Scene 1: The Kingdom of Stone
Morning light stretched across the cobbled roads as Haruto and Einzuro finally entered the heart of the Stone Land Kingdom. Haruto's eyes widened at the sight before him—a kingdom alive with joy and harmony.
Children played beside stone fountains, couples strolled past flower-lined streets, and street performers juggled pebbles mid-air while others strummed cheerful tunes. The air smelled of warm bread and morning dew.
Haruto smiled softly. "It's... peaceful. So peaceful…"
Einzuro, as always, drew attention the moment he stepped into town. The moment people noticed him, whispers turned to cheers. Men bowed, women smiled, and children ran forward.
"Lord Einzuro! You never told us you were married!" someone called out cheekily.
Einzuro laughed, raising both hands. "Hah! No, no, nothing like that—I'm straight, okay?!"
Another man teased, "We mean to say, is this your son?"
Einzuro gave Haruto a side glance and smirked. "More like a... reaaally distant cousin."
Haruto simply smiled, whispering to himself, "This kingdom... feels so full of life."
They dismounted their horses and approached the towering castle. Einzuro placed a hand on Haruto's shoulder. "Time to meet the King."
Scene 2: A Throne and a Promise
Inside the throne hall, a guard approached the seated King.
"Your Majesty, Lord Einzuro requests an audience."
The King, robed in elegant but battle-worn garments, smiled. "Let him in."
Einzuro entered with Haruto by his side and gave a deep, respectful bow. Haruto, catching the gesture, followed suit awkwardly.
"King Rukenshin," Einzuro began, "I've come with a special request."
The King's gaze shifted between them. "Speak."
"I found this boy during my return from a mission. He was alone, but... his spirit wasn't. When I asked his name—"
"Haruto Shinkami," the boy interrupted quietly, bowing his head. "Einzuro-san is a distant relative."
Einzuro nodded. "I saw him fight. He uses the Shinkami Style instinctively. I'd like to train him."
The King's brow lifted slightly. "Why were you alone, boy?"
Haruto looked down. His voice trembled. "I wandered with no direction, no reason to go on—until I met someone from the same bloodline, someone who made me feel like I still belonged somewhere."
A silence followed.
The King's expression softened. "You've endured much for your age."
Einzuro stepped forward. "My request is simple: allow me to take him in as my student. I'll raise him as a proper hunter under the kingdom's guidance."
King Rukenshin smiled gently. "You never needed to ask. The boy is welcome here."
Einzuro then looked to Haruto, his gaze more serious. "Haruto... Are you ready to become my student?"
Haruto's fists clenched, eyes burning with resolve. He stood tall, voice firm and filled with purpose. "Yes! I want to train under you and become a powerful Hunter! Then I'll wipe out every last Demon and Devil that stole my mother from me! I swear I'll never run again!"
The King smiled warmly. Einzuro smirked with pride.
The two bowed respectfully before turning toward the throne room's exit. Haruto gave one last glance behind, his heart heavier—but clearer—than it had ever been. As the grand doors closed behind them, the echoes of his oath lingered like a silent promise.
Scene 3: The Soup of Suffering
As Einzuro and Haruto stepped out of the castle, sunlight greeted them with a soft breeze. The kingdom outside buzzed with morning life.
Without missing a beat, Einzuro turned to Haruto, his voice loud and unignorable. "Haruto! You hungry? I bet you haven't eaten a thing since yesterday evening!"
Haruto raised his hands defensively. "I-I'm fine, really!"
"Nonsense! You're skin and bones. Let's go!" Einzuro threw an arm around Haruto's shoulder and dragged him off.
Soon, Haruto was seated at a small table outside a street shop, staring in horror at a bubbling, murky, gray-green bowl of soup.
Einzuro beamed with pride. "Here you go! My special homemade Stone Hunter Soup! Took me hours to make. Lots of rare ingredients!"
Haruto's eyes twitched. What kind of soup SMELLS like despair...? The odor alone felt like it could kill a demon.
He forced a smile. "T-Thanks... it looks... nutritious."
"Finish it all! Builds strength!" Einzuro handed him a thick, old-style wooden soup spoon.
Haruto dipped the spoon just slightly and brought the smallest amount of liquid to his lips.
"Go ahead! Tell me what you think!" Einzuro urged.
Haruto hesitated... then barely touched it with the tip of his tongue.
Instant regret.
His face instantly turned purple, his eyes rolled back, and he let out a strangled gargle.
"BLEURGH—what is this abomination?!" he cried, practically flinging the spoon. He started scrubbing his tongue with his sleeve, rubbing it on the table, and even on the wall beside him.
Einzuro blinked. "Wait—was it that bad?"
Haruto ran to a barrel, scooped up water with both hands, and gargled desperately like he was washing away a curse.
Between coughs, Haruto gasped, "That wasn't food! That was liquid death! Who taught you to cook?! How are you this popular and still alive?!"
Einzuro, scratching his head, chuckled. "Guess the book lied. But hey—I'll grab seconds!"
Haruto's soul left his body.
"NO!" he screamed internally. "He's going to poison me twice! I need to get out of here before this becomes my grave!"
He darted toward the nearest window like a prisoner escaping death.
Just as he reached it, Einzuro returned. "Whoa, whoa! Where you going? Didn't like it?"
"LIKE IT?! It nearly ended me!"
Einzuro laughed. "Alright, alright. Come on, let's go see Reina. She's a much better cook than I am. Trust me, you'll love her food."
Haruto muttered, clearly done with life. "I'm not even hungry anymore…"
"Don't worry! The smell alone will make you hungry again," Einzuro said confidently, pulling Haruto along.
As they walked, Haruto asked, "So… who's Reina?"
Einzuro froze. "Wait a minute—I forgot to introduce you to the others! You're my student now, right? That means you've got friends waiting. Let's go meet them!"