Scene 1 – The Council Hall
The council hall buzzed with tension as elders, clan leaders, and grieving families assembled. The room, dimly lit by flickering torches, echoed with hushed voices and heavy sighs.
Elder 1 (calm but firm):
"We face two pressing matters. First, we must appoint a new Monikage to lead us. Second, we must ensure that another attack like Yukato's never threatens our village again."
Elder 2 (with concern):
"But what of the sword? Its power drew Yukato here. As long as it exists, won't others come seeking it?"
The room fell silent. The sword, the very weapon that defended them, had become a symbol of destruction for many.
Villager 1 (angrily):
"Hiroshi's actions led to this war! He put us all in danger for that cursed sword!"
Villager 2 (defensive):
"Do you really think he sacrificed his life without reason? He saved us!"
Villager 3 (interrupts):
"Saved us? Or doomed us? If the sword didn't exist, we wouldn't have suffered this tragedy!"
---
Scene 2 – The Market Debate
Outside, at a ramen shop in the market, villagers gathered to discuss the growing divide.
Villager 1:
"Just think—if Hiroshi hadn't been here to fight, what would have happened to us?"
Villager 2:
"Does it matter? In the end, his choices brought this disaster! Yukato said it himself—hatred drove him to attack!"
Villager 3 (angry):
"Are you mad? If Hiroshi wasn't there, none of us would be alive to even argue about this!"
Villager 2 (with bitterness):
"But the sword—the cause of this chaos—still exists. If it draws another enemy, who will protect us then?"
The villagers murmured among themselves, torn between gratitude for Hiroshi's sacrifice and fear of what might come next.
---
Scene 3 – Seeds of Doubt
As night fell, the debates turned into distrust. Families that once stood united began to question one another. Rumors of betrayal and greed whispered through the streets.
Aayu stood at the edge of the crowd, his fists clenched. He could feel their stares, their doubts piercing him.
Aayu (to himself):
"Father... Mother... I won't let your sacrifice be in vain. I'll protect this village, no matter what it takes."
But deep down, doubt crept into his heart. Was the sword truly a blessing—or a curse?
Scene 4 – The Council Hall (Morning)
The council hall was dimly lit, with flickering lanterns casting long shadows on the wooden walls. The air was thick with sorrow as the elders of Kurosine, clan leaders, and grieving families gathered in silence.
Kazuma (Chief Council Member): "We have gathered here today not just to mourn our beloved Hashirage but to decide the future of our village. Our hearts are heavy, but we must rise above our grief."
Elder Akira: "Indeed, we stand at a crossroads. The destruction we have suffered is profound, yet we must look to the future. Our village needs a new Hashirage—a leader who can guide us through these dark times."
Sakizo: "But can we really trust Ayu? The rumors are spreading that the destruction of our village is caused by the Sword and Hiroshi's mistake in the past. What if they come again, seeking that sword? We cannot let our village become a target again!"
The murmurs grew louder as others began to share similar concerns.
Kenzo: "Why do you think Ayu is the powerful one? It is true that his power is not completely in control, but he has shown courage. He can lead us!"
Karman (slamming the table): "Courage? Courage isn't enough! We don't need bravery; we need stability! Hiroshi's bloodline is a curse to this village!"
A heated debate erupted, echoing through the hall. Voices clashed as opinions divided the room. Meanwhile, Ayu stood outside the hall, overhearing the arguments. His fists clenched as anger and doubt filled his heart.
Ayu (thinking): "Is that how they think about me? I am not a danger… I am a dragon, ready to protect my village!"
The meeting was postponed to the next day, leaving the village in uncertainty. Ayu knew that the path ahead depended on the coming dawn.
Scene 5 – Voting Day (Morning)
The sun rose over Kurosine, casting a warm glow on the village, but the air was tense. Villagers of all ages, except children below 15, gathered outside the council hall. The murmur of voices filled the streets as everyone prepared to cast their opinions.
Inside the hall, a committee of five elders sat in a room. Papers, ink, and records were neatly arranged before them. Villagers entered one by one, presenting their opinions about the fate of Ayu and the next Houshikage.
Hours passed, and as evening fell, the doors of the council hall finally closed. The village gathered outside, the tension palpable as they awaited the results.
Jinpei (whispering): "It's time… after waiting so long, it's finally over."
The head of the council stepped forward, raising his hands to quiet the crowd.
Council Head: "The votes have been counted. The next Houshikage of Kurosine—the one chosen to guide us through this time of loss and uncertainty—is… Kagutsuchi Enzu!"
A wave of cheers erupted, mixed with a few murmurs. Kagutsuchi, one of the strongest and fastest shinobi, stepped forward. His sharp gaze swept over the crowd before he bowed respectfully.
Kagutsuchi: "I don't know what you all see inside me, but I promise—I will lead this village, protect it, and guide it through this period of losses. You can believe in me."
The villagers erupted in applause as the ceremonial robe and insignia of the Houshikage were presented to Kagutsuchi. The festival began immediately, with lanterns, music, and celebrations lighting up the village square. Yet, amid the celebration, Ayu stood at the edge of the crowd, his heart heavy with doubt.
---
Scene 6 – Kagutsuchi's House (Dinner)
Later that night, Ayu sat across from Kagutsuchi at his dining table. The flickering candlelight added a soft glow to the room, but the mood was far from lighthearted.
Kagutsuchi: "Do you want anything else? Tell me if you need anything."
Ayu (quietly): "No… this is enough. Thank you."
Kagutsuchi (forcing a smile): "Tonight is about taking a moment to breathe. Just enjoy the treat."
Ayu glanced at Kagutsuchi, sensing an unspoken tension behind his calm demeanor.
Ayu: "It's hard to enjoy when so many are grieving. And… I can't help but feel like there's something you're not telling me."
Kagutsuchi sighed, setting his chopsticks down. His eyes reflected sorrow and the weight of responsibility.
Kagutsuchi: "Ayu, you must understand—the responsibility of a leader means making hard decisions. Sometimes those decisions hurt people, even those we care about."
Ayu's heart sank as Kagutsuchi continued, his voice steady but heavy.
Kagutsuchi: "Yesterday, during the council meeting, the truth was revealed. The majority of the people believe… that you are a threat to this village."
Ayu's eyes widened in disbelief.
Kagutsuchi (looking away): "If you stay here, our enemies may return, seeking the sword. Keeping you here might put the village in danger again."
Ayu stood abruptly, his chair scraping against the floor. He stepped toward the door, his voice trembling with anger and despair.
Ayu: "Why? Why do they think I'm a threat? I lost everything—my family, my past—and now… this place, these memories, are all I have left. Don't take that away too!"
Kagutsuchi lowered his head, unable to meet Ayu's gaze. Silence filled the room as Ayu's words lingered, heavy and heartbreaking.
Scene 4 – Kagutsuchi's House (Continued)
Kagutsuchi and Ayu stood on the balcony, overlooking the village. The soft glow of lanterns lit up the streets below as the festival continued, but the celebration felt distant—almost unreal—as the weight of their conversation lingered in the air.
Kagutsuchi (looking at the village): "Ayu, I understand how you feel. But as you know, my responsibilities force me to take this decision. As the Houshikage, it's my duty to protect this village."
Ayu stood silently, his fists clenched at his sides. The flickering light from the lanterns reflected in his eyes, making his emotions harder to hide.
Kagutsuchi (sighing): "The path ahead is uncertain. Perhaps, for now, you need to find your own way—away from here. To grow stronger, to understand your powers, and to return when the time is right."
Ayu (staring at Kagutsuchi): "Are you… are you asking me to leave?"
Kagutsuchi (softly): "Not as an exile. Think of it as a pilgrimage—a journey to decide your future, to understand yourself and your powers. Remember, the place where you live is not always your home. Home is where people care about you. Find your home, Ayu."
The words hung in the air, heavy and final. Neither of them spoke. The silence between them felt louder than the festival outside.
Ayu (breaking the silence): "I think I should leave now."
He turned toward the door but paused, glancing back at Kagutsuchi one last time.
Ayu (forcing a small smile): "By the way… thanks for the food. I'll never forget you."
Kagutsuchi nodded, unable to find the right words to respond. He simply watched as Ayu stepped out of the house and into the night.
---
Scene 7 – The Village at Night
Ayu walked through the dimly lit streets. The echoes of laughter and music from the festival surrounded him, yet he felt completely alone. Everything he had—his family, his sense of belonging—had been taken away. The weight of his uncertain future loomed over him like a shadow.
A dark mist seemed to follow his steps, mirroring his thoughts. He was too young to make these decisions, too inexperienced to face this cruel world alone. Yet, he had no choice.
Meanwhile, back at the balcony, Kagutsuchi remained standing, gazing out at the village. Jinpei stepped beside him, concern etched on his face.
Jinpei: "Is it right to do this? He's too young to carry this burden, too young to take such decisions on his own."
Kagutsuchi (quietly): "I don't know. But there's one thing I'm sure of—his heart is pure. Maybe, one day, the people of this village will see that too."
The two men stood in silence, watching as the festival lights flickered like stars. Little did they know that this night marked the beginning of a journey that would test Ayu's spirit, his resolve, and his destiny.
---
Final Scene – Under the Moonlight
As the moon cast its gentle glow over Kurosine, Ayu stepped beyond the village gates. His heart was heavy with unspoken fears, yet somewhere deep inside, a spark of determination began to burn.
The road ahead was unknown, but this was not the end. It was only the beginning—the dawn of a journey that would forever alter the fate of Kurosine and the boy who carried its hope.