Chapter 38 Part 2: A Price on the Head

Emperor Jimmu's presence dominated the throne room, his regal bearing and air of authority unmistakable.

Once a robust warrior, the Emperor had grown flabby and disoriented, his elaborate gold silk kimono barely veiling his decay. His hair, as dark as night, was pulled back into an elegant topknot, held in place by an ornate golden pin adorned with the Tokugawa crest.

"Tell me, have you captured Kazuki, as I requested?" Emperor Jimmu began, his voice deep and resonant.

Gin took in Emperor Jimmu's throne room, a grand showpiece of opulence. Gold-laden redwood walls were adorned with cherry blossoms, and the imposing black throne, set against a golden screen, echoed the lively spirit of Edo city.

Gin hesitated for a moment before replying, his tone light and seemingly carefree. "Well, Your Majesty, it appears that I might be getting old. I searched high and low, but Kazuki eluded me. I even misplaced my katana sword during the hunt," he chuckled.

"I needed to acquire this wooden blade."

The emperor's eyes narrowed, and a frown creased his brow. "You dare to jest in my presence?" he demanded, his voice cold and unyielding. "Kazuki is no laughing matter. It is crucial that he is brought to justice."

"Forgive me, Your Majesty," Gin said, his expression sobering. "I meant no disrespect. It's merely my way of coping with the weight of my failures."

"Enough with the charades, Gin Kagiri," Jimmu growled, his voice low and dangerous. "You are known to never let a bounty escape you, even at your old age. There must be a good reason for you to not go after Kazuki."

Gin sighed, the playful demeanor that once graced his features now replaced with a somber expression. "Your Majesty, I must admit that my abilities are not what they once were. Time has taken its toll on me, and I find myself yearning for retirement."

Disappointment flickered across Jimmu's face, but it was quickly replaced by a stern mask. "That is unfortunate, Gin, but I cannot allow you to retire until this matter is resolved."

"Of course, Your Majesty," Gin said, bowing his head in submission.

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"Good," Jimmu said, his tone slightly softer. "Now, I have another task. You must apprehend Kuroyama Endo too. I have reasons to suspect that it is either Kuroyama or Kazuki who orchestrated the demise of Shogun Tokugawa."

"Kuroyama?" Gin questioned, raising an eyebrow. "What motive could he have for killing the Shogun?"

Jimmu's expression hardened into a frosty smirk. "Do you have any idea what is his actual name? It's Kuroyama Minamoto. A man who's tipped the scales in countless internal skirmishes, leading his unique band of misfits. I could never warm up to the Minamoto clan. His father, Yorimoto Minamoto, was no exception. When he tried to contended for the Shogun's seat, I found myself unimpressed. His ambitions sparked the conflict between the Tokugawa Clan and his own in the Battle of Sekigahara."

Gin's eyes widened, his mind racing as he processed this new information. Kuroyama Minamoto, the notorious head of the Minamoto clan, was the very same man who counseled the shogun?

He found it hard to accept; when he had encountered Kuroyama Minamoto years earlier, in his youthful and more reckless days, he bore no resemblance to Endo, the advisor. And now, that man was his target.

As much as he respected Jimmu, Gin couldn't help but feel a twinge of unease at the prospect of hunting down such a formidable opponent.

"Your Majesty," Gin began, voicing his concerns. "Are you certain that Kuroyama is behind the assassination? It seems like quite the accusation to make."

"Nothing is certain, Gin," Jimmu admitted, his eyes narrowing. "But I would rather take the chance than let the true culprit slip away. Can I trust you to handle this task?"

Gin hesitated for a moment, considering the potential consequences of pursuing him.

Given that Kuroyama's magic originated from the fire deity 'Kagutsuchi', his powers considerably outmatched his own. But ultimately, he did want to retire and become a monk. "Yes, Your Majesty. I will do everything in my power to bring Kuroyama Minamoto to justice. However, I will not kill him."

"That won't be a problem. I want him alive anyways," said Emperor Jimmu, nodding curtly. "You are dismissed."

As Gin exited the throne room, the weight of his new assignment pressed down upon him like an unbearable burden. Gin walked slowly through the ornate halls, lost in thought. He knew he would need every ounce of wit and skill to capture someone as cunning as Kuroyama Minamoto.

However, he found solace in the fact that he held one advantage - the element of surprise that could aid him in apprehending Kuroyama. Or so he thought.

As he reached the palace final gates, Gin was startled out of his contemplation by a blur of movement in the corner of his eye. He turned swiftly, hand on the hilt of his wooden sword, only to see a black-clad kunoichi leaping swiftly between the bamboo trees bordering the grounds.

"Hey!" Gin shouted after the mysterious woman.

But she was already gone, vanished into the maze of greenery with speed and grace. Gin stared grimly at the spot where she had disappeared, cursing under his breath. This was an ill omen indeed.