Ren’s days grew longer and tougher. Dawn to dusk, he trained with an intensity few could match, repeating every exercise, every movement from the Hiraigen techniques tirelessly. His practice was relentless, and the monastery grounds echoed with his strikes, footfalls, and the soft sounds of controlled breaths. His young body, though already lean and muscular, grew stronger and more refined with each passing week. He sparred against dummies, against shadow forms, and sometimes with the few monks who offered to help—but none could truly match his level.
Master Jiro often observed in silence, a look of pride mixed with concern etched on his face. He watched as Ren pushed himself day after day, far beyond what even some experienced soldiers would endure. He saw Ren’s grit, his hunger to grow stronger, and knew that the boy’s rapid progress was not just a sign of talent but sheer hard work. Ren’s dedication left no room for anything else.
As weeks turned to months, Ren had reached a level of skill so advanced that he could have easily taken on a small battalion alone. His mastery over Hiraigen made him nearly untouchable in combat—swift, precise, and as powerful as a force of nature. He had developed unique abilities through his training, blending physical prowess with the otherworldly forces of Hiraigen. One ability, the Crimson Ripple, allowed him to create powerful shockwaves with his strikes, capable of knocking down groups of soldiers within his reach. Another technique, Veil of the Wind, granted him unmatched speed, allowing him to close distances in an instant, leaving opponents disoriented. And in rare moments, he could draw upon an energy he called the Iron Will, strengthening his attacks and granting him resilience that surpassed ordinary human limits.
Jiro, recognizing Ren's immense progress, decided it was time to spar with him personally. At first, Jiro tested him gently, blocking and redirecting Ren’s attacks with ease. But soon, he found himself impressed—and even outmatched. Ren’s growth had indeed become astronomical. By the time Ren was barely 14, he had surpassed Jiro’s abilities. After one particularly intense sparring match, Jiro found himself winded, but deeply proud. He laid a hand on Ren’s shoulder.
“This isn’t talent, young man,” he said, breathing heavily. “This is sheer hard work and determination.”
Ren gave a small, humble smile. “I don’t know what’s driving me. It’s just… a desire.”
Jiro nodded, sensing something deeper behind Ren’s words. After a pause, he gestured for Ren to sit down beside him. It was time to talk.
They sat in the quiet of the monastery garden, the golden afternoon light filtering through the leaves. Jiro looked at Ren with a curious but gentle expression. "You're very strong now, Ren. What are you going to do with your power?"
Ren glanced at the ground, searching for the right words. “I’m not sure. I just… I just want to get stronger.”
Jiro leaned in, pressing softly, “There must be a reason behind it. Any hidden motivation?”
Ren looked away, thinking deeply before he replied, “Well, I want to protect the people I love. But that’s… not all of it.”
Jiro raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Then what is it?”
Ren hesitated, his voice a bit softer, “I… don’t feel like I belong anywhere. Ever since I came here, I’ve felt like I’m just a burden. Like I’m not… worth anything.”
Jiro’s expression softened, and he shook his head. “Come on, kid. You know that isn’t true. Everyone here loves you.”
Ren sighed. “But I hear it sometimes, Master. Some of the villagers… they remind me that I came from the kingdom of that tyrant. They say I don’t belong, that I’m just a burden on Miyako, on you, on everyone here.”
Jiro let out a chuckle. “I’m glad I took care of you, kid. You were never a ‘pain’ to me. Miyako, though? She might have different thoughts.”
Ren laughed a little, breaking the tension. "Maybe."
Jiro’s tone turned serious, “You know, Ren, strength like yours… it can be a double-edged sword. You’re already as strong as I was in my prime, and yet, you’re just a child.”
Ren looked up, surprised. “That can’t be true, can it?”
Jiro chuckled softly. “It actually is, kid. But having power at a young age can lead you down a very dark path. I’ve seen men with power like yours cause chaos, thinking they were above everyone else. They let their strength turn into arrogance, into cruelty.”
Ren’s expression softened. “I don’t want that. I don’t like showing off. I just want to protect the people I love and care about. Nothing more, nothing less.”
Jiro smiled approvingly. “Hold onto that, kid. It’ll take you far.”
They sat there in silence for a while, the wisdom of Jiro’s words sinking into Ren’s mind. For the first time, Ren began to see his strength not as something to prove himself but as a gift—a gift that could be used to protect, to defend, and to bring peace rather than chaos. And as they shared that quiet moment, both knew that Ren’s journey had only just begun, but he had found something precious to guide him along the way.
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Eclipsed
FantasyIn the peaceful Haruka Valley, Ren lived a quiet life, isolated yet content among the villagers who treated him like family. But everything changed when the valley was ruthlessly attacked, leaving it in flames and its people slaughtered by the force...
