CTS TIME: RE250.05.25 – 11:15 AM (Hikarashi Village Local Time)
LOCATION: Hikarashi Village – Land of Blaze
As Serena, Jasper, and Sienna stepped out of the Homurakage's fortress, they were met with a breathtaking sight—
The vast, lively expanse of Hikarashi Village.
Built within the volcanic heart of the Land of Blaze, the village thrived despite the harsh environment.
The first thing Jasper noticed was the enormous stone mountain behind the village, where massive carved faces of past Homurakages stared down over the land.
"Huh," Jasper mused, staring up at the mountain. "You guys just love putting giant faces on rocks, huh?"
Ryuji grinned.
"It's a symbol of our legacy! The great leaders who shaped our village!"
Aiko nodded enthusiastically.
"One day, our Homurakage's face will be up there too!"
Jasper smirked.
"I dunno, Ryu. Maybe they'll carve your face there instead."
Ryuji immediately lit up.
"You think so?! Hell yeah! Future Homurakage, here I come!"
Serena rolled her eyes.
"Don't encourage him."
Sienna, meanwhile, had already begun her work.
She activated her holo-interface, scanning the area and collecting data on the village's infrastructure, climate, and terrain.
As she walked, she spoke softly to herself, recording observations.
"Hikarashi Village operates primarily on traditional shinobi infrastructure. No advanced technology—commerce and governance are entirely based on feudal systems. The environment is a mix of summer, winter, and rainy seasons, with volcanic regions playing a major role in its climate history. This planet belongs to the Land of Blaze due to ancient volcanic eruptions that shaped its geography…"
Jasper glanced at her.
"You talk to yourself a lot, huh?"
Sienna didn't look up.
"It's called data logging."
Serena smirked.
"Sounds nerdy."
Sienna raised an eyebrow.
"And yet, it's vital for inter-universal research. Unlike you two, some of us do actual work."
Jasper shrugged.
"Hey, swinging a sword and looking good while doing it is hard work too."
Serena sighed.
"God, you're hopeless."
The Marketplace – A Glimpse into Shinobi Life
As they moved through the village, the streets became livelier.
Shinobi, merchants, and civilians went about their daily routines—
Farmers carried fresh produce through the streets.
Blacksmiths hammered away at kunai, shuriken, and katana blades.
Food stalls filled the air with the rich aroma of ramen, grilled meats, and spicy rice dishes.
Chunin-level shinobi patrolled the streets, keeping a watchful eye over the village.
Jasper's stomach growled.
"Okay, forget everything else—what's the best food here?"
Aiko giggled.
"The Blazing Ramen Stall! Best ramen in the entire Land of Blaze!"
Ryuji grabbed Jasper's wrist.
"Come on! You have to try it!"
Before Jasper could protest, he was dragged away by an overly excited Ryuji.
Sienna shook her head, continuing to collect data.
Serena sighed.
"Great. Now we've lost him."
Aiko laughed.
"He'll be fine. Besides, now I can show you the training grounds!"
Serena raised an eyebrow.
"Training grounds, huh?"
Aiko grinned.
"Wanna see how real shinobi fight?"
Serena smirked.
"Lead the way."
With that, she and Aiko headed toward the training district, while Sienna continued scanning the village—completely immersed in her research.
Meanwhile, back at the Homurakage's office, the tension in the air remained thick.
Kenshiro stood near the window, watching the village below.
The Homurakage, seated behind his massive wooden desk, studied an ancient scroll.
The same scroll that told the legend of Nyxarion.
"Their swords," Kenshiro murmured. "They radiate a similar presence."
The Homurakage nodded slowly.
"It's faint… but it's there."
His eyes drifted to the wall of past Homurakages, his gaze locking onto the portrait of the Fourth Homurakage.
"The one who sealed Nyxarion inside Ryuji…"
Kenshiro turned toward him.
"If their swords truly hold dragon spirits, do you think they have knowledge of Nyxarion?"
The Homurakage exhaled deeply.
"Perhaps. Or perhaps… this is fate leading them here for another reason."
Kenshiro frowned.
"What do you mean?"
The Homurakage closed the scroll, his expression unreadable.
"I fear… Ryuji's time as a mere shinobi is running short."
Kenshiro's eyes widened slightly.
"You think Nyxarion will awaken?"
The Homurakage leaned forward.
"I think it is inevitable."
Kenshiro clenched his fists.
"Then we must prepare."
The Homurakage's gaze darkened.
"No. We must understand first. And that begins… with those outsiders."
Jasper stared at the steaming bowls lined up before him, the scent of spicy miso broth and sizzling pork filling the air.
Ryuji grinned wildly, rubbing his hands together in excitement.
"Alright, Jasper! Welcome to the ultimate shinobi challenge—The Blazing Inferno Ramen Contest!"
Jasper leaned back, raising an eyebrow.
"Ramen contest? Sounds easy."
Jasper smirked.
"Pfft. Please. I've handled way worse."
Sienna, still busy scanning her holopad, barely looked up.
"You're going to regret that."
Ryuji slammed his hands onto the table, his blue lightning-patterned headband slightly tilting.
"Okay! The rules are simple—first one to finish three bowls wins! If you tap out, you lose!"
Jasper grinned, cracking his knuckles.
"Let's do this."
The Inferno Begins
The chef placed the first two bowls in front of them, the broth bubbling with an unnatural crimson glow.
Ryuji clapped his hands together.
"ITADAKIMASU!"
Jasper shrugged.
"Yeah, yeah. Let's eat."
Both of them dug in.
The moment Jasper took his first bite—
BOOOOOM!!
It was like swallowing liquid fire.
His throat burned, his face flushed, and his eyes watered instantly.
"HOLY—" Jasper coughed, slamming his fist onto the table. "WHAT IS THIS? LAVA?!"
Ryuji was already halfway through his bowl, sweat dripping from his forehead but determination burning in his eyes.
"Too late to quit now, pretty boy!"
Jasper gritted his teeth, forcing another mouthful down.
The heat was unbearable—but his pride was stronger.
Sienna sighed.
"I told you."
Serena, standing nearby, smirked.
"Maybe now you'll learn to stop running your mouth."
Jasper, his face now completely red, refused to give up.
"I—AM—FINE!"
Five minutes later—
Ryuji slammed his empty bowl down.
"DONE! Second bowl!"
Jasper grabbed his second bowl with shaky hands.
"I swear… I'm gonna kill this kid…"