INSTINCT ZERO

chapter 1 "Beginnings in the Rain: The Unlikely Hero's Journey"

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Rain poured down relentlessly, the sky shrouded in ominous clouds that crackled with thunder and occasional bursts of lightning. The village streets were drenched, yet the resilient sounds of children's laughter echoed through the air, as they chased one another through the wet alleys. Amidst this lively scene, a cloaked couple walked purposefully, the man carrying a baby wrapped securely in a waterproof cloak.

As they entered the village, a group of playful kids darted past them, their defiant taunts met with a lighthearted challenge from the cloaked man. The cloaked woman couldn't help but chuckle at the exchange, her attention focused on the baby in the man's arms.

"Remember, watch his head," she cautioned as they adjusted the baby's position.

"I know what I'm doing," the cloaked man replied, a hint of nervousness beneath his confident facade.

As they continued walking, the baby opened his eyes, revealing curious, innocent gaze. The man couldn't help but beam at the sight, an unexpected swell of pride filling his chest.

"He's looking at his dad," the man remarked, his voice tinged with amazement.

The woman playfully scoffed, "Or maybe at his ugly mug. Who knows?"

Their banter was interrupted by a sudden halt, the woman's face contorting with emotion as they reached their destination.

"We're here," she whispered, her voice barely containing the weight of her decision.

The man stared at the door, apprehension and longing mingling in his gaze. "Really...? Oh, um, okay. Let's knock."

They knocked on the door, their anxious anticipation mirrored in the cloaked woman's eyes. When the door opened, revealing a woman on the other side, the cloaked woman hesitated for a moment before finally speaking.

"Can you do me a huge favor, please?" she implored, her voice heavy with emotion. "I need you to take my baby and raise him for me."

The woman's eyes widened in surprise, her gaze shifting from the cloaked couple to the baby in the man's arms. "Why can't you raise him?"

"We're fugitives," the cloaked woman explained, her voice trembling. "I don't want him to grow up like this. Please..."

The woman's expression softened as she gazed at the baby, realization dawning upon her. "I guess I can't refuse after all, considering who you are... were."

The cloaked woman's eyes glistened with tears as she hugged the woman tightly. "Thank you, Yui."

As the cloaked couple left, Yui closed the door behind them, holding the baby in her arms. She stared down at the infant, a mix of emotions swirling within her. "Welcome to your new home, Isshi-san."

Little did they know, this seemingly simple decision would set into motion a chain of events that would shape not only the destiny of the baby named Isshi, but the entire world as well.

Apologies for the interruption. Let's continue from where we left off:

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**Four Years Later**

Isshi's tiny footsteps echoed through the modest home as he eagerly called out, "Aunt Yui, I'm home!"

Yui emerged from the kitchen, a warm smile lighting up her face. "Welcome back, Isshi. How was your day? Did you make any friends?"

Isshi's cheerful expression dimmed as he shook his head, his eyes downcast. "Bad, as always. And no, I didn't make any friends. They just beat me up again, and I don't even know why."

Yui's heart sank at the sight of her young nephew's bruises. She knelt down in front of him, her concern evident. "Who did this to you?"

Isshi hesitated, his gaze shifting away. "It's... Razor and a couple of other kids."

Yui's expression hardened as she rose to her feet, her voice firm. "Alright, come with me. We're going to visit these kids' houses when you get out of the shower."

Isshi's stomach grumbled audibly, a reminder of his hunger. "But I'm hungry, and it's almost dinner time."

Yui's voice held a note of unwavering determination. "No 'buts' about it, Isshi. We're going."

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As Isshi reluctantly finished his shower and got dressed, his mind was a swirl of conflicting emotions. He was tired of being bullied, tired of feeling weak. Yui was a fierce protector, but Isshi longed to be able to defend himself, to stand up to those who tormented him.

Once they had arrived at the homes of Razor and the other kids, Yui's stern demeanor and sharp words sent a clear message to their parents. She wasn't going to stand by while Isshi was mistreated. As they left each house, Isshi felt a mix of vindication and anxiety. He knew the bullying might not stop overnight, but at least someone was standing up for him.

Over the years, Yui had become more than just his guardian; she was a role model, a mentor, and a loving family member. Under her guidance, Isshi had started training diligently, honing his body and mind, determined to become strong enough to protect himself and those he cared about.

As the days turned into months and the months into years, Isshi's determination paid off. His once scrawny frame had grown stronger, and his confidence had blossomed. Yui had introduced him to various combat techniques and had even begun teaching him to control the latent power that resided within him however he did not realize this yet, but he would learn about this someday.

On Isshi's fourth birthday, Yui had planned a small celebration at their home, hoping to give him the happy, carefree day he deserved. However, as the hours passed, it became evident that no one was coming. No children, no neighbors – just the two of them.

Isshi's excitement had slowly turned into disappointment, and then into a deep-seated sadness. He had tried his best to hold back his tears, but as the day wore on, his emotions got the better of him. Yui had noticed his struggle and pulled him into a gentle hug.

"Hey, it's okay," she whispered, her voice soothing. "You know, sometimes, people have their own reasons for not being able to come. It doesn't mean they don't care about you."

Isshi had nodded, wiping away his tears. He understood her words, but it was hard not to feel hurt and abandoned. Yui had held him close, reassuring him that he was loved and valued, regardless of who did or didn't show up.

As the sun set on that fateful day, Yui had made a promise to Isshi – a promise that they would always be there for each other, no matter what challenges they faced. With renewed determination, they had looked towards the future, ready to overcome any obstacle that stood in their way.

Little did they know that their lives were about to take a remarkable turn, setting them on a path of adventure, discovery, and destiny that would ultimately shape the fate of the world itself.

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To be continued
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