CHAPTER 11: A GLIMPSE OF POWER

Kazuki's hands rested on the hilt of his katana as he gazed over the quiet countryside. His mind was in turmoil, even though the world around him seemed peaceful. Jiro had been unusually silent during their journey to the larger town where they had been hired to assist with some ongoing political tensions. It had been weeks since they started traveling together, and while Kazuki had grown stronger under Jiro's tutelage, today felt different. There was a tension in the air that he couldn't shake.

But Kazuki was more distracted by the unfamiliar setting. The town they had arrived at was larger than the small village he was used to. People bustled through the streets, merchants shouted from their stalls, and a few samurai patrolled the main roads. Kazuki, however, was fascinated by the little things, like the woman selling steamed buns nearby.

"Sensei, do you think she'd give me an extra bun if I told her I'm a samurai-in-training?" Kazuki joked, elbowing Jiro lightly.

Jiro, his face stoic as usual, gave him a sidelong glance. "You could try, but your sword technique will probably impress her more than your title."

Kazuki smirked. "Maybe if I get rejected, I can challenge her to a duel for some buns."

For the first time in days, Jiro chuckled. "You'd lose. She has more experience dealing with stubborn fools."

Kazuki's mouth opened, ready to retort, but then he saw Jiro's expression soften, almost as if he were looking at him with pride. There was something else too. A sadness?

They stopped near a small inn on the outskirts of the town, away from the crowds. The innkeeper welcomed them with a smile, and Kazuki noticed the way Jiro's eyes swept over the place. He was always scanning for potential threats. Kazuki had gotten used to Jiro's intensity, but today it felt different.

As they settled into their room, Jiro finally broke the silence. "Kazuki, there's something we need to talk about."

Kazuki's stomach tightened. Jiro's tone was serious, and when Jiro got serious, it usually meant things were about to get difficult. "Something to talk about?" Kazuki repeated, trying to sound nonchalant.

Jiro nodded. He sat down by the small window, the light casting shadows on his face. "You've learned a lot since we started training. Your swordsmanship is improving, and your instincts are sharper."

Kazuki nodded, feeling a swell of pride. "All thanks to you, Sensei."

Jiro sighed. "But there's more to becoming a true warrior than just skill with a blade. There are abilities—rare powers—that only a few samurai are capable of unlocking."

Kazuki raised an eyebrow. He had heard whispers of samurai possessing extraordinary powers, but he thought they were just legends. "Are you saying these powers are real?"

Jiro looked him dead in the eye. "Yes. They are real, and I possess one of them."

Kazuki's heart raced. He had never seen Jiro use anything beyond his exceptional sword skills. "What kind of power?"

Jiro placed a hand on the hilt of his sword. "It's called 'Kekkei Kaigen,' a bloodline ability that runs in certain families. The power awakens only under extreme circumstances, and it allows the wielder to surpass human limitations. I have it, and..." He paused, a heavy weight in his voice. "So do you."

Kazuki blinked. "Me?" He couldn't believe it. "I have something like that in my blood?"

Jiro nodded, his expression grim. "Yes, but it's not something that will come easily. Unlocking your Kekkei Kaigen requires more than just training. It will demand everything from you—mind, body, and soul."

Kazuki swallowed hard. "Why haven't you told me this before?"

Jiro's gaze drifted out the window, his jaw clenched. "Because once you start down this path, there's no turning back. You will become more powerful, but at a cost. The burden of that power can destroy a person."

Kazuki felt a chill run down his spine. He opened his mouth to ask more, but Jiro stood abruptly, his face hardened.

"We'll talk more about this tomorrow," Jiro said, his voice suddenly brisk. "For now, get some rest. You'll need it."

Kazuki wanted to push for more answers, but he could see that Jiro wasn't going to say anything else tonight. With a sigh, he leaned back on the floor, his mind racing with questions.

As night fell, Kazuki lay awake, staring at the ceiling. The thought that he could possess some hidden power excited him, but Jiro's warning still echoed in his mind. What kind of cost was he talking about? Was this the reason Jiro always carried that weight in his eyes?

The moonlight filtering through the window cast long shadows on the wall, and Kazuki couldn't help but think of Jiro's words about special abilities. If there were other samurai out there who possessed these powers, what would it mean for him? And more importantly, how could he use this power to honor his sensei?

Suddenly, a loud snore broke the tension, and Kazuki glanced over at Jiro, who was sprawled out, fast asleep. The mighty, unbreakable Jiro snoring like an old man after too much sake.

Kazuki stifled a laugh. "Some legendary warrior you are," he muttered, rolling onto his side. "Guess even powerful samurai need their beauty sleep."

As the night wore on, Kazuki's thoughts shifted between curiosity about his newfound potential and the peaceful rhythm of Jiro's snores. Maybe tomorrow would bring answers. Or maybe it would just bring more questions.

But one thing was certain—Kazuki's journey had only just begun.