In a world where magic is everything, power defines worth, and weakness is a sin. Only a handful of noble clans stand at the top—respected, feared, and untouchable. Among them, none cast a darker shadow than:

The Fujimoto Clan.

Feared across the land, they were born of ancient magic and raised with unyielding pride.

From this bloodline came two children.

The first was Shin Fujimoto, a prodigy in every sense. His magic was strong, his heart unreadable, and his silence louder than words. He was a ghost to some, a god to others.

And then, there was Sakura Fujimoto.

The youngest of the family. A ten-year-old girl with long midnight-black hair that always fell into her eyes, and a quiet voice that rarely rose above a whisper. She didn’t command power like her brother. She didn’t earn respect from her clan.

But she had something else.

A smile—small, soft, and stubborn. Even after being ignored, scolded, or hurt, that smile returned to her face like a habit she couldn’t shake.

Everyone saw her as the forgotten child of a great clan. But Sakura saw the world differently. Where others saw cruelty, she searched for meaning. Where others raised walls, she watched stars.

The world was cold, but she found warmth in the smallest things— The way wind brushed through trees. The way birds chirped at dawn. And most of all, in her brother’s quiet kindness.

Shin, cold and distant to the world, was warm only to her. He didn’t speak much, but when he did, he spoke gently to Sakura. He didn’t smile often—but when he looked at her, his gaze softened.

To everyone else, he was a weapon.

To her, he was a brother.

Even in a house full of silence, she found comfort in his presence.

Even in a cruel world, Sakura Fujimoto smiled.

Because sometimes… the smallest light shines brightest in the dark.

The Fujimoto estate stood atop a hill surrounded by blackened stone walls and ancient cherry blossom trees that hadn’t bloomed in decades. Inside the castle’s courtyard, the air was sharp, crackling with mana.

Shin stood motionless in the center of the field, his hand outstretched. Blue arcs of energy spiraled around him like a storm ready to strike.

“Again,” came a deep, cold voice from the balcony above.

Haruki Fujimoto, their father—stern, ruthless, and utterly unforgiving. He stood with arms crossed, watching every move like a hawk measuring worth.

Without a word, Shin moved. A slash of his hand, and light burst outward. The magical targets crumbled under his force.

“Good,” Haruki said. “Now double the range.”

“Yes, Father,” Shin replied flatly.

Nearby, behind the marble columns of the estate’s grand walkway, Sakura was practicing too—though unnoticed. She held her small training wand in trembling hands. Her brows furrowed as she whispered an incantation.

“Focus… come on…”

A flicker of light formed at the wand’s tip, but it quickly faded, leaving only smoke.

From the balcony, Haruki’s gaze shifted.

“You there,” he snapped.

Sakura froze.

“Is that your best? You're ten years old. Can’t even light a torch properly?”

“I-I’m trying—” she began.

“Trying? Do you think this clan respects effort? This isn’t some nursery for talentless children.”

Sakura flinched, lowering her wand.

“You dishonor the name Fujimoto,” he said coldly. Then, without another glance, Haruki turned and disappeared into the halls.

Sakura stood frozen. Her fingers curled tightly around the wand.

Then came the sound of footsteps.

Shin walked up beside her and gently took her hand.

“You're holding it too tightly,” he said. “Let the magic breathe. Don’t fight it.”

She looked up. “You… saw that?”

Shin nodded. “Always.”

A soft silence passed.

“I’m… not like you,” she whispered. “Not good enough.”

Shin looked straight ahead at the sky. “Then let’s get better together.”

A small smile broke across her face.

Later that evening…

The grand meeting hall in the heart of the estate was dimly lit, flames flickering in the sconces on the wall. Velvet carpets and golden tapestries lined the room. It was quiet—but heavy with tension.

Lord Haruki and his wife, Lady Reina Fujimoto, sat at the head of the long table. Around them were elders, uncles, aunts—all members of the high bloodline.

Shin stood outside the hall, not invited to this one. Sakura, meanwhile, was just passing by on her way to the kitchen, when she heard murmurs behind the door.

“…He’s already mastered third-tier spells,” one of the elders said. “At his age. Truly remarkable.”

“Shin will lead our clan to greatness,” another voice added. “He carries the old blood—pure and sharp.”

“And what of the girl?” someone scoffed.

There was a pause.

“She is weak,” said a cold voice. Sakura froze.

It was her mother’s.

“She bears our name but not our strength. Let her remain in the shadows. At least the boy will cleanse the shame.”

Sakura’s hands trembled as she pressed her back against the wall. The words cut deeper than any blade.

“She smiled even when I shouted at her,” Haruki’s voice said. “What kind of fool smiles in the face of failure?”

“An embarrassment,” someone spat.

The voices continued, blending into cruel laughter.

Sakura couldn’t take it anymore.

She turned and ran—quietly, quickly—until she reached her room. She shut the door behind her and collapsed on the bed, face buried in her pillow.

She didn’t cry. Not loudly. Just small, silent sobs.

She had tried so hard.

And they still saw her as nothing.

For the first time in days, her smile was gone.

That night, in her room, Sakura sat on her bed, staring at her hands under the pale moonlight.

She flexed her fingers slowly.

“Why can’t I be like him?” she whispered. “Why can’t I be strong?”

There was a soft knock.

She quickly wiped her eyes.

“Come in.”

The door creaked open. Shin stepped in, holding a small paper fox in his hand—folded neatly from a scroll.

He sat beside her and placed the fox on her lap.

“What’s this?” she asked.

“For today’s training. You summoned light.”

“…Only for a second.”

“Still counts.”

She smiled a little.

“I heard what they said,” she admitted.

“I know.”

“I’m tired of being looked down on.”

Shin was silent for a while.

Then he said, “You’re stronger than they think.”

“No, I’m not.”

“Yes, you are,” he said, meeting her gaze. “You smile even when they hate you. You try even when no one watches. I’ve never done that.”

She stared at him, eyes shimmering.

“You don’t have to prove anything to them. Just become someone you’re proud of.”

“…Like you?”

“No,” he said quietly. “Like you.”

She looked down at the paper fox again. Her smile returned.

This time, it didn’t crack.

The training hall stood silent beneath the golden rays of the setting sun, its stone walls echoing only the whispers of wind that slipped through the high arched windows. Dust floated in the shafts of light like gentle sparks, dancing in the still air.

And in the middle of it all… stood Sakura Fujimoto.

She was alone.

Her breathing was steady, her stance practiced. Her small hands were raised, trembling slightly, as she faced the practice dummy made of enchanted wood. Her fingers twitched as she focused her energy.

“Come on… just a little spark this time,” she whispered to herself.

She closed her eyes, gathering her inner energy as she had seen her brother do countless times. Her heart beat in rhythm with her breath.

She thrust her hand forward.

Nothing.

Not even a flicker.

She clenched her fists, gritted her teeth, and tried again—murmuring the incantation as clearly as she could. Again. Again. Again.

Still nothing.

The sun dipped lower, shadows stretching across the floor, and she was still there. Her arms trembled. Her legs ached. Her head was light with exhaustion.

And then—

Thud.

Her knees gave out. Sakura collapsed onto the cold floor, gasping, strands of hair clinging to her damp forehead.

She stared up at the wooden ceiling high above her. It felt endless. Distant. Like every goal she had ever hoped for.

But just as she was about to let herself rest, a faint sound echoed from the corridor outside the hall.

Footsteps.

Sakura's instincts kicked in. Though she lacked magical power, she possessed extraordinary senses and a gift for slipping into the shadows unnoticed. She darted behind a stack of training weapons and crouched silently.

The grand door creaked open.

Two voices entered—one calm and measured, the other stern and cold.

Haruki Fujimoto. Her father.

And beside him, walked her older brother, Shin.

Sakura watched from the shadows, eyes wide but unblinking.

“You must keep your focus,” Haruki said, his deep voice reverberating through the chamber. “You are no longer just a boy of the Fujimoto clan. You are its future.”

Shin didn’t respond, but his silence was more powerful than any words. He nodded once.

“We have built this legacy through sacrifice, power, and fear. You will ascend it. Not just as its heir… but as king of this world.”

King?

Sakura’s eyes widened.

She turned her gaze to her brother. His face was as unreadable as always, but her heart lifted. King…? If it’s my brother… he could really change everything.

A gentle smile bloomed on her lips. Even hidden in the shadows, even breathing quietly so they wouldn’t hear her… that smile appeared. Like it always did.

She waited until they were gone before stepping out from her hiding place.

---

The sun was nearly gone now, barely a red sliver hugging the horizon. The estate roof, a place most avoided, had always been her secret escape. But today, someone was already there.

Shin stood on the edge of the roof, arms crossed, his dark hair stirred slightly by the wind. He looked like a statue carved from shadow and flame.

Sakura tiptoed behind him and—without warning—

“Boo!”

Shin flinched. His head turned, and he blinked down at her.

“You’re… really good at hiding,” he said quietly, a hint of amusement tugging at his lips.

Sakura laughed. “I know.”

He looked at her again, noticing her dirt-streaked face and slightly bruised knees. But before he could ask, she beamed up at him.

“You’re going to be king, right?”

Shin's smile faded. “You heard that?”

Sakura nodded, stepping beside him and leaning against the ledge. “Yeah. I think it’s amazing.”

Shin didn’t respond right away. The silence hung between them like a question neither wanted to ask.

“I think you’ll be a great king,” she said softly. “The best.”

His eyes flicked toward her. “How can you be so sure?”

She shrugged. “Because I know you.”

He looked away, gazing out at the blood-red sky. “Everyone sees me as a weapon. As the next Haruki. As a sword meant to cut down the weak.”

Sakura turned to him. “But I see my brother.”

That stopped him.

“I know you’re kind. I know you don’t like hurting people. I know you care—even if you don’t show it. And I know... you’ll make things better when you get the chance.”

For a moment, Shin didn’t say anything. Then, quietly, he whispered, “Thank you, Sakura.”

She smiled again—this time, soft and sad.

“You don’t need to thank me, brother. I just believe in you.”

For a long moment, Shin said nothing.

Then, something shifted in his expression.

A hint of peace.

“…You’re the only one who says that,” he murmured. “The only one who sees me as more than just a weapon.”

Sakura gave a playful pout. “That’s because the rest of them need glasses.”

Shin chuckled quietly—just once. But to Sakura, it was enough.

They sat in silence for a while, watching the sun dip below the horizon.

Two siblings.

One with power. One without.

But in that moment, there was no king or failure.

Just a brother and sister—

And a bond stronger than any spell.

No magic

No prophecy.

Just two siblings—one born of fire, one born of light—facing a cruel world together.

The rooftop had always been a special place for Sakura. The winds were gentler up here, the view stretched endlessly across the estate, and the sky—oh, the sky was her favorite canvas. Tonight, the horizon had been painted in shades of orange and gold, slowly giving way to a deepening purple as the sun sank lower.

Sakura sat with her legs crossed at the edge of the rooftop, the cold, smooth stone beneath her comforting as she stared into the fading light. Her heart felt lighter than it had in days. There was a subtle peace in the stillness, one she always found when she could escape into the quiet, away from the pressure of expectations.

Beside her, Shin stood, leaning against the cold stone wall, arms crossed, his eyes fixed on the horizon. The rooftop was wide, a space meant for quiet contemplation, but it also had a large area perfect for practice. Tall pillars surrounded the space, giving it a sort of ringed boundary. The center was open, offering enough room to move freely, the stone tiles beneath their feet smooth yet gritty enough to provide traction. This was where they trained—where their sparring sessions took place.

"You know," she said, breaking the silence, her voice soft but full of energy, "I think I might be able to take you on now."

Shin turned his head slightly, one eyebrow arching in curiosity. "Take me on? In what, exactly?" he asked, his voice calm and measured as always, though there was a small hint of amusement in his eyes.

Sakura grinned, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "A challenge. A real one. You know, to test my progress," she said with a playful glint. She stood up, brushing the dust off her clothes. "I’ve been training all day. I’ve gotten better, I promise!"

Shin’s lips curved into a small, knowing smile, though his face remained mostly impassive. "You think you're ready?"

Sakura’s grin only widened. "Of course! What better way to prove it than to face you?"

For a moment, there was only the sound of the wind as it swirled around them, carrying the last traces of the day. Then, without waiting for another word, Sakura raised her hand, focusing her energy. "Let’s see if I can make something happen."

Her fingers twitched slightly, a small spark of energy crackling at the tips. She closed her eyes and whispered a soft incantation, trying to draw the magic from deep within her. It was like trying to catch the wind in her hands—fragile, elusive. The small spark fizzled out before it could even gain form.

Sakura’s shoulders slumped, but her smile never wavered. "That’s alright," she murmured. "I’ll get it next time."

Shin watched her, his expression unreadable, but there was a glimmer of approval in his eyes. He stepped forward, standing in front of her. "You’re persistent, Sakura. I’ll give you that."

Sakura nodded, her grin still wide. "Persistent is my middle name."

Without another word, Shin dropped into a fighting stance, the moonlight now casting long shadows across the rooftop. "Alright, then. Show me what you’ve got."

Her heart raced in her chest as she mimicked his stance, though she was still a little unsteady. She focused, her mind swirling with the lessons she had learned, the techniques she had practiced over and over again. She could do this. She just had to keep trying.

Shin’s eyes narrowed slightly, and he gave a small nod. "I’ll start slow," he said, voice calm but laced with a challenge. "Let’s see how long you last."

With that, Shin launched forward with astonishing speed, his movements swift and calculated. He was a blur of motion, his body fluid and graceful as he moved. The rooftop, with its open space and smooth tiles, was the perfect arena—ample room for dodging, flipping, and footwork. Sakura barely had time to react before he was upon her, his arm sweeping out to tap her shoulder.

It wasn’t painful, but it was enough to send her stumbling back, her foot slipping slightly on the smooth surface. Her breath hitched, and she quickly regained her balance, her eyes narrowing in determination.

Shin was a master—his strikes precise, his movements fluid. But Sakura wasn’t going to let herself fall easily. She squared her shoulders and lunged forward, trying to push him back. She wasn’t using magic yet, but she had trained in hand-to-hand combat, her body as sharp as her focus.

Shin blocked her strike effortlessly, twisting her arm and flipping her to the ground in one smooth motion. She hit the floor with a soft thud, the wind knocked out of her for a split second. The rooftop tiles felt cool beneath her, but she didn’t have time to dwell on it. She pushed herself back up immediately.

"Still not there yet," Shin said, his voice almost gentle, but there was a faint trace of something else—pride? "But you’re getting closer."

Sakura grinned up at him, dusting herself off. "I’ll get it next time. Just wait."

She was about to stand when Shin’s next words stopped her. "You’re stronger than I thought. But don’t get too cocky, Sakura. You have a long way to go."

Her smile softened. "I know," she said, meeting his eyes. "But I’ll get there."

Shin stood tall, offering his hand to help her up. "Maybe," he said, a small smile pulling at the corner of his lips. "But if you want to get there faster, you need to stop relying on just your fists. Your magic is where your real strength lies."

Sakura hesitated, glancing at her trembling hands. "I can’t even use magic properly yet."

"You’re too hard on yourself," Shin replied, his tone serious. "You have potential, Sakura. More than you realize."

"But I—"

Shin cut her off, his voice softer now. "Listen to me. You have something I don’t. A fire within you that others don’t see." He took a step closer, lowering his voice. "It’s in your heart. Not your fists. Not your magic. It’s in the way you refuse to give up, no matter how many times you fall. That’s what makes you strong."

Sakura’s breath caught in her throat. Her heart swelled with an emotion she couldn’t quite name. He saw it. He saw her.

She nodded slowly, her eyes bright. "I’ll get there, Shin. I’ll make you proud."

Shin stepped back, his gaze softening. "You already have."

There was a quiet moment between them, the wind rushing around them, the last light of the sunset fading behind the horizon. The rooftop was still, the only sound their breathing and the gentle rustle of the wind. The atmosphere between them was charged, yet peaceful—a place of growth, a place of challenge.

Sakura took a deep breath, feeling a warmth in her chest. She may not have magic like the others, but she had something more. Something Shin believed in. And that was enough for her.

She stood straighter, her hands clenched at her sides. "Next time, I’ll make sure I get you."

Shin smirked, his gaze distant again. "We’ll see. But remember, it’s not about winning. It’s about learning."

Sakura nodded, a grin tugging at her lips. "I’ll learn. And then I’ll win."

For a moment, neither of them spoke. The night had fully settled in, the stars beginning to peek through the darkening sky.

Shin turned to her again, his eyes thoughtful. "You know, Sakura... it’s not always going to be easy. But when you find your strength, you’ll be unstoppable."

She looked up at him, her eyes full of resolve. "I’m already unstoppable."

Shin chuckled softly, his expression softening. "I like that fire. Keep it burning."

Sakura smiled, feeling a spark inside her that she had never noticed before. This wasn’t about proving herself to others. This was about finding her own path—her own strength—and carrying it with pride.

As they stood side by side on the rooftop, the stars began to shine brighter above them. Two siblings—one with the weight of the world on his shoulders, the other searching for her place in it. But for now, they were just brother and sister, standing together against the night.