Chapter 2 • Apple And Unmei
Sasaki Akimitsu strolled through the lush jungle, each step measured and deliberate, his mind a sea of contemplation. His sword, Unmei, rested gracefully in its scabbard, an extension of his being. The blade bore the marks of countless battles, its edge worn and tip shattered, yet it still gleamed under the radiant sun, a testament to its enduring spirit.
As he wandered, Akimitsu's eyes caught sight of an apple tree, its branches heavy with ripe fruit. A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "How fortunate," he murmured to himself. "Let's have a taste."
He reached for Unmei, intending to slice an apple from the tree. But just as he prepared to draw the blade, a gust of wind swept through the jungle. The branches swayed, and an apple fell naturally, landing softly at his feet. Akimitsu chuckled, his laughter mingling with the rustling leaves. "I suppose the apple was not fortunate enough to be chopped by Unmei."
He picked up the fallen apple and made his way to a nearby cliff, where he sat down to enjoy the fruit. The vista before him was breathtaking, the town visible in the distance, a mosaic of life and movement.
As he savored the apple, Akimitsu noticed someone approaching—a figure running toward him. It was a young girl, her expression one of urgency and relief. He recognized her immediately.
"Oh, it's Aoi," he said, a note of affection in his voice. Aoi was not his by blood, but she was family, adopted and cherished.
"Aniki!" she called out, her breathless voice carrying across the distance. "I've been looking for you all over."
Akimitsu's brow furrowed slightly. "Why are you in such a hurry, Aoi?"
Without waiting for a response, he cut the apple in half with Unmei's still-sharp edge and handed one piece to her. "Here, have some, Aoi."
She took the offered piece but hesitated, deciding to keep it for later. "Aniki, I'm worried sick. I've heard that someone has been hunting for you all around for a duel."
Akimitsu's expression softened, then grew resolute. "It's been a while," he said, his voice calm and steady. He stood up, the weight of Unmei a familiar comfort at his side.
"Let's get back to the town," he continued, moving with purpose in the direction of the distant town. Aoi followed closely, her worry mingling with a deep-seated trust in her aniki.
