Jiro soon rose to great popularity in the kingdom; his swordsmanship earned him great respect among his peers and superiors alike. Soon, he proved himself worthy of the kingdom’s most prestigious title . . .

On a mission to check on the nearby village of Minoc, a few miles south of the capital of Masaki, Jiro, Head Knight Xander, and a female soldier named Serena were sent to find out why the village hadn’t sent it’s daily shipment of bread.

When they arrived, they found the village on fire.

No, not another village! I’ve got to help the survivors!

Jiro charged forward and, not minding that Xander was his superior, began devising a plan to rescue any survivors and find the attackers.

His plan worked, there were only a few soldiers, and only a few survivors in the village, but they were saved thanks to the three’s efforts.

Later, on return to the capital, Head Knight Xander turned to Jiro and said, “That was good work back there, and I didn’t really think you were leadership material, but now I know for sure that you are.” Jiro turned to Xander and said, “I’m not a leader; I just did what I had to do at the time.” When they returned, Jiro was summoned to Flik’s throne room after Xander spoke to Flik.

Moments later, within the Masaki throne room.

"What is it, Flik?" asked Jiro. Flik called out, "Lorelai, you're witness to this." Lorelai came into the throne room and watched the two men. Flik returned his attention to Jiro and said, "Fight me Jiro, hand-to-hand. Knock me down three times and you shall be Head Knight."

”Wait a minute, Xander is the Head Knight.” Jiro stated. Flik looked into Jiro’s eyes and said, “Xander knows that he can’t handle the responsibilities of Head Knight, so he asked to resign from the position and become one of the Cerulean Knights, rather than leading them. He suggested that you take his place as Head Knight, he recognized your leadership skills in Minoc and was impressed.”

Jiro nodded and said, “Okay, I’ll become the Head Knight of Masaki.” Flik then threw his sword to the ground and removed his armor saying, “Now, you must knock me down three times.” Jiro tossed his sword to the ground as well and said, “Fine”.

Minutes later, both men were on the throne room's floor, laughing hysterically. "Jiro, why do you always hold back against me, I'm not going to shatter if you hit me, you know!" exclaimed Flik, while still laughing. "H-how'd you know that I. . ." asked Jiro, before being interrupted by Flik saying, "I've known since back in Tanegashima!"

Flik stood to his feet and reached into his pocket, he pulled out a golden ring with a royal blue gem. “Wear this ring, Jiro. It is the ring of the Head Knight of Masaki; our master Kenji Mesrodam first wore it. Two other men before you have since worn it, and now it is yours. Now, you must make the oath,” said Flik. Jiro stood and then kneeled before Flik. Flik unsheathed his tachi and placed it over Jiro’s left shoulder asking, “Jiro Masamune, do you swear to protect the Masaki Royal Family with your life, at all costs?” “Yes,” Jiro answered, as Flik moved the blade over to Jiro’s right shoulder. “Jiro Masamune, do you swear to defend the Masaki Kingdom and it’s citizens for as long as you are its Head Knight?” “Yes,” Jiro replied, as Flik brought the blade back to his left shoulder. “Jiro Masamune, do you swear to lead the Cerulean Knights to glory and to help them defend the innocent?” “Yes,” Jiro answered. Finally, Flik removed the blade from Jiro’s shoulders and said, “Now rise, Sir Jiro Masamune; from this point on you will be known as Head Knight Jiro Masamune of the Masaki Kingdom.”