Kage No Densetsu

As dawn broke over the horizon, Katakuichi and Kimikage emerged from their training session, invigorated and ready for the day ahead. They had just received their first mission, approved by Master Akashi himself.

"Alright, everyone!" Sensei Shidou called, his voice brimming with enthusiasm. "Are you ready to embark on your very first mission?"

Both students nodded, their anticipation palpable.

With a mischievous grin, Sensei Shidou continued, "Listen closely! A child has run away from his noble family in the Chihaya Village, and he's in grave danger from low-grade shadow demons. Your mission is to track him down and bring him back safely. This is your chance to prove yourselves and show what you're made of!"

Time passed swiftly as the two students made their way to the Chihaya Village, where they were to meet with the noble family.

"Thank you for coming," the mother said, her voice trembling with worry. "Our son, Haru, has been missing for days. We fear he may have wandered into the woods where the shadow demons are known to roam."

As Katakuichi and Kimikage began their investigation, they noticed ominous footprints leading out of the Chihaya Village—an important clue.

Following the trail, they ventured deeper into the woods. After a few minutes of careful navigation, they stumbled upon a small clearing. In the center lay a discarded toy—a wooden soldier, painted in bright colors. It was unmistakably Haru's.

Kimikage picked it up, his heart sinking. "He must have dropped this when he ran away. We're getting closer."

Katakuichi huffed in agreement, his focus sharpening as they pressed on.

As they continued to follow the footprints, they encountered signs of chaos—evidence of a struggle, likely caused by the shadow demons.

"Who could have done this? What kind of monster could create such destruction?" Kimikage wondered aloud.

Katakuichi examined the scene, his expression serious. "This doesn't seem like the work of a low-grade shadow demon," he said, his voice steady but tinged with concern. "We need to be cautious. This could be more dangerous than we anticipated."

Suddenly, a towering shadow demon emerged from its hiding place, its laughter echoing ominously. "Fresh meat," it taunted.

Katakuichi's eyes widened in realization; it was rare for a shadow demon to speak. He summoned his own shadow demon, while Kimikage conjured his shadow construction wolves.

"What have you done to Haru?" Katakuichi demanded, his voice firm.

The shadow demon merely chuckled, seemingly unaware of the boy's existence.

Without warning, the large shadow demon lunged at them, its intentions clear.

Katakuichi quickly summoned his shadow demon constructs, ready to engage in battle. Kimikage, not to be outdone, summoned his shadow construction knives, prepared to throw them at the demon and defend against any threats that came their way.