A sudden, piercing wail shattered the night—the alarm swars rang across Kuroshin. The sharp, rhythmic sound echoed through the streets, a chilling reminder of the impending danger.
Doors flew open, lanterns flickered, and hurried footsteps thundered against the stone roads. Shinobis, villagers, and officials rushed toward the center of the village, drawn by the urgency in the air. Their faces were filled with confusion, fear, and an unspoken dread.
As they gathered, their murmurs grew louder, but then… silence fell.
Ayu stood before them.
Gasps spread like wildfire through the crowd. Eyes widened, hands trembled, and whispers filled the air. The boy they had cast out, the boy they had turned away, had returned.
---
Kagutsuchi's Address
Kagutsuchi stepped forward, his presence commanding. His gaze swept across the anxious faces before him. He took a deep breath, then raised his voice, cutting through the hushed murmurs.
"All of you, hear what I say!"
The crowd tensed, their eyes locked onto their leader.
"The beast who took the Seventh Hoshikage from us… the one who destroyed everything in his path and killed countless innocent lives… is coming back."
A wave of horror rippled through the villagers. Parents clutched their children tighter. Swordsmen exchanged uneasy glances.
"And he's coming for Ayu." Kagutsuchi's voice hardened. "If he doesn't find him, he will destroy this entire village."
A solemn silence hung in the air. The truth weighed heavily on them all.
Kagutsuchi clenched his fists, his voice burning with resolve.
"We must fight. Fight to save our people. Fight to protect our home. Fight to defend this world."
His voice echoed through the streets, igniting a spark in the hearts of the villagers.
"Because if he gains the sword, he won't just destroy us—he will end everything."
---
The Voice of Fear
A sudden voice broke through the tension.
"But if we kill Ayu… then nobody can get the sword!"
The words slithered through the crowd like a venomous snake. Gasps followed. Eyes darted toward Ayu, some filled with guilt, others with uncertainty.
Kagutsuchi's gaze darkened. He stepped forward, his presence suffocating.
"This world has become too selfish." His voice was sharp, filled with quiet fury.
He swept his hand toward Ayu. "You cast him out of his own home. You abandoned him when he needed you the most."
A shameful silence settled over the villagers.
"And yet, when it comes to protecting you…" Kagutsuchi's voice trembled with frustration. "He still stands with us."
People lowered their heads. The weight of his words crushed their previous thoughts.
"But you… you are becoming worse." Kagutsuchi's voice turned cold. "The only difference between you and Yukato… is that he has more power."
His words struck deep, leaving an unshakable silence in their wake.
In the depths of the restless crowd, a small boy stood, his tiny hands clutching his mother's robes. His innocent eyes blinked in confusion as he listened to the serious words being exchanged.
His voice, soft and untainted, broke the heavy atmosphere.
"Mom… what are they talking about? Why is there such a big crowd?"
His mother knelt beside him, her expression gentle but weary. She brushed his dark hair back and spoke in a hushed voice.
"Nothing, my son… just some evil men coming to harm us. But don't worry. These warriors will protect us."
The boy, Ivao, furrowed his tiny brows. "But… why would someone want to harm us? What did we do to them?"
His mother's smile was sad, her fingers gently stroking his cheek. "You don't need to understand these things, my love. Just enjoy the world while you can. As long as I am with you, you don't have to worry about anything."
Ivao's small hands balled into fists. His young heart burned with a fierce determination only a child could hold.
"I will protect you, Mom. From everything."
His mother's eyes softened, a bittersweet warmth spreading in her chest. She pulled him close, holding him tightly.
"You are too kind for this world, my son."
But in her heart, she knew… kindness alone wouldn't be enough to survive what was coming.