Chapter 39: Peaceful Days in the Village
Months had passed since the fateful battle, and the scars of the Crimson Asura were already fading into legend. The brothers, Hagoromo and Hamura, had made a full recovery, thanks to Kaguya's care. Yet, the weight of their trial lingered in their hearts—not as a burden, but as a source of quiet pride.
The village, nestled safely amidst lush greenery and rolling hills, had returned to its normal rhythm. Farmers tilled their fields, merchants peddled their wares, and children ran through the streets, blissfully unaware of the monumental battle that had taken place not far from their homes.
The sun peeked over the horizon, casting its golden rays across the village. Hagoromo and Hamura sat on the porch of their home, sharing a quiet breakfast. Bowls of steaming rice and fresh fruits were laid out before them, a gift from the grateful villagers who admired the brothers for their strength and kindness.
"Pass the tea," Hagoromo said, his tone casual as he adjusted the bandage still wrapped around his left eye.
Hamura smirked, holding the teapot just out of reach. "Use your other hand, brother. You can't keep slacking off."
"You're lucky I'm still recovering, or I'd make you eat that teapot," Hagoromo grumbled, though his grin betrayed his amusement.
Later in the day, the brothers ventured into the heart of the village. It had become a daily ritual for them to assist with various tasks, eager to repay the kindness of the people who had supported them during their recovery.
Hagoromo helped repair a wooden bridge that had been damaged by recent rains. His natural charisma and leadership skills drew a crowd of villagers eager to lend a hand. Hamura, meanwhile, worked in the fields, his precision and strength making quick work of the planting season.
"Your sons are incredible, Lady Kaguya," an elder remarked as he watched them from afar. "They carry themselves like true protectors of this land."
Kaguya, standing nearby, nodded. "They have much to learn, but their hearts are in the right place."
As dusk settled, the brothers returned home, exhausted but content. They gathered around a small fire outside their home, the stars twinkling above them.
"Do you ever think about it?" Hamura asked, his voice soft.
"The trial?" Hagoromo replied, staring into the flames.
Hamura nodded. "We were so close to losing. If we hadn't worked together…"
"We didn't lose," Hagoromo interrupted, a confident smile on his face. "We learned. Sensei pushed us to our limits, but he also showed us how much stronger we can become."
Hamura glanced at his brother and grinned. "You always have to sound like a wise old man, don't you?"
"I'm the older brother. It's my job."
They both laughed, the sound carrying into the night.
In the village, the aftermath of the battle had brought a sense of unity. People whispered about the brothers' strength and their mysterious master, whose name had become synonymous with god-like power. But instead of fear, the villagers felt a renewed sense of safety, knowing that Hagoromo and Hamura stood as their protectors.
Children often gathered around the brothers, begging for stories of their adventures. Though they left out the grimmer details, Hagoromo and Hamura indulged them with tales of courage and camaraderie.
Late at night, Kaguya sat alone in her garden, gazing at the moon. Her thoughts wandered to Ares, the enigmatic figure who had shaped her sons into the warriors they were becoming. She couldn't deny the unease she felt about his methods, but she also recognized the strength and wisdom he had imparted to them.
"They're strong now," she murmured to herself, "But how much can you faced the future ?" She looked toward the house, where her sons were laughing softly in their room.
The days passed peacefully, with the brothers finding joy in their mundane tasks and the villagers growing to rely on their strength. But in the quiet moments, Hagoromo and Hamura couldn't shake the feeling that this peace was only temporary.
"Do you think he'll come back?" Hamura asked one day as they trained in the fields, their weapons clashing in a mock duel.
Hagoromo paused, lowering his blade. "Sensei? Maybe. But if he does…" He grinned. "We'll be ready."
Hamura nodded, his grip tightening on his weapon. "Next time, we'll make sure he doesn't leave without a few more scars."
And so, the brothers continued their daily lives, balancing the peace of the village with their relentless pursuit of strength. The legacy of their trial lingered in their hearts, a constant reminder of the god-like power they had faced—and the resolve they would need to wield their own.