The Sosaki Tower in Tousen was truly a sight to behold. It was possibly one of the largest man made structures in the entire world. Though of course not nearly as large as Venator Society tower it was still the largest in Edoland. Something that went far beyond just scraping the blanket of clouds in the sky. No, it reached above them and into the horizon itself. As such it stood out like a sore thumb amongst the rest of Tousen, not only could it be seen from miles around but it also at times would emit a strange aura. One which even those in neighboring prefectures could feel. When such an aura seeped from the tower those who felt it went tense, like the air itself was sharp and thick. When such an aura came from the tower something of importance was most certainly taking place.
And on this morning of July 27th 2498 indeed something of importance was taking place. On the one hundred and forty first story of the building a meeting was being held. One between the Six Powers that composed the country of Edoland.
Their conference room was dimly illuminated by a luminescent green waterfall built into the oily black interior wall. Opposite of the fountain was a wall made of glass which displayed the top of the clouds outside yet was dimmed to such a level that it appeared to be night time. The large odd shaped black stone table which served as the meeting's communal desk was surrounded by a number of figures. All of these figures were without a doubt notable but some were far more important than others.
At the head of the table was the tower's owner, the man who led both the Sosaki Clan and the Sosaki Corporation. Sosaki Ryoku, the man said to invent the future itself. He wore a large black hoodie with his company's logo on the right breast and medium length straight black hair split down the middle. He was a rather plain looking man without much of note. Though perhaps his status added a slight intrigue to his face.
Behind him and to his right was a towering figure, the tallest in the room by far. He had long black hair and eyes with black sclera. At his waist was an oversized Tachi blade ready to be drawn at a moment's notice. This man was Hojo Norosuke, the [Green Dog] and loyal servant of Sosaki Ryoku.
Sitting at the seat to the direct left of Ryoku was a shorter middle aged man with black hair tied into a Chonmage top knot. He wore an open black haori which showcased the many tattoos across his bare chest and stomach. This man was Susanori Kobe, the head of the Susanori clan and leader of the Toumeikan. Behind him and to his left was the room's second tallest inhabitant.
A peculiar man who wore a bamboo bucket over his head and a bamboo flute to his side. The Komuso priest known as Kamotake Kyoso. The personal guard of Susanori Kobe. A man who never spoke a word yet said to rival Norosuke in power.
Sitting across from Kobe was Hojo Asara, the future head of the Hojo clan. He looked as beautiful as always, his white hair combed back finely and every facial feature fine tuned to its maximum potential. His sharp red eyes reflected Norosuke as his lips curved into a slight smile.
Sitting silently behind Asara was his grandmother and the current head of the Hojo clan Hojo Mitou. An elderly woman with light red hair pulled into a bun and a light blue kimono with white patterns and gold trimming.
Returning to Kobe the man who sat to his left at the table was Soutou Raizen the head of the Soutou clan and [外輸出入社: Soto Important & Export]. He was of average height but built with thick and dense muscle. His spiky black hair ruffled and short square mustache sharp. He wore a dark red Kimono with gray patterns and gold trimming. His face was warped into a permanent scowl as if he hated everything and everyone who existed.
Standing dead center behind Raizen was his son and heir to both the Soutou clan and its business as well as the youngest member to ever be a part of the Edoland parliament, Soutou Sosuke. He was slightly taller than his father with dyed blond hair split down the middle showing his black roots. He was of no notable physical interest, the kind of person who could fit into any role you tried to assign to him. He wore a standard red button up shirt and black slacks which lead to leather dress shoes. Unlike his fathers permanent scowl he always had a grin as if he knew some secret you didn’t.
The final man in the room and arguably the most important was a short fat man from the Orochi Kingdom. He represented both the new 6th power the Orochi Kingdom and the 5th being the Parliament which was under his control. His black hair was slicked back and the top of his fat lips wore a short patchy mustache. His suit was wrinkled and wet like he’d ran a marathon in it when in truth he’d only walked up a set of stairs. This man was Zhu-Chouzi, the Orochi Kingdoms main diplomat and representative in Edoland.
“Well then, it seems like we’ve all had enough time to prepare ourselves so I’ll begin the meeting with a few opening statements.” Ryoku said standing up tall. “Firstly and as always direct physical violence between powers is forbidden. We will fight with our words rather than our fists. However if we reach a situation in which we cannot agree upon something we’ll hold a battle between our chosen representatives. Second, all decisions are to be made with a vote between the five powers, one person each representing a single point. If a decision is deemed unfavorable after three months we can hold a second council on the matter and revote. If the vote is the same as the previous no third council can be held for the same topic. Third and finally I ask we keep things short and to the point. We’re all busy people and as such we have little time to waste. Try to condense your speech as much as possible.” With a final glance around the table and a small smile Ryoku bowed his head and took his seat. The meeting officially started.
“So I assume you’ve called us here for a good reason?” Raizen growled looking at Zhu-Chouzi.
A vein grew on Chouzis forehead, one which wiggled with his elevated heartbeat. “Watch your tongue Raizen! I’m far from in the mood to be spoken down to!” He barked, the fat on his face jiggling from the motion.
“I ask that you forgive my father Zhu-Sama.” Said Sosuke with a light bow. “That’s simply his tone and vocabulary.”
“Sosuke! You will not speak unless spoken to!” Raizen barked, spinning around and staring daggers at Sosuke.
“Hmph.” Sosuke shrugged, standing tall and trying to hold back laughter. He exchanged looks with both Asara and Ryoku who also smiled at the interaction.
“You brats have no respect for authority!” Raizen scoffed, shaking his head and grinding his teeth.
“Enough! I’m not here to listen to family quarrels! I’m here to talk about your failure to deliver what was promised to the Emperor Orochi!” Screamed Chouzi, smashing his hand onto the black stone table.
I’m sorry you feel that way but please don’t destroy my property… Ryoku frowned.
“Starting with you Kobe! How have you let a rat from the Venator Society not only slip into the country but also start a ruckus!? The Izumika Incident!? Do you not understand the importance of the orders given to you by the Emperor? You’re supposed to keep the Venator Society out of the country and our presence a secret above all else!” Chouzi yelled at Kobe who frowned.
“I’ll take full responsibility for both this person infiltrating the country and the Izumika Incident. However this was an undeniable possibility. The Toumeikan may be the 2nd largest criminal organization in the world but we’re still greatly understaffed to monitor every single port city and person who enters the country. Especially if they come in illegally. Such as alone on a row boat or something similar.”
“Even if you can’t intercept all those who enter the country you should still be more than capable of destroying those within it! Your assassation group has executed those in the most remote hiding places across the world so why hasn't this infiltrator's head been presented to me!? Are you purposely sabotaging the Emperor!?”
“I’ve already informed the Toumeikan of this infiltrator and ordered he be presented to me either dead or alive. He’s being searched for across the country as we speak, however with my new task I’ve also been forced to lower the security on the borders. I’m afraid that unless we receive a great number of personnel from the Orochi Kingdom we will definitely not be able to secure this country completely” Answered Kobe.
“You know that’s not an option! If we send reinforcements it will be obvious that something is occurring between our two countries and the United Nations can petition for an investigation! I don’t care if you have to slaughter the entire Edoland branch of the Venator Society to secure this country, just make sure our secret isn’t exposed!”
“I understand your frustration but that would be a horrible decision. Like you said this operation depends on the Orochi Kingdom presence being kept a secret. It’s undeniable that people will know of your take over but without concrete evidence or a good reason they can’t investigate or invade the country. However if I was to slaughter the Venator Societies Edoland branch that would give them a reason to come en masse. Whether the reason is the Toumeikan or the Orochi Kingdom they’ll both lead to the same outcome. And I’m absolutely certain that if there is a true invasion of Edoland by the Venator Society the Toumeikan will not be able to repel them without great losses for both sides.”
Chouzi sighed and rubbed the space between his brows “I don't care how you do it, just do it and do it right. Not only is my life on the line but my entire family / clan as well. Failure is not an option here.” Growled Chouzi.
“Of course.” Kobe smiled coyly.
“Well then~” Ryoku hummed, clapping his hands. “If we’ve addressed all that’s to be said then we can bring this conference to a close-”
Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.
“Don’t try to run away from me Sosaki!” Chouzi barked his anger, returning and now directed at the man who sat at the head of the table.
“Hm?” Ryoku hummed with an arrogant smile and one brow raised.
“You know exactly why I’m speaking to you Sosaki so don’t try to pretend you don't! You’ve not delivered a single product that the Emperor requested of you! It’s been months and he’s yet to have been given even a proptype. What excuse can you possibly have this time!?”
Ryoku frowned at Chouzis words and shook his head before speaking. “I’m truly more than sorry for the delay but the products requested by the Emperor are not small things. I’m already working both as quickly and efficiently as possible but much progress is still to be made. If I move any quicker the final products might not be up to the Emperor's expectations.” He sighed.
“Wait, what are these products, Sosaki!?” Raizen shouted across the table with a furrowed brow.
“Hm?” Ryoku hummed, tilting his head to the side. “You really don’t know?”
“If I did I wouldn't be asking you!”
“Oh, I see, I'm just surprised is all. But if that’s the case then I can only assume you simply aren’t important enough to know.” Ryoku laughed.
Raizens initial instinct was to leap across the table and bash Ryokus' head against the tile floor. To murder him for such disrespect. However he restrained himself and kept the appearance of being calm. From the outside you’d think he was unfazed by the remake but his aura told the truth. It writhed with rage and hatred.
“Don’t tease him too much now, Ryoku.” Laughed Asara. “Who knows if his heart will be able to take anymore.”
“Enough!” Barked Chouzi. “You have no pedestal to stand on Hojo so I don’t want to hear another snide remark from your mouth. You only hold a place at this meeting because of the Emperor's Grace. Other than that you’re useless!”
“...” Asara frowned at the remark yet kept his mouth shut.
“Raizen, you are yet to be informed of these products because it’s not yet time for them to be shipped. Once Sosaki has finished their production you will be responsible for transporting them to the Orochi Kingdom safely. Until then you’re to stand by.” Chouzi said.
“And what are these products?” Raizen asked.
“That’s confidential.”
“That’s not what I asked.” Raizen said, his eyes narrowed to slits.
“They’re weapons of war.” Chouzi answered bluntly.
“!?” Raizens eyes widened at this treatment and he whipped his head around to look at Ryoku. “Is this true!?” He asked.
“Unfortunately it is.” Sighed Ryoku. “I’ve been asked by the Emperor to create both standard and magically enhanced weapons and though I tried to decline he didn’t want to take no for an answer.”
“What are these weapons!?” Asked Raizen his throat dry.
“You will know when the time has come.” Chouzi interrupted. “Until that day arrives and there’s no possible chance of the information being leaked, only me and Sosaki will know exactly what the Emperor has requested.”
“You fat pig!” Raizen screamed.
“!?” Chouzi, taken aback, flinched at Raizens words and tried to stop himself from trembling.
“Do you not understand the situation you’ve put this country in!? If Edoland becomes the main production point for the Orochi Kingdom then we’ll be the #1 target for every single opposing nation. You’ve doomed this country to a quick destruction!” Raizen yelled, his aura spiking enough to crack the stone table top.
“W-while that’s certainly a possible scenario, as long as Edoland is under the Orochi Kingdoms rule it will also be protected as such!” Stuttered out Chouzi.
“Zhu-Sama, Raizen-San. It’s best to keep our emotions in check.” Mitou interrupted. “While it may be difficult when discussing such important matters, letting emotions take hold of us will only lessen our ability to make both logical and rational decisions.”
“...” Raizen didn’t respond; he only kept the scowl on his face and brooded silently.
“Yes… you’re correct Hojo Mitou.” Zhu said, trying to regain his composure. “Perhaps I have let my emotions take the best of me…” He muttered, pushing his soaking wet hair from his eyes.
“And while we’re at it…” Hummed Asara seeing his chance to strike. “The Hojo clan are far from useless to the Orochi Kingdom. While we may not be particularly of note on the surface, our investments in Edoland companies make up 8% of the country's annual GDP. However when compared to our investments in the Orochi Kingdoms industries, that’s not even a drop in the ocean. If the Hojo clan was to disappear the ripples would be felt across the world, the deepest of which reaching down into the Emperor Orochi's pockets.”
“Don’t speak of the Emperor in such a crude manner!” Chouzi barked.
“...” Asara didn’t respond and only continued to smile at Chouzi who scowled knowing he had no proper response.
“Is this meeting adjourned then?” Asked Kobe.
“If we each understand our reason for being here then yes.” Chouzi sighed, rubbing the grease off his fat face.
“I think we all can agree on our reason for being here.” Sosaki said with a smile and nodding his head.
# # #
Chouzi quickly left the building after he was done speaking, his fat body wobbling side to side as stumbled out the door.
“Ryoku.” Kobe said walking up to Ryoku, Kyoso right behind.
“What can I do for you Kobe?” Ryoku asked with a soft smile.
“Thank you for taking care of that rogue, I truly appreciate it.”
“Don’t thank me, thank Norosuke, he’s the one who did it.” Ryoku frowned, pointing behind him at Norosuke who stood tall and silent watching Kyoso.
The rest of Kobe and Ryoko's conversation was short and full of whispers which no one other than those two could hear. As their exchange finished Ryoku nodded his head and waved to Kobe with a sinister smile as he left through the front door.
“The liberation can’t come soon enough.” Huffed Raizen, as he too prepared to leave the room. “Come, Sosuke.” He called behind him.
“I think I’ll stay a little later.” Sosuke said, looking to Asara and Ryoku.
“Hmph, do as you wish then.” Raizen grumbled.
“Raizen-San would you mind walking me down?” Mitou asked, raising to her feet.
“You’ll follow me anyways so what choice do I have?” Raizen asked, waiting for Mitou. As the two came side by side they left the room as well leaving only four inside.
These four were Sosuke, Asara, Ryoku and Norosuke, though Norosuke was more of a guard dog than a member of the conversation as he stood there silently with his arms crossed.
Soutou Sosuke, Hojo Asara and Sosaki Ryoku. The three men would one day lead the country of Edoland into the future. Their three clans are timeless and personal actions to be etched into history.
“You’re as beautiful as always Norosuke-San.” Asara hummed, rubbing his fingers along Norosukes bicep.
“Stop touching him like that, Asara.” Ryoku frowned.
“What do I need to do to get him from you?” Asara asked with a smile.
“I’ve told you already he can leave anytime he wants. I don’t own him, he's his own man.” Sighed Ryoku, shaking his head.
“Is that how it is now?” Frowned Asara.
“I feel left out.” Sighed Sosuke with a shrug.
“Don’t act like you have emotions.” Chided Asara. “If we cried you would too.”
“Wow harsh, I feel like I might cry now!” Sosuke gasped.
“Enough.” Ryoku said, clapping his hands.
“Yes enough, enough of this hidden secret between you and Kobe-Kun…” Asara said, squinting his eyes and looking at Ryoku who frowned.
“What of it?” He asked.
“Exactly, what of it?”
“It’s none of your concern, that’s what it is.” Ryoku answered, his smile returned.
“Hmph, that was not very beautiful of you…” Frowned Asara.
All the while these two talked back with each other Sosuke watched them with an empty smile, not speaking a word, He only merely observed their every movement. From the words they spoke, to their tone and inflection, the way they pronounced each word and the faces they made as they talked. He noted every single one of these with his diligent eyes.
“What about you Sosuke?” Ryoku asked Sosuke suddenly.
“I’m not sure, I think I’ll need more time to think about it.” Sosuke answered instantly, his voice calm and composed.
“He wasn’t even listening.” Asara sighed, rubbing his forehead.
“You’re right I wasn’t.” Sosuke said, shaking his head.
“Well, it’s fine. We can discuss it again tomorrow.” Ryoku smiled, patting the other two men on the shoulder.
“Tomorrow?” Sosuke questioned.
“You’d know if you paid attention~ now you’re just gonna have to wait and be surprised.” Asara laughed, turning to walk out the door. “Ah, I forgot one thing, Sosuke, you should put your resignation in for Parliament.”
“?”
“Just trust me on this, you’re getting promoted in your clan soon.” Asara said leaving the room with a light laugh and wave.
“...”
“...”
“Is your dad sick or something?” Ryoku asked Sosuke with a frown.
“I wouldn’t know…” Sosuke muttered, tilting his head to the side.