The wind howled through the darkened woods, carrying with it the echoes of a battle long since silenced. In the heart of the forest, hidden away from the eyes of the gods and men, lay a small shinobi village, a place of shadows and secrets. Tonight, however, the village was anything but quiet. The cries of the dying mingled with the clash of steel, and the smell of blood hung heavy in the air.
Far enough from all of the chaos, inside a small wooden hut a woman with silver hair and a cold, unwavering gaze was stroking her child's hair as he was relaxing. The child's eyes were threatening to close, each one having 2 different shades his left eye a vibrant shade of green and the other a piercing silver that both matched his mother's, the boy stared up at her with a serenity that belied the violence around them.
"You will be strong," the woman whispered, her voice barely audible above the din of battle. "Stronger than anyone can imagine."
She looked down at the infant, a small, sad smile touching her lips. "Sekiro," she said, the name rolling off her tongue like a prayer. "My little wolf. You will survive this, and you will grow strong."
Two shadows moved in the doorway, an elder of the village and a petite black haired teenage girl beside him , her face lined with concern. "We haven't much time," called the elder.
As he spoke, the woman's gaze hardened. She knew what she had to do. To protect him, to keep him safe from those who would hunt him for what he was, she had to let him go.
She took her black necklace of her neck, it contained an emerald green jewel that matched his eye, she wrapped it around the boys neck, whispering a soft blessing as she did. A seal of protection, one that would hopefully lead him to fortune. She then helped the half asleep child stand and guided him towards the girls arms.
"Is this the only option? " Said Selena was distraught playing with her black locks to distract herself from the situation.
"I'm afraid so," she responded solemnly. " You know the dangers that come with my name, I won't be able to protect him for long. My body is deteriorating and my condition will only worsen. I'm already ashamed for bringing the child into this cruel world... Him growing up without a loving parent will only make it worse."
Saying their farewells she lets go of the child's hand only for him to reach out again wanting her warmth. They all walked out of the hut, parting their ways whilst the mother and son held eye contact.
With one last lingering look she mouthed I love you, she turned away before her guilt could take over her. After a couple of seconds of contemplation she turned back only to realize that they already left.
"Goodbye, my son," she whispered, picturing her son's face in her head. "May you live a happy and fruitful life."
*4 Years Later*
The village was no more. Where once there had been homes and laughter, there was now only ash and ruin. The trees, once tall and proud, were reduced to smoldering stumps, the yielding green scenery now cast in an everlasting dye of red and the river surrounding it ran with the blood of the fallen.
Among the debris, a boy lay on the ground, his body broken and bloodied. His name was Seiki Aesemon. For as long as he could remember, he had lived in this village. But now, all that he had known was gone.
His vision blurred, the pain overwhelming his senses as he watched the invaders, clad in black robes and light armor, move methodically through the village, slaughtering or abducting anyone who still drew breath. He heard the screams of the villagers, saw faces whom he had only room for joy now full with distraught and agony. A couple of men and women were tied upside down onto poles from their feet, their bodies squirmed as their fingers were being severed, limbs torn off, until suddenly each one of them stopped moving an everlasting peace their bodies have been quivering for. The boy finally had some feeling in his right only to realize his own arm was caught in the cold grasp of steel, he cried out in pain squirming in agony.
"Please… stop…" The words slipped from his lips, barely a whisper as the blade bit into his flesh. But the world showed no mercy. The pain shot through him, a white-hot agony that consumed him entirely. As he screamed, the world around him began to fade, and finally, mercifully, darkness took him.
When he awoke, the boy was no longer in the village. The air was thin and cold, the ground beneath him hard and unyielding. He was in a monastery, high atop a mountain that pierced the clouds, far from the devastation he had endured. The imposing gates that surrounded the monastery had a yellowish brown exterior topped with red roofing tiles. This seemed to be the style for the whole monastery spanning multiple floors he looked in awe at his new surroundings when something caught his eye.
A figure approached him, a man with long, Jet black hair that flowed like a river of moonlight. His eyes, cold and calculating, observed the boy with a mix of curiosity and something akin to pity.
"You've lost everything," the man said, his voice as cold as the mountain air. "But you're still alive. That means everything."
The boy's eyes fluttered open, his mind struggling to comprehend where he was and what had happened. His memories were a jumbled mess, flashes of fire, steel, and pain. But one thing was clear—he had survived, and something deep within him still burned.
"Who… who are you?" the boy croaked, his throat dry and raw.
The man knelt beside him, his gaze piercing. "My name is Futsunushi. I am the god of swords, and I have saved you from the brink of death."
The boy blinked, his mind struggling to grasp the words. "Why… why me?"
Futsunushi's lips curled into a faint smile. "Because you are strong, stronger than you know. And with my help, you will become even stronger. But first…"
He placed a hand on the boy's chest, and the boy felt a strange warmth spread through his body. "I will give you my Falna," Futsunushi said. "It is a divine blessing, a bond between a god and his followers. With it, you will gain strength, skills, and the power to avenge those who took everything from you."
As the Falna took hold, the boy's status appeared before Futsunushi's eyes—a shimmering, magical display of his abilities and potential. But there, at the very top of the status board, was something that made Futsunushi's eyes widen in surprise.
"Sekiro Ado," he murmured, reading the name. "So, that is your true name."
The boy, now known as Sekiro, stared at the god in confusion. "What… what does that mean?"
Futsunushi's expression hardened, the hint of a plan forming in his mind. "It means you are destined for greatness. Your family… they are most likely dead, but their ideals run through your veins. And you, Sekiro, must avenge them."
He stood, towering over the boy, his voice carrying the weight of divine authority. "You will train here, under my guidance. You will become the ultimate weapon, and when the time comes, you will strike down those who wronged you."
Sekiro nodded, the fire in his heart now burning brighter than ever. He didn't remember his past, but he knew one thing—he would make those who destroyed his village pay. He would become stronger, faster, deadlier, and he would stop at nothing to achieve his goal.
"Here drink this your throat must be dry" The god offered a warm cup of tea. The boy drank it quickly leaving none of it too waste.
Futsunushi nodded, pleased with the boy's determination. "There is one more thing," he said, reaching into the folds of his robes. He withdrew a gleaming, intricate prosthetic arm, crafted from dark metal and inscribed with ancient runes. It shimmered with a faint, otherworldly light, as if it were alive with power.
"This is the **Arm of Titan**," Futsunushi explained, his voice reverent. "It is a divine weapon, one that will grow in strength alongside you, just as your status will grow with your body. This arm will be your companion in battle, the arm will grow with the rest of your body it's part of you as much as your own flesh. It will grant you strength, speed, and resilience, and as your status increases, so too will its power."
The boy was confused only to look down at himself to realize he was missing his left arm, his mind ensued in panic, His body remembering the pain. Futsunushi chuckled, then with careful precision, Futsunushi attached the arm to Sekiro's shoulder. The moment it connected, Sekiro felt a surge of energy coursing through him, the arm becoming an extension of his very being. It responded to his thoughts, moving as naturally as his own hand once had.
Sekiro flexed his new arm, marveling at the way it felt—stronger, more powerful than anything he had ever imagined. He clenched his fist, feeling the raw power that now resided within him.
Futsunushi watched him closely. "Remember, Sekiro, this arm is a gift, but it is also a responsibility. You must train diligently, hone your skills, and become the warrior I know you can be. With the Arm of Titan and your ever-growing status, you will become unstoppable and take revenge on those who took it upon you."
Sekiro nodded, determination burning in his eyes. He had been given a new life, a purpose, a reason to live and he would not squander it. He would train, he would grow stronger, and one day, he would avenge his village and his family.
"Thank you, Master Futsunushi," Sekiro said, his voice steady and resolute.
Futsunushi's expression softened for a brief moment. "Forgive any doubts of your past . From this day forward, you are Sekiro, the one-armed wolf. Embrace your new life and become the warrior you were meant to be."
"Now come inside you are to meet your fellow shinobi and be shown to your sleeping quarters tomorrow at dawn is when your shinobi training shall commence."
Sekiro bowed deeply and followed his new god, the weight of his new identity settling on his shoulders. He would not forget the pain of his past, but he would use it to fuel his journey forward. With the Arm of Titan and Futsunushi's guidance, he would carve out a new destiny, one forged in the fires of vengeance and sharpened by the blade of his will.
The Inside of the monastery was more grand then one would expect it to be Sekiro stopped and admired his surroundings , the inside was lined with red frames and golden decorations, instead of pasty brick like the exterior the walls were smoothed out and were more yellow, giving the room a warmer feel.
"So where am I exactly?"
"We are currently on one the third peak of Mount Karagi, on the south side of the mountain.
Not getting the answer I was hoping for I dropped the question realizing I could figure all this out later.
Futsunushi quickened his pace which caused Sekiro to work to catch up. They walked down a dimly lit hallway for what felt like a minute only to be met with a massive sized red double door. Sekiro could hear footsteps shuffle from the other side and the door opened abruptly, the drastic change in lighting blinded him as he walked in blinking rapidly for his eyes to adjust to his new scenery. Two strict walls of shinobi stood up from either side of him staring directly ahead, the room was dead silent, the simple squeaks of his shoes that he was unaware of before now became apparent in this tense environment. Futsunushi made his way to what appeared to be a throne, as he sat Sekiro was motioned to stand directly in front of him. To the gods' right stood a man of smaller stature, dressed in black robes that matched his refined hair, he had a cleanly shaved beard, and dark cold eyes. His left hand was stuck to his side holding onto what seemed to be his blade. The man omitted a great aura of strength. I could tell he was a seasoned warrior just by his looks and presence alone. His eyes darted over to me as I quickly looked away hoping he didn't notice. Steadying myself I looked back straight ahead toward my new god.
"Sekiro.." The god's voice echoed across the room. "That is the name of the boy standing before you all, tomorrow we shall hold the great trial to see if he is worthy"
"The great trial?"
"Yes, the great trial is a test to see if you are worthy to begin your training as a shinobi."
"What if I were to fail?"
"Failure.. Failure would result in death."
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"Welcome to my sleeping quarters.. well it's our sleep quarters but still."
The boy I was sharing a room with looked to be my age, he had jet black unkempt hair, and dark bushy eyebrows. His emerald like eyes felt jarring to look at..
"Hey Sekiro, staring is rude, ya know."
"Ah, sorry." With my thoughts jumbled all over the place I blurted out the first thing I could think of. "So how long have you been a Shinobi?"
His dark eyebrows furrowed at his response. "Are you gonna ask me for my name or..." The boy sighed "Look sorry about my attitude, my name's Daiki, pleased to meet you." Daiki brought up his hand which I took in my own, his hand felt coarse and presented a deep bumpy scar going across his palm.
"It's not the worst scar you could get." He said with a slight smirk
I chuckled internally at his attempt to brighten the mood.
"So how long have you been a Shinobi?"
"Persistent huh, well I've only been one for about 2 months" He said staring directly into my eyes.
Breaking the eye contact I walked into my new home, it wasn't lavish compared to the rest of the monastery but it still had an essence of luxury embezzled into the design of the room.
The layout of the room was quite simple. As you walked in you were met with a bed on each side, with each bed came a small cupboard on either side.
I sat down on my bed and looked out the window taking in my surroundings. The location of the monastery was questionable; it was above most of the clouds in the area, meaning if one were to launch a raid onto the monastery by the time you could see them it was already too late. Maybe they have shinobi closer to the foot of the mountain to stand guard, who knows.
"Admiring the stars are we?" He walked over with a grin and put his face up into the window obstructing some of my view. "Ya know I'm a bit of an astrology fanatic myself."
Daiki then goes on a monologue about some random stars and constellations that I pay no attention to, the more he talks the more I feel like he's talking to himself. Wait if he's only been a shinobi for 2 months that means...
"If you have only been a shinobi for 2 months that must mean you know what I'm going to be facing in the great trial right?"
"Well... you are right but." He deeply inhaled only to let out a disappointing sigh "I'm sorry to tell you buddy but I'm forbidden to tell you what lies ahead in the great trial"
"Forbidden?"
"Yep, while i certainly don't want my new roomie dying on me so quick it's one of the first rules of Shinobi code"
I look downcast on the floor, not sure of what to think of it, then oddly coming to the realization that I'm not afraid of failing the trial.
"C'mon don't look so gloomy now there is no way you're gonna fail your son of 'talent incarnate'."
"Talent incarnate?" I replied back confused at his statement
"Yep, I'm sure you'll do fine" He turned around and headed straight for his bed. "I'm gonna get some sleep, you should too it's life or death after all"
I took his words to heart, and slipped under the covers. Staring up at the ceiling attempting to recollect today's events.
The great trial...
My life would end tomorrow however I feel oddly at peace with it, I've lost everything, I have no attachments, I don't even know the person I was before I got all happened so fast but I now have a purpose, I will take revenge on those who took away everything that I had, My first step is completing the great trial and becoming a shinobi and if were I too fail so be it. A wave of relaxation came over me drifting me
XXX
Sekiro Ado is a boy of few words, well that was my first impression of him anyways. Sekiro stands out like a sore thumb, compared to the people of the far east with their bland black hair and eyes he had silvery grey hair and heterochromatic eyes. He's the most unique looking person I have ever seen yet oddly enough, his appearance didn't surprise me.
When I was told I was going to be his partner I was surprised. Gelios, one of our highest ranked shinobi and a level 5 matching what others may call a first class adventurer, informed me that the boy should possess incredible talent due to his bloodline. Apparently he is the son of Alfia , the only member remaining of the great or once great Hera Familia. After the Zeus and Hera Familias failure at attempting to vanquish the One eyed black dragon 3 years ago they lost all their power and status. Both Familias were overthrown by the Loki and Freya Familias cementing themselves as the most powerful Familias in Orario the 'center of Gekai'. None of it really mattered to me though as the far east was a completely different world compared to Orario.
Something about Sekiro makes me feel oddly reminiscent. Besides Sekiro there aren't any other boys that were also my age, so I'm just glad he's here, hopefully he isn't a douchebag, hopefully we can become friends, hopefully he passes the trial. I turn over to look at the boy in question, noticing he is already passed out. Guess it's time huh. I left the room starting the preparations. Hopefully my new roomie will become a permanent one.
Note:
This is my 1st time writing a story like this so please forgive terrible grammar and or pacing, but advice would be appreciated.
Sekiro is born 20 years before Danmachi, the main story starts. I will also be aging some of the characters from the main story up and down when they appear in the story. I will mention what characters are aged up and down and their ages. I'm also thinking of incorporating a time skip to when Sekiro is 14 he is currently 8.