Silence hung heavy over the council.

  “Itsutsu may be gone now… but his legacy still lingers.”

  The Elder’s voice was cold.

  “The name Hayashi still stains the air of the Chūkan.”

  Koharu’s jaw tightened.

  The Elders continued.

  “We may have granted you permission to induct the boy on a whim…” A pause. “But we will nevergrant another request regarding the Hayashi bloodline again.”

  Koharu’s fingers curled into fists.

  “All he has done is serve the Chūkan,” she said, her voice sharp with restraint. “All he has done is prove his worth.”

  She exhaled sharply.

  “So why now?”

  An Elder narrowed their gaze.

  “Don’t be mistaken, Koharu.”

  “We wanted to see his potential for one reason.” The hall darkened slightly.

  “To confirm if Ancient’s bloodline truly ran through the boy.”

  A pause.

  “And we have our answer.”

  Another Elder spoke.

  “We have seen flickers of Ancient’s power through many of his battles.”

  “That alone is reason enough to be wary.”

  Koharu’s breath hitched.

  Another Elder continued.

  “You know the damage Itsutsu inflicted on the Chūkan.” Their voice was measured, firm. “The aftermath of his actions can still be felt—decades ter.”

  “We refuse to risk a repeat of history.”

  A heavy silence followed.

  “Our ruling has been made.”

  “This meeting is adjourned.”

  The chamber darkened.

  One by one—

  The Elders vanished.

  The doors closed.

  Koharu remained.

  Motionless.

  Then—

  A voice.

  “Captain.”

  She turned.

  Ayase stood at the door.

  “It’s time to go.”

  Koharu looked back at the empty hall.

  A quiet exhale.

  “I know I’ve said this before.”

  Her voice was barely above a whisper.

  “But I truly… hate this pce.”

  CUT TO BLACK.