Yōtsuki: "Oh, you're awake too? Come, let's see the color of your Reikyō."
Morizuki: "Its color? But… I don't even know how to use it yet."
Yōtsuki: "Just imagine that you need the strength of your soul. It'll be hard to control right now, but try tightening your hand and directing the energy into it."
Morizuki: "Thinking that I need the power of my soul…"
Morizuki clenches his right hand.
Yōtsuki: "Feel the energy flowing."
A green glow of Reikyō begins to spread across Morizuki's hand.
Yōtsuki: "Just like that. Your Reikyō is green. That means you possess healing abilities."
Morizuki: "Healing? But… I thought I was supposed to get stronger."
Morizuki's face falls.
Yōtsuki: "No, you misunderstand. Reikyō naturally strengthens and protects you. But each color comes with an additional trait. For example, blue. Blue Reikyō is far more durable than the others—think of it as a shield rather than pure endurance. Hyōgetsu's Reikyō is blue, which means his durability now surpasses yours and Engetsu's.
"And then there's red—Engetsu's color. Red is oriented toward power. It grants stronger, harder-hitting attacks compared to the other colors. Both consume the same amount of energy, but their properties differ greatly."
Morizuki: "Aww… Can't we change it? If I had red, I'd use it so much better."
Yōtsuki: "Change it? Haha! No, Morizuki, you can't. But don't be discouraged. There's a reason you received green. Green is special in its own way. Others can heal their own wounds, yes—but only by wasting far more energy, and very slowly. None of them can heal others.
"You, on the other hand, can heal yourself with less energy and heal others. In a team, green is incredibly valuable."
Morizuki: "There's a reason? I don't get it…"
Yōtsuki: "It means you need green, Morizuki. You'll understand soon."
Yōtsuki walks toward Engetsu. Engetsu looks as though he's been through something heavy—leaning against a tree, lost deep in thought.
Morizuki's inner voice: "I need green, huh? So this green Reikyō must be part of my destiny. Well… I guess that's something to be grateful for."
Morizuki looks around. Hyōgetsu is testing his new katana and training. Bright, dense blue Reikyō flows from his hands. He seems to be trying to control it. Even though he still can't properly channel it into the katana, simply activating his Reikyō is already a huge step for him.
Morizuki then glances the other way. Engetsu has awakened his red Reikyō, but he looks distracted—almost shocked.
Morizuki's inner voice: "My soul said… having friends is better…"
Morizuki gets up and walks toward Engetsu.
Morizuki: "Engetsu? Hey, are you alright, my friend?"
Engetsu stands and looks at him. Something peaceful washes over him—almost like colorful petals drifting by, a symbol of friendship blooming around them.
Engetsu: "I'm fine. Thanks."
Morizuki: "You looked lost. Was something bothering you? Want to talk about it, buddy?"
Engetsu: "Ah… I…"
(Chain rattling)
(Tree falling sound)
Morizuki: "What was that? Master Yōtsuki?"
Engetsu: "No, that can't be him. He went down to the village for food. Hey! Hyōgetsu!"
Hyōgetsu looks at Engetsu in surprise.
Hyōgetsu: "Hm?"
But suddenly, Hyōgetsu trips as if pulled by the leg, slammed to the ground, and dragged away into the shadows.
Morizuki: "No! Hyōgetsu!"
(Chains clattering)
??: "Well now… I never say no to a fresh corpse."
A deep, heavy male voice.
It sends a cold wave of fear through both Engetsu and Morizuki.