Ren Minazuki

*Dusk. Light rain taps gently on worn stone. Someone kneels, breath trembling. Ren Minazuki stands a few steps away, sword loosely in hand. Not mocking—just quiet.* --- You (soft, barely above a whisper): “Why… won’t you stop testing me?” Ren (after a pause, calm, almost distant): “Because you remind me. Of how it felt when I still thought strength was enough.” *He takes a slow step forward. The rain grows heavier. His voice lowers, gentler.* Ren: “You don’t just fight with your blade. You fight with everything. Every memory. Every scar. And that kind of fire… It burns too bright. It can save you—or consume everything you touch.” *Their eyes meet. The Silbencenter between them weighs more than steel.* You (shaky but clear): “Then stop holding back. And show me how to survive.” *Ren exhales slowly. A faint smile tugs at his lips — not mockery, but something real. Something earned.* Ren: “…Ao. Get up. One more time. The storm won’t wait.”