Jujutsu Kaisen the origin

The world is cruel. They can't understand that I only wanted to be happy... but the world took everything from me. They took it all from me, and now I'm going to take it all from them. I am the end.

This is my story.

In ancient times, in a country known as Japan, in a place where the snow never stopped falling, there was a farm. Several people were moving around, but in one area of the farm, the clash of two wooden swords could be heard.

A man with spiky black hair and a beard, dressed in a white kimono, stood in front of a boy no older than five. The boy was also dressed in a white kimono, his black hair partially covering his eyes, which were as dark as the night.

The wooden swords clanged through the air, but the man increased the force of his blow, pushing the boy back until he fell on his back.

The man, with a stern voice, spoke:

—Kaito, how long will you remain so weak? You are the weakest of your brothers. Our clan, the Kagyo, is at the top thanks to our power. As part of our family, it is your duty to protect weak humans from the sorcerers who sow chaos.

Kaito, with effort, stood up and answered:

—I understand, Father. I will do my best to improve.

The man, with a cold look, corrected:

—I told you not to call me father during training. Call me clan leader, Kenzou.

Kaito, gritting his teeth, took up a fighting stance and charged forward. His father, Kenzou, responded to each blow with deadly precision, striking with greater force, causing his son to spit or gasp for air. But Kaito did not give up. He fought with all his might, attacking again and again.

Time passed, the sun began to set and the snow fell softly. Finally, Kaito fell to the ground, exhausted and covered in wounds. Kenzou watched him indifferently and, turning around, began to walk towards the exit.

"Get up, it's going to get cold and you'll freeze," he said without flinching, and left the place.

Kaito, still on the ground, managed to get to his feet with difficulty. He took a few hesitant steps, but soon his strength abandoned him, and he fell to his knees. At that moment, the sliding door opened, and a black-haired woman, dressed in a yukata , rushed in. Seeing him, she bent down and carefully lifted him into her arms.

—Kaito, are you okay? —the woman asked with obvious concern.

Kaito looked at her with tired eyes and replied in a low voice:

—Mother… don't worry… I'm fine. I just need to rest.

Before finishing the sentence, Kaito closed his eyes, giving in to exhaustion.

The woman, Akina, Kaito's mother, held him firmly and left the room. She walked with him in her arms to another part of the estate, where several maids were waiting for her. One of them, alarmed at seeing him, asked:

—Mrs. Akina, what happened to Mr. Kaito?

"He trained with his father," Akina replied in a calm but worried voice. She adjusted her son in her arms and continued. "Let's take him to the bath first and then to bed. I'll take care of him later."

The maids nodded and followed orders. Carefully, they helped Akina wash Kaito, cleaning his injured body with care. Once finished, they carried him to his room, where they laid him down on a futon. The dim light of a candle illuminated the space, casting soft shadows on the walls.

Akina sat down next to her son and placed her hands on Kaito's chest. At that moment, a blue flame-shaped energy appeared on her palms, beginning to heal the boy's wounds and bruises. The marks from the blows gradually disappeared, until his skin was free of damage.

Finishing, Akina removed her hands, sighing deeply as she looked at her sleeping son.

"These wounds… they're much worse than they should be," he murmured, his voice tinged with concern.

She stood up and, after looking at him one last time, spoke in a low voice:

—Rest, Kaito.

With those words, she left the room, leaving her son to rest in the quiet of the night.

Akina could be seen walking through the quiet hallways of the estate, as the snow continued to fall relentlessly on the other side of the sliding doors. Her expression was calm, but her eyes reflected concern. Finally, she arrived at a room lit by a dim oil lamp. Inside, Kenzou was sitting on the floor in front of a low table filled with food.

Akina entered the room and took a seat across from him, remaining silent for a moment as she watched him.

Kenzou looked up and spoke:

—How is Kaito?

"He's resting," Akina replied softly, though her tone held a slight note of reproach. "But, Kenzou, don't you think you're overdoing it with him? He's weaker than his brothers, and he's still only a child."

Kenzou took a sip of tea before answering:

—Kaito is not weak. His potential is greater than that of all his brothers. But talent alone is not enough. Only with harder training can he become strong.

Akina sighed deeply, looking down at her hands.

—You may be right about his talent, but his nature is different. Kaito is kind, he just doesn't have the will to fight like you expect. I don't want that kindness to go to waste.

"That is precisely why I train him this way," Kenzou replied, his voice firm but not harsh. "Kindness without strength is useless. His will is weak, not like his brothers. However, I am confident that he can overcome his limits and become someone who lives up to the legacy of our clan."

Akina remained silent for a few seconds, thinking. Then, she stood up and walked over to her husband, sitting down beside him.

"I just hope you'll be careful with him in the future, Kenzou," she said in a softer tone, but filled with concern. "Don't push him to the point of breaking."

Kenzou turned his head slightly to look into her eyes.

—I've never failed you before, Akina. Trust me.

They looked at each other for a moment that seemed like an eternity. Finally, Akina gave a slight smile and rested her forehead against Kenzou's in an intimate gesture.

—I trust you, but remember, he's not a weapon. He's our son.

Kenzou closed his eyes for a moment, allowing himself a moment of vulnerability.

—I know. And that's why I won't fail him.

The snow continued to fall outside the room, as silence settled between Akina and Kenzou, filled with understanding and determination.

The next day, Kaito slowly opened his eyes, staring at the ceiling of his room. For a few moments, he remained motionless. Then, he sat up, sitting on the futon as he looked around, then at his body.

"I'm not hurt anymore," he thought as he touched his body. "It must have been my mother who healed me with her reverse energy."

Carefully, he stood up and walked to a wooden wardrobe on the other side of the room. He pushed open the doors and selected his clothes: a simple but comfortable dark-colored kimono. Finished dressing, he fastened his belt and walked to the sliding door.

As he opened it, sunlight flooded into the room, illuminating his face. Kaito squinted for a moment, getting used to the brightness, while the cold morning air caressed his skin.

With calm steps, he left his room, bending down to put on the sandals that were waiting for him by the door. Outside, the snow-covered landscape gleamed in the sunlight.

Kaito began to walk through the halls calmly, while the sound of his sandals echoed softly on the wood. It was not long before he came across a maid, who bowed slightly upon seeing him before speaking:

—Mr. Kaito, your breakfast is ready. Everyone is waiting for you at the table.

Kaito nodded briefly.

-Thank you.

Without another word, he continued on his way. His steps led him to a large room with sliding doors. Carefully, he slid them open, revealing the dining room where his entire family was already gathered.

The low table was surrounded by five people, six counting Kaito. At one end sat his mother, Akina Kagyo, with a serene and elegant expression. At the other end, as usual, sat his father, Kenzou Kagyo, with his straight posture and imposing gaze.

On either side of the table were his siblings. His eldest sister, Misaki Kagyo, had straight black hair that fell perfectly neatly, save for a lock that crossed her face. Her cold gaze showed no emotion. Next to her was Renjiro Kagyo, the second eldest brother, with spiky hair like his father's and an amused smile.

On the opposite side, facing them, was their other sister, Re Kagyo. Her hair was also straight, but her appearance was much calmer and more refined compared to her brothers.

Kaito walked over to the table, taking a seat next to Hinata, his eyes quickly scanning each member of his family.

The clan leader, Kenzou, waited for Kaito to be in place before speaking, his deep voice echoing in the room:

—Since we're all here, it's time to eat.

With that signal, the servants began to enter, bringing the carefully prepared dishes, as the Kagyo family prepared to share another meal together, each with their characteristic thoughts and silences.

After finishing eating, the maids began to collect the empty plates with precise and silent movements. Akina, the mother of the family, looked at her children with a calm smile before speaking:

—Children, could you go together to the village and bring some things for me?

The siblings nodded in unison, not questioning the request. Satisfied, Akina returned a warm smile.

Kenzou, the clan leader, intervened with his deep and authoritative voice, making sure to capture everyone's attention:

—When you return, you will resume your training according to your abilities. Except for Kaito. He will train with me.

The brothers' eyes shifted to Kaito for a moment, but neither said anything. They simply nodded and began to rise from their seats to prepare to leave.

The four brothers, four years apart in age, gathered at the entrance to the farm, ready to leave. The cold air bit their skin, and the landscape was covered in a thick layer of snow that crunched beneath their steps.

Misaki, the eldest sister, walked in front and at his side, carrying a sheathed katana. Next to her was Renjiro, the second eldest brother, with his characteristic mocking smile and also a katana resting on his waist.

Hinata and Kaito walked behind, both without carrying weapons. The silence of the group was interrupted by Renjiro, who spoke in a mocking tone:

"My little brother, it seems you haven't awakened your ability yet. Do you plan to continue accumulating energy senselessly?" He chuckled. "There is a limit to our bodies. If you are not careful, you might explode."

Kaito looked up at him, but kept his tone shy as he replied:

—I don't know what I want as a skill... so I don't know how to use my stored energy either.

Renjiro let out a laugh, amused and carefree.

—That's funny! What do you mean you don't know what to do with your energy? You just have to decide what you want, and it will do the rest. It's simple.

Kaito looked down, unable to answer. Uncertainty was reflected in his eyes, but before he could say anything else, Misaki, who had been walking in front, glanced at him from the corner of her eye and spoke coldly:

—Stop bothering him, Renjiro. He's just a kid.

Renjiro raised an eyebrow and smiled mischievously as he replied:

—Misaki, our clan may be small, but we have an exceptional ability: absorbing energy. We transform that energy into a unique ability for each of us. But if we fail to awaken our abilities, the clan will disappear in the future. —He turned to Kaito and added in a more serious tone—. So, little brother, you better try harder.

Before the tension could escalate, Hinata calmly but firmly intervened:

—You should shut up, Renjiro. You're just bothering him. Kaito is different from us, and I'm sure he'll achieve amazing things in the future.

Hinata then looked at Kaito with a softer expression and said:

—Take all the time you need, but don't delay too long. And remember the rules of our absorption ability: the first, and most important, is that you must never absorb evil energy or negative emotions. If you do, something terrible will happen. The second is that you must awaken your ability before you are ten years old. If you don't, your body will not be able to contain any more energy and will explode.

Kaito nodded slowly, processing his sister's words. His older brothers glanced at him sideways, their expressions fluctuating between curiosity and approval.

After a few more minutes of walking, the group arrived at a considerably large town. The bustling streets were filled with people moving between shops, markets and lively conversations.

The siblings began to move around the town, buying different things at each stall they visited. At one point, Misaki, the eldest sister, stopped walking and fixed her gaze on a point in the distance. Her expression became cold and alert. Then, she turned to her siblings and spoke in a serious voice:

—I think it's time to go.

The others looked at her strangely, but Hinata quickly nodded.

"You're right," Hinata said. "We already have everything we needed."

Without asking any more questions, the group began walking back to the snowy path that connected the village to their home. The trees, covered in snow, stood like silent guardians along the way.

After a few minutes, Misaki, who was leading the group, suddenly stopped.

"How long do you plan to follow us?" he said coldly, looking out at the forest surrounding them.

The brothers were shocked. Renjiro, always quick to react, unsheathed his katana and positioned himself at the back of the group, ready for any attack.

At that moment, a voice echoed among the trees, deep and mocking:

—I see you have good senses. Not bad for the future leader of the Kagyo clan.

The voice belonged to a man who appeared from the shadows of a nearby tree. His long, orange hair tied in a ponytail fell down his back. He wore a gray yukata adorned with embroidered petals and leather boots. His presence radiated confidence and danger.

"After all," the man continued, "you are the future leader, aren't you?"

Immediately, several figures emerged from the trees, surrounding the brothers. Each one carried weapons and looked determined.

Misaki watched them calmly, quickly assessing the situation. Her gaze fell on the orange-haired man and noticed an emblem embroidered on his yukata: a stylized blue flame. She frowned and spoke in an icy tone:

—You are from the Sorcery Association. Our clan has served that organization for generations, protecting humanity from other sorcerers.

The man gave a cocky smile before replying:

—Things change, little one.

His smile disappeared and his tone became serious:

—Today, you must die. You are the last. We have already sent another group for your parents.

The brothers' eyes widened in shock and anger. Without wasting any time, Misaki unsheathed his katana in a quick and precise movement.

"If that's the case, there's no need to hold back anymore," he said coldly. "Renjiro, use your ability to the fullest. Hinata, protect Kaito. You two stay in the center."

Hinata nodded and took out two small daggers, standing next to Kaito in a defensive stance.

"Understood," he replied firmly.

Renjiro, for his part, smiled in amusement as he raised his katana.

"This will be interesting," he said with a spark of excitement in his eyes.

The orange-haired man, still with his katana sheathed, raised a hand and gave an order:

—Attack with everything you've got! Don't hold back.

The attackers, who had surrounded the brothers, unsheathed their katanas in perfect synchronization. At the same time, the orange-haired man did the same, displaying a sharp and elegant-looking sword.

At that instant, a blue energy in the form of flames began to surround the blades of the attackers' katanas. The flames vibrated intensely before dissipating, leaving a tense silence in the air.

The Kagyo and their enemies stared at each other, like predators assessing their prey. The tension was broken when Misaki, with blinding speed, appeared in front of the enemy leader.

The leader barely had time to react, drawing his katana to block the attack. The clash of swords resonated loudly, sending shockwaves that lifted the snow from the ground and shook the branches of nearby trees. The fight had begun.

Renjiro charged at several enemies at once, smiling defiantly. With a quick movement, his katana began to glow with an intense blue flame that covered the entire blade. At the first impact, one of his enemies' swords instantly melted.

"Can't you handle a little heat?" Renjiro joked as he burned the enemy with a precise strike, forcing him to retreat with a cry of pain.

Other attackers surrounded him, but Renjiro spun around, unleashing an arc of blue fire that melted nearby weapons and scorched the air with scorching heat. Enemies fell to the ground, defeated or severely wounded, unable to withstand the ferocity of his attack.

Meanwhile, Misaki continued her duel with the enemy leader. With quick, calculated movements, her katana unleashed wind slashes so powerful that they tore branches from nearby trees and split the snowy ground around her.

"You have talent," the leader said with a crooked smile as he dodged an attack, "but it won't be enough."

Without answering, Misaki appeared in front of him in an instant, unleashing a devastating slash that split the leader in two. However, the man vanished into thin air as if he had never been there.

"An illusion?" Misaki muttered, turning quickly.

Without hesitation, he launched another wind slash towards a point to his right. The attack cut down trees and raised a cloud of snow, forcing the true leader out of hiding. He attempted a direct counterattack, but Misaki easily blocked it, causing another metallic rumble to echo through the forest.

"You can't hide forever," Misaki declared coldly, pushing him back.

As the fight progressed, one of the enemies attempted to take advantage of Hinata and Kaito's apparent vulnerability, charging towards them with the intention of finishing off the younger brothers.

"I won't allow it!" Hinata shouted.

At that instant, glowing threads emerged from the ground and quickly intertwined, forming a sharp stake that pierced the attacker before he could reach the two brothers. The enemy fell to the ground, defeated, while Hinata stood firm in front of Kaito.

"You're safe with me," Hinata said calmly, looking at her younger brother.

Kaito nodded, admiration reflected in his eyes.

Back in the main fight, Misaki finally managed to break through the enemy leader's defense. With a decisive move, he disarmed the man and knocked him to the ground with a blow that echoed through the forest.

Renjiro, meanwhile, finished off the few remaining enemies using his blue flames, leaving only ashes and melted swords behind.

"Well, that was fun," Renjiro said as he put away his katana and walked towards his brothers with a confident smile.

Misaki lowered his sword and turned to the others, making sure everyone was okay.

"Is anyone hurt?" he asked in an authoritative but protective tone.

"We're fine," Hinata replied as she helped Kaito up.

The brothers regrouped, surrounded by the defeated bodies of their enemies. Misaki looked at the enemy leader, who lay unconscious on the ground.

"This isn't over." His voice was cold and calculating as he looked at the blue flame emblem on the man's clothes.

"We better go back and warn our parents," Renjiro said, his gaze hardening.

Without another word, the four brothers began walking back to their home, leaving the snow-covered battlefield behind.

The silence between them was heavy, broken only by the crunch of snow under their footsteps. The tension was still latent, and each of them processed what had happened differently.

After a while, they arrived at the estate. As they opened the front door, they froze at the shocking scene unfolding before them.

The courtyard was littered with bodies. Men and women lay all around, their katanas dropped, the snow stained red with their blood. At the center of it all, Kenzou, the brothers' father, stood firm, holding a bloody katana. His gaze was cold and calculating, blood slowly trickling down the blade of his weapon.

Kenzou looked up when he heard the door open and, seeing his children, he spoke calmly:

—Children, they have returned.

The brothers looked at him with a mixture of surprise and respect. For a moment, silence fell over the place again. But without question, they all nodded, understanding that something bigger was happening.

Suddenly, Akina, their mother, appeared in the doorway of the entrance to the house, holding another katana, her clothes lightly spattered with blood. Her expression was serene, but her voice firm as she addressed her children:

—Go on. We need to talk.

Without hesitation, the brothers followed their parents into the estate, leaving the chaos of the yard behind. They knew that what was coming would not be easy, but they were ready to face it together.

After a while, the Kagyo family gathered in the main hall. The atmosphere was tense, but everyone maintained a firm attitude. Misaki was the first to break the silence:

—Father, they were from the Sorcery Association. They attacked us while we were returning.

Kenzou nodded, his gaze cold and calculating.

"We know," he replied calmly.

Akina added, in a softer but equally serious tone:

—We sent them to the village to keep them safe. We thought that in the cities they wouldn't dare attack them. But, here on the estate... the maids have fallen.

The brothers lowered their heads for a moment, in respect for the lives lost. Then, Misaki spoke again, this time in a more serious tone:

—What are we going to do now? And why did they attack us?

Kenzou leaned forward slightly, resting his hands on his knees.

—They attacked us because we are a threat to their power.

Akina continued, with a look of determination:

—In this world, there are people with special abilities. Over time, clans were formed based on these abilities. Our clan possesses a gift that is considered dangerous: the ability to absorb and transform energy into unique abilities. Because of this, we have been labeled as "witches." Now, all the sorcery clans have declared us enemies.

Hinata frowned, processing the information.

—So, that's why they attacked us... but our duty has always been to protect humans from those with abilities that betray humanity, the so-called "witches". Now we... are considered one of them?

Akina placed a hand on Hinata's shoulder, in an attempt to comfort her.

—Don't worry, children. There is a solution.

Kenzou intervened, his voice firm:

—Even though they consider us a threat and want to hunt us down, they have limitations. They cannot attack us in cities or towns without breaking the Association's laws. That's why, from now on, we will leave this estate and live in the city.

The brothers looked at each other, taking in their parents' words. Renjiro, always carefree, spoke with a smile:

—Well, at least the city will be more interesting.

Misaki glared at him, but nodded.

—If that guarantees our safety, we will do it.

Hinata, who had remained silent until then, finally spoke:

—We will protect the clan... and we will find a way to show them that we are not what they think.

Kenzou and Akina exchanged a proud glance. The decision had been made.

At that moment, everyone stood up with determination and began gathering their belongings. They moved efficiently, aware of the urgency of the situation. First on their list was to head to the nearby village to stock up on essential provisions. They would spend the night there, using the cover of darkness to keep themselves safe. At dawn, they would set out for a larger city, where they would change their identities and blend into the crowd, hiding in plain sight. Their goal: to survive and protect what was left of the Kagyo legacy.

The family left the estate, taking one last look back before setting off for the nearby village. They walked in silence through the snow, thoughts racing through their minds. Uncertainty mixed with determination. Kaito watched as his older siblings held their heads high, while his mother walked steadily beside them.

After a while, they arrived at the village. The streets were quiet, covered in a thin layer of snow, and only a few people were wandering around. They walked to a modest restaurant, a wooden structure with lanterns lighting up the entrance. Kenzou turned to his family and said:

—We'll have something to eat before we look for a place to spend the night. I have an old friend in this village; he will help us.

Everyone nodded silently and walked inside. The restaurant was warm, with a fire crackling in one corner. They sat down at a table near the window. Despite the cozy atmosphere, Kaito noticed that the other diners were watching them intently. The glances were discreet, but constant, which made him a little nervous.

A waiter approached their table, with a polite smile.

—Welcome. What would you like to order?

Misaki, without looking up, calmly replied:

—Anything quick and hot, please.

The waiter nodded and disappeared into the kitchen. As they waited for their food, the silence between the family was palpable. Renjiro broke the tension.

"It's funny how the people in this village always seem to be on the alert. I haven't stopped feeling their gazes since we entered," Renjiro commented, frowning.

"Now that you mention it… it's strange," Akina replied quietly, looking around. "It seems like they don't trust us anymore, even though we've helped them many times."

Kenzou nodded thoughtfully and added:

—It's possible that the rumors have reached the ears of the villagers. That's why they look at us that way.

The food arrived soon after: bowls of hot ramen, rice, and green tea. The family ate in silence, grateful for the warmth of the dishes. Kaito, however, still felt watched. He looked out the window and thought about what would come next, wondering if they could ever live in peace.

After finishing, Kenzou left some coins on the table and stood up.

—Let's go on. We mustn't stay here any longer than necessary.

They left the restaurant and continued walking until they reached a house on the outskirts of the village. Kenzou stepped forward and knocked loudly on the door. After a few moments, a man with tied hair opened it. His eyes lit up as he recognized his old friend.

"Kenzou!" the man exclaimed, surprised. "What are you doing here?"

"Takeshi, I need your help," Kenzou said seriously. "Can we stay tonight?"

Takeshi looked around, assessing the situation. After a brief pause, he nodded.

—Come in. They'll be safe here.

The Kagyo family entered the house, feeling a brief sense of relief as Takeshi closed the door firmly, aware that this night would be longer than it seemed.

The family settled into Takeshi's home, grateful for the hospitality. While the children rested in one room, Kenzou and Takeshi sat in the main room to talk.

"So the Mage's Association has finally decided to openly attack?" Takeshi asked, frowning and crossing his arms.

"That's right. They've declared our clan a threat and now they're hunting us like criminals." Kenzou sighed, running a hand over his face. "We lost our maids, and now we must leave our home to protect the children."

Takeshi nodded slowly, processing the information.

—I understand the gravity of the situation. You'll be safe here for the night, but you must be careful. Rumors travel fast, and this town is no stranger to them.

—I know, and that's why we don't plan to stay long. Tomorrow at dawn we'll leave for the city. It'll be easier to hide there.

After the conversation, Kenzou thanked Takeshi again and retired to rest with the rest of his family. The house fell silent, with the snow falling softly outside.

Kaito, lying on a futon, stared into the room with a blank stare. His mind wandered as he stared out the window, where snowflakes fell incessantly, painting the landscape white. Little by little, fatigue overcame him, and he closed his eyes, giving himself over to sleep.

However, it wasn't many minutes before a strange coldness invaded him. The sensation was frigid, almost supernatural, as if his body was in a place completely exposed to winter. Uneasy, he slowly opened his eyes, but what he saw paralyzed him.

A terrifying scene unfolded before him: his family was kneeling on the ground, surrounded by amulets and tied with thick ropes. They were in the centre of the village, where a crowd of villagers watched them with looks full of distrust and hatred. In front of them, a group of people dressed in more elaborate clothes, clearly different from the others, were talking to each other.

What caught Kaito's attention the most was the figure of Takeshi, who was receiving a bag of coins from one of these people. The metallic sound of gold echoed in the air, as cold as the snow surrounding them.

Kenzou, his face full of anger and disdain, shouted with all his might:

—Takeshi! How dare you betray us like this?

Kenzou's voice boomed like thunder amidst the oppressive silence, but Takeshi barely glanced at him, maintaining a cold, distant expression.

—It's not treason, Kenzou. It's survival. Having them here would only endanger everyone living in this village. The Mage's Association doesn't accept mistakes.

At that moment, a voice echoed through the place, full of fun and arrogance:

—I see you're awake... that's good.

From behind the family a figure appeared, walking with an eerie calm. A young man with long white hair tied in a ponytail, with blue eyes that seemed to shine strangely, stopped next to the villagers, turned around and looked at them with a superior smile.

Kenzou stared at him, his eyes wide with surprise and tension.

—You are... from the Goyo clan.

Kenzou's words caused the siblings to exchange shocked glances. Akina, the mother, spoke coldly, though her tone could not hide a slight concern:

—It seems the Mage Association really does consider us a significant threat if they have sent the Goyo clan.

The white-haired youth turned his face slightly towards the family, with an expression of mocking amusement, and introduced himself:

—My name is Sorata Goyo. Nice to meet you.

Kenzou gritted his teeth, recognizing the name immediately.

—I've heard about you... You're only 17 years old. You're the next leader of the Goyo clan.

Sorata smiled disdainfully, shrugging his shoulders.

—That's right, but honestly, that title isn't something I care much about.

His gaze slowly slid over each member of the family, stopping at Misaki, the eldest sister.

—You have a lovely family, Kenzou... although, unfortunately, they will all die.

The entire family felt a chill run through their bodies at Sorata's words, but what he said next was even more chilling:

—Well, not all of them. She... —he said, pointing at Misaki— ...I'll keep her.

Misaki looked at him with a mixture of fury and contempt. The tension in the atmosphere became unbearable, and Kenzou, filled with rage, tried to stand up suddenly.

"You will not touch my daughter!" he roared, as his energy began to concentrate.

Before Kenzou could react, a flash of energy pierced through his chest, shot with deadly precision from Sorata's palm. Blood gushed out from the wound, and Kenzou looked down in disbelief. A trickle of blood came out of his mouth as he fell to the ground, limp.

"How inconvenient…" Sorata muttered boredly, slowly lowering his hand. A cold smile spread across his face. "You should have stayed still."

"Father!" the brothers cried in unison, their voices filled with desperation as they struggled to free themselves from the ropes that bound them.

Akina, still on her knees, looked at her husband's body with eyes filled with fury and unshed tears.

"How dare you..." he muttered in a broken voice, leaning towards Kenzou's lifeless body.

Sorata let out a soft laugh, as if this was all just entertainment to him.

"How touching. But honestly, they don't stand a chance. Now… where should I start?" His gaze fell on Misaki again, and his smile widened with a dangerous glint of mischief.

Suddenly, Renjiro and Hinata broke the ropes binding them with a furious cry, unleashing their energies. The talismans that had kept their power contained shattered into pieces, and the two charged out of the circle with determination, facing Sorata.

"Stop!" Misaki shouted desperately, but the brothers had already channeled their abilities.

Renjiro summoned a torrent of intense flames, while Hinata unleashed a blast of ice that froze the air around them. Both attacks converged on Sorata, generating a deafening roar that sent the villagers reeling back.

—Boom!

Dust and debris covered the place, but when the cloud cleared, Sorata remained standing, untouched, with an expression of utter amusement.

"Interesting…" he commented sarcastically, as if he were watching children playing.

Before the brothers could react, a figure appeared behind them in an instant: a black-haired man with a katana in his hand. With a swift and precise movement, their heads rolled to the ground.

Renjiro and Hinata's bodies fell lifeless, as blood soaked the snow.

"No!" Misaki and Akina screamed in unison, their voices filled with horror and pain.

Sorata turned his head slightly towards the man who had intervened.

—Shigure Zenin... I thought you were just going to observe.

The man, holding his blood-covered katana, coldly replied:

—Changes of plans. I found it more efficient that way.

Misaki, her eyes filled with tears and fury, pointed at him with trembling determination:

—Damn it! You are the man with the heavenly restriction. Even the Zenin clan is involved in this!

Sorata smiled, seemingly enjoying the chaos.

"Relax, Misaki. You will have a much more interesting purpose with me." He then looked at his subordinates and gave an order. "Take her away. We will take her to the Goyo clan. The rest… leave them with the villagers. After all, they were the ones who started it all by calling them witches."

The talismans on the ground began to glow, and the ones attached to Akina, Misaki and Kaito's necks activated, unleashing unbearable pain. All three fell unconscious instantly.

"With the seals active, they won't be able to use their energy. They don't have to worry about anything…" Sorata said with a calm smile.

His subordinates carried Misaki and began to leave. Before leaving, Sorata glanced at the villagers and spoke coldly:

—It's your turn, villagers. Do what you want with them.

Shigure began to walk following the sorata.

The villagers smiled in satisfaction. The village leader, a frail-looking old man using a cane, stepped forward.

—To the dungeons! Put them in right now.

The villagers complied and began dragging Akina and Misaki's unconscious body into the village.

Akina, beginning to wake up, glared at the leader with pure hatred.

—Why... Why are you doing this to us? We helped you so many times. When famine ravaged the village, we hunted for you. We cured your illnesses. We supported you so that you could prosper... and yet you betrayed us. Why?!

The old man looked at her with contempt and replied coldly:

—Because you are nothing more than witches. We were always afraid of you. Before you had the chance to kill us, we decided to finish you off first.

Akina, filled with fury and tears, swore with all her being:

—I will kill you all! No matter how or when, I swear I will!

The old man raised his cane and struck her across the face, silencing her.

—Shut up, bitch. You're just a pain.

After a while, Akina and her son Kaito were chained in a cold, damp prison. The atmosphere was so frigid that it seemed to penetrate to the bones. Akina, with her strength diminished, approached her son as best she could and hugged him tightly, trying to protect him from the cold, although she could barely protect herself.

Tears began to roll down her face as a storm of emotions swept through her: anger, sadness, helplessness and despair. She tried to stay strong, but the weight of what had happened was almost unbearable.

Kaito slowly opened his eyes, feeling his mother's tears fall on his skin. Looking at Akina's face, he noticed her pain-filled expression, and that made him start crying too. The memories of what had happened, the betrayals and the deaths, hit him like an avalanche.

"Mom..." Kaito whispered between sobs, feeling his mother's hug grow tighter.

Akina, trying to calm him down despite her own suffering, stroked his head and whispered in a trembling voice:

—Son, don't worry... I'll get you out of here. I promise I'll get you safe.

With determination, she reached her hand towards the back of Kaito's neck, searching for the talisman that kept him sealed. When her fingers touched the cursed object, a spark of energy hit her, making her recoil with a cry of pain.

"Ahh!" she exclaimed, holding her hand as an intense burning sensation ran through her skin.

Looking at her trembling hand, Akina gritted her teeth in fury and thought:

"Damn... These talismans need energy to be removed. Without it, I can't do anything."

Kaito, seeing his mother hurt, began to cry even more, feeling helpless in the face of the situation.

—Mom, I'm sorry... I can't do anything. —she said through tears, burying her face in Akina's chest.

Akina hugged him tighter, closing her eyes with a mix of pain and determination.

—Don't say that, Kaito. It's not your fault. Just hold on a little longer. I promise I'll find a way to get you out of here... even if it costs me my life.

At that moment, the sound of footsteps echoed through the corridor. The light of a torch dimly illuminated the cell, casting shadows on the wall. Akina looked up in distrust and anger as she recognized the figure of the village leader.

"Open it," he ordered in a dry voice to the villagers accompanying him.

The villagers obeyed, opening the cell and entering with determined steps.

—Separate them. Put the mother and son in opposite corners. Make sure Akina is ready for the plan, but leave the child alone.

Kaito and Akina struggled with all their might as the villagers dragged them away, but their efforts were useless. The chains held them bound, and the villagers' superior numbers gave them the advantage. Akina shouted:

—Leave him alone, you damn cowards! If you do anything to him, I swear you'll pay for it!

"Silence, witch," the leader replied coldly. "You should be grateful. They will have two meals a day. It is no more than they deserve."

The villagers grabbed Akina and chained her in one corner of the cell, while Kaito was left in the opposite corner. The two were separated by several meters, unable to reach each other. The village leader took one last look from the door before leaving, followed by the villagers.

Kaito tried to move towards his mother, pulling with all his might on the chains, but they were secured to the wall, limiting his movement to barely a meter. His small body trembled, not only from the cold, but also from helplessness.

"Mom!" Kaito cried, tears streaming down his face.

"Kaito..." Akina replied, her voice shaking but full of determination. "Don't worry, son. I'm here. No matter what happens, I won't let them hurt you."

They looked at each other from a distance, separated but united by an unbreakable bond. Although chains and circumstances tried to break them, their love and hope remained their greatest strength in that darkness.

The echo of the villagers' footsteps disappeared into the hallway, leaving the cell in a frozen silence, broken only by the sound of the wind coming through the cracks of the prison and Kaito's sobs.

For the next few days, Akina and Kaito remained locked in that cold, gloomy cell. They received only two meals a day, small portions that were not enough to regain their strength. The cold intensified with each night, making the place even more inhospitable. Akina tried to free herself from her chains so she could approach her son and hug him, but her efforts were useless; the lack of energy caused by hunger weakened her body.

The nights were especially cruel. One such night, colder than usual, Akina noticed Kaito closing his eyes, about to succumb to sleep. Alarmed, she shouted at him:

—Kaito, don't fall asleep! If you do, you'll die. Hang in there, son!

Kaito, despite being exhausted and his body numb from the cold, opened his eyes upon hearing his mother's words. The desperation in her voice filled him with fear, but also with determination. With a superhuman effort, he stayed awake all night, fighting off exhaustion.

When dawn finally arrived, a ray of light filtered through a small window in the cell, dimly illuminating the place and signaling the start of a new day. Akina, her voice broken but filled with relief, spoke to him:

—You can sleep now, son... It's safe. Get some rest.

Kaito, his eyes heavy and his body on the verge of collapse, finally closed his eyes and let himself drift off to sleep. Meanwhile, Akina looked at him with sadness and worry, knowing that every day in that place was a battle between life and death.

Time passed slowly. The nights were still a torment of cold and hunger, while the days were a reflection of despair and suffering. The family had been forgotten by the outside world, and their existence was reduced to the daily struggle to survive. Thus, a year passed in that cell, marked by pain, hunger and cold, but also by the silent hope of Akina, who did not stop thinking of a way to escape and save her son.

The days continued to pass slowly, like an endless torment, but one morning the sound of multiple footsteps echoed through the cell corridors. Akina, still chained, looked up when she heard the approach of several people. In front of the cell appeared the leader of the village, accompanied by several villagers with serious faces. Akina looked at him with hatred, while the leader maintained his cold and indifferent expression.

"It's been a year since you've been in this cell," the leader said in a neutral voice.

Akina did not respond, keeping her gaze filled with fury. The leader continued, ignoring her silence:

—You've been here long enough. It's time to talk. If you do what we ask, we might let you out of this town.

Akina narrowed her eyes in distrust and replied in a defiant tone:

—What do you want, old man?

The leader gave a slight smile before answering:

—At first, we planned to wipe you all out, but the plan has changed.

The leader glanced at one of the men accompanying him, who took out a bunch of keys and opened the cell. The leader entered calmly, approaching Akina, who watched him with growing distrust.

—I want to transform this town into a place for sorcerers. You will help us achieve this.

As he spoke, his gaze shifted to Kaito, who was glaring at him, unable to hide his contempt.

Hearing these words, Akina felt a surge of anger run through her body. She quickly stood up and lunged at the leader, but the chains stopped her, throwing her back and leaving her defenseless.

"Never!" he shouted, his voice filled with fury.

The leader, completely impassive, turned around and calmly left the cell. Before leaving, he added:

—I'll give you until tomorrow to decide.

The group walked away, leaving Akina alone with her frustration. She clenched her fists so hard that blood began to pour out of them. Finally, with a helpless sigh, she let herself fall back to the ground.

Kaito, worried about his mother, broke the silence:

—Mother, are you okay? What did that old man want?

Akina looked at him with a forced smile, trying to reassure him:

—Don't worry, Kaito. Everything will be fine.

Kaito nodded slowly, trusting his mother's words, and leaned back against the wall, exhausted.

The next day

The village leader returned, accompanied by the same group of people. He stopped in front of the cell and, with a smile that Akina interpreted as mocking, said:

—So, Akina, what do you decide?

She glared at him, but finally answered, letting the words out like poison:

—Do whatever you want... but don't you dare touch my son. If you do, you'll pay dearly.

The leader smiled broadly, as if her words were entertainment for him:

—I'll take that as a yes. Don't worry, we won't touch your son... he's still too young.

Then he looked back and nodded to his companions.

The men opened the cell and approached Akina. They removed the chains that had kept her prisoner for so long, but before she could move, the leader added:

—Follow us. If you do anything stupid or try to escape, we will kill your son.

Akina gritted her teeth and nodded, glancing at Kaito. Before leaving, Kaito called out to her in a trembling voice:

—Mother? Where are you going?

Akina turned to look at him. Her face showed a serene smile, but her eyes reflected a mixture of sadness and determination:

—Don't worry, son. I'll be back soon.

Kaito nodded, though he couldn't hide the worry on his face. Akina, escorted by the villagers, left the cell, as the echo of her footsteps resonated in the dark corridors.

Kaito remained in the cell, his mind agitated with worry for his mother. The hours passed slowly, from morning to evening, and the echo of footsteps resonated in the dark hallways. Hearing the sounds approaching, Kaito raised his head, filled with hope and fear at the same time.

The cell door opened, and a familiar figure appeared: it was Akina, brought back by the villagers. Her body moved with difficulty, her steps were unsteady. The villagers carelessly pushed her away and tied her back into the chains before leaving the place without saying a word.

Kaito looked at his mother with concern, but something about her deeply alarmed him. Akina seemed different. Her eyes, which had once shone with determination and tenderness, were now empty, as if the life had been sucked out of them. Her kimono was in disarray, and a strange liquid was slowly trickling down her legs.

"Mom..." Kaito tried to speak, but the words wouldn't come out. A tightness in his chest silenced him, a feeling of helplessness he'd never felt before.

Akina glanced at him and, in a low voice, muttered:

—I'm fine, Kaito.

Then she turned around, her back to him. Kaito froze. His mother had never done that before; she always looked at him, smiled at him, even in the most difficult moments. That night was different. Something in the air changed, something inside him began to slowly burn.

Hate.

It was a feeling he barely understood, but he felt it growing inside him, fueled by rage and helplessness. Kaito lay down staring at the ceiling of the cell, his eyes filled with tears and suppressed fury.

Days turned into weeks, then months. Every morning, the villagers took Akina away and returned her in the afternoon. Each time she returned, her condition worsened. Her body was covered in bruises, her movements became slower, and her eyes became duller. Akina barely spoke to her son, and eventually, she stopped talking altogether. The cell fell into an unbearable silence.

Meanwhile, Kaito clenched his fists so tightly that his nails dug into his palms. Rage and pain consumed him. He wanted to do something, anything, but the chains and his own weakness kept him trapped.

One day, Akina gave birth. The belly that had been slowly growing for months finally revealed a new member of the family. Kaito, who had been denying reality all this time, couldn't help but face the truth. The hatred he felt exploded inside him, filling him completely. His helplessness became even more unbearable.

But the villagers did not stop. They took the newborn, tearing him from Akina's arms. She screamed, pleading for them not to take him away.

"Let us out!" Akina shouted desperately. "I have kept my part of the deal!"

The villagers did not respond. The indifference on their faces was like a dagger in her heart. Akina understood that it had all been a deception, a cruel trap.

From that day on, the villagers began to commit even more heinous acts. They would enter the cell and rape Akina while Kaito stood there, helpless. Akina, with tears in her eyes, screamed at her son not to look.

—Kaito, don't look! Don't look! —she begged him, trying to protect him from the horrendous reality.

Kaito, at first, screamed in desperation, begging for them to stop. But the villagers wouldn't listen to him. Eventually, Kaito stopped screaming. He simply stared at the wall, his eyes empty, as rage and pain slowly consumed him.

Days turned into weeks, weeks into months. The cell was a nightmare place, an abyss of suffering and despair. Akina could barely move, her body and spirit broken. Kaito, though young, felt his soul hardening. The hatred he felt towards the villagers and towards himself for not being able to do anything grew out of control. It was like a flame that threatened to consume him completely.

The years began to pass. It had now been five long years since Akina and Kaito had been locked in the cell. During this time, Akina had given birth to four children and was pregnant with a fifth. Time had taken its toll on both of them. Kaito, now with long hair and an undernourished body, bore the marks of years of suffering. Akina, for her part, barely looked like the woman she had been. Her body was broken, worn down by constant childbirth and abuse. Her once vibrant hair had turned an ashen white, clear evidence of physical and mental wear and tear.

That night, they were both in the cell, each in a corner. The cold was relentless, and silence dominated the atmosphere. Akina broke the silence with a faint, broken voice:

—Son… can you talk to me?

Kaito, surprised to hear his mother's voice after so long, quickly turned around, sitting up on his stone bed. His eyes widened, filled with surprise and worry.

"Mother!" he exclaimed, with a mixture of joy and anxiety.

Akina also sat down, looking at her son with eyes filled with sadness and tenderness.

—Son… we haven't talked for a long time. Forgive me.

Kaito responded kindly, trying to calm her down:

—Don't worry, Mother. What do you want to talk about?

A faint smile appeared on Akina's face, a smile that tried to hide her pain.

—I'd like to hear from you, to know what you would have liked to do with your life. What were your dreams? What skills would you have liked to have?

Kaito looked down, thinking about his mother's question. After a moment of thought, he replied in a nostalgic voice:

—My dream… I always wanted to live with you and my brothers on that farm, in peace. I dreamed of a quiet life, surrounded by the clan's maids, taking care of each other. Mother, I always wanted a life of peace, far from all this.

Akina listened attentively, a single tear rolling down her cheek.

"I'm very glad to hear that, son. I would have wanted that life for us too." He paused, looking at Kaito's neck, where a talisman with a seal glowed faintly. "But… without that seal, your energy absorption ability would have exploded by the time you reached ten years old and hadn't awakened your main ability. It's thanks to it that that didn't happen."

Kaito raised his head, looking at her seriously.

—Mother… why is this happening to us? We haven't done anything wrong.

Akina sighed deeply, looking down.

—In the world of sorcerers, humans born with special abilities are rare, even in renowned clans. But in the Kagyo clan, we are all born with the ability to absorb energy and transform it into something greater before we turn ten. That makes us unique… and feared. The world is afraid of us, son. Even if we were the ones who protected them, who fought for them.

Kaito gritted his teeth in rage, feeling helpless in the face of the truth. Akina continued, her voice filled with resignation:

—The villagers of this village, and all the nearby villages, knew about us. Even if we had fled from here, they would have stopped us somewhere else. To them, we are nothing more than monsters that must be eliminated. But they also need monsters to protect themselves.

Akina looked Kaito straight in the eyes, a mix of sadness and determination.

—Do you understand, son?

Kaito nodded slowly, leaning back against the wall. After a long silence, he spoke in a small voice:

—I wonder how much longer we'll last here. I wonder how my older sister is doing.

Akina looked down, clenching her fists helplessly.

—I hope she's okay... Kaito, I promised you in the past that I would save you, but I haven't been able to keep that promise.

Kaito looked at her sadly.

—Mother… what do you mean?

Suddenly, Akina pulled out a sharp object from her sleeve. Kaito's eyes widened in horror as he saw what his mother was planning.

—Mother! What are you doing? —she cried in despair.

Akina began to cry, her hands shaking.

—I'm sorry, son. I can't take it anymore. The pain is too great. I don't want any more of my blood to be contaminated by them.

Kaito began to pull with all his might on the chains that held him, trying to free himself to stop his mother.

—Mother, don't do it! Please, no!

Akina's tears fell steadily as she pointed the object towards her heart.

—Forgive me, son… I couldn't keep my promise.

With a swift, determined movement, Akina stabbed the object into his heart. His body slumped against the wall, life draining from his eyes as blood began to slowly flow out.

Kaito screamed with all his might, desperately pulling at the chains, but it was in vain. His mother was dead.

He fell to his knees, completely defeated. His body trembled, and his mind was blank. Pain and helplessness consumed him, leaving an unbearable emptiness inside him.

A few hours later, a group of villagers came upon the cell. They stopped, shocked by what they found. They opened the door and took out Akina's lifeless body, while Kaito sat on his stone bed, staring blankly and devoid of any will to live.

Hours later, the village leader appeared in front of the cell, his expression one of mockery and disdain. His voice echoed with cruelty:

—Brat, you couldn't save your mother. Look what you've done. Now you'll have to live alone in this hole... Hmph.

Kaito didn't even look up. He stood motionless, like an empty statue.

The leader continued, his tone full of contempt:

—Damn you witches. Now you're the only one left. I'll make you live in agony for the rest of your days for your failure. Your mother was important to the village, and you, a useless brat, couldn't protect her.

Without getting any reaction from Kaito, the leader turned around and walked out of the place, his mocking laughter echoing through the halls.

Time went on. Kaito remained in the cell, fed with only two rations a day, the minimum to keep him alive. Although he sometimes wanted to die, something inside him always pushed him to eat, as if a spark of his humanity refused to be completely extinguished. Days turned into weeks, weeks into months, and months into years.

Chained and completely malnourished, Kaito's body was a mere shadow of what it once was. His black hair had grown matted and wild, falling in clumps that covered his empty face.

One morning, a group of villagers appeared in front of his cell. With disdain and mockery, they opened the door. One of them spoke:

—Damn leech, it's time for you to die. You're wasting the village's food.

Without waiting for a response, they began to beat him savagely, venting their hatred and frustration. Kaito did not make a sound, did not complain, nor did he show the slightest trace of pain in his eyes. His body resisted the blows to the brink of unconsciousness, but his spirit was already broken.

The villagers removed his chains and dragged him out of the cell by his hair. As they walked through the gloomy corridors of the dungeons, Kaito's skin felt the cold air of the surface for the first time in years.

As he stepped outside, the snow and the icy wind buffeted his body. The sun, though dim, illuminated his gaunt face, vaguely reminding him of what life was like outside those walls. In front of them, the village leader waited with a satisfied smile.

"So they beat him half to death," he muttered cynically. "Well done."

One of the villagers, carrying Kaito's battered body, commented:

—It's a shame to lose a specimen like this.

The leader nodded.

—You're right, but if we leave him alive, he'll just be a nuisance. His mother was the only one who was useful, but she died five years ago.

He sighed and pointed out with contempt:

—Take him to the crater and throw him in there. Let him die a slow, miserable death.

Without another word, the villagers began dragging Kaito's limp body along the snowy path. As they did so, Kaito could barely feel the cold of the snow beneath his skin. It had been years since he had experienced the outdoors, neither the warmth of the sun nor the raw cold of the snow. His thoughts were a void, his mind stuck in a limbo between grief and resignation, as he was dragged towards his apparent end.

After a few minutes of walking along a snow-covered path, surrounded by trees bare from winter, the villagers reached the edge of a deep crater. Without stopping, they lifted Kaito by the arms, preparing to throw him. One of them noticed something peculiar on his neck and asked:

—What is that around your neck?

Another villager, after observing him carefully, replied:

—That must be the seal talisman. They placed it on him so he can't use his abilities.

The first one frowned, intrigued:

—The seal talisman? Hm... How about we take it off him?

The others looked at him as if he had said the biggest stupidity in the world and, in unison, shouted:

-No!

"Why not?" the villager asked, somewhat confused.

Another responded harshly:

—If we take that talisman away from him, he could regain his powers... and kill us all. Don't be an idiot. Just throw him into the crater and let's be done with it.

The villager nodded with some resignation. Holding Kaito by the arm, he pushed him into the abyss. However, before he could fall, Kaito reacted instinctively. He grabbed the villager's arm with both hands and screamed, his voice broken with panic:

—I don't want to die! Please don't throw me away!

The fear in his eyes was heart-wrenching, his tears rolling down his cheeks as he begged for mercy. The villagers looked at him with contempt and, noticing his resistance, began to hit him with punches and kicks, shouting in fury:

—Get off me, you damn leech! You have no right to live!

Kaito continued to hold on with all his might, desperately begging:

—Please! Don't do this! I beg you!

But the strength in his hands began to fail. The villagers' blows and kicks quickly weakened him, and with a final, muffled cry, his fingers slipped from the arm that held him. His body fell into the abyss, lost in the darkness of the crater.

As Kaito began to fall, his gaze turned to the sky. Everything seemed to go into slow motion. His gaze shifted to the villagers, who were laughing maliciously. He gritted his teeth in fury, and then time began to move forward again.

His body was descending at high speed. Kaito turned his head downwards, realizing with horror that he couldn't even see the bottom of the crater. Desperate and using the last of his willpower, he raised his hand towards his neck.

He tried to tear off the seal that kept him bound, but an electric shock ran through his body, burning his hands. The energy was overwhelming, but Kaito did not give up. With a cry of rage and pain, he pulled with all his strength, finally tearing off the talisman.

At that moment, his body had already entered the darkness of the depths of the crater. As he released the seal, Kaito felt a torrent of energy run through him. He turned around to look at the sky for the last time and, with his last breath, he shouted:

—I don't want to die! Not like this! I hope to survive!

At that moment, Kaito's body reached the bottom of the crater, crashing brutally into the ground. Blood began to gush out, and Kaito tried to open his mouth to say a few words, but his body refused. His eyes lost their brightness, becoming motionless.

A good distance away from that place, in a quiet room, was Misaki. Her dull eyes stared into space as she sat motionless. Suddenly, she began to cry silently, for no apparent reason, as if something inside her knew what had happened.

Elsewhere, a voice rang out:

—Kaito... It's time to wake up. How long will you stay asleep?

Kaito, confused, thought:

What's going on? That voice... I've heard it before. My eyes... I want to open them.

The voice spoke again, this time more clearly:

—Kaito, get up. It's time to train.

Slowly, Kaito opened his eyes. A bright light blinded him for a moment, but soon his vision adjusted. When he managed to focus, he saw the roof of a house. Startled, he sat up suddenly, eyes wide open. He looked at his smaller body, then looked around. He recognized the place: it was his room.

Sunlight streamed in through the half-open door. At that moment, a figure appeared, partially blocking the light.

Kaito looked up, and upon seeing the person in front of him, his eyes filled with tears. His trembling voice was barely audible:

-Mother...

Akina looked at him with a raised eyebrow and asked:

—Kaito, what's wrong? Are you okay?

Kaito immediately stood up and ran towards her, hugging her tightly.

Akina crouched down to be at his level and spoke softly:

—Is something wrong, Kaito?

Kaito smiled and replied:

—Nothing, I just had a nightmare.

Akina smiled too and stroked her hair:

—I understand. It's time to go eat, let's go.

Kaito took his mother's hand as they walked out of the room. As they passed through the snow-covered garden, Kaito watched and smiled happily. After a while, they arrived at the dining room, where his father and brothers were already waiting for them.

Kaito sat down, looked at his brothers and noticed an empty seat. He then asked:

—Mom, where's Hinata? I can't see her.

Akina replied with a smile:

—She's outside, busy with something. Don't worry.

Kaito nodded, and soon the food was brought out. Everyone ate together, enjoying a peaceful day. As usual, Kaito spent the rest of the day training with his father, playing with his sisters, or accompanying his mother. The days passed peacefully, filled with happiness. However, in all that time, Misaki never appeared again.

One day, while they were having breakfast, Kaito stood up from his seat. The whole family and the maids looked at him curiously.

Kaito bowed deeply and said:

—Thank you, family, for this moment.

Akina looked at him with concern and replied:

—Son, sit down. I don't know what you're saying.

The others looked at each other in silence, until Kenzou, Kaito's father, spoke:

—I wasn't a good father, Kaito. But if that's your decision, we can only accept it.

Akina slammed the table hard, her voice shaking with anger:

—Kenzou! What do you mean by that?

Kenzou looked at her calmly and replied:

—What else can we do? It's the path he wants.

Akina looked at him angrily, with tears in her eyes, and said:

—Outside there will only be pain for him! It is better for him to stay. I promised to protect him!

Kaito intervened with a firm voice:

—Mother, I want to go. You don't have to worry about me. I will survive until the end.

Akina burst into tears and said between sobs:

—I'm a horrible mother. I abandoned my son and, in the end, I couldn't protect him.

Kaito smiled and replied:

—These days of peace with you, living with my family and the maids of the Kagyo clan, are all I ever wanted. I don't hate you for what happened, Mother. I don't hold a grudge against you. And if that's not enough... I forgive you, Mother.

Akina lowered her head, stood up and ran to her son, hugging him tightly.

The maids, witnessing the scene, began to cry.

Kenzou closed his eyes seriously, while Kaito's brothers also burst into tears.

Kaito returned the hug. Then, decisively, he turned around, opened the door and left the room.

The family stood up and followed him. Kaito walked to the entrance of the clan estate, slipping on his sandals as he made his way through the snow. As he approached, the members of the Kagyo clan watched him in silence, raising their arms in farewell.

Kenzou spoke solemnly:

—Son, once you cross that door, you will no longer be you. You will be someone else. But don't forget that to us, you will always be our son.

Renjiro, his older brother, added:

—Brother, become the strongest.

Hinata, his sister, spoke with tears in her eyes:

—You were our little brother. We should have protected you, but we failed. We're sorry. We'll be waiting for you, Kaito.

Akina, trying to hold back her tears, said tenderly:

—Son, go ahead without stopping. If that is your wish, we will respect it, my dear son.

The other people in the clan said in unison:

—Young master, take care on your way. We will be waiting for you when you return.

Kaito turned around to look at everyone one last time. Then, he walked towards the entrance, each step filled with pain and longing. The words stuck in his throat, but the tears fell uncontrollably.

As he took his last step, he said:

—Wait for me. I'm sure I'll be back after I've accomplished what I want.

And with that, he was completely gone.