Chapter 12 Part 2: Unforeseen Alliances

The tension in the room felt as if it could snap at any moment, and he couldn't understand why Himari was evading his questions. His anger and confusion were a whirlwind inside him, threatening to consume him.

Before he could voice another plea, the door creaked open, revealing Saigo Watanabe stepping into the dimly lit room. Kazuki's breath hitched in his throat, his eyes widening in shock. "Himari!" he warned, tugging futilely against the ropes binding him.

Himari merely glanced over her shoulder, offering Saigo a warm smile, utterly unfazed by his presence. "Saigo-san," she greeted, barely acknowledging Kazuki's panic. "I was just finishing up in here."

"Ah, I see," Saigo replied, his deep voice echoing throughout the small room. He turned his gaze towards Kazuki, studying him for a moment before nodding respectfully. "Apologies for intruding."

As Kazuki stared at the two of them, dumbfounded, an unexpected alliance seemed to take shape before his very eyes. A knowing smile passed between them, leaving him feeling even more uneasy and unsure of their true intentions.

"Wh-what is this?" he stammered, struggling to make sense of the scene unfolding before him. "Why is he here?"

"Kazuki," Himari said softly, placing a reassuring hand on his arm. "Please, try to remain calm. Everything will be explained in due time."

"Remain calm?" he spat, his voice dripping with disbelief. "You expect me to remain calm while my enemy stands before me, free as a bird, while I am tied to a bed like some common criminal?"

"Your feelings are understandable, Kazuki," Saigo interjected, meeting his gaze with a solemn expression. "But I assure you, things are not as they seem."

"Then explain it to me!" Kazuki demanded, the storm of emotions within him threatening to break free. "Explain why I should trust either of you after what has transpired."

Himari and Saigo exchanged another glance, their shared smile hinting at a deeper understanding between them. It was as if they held a secret that only they were privy to, leaving Kazuki feeling all the more isolated and betrayed.

"Kazuki-san," Saigo began, taking a step closer, his voice steady and measured, "I know my presence here may be... disconcerting. But I assure you, my intentions have changed."

A heavy silence hung in the air as Kazuki's bound form tensed, his heart hammering against his chest. The room seemed to close in around him, every breath feeling more labored than the last.

"Allow me to explain," Himari said softly, her eyes filled with a quiet determination. "During the three days you were unconscious, after the fight Saigo-san, was injured and in a near death situation. I could not abandon him to such a fate, and so I brought him here and nursed him back to health."

Her words did little to ease his growing unease, but he forced himself to remain still as she continued. "In return, he has been helping the village by training our people and assisting with daily chores."

"Is that true?" Kazuki asked, fixing his gaze on Saigo. The former enemy nodded solemnly, his single hand gripping the hilt of his sword in a gesture that seemed more habit than threat.

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"Tell me, Saigo," Kazuki pressed, his voice cold and measured. "Did you really kill Shogun Tokugawa?"

Saigo's face stiffened, but he met Kazuki's gaze without hesitation. "No, I did not. My words were meant only to provoke you. However, Kuroyama didn't do it either. He lacks the strength and skill, but I know he ordered the assassination. It was Namida Minamoto who carried out the deed."

"Namida Minamoto..." Kazuki repeated, his mind racing. So, it wasn't Kaze Minamoto, but another from the same clan. A part of him recoiled at the thought, but deep down, he knew it made sense. "Where is she now?"

"Last I heard, she was in Kyoto she owns a dojo called the Black Dragon," Saigo replied, producing a poster bearing her image and description. "She's a ninja, gifted with divine magic like yourself. I don't know the extent of her abilities, though."

Kazuki studied the poster, taking in every detail, a grim smile tugging at the corner of his lips. Himari seemed to misread his expression and asked gently, "Do you need some water, Kazuki?"

"Water? No," he said, his voice steely. "What I need is for you to remove these restraints."

As if on cue, Hayato and Shôkin Kagiri entered the room. Shôkin's eyes locked onto Kazuki, his face betraying no emotion. "You'll be coming with me," he stated flatly.

Kazuki's heart hammered in his chest, but he refused to let his fear show. He had come too far, fought too hard, to give up now. With a final glance at Himari, who looked torn between concern and duty, Kazuki steeled himself for whatever lay ahead.

As Kazuki closed his eyes and took a deep breath, trying to come to terms with the shifting world around him, he couldn't help but wonder if things would ever truly be the same again.

The sound of shuffling feet and muted voices filled the air, puncturing the tense quiet. Saigo's subordinates filed into the room, their expressions a mix of curiosity and caution. The atmosphere thickened, leaving Kazuki feeling outnumbered and vulnerable.

"Kazuki," Himari began softly, her eyes darting between him and the newcomers. "I promise one day i will make it right."

Shôkin Kagiri approached Kazuki, his one arm moving with a practiced efficiency as he secured a rope around the ronin's wrists with the help of Saigo. The coarse fibers dug into Kazuki's skin, but he didn't flinch, refusing to show any sign of weakness.

"Traitors!" he spat at the villagers, venom in his voice. "You'd sell me out for a bag of gold? After everything I've done for you?"

Himari's eyes glistened with unshed tears as she looked away, unable to meet his gaze. Hayato remained stoic and silent, offering no words of consolation or explanation.

"Enough," Shôkin ordered, his tone icy. He led Kazuki outside, fastening the other end of the rope to his horse's saddle as they slowly move further into the forest. It was as if the world had turned upside down – the man who had saved the village was now being treated like a criminal, while those who had once threatened it roamed free.

"Is this what it means to be a hero?" Kazuki asked bitterly, his thoughts racing. "To be used and then cast aside when no longer needed?"

"Kazuki," Himari called out softly from behind him, her voice barely audible over the commotion. "I'm sorry."

"Save your apologies," Kazuki snarled, his anger palpable. "I don't need them."

With that, Shôkin spurred his horse forward, and the animal began to move. Kazuki stumbled at first, struggling to keep up as the rope pulled him along. His shadow magic surged within him, eager to break free and exact vengeance on those who had betrayed him but to no avail.

"Remember what you fight for," he whispered to himself, focusing on the memory of Shogun Tokugawa and the Minamoto clan. "There's still work to be done."

As they traversed the forest, Kazuki's desperate shouts echoed through the village, a final declaration of betrayal. The villagers watched him go, their eyes filled with pity and remorse, but none dared to intervene.

"Traitors!" he yelled as they disappeared into the distance, his voice hoarse and raw.

And then, silence settled over the village like a heavy fog, leaving those left behind to grapple with the consequences of their actions.