67 Hirata Soldier

As they all stood over Anbu, they all looked angry and bloodthirsty.

Hiro appeared behind Kuzan and grabbed his head, and put his head down.

"That was unexpected, Kuzan, but you are full of that, so it's ok." Hiro then let go of Kuzan and pushed past the demons as he walked toward Anbu.

He leaned over and looked at Anbu, who lay there.

"Did I forget to mention I can't die? I'm nothing but an extension of Takemikazuchi's power; for me to die, the source himself must also die." Hiro got up, but blood started leaking from his body, and he fell to his knees.

"Seems you pushed me to my limits."

Kuzan stood up and killed the demons that were lurking there. He opened a portal and walked through it.

Anbu's body started to feel better again, and he stood up. He lifted his weapon and tossed it toward Hiro, who caught it.

"I'm not done yet."

Anbu ran after Ray back down the hill, and they made it to Ray's home.

"Dad, I made a new friend," Ray said happily.

The dad looked at Anbu and then grabbed Ray by the arm, pulling him into the house.

"Where did you find this kid." He asked Ray.

"Outside."

Ray's father slapped him for being a smart ass.

"Stay away from that kid. He's a devil, and two devils mixing is never a good sign."

"Father, we are not devils. We are Specials. Why do you run from what you are." Ray explained.

"You haven't seen what I saw. People in Jadia don't care for power folks. The king has pushed a narrative no one can argue with."

They opened the door again and let Anbu in.

"Nice home," Anbu said as he entered.

The father looked at Anbu and then walked into his room.

They talked and played for a bit; then, it darkened.

The father returned and told Anbu to head home.

Ray ran in front of Anbu.

"Let him stay here. He doesn't have a home to go to." Ray argued.

The father sighed and walked away "make sure y'all wash up."

Ray took Anbu to the bathroom and told him to take off his shirt.

Anbu hesitated, then slowly took it off and revealed the whip markings and scars all over him.

Ray stared at him but then ignored it out of respect.

Anbu entered the bath slowly, still in shorts, and washed his hair and body.

Ray, who was young and couldn't hold in his curiosity, ended up asking about his scars.

After his wash, Anbu got out and put a towel over his head, and stared into the mirror.

"Have you heard of the Hirata clan," Anbu asked?"

"I've read books about them, a clan of warriors trained to be elites and the only line to rival the Saito's. But after the head of the Hirata tried to start a war with the Saito, the whole clan was moved to an island only for themselves."

Anbu dried his hair and turned around.

"I'm a member of the Hirata but not just a random member; I'm a part of the head family. Being a part of such a thing comes with responsibilities. My father, who was obsessed with a clan that never paid him any attention, decided to get a woman pregnant who would end up giving birth to a soldier strong enough to handle the Saito all alone. That child is me."

Ray smiled. "Well, now you don't have to worry about such a thing since you'll be staying with me. Question though, where is your family, and how did you end up in Jadia."

Anbu walked out of the bathroom, signaling ray to follow him. They snuck out the back door and into the backyard. Anbu looked around and whistled. A gold dragon appeared out of nowhere and stood in front of him. Ray backed up but then walked toward it.

"This is amazing," he shouted.

"Hirata Anbu is destined for great things; it wasn't meant for him to die in the Hirata bloodshed." The dragon spoke.

Ray, who didn't seem shocked by a talking dragon, replied. "Destined for what."

"He's nothing but a guide for the next generation. The one who follows his steps will be the world's hero."

Hiro turned around to the Anbu who stood again.

"Failure isn't an option for me; I was created to be the strongest," Anbu murmured.