BOOM!
In an instant, a powerful explosion resonated through the air, shaking the very foundations of the building and sending a jolt of adrenaline through her veins.
They rushed outside to see the site of the explosion. Others in the clan were busy following suit, heading outside as they did.
Kenya looked closely at the accident area and saw two guys fighting on the battlefield belonging to the clan.
"Hzzzz! Guess who?" Sei sighed and walked over casually as if relaxed.
As she strides purposefully toward the heart of the accident site, the lingering resonance of the explosion reverberates around her, creating an eerie atmosphere.
Kenya stands nearby, a broad grin stretching across his face, his eyes sparkling with a blend of confusion and amusement as he processes the chaos unfolding before him.
Gathered in this makeshift arena are the entire assembly of disciples and elders from the esteemed Koszuki Clan, their faces a tapestry of anticipation and excitement.
It is a time-honored tradition of the clan to honor the return of their heir with an elaborate battle ceremony.
Today, that heir is none other than the cousin of the quadruplets, whose return has been highly anticipated. The air is thick with tension and eager murmurs, the clan's people readying themselves to witness the unfolding of a legacy.
"Welcome back, Aniki!" Sei exclaimed as she ran to hug him. His smile widened as he embraced her in return.
"Our princess is coming back home, so why wouldn't I be happy?" he said, beaming like bright sunshine.
This made the others around them look confused, they knew that he only smiled like this in the presence of his little sister, Sei.
''Woah! Keisuke, what's that with your pressure?'' Kenya who walked along with Sei, asked Kozuki Keisuke, the son of Kozuki Isamu.
"I only show my aura to those who don't know their place!" He then turns to glance at the elders of the clan.
Kenya and Sei exchange silent glances, while Jin and Kenjuro, who have just arrived, look at them with puzzled expressions.
''What's going on?'' Jin walked over to stand near Kenya and whispered to ask him.
''Just like before,'' Kenya replied, and Jin raised his right eyebrow in surprise, his expression reflecting that.
"What's happening here?" Kenjuro called out, his voice cutting through the din and prompting Jin and Kenya to shift their attention toward him, even though he seemed oblivious to the unfolding tension around them.
"Hmmm? Just putting those who think they can step out of line back in their place," Sei replied coolly, her expression composed yet fierce.
Her confident response drew approving grins and a thumbs-up from Jin and Kenya, who appreciated the unwavering support of their friends in such turbulent moments. They knew they could always rely on Sei's fearless attitude and Kenjuro's steadfast presence when tempers flared.
Suddenly, a loud voice broke through the commotion, capturing the attention of everyone nearby.
"What in the world is going on over there?" Yamato exclaimed, striding into the scene with his wild, wind-tousled hair and a well-loved backpack slung casually over one shoulder. A playful smirk lingered on his lips, and his eyes sparkled with mischief as he surveyed the chaos.
Just as effortlessly, he walked right into the fray, throwing a cheeky look at Keisuke, whose eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Just arrived and I'm already stepping into chaos, huh, Aniki?" he teased, clearly enjoying the mayhem.
"You're back?!" Keisuke exclaimed, a mix of relief and excitement washing over him.
"Ha! And what's the first thing you say to your cousin after all this time?" Yamato exclaimed, looking momentarily bewildered before striding towards Sei and embracing her in a warm hug.
"Our little one has returned! Why shouldn't I be excited?" He flashed a broad grin, his eyes shining with affection.
Laughter rippled through the crowd as those nearby exchanged amused glances. Yet Jin, Kenjuro, and Kenya stood off to the side, their expressions a mix of confusion and disbelief.
'Yes, that's definitely the only girl in the house,' they mused to themselves.
Sei, catching their furtive glances, turned towards them with a playful smile that seemed to silently taunt, 'Jealous?'
But don't forget why Keisuke explores the center of the clan training ground. The elders who only argue with Keisuke, gaze at them with angry eyes, as if they don't care about their presence.
"What's going on with the heirs in this current generation? They don't even greet the elders when they see them!" one elder spoke in an angrier voice as he gazed at Yamato, who had just arrived last.
"Huh! That's why we always lose to the Shiba Clan with the leader of Kyudai," others chimed in, discussing further.
"HAH!" Sei and Kenjuro exclaimed in bewilderment, their voices echoing in the quiet as they turned their attention to the elder standing before them.
''Excuse me, Chōrō-sama!'' Jin stepped forward and bowed in greeting.
''I don't think it's our fault but rather the elders' for not being brave enough,'' Jin said with a smile.
Hmmm!!! That's our Jin!
Several members of the gathering raised their thumbs in a gesture of agreement with Jin's passionate words, their faces reflecting a mix of admiration and approval.
However, two elderly clan members, their brows furrowed and expressions darkened, glared at Jin and the others with an intensity that revealed their growing frustration.
With a playful grin, Kenya stepped forward, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
"Oh! And don't forget, make sure to tune in to our former showcase on Kyudai Erabi Day!" he chimed in enthusiastically, edging closer to the seething elders.
The air grew tense as one of the elders snapped back, his voice trembling with indignation.
"Don't you dare compare us to previous generations!"
+ Chōrō (長老): Elder.
I'm very sorry for the long delay in updating my chapters! I have had some project work to complete, so I apologize for this.