The Gathering Storm

The air in the village felt heavier than before. Shin could feel the weight of the void pressing against his mind, a whisper at the back of his thoughts, an unseen presence lingering around him. He stood at the training ground, staring at his own reflection in the shallow pond nearby. The dark ripples in the water seemed to twist unnaturally, mirroring the unease that had settled deep in his chest.

The warning from Hikaru was still fresh in his mind—Tenka knew. And if Tenka knew, then the Void Cult was already moving.

"You're lost in thought again," Rei's voice cut through the silence.

Shin didn't turn. "I don't have the luxury of peace anymore."

Rei stepped closer, arms crossed. "You never did."

Shin exhaled slowly. He couldn't argue with that. His life had been a constant struggle—first as an orphan, then as a wandering swordsman, and now as someone who had touched the abyss itself. The fight had always been there; it was only getting worse.

Rei's gaze drifted to the sky. "Hikaru's words… do you believe him?"

Shin clenched his jaw. "He didn't need to lie. I felt it. The moment I left the ruins, something… shifted. It's like I opened a door, and now something is stepping through."

Rei nodded grimly. "Then we need to prepare."

A sudden gust of wind rustled the trees, and Shin turned to see a familiar figure approaching. Kai, the stoic strategist of their small group, walked toward them with his usual composed expression. His eyes, however, held a rare hint of urgency.

"We have a problem," Kai said without preamble.

Shin and Rei immediately focused. "What happened?" Rei asked.

Kai glanced around as if ensuring no one else was listening. "We received a message from one of our informants. There's been movement in the eastern territories—shinobi disappearing, entire settlements wiped clean. No bodies, no blood. Just… gone."

A chill ran down Shin's spine. "Void Cult."

Kai nodded. "Most likely. But there's more." He hesitated before continuing. "A lone survivor was found near the ruins of a burned village. He was barely conscious, muttering something about the abyss consuming everything."

Shin's fingers twitched. He already knew what that meant.

Rei swore under his breath. "So it's already begun."

Kai nodded again. "The survivor mentioned a name before losing consciousness—Tenka."

Silence.

Shin inhaled sharply. "Where is he now?"

"In the village infirmary," Kai replied. "But he's not stable. His chakra is completely unstable, like something is eating away at him from the inside."

Shin exchanged a glance with Rei. This wasn't just an attack. This was a message. Tenka was making his move, and he wanted Shin to know.

"We need to see him," Shin said, already moving.

Kai didn't argue, and the three of them made their way toward the infirmary. The streets were unusually quiet, as if the village itself sensed the oncoming storm.

When they arrived, the scent of herbs and medicine filled the air. Inside, a lone medic stood by a small cot where the survivor lay. His body was wrapped in bandages, his skin pale and drenched in sweat. His breathing was shallow, but his eyes flickered open as Shin approached.

The man's gaze latched onto Shin, and his lips trembled as he spoke in a broken whisper. "The abyss… watches you."

Shin's heart pounded. "What do you mean?"

The man coughed violently, his body convulsing. The medic rushed to his side, trying to stabilize him, but the moment Shin stepped closer, the man's chakra flared wildly.

Darkness erupted from his body.

Shin reacted instantly, leaping back as black tendrils lashed out, twisting unnaturally. The room filled with an oppressive pressure, and for a moment, Shin felt like he was back in the ruins—standing at the edge of something he couldn't fully comprehend.

"Get back!" Kai shouted, pulling the medic away.

Rei's sword was already drawn, but he hesitated. This wasn't a normal attack. The man wasn't fighting—he was being consumed.

Shin narrowed his eyes. The void energy was different from before—wilder, uncontrolled. If Tenka was behind this, then he had found a way to weaponize the abyss itself.

The man let out a strangled cry as the darkness surged. His body twisted unnaturally, and then, with a final gasp, he disintegrated into nothing.

Silence filled the room.

The medic stared in horror. "W-what was that?"

Shin didn't answer. He didn't need to. He already knew the truth.

Tenka had sent a warning. And it was only the beginning.

Later that night, Shin stood on the village outskirts, staring at the horizon. The stars above seemed dimmer, as if the sky itself was losing its light.

Rei joined him, silent for a moment before speaking. "What now?"

Shin exhaled slowly. "We don't wait for him to come to us."

Kai appeared behind them. "You're suggesting we move first?"

Shin's gaze hardened. "We don't have a choice. If we don't act now, the abyss will consume everything in its path."

Rei smirked faintly. "Finally, something interesting."

Kai shook his head. "Reckless as always."

Shin turned, eyes gleaming in the dim light. "We need to find Tenka before he finds us. Because next time, he won't be sending a warning—he'll be bringing the void itself."

As the wind carried their resolve into the night, the storm loomed ever closer.

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