Neglected Rose Turned Dark Swordsman

Chapter 5: For The Sake of the Village

(At Narukami Mountain, the cherry blossoms in full bloom, casting a serene ambiance. The camera slowly zooms in on Hayate Akatsuki, standing alone beneath the great cherry tree, deep in thought.)

Hayate: (voice over) So much has happened... so much has changed.

[Flashback - Mist Island, moments before the forbidden ritual]

(The village is in a state of quiet despair. Hayate stands before an ancient shrine, his eyes filled with determination and sorrow. The village elders and a few villagers are gathered around him.)

Elder: Are you certain about this, Hayate? The forbidden magic... it could have dire consequences.

Hayate: I understand the risks, but if we stay, we will be caught in the crossfire of a war that isn't ours. This is the only way to protect our people.

(The villagers murmur in agreement, though their faces are filled with worry. Hayate begins the ritual, chanting ancient words as the shrine glows with an otherworldly light.)

Hayate: (Chanting) By the power of the Dragon Bloodline, I command this land to be transported to safety!

(A blinding light envelops the island, and the scene fades to white.)

(Flashback Ends)

(Back to Narukami Mountain, Hayate sighs, looking up at the cherry blossoms gently falling around him.)

Hayate: (voice over) We found ourselves in a new world, a place called Inazuma.

[Flashback - Arrival in Inazuma.]

(The Dragon Faunus clan appears in a dense forest. The villagers are disoriented but unharmed. Hayate steps forward, scanning the unfamiliar surroundings.)

Villager 1: Where are we, Hayate?

Hayate: I... I don't know. But we are safe. That much, I can promise.

(Suddenly, a group of soldiers led by Kujou Sara approaches, weapons at the ready. Hayate steps in front of his people, ready to defend them.)

Sara: State your purpose here, strangers.

Hayate: We mean no harm. We are refugees, seeking sanctuary. Our home was in danger, and we used magic to escape.

(Kujou Sara eyes Hayate suspiciously but notices the genuine concern in his eyes. She nods.)

Sara: Very well. You will come with us to the Tenshukaku. The Shogun will decide your fate.

(The scene transitions to the majestic Tenshukaku, where Raiden Ei sits on her throne, an imposing and regal figure.)

Raiden: You have come to my land seeking refuge. Who are you, and why should I grant it?

Hayate: I am Hayate Akatsuki, heir to the Dragon Faunus clan. Our village was threatened by forces beyond our control, and I used ancient magic to bring us here. We seek only peace and a place to call home.

Raiden: Your arrival here was not by chance. The power you used is rare and dangerous. Tell me, Hayate Akatsuki, what will you offer in return for my protection?

Hayate: I offer my service, my loyalty. I will become your Guardian Ninja and protect Inazuma as I would protect my own clan.

(Raiden Ei studies Hayate for a moment, then nods.)

Raiden: Very well. I accept your offer. From this day forward, you and your clan shall live under my protection. In return, you will serve as my Guardian Ninja.

[The flashback ends, transitioning back to Hayate on Narukami Mountain.]

Hayate: (voice over) I made a promise that day. To protect Inazuma, to protect my people, and to serve Raiden Shogun.

(Raiden Ei appears, walking gracefully towards Hayate. He turns to face her, bowing respectfully.)

Raiden: Hayate, you seem troubled.

Hayate: Just... reminiscing, my Lady. So much has changed since we arrived here.

Raiden: Change is inevitable, but you have adapted well. You have proven yourself to be a true Guardian of Inazuma.

Hayate: Thank you, my Lady. I will continue to serve you and protect this land with all my strength.

(Raiden Ei places a hand on Hayate's shoulder, a rare gesture of affection.)

Raiden: I know you will. Come, there is much to be done.

(The two walk away from the cherry tree, side by side, as the camera pans up to the moonlit sky.)