EPISODE 8 – SCENE 3: RELOOKING 1.0

Location: Gorges of Black River

Dawn broke, casting a soft and otherworldly light across the camp. The first rays of daylight brushed against the team members' skin, creating faint shadows on the still-wet ground. The silence, heavy and laden, carried the promise of an impending storm, an almost tangible tension hanging in the air before the action would take over.

In this suspended atmosphere, William emerged from the caravan. His silhouette stood out against the rising light, draped in his Yami no Yoroi, the armor of shadows. The deep engravings adorning the fabric captured the light, but it was the connection to the darkness it suggested that left an indelible impression. Without a word, his mere presence raised a silent respect, as vast and dark as the shadows that danced around him.

The members of the Shinsengumi Oni instinctively straightened up, a nonverbal reverence embedded in their movements. Their eyes shone with sincere admiration. The gentle breeze, caressing the tops of the trees, dared to disturb the quiet, but it did not dare interrupt the moment.

William raised his hand, a measured gesture yet full of unrelenting authority, prompting his companions to straighten.

William (in a calm, yet assured voice):"Rise, blades of Oni. We are among ourselves."

The metallic rustling of armor broke the silence, echoing a voluntary submission. Eyes rose to meet him, filled with admiration and respectful fear. The atmosphere vibrated with a new energy, ready to explode.

Haku (eyes sparkling, a mischievous grin):"Master William, you seem ready to topple the world, not just the island!"

Néro (in a sober, direct tone, with a slight smile):"Your armor embodies a vision... It's the essence of conquest itself."

Kassim (grave, solemn):"A leader, an armor, a conqueror. You are the very incarnation of power."

Ash, ever vigilant, turned his eyes toward William, a barely concealed challenge in his gaze.

Ash (a mischievous laugh playing on his lips):"And with that, even the Saint Knights of the Divine Order wouldn't dare set foot here."

He implied that, with this new appearance, they were no longer a threat just to smaller guilds. They were ready to disturb the oldest powers.

Iris, the cold light of her aura quickly turning a vivid green, signaled her analysis mode.

Iris (flipping from cool blue to bright green):"Master Cheezy, the Saint Knights of the Divine Order are an ancient guild, controlled by the Church of Oni. Their power is based on centuries of tradition and an unwavering faith in the divine light."

William (his eyes glimmering with curiosity, mentally to Iris):"Ancient traditions... the old dogmas, as predictable as ever."

A playful smile crept onto his lips. Toppling these archaic traditions... now that was an enticing thought.

William (scanning his companions, his voice turning sharper):"So, these Knights hold considerable influence here..."

Ash (after a moment of reflection, a hint of cynicism in his voice):"Yes, but their traditions rest on rigid ideologies, incapable of adapting to a world that's changing."

Kassim (continuing, his tone wise):"This is where we come in. We need to project a strong image, one of new power."

William's gaze intensified, an almost palpable aura emanating from him, the grip of his will tightening around the very air itself. His smile, subtle yet certain, betrayed an unwavering confidence.

William (a barely perceptible smile, but full of power):"What do you think of this outfit? Do you like it?"

He slowly turned on the spot, revealing the full splendor of the armor.

"This armor... It defines us. We are powerful, discreet... and relentless."

His eyes locked on each of them. He wasn't just seeking compliments. No, he was looking for something deeper: agreement. Unity. They were not just warriors at his service, but a pack ready to unite under the same banner.

A heavy silence descended, a suspended moment. William felt the idea begin to take shape within him, slow yet inexorable. Unity would not come by force alone, but by collective will, by a shared symbol that would transcend their individualities.

Haku (in a clear and resolute voice):"What if we all wore the same symbol? A uniform that unifies us, that shows the world what we are and what we stand for."

Exchanged glances were filled with understanding. A murmur of approval passed through the group, a shared conviction lighting up their faces. They were ready.

Kassim (proudly, a glint of ambition in his eyes):"This symbol will be more than just armor. It will be our banner, our pride."

Néro (in a firm yet eloquent tone):"Ready to move forward together."

Kassim nodded vigorously, while Varisa was already lost in thoughts of colors and patterns that could adorn this new identity.

Akar (with a mischievous smile, observing William's armor):"And with armors like that, even the mountains would bow down."

A light laugh spread through the group, but it did nothing to diminish their determination. William, confident in himself, turned his gaze toward Iris. The small entity floated around him, her light subtly shifting between soft hues, like a benevolent glow. She landed on his shoulder, attentive.

Iris (in a calm, incisive mental whisper):"Would you like to optimize the equipment, Master? I could use the guild's inventory to create new uniforms for your commanders."

William (with a smirk, a supernatural gleam in his eyes):"Go ahead, Iris. Use the best resources. Every member of the Oni Blades should wear a uniform that embodies our identity. No frills. Just pure power. That will be our signature."

With a fluid gesture, William raised his hand. The air around him seemed to contract, the tension mounting rapidly. The wind froze. The Shadow Veil unfurled in a black-and-silver web, mixing metallic textures and distorted light flashes. Holographic visions appeared, displaying an infinite array of possibilities.