On a warm summer morning, golden rays of sunlight stretched across a remote village nestled at the edge of vast forests, where life thrived in its simplicity and birdsong harmonized with the whispers of the wind weaving through tall trees.
Inside one of the village's traditional training halls, a young man stood firmly, gazing at his opponent with a tilted smile.
It was Ichinaro.
Seventeen years old, relatively tall, with a well-toned athletic build. His medium-length black hair shimmered under the sunlight, and his blue eyes sparkled with life and determination—like a clear sky holding something mysterious within.
In front of him stood his opponent: his half-brother, Renso.
Sixteen, slightly shorter, with a slimmer and more agile frame. His dark auburn hair leaned toward red, and his sharp gray eyes held a hint of mischief and stubborn energy.
Ichinaro took a fighting stance and said,
— "Shall we begin?"
Renso grinned eagerly and replied,
— "Yeah!"
Ichinaro lunged with a sudden sweeping move, catching his brother off guard and landing a strike to his shoulder.
— "Ow! That hurts!" Renso cried, staggering back.
— "Heh, how's that for a start?" Ichinaro said, preparing for the next move.
But Renso didn't hesitate. He darted forward and threw a punch, which Ichinaro blocked just in time. Their training fight erupted into a flurry of rapid blows, their movements nearly invisible to the naked eye.
Shockwaves echoed across the training hall, making the walls tremble with each powerful clash. Then suddenly, a loud voice broke through their heated match:
— "Hey! You two idiots! How many times do I have to tell you?!"
It was their father, Yuji—a broad-shouldered man in his mid-forties with thick gray hair and a neatly trimmed beard. Dressed in an old training robe, his face bore the hardened wisdom of countless battles and years of strict discipline.
The two brothers immediately halted, panting heavily.
— "Sorry, we didn't mean to, Dad..." Ichinaro said as he wiped the sweat from his forehead.
— "I know, but the ceiling's about to cave in from your wild sparring!" Yuji sighed, then added, "Take a break now. And don't forget—you're fixing anything you broke."
— "Yes, sir," they replied in unison.
Ichinaro and Renso left the training hall together.
— "Wanna go for a walk?" Ichinaro asked.
— "Great idea!" Renso replied, straightening his clothes.
After changing, they wandered through the stone-paved village paths. Along the way, a group of kids greeted them, eyes gleaming with admiration.
— "Ichinaro! Show us one of your awesome moves!"
Ichinaro chuckled nervously,
— "Heh, maybe later, kids."
— "You're stingy!" they yelled, laughing as they ran off.
The brothers continued toward the nearby forest. To Ichinaro, everything seemed to shine. Trees reached for the sky, their leaves swaying in the breeze. Renso ran ahead like an excited child.
— "Such a kid..." Ichinaro muttered, laughing.
— "I'm not a kid! You are!" Renso shouted, his face turning red with embarrassment.
They laughed together, climbing trees and chasing small forest creatures, until they stumbled upon a hidden waterfall. Its crystal-clear waters sparkled beneath the sunlight.
Renso jumped into the water, splashing Ichinaro's face.
Ichinaro closed his eyes briefly, then opened them to see Renso creeping closer with mischief in his eyes.
— "Oh, I know what you're trying to do."
He tried to flee, but Renso grabbed him and pulled him into the water. Ichinaro emerged seconds later and lunged at his brother in return. They wrestled and splashed, laughing and dunking each other like there was nothing else in the world but that moment.
As the sun began to set, they emerged from the water to dry off.
— "I'm cold..." Renso murmured, hugging himself.
— "Let's stay a bit longer. I'll light a fire," Ichinaro said.
They sat by the fire, talking and laughing until Renso nearly drifted to sleep.
— "Let's go home, brother."
— "Yeah..." Ichinaro whispered, as Renso closed his eyes.
Ichinaro lifted him onto his back and began walking home.
At the gate, Kagemasa was waiting—eyebrows raised.
— "Where have you two been?!"
— "Sorry, Dad... we found a waterfall and lost track of time," Ichinaro said, his eyes full of sincere guilt.
Kagemasa sighed, then muttered,
— "I can't stay mad at you when you say it like that... Go in and get some rest."
— "Thanks, Dad."
As night fell, the brothers entered their home, carrying with them the memory of a simple day...
One that would remain etched in their hearts forever.