Chapter 2: The Path to Kamui
It had been two days since the death of his parents.
Toji still couldn't accept it.
The silence in the house was unbearable, every corner filled with memories he wished he could escape. But no matter how much it hurt, he had already made his decision.
He was leaving.
His destination—Mount Kamui.
It was the only lead he had. The only place where he might find Azui.
The journey would be long and dangerous, but none of that mattered. Revenge burned too deeply within him.
Every time he thought about his parents, he saw her.
The fox.
That smirk on her face… cold, mocking, unforgettable.
His fists clenched.
I'll wipe it off… no matter what it takes.
Before leaving, Toji searched his father's bunker and found a hidden stash of money. For a brief moment, a small smile appeared on his face.
His father had prepared for his future.
Even if he wasn't here anymore.
After gathering everything he needed, Toji left the house behind and began walking toward the nearest village, nearly four hours away.
---
By the time he arrived at Shin Wei, the sun was already high in the sky.
The sight before him was overwhelming.
The village was massive, filled with life—traders shouting, carts rolling through the streets, people moving in every direction. Colors, sounds, and energy surrounded him.
Toji froze.
He had never seen anything like it before.
Tears slowly rolled down his face.
I wish I had come here with Dad…
But he quickly wiped them away.
He couldn't afford distractions.
Even if his father wouldn't have wanted revenge…
Toji would follow his own path.
A path driven by blood and purpose.
Lost in thought, he nearly got hit by a passing carriage.
"Watch it!"
The shout snapped him back to reality. He stepped aside quickly, his heart racing.
Shaking his head, he refocused.
He needed a map. And somewhere to sleep.
---
Toji wandered into a small accessory shop.
Various items filled the shelves, but one thing immediately caught his attention—a red dagger.
It stood out.
He picked it up, testing its weight. It felt… perfect.
Familiar.
Almost like—
"Where did this come from?" he asked.
The vendor glanced at it. "That? Brought in by a hunter from the woods. Name's Hamura."
Toji froze.
That was his father.
"The guy's strong," the vendor continued. "Doesn't hunt small animals—only bears, tigers… the strongest out there. Sometimes he brings weapons too, but never says where he gets them."
Toji lowered his gaze.
He never knew.
He never knew his father was this respected.
For a moment, pride rose in his chest—
…but it faded just as quickly.
What is pride… when the source is gone?
"What do you need a dagger for?" the vendor asked. "You're too young. Shouldn't you be with your parents?"
Toji's voice was calm.
"I just need something to protect myself. My parents are gone."
The vendor hesitated, then simply nodded and sold him the dagger.
Before leaving, Toji asked about a place to stay.
The vendor gave directions and added a warning.
"Be careful. Things have been rough lately. New emperor… bandits everywhere."
But Toji was already walking away.
He didn't listen.
---
After some time, he realized he had forgotten to ask about Mount Kamui.
He sighed.
I'll ask someone else.
Just then—
"Grrr…"
His stomach growled loudly.
Toji placed a hand on it.
"Man… I'm starving."
Spotting a dumpling stand nearby, he walked over and bought enough to last him the whole day.
After finishing, he turned to the shop owner.
"Where can I get a map?"
The woman looked at him with concern.
"What do you need a map for, honey? Are you lost?"
Toji's expression hardened.
Again.
"Are you lost?"
"Where are your parents?"
The same questions.
Over and over.
His fists clenched slightly.
If my parents were here… would I be like this?
Isn't it obvious I'm alone?
He didn't answer.
Instead, he turned and walked away.
---
"Wait!"
He stopped.
"I'm sorry," the woman called out. "I shouldn't have asked like that. You're looking for a map, right?"
Toji glanced back.
"…Yes."
"Go to the bookstore at the center of the village. You'll find one there."
"Thank you, ma'am."
As he walked off, she added,
"Be careful. And find somewhere to stay before sundown. It's dangerous at night."
Toji slowed slightly.
That made two people who had warned him.
Something wasn't right in this village.
But he didn't stop to think about it.
---
"Finally…"
Toji stood in front of the bookstore.
From the outside, it was one of the most beautiful buildings in Shin Wei—clean wood, detailed carvings, perfectly designed.
But inside…
It felt completely different.
Old.
Dusty.
Ancient.
The air was heavy, and the shelves creaked under the weight of countless books.
Toji approached the front desk.
A man sat there with a book covering his face.
"I'm looking for a map to Mount Kamui," Toji said.
The book slowly lowered.
The man stood up.
Toji's eyes widened.
He was huge—at least 6'5", towering over him like a wall.
Toji had never seen anyone this tall before.
The man looked down at him, his gaze sharp and intimidating.
"What business do you have in Mount Kamui?"He asked, his voice deep and intimidating.
The air in the room seemed to tighten