Beyond and Between: Sakura and Kaede
by Clarisse Angela Tiquis

In the quaint village of Chidorigafuchi, Miyazaki Kenichi and Miyazaki Miwa's lives were intricately woven into the tapestry of history after the tragic death of Kenichi's uncle, Yasuhiro Masumi, a casualty of World War II.

From a tender age of six, Kenichi honed his Batto Jutsu skills under the guidance of his uncle. Masumi, having become Kenichi's guardian after the loss of his parents to war-related bombings, instilled in him not only martial prowess but also a deep sense of duty and honor.

Kenichi earned the title of the 4th strongest katana wielder in Japan, a testament to Masumi's exceptional tutelage. Before his passing, Masumi entrusted Kenichi with a double-edged katana, containing the soul of his best friend, Kaido Kenichi, a renowned warrior from the past.

The spirit within the katana manifested itself in Kenichi, granting him extraordinary abilities. The blade could memorize opponents' techniques and attacks, enabling Kenichi to counter with enhanced precision and skill. However, the trigger for the spirit's emergence was the fall of sakura flowers in spring, an event that marked a somber connection to their wartime experiences.

The eruption of World War III plunged the world into chaos, compelling Kenichi's possession by Kenji to join the soldiers in the fight for their country. Miwa struggled to reconcile with the dual personas residing within Kenichi, torn between the man she loved and the warrior compelled by duty.

A poignant conflict unfolded between Miwa and Kenichi as she fought desperately to prevent him from leaving and urged him to cast away the katana. Kenichi, grappling with internal turmoil, faced the daunting decision of whether to stay with Miwa or heed the call of duty to defend Japan.

In a heart-wrenching promise, Kenichi pledged to reunite with Miwa during the autumn foliage in the temple near their house. As the maple leaves began to cascade, signifying the change of seasons, Kenichi emerged victorious from the war, fulfilling his promise to Miwa, and they embraced a life of happiness amid the gentle whispers of falling leaves. The story unfolds against the backdrop of love, duty, and the enduring spirit that echoes through generations.

The End