The Orphans

The dojo sat quietly in the morning light. The wooden gates were open, showing the wide training grounds inside. Birds chirped in the trees, and the wind carried the scent of fresh earth and wood.

The five disciples—Mono, Raiba, Josei, Hito, and Tokira—stood together. They stretched and warmed up for the day ahead. They weren't special warriors or legends. They were just kids Sensei had taken in, orphans from different homes. Now, they lived and trained together, learning how to fight and grow stronger.

Sensei stood nearby, watching them. His long white hair rested neatly behind him, and his white beard was well-kept. He looked old, but he stood straight, his body strong, his movements firm. His sharp eyes showed experience, but his energy made him feel much younger than he looked. He was steady, confident, and always carried himself with purpose.

Mono stretched his arms, grinning. "I feel great today! We should start with running! Or sword drills! Or maybe climbing trees! Yeah, let's do everything!"

Raiba sighed. "You say this every single morning."

Mono laughed, bouncing slightly on his feet. "That's because I mean it! Gotta keep the energy up, right?"

Hito smirked, adjusting the wrappings around his hands. "You're only this excited because Sensei is going to buy food today."

Josei stood near the gate, her gaze fixed on the marketplace beyond. **Zeni'i no Machi** was already busy, filled with vendors and traders selling goods. The smell of fresh bread and roasted meat floated in the air.

"We need food for the week," Josei said. "I'll go to the market now before the best stuff is gone."

Before she could take a step, Sensei turned to her, shaking his head. "No need. I'll go," he said.

Josei frowned slightly. "Sensei, I don't mind. I know what we need."

Sensei crossed his arms. "It's not about knowing. It's about focus. You train while I take care of supplies."

Raiba sighed. "You better remember everything this time."

Sensei ignored the remark, stepping forward slightly. His long white hair moved with the breeze, his sharp eyes scanning the group.

"You all come from different places," he said. "Different paths, different struggles. But you are here now. And here, you move forward together."

Mono grinned. "Yeah! We're a team! And a team needs food, so don't forget the dumplings, Sensei!"

Sensei chuckled lightly. "Food is fuel. I won't forget."

Without another word, he walked through the gates toward the market, disappearing into the busy town streets. The disciples watched him go before turning back to training, ready for whatever the day would bring.