The afternoon sun cast long shadows over the Uzui estate’s training grounds. Four wooden boards stood tall, each waiting to be broken by the hands of Tengen’s wives. Today’s challenge was simple—use the Wind Hashira stance to break the board in one clean strike. Strength, precision, and balance were all that mattered.

Tengen stood before them, his arms crossed, his presence commanding. His wives lined up, ready for the test, though some with more confidence than others. His golden eyes scanned them, but as always, they lingered on Ayane the longest. His quiet, doll-like wife, who rarely spoke yet always carried herself with an effortless grace that made his heart clench.

“Alright, let’s get this over with,” Makio said, rolling her shoulders. “This is nothing.”

Suma fidgeted. “What if I break my hand?” she whined, clutching her wrist in advance.

Hinatsuru smiled, ever patient. “Focus, Suma. Just trust the stance.”

Tengen let out a deep chuckle. “Come on, my flamboyant ladies. Show me what you’ve got.”

Makio stepped forward first. She inhaled, adjusted her stance, and let out a powerful strike. The wood cracked, but it didn’t fully break. She groaned in frustration, stepping back.

Suma followed, her face scrunched in determination. She lifted her arm and swung down—only to yelp as her hand barely made a dent. “Ow! This is rigged!”

Hinatsuru took her turn, her movements smooth and controlled. With one clean strike, the board split in half. She stepped back with a proud smile.

And then, it was Ayane’s turn.

The air shifted. Tengen straightened, his full attention locked on her. She moved without hesitation, her expression unreadable, her body poised. Unlike the others, she didn’t fidget or second-guess herself. She simply positioned herself, inhaled deeply, and struck.

A perfect, effortless break. The board snapped in two as if it were made of paper.

Silence hung over the training ground.

Then, a low, approving chuckle rumbled from from Tengen’s chest. “Flawless.”