Morning came in the peaceful city of Astral Virel. Young Reji was sitting on a small rock, looking around. His brows were knit tight, his eyes narrowed in clear exasperation, a bead of sweat gliding down his forehead. His mouth was pressed thin—annoyed, exasperated, and silently questioning whatever he'd just heard.
"Owww! Kusarigama is actually pretty good. I wish I could learn more about weapons, but I think the kusarigama is just different..."
What are you without the kusarigama? If your identity relies on your tools of control, who are you when the chain breaks?
"When I first touched a kusarigama... I felt a powerful force... It's actually hard to carry without control... without thinking."
"I already imagine myself mastering a kusarigama and surprising my family... And becoming the happiest person in the world... right?"
Young Reji raised his small hand and flexed his small muscles.
"I feel like I've become stronger... I feel my body is getting stronger..."
"That's because of Reikou." — Masaru
Young Reji turned around, looking surprised.
"Papa?"
Masaru smiled and approached him.
"You've awakened Reikou energy."
Reji's eyes widened as he looked at his arms.
"Woah... What's Reikou, Papa?"
"It enhances your attributes. Do you remember the manga book I read to you every night?"
"Naruto."
"Yes. Naruto has chakra. It's similar to Reikou, but with different powers."
"That's why I'm thinking that when you grow up, I'll send you to Reikosha Academy. It teaches you about many energies and how to save the world."
Reji smiled.
"Really? I'm so excited, Papa!"
Masaru smiled.
"Yep, but don't get too excited because the happier you are, the more likely something might happen."
"Your Reikou is actually pretty colorful... just like your heart."
Masaru laughed softly, and Reji laughed too.
"Well, you just have to learn about your Reikou. But now that you've awakened it, I can already imagine that you're more powerful than I thought."
Reji smiled softly.
"Papa, thanks for supporting my dreams! I promise I'll make you happy and proud of me."
"Alright, alright. I have to go now. Be careful while practicing."
That afternoon, Masaru arrived with an old man around the same age as him. He looked kind and friendly. He wasn't particularly old or young—just average.
Masaru smiled and turned to Reji.
"Reji, I want to introduce you to your new master. He will teach you about the kusarigama and many more techniques. Also, I have to check on Yuriko and Kenji."
Reji looked up at the man and smiled.
"What's your name? I'm Reji Kuroda, and I want to learn about the kusarigama and many more techniques."
The man smiled and spoke.
"I'm Oza Fujiwara."