“So Kanashi… what are you gonna do?”
As those words left his fathers lips Kanashi felt his stomach flip and head grow heavy. His unlit bedroom hid the expression he made, one similar to a man sentenced to death.
“I dont know…” He muttered, clenching his blanket tight.
“Oh, I see…. Well don't take too long to figure it out. You’ll end up falling behind everyone else. But don't rush into it either, make sure you look into it fully so you don’t get stuck in a career you hate.” Hóme said fidgeting with his hair.
“...”
“...”
“...”
“Well I’ll leave you be, try not to mess up your schedule too much. Unless you wanna do night shifts or something.” Hóme turned around and began to exit the room when Kanashi called out after him.
“Do you think I’m a loser?” He didn’t mean to say those words, they just slipped out of his mouth. Realizing what he said he smacked his hands over his mouth and looked away from his dad.
“What? Oh, Um…. No I don't think you’re a loser…” Hóme muttered, the topic clearly making him uncomfortable. “I just think you should find what you want to do and pursue it now. You don’t wanna waste too much time. A few weeks is okay, but that can easily turn into a few months and then years.”
“No, sorry for asking such a dumb question. It was just a joke.” Kanashi sighed, falling back into his bed.
“Why’d you ask?”
“I said it was a joke.”
“Don’t play that game with me Kanashi, I’ve used that same excuse my whole life so I can spot it from a mile away.”
“Well at least I know where I got this anxiety from…” Kanashi groaned rolling over onto his stomach.
“Did Reia say something to you?”
“Yeah… she said I need to get moving or I’ll be living with you guys till I’m 30.”
“Ah, I see… but you know that’s just the way she talks. Believe it or not she didn’t talk to me like that back when we first met. She put on this cute school girl mask and tricked me into dating her. Once we were together she ripped the mask off and it was too late. Well it’s not like I don't like that side of her in fact I like her more that way. She keeps me straight and on the right track.”
“Maybe…” Kanashi sighed.
“Well I know you like to read comics so why don't you become an artist?”
“I draw worse than a kindergartner.”
“That’s why you’d go to an art school! They have one down at the university I can probably slip you into.”
“Everyone there’s already a good artist. They just need that degree to get a good job.”
“What about an author then?”
“I thought about it and that's one of the things I could tolerate but it’s a hard field to get into.”
“Yeah you’re right… that’s more of a side gig until you get big… maybe programming?”
“Blegh, haven’t you seen those guys?
“You don't have to be like them.”
“But I’ll be surrounded by them everyday.”
“Sigh, well…. How about becoming a historian like me? I know you can get nervous around large crowds but you don't have to be a University professor. There’s plenty of independent jobs you can get.”
“What’s the success rate?” Kanashi asked.
“On getting a degree?”
“No, a good job with a History Degree?”
“Hmmm, maybe a 20% shot? But if you work hard and get good grades it’ll be way easier and I can even put in a word for you. I know the museum director over in Adoben and he would be willing to get you a job over there if you have a good resume.”
“I’ll think about…”
“Well… like I said don't rush into anything. Just try to pick sooner than later. If you need money for school we’ll be here to help you out.”
“...”
“Have you talked to Frairk lately?”
“No, not really. He’s always too busy with work or his fiance to play games.”
“I can imagine that…”
“Do you think I’m doing worse than he was at my age?”
“No, I don’t think so. Try not to compare yourself to him. He makes me and your mom look like failures. I don't know where that boy got his genes from because they sure weren’t from me and your mom feels the same way.”
“Jeez, thanks for calling me the bigger loser.”
“Stop taking things so negatively! Look if I had to be honest and pick between the experience of raising you and Frairk I’d probably pick raising you. At the end of the day parents are just people who happened to have kids, there’s no point in life where you suddenly gain wisdom or the mind of an adult. When I spend time with you I get to feel like a parent, I can help you with life and teach you how to move in the world. With Frairk I didn’t get that experience.”
“...”
“Well, I should start getting ready, I have a lecture at eight today so If I hang out much longer I won't be able to get my notes ready… don’t worry too much about what we were talking about right now. Like I said, make sure what you want to do is what you want to do. Me and your mom will always be here for you. Go to sleep and then think about it after you wake and have your mind in the right space. When you’re tired things are only more stressful and difficult. So… good night, love you.”
“Love you too, have a good day.” Kanashi sighed as Hóme shut his bedroom door. He heard Hómes footsteps clear the hallway and then go down the stairs slowly growing quieter and quieter with each step.
“I wish this all just went away…” Kanashi sighed, closing his eyes.
# # #
Kanashi felt his entire body ache, he was cold and wet with something heavy laying atop of him. Above him he could hear the whispering of two female voices in a heated argument. Their whispers slowly growing louder.
Forcing his heavy eyelids open he was blinded by a bright light.
“Hnhh…” He groaned, clenching his eyes shut and then opening them again this time slower, he very steadily adjusted to his surroundings. Above him he could make out a wooden roof with a distinct Edoland style arch.
“He’s awake!” One of the voices whispered aggressively.
“I told you he would wake up! You should have been more careful with the water!” The other replied.
“How was I supposed to know he’d jerk around?”
“Anyone who got their hand stepped on would flinch in pain!”
The now yelling voices stung Kanashi's sensitive ears which rang like a thousand bees had been crammed inside of them. “Shut up…” He muttered, his head pounding. He tried to sit up but found it difficult as he had no sense of balance and struggled greatly.
“See! We made him wake up and he’s angry! Mitou-Sama will be furious with us now because of you Mimiko!”
“If you didn’t make me laugh we wouldn't be in this position Sumika!”
“Stop arguing!” Kanashi yelled, pushing his hands against his eyes to fight his migraine. With a sigh he went limp and fell back into the futon he’d been laying in with a cough. “Where am I?” He asked.
“You’re at the Hojo estate in Kamitou prefecture.” The more stern of the voices said.
“Hojo estate?” Kanashis eye shot open wide and he jerked out of his futon to his feet now fully awake. Looking down he saw his body covered in pure white bandages with only a pair of black boxers on. In front of him kneeling on the tatami mat floor were two adorable girls around his age. Maybe a year or two older with a unsettled yet passive aura. They both wore plain blue and white Kimono with no distinct pattern and had shoulder length hair with square ends. They would look nearly identical if not for one having sharp eyes and the other round.
“Kya!” Kanashi yelped, sitting back down and pulling the futon blanket over himself.
“Don't worry we’ve seen it all already!” The round eyed one said with a proud smile.
“Dont say that Mimiko! It’s indecent!” The other said, hitting her twin on the back of the head.
“Ow! I’m sorry just don't hit me, Sumika!” Mimiko cried, clutching her head.
“Then watch your mouth! If Mitou-Sama heard what you just said we’d both be locked in the basement again!” Sumika growled, clenching her fist.
“L-locked in the basement?” Kanashi asked, clenching his blanket even harder. The feeling as though he’d been kidnapped once again washed over him. His mothers anti abductions techniques were surely not working.
“When Mitou-Sama gets angry with us she locks us in the basement of the storage shed! It’s full of spiders and other nasty bugs and the only thing to eat is white rice and tap water!” Mimiko shuddered with a frown.
“You don’t eat water!” Sumika muttered, rolling her eyes.
“W-where am I?” Kanashi asked, growing tense. The two girls appeared to be normal humans yet he felt weary of them.
“The Hojo clan estate in Kamitou Prefecture.” Sumika sighed.
“Why? Where are Naori and Otsuga-Sensei?” Kanashi asked, growing tense.
“Naori and Otsuga?” Mimiko repeated with a frown. “Do you know who that is?” She asked, turning to her sister.
“No idea.” Sumika answered, shaking her head.
Kanashi closed his eyes and tried to recall the last thing that happened.
“...”
In his head he saw a large black blade coming down on him, its wielder ghost white with large black eyes and a cold expression.
“Norosuke!” Kanashi yelled out putting the pieces together.
Yes! Hojo Norosuke who’s the right hand man of Sosaki Ryoku. Ryoku is the head of the Sosaki clan and Sosaki Corp. The Sosaki Corp. and Susanori clan who lead the Toumeikan have mutual benefits from co-existing. So the Sosaki are definitely not our friends so does that mean the same can be said about the Hojo?
It’s possible but I like to think that no matter how much of a jackass Jin is he would never purposely throw me in a situation which could jeopardize the liberation effort. Even assuming he didn’t know that the Hojo and Toumeikan were connected, Otsuga and Naori would and they wouldn't let me be abducted by the Hojo if they are our enemies. Speaking of which, Otsuga and Kenken never outright said that the Hojo were connected to the Toumeikan just that Norosuke was connected to Sosaski who were connected to the Susanori so maybe Norosuke has his own thing going on?
In the worst case scenario Otusga and Naori were too weak to stop the Hojo from abducting me and I’m going to be used as a hostage or sold to the highest bidder between the Toumeikan and Edolands Venator Society. The only way to really find out is asking the clan head directly.
“Norosuke?” Mimiko hummed. “Is that the one Asara-Sama likes?” She asked her sister who shrugged.
“Mimiko, Sumika, who is the head of the Hojo clan right now?” Kanashi asked.
“That would be Mitou-Sama, she took the role a few years ago after her husband Burosuke-Sama passed away.” Sumika answered.
“Where is she right now? Can I speak to her?”
“Last time we saw her she was busy talking to someone from the Venator Society…” Sumika said, putting her finger to her lip.
Venator Society?! Kanashi thought with his eyes widening. “What did they look like?!”
“Ah! Um, he was tall, and lanky with blonde hair and glasses.” Mimiko yelped in surprise at Kanashis sudden boost of energy.
“Ah, that must be Nordon! Where is he right now!?” Kanashi asked with a grin.
“If I remember correctly, Mitou-Sama forbid him from entering the estate-”
“What, why!?” Kanashi interrupted Mimiko.
“I- I don't know exactly why! She just said he posed a risk to the Hojo clan…” Mimiko said, lowering her shoulders.
“Tch, that doesn’t make sense. How would we pose a risk unless you are working for the Toumeikan!” Kanashi growled with a vein bursting on his forehead.
“Toumeikan?” Sumika repeated, “The Hojo clan and Toumeikan are not in any sort of relationship.” She answered.
“Then why would Nordon pose a threat to the Hojo Clan!? Why would Norosuke be working for the Sosaki who have connections to the Susanori which rule the Toumeikan!?”
“If you’re talking about Hojo Norosuke, he’s banished from the Hojo Clan and has no relation to this estate…”
“Then why was Nordon forbidden from entering!? Kanashi yelled.
“W-we don't know stop yelling at us!” Mimiko cried out with tears forming in her eyes.
Kanashi saw Sumikas equally upset expression and bit his lip, shame welling up in his soul. “I- I just don't understand any of this! It’s like everywhere I turn there’s a new enemy or trap laid out!” He said, tucking his head to his knees.
“...”
“...”
“Mimiko, can you inform Mitou-Sama that her guest is awake and has requested to speak with her?” Sumika asked, patting her sister on the back.
“Sure.” Mimiko sighed, wiping her face and exiting the room.
Watching Mimiko leave the room, Kanashi noticed how barebones it was. There were no paintings, furniture or decoratives. The only thing inside of the room other than him and Sumika was a small bedside table next to his futon and a closet in the corner. The place looked like some kind of prison cell.
“Maybe I was kidnapped again…” Kanashi sighed in defeat.
“...”
“...”
“Don't worry about Mimiko too much, she's just sensitive to confrontation.” Sumika said to try and lighten the mood.
“No, it’s my fault for being so aggressive. I’m sorry.” Kanashi answered.
“Well, you have every right to be confused about this situation, though I’m not sure of what’s going on exactly. I think you’re a wanted man.”
“I am?” Kanashi asked without raising his head.
“I’m assuming so, Mitou-Sama would not have brought you here otherwise. It’s extremely rare for anyone not a member of the Hojo Clan to enter the estate.”
“So I've been found out then.” Kanashi grumbled.
So taking on the Toumeikan in Izumika was a mistake. I should have just put my pride aside and asked Rebecca and Jason for help. I accepted it because I figured I’d need to fight the Toumeikan anyways so It wouldn't be that big of a deal. But now I've risked the liberation with that choice but If I hadn’t Otsuga-Sensei and Naori would have most likely died.
”If you’re worried about your safety I can say in confidence that as long as you're here the Hojo will protect you.”
“...”
“Are you still worried about upsetting Mimiko? Don't worry, She’s experienced far worse.”
“...”
“We’re only proptypes after all, mistakes are bound to happen.”
“Prototypes?” Kanashi asked, perking his head up.
“Oh you couldn’t tell? We’re artificial humans.” Sumika said as if he she was the surprised one.
“Huh?”
“We were given to Mitou-Sama as a gift from the Sosaki Corp. a few years ago.”
“Wait! Do you mean you’re like an android?” Kanashi asked. But that can’t be possible. She has a soul unlike Titan. Is it a difference in technology? If what Julius said was right, [Titans] are 250 years old but I dont think technology has advanced that much between then and now. How can that be possible!?
“No, we’re flesh and blood. Every single part of us is organic and functioning like it would on a normal human.”
“So you can eat, use the bathroom and reproduce?”
“I’m not sure about the last one but I’m sure it’s possible from my understanding. Want to find out?”
“What!? No! Um, I mean you’re really attractive and everything but I just think that's not appropriate-”
“I’m just joking with you.” Sumika laughed.
“Ah, oh. Okay….” Kanashi laughed dryly in return, his shoulders loosening somewhat.
“Well if you’re going to meet Mitou-Sama you’ll need to be dressed appropriately, I’ll go fetch you a Kimono so please wait here for a moment.” Sumika said, raising her feet and leaving the room.
“...”
Kanashi watched the Shouji door slide shut and listened to Sumikas footsteps fade into the distance. He waited a few extra seconds after her footsteps disappeared before getting to his feet and searching the room. First he went to the closet and found his bag which he’d left at the police station.
“How’d they get their hands on this?” He wondered aloud. Unzipping the bag he searched the main pocket which had his clothes in it and behind those in the bottom corner was a smaller zipper. One which when opened should have revealed the magic infused Rings Jin had given him. Yet no such things were present.
“!?”
Kanashi flicked his head down and saw the blood red ring which became his Katana Itachi still on his right arm's ring finger. The same arm which completely mismatched his skin tone. A nearly pitch black arm with extreme muscle definition as if it had no body fat. Reaching around his neck he found the Hojo clan pendant to also be missing.
“Tch, don't just go stealing my stuff.” He growled, zipping his bag shut and closing the closest. Activating his observation he looked around the room searching for anything of note yet saw nothing. In fact it was like there was nothing outside of the room. His observation was blocked, completely limiting him to the room he was in.
“How are they doing this? Is it some kind of curse or spell on me? I don’t feel anything and I can use Observation still so it must be something done to the room itself. Did they carve anti magic runes on the inside of the walls?”
Walking over to the Shoji door he slid it open and peaked his head out. A seemingly endless hallway void of doors or people was all he saw in either direction. Retreating back into the room he shut the door and conjured Itachi by flicking his wrist. The katana appeared in his hand, the black blade stained with brown blood and dirt.
“I’ll have to clean you when I get the chance…” Kanashi muttered, flicking his wrist to de-conjure the blade. Next he placed his hands out in front of him and encased them with his aura. Though his aura nodes and mana circuits felt sore he was able to not only manipulate his aura but cast a [shield] as well.
Zoop!
The Shoji door slid open and standing in its doorway was Sumika with a blue kimono in hand. “Are you okay?” She asked, tilting her head.
“Oh yeah, sorry I just wanted to test something out…” Kanashi answered with an awkward smile.
“Guest-Sama-”
“My name is Kanashi.”
“Kanashi-Sama, if you don’t mind me asking what exactly is the reason for your arms being different colors?”
“Just Kanashi is fine, no need for honorifics. As for why my arms are a different color it's because…” The image of Kenken nearly severed in half flashed through Kanashis mind and he bit his lip. “It was given to me by… a friend. One who passed away.”
“I see….” Sumika nodded, I’m sorry for asking an uncomfortable question, Kanashi.”
“No, it’s fine. It’s my fault he died. The least I can do is bear the responsibility for it even if it makes me uncomfortable.” I hope Kenkens wife doesn’t hate me… not that I'd blame her if she did.
“Well, allow me to help you get dressed.” Sumika said, kneeling on the floor and unwrapping the Kimono.
“Don't worry about that! I can do it myself!” Kanashi laughed nervously, a blush covering his face.
“There’s no need to be embarrassed Kanashi, Kimonos are difficult to put on even for the natives of Edoland.”
“I actually know how to wear a Kimono already.”
“Oh? Are you one of those strange foreign Otaku who wears traditional Edoland clothes in public?”
“Well… I Can’t deny the first part but I definitely don’t wear Edoland clothes in public. We just have something similar in my home country that we wear for a festival.”
“I understand, I’ll wait outside then. If you need assistance feel free to call me.” Sumika said with a bow before leaving the room.
“Phew.” Kanashi sighed as she shut the Shoji door.
# # #
“I’m ready.” Kanashi said, sliding the Shoji door open and entering the hallway where Sumika sat in wait.
“I’m impressed! That took much shorter time than I imagined possible! It might be a bit messy but you have the basics down” She said, raising to her feet and fixing the mistakes Kanashi had made.
“It’s a bit different but it’s like 70% the same as a [Lutoño]" Kanashi said.
“[Lutoño]?” Sumika repeated.
“It means Autumn Mourning in [Ciencia], the traditional language of Saharis. Well modern Saharis at least. Post colonization.”
“You’re from Saharis? I never would have guessed by how pale you are. I assumed you were from Vulracious, Greyton or Dresden.”
“Yeah, I’m pretty pale but so is my mom.”
“Well then follow me if you would.” Sumika said, turning her direction forwards and walking down the hallways.
Kanashi followed close behind and after some time they came upon a door which Sumika slid open revealing the outside world. The sun burned Kanashis pale skin and the humidity stuck to it. Sumika walked across an Engawa balcony which Kanashi followed until they came to the gravel road they descended upon. Following the gravel road for some time Kanashi saw a mass of houses, sheds, dining halls and the like all in the traditional Edoland architectural style. Ponds and gardens were plenty though Kanashi saw no other person during their short journey. It was like a ghost town and that fact unsettled him. But this was a large property, they must have walked for a good ten minutes and it looked like they still had a ways to go.
He knew the Hojo clan was wealthy but for them to have a property of this size in the middle of Kamitou meant they were filthy rich. Like 0.001% top class.
“Sumika… how do the Hojo make money?” Kanashi asked.
“I don’t know exactly and even if I did I don't think I’d be permitted to tell you… but I imagine they have a lot of investments in big companies across the world.” Sumika whispered.
“I see…” Kanashi muttered. Investing? I wish I was smart enough to do that kinda thing, I don’t even know where to start. Maybe I’ll ask Tyran when I get back to the Venator Tower? He should know how...
“We’re here.”
“Oh?” Kanashi hummed snapping back to reality, in front of him was a rather medium sized Minka house surrounded by bamboo, trees and a small turtle pond.
He followed Sumika inside, taking off the sandals he’d been given and changing into slippers which had been prepared beforehand.
Fancy…
The inside of the house was lined with ancient scroll paintings and Ukiyo-e carvings. It looked like something out of a history book with how traditional it was yet still had modern appliances like light bulbs and air conditioning.
Sumika kneeled at a Shoji door and slid it open revealing a large room.
“Thank you.” Kannashi whispered with a smile. Taking a deep breath he entered the room. It smelled of green tea leaves and peppermint, a spicy combination which burned your nostrils. The floors were lined with green tatami mats perfectly cleaned and maintained with not so much as a scratch on them. They were neither too firm nor too soft. If you so chose you could not only sleep on them comfortably but also exercise efficiently.
The walls were lined with various ancient yet well preserved sets of Armor and Katanas, between each set was a form of art assuredly worth a fortune.
The wall opposite of the entrance had an open shoji door revealing another pond where strange creatures Kanashi had never seen before played.
In the center of the room was a long yet short table where an older woman sat. Her light red hair pulled back into a tight bun. She wore an expensive blue Kimono with a white pattern and gold trimmings.
“Nice to meet you…” Kanashi said with a bow.
“And you as well.” The women said bowing in return.
“...”
“Please come sit. We have much to talk about.” She said with a smile.
“Of course…” Kanashi muttered walking over and sitting on the ground himself crossing his legs.
“As I’m sure Sumika informed you I’m Hojo Mitou, or as you’d assume Mitou Hojo.”
“I’m Kanashi Sarumalder and I understand both ways.” Kanashi nodded.
“Ah, I see. Fantastic, do you speak Edogo?”
A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
“Not really.” Kanashi answered with his head dropping.
“Well, it’s of no great concern, I’m well versed in Shinkai as is the rest of the estate so you should be able to communicate comfortably.”
“Thank you, I really do appreciate it. If you guys didn’t I’d be really lost… and thank you for taking care of me when I was hurt. I can tell that you put a lot of care into me.”
“Of course, you’re the honored guest. We will take care of you to our best capabilities as anything less would be a great stain on our honor.”
Honor? Man these people really are old school… Kanashi thought with an awkward smile. “Honored guest?” He asked.
“Yes, your pendant belongs to that of Lutece Sageru-Sama does it not?”
“Sageru? I know Jinen Lutece but not Sageru…” Kanashi answered nervously.
“Ah, yes Jinen-Sama, please forgive me as my memory has lapsed often as of late.”
“So is Sageru one of Jinens ancestors?”
“Yes, he is the son of both Hojo Hanaka-Sama and Lutece Cesaro-Sama. I believe he was the fourth incarnation of Leonard Lutece.”
“Oh, I see. Fourth incarnation huh? So if Jins the 13th then that means that was 9 incarnations or 18 generations ago!” Kanashi hummed nervously.
“It was indeed long ago, but we’re not here to discuss Jinen-Sama. I assume you asked to speak with to satisfy your curiosity about your current situation?” Mitou sternly asked.
“Yeah, I do have a list of questions if you don't mind.”
“As do I. I’ll answer any question you ask to my best ability and when you’re finished I’ll ask my own. Is that agreeable?”
“Yeah I’m fine with that.” Kanashi said with a nod. “Well… where do I begin then? I guess my first question is the most important. Are you associated with Susanori or Toumeikan?” Kanashi felt his hands tremble as he asked the question.
“The Hojo clan have no relationship with the Susanori outside of what's necessary. As for the Toumeikan, we have never interacted and hope to keep it that way.”
Kanashi let out a sigh of relief, it felt like a load of weight had fallen off his shoulders. “Phew, well next question is why I’m here exactly.”
“Norosuke-Kun sent me a message informing me of your presence in Midorigawa prefecture so I sent for you immediately.
“I thought Norosuke was banished?”
“That was my late husband Burosukes doing, there’s no animosity between me and Norosuke-Kun so he’ll contact me when appropriate.”
“Got it, what about Naori and Otsuga-Sensei?”
“Naori and Miyagami disagreed with my summons at first but after some discussion they allowed it.”
“Based on that I’m guessing you didn’t bring me here for a bad reason?”
“I have no intention of harming you in any way. I simply wanted to converse and understand the situation better myself.”
So Norosuke saw the Hojo pendant and spared me because of it. He then told Mitou and she sent for me to see what’s up and why I had the pendant? No, she for sure knows why I have the pendant meaning… “Do you know why I’m here?” Kanashi asked, a bead of sweat dripping down his cheek.
“That is one of my questions so I shall answer it as such. Are you here to remove the Toumeikan and Orochi Kingdom from power?”
“...” Kanashi kept silent for a moment contemplating his answer, he’d already come this far so the cat’s not leaving the bag anymore it’s already jumped out and crossed the road. “Yeah, that’s the jist of it.” He sighed.
“It is as I thought then.” Mitou nodded with a neutral expression.
“I heard that Nordon had come here and you refused him entry. Is there a reason for that?”
“There’s two answers to that question. First we cannot allow anyone not invented or under a certain position of power onto our property. That's simply how the rules were made and I enforce them. Secondly if we allow someone from the Edoland Branches Venator Society onto our property and the wrong person sees it… well I imagine you understand.”
“Yeah I get that.” Kanashi nodded. So they don't want to align themselves with the liberation effort completely but they’re also not against it? Are they just not wanting to sink with a ship they didn't board? Are they just waiting for an official invitation or proposal?
“I have one more question before I hand the mic to you. Some of my stuff was missing from my bag, do you have them by chance?
“The spell imbued ring and pendant? Those are currently stored in a safe place and shall be returned to you when you leave the estate.”
Kanashis eye twitched at that answer but kept himself composed. “Well those are my main questions for now so I’ll answer yours.”
“Thank you, the first question I must ask is who you are exactly.”
“Me? Like my position or my character backstory?”
“Both." Mitou Said.
“Got it… well I’m Kanashi Sarumalder from Azhar, and I’m a new recruit of the Venator Society. I was sent here on a lone mission to set up a few things for the liberation on august 1st.”
“I see… so you lost your family in the accident?”
“Yeah…” Kanashi lied. If I tell her the truth it’ll only lead to more questions… besides I’m sure she’s keeping some details to herself as well.
“How terrible I’m sorry for your losses.”
“It’s alright, I’m more of a loner anyways.” Kanashi laughed wryly.
“Well then my next question is as to why you’re here.”
“Did I just answer that?” Kanashi asked, tilting his head.
“I’m asking why you personally are here, what is your motivation to fight for Edoland? Why are you not mourning your family and home? What is the reason you oppose the Toumeikan and Orochi Kingdom? What is it that you want to do? Your answer will dictate the course of our relationship so answer truthfully.”
“Got it…” Kanashi nodded. He looked at the floor compiling his thoughts for some time as Mitou patiently waited.
Why am I here? What do I want to do? Well because I was asked to come here and I’m the best person for the job. If I didn’t do it the mission would have not been this easy for the Venator Society. But that’s not the answer she wants because that’s me following orders like a dog. I imagine she wants me to tell her a more romantic motivation such as me fighting for the good of the Edoland people. I mean that’s not wrong, I do think the Toumeikan are evil and make the people of Edoland suffer. I want to save them for sure but she might not be happy with that either. Will she think I’m someone who is too empathic to the point I care about people I don't know? As for the Orochi Kingdom… well they’re an evil dictator ship and everything so of course I don't like them. They’re cowards who waited until Saharis was crippled to get their salty runback on Edoland over an over three thousand year old feud. Not only that but they broke international laws by invading another country. But are these good reasons? If I was the main character of a story people would probably call them weak… I don't have some grand reason or backstory like she’s probably expecting. I can’t just go saying “It feels like the right thing to do.” Either. I guess the only option left is…
“Because I’m an Otaku!”
Mitou was taken aback, her stern and confident composure shattered and her jaw slacked open. “That’s your reason?” She asked with a trembling voice.
image [https://i.imgur.com/EGABb2e.png]
“If Edoland gets taken over there’s a good chance there won’t be any more Anime, Manga, Doujin or Figures. That’s just not something I can't accept.” Kanashi said this with such a brutally honest tone that Mitou couldn’t help but admire it. But on the inside Kanashi was trying to keep his poker face up as he said this ridiculous statement. He’d read in an autobiography that the best way to get around a question like this was to give a one dimensional yet relatable answer.
“I- I see. That’s truly a unique motivation. While I can’t say I understand or think it’s correct I admire your honesty. If you truly feel so strongly about these things that you’d risk the course of our relationship over being honest I cannot deny it.”
“S-So I pass?” Kanashi asked.
“If that’s how you choose to see it then yes you did pass.” Mitou answered with her composure returned.
“Yes!” Kanashi whispered to himself with a small fist pump.
“But that being said, it’s not as though that settles everything and I have many more questions to ask.”
“O- Of course!” Kanashi answered with a nod.
“Ignoring your personal motivation I next want to ask why you see the Toumeikan as a negative for the people of Edoland.”
“They’re evil.” Kanshi immediately answered.
“Oh is that so?” Mitou hummed with a tone that made Kanashi uneasy. “Why do you find them evil?”
“Well I don't think that breaking the law itself is exactly evil but the laws they're breaking are there to punish evil people. Murder, rape, blackmail, sex trafficking, exploitation, torture. The Venator Society ranks them as the second most powerful gang in the world so their crimes are probably endless. That’s just something I can’t agree with. Hurting others to make yourself feel better is the definition of evil to me.” Kanashi answered with a stern face.
“I must agree that the things you listed are evil, but what if I was to tell you the Hojo clan does the same?”
Mitous words might as well have been an attack in itself. They stabbed deep into Kanashi and made him feel the urge to vomit.
“Are you joking?” He asked shakily.
“I’d argue the same could be said for the Venator Society as well. In fact let me tell you a story about the Venator Society. Around sixty years ago on the Demon continent Ecuaplacia (Zeldenia) there was a small demon tribe known as the [Zanjan.] This tribe lived atop a large deposit of [Lutherium] a highly sought after material across the world. The Eucaplacian (Zeldenia) Government sought to mine this material so they requested that the Zanjan relocate themselves. The Zanjan of course refused saying that they’d lived on that land for thousands of years and that it was sacred to them.”
“...”
“Well the Eucplacian government lost their patience after negotiations continued to fail so they decided to remove the Zanjan by force. The Zanjan retaliated with an unexpected power and a short yet brutal war broke out. Though the Zanjan were a small tribe few in number they were very skilled in the [Demon King] Sword style which focuses on Guerilla style warfare. In the end when the Eucplacian government found themselves unable to overcome the Zanjan they called for the Venator Sociest aid.”
“...”
“The Venator Society came to defuse the situation and if unavoidable remove the Zanjan by force themselves. The Zanjan immediately attacked the Venator Society knowing their intentions and in retaliation the Venator Society exterminated the Zanjan tribe. Down to every single man, woman and child not a single person was spared. An entire race wiped from this planet by the Venator Society over a single piece of the ground. Is that not just as evil as the Toumeikan.”
“...” Kanashi didn't answer, he only clawed at his own ankle hard enough that it bled.
“Now you might argue that the Venator Society has done a lot of good in the world and while I wont deny that so have the Toumeikan (Susanori). Believe it or not the Toumeikan (Susanori) have helped the people of Edoland in many ways. They donate millions to charity every year, keep other gangs under control, have their own free public schools and affordable colleges. When the [Green Tsunami] hit Sarukou two decades ago they donated over one billion dollars worth of aid to the people of Sarukou. Tell me how the Toumeikan (Susanori) are evil yet the Venator Society is not.”
“...”
“Finally, as for us the Hojo clan, while we’re not as barbaric as the Toumeikan (Susanori) or Venator Society, we don't have the cleanest record either. I won't deny that we’ve built our wealth on the back of others' suffering. Even if we don’t crack the whip ourselves we’re invested in the companies which do. Including a few industries which the Toumeikan have a share in as well. I bring all this up to ask you why you support the Venator Society and seek to ally yourself with us yet oppose the Toumeikan who are also evil by your definition. Are we not enemies in this case?”
“...” Kanashi remained silent, sweat poured down his body and his fingernails were covered in fresh blood.
“You can take your time to answer, I know it’s a heavy question but I’m curious as to your reasoning.” Mitou smiled.
“... I- I’m not sure.” Kanashi sighed.
“Is that so…” Mitou hummed her tone and face full of disappointment.
“But I’ll try to answer as best I can.”
“Oh, please do.”
“I’m not sure about the whole Zanjan thing. I want to say you’re lying, misconstruing facts or believing a rumor but even if that’s the case I know the Venator Society have done evil in their time. They’re bound to have, it’s not a question of it they did but when they did. I can’t speak for the Venator Society of 60 years ago but I can speak of the one of today and I know they’d ever do something like that.”
“...”
“If the Toumeikan (Susanori) do good for the People of Edoland then that’s great and they should keep doing so! I guess what I want to do isn’t to exactly destroy the Toumeikan but to fix them. Take the bad seeds out and let the good ones grow. I can’t say it's the perfect plan because it’s only something I just came up with, but it's what I want to do.”
“And for our crimes?” Mitou asked.
“Well, on one hand I can’t blame you. I’ve bought stuff from companies before that I think are evil. I’ve bought meat from companies that treat animals horribly, I’ve bought electronics from companies which source their components from labor camps on the southern islands. In that regard we’re similar so I’d feel wrong to only call you evil. So we’re both evil. But as long as the world is the way it is now we won’t be able to not be evil. We’ll have to change the world for the better. And one of the biggest progenitors of Evil in the world, the Toumeikan is right in front of me so I can’t let this chance slip by!” Kanashis hand shook as he spoke, he wasn’t quite sure what he was saying, it all came from the heart, in the moment. It might not have made sense at all and that thought only worried him more.
“As expected…” Mitou said after a few moments of silence.
“?”
“While I admire your words, they're undeniably idealistic and childish. To change the world is not something a single man or a small group of them can do. It’s a foolish quest that only a foolish man could hope to complete. If the Venator Society feels the same way then they’re also a band of fools.”
“...” Kanashi wanted to scream and lash out at Mitou. His nerves were hot and his emotions swirled like a hurricane but he kept his tongue in place.
“But that question was only to satisfy my own curiosity, in truth it has no bearing on our potential partnership. If the Toumeikan and Orochi Kingdom are removed from power I could see some potential benefits coming from it.”
Kanashi let out a sigh of relief, he was soaking wet from how much he’d been sweating and his bandages hung loose from how heavy they'd gotten.
So she is willing to partner with the Venator Society? Nice! Well, I wasn’t exactly asked to ally with the Hojo clan nor was that my initial intention with this conversation but I like the way things are going! If we have the Hojo and maybe even the Soutou on our side things will go easier and a 100% victory is even closer to reality.
“But this is not something I myself can decide alone, in truth I’m only standing in as the clan head until my Grandson Asara comes of age.”
“Grandson?”
“Yes, it is custom for the Hojo clan to skip a generation when choosing the next clan head. This way no head rules for too long or too little. Because of this I find it wrong to make such heavy decisions on my own. One which would affect the future of our clan for the rest of time.”
“That reminds me, you said earlier that if the wrong people saw Nordon coming onto your property it would be bad, but I’m confused as to who you’re worried about exactly. I’m sure with you and potentially the Soutou clan on our side the Susanori and Toumeikan would be at an even greater disadvantage. I don’t think you guys would even need to be directly involved, just having you there for support would be enough.”
“Unfortunately the Soutou clan are exactly who we’re worried about.”
“Huh? Aren’t you guys allies? You’ve been so since the Hokunan (North Vs South) war I thought.”
“Under the three clan system, yes. Both the Hojo and Soutou were tightly knit and constantly working together to limit the influence and power of the Kageki. However as the Kageki clan's own power wavered over the past few centuries the Soutuo and Hojo began to look closer at each other in an attempt to get one up on the other. In the last twelve or so years after the Kageki clan was massacred the Soutou and Hojo have unfortunately begun to feud with each other directly. When my husband Burosuke-Sama was still alive, the head of the Soutou Clan Raizen kept himself in check. However after my husband passed away and I took the reins he’s only become more aggressive.”
“So he doesn’t respect you or the next head?” Kanashi asked.
“It seems that way, fortunately his son Soutou Sosuke and my grandson Asara are good friends and have been so since they were young. My husband saw the potential rift between the Hojo and Soutou only growing larger so he made sure to introduce Asara to not only Sosuke but Sosaki Ryoku.”
“What about the Kageki?”
“The Kageki’s heir was a closely protected secret so Asara and the others never interacted with them.”
“Got it…” Kanashi muttered.
So even Mitou wouldn't know about Satoshi then or at least who Satoshi really is. Well I doubt he was going to be the clan head anyways, he probably just survived off luck alone. But that only means his family was stronger than him and if they rivaled the Soutuo and Hojo clan in strength… we for sure don’t want them on our bad side. So this isn’t about if we do or do not become allies but whether we’re enemies.
“Well, that brings me to my next and final question for now. Do you want to speak with Hojo Asara?” Mitou said these words with a stern and cold face adding a sinister tone to the question.
“Do I have a choice?” Kanashi joked as he wiped the sweat from his brow.
“Is that a yes or a no?”
“It’s a yes.”
“Excellent.” Mitou hummed with a soft smile. “Sumika!” Raising her hands in the air she clapped loudly three times and yelled out the maid’s name.
The Shoji door swung open immediately and Sumika bowed deep enough that her head touched the ground. “Yes Mitou-Sama?” She asked with a trembling voice.
“Call Asara here, Sarumalder-San wants to speak with him.”
“Asara-Sama is currently with Mikiharu-Sama in their home-”
“I care not where is or what he is doing, tell him to come here at once!” Mitou yelled, her face growing red.
“O-of course Mitou-Sama!” Sumika yelped, sliding the door shut with another deep bow.
“It’s not that big of a big deal you shouldn't have to yell at her like-” Kanashi said before being interrupted.
“She’s a useless machine, that one.” Mitou sighed either not understanding Kanashis feelings or ignoring them purposely.
“...” Kanashi bit his tongue one more time and clenched his fist as hard as he could. Feeling the air grow more tense and sensing that Mitou was the type to never apologize or recognize her mistakes, Kanashi tried to lighten the mood. “So Mimiko and Sumika are artificial humans huh? I heard about them on the TV but I don’t think I can afford any hahaha… of course not for anything perverted you know I just think it’d be cool to… um.. Yeah you know…” He sighed. He’d been defeated by his own words and the tense air only grew more tense in his mind.
“Is that so? I assumed you’d be rather wealthy based on your cursed blade.” Mitou said, tilting her head.
“Oh this?” Kanashi raised his head and showed his hand with the crimson red ring tightly around his ring finger.
“Yes, that blade is easily worth $200,000 at the minimum.”
“!”
Kanashis eyes shot open and his jaw dropped. He looked at the ring on his hand, the same one which became the sword he’d been treating like a normal weapon. Of course a person's soul was inside of it so he’d tried to treat it well but he’d still used it as a weapon none the less. Now understanding it’s worth he wanted to place it in a vault and lock it away somewhere safe like a bank under the ocean.
“Why didn’t you take it from me?” He asked.
“We do not touch such… things in this house.” Mitou frowned as if put off by the question.
“Such things?”
“Yes, the curse on that blade is filthy, if not for the curse I’d be willing to trade you one of the maids for it.”
“Trade me one of the maids for it?” Kanashi repeated his eyes wrinkled.
“If not for the curse, yes, however I’m sure many people would be willing to buy it even with the curse attached to it. If you come back with $200,000 I’ll sell you Mimiko and for $250,000 I’ll sell you Sumika.”
“You’re talking about these people like they’re objects… again” Kanashi frowned.
“But they are, they’re not humans but something created in the shape of one.” Mitou said as if she was speaking common sense, an undeniable fact.
Kanashi wanted to argue once again but restrained himself. Sumika and Mimiko had souls, he sensed them when they first met. They weren’t like Titan who lacked one entirely. They were the flesh and blood of a human through and through. The only difference being their origin and upbringing. Knowing what they were now, the idea of buying one made him sick to his stomach, even more so that people could abuse and trade them away like they were toys.
If I run off with them that’ll ruin any chance of the Hojo clan and Venator Society aligning. They seem to be physically healthy here so no outright abuse is going on… I’m sure in the future this kinda thing will bite humanity in the ass. He sighed to himself.
“Speaking of which, are you interested in Katanas Sarumalder-San?” Asked Mitou.
“Yeah?” Kanshi answered, raising a brow.
“You might find this interesting then.” Mitou said, raising to her feet and retreating to the back center of the room where a small wooden shrine was. She opened the old rickety doors and pulled out a long bundle of bright blue cloth which she clutched to her chest like one would a newborn child.
“What’s that?” Kanashi asked as Mitou set the bundle of cloth on the table in front of him.
“This is the crown of the Hojo clan, one of the twelve katanas forged by the Pillar God Of Forgery and Dwarven Ore Father [Kill Thunder]. A sword of the [Supra] Rank.” As Mitou spoke she unraveled the cloth revealing the Katana inside.
It was a gorgeous blade which stole Kanashis breath. The sheath was a dark blue like the surface of an ocean during a storm while the guard and handle were pitch black with sky blue accents. Mitou slowly unsheathed the blade and the majestic deep Heliotrope purple reflected in Kanashis crystal blue eyes.
“What’s this Katanas name?” Kanashi asked, looking up at Mitou who smiled proudly.
“Its name is [Karasu] The Gluttonous Chimera King Karasu.”
“Amazing…”
“Yes it's a treasured heirloom of the Hojo clan which is given to the Clan head to represent their authority. It was given to the Hojo clan by the Emperor himself after all.”
“So it’s the same as the Samasura blade then…” Kanashi muttered.
“Samasura blade? How would you know of the Kageki clan's Katana?” Mitou asked, cocking her head back in genuine confusion.
“Oh, Jin mentioned it to me.” Kanashi lied with a shrug.
“I see how interesting it is for him to know of such a thing, however I assume it is to come with over one thousand years of knowledge.” Mitou said, scratching her chin.
“You said this was a [Supra] rank something right? I’ve heard that before but I don't know what it means exactly.”
“Really? I see, then let me explain. Weapons and tools are generally divided into eight ranks of quality. The lowest is [Standard] a generic mass produced weapon. Then it goes [Stark], [Melior], [Magna] and finally [Supra].
“So [Supra] are the high end of the middle class?”
“Correct, [Supra] ranked weapons are generally the highest quality the average person will ever encounter. Once you enter the next grade [Sidus] you enter weapons outside of conventional power. These are weapons like the Three Legendary Katana of Edoland. [Kajuko], [Houshintou] and [Ryuzentsushou].
“...”
“After [Sidus] is [Sacer] weapons of the Gods. A notable Sacer blade is the legendary [Kougiri No Ken].”
“The first sword ever created [Light Cutter], said to have split the sky into day and night in Edoland mythology…” Kanashi muttered, recalling his fathers collection of creation myths.
“Very good.” Mitou smiled. “Then at the very top of the ranking is [Ethereal] things that exist outside of mortal comprehension.”
“So the Spear Of Longinus and the Philosopher's Stone?”
“If you so choose then yes those are [Ethereal].”
“I see…”
“Karasu is the highest quality [Supra] weapon you will ever find, just like the other 12 legendary blades. When Asara comes of age he will inherit this katana and rule the Hojo Clan himself.” Mitou nodded.
“You’re saying that Asara needs to come of age but how is that decided? I’m assuming he’s an adult right?”
“Well, I shouldn't speak of this but since we’re having such a pleasant conversation I’ll divulge a little more than should be said.”
“Thank you very much.” Kanashi said, clapping his hands together and giving a shallow bow.
“In truth the Hojo Clan was nearly ruined twice by a young and foolish clan head. As such a rule was put into place that no one under thirty could become the head of the clan.”
“Could Jin become the clan head because of his rank, age and power?”
“Jinen? Oh heavens no.” Mitou laughed, covering her mouth. “While Jinen-Sama is a highly respected member of the Hojo clan out ranking even me in that regard he has no political power.”
“Oh.” Kanshi frowned. I guess he’s too far removed.
“Well, Asara is turning thirty here next year so I’m hoping that Raizen will kick the bucket soon after and his son Sosuke will replace him. Then the Hojo and Sotou clans relationship will return to as it was over a thousand years ago.”
“So if Raizen is gone then everything will fall into place…” Kanashi muttered, rubbing his chin.
“!”
The sound of stomping footsteps came like a storm followed by the yells of Sumika.
CRACK!
The Shoji door swung open with such force the wooden frame splintered. Standing in the doorway was a man of roughly two meters height with snow white hair and piercing red eyes. If you didn’t know better he’d easily be assumed as the younger brother of Jin, their resemblance uncanny. Like Mitou he wore a bright blue Kimono covered in various white patterns and gold trimmings. His hair was swept to the side and pushed back as if styled by a world class beautician the minute before. Not only was his hair perfect but so was his entire face down to the smallest particle of skin. He was groomed as best as physically possible.
“Asara-Sama you must not be so aggressive!” Sumika cried.
“Silence! I shall not hear any criticism from someone as un-beautiful as you!” Asara roared, his face bright red.
“P-please at least introduce yourself properly!” Sumika begged on the verge of tears.
“Tch, I shall hear no more of you! Leave us and attend to Mikiharu!”
“Y-yes.” Sumika sighed with slumped shoulders. Like a dog who’d been told off she slinked out of view and Asara turned his attention back to Kanashi and Mitou.
“Who is this man Grandmother?” He asked as a vein throbbed on his forehead.
“Asara! How many times have I told you to act appropriately! For even a useless machine like Sumika to scold you is an embarrassment to our name!” Mitou yelled with a bright red face.
“Tch, why should I introduce myself to a foreigner? What right does he have to be on my property and talk to my grandmother? Why is Karasu out and his disgusting eyes gazing upon its beauty? Have you lost your mind!?”
“Silence! Come sit down and shut your mouth!” Mitou screamed.
“F-fine.” Asara scoffed. He walked over to Mitou and took his seat diagonally across from Kanashi, the most important seat in Edoland culture. If someone was to invade the room Kanashi was the closest to the door so he’d be killed first meanwhile Asara would be the farthest and have time to prepare himself. An old custom which is still used commonly in modern times.
I really want to punch this guy…. Kanshi thought with a frown. Can I even reason with a jackass like him?
“I’m sorry for his attitude Sarumalder-San. It appears as though he’s in a rather bad mood today.” Mitou sighed. “This is my grandson and heir to the Hojo clan, Hojo Asara.”
“Nice to meet you, I’m Sarumalder Kanashi.” Kanashi said, bowing his head as politely as he could.
“The pleasure is all yours.” Asara huffed.
“Stop it!” Mitou hissed, elbowing Asara under the table.
“Ow! Fine, just don't hit me!” Asara grunted, pulling his now sore arm away from Mitou.
“Well me and Mitou-Sama were talking about a potential relationship between the Hojo clan and Venator Society. She said she would need your input so you were called for and-”
“I understand the situation, Sumika informed me on the way here.” Asara said with a scowl.
“Fantastic!” Kanshi laughed. “What’s your answer?”
“I don't have enough information as of the moment to make a decision. So I’ll interrogate you further before making my conclusion.” Asara said his demeanor doing a full 180.
“That’s fine with me, ask away!” Kanshi smiled.
“First and foremost, who are you?”
Kanashi frowned at this question and tried to hide his frustration. Did you not hear a word of what I said!? He growled internally. “I’m Sarumalder Kanashi-”
“No, who are you in the Venator Society? Are you their chosen representative?”
“Oh, um…”
Shit that's a good question… Do I actually represent the Venator Society? I guess in this situation I do by default but I don't know if that means much since I’m the only one here. But if we’re going by straight up privileges and ranking I’m an anomaly who doesn't even have a defined sector I’m just a wild card. But doesn’t that mean I’m even lower on the totem pole? I may have the clearance of a vice caption on my I.D. but that's because Jin was being Jin.
“Sarumalder-San is respected enough to be sent here on a lone mission Not only that but he’s the dear friend of Jinen Lutece. I’m sure by that regard he has all the right to represent the Venator Society. Am I right Sarumalder-San?” Mitou interjected.
“Y-yeah!” Kanashi agreed. When you put it that way I guess I am pretty important! He thought, puffing his chest out slightly.
“So you agree you represent them in this situation and can forge an alliance on their behalf?”
“I guess I do.”
“I understand, now my next question is what the Venator Society brings to the table.”
“What do you mean?” Kanashi asked, tilting his head to the side.
“What do they offer in return for our support?”
“Independence and freedom…?”
Asaras face twitched at Kanashis answer and his expression grew sour. “So you bring nothing to the table for us?” He asked.
“Well no I wouldn't say that! If we succeed the country will be free from the control of the Orochi Kingdom and Toumiekan!”
“How would that benefit us?”
Asara might as well have punched Kanashi in the face, his words stunned Kanashi whose jaw dropped. “W-what do you mean?”
“I asked how that would benefit us? The Toumeikan are doing as they always have and the Orochi Kingdom has yet to step on our toes nor do they plan to. To the Hojo clan it might as well be the same as it always was.”
Kanashi looked to Mitou for support but she kept her mouth shut. “I - I can't believe you’re saying something like that.” Kanashi said with his eyes wide. “The Toumeikan are evil people who-” Kanashi caught himself as he said Evil, the image of the Venator Society massacring a race of demons flashed through his mind. “They do things to hurt people, they’re supported by the Orochi Kingdom who broke international law to come here. Edoland could turn into another Orochi Kingdom if they’re not stopped. Concentration camps, public executions, rigged elections and peerless trials. This country will be ruined!”
“While those things are unfortunate I doubt the Orochi Kingdom would target us or the other six powers. Even if they did, the Hojo clan isn’t tied to Edoland. Our assets are spread across the world, in fact Edoland is our least profitable country as of late. If things do truly reach that point we can simply move. If we support you now and things go wrong we won’t even get that option.”
“Y- you coward!” Kanashi barked.
“Coward? If you want to think of me as that way you can I don't really care. However I’m curious to see if you’d still hold such an opinion after understanding the predicament you’re trying to force us in. You see, Edoland is made of six figures. These being Parliament, The Toumeikan, Sosaki Corp, Hojo, Soutou and the Kageki. However as you can imagine with the Kageki removed this balance has shifted dramatically-”
“I understand this, your point is?” Kanashi growled.
“My point is that this is too risky of a situation for us to involve ourselves in. The Toumeikan would of course oppose us as well as the Orochi Kingdom controlled Parliament. Then you have the Soutou and Sosaki. The Sosaki rely on the Soutou for exporting goods across the world and Soutou rely on the Sosakis goods for a large amount of their revenue. The Sosaki have somewhat of a mutually beneficial relationship with the Susanori who rule the Toumeikan so if the Sosaki choose to ally with Susanori the Soutou will follow suit. In that case it's assuredly us alone against the Toumeikan and the other four remaining powers. The Toumeikan have controlled Edolands criminal underworld for over a thousand years since the Hanatei era. In that millennia they’ve amassed a horde of weapons, connections and powerful people willing to die for them. Not only do you have the Eight Hachibuto but each of them have their Joshin elite four and if by some miracle you defeat them there are still the three district lords. In every imaginable situation as things are now this ends in our clan's eradication if we choose to support you.”
“I’m confident we can defeat them! I know I’m weak and useless but the rest of the Venator Society aren’t! I swear that we’ll defeat them! Even if they have the other four powers to support them!” Kanashi argued, his face dripping with sweat.
“If you call yourself useless and weak while being the representative of the Venator Society that doesn’t give them a good image.” Asara said.
Damnit damnit damnit! Kanashi thought pulling at his hair, he felt as though his head was going to burst open from how hard his brain was working. He knows how to twist my own words against me in the worst possible way! But why? Why is he being so difficult to reason with? Shouldn't he feel empathy for the people of his country? Shouldn't he want to help them? He has the power to do so even without actually fighting himself yet he won’t even stand behind us!
“What’s wrong Kanashi?” Asara sneered. “Lost for words?”
“I can’t promise anything, but what would you like from the Venator Society in exchange for your support?! Money, Influence, Education I’m sure your desire can be met with a reasonable compromise for both sides!” Kanashi was unable to hide his desperation as he spoke, tears nearly forming in his eyes.
“What do I desire?” Asara hummed with a small smirk. “Tell me this first Kanashi, for you to be moved to the verge of tears at the suggestion of us not becoming allies you surely expect us to put in a lot of work don’t you?”
“N- Not at all! I can’t say that everyone else will feel the same way but just you standing behind us should be enough! The Venator Society should be able to do the fighting, all you need to do is be there for the people of Edoland!”
“What do you mean you can’t say that everyone else will feel the same way? Are you not speaking for them?” Asara asked, tilting his head to the side.
Kanashi grit his teeth at the question, a vein throbbing in his forehead. He felt like his head was burning hot and the space around him was closing in. He tried to contain his breath but it only grew shallower with each inhale. The urge to shit and vomit at the same time crept into his stomach as Asara stared at him with condescending eyes.
“Relax Kanashi, I’m only teasing you. I understand what it is you’re saying here.” Asara laughed. “The Hojo clan is more than willing to become allies with you.”
Before Kanashi could even let out a sigh of relief Asara continued to speak his next piece of dialogue stabbing Kanashi straight through the heart.
“For a price that is. You asked what I desired and that's a simple question to answer, the only thing I desire as of this moment is Soutou Raizen to be replaced with his son Soutou Sosuke.” Asara finished with such a wide and sinister smile it was almost comical.
“W-what…?” Kanashi muttered. He turned to Mitou who kept her face stone cold and as she looked at Kanashi.
“Get rid of Raizen so Sosuke can become the Soutou clan head, if you do that then we’ll be alias with you, not only that but you’d also get the Soutou and even the Sosaki on your side as well.”
“How am I supposed to do that?!”
“There’s plenty of ways to. In fact I can think of three right now. If you really want to ally with us then you’ll figure it out.”
“How can I fulfill such a ridiculous request!? You’re just saying something you know I can’t do to give the illusion of me having a chance!”
“Sigh, What a shame then Kanashi, It seems like we won’t be able to work with you. Not only that but I’m sure that we’ll be forced into a situation in which we must choose a side and when that time comes the only reasonable choice would be the Toumeikan. Of course in that situation we’d need to support our ally and that’d include telling them about this very conversation” Asara grinned.
“Y- You tricked me…” Kanashi muttered looking at Mitou who stared at the ground to avoid his eye contact. “You only pretended to consider becoming an ally so you could use the information I offered as black mail against me. You set this whole thing up so I’d be forced to do your dirty work…” Kanashis face contorted into a mix of emotions and a cruel laugh slipped out of Asaras mouth.
“Kiyahahahahahahahaha!” Asara's laughter was similar to that of a Hyenas howl, he stared at Kanashi with tears in his eyes from how funny he found the situation. “Splendid! This is a truly beautiful moment, Kanashi!” He roared.
Kanashi wanted to punch Asara, he wanted to conjure Itachi and leap over the table. He’d slice Asaras throat open and then stab him in the chest until he was out of breath. The rage and hatred was there but the energy was not. He couldn't even move, his breathing rapid and the world spinning around him slowly coming in closer and closer. Every beat of his heart was the loudest sound he’d ever heard. He could feel it across his whole body like the earth itself was shaking with each pump of blood. The air grew thinner, he couldn’t breathe he was choking on his own breath, No matter how much he inhaled it was like there was no oxygen in the air he breathed.
“Ha, ha, ha, ha.” He panted, clutching his chest as it grew tighter with each second. Everything was fuzzy; his mind was like static on a TV screen.
“Ha.”
Then everything went black.