Chapter 3: Chapter 3
19 years later
"Akaji! Akaji, wake up! Come downstairs, breakfast is ready!" Mei's voice echoed up the stairs, accompanied by the savory aromas of cooking rice and vegetables.
Akaji stirred in his bed, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. He yawned, stretching his arms above his head, and swung his legs over the side of the bed. His bare feet dangled in the air for a moment before he stood up, shaking off the remnants of sleep.
He made his way downstairs, his stomach growling with anticipation. As he entered the kitchen, Mei smiled warmly at him. "Happy birthday, Akaji! Come, eat your breakfast. Your father is already out in the fields."
The kitchen was filled with the warm glow of morning sunlight, streaming in through the large windows. The room was simple, yet cozy, with wooden beams and earthy tones. A large wooden table dominated the center of the room, surrounded by chairs and benches.
Mei handed Akaji a steaming bowl of rice and vegetables. "Your siblings wanted to be here for your birthday, but they had to attend to their own families."
Akaji smiled, taking a bite of his breakfast. As he ate, he thought about how lucky he was to have such a loving family. They may not have a fancy clan name, but they had built a good life here. The farm was thriving, and the general store provided for many of their neighbors. This was his family, and he was grateful for them.
Akaji then took a bite of his breakfast, savoring the flavors of the rice and vegetables. As he chewed, he looked up at his mother, Mei. She was a petite woman, with a round face and a warm smile. Her deep green eyes sparkled with kindness, and her long, dark hair was streaked with threads of silver.
As Akaji gazed at his mother, he couldn't help but notice the differences between them. For the past few years, he had become increasingly aware of how unlike his parents he looked. While their eyes, and those of his siblings, were a deep green, his own eyes were an unnaturally dark blue, almost black. And his short, black hair was streaked with white, giving him a prematurely aged appearance, reminiscent of one of the village elders.
Akaji's gaze lingered on his mother's face, searching for any sign of resemblance. But there was none. He looked nothing like her, or his father, or any of his siblings. It was as if he had been plucked from a different family altogetether.
Akaji finished his breakfast, feeling grateful for the loving family he had. Despite his physical differences, he knew they had accepted him for who he was.
As he pushed his bowl away, Mei placed a small, exquisite box on the table in front of him. "Happy birthday, Akaji," she said, her eyes shining with warmth.
Akaji's eyes widened as he opened the box, revealing a delicate, sugar-glazed pastry inside. He had never seen anything like it before. "Mother, this is...this is too expensive," he protested, feeling a pang of guilt.
Mei waved her hand dismissively. "Nonsense, Akaji. You deserve it. You've been working so hard on the farm and at the store. Your father and I wanted to get you something special."
Akaji's eyes met his mother's, and he saw the sincerity and love there. He felt a lump form in his throat as he realized how much his parents cared for him. "Thank you, Mother," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
Mei smiled and reached out to ruffle his hair. "We love you, Akaji. You're a part of this family, and we're proud of you."
Akaji thanked his mother again, feeling grateful for the thoughtful gift. After finishing the pastry, he pushed his chair back and stood up, wiping his hands on his pants.
He walked outside into the warm sunlight, taking a deep breath of the fresh air. The farm stretched out before him, rows of lush green crops swaying gently in the breeze. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the earthy smell of freshly turned soil.
Akaji wore a simple but practical outfit, consisting of a lightweight white tunic and loose-fitting black pants. His feet were clad in sturdy leather boots, suitable for working on the farm.
As he walked through the farm, the breeze rustled his hair, carrying the whispers of the crops and the distant songs of birds. Akaji felt at peace, surrounded by the natural beauty of the farm.
He made his way towards his father, who was busy helping the farmhands with the day's tasks. Kaito was a tall, imposing figure, with a strong jawline and piercing green eyes. His dark hair was flecked with gray, a testament to his years of hard work.
As Akaji approached, Kaito looked up and smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Ah, Akaji! Happy birthday, son! I see your mother spoiled you with a special treat."
Akaji nods, feeling a sense of anticipation of a hard day's work. "What's the plan for today, Father?" he asked, falling into step beside Kaito.
Kaito wiped the sweat from his brow, his eyes scanning the farmhands as they worked. "I'm just finishing things up here, and then we'll head to the general store. We'll get some work done, and then we'll load up the cart with goods to deliver to town."
Akaji nodded, already knowing the routine. He had helped his father with deliveries many times before.
As they finished up at the farm, Kaito called out to the farmhands, "Alright, let's get moving! We've got a lot of ground to cover today."
The farmhands, two sturdy men named Taro and Kenji, climbed onto the back of the horse-drawn cart, laden with crates and baskets of fresh produce. Kaito and Akaji took their seats on the front of the cart, with Kaito holding the reins.
The horses, two beautiful brown mares named Izumi and Akira, snorted and pawed the ground, eager to get moving. Kaito smiled, patting Kuro on the neck. "Alright, boys, let's get going."
With a gentle jolt, the cart began to move, rolling smoothly over the dirt road as they made their way towards the bustling town.
As they rode along the winding trail, the scenery shifted from rolling hills and fields to a denser, more wooded area. The trees grew taller and closer together, casting dappled shadows across the trail. The air grew cooler and more fragrant, filled with the scent of blooming wildflowers.
The trail began to slope downward, and the sound of running water grew louder. As they rounded a bend, the town came into view, nestled in a valley surrounded by towering trees. The buildings were a mix of wooden and stone structures, with tile roofs and bustling streets.
Kaito glanced over at Akaji, a proud smile on his face. "You know, Akaji, it's hard to believe you're 19 already. It seems like just yesterday you were a little boy, running around the farm and getting into mischief."
Akaji chuckled, feeling a sense of nostalgia wash over him. "I know, Father. Time really flies."
Kaito's expression turned serious, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Son, now that you're grown, it's time for you to start thinking about your future. What do you want to do with your life?"
Akaji's eyes drifted off, lost in thought as he considered his father's question. Kaito waited patiently, allowing his son the time he needed to gather his thoughts.
After a moment, Kaito spoke up, "You know, Akaji, you've always shown a keen mind for business. Maybe you could work at the store for a couple of years, learn the ins and outs, and then take over as manager someday?"
Akaji's gaze snapped back to his father, his brow furrowed in consideration. "What about you and Mother? Won't one of my brothers want to take over?"
Kaito chuckled, shaking his head. "Your brothers have their own lives, Akaji. They've made their own paths, and they're happy. And as for your sister, she married into the Wu clan. They have their own family business to attend to."
Akaji nodded, understanding. His father's words made sense, but he still felt uncertain. "I don't know, Father. I need more time to think."
Kaito's expression softened, and he reached out to squeeze Akaji's knee gently. "There's no rush, son. Take all the time you need. We just want you to be happy and fulfilled."
As they approached the entrance of the town, Akaji could see two guards standing at attention, their eyes scanning the incoming traffic. They wore traditional armor, with leather cuirasses adorned with intricate bronze plates, and conical helmets with crimson tassels. Their faces were stern, but their eyes betrayed a hint of curiosity as they watched the cart approach.
Kaito nodded to the guards as they passed through the stone-like arch, adorned with intricate carvings of dragons and phoenixes. The arch was emblazoned with the town's name, "Ninho", in bold, golden characters.
As they entered the town, Akaji was struck by the sheer size and bustle of the place. What was once a small village had grown into a thriving town, thanks to the influence of Master Lui Wong and the Thunderball sect. Dozens of warrior caste and merchant caste families had moved into the town, bringing with them their skills, trade, and culture.
The town was a tapestry of sounds, sights, and smells. The air was thick with the aroma of cooking oil, incense, and fresh bread. Merchants hawked their wares, from colorful silks to glittering jade, while artisans demonstrated their crafts, from woodworking to calligraphy.
People of all ages and occupations hurried through the streets, from stern-faced warriors to laughing children. The sound of hammering, chatter, and music filled the air, creating a vibrant, living melody.
As they made their way through the town, Akaji caught glimpses of the Thunderball sect's influence. Disciples in crisp, blue robes hurried through the streets, their faces focused on their missions. The sect's emblem, a stylized thunderball, adorned buildings and banners throughout the town.
Kaito navigated the cart through the crowded streets, expertly avoiding pedestrians, carts, and stray animals. Akaji watched, fascinated, as the town unfolded before him like a living, breathing creature.
As they reached the store, Kaito reined in the horses, and Akaji hopped down from the cart. The farmhands, Taro and Kenji, began unloading the crates and baskets, and Akaji lent a hand.
Just as they were getting into the rhythm of unloading, Akaji heard his name being called. "Akaji! Akaji!" He looked up to see his two best friends, Jianyu and Lian, hurrying towards him.
Jianyu was a handsome young man with chiseled features, piercing brown eyes, and a strong jawline. His dark hair was always perfectly messy, and his charming smile could disarm even the grumpiest of townspeople.
Lian, on the other hand, was a dark-haired jade beauty with porcelain skin and expressive brown eyes. Her raven-black hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall of night, and her delicate features were always set in a gentle smile.
Both Jianyu and Lian were children of the local bakers, and they had grown up surrounded by the sweet aromas of freshly baked bread and pastries. Akaji had known them since childhood, and they had been inseparable ever since.
Jianyu and Lian reached the cart, out of breath and grinning. "Happy birthday, Akaji!" they chimed in unison, as Jianyu clapped Akaji on the back and Lian handed him a small, exquisitely wrapped package.
There wouldn't be an arcade in an ancient Chinese-inspired setting. Let me try again.
Instead, I could say that Lian suggested they play some games at the town's central square, or visit the local park to watch the street performers.
Jianyu and Lian beamed with pride, happy to see their friend so delighted with the gift. "We're glad you like it," Jianyu said, clapping Akaji on the back. "Now, come on, it's your birthday! Let's celebrate!"
Lian nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah, we were thinking of heading into town, maybe grab some food at the teahouse or watch the street performers at the central square. Want to come with us?"
Akaji hesitated for a moment, looking towards his father for permission. Kaito, who was busy supervising the unloading of the cart, caught his eye and waved him off with a warm smile.
"Go on, Akaji," Kaito said. "It's your birthday, enjoy yourself! I'll take care of things here."
As they walked through the town, Akaji was struck by the vibrant atmosphere. Lanterns in every color of the rainbow hung from the eaves of the buildings, casting a warm, festive glow over the streets. The air was filled with the sweet scent of incense and the sound of laughter and music.
Jianyu, Lian, and Akaji strolled along, taking in the sights and sounds of the town. They passed by street vendors selling everything from steaming dumplings to intricate, handmade trinkets. The smell of roasting meats and fresh bread wafted through the air, making Akaji's stomach growl with hunger.
As they turned a corner, they entered the Performance District, where a lively puppet show was underway. A colorful stage had been set up in the center of the square, and a crowd of onlookers had gathered to watch the show.
The puppets, intricately carved and painted, danced and capered on the stage, their strings manipulated by a skilled puppeteer. The story was a classic tale of good vs. evil, with a brave hero battling a fire-breathing dragon.
Akaji, Jianyu, and Lian watched, entranced, as the puppet show reached its climax. The crowd erupted into applause as the hero emerged victorious, and the puppeteer took a triumphant bow.
As they getting up after finish watching the puppet show, a commotion began to stir at the edge of the crowd. Akaji, Jianyu, and Lian exchanged curious glances as students of the Thunderball sect began marching and jogging in unison towards the town square.
The townspeople, sensing something exciting was about to happen, began rushing towards the square, eager to get a glimpse of the action. Jianyu quickly stopped a little girl who was darting past them, her eyes shining with excitement.
"What's going on?" Jianyu asked her, holding her gently by the shoulders.
"It's a duel!" she squealed, barely containing her enthusiasm. "Someone has challenged Master Lui Wong! My father said it's going to be the most epic battle ever!"
Akaji's eyes widened with excitement as he exchanged a glance with Jianyu and Lian. They quickly rushed towards the town square, following the crowd to the dueling platform.
As they arrived, they saw the opposing sect, the Sunbringer sect, standing opposite the Thunderball sect. The Sunbringer sect's students wore sleek, orange robes with golden trim, their faces set in determined expressions.
Atop the dueling platform stood the Sunbringer sect's master, the formidable Zhang Tianyu, from the rival town of Huoyan. His piercing gaze swept the crowd, his eyes flashing with a fierce inner light. Akaji felt a shiver run down his spine as he realized that this battle was going to be legendary.