Secrets Behind The Door

The dojo was quiet. The breeze moved through the open gates, carrying the scent of fresh earth. Birds chirped in the trees, but inside the training grounds, the five disciples had stopped moving.

They stood near the back of the dojo, staring at Sensei's room.

Mono tapped his foot against the wooden floor, arms crossed. "He's still gone," he said casually.

Raiba arched a brow. "And?"

Mono shrugged. "I mean… we could check his room."

Josei frowned, tightening her arms across her chest. "That's invading his space."

Hito leaned against the wooden railing, thoughtful. "But it's never locked."

Tokira remained silent, his gaze fixed on the door.

Mono grinned. "We don't take anything. We just… look."

Raiba sighed. "You just want to see that book."

Mono nodded. "Exactly! Sensei never lets us read it, but he's always carrying it. It has to be something important."

Josei hesitated, then glanced at the door again.

Sensei wasn't back.

The wind pushed gently against the walls. The scent of the town's marketplace drifted in, carrying the faint aroma of roasted meat and fresh bread.

Hito smirked. "If we're doing it, we should do it fast."

Mono stepped forward, glancing over his shoulder. "So… are we doing this or not?"

No one answered, but no one stopped him either.

His hand hovered over the door handle, fingers brushing against the wood.

He took a breath, then gripped the handle.

He pushed.

Nothing happened.

He frowned, adjusting his stance, then pulled the handle.

The door didn't move.

"Wait… What?" He tried again, shaking it slightly. "It's never locked—why isn't it opening?"

Raiba moved closer, testing the handle himself. "That's weird."

Hito narrowed his eyes. "Did Sensei lock it?"

Josei shook her head. "He never does."

Tokira stared at the door. The wood looked the same as always, and yet, something about it felt different now—like it refused to open on purpose.

A strange silence filled the air.

Hito stepped back, rubbing his chin. "Maybe there's a trick to it."

Mono tilted his head. "Or maybe—"

"Now…"

A deep, familiar voice spoke from behind them.

The five froze instantly.

Sensei stood there, arms crossed, sharp eyes locked onto them. His presence was calm, but there was an undeniable weight to his stare.

"Would you all like to tell me," he said, his voice steady, "why you are standing in front of my door?"

A tense silence followed.

Mono swallowed. "Uh—"

Sensei raised a brow, waiting.

They were caught.