Disclaimer: I do not own Slam Dunk or its characters.
Violence, resistance and bloodshed were commonplace to them. They were, after all, Lord Tokuwa's thugs, better known on the streets as the "Black Army". They were formed to threaten, extort, bully and eradicate all who opposed Tokuwa's grand plan of "economic advancement". The last tenet of their organization was also the exercise they conducted most often, for Lord Tokuwa's economic advancements involved heavy taxes on the poor, unjustified land grabs and unvalidated claims on property and life. Many of the common folk, on the brink of starvation, had been roused to action and had led many a protest on the streets, only to be subdued by the Black Army on the account of treason against the state. Small resistance groups, mostly made out of farmers, had been time and time again rounded up, disbanded and removed entirely from society. Sometimes, the farmers were placed into forced labour, employed to work in Lord Tokuwa's fields til they learnt and embraced Tokuwa's economic vision of profit for himself. The resistance fighters deemed as more destabilising and dangerous to the state's vision were systematically executed by the Black Army.
Thus, the Black Army was used to protests, to inspiring fear and hatred amongst the common people. They knew what to do with men that did not comply.
Still, they had not anticipated this army of white that had flooded the streets of Old Kanagawa, wailing and thumping their chests, demanding for the injustices laid upon them to be heard. Their cries grew louder as they passed through the streets unhindered, calling out the names of all those that had been lost to them. The brothers, the husbands, the fathers and sons that had been taken away from them, this army of women clad in white were determined that Lord Tokuwa address their complaints, or they would march to the capital, where the Emperor and his officials would instead hear their cries.
"Feh, Lord Tokuwa isn't going to like this," Hotta said, playing with the toothpick between his teeth. "But... I ain't never hit a woman before."
Hotta's words echoed the sentiments of several of the younger Black Army officers. They stared uneasily at the White Army marching through the streets. Some of the women were so old, the greys and whites of their hair matching the mourning attire they had adorned themselves with as they continued their wailing journey down the streets.
Mitsui Hisashi stared at the women, a growing knot of dread tightened in his stomach. He, like the others, knew that they would be sent into action soon. It was easier to beat the shit out of men, for men reacted with equal violence and rage. Women, old and young, however, were different. There was no triumph in a battle against them, only a sense of dishonour in having taken any action against their fragility. Thugs, that they were, the Black Army wasn't entirely soulless.
The doors to the Black Army quarters cracked opened. First Captain of the 2nd unit, Ryu, slithered through the gap, a sinister thin smile graced his pale face. Behind him, the burly figure of Tetsuo, First Captain of the 1st unit, emerged. His face was impassive.
"Move out" Tetsuo said, his gruff voice authoritative. Mitsui cast his eyes to the ground. He had given up his lineage, nobility and humanity a long time ago. He tightened his grip around the sword and tried to block out the voices in his head. Why was he having doubts now?
Mitsui rose to his feet and shuffled out of the room with the rest. He was a Black Army officer, the grim reaper and bringer of Death. He had to remember that he had no soul. He gave that up several years ago.
A/N: a departure from my usual crappy tales. but please leave reviews. constructive criticism helps to carve out a better story! Thanks!