The inherenter of jin mori

Chapter 15: Whispers of Power

Yuta Takahashi

The ship sways beneath me, the rhythmic push and pull of the sea keeping time with the racing of my thoughts. The ocean air is crisp, but it does little to clear my head. I can feel it now—power humming beneath my skin, coiling around my muscles like a predator waiting to pounce.

It's different from anything I've ever felt before. Not fire, not lightning—something alive.

I exhale slowly and step away from the crowd of pirates on deck, moving toward a more secluded corner. If I'm going to figure this out, I need space.

My body feels… lighter. Not weak, but ready.

The energy in my chest pulses again, urging me. Move.

So I do.

I take a step forward—

And suddenly, I explode into motion.

One second, I'm standing still. The next, I'm across the deck, my foot colliding with a crate. Wood shatters on impact, splinters flying in every direction.

The sound is deafening. The pirates whip around, hands flying to their weapons.

"What the hell?!" someone shouts.

I stagger back, my heart pounding. My leg tingles from the force of the kick, but there's no pain. Just raw, unfiltered strength.

Varro is on me in an instant, grabbing my arm and pulling me away before things get ugly. "Damn it, kid, are you trying to get us killed?" he mutters under his breath.

I shake my head, still staring at the shattered remains of the crate. "I—I didn't mean to do that."

Varro eyes me, his expression unreadable. Then, after a pause, he exhales and mutters, "Well, at least we know you're not completely useless."

I don't laugh.

Because deep down, I know this is only the beginning.

And whatever I've unlocked…

It's only going to grow.