Chapter 22 Part 3: Life in the Woods

"Raijin?" Kazuki breathed in awe, unable to contain a small chuckle at the deity's diminutive size compared to the colossal figure he had seen in the sky during his fight with Saigo.

Kazuki blinked, rubbing his eyes to make sure he wasn't seeing things. The epic, majestic god of lightning, Raijin, he had been expecting was...well, petite. It was like expecting a thunderstorm and getting a small, bright sparkler instead.

Raijin was about the size of a chubby tabby cat, his form sizzling and crackling with miniature bolts of lightning. His tiny face looked as if it were perpetually caught in a ferocious snarl, a gnarled and stormy countenance that would've been intimidating, had it not been so darn cute.

But make no mistake, the electricity that rolled off him in waves was a constant reminder of his might. It was like he was a small, livewire teapot with a storm brewing inside, ready to unleash a maelstrom at any moment.

Kazuki couldn't help himself. His lips twitched, a chuckle escaping as he watched Raijin dart around, radiating anger like a flustered hummingbird with a temper problem. Every now and then, Raijin would shoot a glare Kazuki's way, bolts of electricity jumping off him, as if to say, "Laugh it up, mortal."

Kazuki snorted, the humor in the situation too irresistible. He looked at Shôkin, trying to keep a straight face, but his eyes were twinkling with mischief.

Raijin drew near to Shôkin, murmuring something into his ear in a hush that only the two of them could comprehend, leaving Kazuki to observe in silent fascination.

"Master, what did Raijin tell you?" Kazuki asked once the small god had vanished and the storm outside subsided.

"Ah, it's a secret," Shôkin said with a mysterious smile, causing Kazuki to shake his bed playfully in protest.

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"Ah, Come on master" Kazuki playfully demanded.

"Easy, I'm still unwell," the old man reminded him, his smile widening. Then, his gaze turned serious as he fixed his eyes on Kazuki. "Do you know the name of the god that blessed you with your shadow magic?"

Kazuki hesitated, searching the recesses of his memory. "I... I've forgotten."

Shôkin's expression softened, understanding the struggle Kazuki was facing both within and without. He knew that time was running out for him, and he desperately wanted to impart all the knowledge he could to his young disciple.

"Kazuki," Shôkin began, his voice barely more than a whisper. "I have an idea for you to remember the name of your god. You must take time tonight to meditate under the night sky."

"Under the night sky?" Kazuki raised an eyebrow but saw the seriousness in his master's eyes.

"Yes, it is said that when one is surrounded by the vast expanse of the night, the veil between our world and the divine becomes thinner, allowing memories and wisdom to flow freely between them." Shôkin paused, coughing softly before continuing. "Close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Let your mind become as still and calm as a mirror, reflecting the world around you without judgment or opinion. In this state of clarity, the name of your god may reveal itself."

The idea felt strange to Kazuki. Could meditation really help him regain such a crucial memory? However, he trusted his master's wisdom and knew that he would not be led astray.

"Alright, Master," Kazuki agreed, nodding solemnly. "I will try."

"Good," Shôkin murmured, his eyes brimming with hope and pride. "It is important, Kazuki, not just for your own growth, but for the path that lies ahead of you."

Kazuki swallowed hard, feeling the weight of Shôkin's words. He understood that there was more at stake than simple revenge, but unlocking the full potential of his divine gift could make him unstoppable. And perhaps, in doing so, he could find a way to protect those who were innocent and bring about true justice.

"Thank you, Master," Kazuki whispered, his heart swelling with gratitude and determination. "I won't let you down."

"Of that, my boy, I have no doubt." Shôkin smiled weakly as he closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep.

Kazuki stood by the window, gazing at the stars above. It was a clear night, with the moon casting its silvery light upon the world. He thought about the journey he had embarked on, the people he had encountered, and the battles he had fought. With each memory, his resolve grew stronger.