The sun hung low over the Raiden Edge training grounds, casting a soft amber light over the field.
It was a peaceful afternoon, far from the chaos of cameras and chaos the world tried to drown Riku in.
But here, there was only focus.
Purpose.
And family.
Yuki Hayashi stood in the center of the ring, her hands clenched into determined fists, sweat lining her brow. She wore a dark-red training robe with a silver trim, and on the back of her right hand shimmered something ancient and sacred.
Her Second Marking.
Its emblem pulsed faintly as her essence stirred. The crimson lotus in bloom, outlined in obsidian black, gave off a soft hum. At its center swirled a silver spiral, flowing and alive, surrounded by the kanji 「絆」—Kizuna—Bond.
Riku stood before her with a calm but serious gaze, arms folded, his own cloak fluttering lightly in the breeze. The same kanji was etched into the hem of his coat and engraved on the hilt of his essence blade — a symbol of the clan he had created, the legacy he now passed down.
"Again," Riku said.
Yuki took a deep breath and stepped forward, her footwork sharper this time, her punch aimed at his chest. Riku side-stepped effortlessly, tapping her wrist and spinning her away with ease.
She stumbled, but caught herself.
Frustrated.
"I'm trying!" she huffed.
"I know," Riku replied. "That's why you'll get there."
He stepped forward, kneeling slightly and gesturing toward her mark.
"This isn't just some tattoo, Yuki. You carry the Second Marking, something I've only entrusted to a few. It doesn't awaken like a spell—it grows with you. Learns from you. Protects you."
Yuki looked down at her hand. The mark shimmered again.
Riku continued, voice calm and steady.
"There are four total clan markings. Some I gave the First Marking, shaped like swirling currents or twin blades—powerful, but rooted in the basics of will and control."
He pointed to her hand again.
"But this… this is different. The Second Marking represents bond, evolution, and legacy. It will shape not just your essence, but your path. Your choices will determine how it grows."
Yuki blinked. "You said our children will be born with marks too?"
Riku nodded slowly.
"Yes. When I created the clan, I poured not just essence into it—but a piece of my own Divine Will. These marks pass down through blood, but only when they're earned. One day, your children will be born with abilities shaped by the mark you hold today."
Yuki's eyes widened.
"That means… this isn't just for me."
"It never was."
The breeze picked up, rustling the banners that hung high above the arena — each bearing the symbol of the clan. Some still blank. Some glowing.
Riku stepped back and took a stance.
"Now," he said with a grin. "Show me again. But this time… let the mark guide you."
Yuki inhaled deeply, her aura flickering with newborn confidence.
She charged forward.
And something in the crimson lotus began to bloom.