Purple

— Present Day. Paper Nation —

The night was very quiet.

The light was dim, and the boots of a mysterious figure walked slowly through the room, step by step, firm and calm.

As the steps advanced, they passed by a woman lying on the floor, lifeless, her platinum white hair spread out and her body covered in blood — but it wasn't ordinary blood, it was purple. It spread through the room like ink.

The steps continued. Unwavering.

The figure passed by another victim’s body, a child. With the same hair color, and also with purple blood, staining the floor.

The steps went on.

Farther ahead, a man was lying down. He was still breathing, with difficulty. He choked on his own blood, which dripped from his mouth. Eyes wide open, in shock. The same hair color. The same purple blood.

The steps stopped in front of the man.

With no strength left, the man took his final breath.

Then silence.

The figure walked past him. Unmoved. In the distance, a door was opened firmly... and then, BAM! —shut violently.

Silence.

***

Dawn broke!

In a quiet village, people walked about their daily chores. Some wore traditional robes and kimonos with a modern touch.

A few soldiers passed by on their regular patrols —some in ninja uniforms, others in samurai attire.

On one of the streets stood a small restaurant attached to a house. Inside, in the kitchen, stood Rino Amazo — an older man with platinum white hair, a serene demeanor that radiated life experience and wisdom —leaning quietly against the doorframe.

He observed with clear discontent.

In front of him was Gotan — a 15-year-old athletic boy. His dark, spiky hair was messy, and he wore earrings in both ears.

He had on a loose one-piece orange jumpsuit with a high collar and no sleeves — the torn edges made it obvious the sleeves had been ripped off by hand. The zipper was open from neck to navel, revealing his chest and abdomen wrapped in white bandages, along with a necklace around his neck with a small shuriken entwined.

Gotan was training in the center of the kitchen, surrounded by pots and dishes, executing punch and kick sequences with skill.

As he turned mid-move, he noticed Rino watching him. Startled, he stopped immediately.

“Agh! Dad!? H-How long have you been standing there?”

“What did I say about training, Gotan?” Rino asked, looking like he was tired of repeating the same warning.

“That I can't train… in the kitchen.”

“Just that?”

“In the kitchen, outside the kitchen, anywhere,” Gotan answered, exasperated.

“Exactly! You know you're forbidden from training at all. How many times do I have to tell you I don’t want to see you involved in this war?”

“But I need to train. I was born with elemental blood, very few are blessed with elemental blood, it’s our duty to help our nation win this war,” said Gotan indignantly.

“Elemental blood isn’t a blessing, son. It’s a curse. And this war is a curse too.”

“Doesn’t matter! Only three years left until the Great War, now’s the time to get stronger and finish off the enemies and …” he stopped mid-sentence with a serious expression on his face.

“Your mother died because of the system that breeds hatred, death, and war. Hating the enemies doesn’t make you better than them,” Rino countered wisely.

“I’ll never understand this cowardly attitude of yours since Mom died. You were the best ninja in the Paper Nation before you left the army. Now you’re a cowardly cook and want me to be one too. That’s not fair,” Gotan raised his voice, clearly upset.

“Well, I believe one day you’ll understand. But until that day comes... no training!” Rino said firmly.

“While other kids are training in academies to join the army, I’m wasting my time in this kitchen,” he crossed his arms and looked away. “Could you just leave me alone? I want to go back to my trai… I mean, my cooking,” he smiled awkwardly, having slipped up.

“Fine. I just came to let you know Mania stopped by and said she’ll be waiting in the usual spot.”

“Great! Let me serve her a bowl of food first,” Gotan replied, suddenly cheerful.

“Why do you two always meet at that spot? Mania’s like family now, she can eat here,” Rino asked curiously.

“Because… because… oh Dad, stop being nosy,” Gotan replied, clearly hiding something.

Rino stared suspiciously as Gotan tried to play it off.

“'Scuse me” Rino said and left.

Gotan remained, happily serving food into a bowl.

***

In an open field stood Mania Kawasaki — a 15-year-old girl, her messy red hair revealed her fiery personality.

She wore a tight yellow jumpsuit with black stripes on the sides and a belt tied around her waist. A ninja tool pouch was strapped to one of her legs.

She was lying on her back on the ground, hands behind her head, her beret covering her face.

Suddenly, she heard Gotan’s voice calling her. She sat up excitedly, placing the beret back on her head.

There was Gotan, holding a food bowl.

“My fooood!” Mania shouted, grinning from ear to ear.

“I thought you’d already be warming up for our training,” Gotan said, somewhat puzzled.

“We’re not training today. Besides, you're already the best fighter I know, so just relax.”

“If we’re not training, then why call me here? You could’ve eaten at home, my dad likes having you over.”

“I know. Since my parents died, he’s cared for me like I was his daughter. I don’t even want to think about him finding out I’ve been training with you and teaching you what I learn at the academy.”

“Relax, he won’t find out. So, what’s going on?” Gotan asked, sitting down curiously.

“Well, tomorrow is recruitment day! An army captain will come choose two top students from the academy to participate in the ‘Arena’. As you know, I’m the best at the academy, I’ll definitely be chosen.”

“So you’re going to the capital. That means today’s our last training day.”

“Not just for training, it’s a goodbye.”

“If it weren’t for my dad, I’d be participating too,” Gotan said bitterly.

“With our powers, we’d both pass for sure. That would’ve been awesome! Anyway, hand me my food, I’ll eat while you recap everything I taught you about the war, the nations, the enemies… everything!” Mania said as she grabbed her food with enthusiasm.

“Seriously?” Gotan asked, uninterested.

“You never care when it comes to learning stuff. You only care about physical training, you idiot. Knowledge is power too, and I won’t be here to remind you of things, so start talking,” said Mania, her mouth full, food crumbs flying out.

“Alright… uhm… In the three nations, the army has two divisions. There’s the ‘First Division’ for soldiers with elemental blood because they have powers, and the ‘Second Division’ for those without elemental blood, since they have no powers...

Mania, still devouring her food, looked bored.

“That’s general knowledge. You don’t need to be in the academy to know that. Every civilian knows it,” she said, mouth still full.

“Let me finish, you glutton! It’s elemental blood that allows us ninjas and samurai to use special powers, lets Vikings wield giant and powerful weapons, and lets cowboys use firearms in a special way.”

“Right. But here in Paper Nation, besides First and Second Division, we also have the ‘Special Unit’. What do you remember about that?”

“That’s the unit in charge of the most dangerous missions. Only ninjas or samurai from that unit can become captains. And to join, besides having elemental blood, you have to fight and pass in the Arena.”

“That’s right! Glad you haven’t forgotten.”

“How could I, when you never shut up about it. Special Unit this, Special Unit that…”

“Seriously though! Did I ever tell you that unlike the other divisions, in the Special Unit you can wear any outfit you want? Hahaha! That’s where I’m going once I’m selected in the Arena,” Mania said excitedly.

“But for that, you have to fight against other candidates from across the nation and win. And you said only the most powerful elemental-blood candidates of the new generation get to participate,” Gotan said seriously.

“Don’t say it like that, you’re scaring me,” Mania replied with a frightened face.

Then the two looked at each other seriously and burst into laughter. Until Mania choked on her food and started coughing.

“Sorry, next time I’ll make a better scared face to be convincing,” she joked as she recovered. “Now tell me, what’s the most important battle knowledge every ninja and samurai must have?”

“Well… elemental blood heats up when we use our powers, and after a while in battle, the blood boils. When that happens, we can’t use our powers for some time, until the blood cools down. And since we ninjas and samurai have special powers, our blood boils faster than vikings or cowboys.”

“Very good! That’s why when fighting a Viking or a cowboy, eliminate them quickly, before your blood boils,” Mania warned firmly.

“I know. Now changing the subject, do you think the captain who’s recruiting tomorrow is already here in the village?”

The two exchanged curious glances.

***

In a quiet and little-traveled street, someone was walking, a bit lazily.

It was Kubo Kaisen — a handsome and refined 25-year-old man, with light gray hair and a stylish hairstyle. He wore a semi-formal and elegant outfit.

He carried two ninja swords on his back and a ninja tool pouch strapped to his leg. He was always chewing something like gum and blowing bubbles.

They sent the best captain to a distant and poor village like this. Will I even find any good candidates here? He wondered, with a tone of boredom.

Then he began to recall the meeting from the day before.

— One day earlier —

At the headquarters of the Paper Nation, in the meeting room, around a table that had a map of the Paper Nation spread over it, seven people were seated.

In the main chair sat the Feudal Lord, Yakuzu Yagami — a 61-year-old man whose presence emitted an aura of power and authority. A samurai dressed in a refined kimono suitable for nobility, with a katana at his waist.

To his right sat Hoshino Kamui — a 40-year-old man with a very serious air, much confidence and authority. Long black hair. He wore a traditional samurai kimono with a white cloak over it inscribed with the words “Kamui Clan” and a katana at his waist.

Next came Kubo Kaisen, he looked relaxed, always chewing his gum and blowing bubbles.

And finally sat Suji Sugeto — a 30-year-old man with an eccentric appearance and a sadistic look. He wore a samurai kimono with a katana at his waist.

On the left side of the Feudal Lord sat Hiro Sugawara — a 42-year-old man, big-built, mature appearance, calm and easygoing demeanor. He wore a ninja outfit, had a sword on his back and a ninja tool pouch.

Next was Minata Kiss — a tall 27-year-old woman, beautiful and elegant, calm and serene. Still, she carried a cold expression and a cynical smile.

She had long bluish-white hair and eyebrows, red lipstick. She wore a loose white samurai kimono with light blue details and a matching sash around her waist where she kept her katana.

And lastly, there was Ichiro Kawaii — a humble-looking young man of 25. He wore a simple ninja outfit, with a ninja tool pouch and a ninja sword on his back.

“Very well, all the captains are here. Let’s begin the meeting. We have two important points to discuss. First, regarding the Arena, we need to select the best candidates of the new generation not only to join the Special Unit, but also to compete in the ‘Blood Tournament’ between the nations,” the Feudal Lord introduced calmly.

“Has it really been five years since the last Blood Tournament? Time flies!” said Ichiro.

“Yeah, five years is a pretty short interval. Actually, any interval feels short when it’s about throwing teenagers into a fight to the death,” remarked Hiro, in his calm tone, though clearly showing disapproval.

“It’s a tradition among the nations, we must respect tradition. And you know very well that veterans aren’t allowed to participate in the Blood Tournament because no nation wants to lose experienced soldiers. It’s also a way to mentally prepare the new generation for war,” Hoshino intervened firmly.

“That’s just pointless slaughter. We’re not obligated to follow the traditions of past leaders. We’re not savages, we’re soldiers,” Hiro insisted, still unconvinced.

“Hiro, your pacifism during wartime could lead us to defeat. How can we win a war with youths who are afraid to take a life?” Minata challenged him.

“Alright, captains. We’ll have time to debate the Blood Tournament later. Right now, the concern is the Arena. The candidates from the past two years weren’t very impressive. This year, we need to recruit the best,” the Feudal Lord stated with authority.

“There’s still one thing I don’t understand. You all know I’ve never cared about that. So why was I summoned?” Kubo asked with a bored look.

“This year, we have a new development, so you must take part in the recruitment. As you all know, each captain needs to recruit two or three candidates from the new generation, for those assigned to the Scroll Village, Origami Village and Papyrus Village, they can recruit three, since those villages have more academies and higher demand.”

“This year, my candidates will definitely be selected, and I’ll receive my reward,” said Suji, smiling and licking his lips.

“Every year you say that, but your candidates never pass,” Minata teased. “But back to the point: what’s the big new development, Feudal Lord?”

“Well, normally the captain whose two candidates pass in the Arena receives a monetary reward. But this year, in addition to the reward, they will also become the sensei of a team, leading the new Special Unit recruits on espionage and sabotage missions in enemy nations.”

“Why now? Why place us captains as mentors to these rookies?” Minata asked.

“The Great War is approaching. We only have three years left. There’s no more time! We need someone who can fast-track their experience. That’s why we need experienced captains to lead them.”

“Excellent! That means I’ll be a sensei, because I’m sure my candidates will pass the Arena!” Kubo proclaimed confidently.

“Not just any candidate makes it through the Arena,” warned Hoshino in a slightly arrogant tone.

“I bet my candidates will outperform your prodigy children,” Kubo challenged.

Hoshino just ignored him. It was obvious those two couldn’t stand each other.

“Very well. Captain assignments to the villages will be random... except for you, Kubo. We’re sending you to Kraft Village,” said the Feudal Lord.

“But why there of all places? How am I supposed to find good candidates in that remote village with only one academy?” Kubo protested, eyeing Hoshino who now wore a smug grin.

“I understand, but this leads us to the second point on our agenda. You, besides being one of our best captains...” then the Feudal Lord was interrupted by Kubo.

“Please clarify that, Feudal Lord. There’s a big difference between ‘one of the best’ and ‘the best’,” Kubo declared with a confident expression.

Hoshino shook his head in disbelief at what he had just heard. Suji and Minata laughed out loud, just to mock. Ichiro looked around, a bit lost. Hiro remained silent, deep in thought.

“Anyway... you’re our best detective. We’ve received news of another family from the Amazo Clan being murdered. As we know, this is the strongest clan in our nation, due to the purple blood, and this must be connected to the killings,” the Feudal Lord explained, leaving the room tense.

“So we really do have a serial killer. For two months now, blood-purple clan have been slaughtered, family by family,” Ichiro said solemnly.

“Indeed. With the death of this last family, there’s only one target left: Rino Amazo. If he dies, the Amazo Clan will be completely extinct,” the Feudal Lord said with deep concern.

“So, that’s why you’re sending me there. Besides recruitment, I’ll also investigate Rino Amazo,” concluded Kubo.

“Rino Amazo would never do such a thing. He’s an honorable man. He opposed this entire system of war and hatred. And the death of his wife was the last straw that led him to leave the army and move to Kraft Village with his son to distance himself from it all,” Hiro said, clearly admiring him.

“I don’t believe he’s behind the murders either. I just want you to warn him to be careful, because the killer will surely come for him. And take the opportunity to ask him a few things that may help your investigation,” the Feudal Lord instructed.

“Anything specific?” Kubo asked.

“Well, as you know, only those with purple blood can awaken the circle level. However, in the entire history of the clan, Rino Amazo was the only one who managed to awaken it. And when he did, he had a vision of a mysterious man dominating all three nations.”

“One man dominating all three nations together? That needs some serious power!” Kubo commented.

“It was a divine power. And Rino Amazo couldn’t tell if the vision was about the past or the future,” said the Feudal Lord, leaving the room in suspense.

“After the Janken, we have all of history documented, and there’s nothing about a man with such power. It must be a vision of the future,” said Kubo.

“And what if it’s from before the Janken? After all, the Janken not only split the world, it also wiped everyone’s memory and all manuscripts from that time vanished. This vision could be a revelation about what happened before the Janken,” suggested Ichiro.

“That’s true. Since the start of the ‘Janken Era’, all three nations have searched for manuscripts about pre-Janken history, but none have ever been found. With Janken, humanity’s history reset, and we’re left to live with that,” said the Feudal Lord.

The room was filled with an air of suspense and mystery. Everyone sat in deep thought.

“Well, at least we know that before the Janken, the world was one. And in Rino Amazo’s vision, the man dominated three nations. So it must be a vision of the future… Anyway, you can leave this case to me,” said Kubo, confidently.

— Back to the present —

Rino Amazo! He had a child with a woman of normal elemental blood, so the child probably didn’t inherit the great power of the clan. Purple blood power is only inherited with pure blood. That’s why they used to marry among themselves within the clan. And Rino Amazo was the first to break that tradition and married an outsider.

So thought Kubo, as he walked along calmly and lazily.

***

At Rino Amazo's restaurant.

There were a few customers sitting at their tables. At one of the tables, two soldiers, a ninja and a samurai, were finishing their meal.

Then they stood up and were about to leave.

“Excuse me, gentlemen. You haven’t paid the bill yet,” Gotan said as he approached firmly.

“Ah... just put it on the tab, we’ll pay another day,” said the ninja with an arrogant tone.

“You should’ve mentioned that before ordering. You’ll have to pay now!” warned Gotan.

“What’s with the attitude, brat? Don’t you see we’re soldiers? Want to get beaten up?” the samurai snapped angrily.

“When I saw you were in uniform, I made a point of checking the palms of your hands. I didn’t see any ‘line’ which means you don’t have elemental blood. You’ll be the ones getting beaten if you don’t pay the bill,” Gotan said provocatively, showing his palm.

There was a slanted black line ( ∕ ) in the center of his hand. The two soldiers looked a bit shaken upon seeing it.

“So you have elemental blood, huh!? And you think you can take on two veteran soldiers?” the ninja scoffed, resting his hands on his waist.

We can’t take this brat on without knowing the power he has. We can’t risk humiliation. Thought the samurai, though he still raised his voice with authority:

“You’re still at ‘line’ level, we’ve already fought soldiers at ‘triangle’ level.

“Even so, my power is enough to take down any soldier without elemental blood,” Gotan replied firmly.

But I can’t use my power here, my father would kill me if he found out. Alright... I can still take them down using only physical combat. Gotan thought, eyes steady. It was clear he was ready to deal with them.

The two soldiers drew their weapons, a ninja sword and a katana. They assumed combat stances.

The atmosphere in the restaurant grew tense.

Then, Gotan clenched his fists with a determined look and a confident smile.

The soldiers lunged at him with their swords, but Gotan easily dodged the strikes sequence, barely moving his body.

He then jumped and delivered strong kicks to each of their chests, sending them flying. They crashed to the ground near the door — right at the feet of someone who was standing there.

It was Kubo, standing there calmly with his hands in his pockets, chewing his gum.

The soldiers got up and tried to return to the fight.

“Freeze!” Kubo ordered.

They stopped, confused, and turned toward Kubo, furious. Kubo remained calm and relaxed.

“Who are you? And why is a civilian walking around armed?” the ninja snapped.

“Let’s take him out first and then ask questions,” said the samurai.

Both rushed to attack Kubo, but he didn’t move a muscle. His expression didn’t change in the slightest.

Just as they were about to strike him with their swords, Kubo simply raised his hand, revealing a triangle (∆) in the center of his palm.

The soldiers immediately froze, stopping their swords just inches from his body, trembling with fear.

“He’s at the ‘triangle’ level and wearing civilian clothes? He must be from the Special Unit,” the ninja muttered, terrified.

“Let’s get out of here!” shouted the samurai.

The two soldiers ran off, and Gotan tried to chase them. But just as he passed by Kubo, the captain grabbed him by the back and lifted him into the air.

“Let me go, they haven’t paid the bill yet!” Gotan shouted, struggling midair.

“Relax, I’ll pay. Now tell me, where’s the owner of this place?” said Kubo, setting Gotan back on the ground.

“My father?” Gotan asked curiously.

“So you’re the son of the mighty Rino Amazo, interesting! Why didn’t you use your power against those two?”

“They weren’t strong enough for that,” Gotan replied confidently.

“I wonder if you’d use it on me? I’d love to see it!”

“What’s going on here?” Rino asked as he entered the place. “I heard yelling from the kitchen.”

Gotan grew nervous and forced a fake smile as he thought of what to say.

“Well, uh… Dad!? This man wants to talk to you. Right?” he said, nudging Kubo.

Rino looked at Kubo, and from his expression, it was clear he recognized him.

“You!? I remember you.”

“I’d be disappointed if you didn’t,” Kubo said with a sigh.

“Come with me!”

Rino walked ahead, and as Kubo tried to follow, Gotan grabbed his arm.

“You still haven’t paid the bill!” Gotan said with a mischievous grin.

“Damn, you don’t let anything slide. Have you ever thought about becoming a loan shark, kid?”

The two of them laughed together.

***

In the kitchen, Rino and Kubo were already talking.

“I see. So the situation has reached this point. But why do you think the killer is able to track purple blood?” Rino asked, deep in thought.

“Your clan was scattered across different villages of the Nation, yet he managed to locate and identify every family. It would be very difficult for an outsider to access information about your clan in our central archive without being noticed.”

“I understand! If we assume he didn’t have access to our information, then he doesn’t know that I have a son.”

“Possibly. But still, the boy is in danger because of the purple blood, which can be tracked.”

“No, because he has red blood, like his mother, and the same hair color too. And the Amazo surname was removed by the clan, since they claimed he was unworthy of carrying it. Since then, he’s gone only by his given name. So I believe he’s out of the assassin’s reach,” said Rino, with a tone of relief.

“So he really was born with normal elemental blood!? As expected. Just out of curiosity, what’s your son’s power?”

“I don’t know. I’ve never seen it because I don’t allow him to train, much less use his powers.”

“It would be easier to assume if he had purple blood. Because your clan’s power is famous. That’s why I hope that when the assassin shows up, you’ll show him why you’re the most powerful ninja in our Nation,” Kubo said admiringly.

“Don’t worry!” Rino replied with a sigh of concern.

“I want you to know that you’re the first suspect on my list. You’re the only one with enough power to defeat the others in your clan. Your stance against the war makes things worse. And you’re the only one who had issues within your clan for breaking the tradition of marrying within the bloodline,” Kubo said, in a distrustful tone.

“I completely understand,” Rino answered without raising his voice.

“Being the only one left with purple blood, you have just one way to get off my suspect list: either the assassin’s body... or yours! And I hope it’s the assassin’s body,” said Kubo with a concerned look. “Today was just to warn you about the assassin. Tomorrow, I’ll come back with some questions”.

“About?” asked Rino, curious.

“About the man from your vision…” said Kubo, leaving Rino with a worried look on his face. “Well, I have to go.”

Then Kubo left, leaving Rino very worried and thoughtful. He knew that something very bad was about to happen.

***

Night fell!

Only a few lights lit up the empty streets.

Inside the restaurant, there were no customers. Gotan was finishing sweeping the floor.

“Whew, I’m done here, Dad. I’m gonna try to get some rest,” said Gotan, yawning while still focused on what he was doing.

Noticing his father's silence, he looked up and saw him lost in thought. It was clear something was weighing on his mind.

“Dad!” Gotan called loudly, managing to get his father's attention. “What did that man say to you that’s got you worried all day?”

“Nothing, son. Grown-up stuff. No need to worry about it,” Rino replied, trying to sound reassuring, but unsuccessfully. The concern was too obvious.

“I see… well, I’m going to rest. We’ll talk tomorrow. By the way, they’re recruiting two students from the Academy tomorrow. Can I go there to support Mania?”

“That’s fine!” Rino agreed without hesitation.

That left Gotan confused, and he stared at his father. Something was off, this was unlike his dad.

“Just like that? Right away? What’s going on, Dad? The moment I mentioned the word ‘academy’, I expected at least one or two questions before you allowed it,” Gotan said, concerned, knowing that whatever this was, it was serious.

“Son…” Rino called, let out a sigh, and continued “an enemy with power greater than the three nations is approaching. The only one who will be able to stop him is someone who has awakened the ‘Circle’. That would be me… but if I’m not here anymore to stop him, you’ll have to carry that responsibility.”

“What are you talking about, Dad? I don’t have purple blood, I can’t awaken the ‘Circle’.”

“Even though your elemental blood is normal, I know the power of purple blood lies hidden within you… because you are my son.”

“Why are you telling me all this? And why do you sound like you’re saying goodbye?” Gotan asked, worried.

“I want you to remember this: I was able to awaken the ‘Circle’ because I let go of hate. Great power awaits you, but first you must train your heart to be kind and just.”

Gotan was listening intently, but at the same time, he was filled with anguish. After all, if his father was passing on the responsibility of stopping such a mysterious and powerful enemy, something terrible was surely about to happen.

“I don’t know if I can do it, Dad! I don’t know if I can let go of hate. To be honest, I don’t even agree with that,” Gotan confessed, deeply saddened.

“I understand. Letting go of hate isn’t something I can force on you. It has to be of your own free will… Now go to sleep, son.”

Gotan walked off, thoughtful and sad, leaving Rino sitting there in silence. When Gotan reached the door, he opened it and stopped with his head down.

“Sorry for not being the son you deserve, Dad.”

Rino was moved upon hearing that and turned to his son:

“Know that I began to master my hate the day you were born. Because I wanted a better world for you. And because of that, I was able to awaken the ‘Circle’. You are the best thing that ever happened to me, son,” Rino said, deeply emotional.

“Thank you, Dad,” Gotan replied, touched.

Gotan went inside and closed the door, leaving Rino alone and thoughtful.

A short while later, outside, someone mysterious arrived — the same boots worn by the man who killed the other purple-blooded family.

And inside the restaurant, Rino, still deep in thought, suddenly widened his eyes, clearly he sensed someone’s arrival. He took a deep breath and waited.

Down at the entrance, the man’s boots stepped in. He passed through the door with slow, firm steps… then stopped!

“I’ve been expecting you. I heard you killed my entire clan, and now you have the audacity to come after me, the only one who awakened the ‘Circle’,” said Rino with a confident air.

Then came the deep, intimidating voice of the mysterious man:

“The ‘Circle’, right? Let’s assume you really are the only one who awakened it. Do you even know what to do with your ‘Circle’?”

So this man knows I don’t understand the power of the ‘Circle’ or how to use it. Rino thought, worried. But outwardly, he kept a firm expression.

“I suppose you know the true power of the ‘Circle’,” Rino guessed.

“I do. Why do you think I’m killing off the only clan capable of awakening the ‘Circle’? To ensure I won’t have any trouble when the time comes,” the mysterious man said, while Rino was listening carefully.

Now I understand! The power of the “Circle” will only activate when something specific happens… and whatever that is, it must be coming soon, which is why this man started wiping out our clan. So Rino thought, though his firm expression hid his concern.

“I see you already know that the Circle’s power hasn’t activated yet. But I still have purple blood. Our power is the greatest of the three nations, do you really think you can defeat me?” Rino asked, sounding threatening.

“You know that if your power were greater than mine, I wouldn’t have survived all the battles I fought against every purple-blooded person I killed... You will die here and now!”

Rino, always with a firm expression, said nothing, just thought:

I can’t fight using purple blood powers without waking Gotan. If he shows up here, this man will know I have a son. Even without purple blood, he’ll kill him as a precaution. So I can only use my power if it’s to win... but even that power wasn’t enough to stop this man in past fights.

“Let’s begin!” the mysterious man declared.

“Let’s go!” Rino replied with a determined look.