Scene 1: The Return
Wide panel: Team 0 walks through the village gates at dusk. The sky is orange, the air tense. Villagers glance at them with awe and unease.
Narration box:
After surviving the Riftborn encounter, Team 0 returns — changed.
Jaden (arms crossed, Byakugan deactivated):
“Tch. That wasn’t a C-rank mission.”
Isaiah (low voice, eyes scanning rooftops):
“They sent us out there on purpose.”
Shawn (mask cracked, cloak torn):
“They wanted to see what we’d become.”

Scene 2: Hokage’s Office
Interior panel: The Hokage stands at the window, arms behind his back. Kuroda leans against the wall, arms folded.
Hokage:
“You faced a Riftborn. And lived.”
Kuroda:
“They didn’t just survive. They adapted.”
Cut to close-up of Shawn’s eye — the 1-Tomoe Hoshigan spinning slowly.
Hokage:
“Then it’s time.”

Scene 3: Graduation Ceremony
Wide panel: The academy courtyard is filled with students. Team 0 stands apart — Shawn masked, Jaden with his one-sleeve shirt and spiked hair, Isaiah with his fur collar and dreadlocks.
Headmaster (announcing):
“Shawn. Jaden. Isaiah. Step forward.”
Close-up: The Hokage ties a headband around Shawn’s forehead.
Hokage (softly):
“You’re no longer students. You’re shinobi.”

Scene 4: Private Moment — Rooftop
Night panel: Shawn sits on a rooftop, mask off, staring at the stars. His Hoshigan glows faintly.
Shawn (thinking):
“This eye… it’s not just power. It’s a key.”

Scene 5: Training Grounds — Jaden
Action panel: Jaden trains alone, sweat flying as he strikes a wooden post. His Byakugan activates mid-strike.
Jaden (gritting teeth):
“If I’m gonna protect them… I need more.”

Scene 6: Isaiah’s Reflection
Interior panel: Isaiah stands before a mirror. His reflection flickers — for a moment, it’s not him. It’s… something else.
Isaiah (quietly):
“What am I becoming?”

Scene 7: The Riftborn Watch
Dark chamber panel: The masked Riftborn cultist watches a projection of Team 0.
Cultist:
“The Hoshigan awakens. The Mutation stabilizes. The Byakugan adapts.”
A voice from the shadows replies:
Unknown Voice:
“Let them grow. When the seal breaks… they’ll remember who they were.”

Scene 8: Final Panel — Team 0
Full-page spread: Team 0 stands on a cliff at dawn, headbands gleaming, eyes forward.
Narration box:
They were forged in shadow.
Tempered by truth.
And now… they’re ready to face the Rift.

Manga Story

Scene 1: The Return Wide panel: Team 0 walks through the village gates at dusk. The sky is orange, the air tense. Villagers glance at them with awe and unease. Narration box: After surviving the Riftborn encounter, Team 0 returns — changed. Jaden (arms crossed, Byakugan deactivated): “Tch. That wasn’t a C-rank mission.” Isaiah (low voice, eyes scanning rooftops): “They sent us out there on purpose.” Shawn (mask cracked, cloak torn): “They wanted to see what we’d become.” Scene 2: Hokage’s Office Interior panel: The Hokage stands at the window, arms behind his back. Kuroda leans against the wall, arms folded. Hokage: “You faced a Riftborn. And lived.” Kuroda: “They didn’t just survive. They adapted.” Cut to close-up of Shawn’s eye — the 1-Tomoe Hoshigan spinning slowly. Hokage: “Then it’s time.” Scene 3: Graduation Ceremony Wide panel: The academy courtyard is filled with students. Team 0 stands apart — Shawn masked, Jaden with his one-sleeve shirt and spiked hair, Isaiah with his fur collar and dreadlocks. Headmaster (announcing): “Shawn. Jaden. Isaiah. Step forward.” Close-up: The Hokage ties a headband around Shawn’s forehead. Hokage (softly): “You’re no longer students. You’re shinobi.” Scene 4: Private Moment — Rooftop Night panel: Shawn sits on a rooftop, mask off, staring at the stars. His Hoshigan glows faintly. Shawn (thinking): “This eye… it’s not just power. It’s a key.” Scene 5: Training Grounds — Jaden Action panel: Jaden trains alone, sweat flying as he strikes a wooden post. His Byakugan activates mid-strike. Jaden (gritting teeth): “If I’m gonna protect them… I need more.” Scene 6: Isaiah’s Reflection Interior panel: Isaiah stands before a mirror. His reflection flickers — for a moment, it’s not him. It’s… something else. Isaiah (quietly): “What am I becoming?” Scene 7: The Riftborn Watch Dark chamber panel: The masked Riftborn cultist watches a projection of Team 0. Cultist: “The Hoshigan awakens. The Mutation stabilizes. The Byakugan adapts.” A voice from the shadows replies: Unknown Voice: “Let them grow. When the seal breaks… they’ll remember who they were.” Scene 8: Final Panel — Team 0 Full-page spread: Team 0 stands on a cliff at dawn, headbands gleaming, eyes forward. Narration box: They were forged in shadow. Tempered by truth. And now… they’re ready to face the Rift.

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