Kyoko Seiryu walked through the towering gates of her clan's castle, nestled deep within the mountains of Yamato. The cold mountain air brushed against her face, yet she barely felt it—her mind was consumed by a storm of emotions.
She had fought with everything she had, but after witnessing the overwhelming power of warriors like Mon Tsukigiri and Touwa Raijin, she couldn't shake the feeling that she wasn't strong enough to continue in the tournament.
The Seiryu Clan, known for its dragon-like strength and fierce warriors, had high expectations for its members. She had trained since childhood, pushing herself beyond her limits, yet now, doubt gnawed at her heart.
She entered the grand hall, where Elder Ayane Seiryu sat at the center, her piercing eyes watching as Kyoko approached. The elder was a woman of wisdom and strength, her presence alone commanding respect.
Kyoko took a deep breath and bowed deeply.
"Elder Ayane, I have come to request something."
The elder studied her, her sharp eyes narrowing slightly. "Speak, child."
Kyoko clenched her fists. "I am not worthy of representing our clan in the remaining battles of the tournament. I want to step down and allow someone stronger to take my place."
A heavy silence filled the room. The other members of the clan, who had gathered out of curiosity, whispered among themselves.
Elder Ayane's gaze hardened. "You wish to leave?"
Kyoko lowered her head. "Yes."
The elder leaned forward, her expression unreadable. "Do you believe running away is the way of the Seiryu Clan?"
Kyoko flinched at those words. "No, Elder. It's not that I am running away. I just… I know that my strength isn't enough. If I stay, I will only hold the clan back."
Elder Ayane sighed, closing her eyes for a moment. Then, she spoke in a firm yet gentle tone. "Kyoko, strength is not just about power levels or victories. It is about resilience. About standing even when you are afraid."
Kyoko's heart ached. She wanted to be strong, but after fighting and failing, she couldn't shake the truth—she had reached her limit.
"Please, Elder. I have made up my mind."
Ayane's eyes softened slightly. She could see the pain in Kyoko's expression. This was not a decision made lightly.
After a long silence, she finally spoke. "Very well."
The gathered clan members gasped. Their warrior, Kyoko Seiryu, was stepping down.
Elder Ayane turned to one of the warriors standing nearby. "Send word to Kiyoshi Seiryu. He shall take Kyoko's place in the tournament."
Kyoko let out a quiet breath of relief. Yet, a part of her felt hollow. Had she made the right choice?
Minutes later, a tall young man entered the hall. His presence alone was commanding, his brownhair and piercing blue eyes making him stand out even among the Seiryu warriors.
Kiyoshi Seiryu.
One of the strongest young warriors of the clan, trained in the ancient dragon techniques passed down through generations.
He approached Elder Ayane and bowed respectfully. "Elder, you summoned me?"
Ayane nodded. "You have been chosen to replace Kyoko in the clan war."
Kiyoshi's eyes flickered with excitement, but he maintained his composure. "I am honored, Elder. I will not disappoint the Seiryu Clan."
He turned to Kyoko, studying her for a moment. "Kyoko, you fought well. But are you certain about this?"
Kyoko forced a smile. "I am."
Kiyoshi nodded. "Then, I will carry the Seiryu name forward. Thank you for this opportunity."
As Kyoko watched him, she knew that Kiyoshi would not falter. He was stronger than her, more experienced. Perhaps this was for the best.
Yet, as she stood there, watching the excitement in her clan's eyes for her replacement, a heavy weight settled in her chest.
Had she made the right choice?
Or had she just abandoned her path as a warrior?