In the hospital—
Ashina slowly opened his eyes.
Blurry at first… then clear.
His family stood around him.
A warm smile formed on his face.
"You did very well, Ashina," his mother said softly.
His father stepped forward, voice heavy."We were harsh on you… but from the bottom of my heart, I love you."
Ashina's smile grew warmer—
Knock.
The sound shattered everything.
His eyes snapped open.
The room was empty.
Reality returned.
"Ashina," the doctor said seriously, "you cannot leave the hospital. Your condition is critical. It will take almost a year to recover."
The door closed.
Silence.
Ashina looked down.
"Why am I like this…?"
"They'll just hate me more…"
Then—
A deep voice echoed in his mind.
"I am the Soul Dragon… and you are my host."
Ashina's eyes widened. "Who… are you?"
"Soul Dragon."
"…What does that even mean?"
A pause.
"Then I will show you."
Before Ashina could react—
The world twisted.
He stood in an unfamiliar space.
Dark. Endless.
"What… is this place?"
Two glowing eyes appeared in the distance.
Ashina froze.
Instinctively, he reached for his katana—
But then—
The full form of a massive dragon emerged from the darkness.
Ashina's breath stopped.
"Wait… I couldn't even move before… but here—"
"You can move," the dragon said. "Because this is not the physical world. This is your mental realm."
"Here… only the soul matters."
Ashina looked at his hands, slowly clenching them.
"So… this is…"
The dragon continued:
"I saw your fight. You have potential."
A pause.
"I can restore your body. As if nothing ever happened."
Ashina smirked slightly.
"Then do it."
But then he stopped.
"…Wait. Soul energy… isn't that only for the Soul Clan?"
His eyes sharpened.
"…Don't tell me…"
"The legends were true?"
The dragon watched him.
"You are perceptive. Yes… you are connected to the Soul."
Ashina exhaled slowly.
"I see… Whatever. Just fix my body."
The dragon blinked.
Ashina opened his eyes.
Back in the hospital.
He sat up.
No pain.
No weakness.
"…So it worked."
He pressed the call button.
Moments later, the staff rushed in—
Shock spread across their faces.
"How is this possible?!"
But they had no explanation.
They had no choice.
He was discharged.
Outside—
Ashina stretched his arms.
"…Now I need to apply again."
Meanwhile—
"Hirata, dinner is ready."
"Hm."
Hirata stood up.
"Tomorrow, we recruit team members. For now… food and rest."
He walked downstairs, washed his hands, and sat at the table—
Then frowned.
"Where's my food? There's only yours, Shikai."
Shikai smirked.
"Cook it yourself, little guy."
"…Seriously?"
Hirata sighed.
"I guess I have no choice."
"Where's the packet?"
"In the box."
"Thanks. I'm out."
Later—
The house went quiet.
They ate.
And rested.