Kenshiro leaned against the wooden balcony, staring at the sprawling city below. The crimson banners of the Kasai Clan swayed gently in the evening breeze, the scent of incense and charcoal mixing with the fresh mountain air.
They had been given a safe house within the city's inner district, a fortified hotel built for guests of high importance.
Inside the room, Ryuji, Aiko, and Kai sat before Kenshiro, waiting for instruction.
"Before anything else… I need to hear from you three." Kenshiro's tone was calm but firm.
His amber eyes scanned each of them carefully.
"What did you learn from the battle at the bridge?"
Aiko spoke first, her voice steady but thoughtful.
"I learned that I still have a long way to go. My kunai skills were sharp, but my reaction time against those higher-level shinobi was too slow. I need to be faster."
Kenshiro nodded. "Good. Recognizing weakness is the first step to fixing it."
Next, his gaze fell on Ryuji.
The younger shinobi crossed his arms, a troubled expression crossing his face.
"I don't even know what happened to me."
Aiko and Kai both looked at him.
Ryuji tightened his fists, his gaze falling to the wooden floor.
"That power… that form I took… I don't even remember using it."
Kenshiro's expression darkened slightly.
"He still doesn't understand his own transformation… this could be dangerous."
Kai, leaning against the wall, scoffed.
"Tch. You were just lucky. That wasn't real strength."
Ryuji gritted his teeth. "Oh yeah? Then what about you, genius? What did you learn?"
Kai's eyes flickered dangerously, his Yamigan flashing red for a brief second.
His voice was low and cold.
"That I'm not strong enough yet."
The room fell silent.
Kenshiro studied Kai carefully.
"His hatred is growing. That's dangerous… but it could also be useful."
Kenshiro exhaled slowly.
"We will train harder. You each have strengths, but you also have weaknesses. I want you all at your best before we move forward."
He stood, turning toward the window.
"For now, rest. Tomorrow—your real training begins."
Aiko nodded firmly, while Ryuji and Kai sat lost in their own thoughts.
But Kenshiro?
He was worried.
"Kai's darkness… and Ryuji's unknown power…"
"This could either make them legends—or destroy them."
While Kenshiro focused on training preparations, Serena and Seinna had a different mission.
The two women walked through the busy market district, the scent of grilled meat, fresh herbs, and exotic spices filling the air.
But Serena…
She wasn't really paying attention.
Her mind was heavy.
Her hand rested over her stomach absentmindedly.
"I still don't believe it." Serena finally muttered.
Seinna, who was scanning through a list of recommended prenatal foods on her wrist panel, paused.
She glanced at Serena, her silver eyes calm but firm.
"Believe it. My scanner confirmed it last night."
Serena sighed heavily, rubbing the back of her neck.
"I just… don't know what to do."
Seinna tapped a few buttons on her holographic panel, then turned the screen toward Serena.
"First step—proper diet. You need more iron, calcium, and essential vitamins. We're buying everything you need."
Serena groaned, crossing her arms. "Do I have to?"
Seinna gave her a sharp look.
"Yes. Because you're not just fighting for yourself anymore."
Serena bit her lip, looking away.
"Blaze should be here."
Her voice was soft, almost broken.
"I should be telling him this… not dealing with it alone."
Seinna didn't respond right away.
Instead, she continued walking, leading Serena toward a stall filled with fresh fruits and vegetables.
"Then go find him."
Serena's head snapped up.
"What?"
Seinna placed a hand on her hip. "You're Serena Blackspire. If you want something, you fight for it. If you want to tell Blaze… then track him down and make him listen."
Serena's red eyes flickered with new energy.
"She's right. Blaze ran. But I can chase him."
She clenched her fists, a determined smirk creeping onto her lips.
"Tch. Damn right. I'll find him. And when I do—I'm gonna make him regret leaving me."
Seinna smiled slightly, turning back to her shopping list.
"Good. Now start picking out your damn vegetables."
Serena rolled her eyes, but for the first time since this realization—she felt lighter.
But—
Neither of them noticed Jasper watching them from the shadows.
Jasper had been following them.
At first, it was just because he was bored.
Then—he started noticing things.
The way Seinna was acting strangely protective of Serena.
The way Serena's eating habits had changed.
The way Serena's emotions kept shifting.
And then—he heard it.
"Blaze should be here."
Jasper froze.
"Wait. What the hell are they talking about?"
He narrowed his eyes, stepping closer as Seinna and Serena spoke.
But the more he listened—
The more confused he became.
And worst of all?
To get the full answer…
He would have to ask Seinna.
And Jasper refused to do that.
But—
"Damn it. I need to know."
For the first time since his stupid ignoring act began…
He was starting to break.
For Serena's peace of mind, Seinna took her to a nearby ninja hospital, where specialized shinobi medics could confirm her condition.
The white walls and clean air made Serena uneasy.
But when the medical scan confirmed the same thing as Seinna's wristwatch…
Serena swallowed hard.
This was real.
She was going to be a mother.
And now—there was no turning back.