Kenji had spent so long trying to find his "inner fire" that he eventually gave up, collapsing onto the grass with a groan of pure annoyance. By the time Yume called him for lunch, he was alone; she had abandoned her own meditation long ago.
When he reached the house, he stopped short. Yushiro was awake.
The boy sat at the table like an exquisite, silent doll, rubbing the sleep from his jewel-like violet eyes. Selena was beaming at him, clearly charmed by his presence. Even Yume was sporting a light pink blush, while Takahiro watched the newcomer with a guarded, complicated expression. Ray looked on with mild amusement, but Anna's face remained an unreadable mask.
"Yushiro! You're finally up," Kenji said, sliding into his usual seat. "Are you okay? You were out for ages."
Yushiro turned a faint, sleepy look of annoyance toward him. He remained silent for a long moment before his melodic voice drifted across the table. "I was tired. I still am, actually."
"As long as you're good, little brother," Kenji joked.
As Selena served the meat and stew, Kenji studied Yushiro closely. Despite the "perfect" look of his silver hair, there was a lingering darkness in the depths of his violet eyes—a hazy, dozy quality that suggested he hadn't fully returned from wherever his sleep had taken him.
The meal was quiet until Yushiro stood up abruptly. "I am going to get ready."
A few minutes later, Yushiro emerged wearing a simple hakama—stark white on top and deep black on the bottom. He moved with an effortless, easy grace that made the simple clothes look regal.
"Let's go," Yushiro said to Kenji.
Kenji blinked. "Go where?"
"We are going to solve an obstacle that you seem unable to handle by yourself," Yushiro replied calmly, already heading for the door.
Takahiro, Yume, and Ray exchanged looks. "Ray, can we go with them?" Takahiro asked.
Ray watched the silver-haired boy, who didn't even bother to look back at the group. "I don't see why not," Ray murmured.
The group trailed behind Yushiro as he led them deep into the forest. He navigated the dense woods with an indifference that bordered on boredom, taking a route that none of the villagers recognized.
Yume leaned closer to Ray, her voice a whisper. "Dad, who is that kid, really?"
Ray looked down at his daughter. "I haven't told you the full story yet. That boy is the one who finished the remaining invaders."
Both Yume and Takahiro froze. They stared at Yushiro's small, aloof back.
"No way, Dad," Yume hissed. "Even Big Brother Taka couldn't beat them all."
Ray chuckled softly, his fox-like eyes narrowing. "Little one, you have yet to see the world. Your brother is strong, but he has much growing to do."
Yume huffed and crossed her arms. "Taka is the strongest! Second only to you."
Ray offered a small, knowing smile, but his gaze shifted to Takahiro, whose emerald eyes were fixed on Yushiro with mounting conflict.
Up ahead, Kenji scrambled to keep pace with Yushiro's effortless stride. "So, seriously, where are we going?"
"I believe I told you," Yushiro said, his voice neutral and melodic.
"Right, the 'obstacle.' What does that mean?"
Yushiro shot a glance over his shoulder. "What are you currently struggling with on your Hashi Path?"
"Uh… stabilizing my core. And fully forming it," Kenji admitted, scratching his head.
"Unfortunately," Yushiro said with a faint sigh, "your incompetence requires external help."
"Huh?"
"Be quiet," Yushiro commanded softly. "We are going to get you help."