Scenario:Kyojuro Rengoku - Forged in Flame

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Forged in Flame

On the heels of a substantial meal—paid for by the crew—Rengoku offers to train their captain by way of gratitude. After being treated to a glowing speech on the power of breathing techniques, (Captain) agrees.



Kyojuro Rengoku: Excellent! Excellent!
One day, as the sun slides from its zenith, a voice as warm and powerful as bronze resounds through a small diner.
Rengoku sits at a table, inhaling his food and adding to an already teetering tower of plates.
Vyrn: Whoa... He sure is horking it down, ain't he?
Lyria: Hehe. But it sounds like he's savoring every bite. Oh, the chefs must be overjoyed when they get diners like him.
Kyojuro Rengoku: Excellent! Excellent!
Kyojuro Rengoku: Excellent!
Vyrn: Hey, Mr. Excitable? I think we get it...
Lyria: Aw, who can blame him? The food here is amazing!
Kyojuro Rengoku: Indeed! It is strengthening, but the flavor is light and crisp. The more I eat, the more it whets my appetite!
Kyojuro Rengoku: They say there is no victory when hunger is the enemy. Come, eat your fill! I will bear the expense!
Vyrn: Gee, that's a generous offer, but somethin' tells me they don't accept interdimensional currency.
Kyojuro Rengoku: ...!
Kyojuro Rengoku: Well now! I had completely forgotten!
Kyojuro Rengoku: (Captain), it seems the bill must go to you!
Rengoku claps a hand on (Captain)'s shoulder.
Vyrn: I mean, that was the plan from the start but... Wow, he sure doesn't hesistate.
Kyojuro Rengoku: But I must thank you properly for the board and lodgings! A Hashira always repays his debts!
Kyojuro Rengoku: And, what is more important, favors between friends must be given freely! So, from now until sundown, I will do all that you ask!
Lyria: What? That's very kind of you, but...
Vyrn: There aren't any missions comin' our way, and we already took care of the shopping.
Lyria: Yeah... To tell the truth, we don't have anything to ask.
Kyojuro Rengoku: I see! Then I have a suggestion for you!
Kyojuro Rengoku: (Captain), how would you like to be my pupil?
Vyrn: Huh? You gonna show my pal some new moves?
Kyojuro Rengoku: Yes! (Captain), you are already strong. But I can lead you to far greater heights!
Lyria: Wait... If Rengoku's teaching, you get to learn about breathing styles, right?
Lyria: That's so exciting!
Kyojuro Rengoku: It is indeed! Not many can train under a Hashira. But you are not one of many. You are extraordinary!
Rengoku places his final plate atop the tower, crosses his arms, and looks steadily at (Captain).
Kyojuro Rengoku: (Captain), you learned to fight on the battlefield. Your skills were forged in the fires of war—without the hammer of an instructor to shape them.
Kyojuro Rengoku: Thus, your swordplay belongs to no one school. And that is a double-edged blade.
Kyojuro Rengoku: In combat, you have at your disposal an infinite number of tactics. But with no guide, it is harder to find the best course.
Vyrn: Uh... Guess that's a good point?
Kyojuro Rengoku: (Captain), I respect your technique and would not have you reshape it. But I also worry about you. In war, error is costly.
Kyojuro Rengoku: One moment can turn the tide of battle! In each of these moments, you are seeking yet untrod paths to victory. This relies on an innate sense, which can be honed only by long experience.
Kyojuro Rengoku: However, other skills are more readily taught. Skills that will help you stand your ground, even when the tide is against you. But for you, I think, there are few worthy instructors.
Kyojuro Rengoku: After all, a singular blade calls for a singular smith!
Lyria: But you can help, right?
Kyojuro Rengoku: Without a doubt! Breathing technique is the foundation of all military arts! It does not matter what school you come from or what weapon you wield!
Kyojuro Rengoku: It tempers your mind and the very sinews of your body! You will be able to pass through even fire and ice unscathed!
Kyojuro Rengoku: You will gain the might of a Demon Slayer!
Kyojuro Rengoku: Thus, we can refine your bladework, without changing its form!
Kyojuro Rengoku: Trust me. (Captain)! I will see that all goes well!
  1. I'm convinced!
  2. Uh...


Choose: I'm convinced!

Kyojuro Rengoku: Good! Today, we shall put your mettle to the test!
Lyria: (Captain)? Something tells me that training is going to be rough...
Kyojuro Rengoku: The finest steel is forged in the fiercest flames, after all! But do not fear! It is not my goal to break you, but to strengthen you!
Go to "Continue 1"


Choose: Uh...

Kyojuro Rengoku: What is the matter? If you have worries, share them!
Vyrn: Well, it's just, uh... I think we're all concerned about whether my buddy here can keep up with your freakish workout.
Lyria: We've seen your routine, Rengoku, and it's a bit... superhuman. Are you going to make (Captain) do the same thing?
Kyojuro Rengoku: Of course not! I do not expect (Captain) to undergo the training of a Hashira! There is an order to all things!
Kyojuro Rengoku: You must learn to walk before you can run! (Captain), first, we steady your breathing and build your strength!
Vyrn: Oh, (Captain) can take that! Can't you, buddy?
(Captain) sighs out lingering uncertainties and nods.
Kyojuro Rengoku: Good! And let me know if any more doubts arise!

Continue 1

Kyojuro Rengoku: Now come! We must strike while the iron is hot!
Vyrn: Oh, hold up. First we gotta...
Vyrn: Huh? How's he already gone!
Lyria: Oh my! (Captain), we'll take care of the bill, so you go on ahead!
The captain dashes after Rengoku, wondering how it is possible for any creature of flesh and blood to move so quickly.

Forged in Flame: Scene 2

Spurred on by Rengoku's praise and encouragement, (Captain) barely survives a day of arduous training.



Rengoku leads (Captain) out of town and to the middle of a flat open meadow.
They walk the perimeter while scanning for people, wildlife—anything that may disturb their training or that their training may disturb. Finally, Rengoku turns and signals that the coast is clear.
Kyojuro Rengoku: Daylight will not wait for us. Let us start at once!
Kyojuro Rengoku: Draw your blade, (Captain)! First, you will execute 500 vertical strokes! Begin!
  1. Yes, sir!


Choose: Yes, sir!

Rengoku and (Captain) count as they cut air, setting up a rhythm.
  1. 498... 499... 500!


Choose: 498... 499... 500!

Kyojuro Rengoku: Well done!
Vyrn: I mean, 500's a big number, but it ain't nothing (Captain) can't wrangle!
Lyria: Yeah! (Captain) does lots of conditioning too, you know!
Kyojuro Rengoku: I am glad to hear it! After all, there are still 500 strokes left!
Vyrn: Huh?
Kyojuro Rengoku: These will be followed by 500 sit-ups, 700 squats, and 20 laps around the village!
Lyria: What? That isn't possible!
Kyojuro Rengoku: (Captain) has not yet made the attempt. Do not be so quick to define your limits!
Kyojuro Rengoku: (Captain), you can overcome this! I have faith enough for the both of us!
Kyojuro Rengoku: Now come! 500 more strokes! Begin!
  1. Yes, sir!


Choose: Yes, sir!

So the second round of training begins.
Kyojuro Rengoku: 298, 299... Your shoulders are tensing! Use your stomach!
Kyojuro Rengoku: There is still plenty of strength left in you! And only 200 sit-ups remain!
  1. Yes, sir!


Choose: Yes, sir!

Kyojuro Rengoku: 378, 379... Watch your form! Eyes forward when you bend!
Kyojuro Rengoku: Good! Very good! Continue! And remember to keep your chin up!
  1. Yes, sir!


Choose: Yes, sir!

Kyojuro Rengoku: That makes your tenth lap. You are doing well!
Kyojuro Rengoku: Next we quicken the pace. Do not fall behind!
  1. ...


Choose: ...

Kyojuro Rengoku: Hm? You have stopped breathing, (Captain)!
Kyojuro Rengoku: Always draw deep breaths, even when you are weary! Indeed, that is when your body needs air most!
Kyojuro Rengoku: It does not matter if your breath is of flame, of water, or of thunder: never let it falter! Do not forget this!
Kyojuro Rengoku: Now concentrate! Breathe deeply!
(Captain) breathes, imagining the lungs as balloons filling to their bursting point as the air rushes in, then withering away to nothing as it rushes out.
Kyojuro Rengoku: That is much better! But it is still not your best!
Kyojuro Rengoku: You are capable of more! Concentrate!
  1. Yes! Sir!


Choose: Yes! Sir!

Rengoku begins to pull away, leaving (Captain) to chase after his shadow and the smell of dust.
After the twentieth lap, Rengoku looks back, judges there is energy left in (Captain), and declares that training will continue. The afternoon passes in a blur of sweat and wind.
Lyria: They've been out running for a while now... Shouldn't they be back by now?
Vyrn: Last we saw 'em, (Captain) seemed 'bout ready to lie down and die... You don't think I've lost my buddy forever, do you?
Lyria: Don't be silly. In fact, I've never seen (Captain) look so alive!
Lyria: Rengoku is so kind and encouraging... Even I feel energized listening to him!
Vyrn: True. That man could get me to fly a hundred laps around this village!
Lyria: Oh, look! It's them!
Lyria points at two figures in the distance, small but growing larger.
Kyojuro Rengoku: Well done! You have finished today's training, and that is no small feat!
Lyria: Yay! Congratulations!
Huh?
Lyria: Um... (Captain)? You're swaying. Are you all right?
There is a moment of silence. Then (Captain) begins to crumple like a puppet cut loose from its strings.
Kyojuro Rengoku: I have you...
It seems the last of (Captain)'s strength has given out.
Vyrn: What! Listen, I know they say don't stop 'til you drop, but you're not supposed to take it literally!
Lyria: Um... Should we be worried?
Kyojuro Rengoku: No. This sleep will not last long. (Captain) is recovering, even as we speak.
Kyojuro Rengoku: Be at ease. I would not let my pupils suffer any harm!
Vyrn: So guess the best thing to do is let 'em snooze.
Lyria: Wait. Rengoku, you were next to (Captain) the whole time, doing the exact same workout.
Lyria: Yet you're as lively as ever. How is that possible?
Kyojuro Rengoku: I always know how much air courses through me and can control it at will. This grants me great power and endurance.
Kyojuro Rengoku: It is not a technique that can be mastered in a day. But the moment you start to pay heed to your breathing, you are already stronger!
Lyria: I still can't believe every Demon Slayer has learned a breathing style. You're all so amazing.
Kyojuro Rengoku: Your friend is no less remarkable! (Captain) has made good progress for a single day's training!
Rengoku stoops and throws (Captain) over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes.
Kyojuro Rengoku: Now, good food and rest is the best cure for weariness.
Kyojuro Rengoku: I want dinner to be ready when (Captain) awakens! To the markets!
Vyrn: Heck yeah! We're gonna whip up a feast!
They begin the trek back to town, using its steady lights as their guide.

Forged in Flame: Scene 3

One night, (Captain) tells Rengoku about the crew's unlikely journey to the fabled island of Estalucia. Rengoku reassures the captain, saying that all grand achievements begin with an impossible dream. A pack of monsters arrive on the scene and provide a predawn training experience.



It has been several days since Rengoku began training (Captain).
Begruding the time it takes to trek to and from the Grandcypher, they have abandoned their beds and set up tents in the field.
Late that night, (Captain) is roused by stiff shoulders and grumbling muscles. Rengoku's cot is empty.
But his shadow is on the side of the tent, thrown there by moonlight, strong, solid, and larger-than-life. (Captain) stands and walks out into the night.
Kyojuro Rengoku: Hm?
Kyojuro Rengoku: (Captain). Sleep has eluded you too, it seems.
  1. Why are you awake?


Choose: Why are you awake?

Kyojuro Rengoku: I wanted to feel the breeze.
Kyojuro Rengoku: If you are not tired, will you speak with me a while? The moon is bright, and the night is quiet.
(Captain) and Rengoku walk a short distance from the campsite.
There they sit for a while, listening to the sussuration of the leaves and smelling unseen wildflowers on the wind.
Kyojuro Rengoku: Where I come from, such nights are rare. For demons hunt after sundown.
Kyojuro Rengoku: But the stars and wind here feel familiar to me. So much that I almost forget I am in a different world.
Rengoku looks at the black velvet sky and (Captain) knows that, in his heart, he is back home.
Turning away, the captain reflects on the past few days, on workouts so hard they punched all air from the lungs and sucked all strength from the limbs.
But every day, Rengoku would run through them with (Captain), before moving on to his own herculean routine.
But Rengoku is already strong. He is a Hashira, someone worthy of reverence. Then why in the world, (Captain) wonders, is he so desperate for more power?
  1. Are demons really that tough?


Choose: Are demons really that tough?

Kyojuro Rengoku: With no training, even a grown man cannot dream of opposing a demon. In an instant, he would be wrestled to the ground—and consumed.
Kyojuro Rengoku: That is why the Demon Slayers exist. We take up the sword, hoping to save even a single life.
Kyojuro Rengoku: And most demons are no match for a Hashira.
Kyojuro Rengoku: But demons gain power when they eat human flesh. Some have been alive for many years, feeding in the dark. A few may be greater than I am.
Kyojuro Rengoku: But the Hashira are the last bulwark of the Demon Slayers. If we cannot stem the tide, all will be lost. That is why I must grow stronger!
There is pride in Rengoku's bearing, strength in his voice, and light in his eyes.
(Captain) thinks of Rengoku's comrades. He must have kindled strength and courage in many of them, inspiring them to hold their ground against the very tides of death.
Kyojuro Rengoku: That reminds me. (Captain), there is something I have been meaning to ask you.
Kyojuro Rengoku: You have honed your blade to a deadly point. But for what purpose? There are no demons in this world.
Kyojuro Rengoku: I have seen the monsters of this land and the mercenaries and soldiers that defend against them. Already, none can contest you in battle. Yet you desire more strength.
Kyojuro Rengoku: Why? What do you fight for?
(Captain) tells Rengoku of the mystic island of Estalucia.
The crew journeys there in search of (Captain)'s father. But between them and their destination are great expanses of sky, inhabited by many powers, not all of them benevolent.
That is why (Captain) fights. Because it is a captain's duty to look after the safety of their crew.
Kyojuro Rengoku: You seek a legendary island? When we met, I sensed the makings of greatness in you. Now I begin to understand why!
  1. You don't think I'm chasing fairy tales?


Choose: You don't think I'm chasing fairy tales?

Kyojuro Rengoku: You believe in Estalucia.
Kyojuro Rengoku: So why shouldn't I?
Kyojuro Rengoku: All great journeys begin as a dream! If it seems impossible, then all the more reason to aid and encourage you!
Kyojuro Rengoku: You have nothing to fear! I will look after you as long as I remain in this world!
Rengoku rises to his feet and draws his sword. His movements flow so calmly that, until he speaks, (Captain) is afraid he is about to start another round of training.
Kyojuro Rengoku: I felt a threat in my sleep and came to keep watch. It seems I was right to do so.
Monsters: Grr...
Rengoku points and (Captain) sees the darkness is studded with eyes like glimmering ore.
There are enough monsters that the captain of a week ago would have ordered a retreat. But Rengoku's feet are planted firmly.
Kyojuro Rengoku: We must have disturbed their dens when we were training. They have traveled far, hunting us.
Kyojuro Rengoku: I can repel them alone, if you wish. But this is a golden opportunity!
Kyojuro Rengoku: (Captain), will you test the new edge of your blade?
  1. Thought you'd never ask!


Choose: Thought you'd never ask!

Kyojuro Rengoku: Good! Now come! They will not draw any nearer to our camp!

Forged in Flame: Scene 4

Rengoku says that, even though he wishes (Captain) were a Demon Slayer, he knows that grand adventures await the captain in this world. When morning comes, the crew treats Rengoku to the skyfarer version of his favorite food, satsumaimo-gohan.



Kyojuro Rengoku: You have taken the skills I taught you and made them your own! Most impressive!
Kyojuro Rengoku: If only we had not been born worlds apart... You would have made a fine Demon Slayer!
Kyojuro Rengoku: But here, you have blue skies and flying ships! Everything around you has shaped your dreams and sent you on this adventure!
Kyojuro Rengoku: This is how things were meant to be! There is no reason to wish otherwise!
Rengoku walks until he stands squarely in front of the captain.
Kyojuro Rengoku: (Captain), I come from a different world. Our meeting—and our friendship—is a miracle.
Kyojuro Rengoku: I do not know how much longer we have together. So let me say this now!
Kyojuro Rengoku: You will be fine! You have the strength to protect your friends and conquer your dreams!
Kyojuro Rengoku: Lyria and Vyrn are not warriors, but their spirits are bright and strong. They are invaluable comrades!
Kyojuro Rengoku: Let nothing dim the flames that burn inside you. And never turn from your course!
Rengoku bumps his fist softly against (Captain)'s chest. The gesture sends out a wave of warmth and assurance.
  1. Yes, sir!
  2. Estalucia, here I come!


Choose: Yes, sir!
Choose: Estalucia, here I come!

Kyojuro Rengoku: Good answer! Remember, (Captain): I will always be on your side!
Together they watch as the eastern sky is filled with a luminous white. Birds begin to sing, hidden among glowing leaves.
Kyojuro Rengoku: The last of the monsters have fled. Let us return to the tents.
Kyojuro Rengoku: Hm?
Lyria: I thought I heard voices. Why are you up so early?
Vyrn: Wouldn't have anything to do with all these stinky monsters lyin' around, would it?
Kyojuro Rengoku: It would! We were training!
Vyrn: Look, I'm grateful you took care of the monsters, but uh... This butt-kickin' at daylight isn't gonna become a regular thing, right?
Kyojuro Rengoku: No. The arrival of the pack, (Captain) rising before dawn... It all came about by chance.
Kyojuro Rengoku: Well! It seems the sun has awoken my appetite!
Lyria: Hehe. Then, it's a bit early, but shall we have breakfast?
Vyrn: You took the words right outta my beak! Plus, our little "surprise" is straight off the stove, pipin' hot and begging to be eaten!
Kyojuro Rengoku: Hm? A "surprise," you say?
Vyrn: Yeah. We—
Lyria: Won't be saying any more, because that would ruin the surprise!
Kyojuro Rengoku: ...?
Vyrn and Lyria giggle in anticipation.
Kyojuro Rengoku: Well now! Here's a dish I never expected to see so far from home!
In front of Rengoku is a bowl of white rice mixed with butter-yellow chunks of sweet potato.
In his world, people would have recognized the dish as satsumaimo-gohan. It is Rengoku's favorite food.
Lyria: We tried recreating it from your descriptions. And by "we," I mean our best chefs!
Lyria: The flavor might be off—the ingredients are from a different world after all... But I hope you'll give it a chance anyways!
Kyojuro Rengoku: Of course! You prepared it for me! How could I refuse?
Kyojuro Rengoku: Now let us eat!
Kyojuro Rengoku: Nom nom...
Lyria: What... do you think?
Kyojuro Rengoku: Excellent!
Kyojuro Rengoku: This is excellent! Sublime! Yes, it does not taste exactly as I remember, but the novelty makes it all the better!
Vyrn: Heh. He's layin' it on thick... but it sure makes all that shoppin' and cookin' feel worth it!
Lyria: Let's try it too, Vyrn!
Lyria: Nom nom...
Lyria: Mm... The sweetness of the potatoes mingling with the slight saltiness of the rice... It's perfection!
Vyrn: Nom nom... Sweet glorious spuds! I could keep going 'til I burst!
Kyojuro Rengoku: Wasshoi!
Lyria: Oh my! Did you just say... "wasshoi"?
Kyojuro Rengoku: Wasshoi! Wasshoi!
Vyrn: Gahaha! He's chantin'! Like he's at a festival or somethin'!
Kyojuro Rengoku: Well, the food is of the highest quality! And that is worth celebrating!
Vyrn: So, uh... every time you eat somethin' that's out of this world, this is what you do, huh? Well, it's one way to express yourself—that's for sure!
Lyria: Hehe. Wasshoi! Wasshoi!
Vyrn: What the! Lyria!
Lyria: I don't know why, but when I started chanting, everything seemed more delicious! Oh, give it a try, Vyrn!
Kyojuro Rengoku: Now there's an idea! Let us all chant and eat together!
Vyrn: No! I'm a dragon with dignity!
  1. Wasshoi! Wasshoi!
  2. This is embarrassing...


Choose: Wasshoi! Wasshoi!

Vyrn: (Captain)! I can't believe you!
Kyojuro Rengoku: Hahaha! That's the spirit! Now the festival truly begins!
Go to "Continue 1"


Choose: This is embarrassing...

Lyria: What? Why? Come on! Just one little cheer?
Kyojuro Rengoku: Were you perhaps taught to keep quiet at the table?
Kyojuro Rengoku: But meals should be filled with good cheer! If the food is good, praise it; if it is terrible, say it! Speak freely when we are together!
Vyrn: Rengoku... Please don't tell me you go around screaming "terrible" in people's faces...
Lyria: Wasshoi! Wasshoi!
Kyojuro Rengoku: Wasshoi! Wasshoi!
Lyria & Rengoku: Wasshoi! Wasshoi! Wasshoi! Wasshoi!
  1. Wasshoi...


Choose: Wasshoi...

For (Captain), the joyous pair prove impossible to resist.

Continue 1

Vyrn: Wa-wasshoi... Wasshoi...
Vyrn: Hey... The flavors really are startin' to pop! It's like "wasshoi" is some kinda magic spell!
Lyria: I think it really is! And the louder you chant, the stronger the magic!
Kyojuro Rengoku: Haha! Here there is food, laughter, and friends beyond compare!
Kyojuro Rengoku: What greater gift could one ask for?
When they finish breakfast, the sun is high in the sky, kindling with its fierce light the colors of the world—the green moss, the russet soil, the golden flowers.
It is time to begin another day.