Dark clouds swirl over a burning village. Lightning crackles. The screams of people echo through the storm.

A mysterious woman, cloaked in shadows, runs through the fire with a newborn child in her arms.

WOMAN (weakly whispering):

"You will live... even if I don't."

She stumbles but keeps moving, holding the baby close. Suddenly, a dark figure appears behind her.

MYSTERIOUS FIGURE:

"You cannot escape fate."

The woman turns, her eyes glowing with immense power. She summons a magic circle, chanting an ancient spell.

WOMAN:

"You will not have him!"

A blinding flash of light explodes, sending the mysterious figure flying backward. The woman collapses, whispering her final words.

WOMAN (to the baby):

"Raizo... my son... live... become stronger..."

Her body fades into golden particles, disappearing into the night.

The baby Raizo, now orphaned, is left crying in the burning village.

Years have passed. Raizo, now a young boy, trains with another kid—Tenzir. They spar, laugh, and push each other to grow stronger.

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TENZIR (grinning):

"You're getting stronger, but you're still not as fast as me!"

RAIZO (smirking):

"Fast? You still can't dodge this!"

Raizo unleashes a small burst of magic, but Tenzir dodges at the last second. They laugh and fall back, exhausted.

TENZIR:

"One day, we'll be the strongest together."

RAIZO:

"No one will stop us."

They clash fists, making a promise they thought would last forever.

The sky is blood-red. The ground is shattered. The battle against Ryuketsu rages on.

Tenzir is badly wounded, barely standing. Raizo, exhausted, struggles to reach him.

RAIZO (shouting):

"TENZIR, HOLD ON!"

TENZIR (weak smile):

"Raizo... this is it for me."

Blood drips from his mouth as Ryuketsu watches from a distance, smirking.

RAIZO (furious):

"DON'T SAY THAT! You're my closest friend—"

Tenzir shakes his head. He places a hand on Raizo's shoulder.

TENZIR (whispering):

"You have to win... even if I'm not here."

Raizo's eyes widen in horror as Ryuketsu strikes one final blow.

A blade pierces through Tenzir’s chest.

RAIZO:

"NOOOOOOOO!"

Tenzir collapses, lifeless. The battlefield is silent.

Raizo falls to his knees, staring at his fallen friend.

Tears fall, but his face turns cold.

For the first time, Raizo feels true hatred.

He clenches his fists as his power surges violently.

RAIZO (whispering, eyes glowing):

"My only friend... my closest friend..."

His body begins radiating pure energy. The ground cracks beneath him.

RAIZO (furious, to Ryuketsu):

"I WILL END YOU!"