If there was something they could fight for what would they choose?

It was the usual day. The sound of the water from the pond outside echoed into the bedroom Souza Samonji shared with his brothers. It was a small room, just enough for him and his two brothers. They had allowed him to sleep in, since he had a rough day yesterday when he had return back to the citadel empty handed from an expedition. It really wasn't his fault, but of course, Souza had blamed his lack of experience in the field.

Suddenly, he heard the paper door slide open. The sword had assumed it to be one of his brothers and continue to slumber when his sheets were abruptly thrown off him, revealing the white yukata he had loosely donned on. He jumped up, alert, his hand falling on his sword lying on above his futon.

The man standing before him was an unfamiliar face. He had grey hair, cropped short and an intimidating aura. A new sword? He didn't give him the feeling of being a sword though...

A new type of enemy?

"Get up." The man ordered, folding his arms "Get dress."
"Who are you?" Souza inquired, drowsy but alert. His pink hair cascaded down his shoulders in a messy bunch as he held on to his sword tight.

"I don't think you are in a position to ask questions, get up now." The man called, reaching out to grab for him. In response, Souza had retaliated and jump away, drawing out his sword. "Identify yourself, friend or foe?!" Souza demanded, pointing the sharp end of his sword to the stranger.

The stranger snorted, rubbing his forefinger against his chin. "Is this the game you want to play now?" He asked. Suddenly, the paper door behind slid open again and Sayo Samonji looked into the room with surprise.

It didn't take long for the tantou to register the situation. Sensing the danger in the air, he pull out his own small sword to aid his brother.

"What happened here, niisama?" The smaller sword asked "Who is this?"

Souza glance at his brother, equally confused. The man did not have a sword with him. So what is he, really?

"You brothers are quite hostile, no?" The man chuckled, crouching down into a pouncing position. "But I wouldn't refuse a party-"

Suddenly, the man jumped up and Souza instantly lost sight of him. He heard a loud cry from his brother and turn in time to see the man's face right behind him, the flat of his palm landed against his nape, knocking the air out of him. Sayo's small neck was already in the man's grasp as he hold Souza down with his free arm. There were static coming out from his fingers and it caused the brothers to tremble in waves of shock.

"Let them go." It was their eldest, Kousetsu Samonji, this time. His sword was already at the stranger's neck. He had heard the commotion from their room and came in to see his brothers choked and strangled.

"Nii-sama-" Souza coarsely huffed.

"Kousetsu," The man grinned at the elder sword "Is it alright to be pointing that at me?"
"I know that my blade is not effective against you, but there is no reason for you to be attacking my brothers either." Kousetsu muttered "Let them go, they know not who you are."

Finally, the man loosened his grip, stepping away from the brothers. Sayo fell to the floor in a heap, coughing as he held on to Kousetsu's robes. Souza look up at his brother, his hand holding on the his neck, a bruise already appearing on his nape.

"Niisama, do you know him?" Souza finally ask when he had calm down.

Kousetsu gathered Sayo into his arm, inspecting his injuries. Sayo was only mildly injured but appeared to be in shock, his small fingers buried into the folds of Kousetsu's robe.

"The saniwa's executioner, he is neither sword nor enemy. This man is human, much like our master." He explained after a moment, gazing up to the man.

"What is it you want with my brothers?" Kousetsu ask, keeping the two slightly behind him.

"I was only here for Souza Samonji," The executioner replied, shrugging. "But he was being hostile so I thought I would play along."

"If the saniwa orders for me, I can go and meet her myself," Souza interrupted with a frown but the executioner only silenced him with a click of his tongue.

"This is different, Souza Samonji and I bet your brother knows well." The stranger shook his head, seemingly amused "After all, he would know why I am here."

Kousetsu's eyes widen and he glance at Souza before looking back to the man "It can't be!"

"It's the master's decision." The man shrugged.

Souza look confusingly between them both. He didn't understand.

"If he goes, then….I am going too," Kousetsu finally replied "I won't let him go in there alone."

The man paused, his expression visibly change. "Oh I didn't expect that," He stroke his chin "I think this should be brought to the master first." He chuckled, turning around "Oh well, I'll let you know tonight, eh?" With that the man left, waving to them slightly.

Kousetsu heaved a sigh when the door slid shut again. He turn to his brothers who were looking back at him, confused and waiting for his explanation.

He has a lot to tell.