Ichigo was still reeling from the chaos that had shattered his world. Everything felt like a blur—his home reduced to ashes, blood on the ground, shadows chasing him, and now… a royal summons.
He had agreed to meet the king, though confusion gnawed at him with every step. But the royal postman insisted, "No matter what happens, we must not deviate from the plan."
So, Ichigo's mother stayed in the capital city under the protection of a squad of elite shinobi, while Ichigo was sent to the palace through a secret underground path—guided by a unit of royal guards sworn to protect the bloodline.
As they emerged at the outskirts of the royal fortress, Ichigo's eyes widened in awe.
The capital wasn't just a city—it was a fortress of unimaginable strength.
Massive palaces loomed overhead, surrounded by thousands of shinobi in various formations. Free markets for magical weapons lined the streets, where artisans forged weapons based on chakra elements and rare beast cores. It wasn't just security—it was preparation for war.
His mother had smiled before he left, her voice calm but heavy:
"Do what your father once did… and more. You have his strength—and something even he feared."
Ichigo hadn't yet understood her words. But now, he was beginning to feel the weight of them.
At the palace, he noticed the system was built with terrifying efficiency. Special units of ninjas wore different uniforms based on their type—each signifying their abilities.
• Lieutenants commanded squads of a thousand.
• Captains commanded ten lieutenants.
• And above them were Generals—each in charge of ten captains.
But at the peak of this structure stood a Head General—the one who commanded all five Generals.
And Ichigo learned, to his disbelief… that this man had once been his father.
Each rank, each position, wasn't earned by favor—it was decided by bloodline, power, or rare magical abilities. And Ichigo, unknowingly, was the only surviving heir capable of becoming the next Head General.
That was why his village had been attacked.
They feared what he could become.
At last, they arrived at the Meeting Hall, a sacred chamber guarded by warriors who hadn't spoken in years—vows of silence taken to protect royal secrets.
Inside, Ichigo found himself standing before the king's inner circle. Three sons of former generals, a daughter of a warlord, and one old general who had served under Ichigo's father. All of them stared at him not as a child—but as a candidate.
The crown wasn't just seeking loyalty.
It was seeking power.
And Ichigo had more of it than anyone realized.
The Five Generals of the Crown:
1. General Raiketsu the Storm Fang
They all cast doubtful glances at Ichigo.
"How could he be a candidate?" they whispered among themselves.
"He knows nothing about combat, no training, no experience… just a name."
What they didn't realize—was that he carried something far more dangerous than skill.
Potential.
A power deep within, sleeping… waiting.
When they asked the king to appear and explain, he said nothing—his presence remained shrouded in silence.
Instead, he simply smiled, turning to Ichigo and the others.
Then, with deliberate calm, he introduced Ichigo to the room, one by one listing the elite warriors gathered, their titles, and the deadly skills they possessed.
Specialty: Lightning manipulation & speed-based sword techniques
Traits: Strict, loyal, and fast as thunder—once trained under Ichigo's father
Symbol: A fang wrapped in a thunderbolt
2. General Kyra of the Crimson Bloom
Specialty: Illusion magic and poison-based ninjutsu
Traits: Mysterious and graceful, master of silent kills and political tactics
Symbol: A blooming red lotus dripping venom
3. General Thorne Blacksteel
Specialty: Weapon mastery and defensive jutsu
Traits: Towering, quiet, a living fortress in battle
Symbol: A black shield with a silver X
4. General Seijin the Whispering Flame
Specialty: Fire and wind fusion techniques (burns silently, spreads quickly)
Traits: Charismatic, unpredictable, believes in "burning away the old world"
Symbol: A burning feather
5. General Naeko the Frozen Warden
Specialty: Ice-based sealing techniques and long-range support magic
Traits: Calm, wise, emotionless in battle—protects the kingdom's secrets
Symbol: A chained snowflake
The four contenders stood confidently, pride radiating from their posture—each one convinced of their superiority. All except the eldest among them.
He alone recognized the name Ichigo carried. He had fought beside Ichigo's father, had seen firsthand the strength that once shook kingdoms. Yet even he couldn't imagine that the boy standing before them might one day surpass that legendary might.
The king, calm and deliberate, stepped forward and announced,
"Let strength decide."
He called forth Raiden, the son of the oldest general—a warrior born into power, trained from childhood, the strongest among the candidates—to face Ichigo in a duel of honor and fate.
Without hesitation, Ichigo stepped forward. He didn't ask for enchanted weapons or legendary armor. Instead, he picked up the standard blade of a common ninja, gripping its worn hilt with steady hands.
The silence grew thick with tension.
A boy with no formal training…
A sword with no name…
Standing against a legacy of warriors.
And yet, something in Ichigo's eyes made even the proudest hearts waver.
The arena was quiet. Raiden stepped forward, muscles coiled like a panther, his blade gleaming under the torchlight. Cheers erupted from his supporters, certain of a swift and brutal victory.
Ichigo, calm and focused, held the plain sword with both hands, its grip worn smooth by years of forgotten use. His stance was unfamiliar—neither traditional nor refined. Whispers spread through the crowd.
"He's not even holding it right."
"This will be over in seconds."
The gong echoed.
Raiden lunged, blade slicing the air like lightning. Ichigo didn't dodge—he pivoted. With fluid motion, he let the strike pass within a hair's breadth, then countered with the back of his blade, knocking Raiden off balance.
Gasps rippled through the onlookers.
Raiden spun, furious, and attacked again with blazing speed. Ichigo ducked, rolled, and with precise control, disarmed his opponent momentarily before retreating back into stance.
Even the generals leaned forward.
"That movement… it's like—"
"It can't be… it's his father's technique."
Ichigo exhaled slowly, eyes locked on Raiden.
"Come again," he said, voice calm, confident.
And for the first time, Raiden hesitated. THEN....
Add to collection — your support is my sword.