The sound of steel petals clashing echoed through the Iron Garden Arena, a training hall built deep within the Land of Flowers' royal compound. At its center stood Shisui Morinaka, now thirteen—taller, sharper, exuding calm power with every breath. His once-round features had matured, his expression more focused than ever.
> His black training gi shimmered faintly with magnetic pulses. Each step left traces of charged dust rising behind him.
Facing him were three elite palace guards, each using different elemental Arch Energy styles. They attacked in a perfect sync—but Shisui was faster.
"Thunderclap Judgment."
In a blink, he vanished and reappeared behind them—his fist landing with a burst of lightning that short-circuited their movements.
Before they could recover, Shisui activated his Kekkei Genkai.
"Iron Tempest: Black Execution Array."
Lines of electromagnetic force webbed across the air, and with a simple flick, hundreds of needle-fine iron shards launched, stopping only inches from their throats. The guards froze. Shisui exhaled.
"Enough."
From the observation platform, Kurou clapped. "Flawless control. You've surpassed even my expectations."
Shisui bowed lightly. "My thanks, Master."
But it wasn't the praise that made him smile—it was the figure waiting beyond the arena gates. Naoko, now fifteen, graceful and radiant in a pale rose kimono etched with spirit-weaving runes, stood with her arms crossed, an amused smirk on her lips.
"You're showing off again."
Shisui walked toward her, the iron particles swirling back into his gauntlets. "Only a little. You came to watch?"
Naoko stepped forward and gently brushed his cheek, her fingers glowing with familiar spiritual warmth.
"I came because I missed you. And because Father is visiting again."
Shisui groaned. "Daimyō formalities?"
She smiled. "We'll escape tonight. I'll bring the spirit lanterns. You bring that overconfident grin."
They walked side by side toward the palace gardens—two young hearts caught in the quiet, inevitable storm of fate and affection.