Another Flashback within a flashback
Mamoru was four again, kneeling by his mother's futon. The room smelled faintly of herbs and medicine. Outside, the garden bloomed bright beneath the sun. His mother, Fumiko Shimotsuki, sat upright, her long green hair cascading around her thin shoulders, her eyes full of warmth despite the weakness in her body.
She smiled gently at him.
"Mamoru," she said softly, "I want to ask you something, and I want you to answer honestly."
"Yes, Mom," he replied attentively.
"Do you know why you were born with greater strength than so many others?"
He frowned, thinking, then shook his head. "No, Mom. I don't."
"It is so that you could protect the weak…" Her gaze turned toward him, her voice tender but firm. "Those who are blessed with bountiful gifts are obligated to use them for the sake of the world , for our brothers and our sisters who were less fortunate. The strong must protect the weak. That is their duty. To fight for those who cannot fight, to deliver justice where there is none. This is the responsibility I want you to carry onward with purpose."
Her hand brushed his cheek, trembling slightly. "Protect those close to you. Protect your home. Protect your homeland, the land of Wano. Protect those who are not strong enough to protect themselves. Fight for what you believe is right. Let this be the weight you bear , for you are among those strong enough to bear it. Mamoru, you must never forget this."
"I won't. I promise," Mamoru said, his small voice filled with conviction.
Her smile trembled. "Mamoru your name means 'to protect.' Your father and I gave you that name because we knew one day you'd grow into a strong man."
She reached out, and Mamoru slid into her arms, burying himself in her embrace.
"I don't have much time left," she whispered, tears sliding down her face. "Having such a strong, gentle child was a true blessing. I believe in you."
Mamoru could only hold her tighter, wordless, listening to the sound of her heart.
End flashback
Back to the Battlefield
The memory surged back for the first time in years. Tears welled in Mamoru's eyes.
That's right , I do have a reason. I draw my blade to protect those who cannot protect themselves. It's my duty… its my promise to Mother.
The bandit roared, swinging his axe downward with killing force.
Mamoru's eyes burned with intensity. For a second, they glinted red, sharp as fire. He stepped forward, planting his feet firmly in the snow.
"To protect… that is my purpose. That is why I draw my sword."
With a roar of his own, Mamoru slashed forward, his strike pure, unhesitating.
"One sword style
Mamorubeki Gimu! ((守るべき義務!)
Steel met steel, but in a flash, the axe shattered. The bandit's body froze mid-swing. Blood spurted in an arc as he collapsed, his eyes wide with shock. Mamoru stood behind his falling opponent.
The battlefield stilled. For a moment, silence. Then the samurai cried out in awe.
"He cut him down in one strike!"
"Lord Ushimaru's boy… he's just like his father!"
"No… like Ryuma himself!"
"The Protector of Ringo—he'll protect all of Wano one day!"
Their spirits soared. With renewed vigor, the samurai pushed forward, overwhelming the bandits.
From the midst of battle, Ushimaru's lips curved into a proud smile. He had never taken his eyes off Mamoru. A Strong resolve . I need not worry. He has always been strong, my son.
' Though I wonder , for what reason do you draw your blade'
Raising his blades, Ushimaru roared and charged, cutting down foes in swathes.
End flashback
Back to the Present
Snow fell quietly once again.
Mamoru waved brightly in the street, his smile glowing like the sun in winter.
A tear slid down Ushimaru's cheek, unbidden but unashamed. His proud smile matched his son's. He raised his hand and waved back.
"Be careful on your way back, my son" Ushimaru called softly into the night.
And so, with pride in his heart and his wife's words echoing in his mind, Ushimaru watched his son vanish into the snow.