Chapter 18 – Paths of Power! A Leader Must Rise!
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The Gathering of the Higher-Ups – A Region Without a Leader!
In the Grand Council Hall, the most powerful warriors and elders of the village gathered.
The room was tense.
Kairo's father, the previous leader, was dead.
And now—Raizen was a rogue warrior, marked for death.
Without a leader, the village stood vulnerable.
Elder Satoru stood at the center.
"The other regions will see this as weakness," he declared.
"If we do not act, our village will be conquered."
Murmurs filled the room.
One of the elders, Elder Natsume, stepped forward.
"We must choose a new leader immediately."
"But who?" another warrior asked.
The room fell silent.
Then, Elder Satoru spoke.
"There is only one person fit for the role."
All eyes turned toward one warrior sitting quietly in the shadows.
A woman, with sharp golden eyes and a powerful aura.
Her name was Kaida Tenma.
Kairo's mother.
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Kairo's Training – The Phoenix Awakens!
Far from the village, Kairo continued his brutal training.
Master Renji stood before him.
"Again."
Kairo gritted his teeth.
Flames erupted around him.
His transformation began to take shape.
Wings of fire stretched behind him.
His fists burned with Phoenix energy.
But Renji wasn't impressed.
"You're still too slow."
He vanished.
Then—a punch struck Kairo in the stomach.
Kairo gasped, his flames flickering.
Renji grabbed him by the collar.
"You think this power is enough to defeat Raizen?"
Kairo clenched his fists.
"No…"
Renji released him.
"Then keep going. Until your flames never fade."
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Raizen's Dark Evolution – The Shadow Within!
Inside Lord Varun's fortress, Raizen stood before the chained beast.
The creature snarled.
Its red eyes glowed with hatred.
Lord Varun smirked.
"If you wish to surpass Kairo, you must defeat this beast."
Raizen cracked his knuckles.
"Fine. Let's do this."
Thunder crackled around him.
His transformation activated.
His body became sharper, faster.
The Thunder Wolf within him roared.
Raizen lunged.
The beast lashed out with claws of darkness.
Raizen dodged—barely.
A claw grazed his cheek.
Blood dripped.
But Raizen grinned.
"Not bad…"
Then—his aura shifted.
Something inside him changed.
His eyes darkened.
Lord Varun's smile grew wider.
"Yes… that's it. Let the darkness consume you."
Raizen's Thunder Wolf howled.
And in that moment—his power surged.
The battle raged on.
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A Leader Rises – Kaida Tenma Takes Command!
Back in the village, the council had made their decision.
Kaida Tenma stepped forward.
"As the late leader's wife, and a warrior of this village, I will take responsibility."
The elders bowed their heads.
"All hail the new leader—Kaida Tenma!"
Outside, the villagers cheered.
A new leader had risen.
But deep down, Kaida knew one thing.
Raizen had to be stopped.
And only one person could do it.
Her son.
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The Paths Are Set!
To be continued-