Kenji

As I grasped the rusty door handle, the wooden doors creaked open, their hinges squeaking in protest. A warm, golden light spilled out, bathing us in its inviting glow. We stepped into a spacious room, reminiscent of a rustic tavern, with sturdy oak benches, scarred tables, and mismatched stools scattered around the perimeter. The air was heavy with the scent of old wood, smoke, and the faint tang of ale.

This place looks like a tavern but, a fancy tavern. I frowned looking around.

The room décor was a mishmash of functional simplicity and worn elegance. Flickering candles cast shadows on the walls, while lanterns hung from the ceiling, casting warm, honey-colored light. A bar stood at the far end, its polished surface reflecting the soft glow. Behind it, rows of wooden kegs and dusty bottles seemed to stretch on forever.

"Hello! It's Kenji Kimura and my brothers! Sorry, we're late!" I called out, expecting a welcoming response from the Division 4 personnel. Instead, silence greeted us, like a palpable presence.

Are they out?

I turned to Taka, my golden-blond-haired brother with shining emerald green eyes, which now sparkled with uncertainty. "Taka, are we in the right place?" I asked, my brow furrowing.

Taka's gaze swept the room, his eyes lingering on the empty tables and chairs. "I think so… The driver said this is the Division 4 base." His voice trailed off.

Yushiro, our silver-haired youngest brother, observed the surroundings with curiosity-filled violet eyes, his short silver hair casting a faint shadow on his forehead. His slender fingers drummed a staccato beat on the hilt of his sword.

Suddenly, the wooden doors creaked shut behind us, plunging the room into darkness. The sound sent a shiver down my spine. We spun around, caution taking hold.

Taka and I were abruptly pushed aside, our feet scraping against the stone floor. A loud crash echoed through the room, exactly where we'd stood. The sound sent my heart racing.

Instinctively, I reached for the sword in my luggage, my fingers closing around the bone-white hilt. I drew the blade, its metallic ring filling the darkness. The familiar weight of the sword settled into my palm.

My luggage thudded against the wall as I tossed it aside. The sound echoed through the room, a stark reminder of our vulnerability.

Focusing my energy, I pushed my Hashi into more motion, feeling the familiar surge of power course through my veins. My senses, physical abilities, and Hashi merged, amplifying my strength, the room seemed to sharpen around me. My sight sounds were enhanced.

The sound of Taka and Yushiro unsheathing their weapons echoed through the darkness, a reassuring reminder that my brothers were by my side.

Were we attacked just now?

"What was that!? Isn't this a Division base!?" I shouted, brandishing my sword. The black blade cast an eerie glow in the darkness.

"I don't know!" Taka replied from beside me, his voice laced with concern.

"Yushiro! Are you okay?" I called into the darkness, my eyes straining to see my youngest brother.

Only silence responded.

The silence was oppressive, with no response from Yushiro. I scanned the darkness, searching for my younger brother. Suddenly, I sensed movement and dodged to the side, swinging my sword at the spot I'd just vacated. A loud clang echoed through the room.

Taka followed the sound, swinging his sword into the darkness. The clang sounded again, and Taka grunted, struck in the flank. A punch connected with my face, and I knew we weren't alone.

Bastard!

A figure, hidden in shadows, leaped back landing on a table, bathed in moonlight streaming through the windows. Dressed in black, spear in hand.

Ignoring my throbbing face, I vowed to take down this bastard. Taka charged forward, and the figure thrust his spear. Taka charged forward, and the figure thrust his spear. Taka sidestepped, and I leaped up attacking, slashing downward.

Using Taka as a momentary distraction I attacked with a powerful thrust. The figure blocked my strike and countered with a kick to my stomach, sending me crashing to the floor. They moved swiftly, striking Taka with an unseen force. 

Taka quickly got back to his feet, switched his stance, and leaped back into the air. He held his katana with both hands moonlight reflecting off its blade.

Taka unleashed his strongest technique: "Way of Nature: Mountain-Splitting Wave!" A powerful overhead slash.

The figure was about to move his spear to block it with their spear, but Yushiro intervened, pinning the spear to the floor with his foot. His blade glinted in the moonlight at the figure's neck, Yushiro grinned.

Taka seized the opening, the figure blocked the sword with a glowing fist.

"Damn, bastard!" I shouted. Swinging my sword.

I gripped my sword's hilt with both hands drawing energy from deep within me, the energy coated the sword adding weight to it. I swung for the figure Just before impact, the figure raised hands in surrender, dropping their spear. I halted my sword mere inches from their face.

The room's lights flickered back to life, revealing onlookers near the bar, applauding.

Taka got up from the floor katana ready we both exchanged confused glances.

"What… was that?" Taka asked.

I shook my head. "No idea, but Yushiro…"

Yushiro's enigmatic smile lingered.

Does this bastard know something?