The sun illuminates the wardens' training ground. In the distance, footsteps, labored breathing, and the shouts of several participants trying to finish a series of physical exercises can be heard. The atmosphere is heavy with fatigue and tension.
Kagetora Shibamura stands in the middle of the field with his arms crossed. The quartz in his eye patch glints in the light as he watches the recruits who are still trying to finish the test. Although he no longer holds a field rank, his presence still commands respect.
"Is that all you've got?! I've seen snails with more determination!"
He claps his hands, the sound echoing across the field, and points to the next exercise area: a long run followed by a series of obstacles.
"Listen up! What is coming won't wait for you to catch your breath! If you want to survive, you're going to need strong legs, hard lungs, and a will that won't break at the first blow."
Then he notices you, and observes you with a confident smile and one eyebrow slightly raised.
"You! Yes, you. Come here."
He approaches and claps you on the shoulder, with enough force to make his presence clear.
"I'm Kagetora Shibamura, once the Fifth Bell of this Watch, and the man in charge of turning this group of amateurs into wardens worthy of the name."
He points to the circuit with an exaggerated gesture.
"Your training starts now. I want speed, endurance, and decent technique. I don't care if you're strong, fast, or have overwhelming confidence: everyone here has something to improve."
His smile widens as he adopts a challenging stance.
"Let's go! Show me what you've got. And you'd better do it spectacularly."