A WEEK LATER
A week has elapsed since the demise of Haru, and Shukumei has begun to mentor Inochi, who sports an afro reminiscent of his father's.
Adorned in a white kimono featuring a cherry blossom tree emblem on the back symbolizing the Land of Light and a band tied around his hair, he trains in the martial art known as "wing chun," incorporating techniques from the hotoke class shuriken, while ensuring the integrity of its structure, layout, and content is intact.
Inochi, a naturally gifted individual, could master both fire and earth-class techniques by the tender age of 7.
In the dojo, Inochi advanced from the low tier to the mid tier among shinobi at just 7 years old, securing the position of second-highest in academic standings within his class.
His training journey continues as he goes on to master the Yaskue swordsmanship style taught by his father.
SHUKUMEI YOU HAVE BEEN SUMMONED!
However, a comrade Ninja Kenji Midori with white hair and grey eyes who wears a Blue tang suit jacket with a black Belt around his black pants, holding a position within the hierarchy, has arrived in Shukumei and informs him that he must be summoned by the hierarchy and that it carries significant importance.
SHUKUMEI BEEN SELECTED
Shukumei comprehends the commands and proceeds alongside Kenji to the office.
Upon their arrival, they knock on the door as Koji one of the high-ranking members in the hierarchy has opened the door, who wears glasses and has a all black Tang outfit with black hair they initiate their bows to the five hierarchy leaders who wield significant authority and influence in the village of Sakura.
These leaders inform Shukumei that they have decided to appoint him as the Second Grandmaster of the light.
Shukumei is taken aback and questions the five whether they truly believe he is suitable for such a position and suggests Yamata as an alternative.
Karin, belonging to one of the five hierarchies who has cherry blossom pink hair and red eyes with a white kimono, mentions that Yamata or Kenji Midori possess exceptional shinobi skills and are indeed magnificent; however, there's a rationale behind his selection as their leader.
They also believe that no one in their village can match Haru in strength, as he can also, with his keen intellect and significant intelligence.
HARU'S FAVOR
Shukumei inquires about the reason for his selection.
Koji, among the group of five, explains that before his passing, Haru had privately confided in them his wish for Shukumei to assume the role of the Second Grandmaster in the land of Sakura.
Overwhelmed with emotion, tears well up in Shukumei's eyes and he breaks into a smile.
He recalls a moment with Haru before his demise, when Haru mentioned he had something significant he wanted to accomplish for him.
Although Shukumei initially believed it was about caring for Inochi, it also encompassed continuing Haru's legacy.
They place their faith in him to guide the village, safeguard it at all costs, and ensure peace while making prudent decisions within their shinobi framework.
Shukumei vows to the governing body that he will dedicate his life to protecting the village and fulfilling his duties as the Grandmaster. Their response is one of joy and anticipation.
Shukumei embraces the role of the grandmaster of light, and the five extend their congratulations to him.
They inform him of their plans to declare it in the village and organize a ceremony in his honor to mark his ascendancy to Grandmaster within a week, including the crafting of a new robe for him.
Shukumei presents a bow as a gesture of respect and expresses his gratitude to the leadership.
He then proceeds to return to Hamari and Inochi to share the exciting news.
CELEBRATION
Additionally, Shukumei returns home to deliver the news to Hamari.
As he unlocks the door, Hamari comes around the bend just as Inochi appears, rushing towards Shukumei while shouting "Uncle Shuku" and leaping into his embrace; they both exchange greetings of welcome home.
With a smile, Shukumei shares with Hamari that there is some positive news he needs to share.
In response, she inquires about the nature of the news.
In a composed manner, Shukumei informs her that he has been appointed and recognized as the village's Second Grandmaster.
Overjoyed, Hamari's face lights up with a broad smile, she leaps and embraces Shukumei tightly, offering her congratulations.
Hamari informs him that she will organize a small celebration and prepare a cake so they can all enjoy the occasion together as a family.
To this, Shukumei responds by acknowledging her kindness and comes to recognize the true nature of the family he belongs to.
It's about peace, connections, and unity.
SHUKUMEI PROPOSES
Shukumei asks Hamari to marry him, expressing his desire to unite as a family and live out all his remaining days with her.
He further mentions she would be an ideal mother for Inochi.
As tears stream down her face like a waterfall, Hamari silently thinks "Shukumei".
Accepting his proposal, she embraces him, and together they start their celebration as a newly formed family.
THE ANNOUNCEMENT
Initially, a week passes, and posters throughout the village announce that one among the five in the hierarchy has declared the ceremonies for the accession of the Second Grandmaster of Light to take place the following month.
The entire village is joyful and filled with anticipation, curious about the identity of the upcoming grandmaster of light.
Everyone forms their guesses and many believe that Kenji Midori, the shinobi and leader of his clan, will be chosen for his exceptional skills.
Shukumei arranges a meeting with Yamata to inform him that he has been selected.
Yamata offers his congratulations and vows to serve as his closest associate. Grateful, Shukumei extends an invitation for Yamata's family to come over for a meal so that Inochi can get acquainted with Tosuke.
Yamata accepts and assures his attendance.
NEW BOND IS MADE
Subsequently, Yamata along with his family arrive at the home of Hamari and Shukumei.
As they all settle around the table, Yamata inquires about Inochi's progress at the academy.
In response, Inochi mentions that his examination results have propelled him to the mid-class rank.
Yamata states that Tosuke, a creature with a dragon's face, covered in dark scales and possessing a complexion of a dusky orange-brown, attired in a kimono of purple and navy, achieves the highest marks within the academy and holds a position in the intermediate class.
It is during this visit that Inochi and Tosuke meet for the first time, quickly developing a deep friendship.
Inochi shares with Tosuke his aspiration to emulate his father and eventually attain the prestigious title of Grandmaster of Light.
Tosuke, seeing Inochi as the beacon in his own life, resolves to be his protector, likening himself to Inochi's shadow.
Their bond deepens, leading them to ponder over who among them is superior, thus kindling a friendly rivalry.
Hamari presents a sumptuous dinner banquet to honor Shukumei's elevation to Grandmaster, prompting everyone to praise her culinary skills and remark on the feast's tempting appearance.
Hamari expresses her gratitude to all and they commence their meal.
Subsequently, Inochi inquires of Shukumei what it's like to hold the title of Grandmaster, signifying he is the most formidable in the village and possesses authority.
LESSON TO INOCHI
Shukumei replies to Inochi, emphasizing that the true essence lies not in might or dominance but in safeguarding their village, akin to his own kin.
He affirms that every villager stands as a brother-in-arms to him, and it is this deep connection to his village and the guiding principle of light that empowers him.
Inochi takes these teachings to heart, showing reverence with a bow, promising to adhere to them.
Tosuke expresses his admiration for Shukumei, aspiring to emulate his role as the eminent Haru's trusted lieutenant, with a personal aspiration to shield Inochi, declaring it his aspiration.
Shukumei grants him a smile, assuring him that his path will lead him to become a formidable Shinobi.
They all start chuckling and engaging in conversation, with smiles across their faces, and everyone indulging in food; who would have guessed that Haru's will of light would serve as the cornerstone for attaining true peace in the shinobi world?