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Chapter 3
The First Strike
138 words · April 2, 2026
When her village is burned to the ground in a single night, Hoshino Sakura learns she is the last heir to a cursed blade passed down through her bloodline. The sword grants power — but with every strike, it demands a little more in return. Sakura must choose between her revenge and her humanity.
4 theories & comments waiting at the end
Top theory· Mei Çelik
The way Higan pulls Sakura toward the 'other shore' with every life it takes isn't just a plain curse, I think — the blade is slowly trying to replace her with itself. Kage might actually be a former heir, too.
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When she reached the city, she realized the blade's reputation had arrived before her. People feared her, while the shadows called out to her.
An innkeeper was the only one who told her the sword's true name: 'Higan.' The far shore. The line that divides the living from the dead. 'Every time it takes a life,' the old man said, 'that line draws a little closer to you.'
Sakura lay awake a long time that night. How many strikes would her revenge require? And at the end of all those strikes, what would be left of Sakura herself?
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Theories & Comments4
The way Higan pulls Sakura toward the 'other shore' with every life it takes isn't just a plain curse, I think — the blade is slowly trying to replace her with itself. Kage might actually be a former heir, too.
Thanks for the comments! Hint: the number of blossoms on the hilt is no coincidence 🌸
The cherry-blossom motif recurs in every chapter; the author's pacing is excellent. The action scenes are crisp, too.