Miel, after regaining her composure from her close encounter with Yoruichi, decided to follow the signal of her clone, which she had surreptitiously planted on Lord Ankoku. Using her unique abilities, she tracked the clone's movements to locate the Ankoku household.
Taking a concealed position outside the mansion, Miel positioned herself to eavesdrop on Lord Ankoku's conversations. However, as she listened, she only heard discussions of seemingly irrelevant matters, such as stealing an artifact and carrying out personal vendettas. There was no information about any forbidden or hidden knowledge related to the Ankoku family.
Though the conversations she overheard didn't yield the desired results, Miel remained patient and vigilant. Her insect-sized clone continued to transmit any pertinent information it could gather, while she focused on creating a mental map of the Ankoku mansion. This included noting the layout of the building, the positions of various rooms, and identifying potential escape routes. Additionally, she observed the locations of guarded positions and any security measures in place.
Miel was thorough and methodical in her approach, using this detailed information to form a solid plan for her eventual intrusion into the Ankoku household.
Miel's meticulous approach to uncovering the forbidden scroll and the Ankoku family's secrets unfolded as a well-thought-out plan:
Clone Attachments: Miel decided to create several insect-sized clones and attach them to carefully chosen targets within the mansion. Her prime choices included Madam Ankoku, the head servant, and the head of security. These clones would enable her to see and hear through their senses, gathering high-level information from different parts of the mansion.
Identifying Potential Scroll Locations: As her clones would be placed throughout the mansion, Miel could observe the layout, decor, and architecture to identify potential hiding places for the forbidden scroll. She would focus on areas like private libraries, locked chambers, or concealed compartments that seemed most promising. This reconnaissance would serve as a crucial foundation for her later search.
Strategic Clone Placement: Within these areas of interest, Miel would carefully position her clones to monitor any access or changes to these locations. These clones would be tasked with keeping a vigilant watch over potential hiding spots, increasing the chances of discovering the scroll should anyone try to access it.
Eavesdropping and Gathering Intel: Simultaneously, Miel's clones that she planned to attach to key individuals and high-priority locations would continue to eavesdrop on conversations and activities within the mansion. They would pay close attention for any hints or clues that might lead her to the hidden scroll.
Observing Security Measures: Miel was keen on monitoring the mansion's security measures. She aimed to memorize the guard schedule, rotation patterns, and any other protective measures in place to ensure she could navigate the mansion without direct confrontations with guards when she infiltrated the household. Her clones in strategic positions would assist her by providing early warnings of approaching security threats.
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Adapting to Challenges: Miel understood that she might encounter obstacles along the way, and she planned to rely on her wit and agility to adapt to changing situations. Her clones strategically positioned throughout the mansion would play a crucial role in alerting her to potential challenges, allowing her to make informed decisions.
By systematically implementing this plan, Miel aimed to maximize her chances of successfully locating the forbidden scroll and extracting the valuable information Yuichi might want about the Ankoku family. Her patience, intelligence, and careful preparation would be her greatest assets in this daring endeavor.
With her well-structured plan in place, Miel set about the task of creating nine additional clones. Her energy reserves were limited, allowing her to generate ten clones a day while maintaining her insect-sized form and concealing her presence. The process of creating these clones was meticulous and precise, and she took her time to ensure they were ready for deployment.
As each clone was formed, Miel provided them with the necessary instructions and objectives. She kept it simple as they were not quite intelligent and could only accomplish simple tasks. Each clone was given a simple set of instructions: to attach themselves to their designated targets, observe, eavesdrop, and transmit any relevant information back to her. Miel's clones were imbued with her essence, making them an extension of her will and abilities thus also granting them the ability to stay hidden.
The clones dispersed throughout the mansion, moving stealthily and using their insect-sized forms to evade detection. As they adhered to their assigned targets and concealed themselves in discreet locations, they patiently awaited the unfolding of events and conversations.
Miel herself maintained her concealed position outside the mansion, ready to receive the information transmitted by her network of clones. Her patience and strategic planning were essential as she awaited the gradual accumulation of insights and secrets.
Meanwhile, inside the mansion, Lord Ankoku continued his activities, completely unaware of the tiny spies hidden among his associates. The hours passed, and Miel's network of clones worked diligently, weaving a web of information that brought her one step closer to unraveling the secrets of the Ankoku family and locating the forbidden scroll.
After some time of observing the movements in the small mansion, Miel heard something and began to eavesdrop on the intimate conversation between Lord Ankoku and Madam Ankoku, who addressed each other with terms of endearment.
Madam Ankoku, her voice tinged with concern, spoke to her husband. "Dearest, we must find a way to deal with the Shihōin Clan. They’ve been interfering with us for far too long. Should we ask the Tsunayashiro Clan to help us deal with them?"
Lord Ankoku, his tone grave, responded, "You're absolutely right, my love. However, I doubt the Tsunayashiro Clan will do that. They’re both members of the Five Great Noble Houses. The Tsunayashiro Clan would not risk their position to assist us. If we want to take action, we must do so ourselves."
Madam Ankoku suggested a daring plan. "Perhaps we should consider capturing the two individuals under the protection of the Shihōin Clan. It may be our best chance to gain an advantage. We might be able to use them to threaten the Shihōin Clan and force them to step back."
Lord Ankoku, his brow furrowing, shook his head. "Darling, you underestimate the Shihōin Clan's power and cunning. Those individuals are surely guarded and monitored. We would need a more subtle approach. If we’re caught going against them, death would be the lightest sentence we could face. Things haven’t escalated because they don’t want them to, so I’d like to avoid forcing their hand."
His wife considered his words. "You may be correct, my dearest. However, we cannot let them do as they please. It will eventually lead to our downfall. We must act."
Lord Ankoku nodded in agreement, his expression resolute. "Agreed, my love. But we must choose our approach carefully. Kira reported on two of them—I believe they were called Yuichi and Mei. Perhaps they are our best option, especially the one called Yuichi. If we offer him money, women, and power, he might be persuaded to switch to our side."