“No, I don’t need Kairo. But it needs a cooldown.”

  “Huh? It doesn’t need Kairo Energy?!”

  “No. It depends on 100% charge and recharge... Well, no one ever asked, except Kazuma. But I didn’t tell him either. I just said I can open it with quadrants, and if I want to reach an exact location, I have to pre-plan the symbol. I think that guy Haruki also uses the same method for sending contestants.”

  “Huh! Well, I don’t care how you open it—I don’t have that power. But how many times can you use it?”

  “I’m bad at math, she takes care of it for me. I get confused when other techniques are used... Of course, I don’t use other techniques. Well—I can use it 3 times at 100%.”

  With confusion and annoyance – “Hey, I think he’s weird, but now I’m sure he’s got a screw loose. He’s crazy—thinking of his katana as his soulmate.”

  – ‘...’

  With a sigh “Okay, but I have a doubt about the unofficial contract. Why did Kemuri ask Ikari if he could use it after 30 minutes?”

  “Oh, I didn’t tell you, did I? In the fog, I wanted to ask the time by saying, ‘What’s the contract of wish?... time?’ But then I saw the scroll. He said sorry. I know it's random, but I wanted to confirm the exact contract time. I saw two timers—3 and 27. Three minutes for Kemuri. If Ikari’s body is present, he can block. Ikari has to listen, so we don’t get a chance to ask him to wait. Even if we do ask, he’ll say, ‘Okay, I’ll wait,’ because he can act after 27 minutes anyway.”

  With a sigh “I told my friend right?—he’s also my mentor. He told me, ‘I’ve never seen it exceed 30 minutes.’ It could be 2+8 or 5+24 or 1+29. It’s random. I don’t know how it works either.”

  Continued with a gasp “I just saw the scroll and took three with me. Then, after a few minutes, I sent him into the dimension to stop the timer... I don’t know why they chose the second type, even though it has disadvantages. The first type is perfect.”

  With a sigh, in an uncomfortable tone “Hey, if we get two days and don’t complete the task, does that mean the user can’t return for 48 years? Please don’t say that’s true…”

  “Right.”

  She was shocked. “Hey—48 years?! Who would stay for that long?! Are you crazy?!”

  In a calm tone “Yui, I don’t know you fully, but I know your mother. First, why are you thinking that way? Suppose you take my contract. The serve didn’t even take 12 hours—it just took 2 minutes. The portal also opened near me If he travels. He can finish it easily. If we get two days, that’s actually good. The contract conditions aren’t based on time. First, calm your mind. You can make a contract with Yuki. Just focus on the official contract and no wish summoning Contract. It’ll definitely be easy.”

  – ‘Hey, I think he knows what type of conditions we’ll get.’

  “Hey, she's asking what kind we’ll get?”

  “Huh! Still scared? Well... I don’t know. He said it’s based on the situation. Like—two have to bathe, one has to run soap over the other... or cook food together and eat. I mean, if you’re in an open space, completing the condition becomes harder.”

  – ‘Then that’s easy. We don’t have to be afraid.’

  With a sigh – “Yes... but when are you going?”

  With anger – ‘Why are you so obsessed with sending me?! You don’t like me? I’ll stay here for a while. The tournament is still going on. Well, we get our answers.’

  – “But—”

  With an angry, sulky tone – ‘Stop, dummy girl. I said I’ll stay. First, we need to search for the Crystal.’

  – “Oh! Crap! I forgot about that!”

  “Hey, first find the Crystal. Her doubts are cleared now. She wants to play. At least do that, idiot.”

  With a bitter smile and sulky tone “Idiot? You’ve been thinking that from the beginning? What did I do? Well, my physical age is 25 but—”

  “Oi! That’s not the issue! First search for the Crystal! If your mind is 40 years old, so what? Why did you even participate? From others' perspective, you’re a 25-year-old guy with a screw loose. Sorry to say that—but I feel the same.”

  ‘Huh! Well... if I say I found the crystal, how will she react?’

  “I already found the Crystal.”

  “Huh?! When?!”

  “From the moment we fell. My hand brushed against something. I checked—it was the Crystal.”

  The moment Yui heard that, her entire expression changed. Her eyebrows twitched—just once—but that was enough. Her smile disappeared. Replaced by a deadpan stare sharper than any blade. One eye narrowed. Lips pressed. Jaw clenched.

  Ren, casually brushing sand off his hands, froze mid-motion. Her gaze locked on him—intense as a thousand grudges. That wasn’t just anger. That was ‘I’m-going-to-bury-you-in-this-sand’ kind of rage.

  Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

  She stepped forward, standing in front of him.

  ‘Miko-senpai! She looks just like that!’

  She crossed her arms. One eyebrow raised so high it nearly reached her hairline. Her other eye twitched again.

  “You… found it… and said nothing?” she asked, voice calm—but dangerous, like a teacher catching you with cheat notes on your hand.

  Ren smiled nervously. “W-Well, I was going to—”

  “Dig. Dig deep,” she said. “Because your grave’s gonna need space.”

  “Huh?! Grave?! Hey—”

  She grabbed Ren’s neck with both hands, fingers tightening with precision.

  “Y-Yui—! W-Wait!!” Ren gasped, fingers wrapping around her wrists, trying to pry them off.

  Yui leaned in closer. “You think this is a joke? I will kill you.”

  Ren, gasping between chokes, gave a shaky laugh. “It was… a prank... surprise...! I want to stay here. Even if we go out, we’ll have to walk. It’s a safe place.”

  But his hands kept slipping, struggling against her death grip.

  Finally, she let go.

  “Unbelievable… Hey, we need six to qualify. We’re not like you. She wants to play too. If you don’t want to come, just send me. I have a restriction—I can’t leave. I’ll go and search.”

  Ren coughed, muttering to himself, ‘Whoa… She’s just like her mother.’

  A few seconds later, in a calmer tone “I don’t know about the third day, but I promise—we’ll find the crystals for the first two. First, store your Kairo Energy. I already stored mine.”

  Yui touched the crystal with her finger, storing her Kairo Energy

  “I’m keeping it in my coat. I don’t trust you.”

  “I promise. Kazuma will help too. Don’t worry.”

  With a sigh “Next time, don’t play dumb jokes. Just say it when you find something. Then I’ll relax too, idiot.”

  Ren smiled faintly.

  *********

  Meanwhile, elsewhere...

  Sakura turned her head. “Masterrr, do something! Why are you silent?! It’s been an hour—we’re just stuck like this! Why are we leaning on this web? I can’t cut it. I know I said something stupid—let’s just forget it! Please talk to me!”

  Kazuma turned his face away angrily. “Don’t talk to me.”

  ‘Shit. Idiot girl.’

  *How they got stuck in the sticky web*

  A crystal was hanging between two trees—within reach. Below it, on the ground, was a sticky trigger zone, hidden beneath leaves, dust, and twigs. If anyone stepped there, it would trigger a branch system that dropped a thick web from above. The web was like a waist-high trampoline made of sticky crisscrossing ropes with large gaps—strong and flexible.

  Sakura and Kazuma, walking nearby, spotted the crystal.

  “Master, the crystal’s there! Come on!”

  “Huh! That’s much easier!”

  ‘Wait… is there no trap? Or maybe they want us to think there is one… well, We’ll have to go anyway.’

  They approached. Kazuma moved cautiously. Sakura stepped into the sticky zone at the front. Suddenly—snap! The web dropped from above and wrapped around them at the waist.

  ‘Shit. I didn’t see the trigger zone. I am overthinking the trap. Well… at least we got the crystal. Let’s wait here till someone comes.’

  The web held them in a partially reclined position, strong enough to support their weight.

  10 minutes later…

  Sakura thought to herself,

  ‘Should I say it now? It’s silent here. Master might think I’m weird if I ask. I’ve always called him with that word because I was scared he’d reject me otherwise. But now… What if he agrees? What if I don’t ask and miss the chance? This moment won’t come again... But should I ask now? Why did I act like a kid calling him when I think like this?’

  “Hey Sakura, what’s up? Why are you so quiet?”

  Sakura panicked. “Nothing, Master. I… I wanted to ask something, but… Can I use Mind Voice Art?”

  “Huh? Why?”

  “I want to ask you something. The ghost moths are around...”

  "Alright, connect."

  The Mind Voice Exchange Art activates.

  She clearly asks without any mistake –

  Master… your physical age is 25, right? I mean... you used the De-Age Art by accident and became an 8-year-old, so your body actually changed, right?

  – Yeah, so what?

  He sounds calm but doesn’t fully understand.

  Sakura, nervously, eyes lowering – I mean… I’ve always called you 'uncle' because that’s what Dad said, and the villagers tell me your real age. But... our age gap is only 5 years, right?

  She hesitates, looking down, unsure of how to continue.

  Kazuma remains silent.

  She gathers courage, her voice soft but deliberate – I never said anything before because... there was never a moment like this. We were always training, or I was with Dad. But... don’t misunderstand me, please, and don’t get mad at me. I really like you.

  Kazuma remains silent, a small furrow in his brow as he tries to understand her emotions. – ….Okay.

  – Huh?!

  Sakura blinks, clearly not expecting such a calm response.

  – I know you treat me like your friend

  She now looks up at him, her voice shaking

  – You idiot, Master... I mean, I really want to be with you forever.

  Her words are quiet but intense, her heart racing as she finally admits it aloud.

  – I’ve been thinking about it all the time. It’s not like Dad... he’s someone I respect. He cares for me.

  Kazuma’s expression starts to shift from confusion to disbelief, stunned, blinking rapidly – Hey, what are you talking about? Are you crazy?

  Sakura, calming down but firm – I mean it, Master. I have feelings... but I kept calling you normally because I was scared you’d reject me. You’re protective... I know it sounds crazy, but... can you always let me stay by your side?

  Kazuma is visibly shocked, his face turning pale for a moment, laughing nervously, trying to process – Huh?! Don’t joke like that! Even in dreams!

  She earnestly, without hesitation, in a sad tone – I’m not joking, Master. Think about it. Did I ever disobey your words? Except for the thing with Dad, I didn’t want to look cheap in front of you. In the first round, I said it, right? I respect you, Master.

  Kazuma struggles to process her words, his emotions in conflict. He opens his mouth but falters, unsure of what to say.

  Sakura, quietly but resolutely – I know you probably won’t agree with me. But I… well, I said it. If you don’t agree, I’ll go back to being the disciple and you, the Master. Things can be normal again. But… it’ll be awkward, sometimes.

  He almost chokes on his words, shocked and unable to respond – Are you crazy? Mental idiot!? I’m 40. My memories are 40 years old. Yes, my body is 25, but... don’t think I’ll accept this! Don’t talk like that again!

  With a sad tone – Okay. But... you will talk right? I’ll try to forget... Please, Master... ‘Shit… Master got angry. What did you do? Mental girl… I think the Master won’t talk again with me…’

  “Don't talk to me ever again. I will kill you.”

  *Present*

  “Don't talk to me.”

  A strong wind comes. ‘Huh?! Is someone coming?’

  Suddenly, spiders from tree holes start crawling across the sticky web on trampolines.

  “Huh?! Masterrr! Please do something! Spiders!”

  The spiders slowly come closer.

  “...”

  She screams “Masterrr! I beg you! I mistakenly spoke! Spiders are coming! They have 8 legs!”

  He chuckles “Idiot. Spiders always have 8 legs.”

  “Huh?! Finally, you talked! Shit, my hand is in pain!”

  With a sigh “Well, you’ll go numb for 2 seconds. I’ll use lightning.”

  “Huh!... Well…”

  He concentrates the flow of Kairo energy. His palm generates lightning. He touches the web. All the spiders in contact with it get jolted and fall to the ground. Sakura goes numb.

  ‘I think someone’s coming. We have to move. But this idiot girl… Shit, why does she think like that?’ “I’ll use fire to burn this. After that, we can escape.”

  “Master! You didn’t tell me!”

  “Don’t talk.” Again, his palms generate fire through internal compression and burn the web surrounding their waist. They lift their legs from the thin sticky zone beneath them.

  “Let’s go. First, give me the crystal. I’ll keep it.”

  He looks at her with an intent to kill and a serious gaze.

  She nervously says “Master… sorry.”

  “...” ‘Shit... I don’t even know what to say…’

  “Let’s forget it. We have to find another crystal for Ken. We have to move west from here.”

  **********

  Before they burn the web

  “Open a dimension portal upward.”

  “Wait… ummm… if I open it in the east quadrant, it’ll take time for ghost moths to follow us.”

  “So what? Just open it. They don’t watch all the contestants.”

  “Okay, but don’t interfere with me.”

  Ren takes his katana and cuts the air in front, opening the portal.

  “Let’s go.”

  *********

  “Hey wait… Dimension?! Ken!”

  ‘Ugh, I didn’t think I’d meet him this quickly!’

  He loudly calls out “Hey, Ken! Here!”

  Ren hears Kazuma’s voice and turns around ‘Kazuma! I’m lucky! You’re nearby!’

  With anger “Huh, oh that guy? You said he will help you, right?”

  “Huh?! Hey, it’s over. Why are you still angry? I said sorry, right?”

  Kazuma and Sakura approach Ren’s group.

  “Didn’t expect to meet this quickly, idiot.”

  “Did you get a crystal?”

  “Yes, we got one. You?”

  With anger “Only one. This guy wasted my time. He found a crystal but didn’t tell me!”

  With inner crying , “It’s over… please forget. Well, we met them. We still have a lot of time left.”

  Author's Note:

  When I wrote in the first chapter, “an era of changing from samurai to ninjas,” I didn’t mean the rise of one and fall of the other—but rather a shift in balance. In this age, the balance changes—not in existence, but in influence. Both the katana and ninja arts have always held power. Some emerge with the katana, others rise with arts that surpass it. This is not a replacement—it’s a recognition. This is the core of my world; don’t think of it as an old era—this is a different world.

  I was confused and spent a lot of time thinking while writing this chapter—wondering how you'd feel about it. But I want to go this way. In the future, you’ll get more clarity. I’ve planned so many rounds, and I think you’ll enjoy the story and find

  them interesting.

  In the second round, I’ve planned a lot—what’s in my thoughts, I believe,the rounds will definitely create interest.

  Please comment—is my writing easy to understand or not?

  Do you feel the same emotions I feel when reading the dialogues?