27 YEARS AGO
The sun spread its golden glow across the horizon.
Birds chirped in the open sky, unaware of the storm that brewed below.
And beneath this peaceful sky, stood the Abyss Arena—a battleground feared by all, where strength was law and weakness meant death.
People from across the nine kingdoms had gathered—rich and poor, young and old—to witness one of the most brutal events in history.
Today was the recruitment day for the Obsidian Blades.
A legendary elite force, chosen from the best warriors across all realms. Those selected would be sent to the mysterious Shadow Arena, where the immortal Shadow Master himself would train them in the deepest arts of war, discipline, and destruction.
The grand stadium roared with energy.
Banners of all nine kingdoms flapped in the wind, surrounding the battlefield like walls of legacy. Thousands watched from the stands—nobles, commoners, and rulers alike.
The announcer's voice thundered across the arena.
> "Welcome, to the Abyss Arena.
Here, we witness the strength of future legends.
This is not a tournament—it is a trial.
A test of talent, bloodline, adaptability... and the cruelty of fate.
Only those worthy shall walk into the Shadow.
Only those who survive... shall become Obsidian Blades."
A deafening cheer followed. Then—silence.
At the center of the arena stood hundreds of young warriors—each one burning with purpose.
In the very front stood a boy, unmoving.
HIROSHI KUJIN.
Jet-black spiked hair. Sharp blue eyes. An overwhelming presence that made even the bravest feel small. Confidence radiated from him—not the loud kind, but the kind that broke mountains.
Next to him stood a boy slightly younger, but no less intense.
YUKATO KUJIN.
One year younger. Same blood. Different soul. His eyes held a quiet fire—a storm of trust and fear mixed into one. His height matched Hiroshi's, but his presence was uncertain… as if he was trying to convince himself that he belonged.
The stage was set.
The swords would rise.
And one by one, destinies would be carved in blood.
High above the roaring arena, a grand hall overlooked the battleground—its crystal walls allowed a clear view of the chaos below. Decorated with ancient banners and lit by floating lanterns, the hall radiated power. Seated in a circular formation were the nine monarchs—the rulers of the Nine Kingdoms—each clad in royal robes representing their unique domains.
Among them sat Sikao, the leader of Akotsu, arms crossed, eyes narrowed.
Sikao's voice sliced through the silence.
"Why are these two children here? They're not even close to the level required for this trial."
Across from him sat Itshuki, leader of Kurosin, his gaze steady—sharp as the blade he once wielded.
He answered calmly, "You forget they are my sons. Sons of the Destructing Dragon."
Shingen, the ruler of Kyoto, let out a sigh.
"They are still just boys. I've heard you haven't even handed them the Sword of Destruction... or your powers."
Itshuki didn't flinch.
"That's true. But I believe in them. The Kujin Clan believes in them. And so does Kurosin."
A faint scoff echoed from Sikao.
"Belief doesn't change reality."
The hall grew quiet again, but the air was thick with tension. The fates of nations were being wagered… on two boys.
---
SCENE: On the Arena Grounds
Down on the battlefield, among the rows of fierce young warriors, two stood still—side by side.
Hiroshi Kujin and his younger brother Yukato.
Yukato turned his head slightly, his voice barely above a whisper.
"Hiroshi… can I ask you for a favor?"
Hiroshi smiled faintly. "Of course."
Yukato took a deep breath, his voice trembling with determination.
"When the match starts… please forget that we're brothers. Don't help me—even if I'm dying. And if by chance… we have to fight each other… don't hold back."
Hiroshi's expression hardened.
"Sorry, but I can't do that. As your elder brother, it's my duty to protect you. And Mom said I should… don't forget, you're only here because she chose to send you. If she hadn't… you would've starved to death."
Yukato looked away, fists clenched.
"I know… but don't you see? You're not helping me… you're only showing me how weak I am. How powerful you are. You're not lifting me up, Hiroshi… you're crushing me beneath your presence."
Their conversation ended there.
But the silence between them was louder than any war cry.