set her net down beside his, offering a small, apologetic smile. "Again, we're really sorry about earlier. I hope you can forgive us."
Arui looked over the impressive haul, his brows rising in surprise.
"I'm impressed!" he exclaimed, crouching slightly to meet their eyes. "I didn't expect THIS much in just one day."
His expression softened into a sincere smile as he reached into the net, lifting out a few fish and setting them aside.
"Of course I forgive you two," Arui said warmly. "I appreciate and respect that you came to make amends. It shows the character of two of our brightest young minds." He reached for another basket, transferring a few fish into it. "Here. I want you to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Have some fish, on me."
Mujihina and Kaede exchanged wide-eyed glances before bowing gratefully, their tails flicking with excitement.
"Thank you very much, Arui," Tatsuo added, bowing his head respectfully. He turned to the children with a gentle smile. "Let's get home, Kaede. We've got to clean up. You should do the same, Mujihina. I'm sure your parents will want you home at this hour."
Tatsuo divided some of the fish into a small container and handed it to Mujihina.
"You're right, Mr. Mizuhara," Mujihina said with a grin. He turned to Kaede. "And goodnight to you, Kaede. I'll see you tomorrow!"
"Goodnight, Mujihina! See you tomorrow!" Kaede called, waving eagerly as Mujihina jogged off down the path, his prize in hand.
The savory aroma of simmering stew filled the Yashin household, dancing through the air as Yuriko moved gracefully in the kitchen, humming softly, her movements a fluid choreography of ladles and spoons. The table was already set, silverware neatly placed, waiting for the family to gather.
The front door creaked open, and Mujihina burst in, the cool evening breeze at his back.
"I'm home! Arui gave us some fish!" Mujihina called, setting the bundle down with a satisfied grin.
Yuriko turned, her face lighting up. "Welcome home, Mujihina! Isn't that nice of him? I can cook that up for dinner tomorrow. Did you have fun with Tatsuo?"
"We had a blast!" Mujihina said excitedly, kicking off his shoes. "He taught us how to hook a worm and fight the fish! I'm a little nasty, though. Heheheh…"
A deep voice chimed in smoothly, "In that case, you've arrived just in time."
Mujihina's head snapped up as his father, Yasuhiro Yashin, stepped into view, a warm smile on his face.
"Father!" Mujihina shouted, rushing into his arms. "I didn't know you'd be home today!"
Yasuhiro chuckled heartily, wrapping his son in a strong embrace. "Hahaha, we managed to finish our mission a bit early this time. It's good to see you, Mujihina!"
But then, with exaggerated flair, Yasuhiro's face twisted. "That said… the way you smell right now… I can't… Help…" He staggered back, clutching his nose dramatically.
Mujihina's cheeks puffed in embarrassment. "Okay, okay, I got it…" he grumbled, marching off to the bath as his parents laughed softly behind him.
As Mujihina disappeared, Yasuhiro eased into a chair at the table, his expression shifting from playful to somber.
"Yuriko…" he began, his voice lowering.
"Yes, my love?" she answered gently, still stirring the stew.
"There are yokai gathering against us… yokai we've never seen in Kaminari Misaki. I'm not sure how much longer Heiwana will be safe. In the worst case, we may have to leave the village if things keep up like this…"
Yuriko's hand paused over the pot, her face still. "…I understand…"
A quiet moment hung between them. Then, softly, Yuriko smiled and spoke with calm assurance, "We've followed you as our leader for a long time now. We have faith in your choices, Yasuhiro."
Yasuhiro's shoulders relaxed, his gaze dropping. "Thank you… Everything that I do is for the Kitsune Clan… Mujihina… and you, Yuriko."
Yuriko moved gracefully to him, placing her hands gently on either side of his face, lifting his chin until their eyes met.
"I love you," they whispered in unison.
They leaned in, sharing a quiet kiss, arms wrapping around each other in a tender embrace.
"Should I come back?" a small voice interrupted. Mujihina stood awkwardly in the doorway, freshly bathed, covering his eyes with one hand.
Yuriko and Yasuhiro broke into laughter. Yuriko gave the stew a final stir. "It looks like it's ready. Let's eat!"
The evening passed in a lively dinner montage—Yasuhiro telling animated stories of yokai, acting out battles with exaggerated expressions, Mujihina wide-eyed in wonder, Yuriko laughing softly at her husband's antics.
As the plates were cleared and Yuriko gathered the bowls, Mujihina turned to his father. "Hey, Father?"
Yasuhiro perked up, "What's on your mind, Mujihina?"
"I want to see amazing places and earn respect and honor by protecting the village like you do…I need my flames for that, right?" Mujihina asked quietly, his eyes thoughtful.
Yasuhiro's eyes softened in understanding. "I see, I see. Everyone's different. Some awaken before they're even ten. Others wait until adulthood. It all depends on you. You could awaken tomorrow blazing stronger than anyone or awaken at 18 and struggle to keep them lit. There's no sure way to know… only that they will come. Be patient, Mujihina."
Mujihina nodded slowly, the tension easing from his shoulders.
Yasuhiro leaned forward, eyes glinting with quiet pride. "What we can do now, Mujihina, is prepare you. Tell me, what do you know about the Kitsune Flames?"
Mujihina scrunched his brow, digging into his memory. "Hmm… members of the Kitsune Clan awaken their flames at some point in life. They can either heal or destroy, depending on the person, right?"
"Very good!" Yasuhiro chuckled, ruffling his son's hair. "But that's only the surface, my boy. The Kitsune Flames are part of something much bigger — they're a form of Reiki, or as we call it, Essence Techniques. And Reiki is only possible because of Yūki — the Spirit's Breath. It's the energy that flows through everything, binding us together."
Mujihina's eyes widened. "So… everyone uses the same Yūki?"
Yasuhiro smiled softly. "Exactly. We borrow from it during our lives, and when we pass on, we return it to the world. But how we shape that Yūki, that's where the real beauty lies. Reiki comes in five forms."
He raised a finger. "First, Hōsei, the Fated Arts. These are the gifts you're born with — tied to your bloodline, your very being. You don't learn them. They awaken when they're ready, sometimes in times of great need. Not all are lucky enough to have them, but those who do carry a piece of their ancestors inside."
He raised a second finger. "Next, Kōzai-no-Hō, the Forged Arts. These you earn. Through training, discipline, trial and error. They come from sweat, sacrifice, and sometimes failure. They shape you as much as you shape them — and they can be anything from powerful strikes to intricate defenses or even techniques you invent yourself."
A third finger lifted. "Then there's Kibō-no-Hō, the Gifted Arts. These are born from bonds — rituals made between two souls, often between a yokai and a mortal. It's a partnership of trust and respect. But remember, break the trust, and the gift fades."
Yasuhiro's eyes darkened slightly as he raised his fourth finger. "Jigoku-no-Hō, the Infernal Arts. These you must avoid. They're gained through blood pacts with dark yokai — the kind that feed on fear, pain, and ambition. Their power is real, but it comes at a cost: your freedom, your humanity, sometimes even your soul."
Finally, Yasuhiro raised his thumb, his expression softening. "And last, Tenshō, the Ascendant Arts. These are blessings from the gods themselves. Rare, powerful, and meant to guide or protect. But such gifts are not given lightly, and those who receive them bear the weight of divine purpose."
Mujihina sat motionless, his young mind racing as he took it all in.
"All Reiki draws from Yūki," Yasuhiro finished gently. "And Yūki is eternal."
Yuriko entered softly, now wrapped in a pale sleeping robe.
"What's not eternal is this night," she teased, gently ushering Mujihina toward the stairs. "Time for bed."
"Alright, alright," Mujihina smirked, padding toward the stairs. He paused, turning back.
"Goodnight, Mother, Father."
"Goodnight, Mujihina," Yuriko said warmly.
"Rest well!" Yasuhiro added with a grin. "You'll want to be ready when your flames awaken, won't you?"
"Right!" Mujihina called, excitement bubbling in his chest as he hurried upstairs.
The house settled into quiet, the soft clatter of dishes and the lingering warmth of the flames.
Heiwana rested peacefully beneath the moon's gentle glow. Lantern light flickered softly in paper windows as families gathered around low tables, voices hushed, smiles tired but warm. Children's laughter gave way to yawns; little heads nestled against blankets as the night embraced them.
Among the grasses and garden paths, crickets chirped a delicate lullaby. Fireflies floated like drifting embers, and moonlight painted silver across the blossoms of the sakura trees. Slowly, one by one, lanterns dimmed, casting the village into a quiet, tender darkness.
For a moment, everything felt perfect.
But beyond the sakura trees, watching, waiting, the eyes of the Oni gleamed.
And the peace of Heiwana Kitsune no Mura was about to be broken.