Chapter Four: Traces of the Past

Chapter 4: Traces of the Past

After a night full of events and training, Ryoma began to feel the weight of unanswered questions. Why is the Crimson Sword so important? Why is the shadow of Owari haunting him? Why has his family been the guardians of this sword for generations? These questions did not leave his mind as he sat in his dark room surrounded by the deadly silence of the village.

Investigating the Family's Past

Ryoma decided to talk to his father about it. His father was sitting in the courtyard of the small house, silently gazing at the stars, when Ryoma approached him seriously and said:

"Father, I need to know the truth. Why us? And why this sword?"

His father looked up at the sky, then at Ryoma and said:

"Son, I knew this day would come. What I am about to tell you is not just a story, but a legacy that has been carried by our blood for generations."

His father began to talk about his great-grandfather, Kazehaya the Elder, who lived during a time of fierce war between the samurai clans. The Crimson Sword was a weapon created by guardian spirits to protect humanity from dark forces, but it was also a gateway to a power that could not be easily controlled. His great-grandfather was the leader of a samurai clan who vowed to protect this sword from falling into the wrong hands.

A Hidden Memory from the Past

Ryoma’s father took him to an ancient crypt beneath the house, one he had never known existed. The walls were covered in ancient symbols and paintings that told stories of the battles their family had fought. His father stood before a large painting showing the elder Kazehaya facing an army of shadows, the Crimson Sword glowing in his hand.

“This is my great-grandfather,” his father said. “He knew that the sword would bring greatness to our family but also eternal danger. The Owari Shadows are not just enemies, they are the remnants of spirits seeking revenge, representing the dark side of this sword.”

Visiting the Shrine

Ryoma felt the need to understand more, so his father suggested that they visit the ancient family shrine, where his great-grandfather was buried. At dawn, Ryoma prepared himself, and the journey began to the mountains, where the shrine was located surrounded by dense trees.

The road was long and rugged, but Himari accompanied him, which increased his resolve. When they arrived, they found the shrine surrounded by spiritual symbols and colorful stones with a faint glow. Himari stood in front of the shrine and closed her eyes.

"Ryoma, this place is filled with spiritual energy. If you want to understand your legacy, you must open your heart to this energy. Sit down and meditate."

Ryoma sat down and closed his eyes, trying to connect with the spirit of his great-grandfather. Suddenly, he felt a cool breeze envelop his body, and before him he saw a transparent entity similar to the entity he had met before, but this time it was more majestic and powerful.

"Ryoma Kazehaya, my brave grandson," the entity said in a deep voice. "It is time for you to learn the full truth about this sword. It is not just a weapon; it is the key to the balance of the world."

Vision of the Past

The entity touched Ryoma's forehead, and suddenly he found himself watching the memories of the past as if he were living them himself. He saw his great-grandfather leading an army against the shadows in a fierce battle and saw how the crimson sword exploded with tremendous energy, causing the shadows to disappear, but ultimately costing his grandfather his life.

He also saw how the Owari clan was trying to steal the sword to use as a tool of destruction. Since then, this clan has become a curse that haunts the Kazehaya family.

A New Decision

Ryoma woke up from the vision feeling the weight of the mission he had inherited. He returned to his village with Himari, but he knew that his true journey began now. He had to train harder, find allies, and confront the shadows of Owari before they could take possession of the sword.

"I will not let the past control my future," Ryoma said to himself. "I will be ready for anything."

Chapter End

Chapter 4 ends with Ryoma motivated to face his legacy bravely, realizing that the sword is not just a weapon, but a great responsibility.