"Ash Phantom: The Legend Reborn"

At the top floor of a quiet tower, the wind sways softly through the balcony curtains. Okabaru stands there, sipping his coffee, leaning calmly against the railing. The orange hue of the evening sun hits his side.

Next to him, Sakura sits cross-legged in a comfy chair, wearing a loose t-shirt and pajama pants, her hair tied up casually.

Okabaru – "So, Sakura… what exactly is Ryuki planning?"

Sakura – "We're planning to attack tomorrow… and then retreat mid-battle. Make it look like we lost."

Okabaru raised an eyebrow, taking a slow sip.

Sakura – "After that, for the next three months, our mages will secretly enter Yuzen… one by one. Some as travelers, some as workers, some disguised as merchants. We'll make it look like people are coming from different cities, not from Ryuki."

The coffee steam swirled around Okabaru's face. He looked intrigued.

Sakura – "And after three months, Hoshin Maru—with elite mages—will enter Yuzen from Roma City's underground tunnel. That's Plan 1."

She leaned forward a little, her voice lowering.

Sakura – "Plan 2 is…We'll attack through the main border with Ryden, sir, making it seem like it's a full-frontal war. While Yuzen focuses there, Hoshin Maru will strike Yuzen Dojo from inside. Our main target… is Zackey. Once Zackey is dead, the war is over."

Okabaru swirled his cup slightly.

Okabaru – "Only two plans?"

Sakura – "We're working on three more. Wiki and Marco are preparing them now."

She stood up slowly, looking out at the east from the balcony.

Sakura – "Yuzen is on our eastern border. We're both protected by giant walls. But between those walls is a huge forest… known as No Man's Land."

The wind grew slightly colder as she spoke.

Sakura – "At night, we'll sneak into that forest. Our mission is to attack their front guard post. There are many black stone towers spread out for surveillance. Veon and Sia will lead the mission."

She tightened her arms around herself slightly, almost as if imagining the tension.

Sakura – "Once they're inside Yuzen's walls, the towers will alert the guards. They'll open the gate, and their army will move out. That's when we retreat."

Okabaru – "You're going to let them think Ryuki has lost."

Sakura – "Some of our troops might fall. Hopefully not many. But once we 'lose', we'll offer a peace treaty."

She looked back at him.

Okabaru – "Do you think they'll accept that?"

Sakura – "There's a good chance. Yuzen trades with Roma and Rega City. They export their black stone, glowing night cotton, and fuel gas for floating vehicles. If they go to war with us, their trade routes collapse. Ryuki isn't weak. A war with us would damage their economy."

Okabaru set his cup down on the balcony railing and slowly placed his hand on Sakura's head with a warm smirk.

Okabaru – "When did you become so smart?"

Sakura (grinning) – "I was born smart."

Toji came onto the balcony, holding two cups of coffee in both hands.

Toji – "Sakura, here."

Sakura took one cup from him gently.

Toji lifted his cup, about to take a sip—Okabaru – "Thank you, Toji, for the coffee."

He casually took the other cup straight from Toji's hands.

Toji – "Sensei! Are you mad? That's my coffee! You already have yours!"

Okabaru – (sipping calmly) "Did you say something?"

Toji – (grumbling) "Drink your own. The more coffee you drink, the older you are getting."

Sakura – (laughs) "Hahaha!"

Okabaru – "I was just playing with you. Here, take it back."

He handed the cup back with a teasing smirk.

Toji gave him a look, then walked back inside with a mutter.

A soft breeze passed over the balcony. Sakura sipped her cup silently.

Okabaru – "Sakura… we might finally get the chance to see what's inside Mount Mariee this time. If war happens… I'll go to that mountain myself. Maybe we'll find something… something about the history of the Vincent bloodline. Maybe it'll give us something more."

Sakura – (nodding slowly) "That's exactly what I've been thinking too. I want to check that place out as well. But I think I should talk to Mr. Hoshin Maru about it."

Okabaru – "You shouldn't. Their attention is on taking down Zackey. Don't distract them right now."

Sakura – "Hmm… you're right.

Sakura – "Do you know anything about Mom and Dad? Where are they? Are they safe?"

Okabaru – (pausing, eyes softly down at his coffee) "I think they're safe… as far as we know."

A breeze passed through the balcony. The evening sun dipped slowly behind the tower roof, casting golden shadows.

Okabaru – "Around three years ago, when we first entered Yuzen City… we rented a small home. Every morning, I used to go out with Father—just the two of us. Searching for clues… about the Vincent clan."

Sakura looked at him, silently listening.

Okabaru – "Temple to temple, town to town… we kept moving. And one thing we learned—back in history, people weren't divided like today. There were no borders like 'Ryuki' or 'Yuzen'… everything was connected."

He leaned slightly over the balcony rail, eyes looking far out at the horizon.

Okabaru – "The whole continent… it was once called Winland. And beyond that… there were more continents. A much bigger world than we're told."

Sakura clutched her cup, the steam rising past her face, whispering with her breath.

Sakura – "Where did you find this, brother?"

Okabaru – "From pictures… painted with stories, and the language written on them. You know, Sakura, I can read any language. Only Father knows about it. I got this ability from my master, Lee Wang."

Sakura – "You never told me that, brother…"

Okabaru – "Yeah, because you and Sunny were small back then. You were just 17 at that time. There was no point in telling you then. But now, you've become an elite, powerful, and I can see your maturity, your sense of responsibility. There's no reason to hide it anymore."

Sakura – "Who is this Lee Wang… the one you know from that time?"

Okabaru – (soft smile) "He's a special old man. Our father knows him, and I do too. Once, Father went to Baku City—and that's where he met him. He's a spiritual master… and he carries deep wisdom. Whoever is around him can never feel depressed. He brings happiness just by his presence… through his teachings. He changes people, their attitude, their thinking."

(Okabaru looks into the fading sky, his voice a little distant.)

Okabaru – "He told me many things… things I can't tell you right now. But someday, you'll understand. You'll know everything."