The Master Revelation

The arena was still heavy with the weight of Ren and the True Master's emotional breakdown. The silence that had gripped the crowd slowly began to shift, an awkward tension still hanging in the air. But then, something unexpected happened. The True Master, with his tear-streaked face and trembling hands, slowly stood up, looking around at the stunned crowd.

He wiped his tears, his expression still filled with the sorrow of the moment, but there was something else now—a glint in his eyes that suggested something completely different.

"Alright," the True Master said, wiping his eyes dramatically. "I know this is an emotional moment, and I've shown you all my true, vulnerable side, but I think it's time for... something a little less... heavy, don't you think?"

The crowd blinked in confusion as Tsukihara cleared his throat, trying his best to compose himself. "Ahem. Now, I think it's time we introduce ourselves properly."

Ren, still on the ground, glanced up through his tears, feeling a bit confused. The True Master, who had just moments ago seemed like the embodiment of strength and sorrow, now appeared like he was about to deliver some kind of punchline.

"I'm... I'm Tsukihara," he said dramatically, striking a pose with one hand outstretched. "But, uh, you can just call me... Father." He added with a wink and an exaggerated gesture.

The crowd gasped in shock, not expecting the sombre figure to suddenly act so... theatrical. Some of the elders even rubbed their eyes to make sure they weren't imagining things. Tsukihara, the feared and respected master, acting... like this?

Before anyone could process, Renshiro, the master who had been standing silently beside Tsukihara, cleared his throat and stepped forward.

"Uh... yeah, I guess I should introduce myself, too," Renshiro said, scratching his head sheepishly. "I'm Renshiro, but... actually, it's kind of funny. You all might call me Master, but... I'm only five years older than Ren, so yeah... no need for all that formality."

He shrugged awkwardly, giving a small, sheepish smile as if trying to downplay the awkwardness of the moment. He held up his hands in mock surrender. "I'm basically your big brother."

The crowd, which had been silent for what felt like an eternity, erupted in a mix of confusion and laughter. The seriousness of the moment was completely deflated by the absurdity of their words and actions.

"Wait... what?" one of the elders gasped, trying to process the situation. "But... you're... The True Master?"

Ren, still on the floor, looked up at Renshiro, blinking in disbelief. "You're... my big brother?" he asked, his voice still hoarse from the sobs earlier. "But you're... The Master."

Renshiro grinned. "Yep, pretty much. So, none of that 'Master' stuff for me, okay? I'm just your older bro who happens to be really strong. And I'll train you when I feel like it."

Ren's jaw dropped, and for the first time in what felt like forever, he actually let out a laugh—a genuine, deep laugh that echoed through the arena. His whole body shook with laughter as he looked at Renshiro and then at Tsukihara, both of whom were acting like nothing had just happened.

"Wait, so you're saying..." Ren gasped between chuckles, "I can just call you... big brother? And you," he pointed at Tsukihara, still laughing, "you want me to call you Father? Like... really?"

Tsukihara nodded seriously, though his expression was clearly amused. "Yes, that's right. Father will do just fine."

The crowd was now in complete disarray, their confusion morphing into full-blown amusement. People were laughing, some wiping tears from their eyes, while others were too stunned to speak. The intense atmosphere had completely shifted into something much lighter, almost absurdly comical.

"I... I can't believe this is happening," one of the students whispered. "Are they really being serious right now?"

Tsukihara sighed dramatically, his eyes twinkling mischievously. "Alright, alright. I know you're all shocked by our... family dynamics here," he said, raising his hand. "But we've got more important matters at hand. The exam has been extended, and it's time for you all to prepare. The real training starts now."

Renshiro nodded in agreement, giving Ren a friendly pat on the shoulder. "Don't worry, Ren. We'll get you ready. But... no more Master stuff. Just... big brother and father here."

Ren's face flushed with embarrassment, but his heart was lighter than it had been in ages. The whole moment had been ridiculous, but in a strange way, it had brought something that he hadn't realized he needed—a sense of humour, a sense of warmth, and the comforting knowledge that he wasn't alone.

"Alright, Father, Big Brother," Ren said, grinning through his tears. "I guess I'm ready for whatever comes next."

And with that, the absurdity and humour of the moment filled the arena, and the training—along with the true challenges—began in earnest.

"Hey, Kael," Ren suddenly called, his voice low, but clear.

Kael, who had been quietly watching the spectacle of his masters' antics, turned to face Ren. "Yeah?" he replied, his usual calm demeanor masking the emotions he had been hiding for so long.

Ren's eyes softened, a bittersweet smile forming on his face. He stepped forward, his voice steady, but with a weight that made the crowd's chatter fall silent.

"You think I would forget about you?" Ren asked, his voice carrying through the arena. His words hit Kael like a wave crashing into a cliff, and Kael's eyes widened in shock. "You're not just my friend, Kael. You're my twin brother. We've been through everything together. And no matter how far we go, no matter what happens… you'll always be my brother. Always."

The crowd froze. It wasn't the words that shocked them; it was the raw emotion behind them. The vulnerability in Ren's voice. The depth of the bond between him and Kael, a bond that could never be broken, no matter the circumstances.

Kael's face flushed, his emotions finally breaking through the stoic exterior he'd been wearing for so long. A single tear slipped down his cheek, and his lips quivered. It wasn't often that Ren allowed himself to express this kind of emotion, and hearing his friend speak like that... it hit Kael harder than he could have ever anticipated.

"Ren..." Kael choked, his voice breaking. "I... I never thought you'd say that. I... I'm sorry if I ever made you feel like you were alone. I never wanted you to feel that way."

Ren smiled softly, his hand coming to rest on Kael's shoulder. "I know, Kael. I know you'd never leave me. But now we're not just friends. We're brothers. And together... we'll get stronger. Together, we'll climb to the top."