The Heavenly Knight

Chapter 6 - Departure

Once they arrived in the room where only Haruki Enjou and Kenzou Arata were present, Haruki Enjou asked Kenzou Arata another question.

“What’s going on, Kenzou Sensei? Is something wrong with Kazan?”

“Mr. Haruki, wasn’t that boy found next to the body of the woman known as The Mad Demon?” asked Kenzou Arata.

“That’s true! What’s the matter?” asked Haruki Enjou, growing even more curious.

“Well, when I examined this child’s body, at first I found nothing unusual, but shortly afterward I discovered that his blood cells were very different!” said Kenzou Arata.

“Blood cells? What do you mean?”

***

The three categories of blood for a knight are Black Blood, Green Blood, and Pure Blood.

For ordinary people, blood comes in only two colors: red and black.

Kenzou Arata sensed that Shinra Kazan’s blood contained Black Blood Cells. Typically, black blood cells only appear in people training for five years.

However, Shinra Kazan, who hadn’t trained at all, already possessed that Blood Cell.

***

“I’m certain now that if those five Death Demon Knights were to fight over this child, they’d end up killing each other,” said Kenzou Arata.

“So what should I do with this child now?” asked Haruki Enjou. Although he didn’t understand, it seemed this was crucial for Shinra Kazan’s safety.

“Has anyone else—like a knight—touched or examined this child before?” asked Kenzou Arata.

Haruki Enjou tried to recall who had ever touched Shinra Kazan directly. “Besides me, only Doctor Jinbei has ever touched him!” said Haruki Enjou.

“Thank goodness for that! So that’s how it is, Mr. Haruki.”

Kenzou Arata explained that Shinra Kazan had the potential to become a great knight if trained by the right teacher, but another problem that could threaten Shinra Kazan’s life was if the other knights—whether from the Heresy, the Holy Order, or even the Free Order—were to find out about his condition.

When they discover this and realize Shinra Kazan has joined no sect yet, the knights will compete to recruit him. If this competition fails, they will kill Shinra Kazan to ensure no knight can make him a disciple.

“It’s not just the Young Master who’s in danger—your family could be in danger too!” Kenzou Arata concluded his explanation.

“So, what should I do? Should I hide Kazan?”

“Mr. Haruki, for the Young Master’s safety, I recommend a sect that educates and protects him. At a minimum, choose a sect you trust with enough power to keep the Young Master safe!” said Kenzou Arata.

“In that case, why don’t you be the one to teach and protect him? What do you say?”

“Mr. Haruki, if it’s just to protect the Young Master, I can do so, but if it’s being his teacher, I don’t think I’m qualified! It would be better to find another teacher—one who’s at least stronger than me, like someone from the Eagle Eye Sect or one of the other major sects,” said Kenzou Arata.

“Kenzou Sensei, you’re the only Knight I trust, so please don’t refuse my request!” said Kenzou Arata.

“If you insist, fine—I’ll take him on as my disciple, and I’ll bring him to my Golden Lion Sect. Later, Sect Leader Masaki Raikou can help train the Young Master as well!” said Kenzou Arata.

“But Kenzou Sensei, when Sayuri gives birth, will Haruki be able to come back here so he can see his little brother?” asked Haruki Enjou.

“Of course, Mr. Haruki. I’ll bring him here myself!” said Kenzou Arata.

“In that case, thank you very much!” said Haruki Enjou.

The two of them returned to where Shinra Kazan was, while Shinra Kazan quickly went back to his spot so no one would realize he’d been eavesdropping.

***

Kenzou Arata stayed at Haruki Enjou’s home for two days. Haruki Enjou had already explained to his wife the unique condition that Shinra Kazan had.

At first, Sayuri Kazane didn’t agree that Shinra Kazan should leave home; she felt that her family’s happiness was complete with Shinra Kazan’s presence. However, now Shinra Kazan is about to be taken away by Kenzou Arata, just as he has just acknowledged Shinra Kazan as his son.

Haruki Enjou continued to explain, adding that he was doing all of this for Shinra Kazan’s future and safety.

With a heavy heart, Sayuri Kazane finally had to let Shinra Kazan go so that the Golden Lion Sect could take him.

“Kazan, take good care of yourself there! Obey whatever your master commands!” said Sayuri Kazane, her eyes swollen and red from crying all night.

Shinra Kazan quietly nodded. Lately, he had always found himself swept up in the mood of those around him—when Mr. Haruki Enjou’s family was happy; he felt happy too, even if he said little, and when they were sad, he felt sad as well.

That’s understandable, because ever since he was a child, he had never known a mother’s love; in fact, Shinra Kazan didn’t even know his mother’s name, what she looked like, or that she had died.

“Come on, Sayuri, let him go without seeing you so sad! If you keep this up, Haruki might not focus over there because your sadness’ll distract him!” said Haruki Enjou.

“I’ll always miss you, my child!” said Sayuri Kazane.

“Mom, take good care of yourself, too! I promise I’ll train hard so that one day I can protect you, Dad, and the little brother or sister in your belly!” said Shinra Kazan.

They simultaneously hugged Shinra Kazan again, weeping with sadness as if they couldn’t bear to let him go.

Kenzou Arata could only wait patiently for the three of them, who were still sad about having to part ways; he didn’t interrupt or disturb them at all.

“Farewell, my son!” said Haruki Enjou, then he looked at Kenzou Arata. “Please take care of my son,” said Haruki Enjou, nodding to Kenzou Arata to take Shinra Kazan away.

Kenzou Arata nodded, then took Shinra Kazan’s right hand and walked alongside him, though Shinra Kazan’s left hand was still being held by Sayuri Kazane.

“Kazan…! Kazan…!”

Sayuri Kazane could only resign herself to the moment her hand let go of Shinra Kazan’s; she knelt down, staring at Shinra Kazan as he walked away following Kenzou Arata.

“Sayuri, wake up,” said Haruki Enjou, trying to comfort Sayuri Kazane.

Sayuri Kazane stood up, but her eyes remained fixed on Shinra Kazan’s collar—which was already far away—and then she said, “Haruki may not have been born from my womb, but no matter what, I will always consider him my child, just like the fetus inside my womb!”

Then she went inside, leaving Haruki Enjou alone out front.

Haruki Enjou could only let out a long sigh. Before Kenzou Arata left, he explained that there was still one thing to worry about regarding Shinra Kazan’s safety: the Knight of the Demon Mask.

The Demon Mask’s body remains unfound, suggesting he might still be alive and could seek Shinra Kazan one day. If that ever happens, Kenzou Arata vows to protect Shinra Kazan, even if it means sacrificing his own life.

“Kazan, forgive me. I had no choice but to do all this because we love you so much. Train hard!” said Haruki Enjou, and then he went inside as well.