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 will be difficult 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 clenched his right hand.
Yōtsuki: "Feel the energy flowing."
A green glow of Reikyō slowly 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 expression fell.
Yōtsuki: "No, you misunderstand. Reikyō naturally strengthens and protects the body. But each color carries an additional trait."
Yōtsuki: "For example—blue. Blue Reikyō is far more durable than the others. Think of it as a shield rather than simple endurance. Hyōgetsu's Reikyō is blue, which means his durability now surpasses both yours and Engetsu's."
Yōtsuki: "Then there is red—Engetsu's color. Red is oriented toward raw power. It grants stronger, harder-hitting attacks than the other colors. They all 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 way better."
Yōtsuki: "Change it? Haha! No, Morizuki, you can't. But don't be discouraged. There's a reason you received green."
Yōtsuki: "You, on the other hand, can heal yourself with less energy—and heal others as well. In a team, green is incredibly valuable."
Morizuki: "There's a reason…? I don't really get it."
Yōtsuki: "It means you need green, Morizuki. You'll understand soon."
Yōtsuki walked toward Engetsu. Engetsu looked as though he had 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 glanced around.
Hyōgetsu was testing his new katana, training relentlessly. Dense blue Reikyō flowed from his hands as he tried to control it. Even though he still couldn't properly channel it into the blade, simply activating his Reikyō was already a huge step.
Morizuki then looked the other way.
Engetsu had awakened his red Reikyō—but he seemed distracted. Almost shocked.
Morizuki's inner voice: "Kaeha said… having friends is better…"
Morizuki stood up and walked toward him.
Morizuki: "Engetsu? Hey… are you alright, my friend?"
Engetsu straightened and looked at him. Something peaceful washed over him—like colorful petals drifting through the air, a quiet symbol of friendship blooming between 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)
Morizuki: "What was that? Master Yōtsuki?"
Engetsu: "No, that can't be him. He went down to the village to get food. Hey—Hyōgetsu!"
Hyōgetsu looked at Engetsu in surprise.
Hyōgetsu: "Hm?"
Suddenly, Hyōgetsu was yanked as if something had grabbed his leg. He slammed into the ground and was dragged violently into the shadows.
Morizuki: "No! Hyōgetsu!"
(Chains clattering)
??: "Well now… I never say no to a fresh corpse."
A deep, heavy male voice.
It sent a cold wave of fear through both Engetsu and Morizuki.