The battle ended, but the tension lingered in the cool evening air.
Todo stood silently, letting Dai and Dante catch their breath after the hard-fought clash.
Hidden among the trees, another figure finally revealed himself — a man cloaked in a heavy coat, his white hair catching the dying sunlight.
Yami.
He had been there the entire time, watching.
"You've grown," Yami said, stepping forward. His voice was low but full of pride.
"Master!" Dante called out, straightening his back.
Dai, flames still faintly burning at his fists, wiped the blood from his chin and smirked.
"Of course you were watching... Damn stalker."
Yami chuckled, that familiar dangerous glint in his eye.
"You boys did well," Yami said.
"But you're not ready for what's coming."
Todo bowed respectfully at the sight of Yami.
"You must be Yami," Todo said.
"Kenshin told me you were one of the finest warriors he ever fought beside."
Yami gave a short nod, acknowledging the praise but not dwelling on it.
"You two need to go," Yami said, turning to his students.
"My old friend Kenshin... he's rallying the clans. He's building something bigger than you can imagine."
Dai frowned, stubbornness flashing across his face.
"And you? What about you? We ain't leaving you behind."
Dante stepped forward too, silent but firm.
They weren't just students; they were family.
Yami's expression softened — a rare sight.
He rested a hand on each of their shoulders.
"My time's passed," Yami said quietly.
"I've fought my wars. It's time for you to fight yours."
"But—" Dai began, only to be cut off by Yami's firm look.
"You don't understand yet," Yami said.
"This war isn't just about strength. It's about heart. About protecting something greater than yourself."
Silence fell between them, heavy but not cold.
Dante lowered his head, his fists clenched tight.
He understood... even if he hated it.
Dai cursed under his breath but eventually nodded, flames dying out around him.
Todo stepped forward, seizing the moment.
"Kenshin plans to train you both personally," Todo said.
"He believes the future depends on warriors like you."
Dai and Dante exchanged a glance, serious now.
"And there's more," Todo continued.
"A Grand Tournament is being held — all four clans are sending their best young fighters."
"The strongest of this tournament will be chosen to stand beside Kenshin in the war against the demons."
Dai's eyes lit up with excitement.
"A tournament, huh?" he grinned.
"Now you're speaking my language."
Dante allowed himself a small smirk.
Yami watched them, pride swelling in his chest.
He could already see it — they were ready to forge their own legend.
"Go," Yami said one last time, stepping back into the shadows.
"Make me proud."
Without another word, Yami turned and disappeared into the forest, leaving Dai, Dante, and Todo standing beneath the crimson sunset — the first steps of a new path waiting before them.
Tomorrow, they would journey to the Fortress Palace.
Tomorrow, they would meet others like them — and rivals even stronger.
And tomorrow, the future would begin.