After hours of walking, they finally arrived.
Before them stood a colossal gate—the entrance to the legendary Kasai Clan.
The structure was ancient yet powerful, carved from black volcanic stone, glowing red markings pulsing across its surface.
The emblem of the Kasai Clan—a blazing red phoenix—was engraved into the center.
The moment they approached, masked figures appeared from the shadows—
ANBU Black Ops.
Their armor was sleek, their blades sharp, their presence intimidating.
In a flash, four, then five of them surrounded the group, kunai drawn.
"State your purpose." Their voices were sharp, emotionless.
But the moment they laid eyes on Kenshiro—
They froze.
A brief moment of hesitation.
Then—without a word—they stepped aside.
No questioning. No resistance.
They let them pass.
Ryuji blinked. "Whoa, whoa, whoa—wait. Just like that? No fight?"
Aiko nodded slowly. "They must know Kenshiro."
Kai, his Yamigan flickering, spoke in a low voice.
"No." His gaze locked onto the ANBU.
"They fear him."
Kenshiro said nothing as he walked past them.
The others followed.
And for the first time—
They stood inside the legendary Kasai Clan's domain.
The moment they stepped inside, the atmosphere changed completely.
The air was heavy with raw, unshaken power.
The streets were lined with warriors, their blood-red cloaks billowing behind them.
Everywhere they looked—
They saw intensity. Discipline. Strength.
It was a world filled with the same presence as the Uchiha Clan of old.
Children practiced their swordsmanship, while elders watched from the temples.
A massive crimson pagoda stood in the distance—the Grand Hall of the Homurakage.
Serena's breath hitched slightly.
"So this is the Kasai Clan…"
Jasper whistled, glancing around.
"Tch. Not bad. These people look like they could actually put up a fight."
Seinna, quietly taking notes on her holographic panel, was already analyzing everything.
Kenshiro continued walking, his expression unreadable.
"We're here."
And as the Kasai warriors turned to watch them enter—
The real test was about to begin.
The group moved through the bustling streets, their eyes taking in the ancient yet thriving civilization around them.
Unlike other regions, the Kasai Clan's territory wasn't just a village—it was a stronghold.
The homes were built from volcanic stone, reinforced with ironwood beams, making them sturdy, fortress-like structures.
Banners of black and crimson adorned the streets, marked with the symbol of a crimson blade piercing a crown—the insignia of Zephyron, the warrior god.
The markets were filled with traders selling specialized weapons, battle armor, and rare elixirs meant to enhance strength in combat.
Grilled meats, roasted peppers, and spiced rice dishes filled the air with a rich aroma, blending with the distant scent of forge smoke.
As they walked, eyes followed them.
Not with hostility, but with recognition and respect.
Word had spread.
These were the warriors who had freed the Yamigawa Clan from Daimyo's rule.
They weren't outsiders anymore.
They were acknowledged.
Even the younger shinobi trainees paused their sparring, bowing slightly as Kenshiro walked past.
"The Blazing Fang of Hikarashi…"
"He's returned."
Mothers pulled their children close, whispering stories about the man with the ember-red eyes.
And then—whispers of another name.
"The intelligent one from Hikarashi, the ISA guest… Seinna Frostveil."
"The two swordsmen from beyond our world… Jasper Tyros and Serena Blackspire."
Jasper, walking beside Ryuji, glanced around. "Tch. We're getting famous, huh?"
Ryuji grinned, waving at some of the villagers. "Damn right we are! I feel like a real hero now!"
Seinna, walking beside Serena, wasn't paying attention to the admiration.
Her wrist panel was active, recording everything—the structure of the houses, the way the people lived, the influence of the Akarugan bloodline.
Then, she spoke—but her words were only for Serena.
"You need to start taking care of yourself."
Serena tensed slightly, her red eyes shifting to Seinna.
"What?"
Seinna kept walking, her voice calm. "You're not alone now. You have to get proper rest, eat well, and keep your body strong. There are a lot of compromises during pregnancy."
Serena gritted her teeth.
She knew Seinna was right.
But part of her still didn't know how to feel.
She clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms. "I… I don't know what to do."
Seinna's voice softened.
"For now, just focus on yourself. After this, no more missions. No more traveling. You need to rest."
Serena shook her head.
"I don't want that. If I stop, you'll take care of me instead of focusing on your own mission. I don't want to be a burden."
She looked up at the sky.
"Blaze… you should be here."
Jasper, walking a few steps ahead, glanced back subtly.
Something was off about Serena.
But if he wanted answers…
He would have to ask Seinna.
And that was something he refused to do.
"Damn it."
***
The group finally arrived at the Kasai Clan's sacred temple—a towering obsidian structure with intricate crimson markings pulsing along its surface.
The entrance was carved with battle inscriptions, each one depicting an ancient warrior in combat.
At the top of the arched doorway, a massive sword was carved through the crown of a king, a symbol of absolute conquest.
Kenshiro halted at the temple steps.
His face was unreadable.
And then—without hesitation—he lowered his head, pressing his hands together in silent prayer.
Ryuji and Aiko followed immediately, bowing slightly, their eyes closed in respect.
Even the surrounding Kasai warriors who were present stopped what they were doing, turning toward the temple in acknowledgment.
Except—
Kai, Jasper, Serena, and Seinna.
Kai watched the ritual coldly, his Yamigan flickering.
"I have nothing to pray for."
Jasper scoffed. "Tch. Yeah, same."
Serena crossed her arms, watching curiously.
And Seinna?
She was already recording the structure of the temple, taking note of every symbol and inscription.
Kenshiro finished his prayer and turned to Seinna.
"You don't believe in this?"
Seinna barely glanced up. "I'm a scientist. I believe in facts, not gods."
Ryuji, still bowing, muttered under his breath. "Just do it, Seinna… even I don't know what this means, but my elders told me to do it."
Aiko, now curious, tilted her head. "Can you at least tell us the name of this temple?"
Seinna finally stopped typing.
Her silver eyes sharpened as she turned to the group.
"The Black Towers of Zephyron."
Kenshiro's expression hardened slightly.
Aiko's eyes widened. "The Warrior God?"
Jasper, standing nearby, raised an eyebrow.
He didn't care about religion—but he wanted to see how much Seinna actually knew.
So, for the first time…
He stepped closer to her.
Seinna noticed immediately.
"Oh? Finally interested in what I have to say, Jasper?"
Aiko crossed her arms. "If you really know about this temple, then tell me our prayer."
Seinna smirked.
She stepped forward, clasping her hands together, closing her eyes.
And then—
She spoke.
"Naiyx'Zhaeron Uth'Vael Mor'Kaelos Os Zyphar!"
"Vael'Zyphor Thun'Nyx Mor'Kaelos Xyn'Elythar."
"Zhaeron'Aelor Elythar'Kaelos Mor'Vael Thun'Zael."
"Xal'Zyphor Vael'Thun Elythar'Nyx Mor'Kaelos!"
Silence.
Everyone stared at her.
Even the Kasai warriors nearby turned in shock.
Kenshiro's eyes narrowed.
"She spoke the warrior's language… without a single mistake."
Even the temple priest, an elder who had served for decades, couldn't speak it as flawlessly.
Serena and Jasper were completely lost.
"Uh… what did she just say?" Jasper muttered.
Aiko, still wide-eyed, whispered. "Translate it for us."
Seinna took a breath, her voice steady and sharp.
"Strength is the will of the cosmos! Only the mighty shall carve their fate!"
"Power is eternal, and those who are weak shall be forgotten."
"The strong rise, the wise endure, the fearless conquer."
"Let the flames of dominion burn forever!"
Jasper felt something cold crawl down his spine.
Seinna glanced at him, smirking slightly.
"Surprised?"
Jasper didn't respond.
But for the first time…
He looked at Seinna not with annoyance—
But curiosity.