Sin’chi was standing on the balcony when Hitomi re-entered the living room area under the heavy rain that fell on him. He was shirtless showing off his ripped physique. His dark brown hair hung loosely over his shoulders. It seems he was meditating because a little ago he had visions of Akihiko’s return and Junichi’s final death. Once again the curse of being the new vanguard of the world has left him with a troubled mind. Sin’chi needed to clear it which was how he ended up outside. Intense concentration was the key to having a clear mind and the best way to meditate was when it rained. Hajime learned this a while back when his father would sit down with him and focus with him. The rain drops would trickle down his face to his shoulders, his chest and his back. A few drops of rain fell from the tips of his bangs that hung loosely in front of his face. 

Sooner or later everyone will need to know the truth. No one was aware that this first year was the year of the Nisshoku (Japanese for eclipse) Remembering lines from the secret scroll that was kept in his family for generations, the Nisshoku was the time when evil would become its strongest. No one can remember the Nisshoku because at the end of every cycle the darkness would automatically be erased from the world leaving no trace of its existence. Overtime the world would forget about it and peace would reign once more. The last time the Nisshoku was seen…was when Akihiko and Junichi fought in battle. However, this year the cycle will rise once again. He did not hear Hitomi in the background because he was too focused on his thoughts. 

Suddenly, a monk had landed on the balcony with him but it did not startle him for he could detect his energy when he came closer and knew it was not a threat. The monk whispered something in his ear.

[i]Lord Hajime! It’s Lady Kazumi! She has returned! I lost track of her![/i] He whispered.

This immediately troubled Sin’chi because although he has never seen Lady Kazumi he has heard stories of her tyranny from her father and the ancient scrolls. She was the queen of Terene at the time when Akihiko ruled Mikado Daigaku and the two were lovers. Hikari students invaded her castle but failed in capturing her. She went into hiding and has not been seen in generations. Was this a coincidence? The Nisshoku it had to be!

“Prepare to seal all exits of the school now!” Sin’chi ordered the monk.

“Yes sensei!” he replied and went to do just that, leaping away from the balcony.

Sin’chi entered the room again and saw Hitomi sitting there. 

“Hitomi, stay here!” he said as he quickly walked past her heading into his room to get equipped. He grabbed his gi and his two swords then tied his hair in a ponytail again. Before heading out the door he turned slightly over his shoulder.

“I want you two to stay here.” He demanded then left the room.