The Festival of Blades

> “Not every battle is won with steel. Some are lost quietly, in the silence of unspoken words.”— Renjiro Akegami



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[Scene: Imperial City – Blades Festival Grounds]
A thousand lanterns swayed in the wind above the ancient arena. The stone-paved streets of Sorakami gleamed with enchantments and energy as the grand Festival of Blades began — an annual tradition where warriors from across the lands gathered to test their strength, skills… and pride.
Inside the arena, surrounded by roaring crowds, Renjiro Akegami stepped onto the platform, calm, unreadable, his katana resting quietly at his back. His dark blue hair danced with the breeze, and his crimson eyes scanned the arena — not for opponents, but for someone.
His heart betrayed him.
He was searching for Amiya Yukishiro.

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[Flashback – 10 Years Ago, Snowfall Training Grounds]
Amiya: “Ne, Renjiro… when we grow up, promise we’ll fight together? Like real heroes?”
Renjiro (smiling faintly): “I promise. Even if the world forgets me… I’ll fight to protect you.”

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Back in the present, he saw her — Amiya, standing by the upper balcony, radiant as ever. She wore a soft white kimono laced with golden feathers, her eyes filled with admiration... but not for him.
Next to her stood Kaede Ishikawa, a rising star from the Flame Province. Handsome, bold, charming — the one who made her laugh now, the one she watched with sparkles in her eyes.
Renjiro’s gaze hardened.
He looked away.

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[Scene: Battle Begins]
The announcer’s voice thundered across the field.
“Next duel — Renjiro Akegami of the Northern Mist vs. Hiroshi Matsuoka of the Crimson Chain!”
The crowd erupted. Hiroshi was a brute of strength and arrogance — a beast in human skin.
Hiroshi: “You look more like a poet than a fighter, Akegami. I’ll make sure your bones remember today.”
Renjiro: “You won’t remember anything by the time I’m done.”
In the blink of an eye, the battle began. Hiroshi charged like a storm, but Renjiro moved like a whisper — no wasted motion, no hesitation.
His blade shimmered with ancient runes.
“Hazy Moon Style: First Form — Petals in the Wind.”
A blur. A single step.
Hiroshi fell to one knee, sword split, pride broken.
The crowd gasped. Amiya’s eyes widened.
Kaede smirked.

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[Later – Renjiro, Alone in the Training Hall]
As the arena quieted, Renjiro sat in the silent dojo, wrapping his hand, bruised from blocking Kaede’s earlier blow during a casual spar.
He heard footsteps.
Haruka, a shrine warrior with silver hair, entered and sat quietly.
Haruka: “You won again. And yet… that look in your eyes… it’s not victory.”
Renjiro: “What does winning mean… if the only person I wanted to notice me never truly saw me?”
Haruka (softly): “Many girls would give anything to stand where Amiya stands in your heart.”
Renjiro (without looking at her): “Then tell them to find someone whose heart isn’t already buried.”
Haruka’s heart trembled, but she smiled faintly. She knew it too — her feelings for Renjiro would never be returned.

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[Scene: Amiya and Kaede – Sunset Balcony]
Amiya: “Kaede… thank you for today. You made it beautiful.”
Kaede: “Anything for you, Amiya.”
She laughed. A sweet, carefree laugh.
Renjiro watched from afar, behind a pillar, hand trembling. Not from rage. But from everything he would never say.
> “Even if her heart belongs to someone else… mine will never change. Let this silence be my vow.”