Chapter 21 Part 2: Life in the Woods

"Rest, Master," Kazuki whispered, his voice quivering with emotion. "I will take care of everything."

Shôkin Kagiri's weak voice broke through the heavy silence that had settled in the cabin. "Kazuki, my boy... tell me," he began, his tone somber and frail. "Are you still committed to your vendetta against Kuroyama and the Minamoto clan?"

Kazuki clenched his fists, feeling the weight of his master's words like a stone on his heart. "Yes, Master," he replied, his voice firm with conviction. "I must avenge the wrongs they have done to me and countless others."

"Revenge is never good, Kazuki," Shôkin warned, his eyes clouded with concern. "It kills the soul and then poisons it too." He coughed violently, blood staining his lips.

Kazuki winced at the sight but held his ground. "I understand the danger, Master. But I cannot let their actions go unpunished. They have caused so much pain... so much suffering. I believe it is my duty to bring them to justice."

"Justice..." Shôkin muttered, his gaze distant. "But what you desire is not justice, Kazuki. It's to kill another human being. You must not mix justice with revenge."

"Master, I..." Kazuki hesitated, his resolve waning under Shôkin's penetrating gaze. He wrestled with himself, grappling with the emotions that churned within him, threatening to consume him whole.

"Pay heed to my words, young one," Shôkin beseeched, his voice no louder than a hush. "A samurai who has mastered his own self is much more commendable than one who has triumphed over a thousand adversaries. The essence of my message is this - search the depths of your own being, exercise restraint and concentrate on matters that won't lead to the decay of your spirit."

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As Shôkin finished uttering his profound advice, an idea sparked in his mind, one that brought a smirk to his usually stern face. "Perhaps," he thought to himself, "I should document these words of wisdom, they really do have a certain eloquence."

He tried to keep his grin hidden from Kazuki, an amusing struggle for the stoic samurai. The corners of his mouth betrayed him, twitching upwards despite his best efforts.

Kazuki's jaw tightened as he contemplated Shôkin's words. He knew his mentor spoke from wisdom and experience, yet he could not quell the burning desire for retribution that raged within him like a wildfire.

Despite the heaviness of their previous conversation, Shôkin Kagiri managed to turn his frail body to the left and pointed at a wooden box resting on a nearby shelf. "Kazuki, bring me that box," he said, his voice weak but determined.

Kazuki retrieved the box and placed it on the bed beside his master. As he opened it, he couldn't help but gasp in surprise. Inside lay a short sword, its blade covered in an intricate dance of lightning. It seemed alive, as though the electricity had been tamed by the metal itself.

"Master, how can this be? The sword... it's covered in lightning without you even touching it!" Kazuki exclaimed, recalling how he had once enchanted a rock with his shadow magic while imprisoned. However, unlike the Tento Sword, his enchantment would not last beyond contact.

Shôkin smiled knowingly. "It is the work of the gods, Kazuki. They grant us a portion of their divine magic when our intentions align with their principles."

"But why?" Kazuki asked, his curiosity piqued. "Why do they choose certain people?"

"The gods see potential in those who carry a spark within them, those who share their values and essence," Shôkin explained. "You are probably wondering how do I know all this? Well, I asked my god, Raijin, the god of lightning."

As he uttered Raijin's name, a sudden downpour began outside, accompanied by a flash of lightning. To Kazuki's amazement, Shôkin seemed to have summoned the storm from his very bed. At that moment, the Tento Sword began to vibrate wildly, shooting sparks throughout the room. A small figure formed out of pure light leaped from the sword and landed on Shôkin's chest.