**Chapter 4: The White Tiger, Hiraku**

The wind whispers secrets in his ear, and the stars twinkled like diamonds scattered across the velvet expanse. Hiraku, Akuru's loyal white tiger companion, stood watch, eyes fixed on the horizon. The air was heavy with the scent of blooming cherry blossoms, a fragrance that transported Akuru to a time long past. As Akuru stood atop the hill, he felt a sense of serenity wash over him. The gentle breeze rustled his metal hair, and the soft hum of his alkaline body seemed to harmonize with the whispers of the wind. Hiraku's presence was a comforting reminder of the bond they shared, a connection that transcended the boundaries of metal and flesh. Akuru's thoughts drifted to Master Fantuji, the creator who had forged him from the very essence of the earth. The old man's words echoed in his mind: "Hiraku is more than just a companion, Akuru. He is your link to the natural world, your connection to the pulse of life." Akuru understood now that Hiraku was more than just a loyal friend; he was a vital part of his being. As the stars reached their zenith, Akuru felt a subtle shift in Hiraku's demeanor. The white tiger's ears perked up, and his eyes narrowed, fixed on something in the distance. Akuru's metal body tensed, his hand instinctively reaching for the hilt of his sword. The wind carried the scent of smoke and ash, a fragrance that spoke of destruction and chaos. "What is it, Hiraku?" Akuru asked, his voice low and urgent. Hiraku's response was a low rumble, a vibration that seemed to resonate through Akuru's metal body. Akuru's senses heightened, and he detected the faint sound of drums echoing through the valleys. The rhythmic beat seemed to match the pounding of his metal heart. The drums spoke of war, of conflict, and of the chaos that was to come. Akuru's gaze narrowed, his eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of the gathering storm. Hiraku's presence was a reassuring reminder that he was not alone in this journey. As the night wore on, Akuru felt an inexplicable sense of longing. It was as if the very fabric of reality was drawing him to a mysterious presence, a sorceress's spirit he had encountered earlier. Sakura, a name whispered on the wind, a presence that seemed to hold the very essence of life and death. The prophecy loomed before him, a specter of doom that threatened to consume them all. Akuru's metal heart quickened, his thoughts drifting to the legend of the Dori'mazu and the curse that had been placed upon them. The words echoed in his mind: "A meeting that would extinguish all existence, a convergence of fate that threatened to erase the very fabric of reality." Hiraku's eyes locked onto Akuru's, and for a moment, they shared a silent understanding. They were in this together, bound by a shared destiny that seemed to stretch beyond the boundaries of time and space. The darkness seemed to press in around them, a palpable presence that threatened to consume them whole. But Akuru stood tall, his metal heart beating with a newfound sense of purpose. He was the last Dori'mazu, and he would not let his legacy fade into nothingness. The legend of the Dori'mazu would live on, and Akuru would be the one to ensure it. As the night wore on, the stars began to fade, and the first light of dawn crept over the horizon. Akuru felt a sense of resolve form within him, a determination to face whatever challenges lay ahead. With Hiraku by his side, he was ready to face the unknown, to walk the path that had been set before him. The fate of the realm, and that of Sakura's spirit, hung in the balance, and Akuru was determined to save them, no matter the cost.