It took him an entire day but after a long journey of walking and enjoying the nostalgia of Ikayumu's Shuimu, Cobalt finally arrived in the Kiyamamu prefecture. Unlike the buzzing metropolitan Shuimu where all the popular urban fashion and attractions were located, Kiyamamu was the more traditional side of Ikayumu where the traditions of the ancestors still were deeply enrooted in the agriculture. Cobalt stretches and gives a slight groan of satisfaction as he feels the tightness in his legs release pressure. Although he was in Kiyamamu, he didn't reach his estate which was still ways off. Of course, he was in no rush to go and see his family now that he knew he was nearby, so he decided to tour around Kiyamamu and see how the environment changed since his days of youth. Journeying from the outskirts of Shuimu, Cobalt found himself nearing the famed bamboo forest that welcomes those who look to leave the Kiyamamu territory as well as enter. Kiyamamu was famous for not only its traditional architecture, but also because the entire area of Kiyamamu was surrounded by a giant bamboo forest except for one side, which happened to be its coastline.

Unable to see the blue sky above thanks to the tall slim pillars of bamboo that lined in uniform rows covering the sky and casting a green hue. Below his feet he had the smooth trail of asphalt that served as the only road in the bamboo forest before getting closer enough to have different routes that branched out. Cobalt initially was surprised by the lack of cars-not even one-until he remembered that it was probably because of the morning only starting, having started his Kiyamamu journey while it was still dark out in the early morning. Now it was the crack of dawn and he see glimpses of the black changing to blue in the pockets of space available above. His only companions being the sounds of nature-the crickets and morning birds chirping along to a calm breeze that had a faint howl, his mind felt calm to be in a peaceful environment. Cobalt closes his eyes and immediately his thoughts turned to his friends as the song of nature serenades him. From Tangie's sweet citrus smile that brightened his days the same way her smooches on his cheek would brighten, to his brotherly bond with Azule where they could talk about nearly anything and know it'd stay between them, to the laughs he shared with all the other members of Squidcom. Being around that group changed him for the better.

"I'm sorry, everyone. I hope you'll understand." He said under his breath, appreciating the fond memories he made with Squidcom.

Meanwhile at a marketplace somewhere in Kiyamamu was Saya eating ice cream along with one of her friends. Dressed in a blue and green baseball tee with the sleeves rolled up and jean short-shorts that exposed her legs along with a shiny anklet and some sneakers. Saya sat with her legs crossed as she indulged in her ice delight while listening to her friend who was wearing a white shirt with a minimalist koi design and matching sweatpants with sandals. Sitting on the soft grassy river bank nearby the calm rivers, both observe the direction in which the water was headed, watching the aquatic vehicle pass under a bridge just shortly away. Saya's friend was sharing stories about how life over in the foreign lands were after having been gone for months, and was the only source of entertainment for Saya, who'd been dedicating her free time for preparation of the Tokugawa Selection.

"I'm jealous, Norh. Mollusca sounds like a wonderful place to visit." Saya's eyes closed as she enjoys her delicious custard. For the first time in months, she could finally unwind and be herself around her best friend.

"It was! I never imagined them to have such a fresh style of architecture from us, I find it hard to even explain. Ah! I should have pictures on my phone…" Norh said as she handled her ice cream in one hand and used her free hand to grab her phone.

Saya's smile turned empty as she watched her friend. She felt small and inferior for being unable to travel anywhere exciting like out of the country since she was confined to be a product of her father's empire. Before, she had plenty of friends she could confide in-until her father grew into the person he was and cut off her connection to most of her friends, deeming them untrustworthy. The only friend who chose to stay by her side and never leave her was Norh, until she-too left for the neighboring Inkland. Norh was always the loyal friend who didn't see Saya as a Tokugawa, but simply as Saya, and Norh loved that about Saya. That she could be herself whenever they were together.

"Hey Norh...I don't know if you heard yet, but the Tokugawa Selection is coming up." Saya twiddles her thumbs as she struggles to look her friend in the eye; already, she finished her ice cream.

Norh smiled awkwardly, "I'm aware. I also hear that Ao-chan will be coming back…" she blushed.

Saya's eyebrows lifted to a sneer, "Oh yeah, I forgot you had feelings for my cousin."

Norh's face turned red with embarrassment as her twin red buns did a flip, "And I remember you have a fixation on him as well." she teased while poking Saya's cheeks in response.

"N-not so. I just really respect him, that's all." Saya crossed her arms; Norh's eyebrows dropped as she reacted with sarcastic "Oh, really?" and a condescending smile. She knew Saya was lying. She wasn't a good liar.

Norh nodded with a mischievous smile, "I guess you're right. He was your role model, after all. You always strived to be on the same level as him and copied him every way possible. You even dyed your hair to his hair shade because you 'respect' him so much."

Saya covered her face suddenly and buried her head in legs, "I can't do this. Norh, I don't want to do this."

Norh became confused, "Huh? What do you mean?"

"This selection. Ao's return. My brothers. I can't do this, Norh. There's so much on my mind that I feel like I'll go blank if I even try to think about it at once."

"Oh...that's right. You might have to kill them."

Saya looked at her best friend, "I said something harsh to cousin Ao a while back and now I think he probably hates me. I can't imagine myself killing him, and at the same time my father expects too much of me. I know I can operate like a killing machine when I try, but for the love of life I'm not even thirteen yet." She said with frustration. The preparations for the selection were taking a great toll on her, and the smallest of stresses were building into something much larger. Only now was she realizing the magnitude of competing in the selection, a bloodbath was awaiting her, and she needed the strongest of resolve if she wanted to survive and still be held with honor. "The way my father looks at me, I can tell he has huge expectations for me. There are things he tells me that he doesn't tell the others, things I'm better off not knowing. For this selection, he expects me to win out and then forfeit when I battle him. He told me that if I specifically don't win in the final before his grand finals challenge, then I'd be better off dead."

Norh's face turned pale-letting the thought sink in for a moment-then changed to a red of fury, "WHAT!?" she yelled aloud, unaware that she frightened some people passing by.

"N-not so loud…"

"Oh, sorry…"

"But yeah, he's putting all this weight on my shoulders and I'm not sure if I can handle the pressure like I thought I could."

Norh rests her hand on Saya's shoulder, "I know I can't even imagine what you're having to deal with and prepare for. I know it isn't my place to tell you how to feel or what to do. But as your friend-no, best friend-I suggest that you follow your instincts. Even if you think they might be wrong, trust them. They're the surest attribute of your body."

"Even if it means killing the only family member I care for? Follow them even if they'll probably cost me my honor as the daughter of the Tokugawa leader? Fo-"

Norh places a finger over Saya's lips and smiles, "Just follow your instincts. They never lie."

Back in the bamboo forest...

"A-achoo!" Cobalt sneezed ferociously as his head jerked forward on impulse, even tears leaking in response to the immense force.

The "green" sky that hovered above him left plenty of dark spots all over his attire as sunlight struggled to seep in. He sighs heavily with boredom as his feet move automatically along the path. Visions of his family flash through his mind as the trauma he dealt with came rushing back to him: the harsh words his uncle spoke of him, his father's death, his exile, slaughtering hundreds of men to escape the clutches of his uncle, the torment he watched Azule and Sky endure, living on the streets with Tangie, joining a gang to find a cure for her. What a life he lived, huh?

"I don't remember this type of serenity…" he narrows his eyes and rotates acutely. Behind him he saw nothing but uniform rows of bamboo sticking out from the ground for what seemed like endless eternity. A subtle wind blows that indicated that something was out there, something he should be on guard for. Cobalt doesn't flinch or show any type of fear, instead, he keeps walking and closes his eyes. His senses turn keen as he locates the suspicious enemy that lurks in the shadows.

8'o clock!

His blade unsheathed in the blink of an eye as he turned in the that direction, his red aura engulfing the entire area almost immediately, his red eyes sharpened with a dagger of light in his irises intensifying as he kept a straight face; a foolish foe had tried to ambush him. The swords roar in the bamboo forest as they connect, their spark sparks flying from left to right-creating lines of light with each strike and swipe. Cobalt's feet danced as his heels lifted, lunging forward, he lands a direct hit on attacker and pierces him in the heart. But no time to rest, more were coming based on the numerous sign of body heat approaching. Was it a nearby clan or tribe?

"You damn mongrel, you're not welcomed here!" the enemy figure said. Dressed in all black with some armor, the weapons of choice being dual sickles that shined in the dimly lit forest with the same hue as his attire. Based on his attire, Cobalt knew immediately that this enemy was a ninja from one of the many enemy clans that opposed the samurai influence over Kiyamamu. Cobalt's eyes narrowed once he saw the emblem pin on the left breast plate of the attacking ninja and knew that a battle would be unavoidable. The plate read: "Shintoremni"

The Shintoremni were a ninja clan that had long been at arms against the samurai, especially the Tokugawa family that reigned supreme. It served as no surprise that he was being ambushed by them since he was in their territory, the Bamboo forest. Cobalt was cognizant of this as he overpowered the ninja and forced him to back off after having dodged and blocked all the swift paced attacks; but he knew the numbers weren't stacked in his favor. One by one he heard their numbers grow before counting a hundred ninja hiding in the bamboo forest. Cobalt took off his shirt and cracked his neck, brandishing his signature carbon blade. Cobalt gives a devilish smirk while waving his blade-his red eyes starting to glow, "If you're so ready to die, I'll send you to the afterlife like your friend over here."

That ticked off the ninja, and they swarmed at Cobalt. Cobalt's carbon blade glared with hunger for blood, just like their owner. With his muscles flexed, Cobalt did a vertical swing downwards, then his feet shifted over two steps to the left along with a diagonal swing upwards toward the right, taking down dozens of enemies with each swing of his blade-the light escaping his eyes as darkness consumed him along with his red aura. The ninja wouldn't allow this to faze them, as they continued their swarm and threw out shurikens, readied their small daggers and sickles. A sneak attack on the main road was risky as is since it was out in the open and somebody could pass by and see everything. Lines of blood fly and splatter across the bamboo forest as Cobalt continues to turn the countless corpses around him into meals for the parasite waiting underground. He does, and zig zag run through a crowd of ninja, leaving trails of their blood behind as high feet lift from the ground and take flight, he does a pair of kicks into one ninja's chest while stabbing the other straight in the head behind him without even looking, his left arm extends and grabs that same head and uses the dead man as leverage to lift his body over and kill a trio of ninja behind the corpse. Landing squarely on the ground, he feels the heat from his red aura growing hotter as the dullness in his eyes grows denser.

More!

At a village hidden deep within the bamboo forest…

"Sir! We have a problem!" a ninja said as he returned to his leader that sat alone in room meditating.

"Speak."

"We engaged with Ao Tokugawa like you suggested, but...he's wiped more than half of our men. We're losing to just one child!"

The leader rose to his feet, "Seems like we'll have to let the others know. Send a message to all the other clans that are a part of the Zukuri alliance. We'll need to be ready for him in the Tokugawa Selection." he said as he put on his battle armor of bamboo green and dark green.

Cobalt makes quick work of nearly obliterating the hundred ninja that swarmed at him with only ten men left. The ten ninjas had no fear of any man alive other than their leader, but somehow Cobalt forced them to fear him with his overwhelming strength. He was nothing like his father…A painful cry came from one man as a blade tears through his stomach, the ninja had no regret for the comment he made.

Don't get so cocky…

A head is sliced off cleanly with just one swing of finesse, blood gushing like a fountain as the body crashes to the ground with a thud.

None of you have the talent to survive my wrath, so why wage n attack like this…?

A powerful kick to the ribs shatters them completely and followed by the destruction of the ninja's spine.

Just retreat already...

Cobalt halts as his blade nearly slices through the next ninja who had fallen on all fours and shivered uncontrollably as death loomed near; the other ninjas were frozen with fear after seeing a child kill a total of 93 fellow comrades in their own territory. These ninjas were some of the most skillful in all of Ikayumu, and Cobalt managed to obliterate nearly a century of them by himself! Cobalt gripped the hilt of his blade and clenched his teeth as he saw the aftermath...just a few minutes earlier he was by himself enjoying the peaceful ambience of the bamboo forest, now he stood in a wasteland of corpses with their blood scattered across the trees and all over the floors. Blood dripping from his blade into the small puddle below, Cobalt flings off the remaining blood and sheathes his weapon, leaving the remaining ninja to take the next course of action.

"I think I've shown you fools that it isn't wise to bite the hand of a predator. Your numbers mean nothing to me." Cobalt said coldly as he left the remaining ninja behind.

"Y-you'll pay for this!" one ninja screamed as he held his fallen comrade in his arms, clearly, he was more sentimental than the others since he didn't fall back into the shadows to retreat.

"Your words are empty without action. Run to your clan leader." Cobalt waved without looking back, clearly moving on from the scene of scattered dead ninja.

A few hours later at the Zukuri clan, the leader of the Shintoremni was already sitting down with a group of men and having some herbal tea. There were various pockets of conversation between all of the men. Outside of the room were what appeared to be the messengers of the men and women inside, meaning the figures inside had to be clan leaders. Inside the room sat a total of 11 figures on cushions in a long row awaiting the leader of the Zukuri clan: 7 males and 4 females. The first was a man dressed in red and white ninja garments, his face covered by a silver armored mask. His name written on the torso of his top, he was none other than the leader of the Fujuyoki clan. Another man-this time dressed in gold and navy blue-sat adjacent to him, his eyes closed as though in meditation. He was the leader of the Najube clan, a relaxed ninja clan that embraced more of the hip hop culture aspect of Inkopolis. They both sat next to Shintoremni, who was having a conversation with a lady who was the leader of the all kunoichi Maekona clan. Maekona was dressed in olive green and peach pink garments with a headdress and war paint on her cheeks.

"If what you're saying is true Shintoremni-san, then we should try our best to avert conflict. That boy is clearly nothing to take lightly if he wiped out nearly a hundred of your students." the kunoichi responded with concern, her heart aching for the lives of the young students who didn't know any better.

"Sounds like they just weren't strong enough to handle the massive fish in the tiny pond. Luckily my boys and girls wouldn't have any trouble against that overrated brat." A man from across spoke with his chin held high and his arms crossed with his cup of sitting right before him with steam arising; he was dressed in purple and black and wore a mask that left his mouth covered but his eyes uncovered. The smug expression the man gave only irritated Shintoremni and Maekona further.

"Zhoushan, the elephant in the room. Why are you even here? Aren't you and your clan just the inferior doppelganger of the Hayama clan?" Maekona jabbed in defense of her friend.

"What did you just say!?"

"At ease you children, we're an alliance. Any simple quarrels can be settled beyond these walls but show respect to Zukuri-san for allowing us into his humble abode. Don't let me say it again." A woman dressed in all black said roughly, her eyebrows sharp like a razor

"Oujima-san…" Maekona muttered under her breath.

A man dressed in black and trims of gold came into the room clapping his hands to call the attention of the leaders. He was tall, had long hair brown hair tied back, and wore an eyepatch over his left eye. His clothes couldn't contain the bulging muscles that suffocated under the tight material-his biceps were massive, the size of an average person's head. As he made his way to his seat as the head of the alliance, all chatter and conversations were silenced. He had the floor as he took a seat.

"Gentlemen Fujuyoki-san, Shintoremni, Zhoushan-san, Najube-san, Hajime-san, Yuta-san, and Masoshi-san. Ladies Oujima-san, Maekona-san, Yoshizune-san, and Shizuku-san. I see you all are doing well. I know this was meeting was assembled on very short notice, and I sincerely apologize..." he said while bowing to everyone but Shintoremni. "The meeting came together because Shintoremni-san had information that seems rather important for all of us to know. Now Shintoremni-san, would you care to explain?"

Shintoremni nodded, "Thank you, Zukuri-san."-he clears his throat as everyone turns their attention to him now. "Just a few hours ago, one of my men had identified the return of that blue nightmare known as Ao Tokugawa…"

The air in the room turned heavy with pressure as various expressions emerged on the faces of the leaders: Fujuyoki, Hajime, and Zhoushan had stone faces knowing that indeed the rumors of legendary Arosuke's son was returning to the land of Ikayumu. Masoshi, Oujima, and Shizuku all had smirks on their faces for various reasons. Yuta, Maekona, and Yoshizune showed concern on their faces. Silence filled the room for a moment as everyone let that information sink in.

"And? Did you just let him go?" Hajime asked, having not listened to Shintoremni's conversation minutes earlier.

Shintoremni shook his head, "Once my men confirmed it was truly the blue demon with Arosuke's blood...I gave them orders to kill him by all means necessary."

Sweat drops fell down the faces of all the leaders as the sneering Shizuku raised her hand-her pink and black attire alluring the eyes of any weak-minded man that crossed her path, "Your men failed miserably, yes?"

Shintoremni reluctantly nodded, "Correct. He's a completely different person from when he was a mere child.

Shizuku licked her lips, "He's still a child, though. He wouldn't be a problem for us if we all took him down togeth-"

"He nearly defeated a hundred of my men, Shizuku-san. We can't take him lightly in the least bit."

Oujima raised her hand, "While I held his father to a high respect, I believe Ao Tokugawa is just a mere nuisance for us. We don't need to pay any attention to him for now."

"I believe so, too." Najube said as he opened his eyes, unfolding his arms. "Our goal is to overthrow the Teitsu and further our agenda. Young Ao will only become a problem if he meddles. I believe he will not get in our way because of his strained relationship with his uncle."

"Even then, we still have that Hayama clan to worry about as well." Fujuyoki added.

"Ah, them? Some of my messengers informed me that they aren't even the country. They're focusing on something else that has to deal with those disgusting octarians." Oujima said.

"I propose that for the time being, we monitor Ao Tokugawa. The selection is nearing, and we will need to be at full strength since we're all competing. No room to worry about him since it is probable we will run into him again." Zukuri said, taking all the attention once again.

The Zukuri alliance was a joint operation by 11 of the top ninja clans in Ikayumu-excluding the Hayama clan. Most of the ninja in Ikayumu and the underground were fed up with Teitsu Tokugawa and his rule. His policies of high taxing, and the stripping away of many civilians-most those with shinobi and kunoichi heritage-their rights and entitlement and throwing heavier favor to those of the higher class and samurai all helped in adding fuel to the fire for a revolt by the ninja. In the eyes of the shinobi, Teitsu was a failure who couldn't live up to the standards his brother set. Arosuke unified the Samurai, Martial Artists, and the Ninja to all coexist in the same environment. But with his death came a new typhoon of issues that couldn't be taken care of by the immature Teitsu. A new leader needed to be selected, and in the eyes of the wise, Zukuri seemed like the most legible choice. He was a fair-minded leader who had balanced ideals, and sought for a similar line of peace like Arosuke Tokugawa did. The other members of the alliance also wanted to become leaders for their own personal reason, and in fact had an entire doctrine that would go into effect should one of them take over. These warriors were looking to reform Ikayumu to every last detail.

Around that same time over by the port of Nakutan had another ferry dock. Led by Simone, who was dressed in a casual white sundress with a straw hat, Squidcom came off the ferry along the other passengers. Having taken the express service thanks to the wealth of Sally, they arrived in a span of a day! Walking off of the boat and onto the port, the salty sea air filled their lungs along with their ears being greeted by the seagulls that sing their song. The only thing that could be seen was the blue sea behind them along with the large vessel, and as for ahead of them it was the huge metropolis with lush green mountains in the far distance behind the towers. Simone had a beaming smile as bright as the sun as she led the children as if they were her own, carrying her purse in her hands in front of her, she hummed a catchy tune. Azule stared at her hair and observed the transition of the white base of her hair to the fully blue tinges at the ends. During the trip on the boat, Squidcom split up and explored the ship from early morning when they boarded. While Sally and Violet read books together while enjoying the peaceful environment, Reice was exploring the ship with Jory and having a guy day while Kosami and Fuchsia explored the ship and talked to some of the kind folks who were also making their travels. Azule and Tangie spent their time with Simone in soaking up as much information as possible, asking her a variety of questions that she'd be happy to help them with answering. Simone enjoyed their curiosity and couldn't help but show her maternal side in her answers. But after getting through some small answers, she noticed the questions began getting straight to the point.

The brim of Azule's cap lowered and hid his eyes as the smile from his face faded, "We aren't too sure of how to handle this situation yet, but we feel that if push comes to shove, we'll have to fight him."

Simone's motherly smile wouldn't fade, "Him? Do you mean my son?"

Azule nodded with reluctance; Tangie's eyes softened a bit as an image of Cobalt laughing beside her appeared in her thoughts, "We don't want to fight him, but…"

Simone kept her warm smile and closed her eyes, "From the story you gave me, I can assume Ao has become a lot more stubborn and full of pride. It's understandable-given the struggles he had to endure. A fight is a fight, once you have the resolve-I can accept that." She said with a straight face, wisdom filled in her tone. "However, since combat is to ensue, know that I'll be in the mix as well. I have a bone to pick with his uncle, Teitsu. What you told me he has done, has made my blood boil to the point that I can feel it turning to flames themselves."

Azule and Tangie both were stunned by her vicious words that didn't match her tone at all, but after replaying them in their heads and seeing her fists that were clenched, they knew she was trying her strongest to not show anger. They didn't know how to stray away from this conversation now that it'd been initiated. They were sitting at a table off in the far corner of the large dining hall. Azule and Tangie sit together with their backs to the rest of the room while Simone had her back to the wall; the dining hall was painted in the nautical white and navy blue with all the tables being white and the trims and cushions being the darkened blue with thick stripes of white to match. It was light since it was still early in the morning, and most of the passengers on this ferry were late sleepers instead of early risers. Simone smiles at Azule and Tangie as their anxiousness is like that of little children trying to find out what what's under the christmas tree. They had so much they wanted to ask but knew to not let it get too distinct or else others might become aware of what they're discussing-even though they sat far away from everyone.

"This selection...I overhead some fellows talking about them while I was getting food earlier and it seems like there are some major changes being made to it. Any of this sound familiar to you?" Simone asked since they were the ones that gave her the synopsis of everything that happened thus far. Simone herself was well versed in the Tokugawa Selection since her husband competed, but the details she heard from the old men from earlier didn't match what she remembered.

"Multiple clans are participating?" Azule echoed Simone in a whispered tone; Simone nodded.

"Hm. This could go back to Teitsu wanting to flex his muscles at the other clans."

"Using the selection, he's giving everyone an open path to take away the power of the Tokugawa while boasting the favorable odds of his four powerful children and my son. He's trying to create a legacy off Arosuke's wishes to abolish the selection..." her eyes were filled with flames as a memory of her husband on the battlefield was triggered.

"When you put it that way, it makes it even more justified to stop this. Cobalt...he's in trouble."

Simone blushed immediately at Azule's name for Ao, "Is that your nickname for my son?" she said with a rosy face, her cheeks puffing with excitement and unable to contain her curiosity about the name's origin.

Azule shook his head, "No, Tangie gave him that nickname." he said nonchalantly pointing to Tangie, whose face turned a bright pink and had beads of sweat falling down her face as Simone turned her childlike gaze towards her.

Tangie shrinks as Simone waited for the story, "W-well, I gave him that name because…"

"..."

After telling Simone the story of when Cobalt declared his loyalty and love to her, she goes off on a tangent about her feelings for him and why she had to bring him back by any cost. Simone smiled with the motherliest of smiles and crossed her arms-looking at Tangie sweetly, "You two remind me of Arosuke and myself when we first met. Although, Ao is going to have some explaining to do for leaving such a sweet daughter-in-law behind."

Tangie nearly choked on her own breath, "Da-daughter-in-law!?"

Simone nodded, "Oh yes, I'm shipping you sweethearts."

Azule laughs, but Simone jokingly calls on him next, "Got anyone on your mind you'd like to share? I can help~!"

Azule shrinked, "N-no thanks, Mama Tokugawa..."

Simone's hair bobbed with each step, her hair as weightless as feathers as her hair fluttered slowly against the laws of gravity. They didn't get too far from the harbor before Simone stopped suddenly and looked from left to right. She seemed to be in deep thought based on how her movement stiffened and increased in pace. Sally realized that her eyes seemed to be following a pattern of direction. Could she possibly have no sense of direction? Was it possible that she was too embarrassed to ask for directions? Sally giggled as she watched the mother look helpless, trying to figure out which direction to take. Sally didn't know the area too well, but she did grab a map beforehand in the case that they'd some sort of navigation; it paid off.

"Here Mama, take this…" Sally said under her breath handing a map to Simone, also snickering a bit.

Minutes passed by as Simone led the way for them, giving them a mini tour of Ikayumu and commenting about the history of certain landmarks she remembered while they made their way to Shuimu. Between the heat from the sun and the moisture from the rivers and lakes they passed by, the kids kept themselves from getting too hot by rolling up their sleeves and talking as less as possible. Fresh grass on the banks below, birds chirping in trees nearby, the occasional stray cat crossing their paths, the cars passing by on the road beside them, all served as their entertainment all the while Simone informed them about the area. After some time passed by, a question came to mind.

Tangie came up to Simone and tapped on her shoulder to stop her, "Mama Tokugawa, exactly where are we going? I feel like this route is too scenic and long to be the linear path to Shuimu. Isn't Shuimu a huge city?"

Simone laughed. "I'm going to pay some old friends a visit."

Everyone's eyes protruded in surprise, "Wha-!?"

Simone beamed with an innocent smile that showed her pearly white teeth, "If we're going to stop the selection, we'll need help. I'm strong, but even I won't be enough to handle their numbers."

Sally went into a thinker's pose, "It isn't a bad idea, Mama. However, don't you think we should gather some more information about the event by going into the city? I'm sure if it is such a big spectacle that people will be talking about it in town."

"Hm, that's true…" Simone said to herself, thinking it over. "I guess we could do that. I just felt it was natural to come to my comrades first, for some reason…"

"They might be participating in the selection." Azule said after remembering the conversation from that morning. "Remember you said you had details learned from overhearing other conversations about the selection? They expanded the field and were looking to make changes...Maybe we should stop by your comrade's quarters and inquire about their involvement. From there we can decide on a real plan."

"I like that idea." Simone said with a nod.

"Anyone disagree to this suggestion?" Azule asked, taking the initiative as he looked at everyone before him. Nobody disagreed judging from the smiles and hands that didn't raise.

With that settled, Squidcom would journey to wherever the comrades of Simone's resided and get the answers they were all looking for from them. After that, they would formulate a plan to rescue Cobalt and potentially stop the selection. They had a little over a week to stop the event from taking place, but they were still outside of the landmark Shuimu metropolis where they would easily reach Kiyamamu by taking a bullet train. As they marched along the rural trail, evening would fall after hours of walking. The moonlight was all that they had to light pathway since the route they took looked too natural for any light posts to be used. Arriving at the entrance to a village close to a huge lake, Simone showed great relief as she led her exhausted squad of kids through. A long dirt pathway with numerous extensions to sub pathways that extended throughout the village, boxed acres of land that were fenced off to wooden homes with straw roofs, and the clinging of some wind chimes, Simone had a light shine in her eye as she stopped the kids to let them know they had arrived.

Jory raised his eyebrows in response to Simone, "Kotankari?"

"Mhm. This is Kotankari, the village of one of my closest friends. Home to the Kotari clan."

Kotankari resembled most villages of that region. Bigger than it appeared, Kotankari was a major town and stop for people passing along the rural side of Ikayumu through the Katanora prefecture that sat northwest of Shuimu and the coast of Ikayumu's Okina and Nakutan. Many of the homes were lit up by lanterns placed at the entrance to their homes, of course their homes had light as well. A young man approached the group from the side and was dressed in all dark clothing and wore a huge pointy straw hat. Simone's smile still brightened the area, stronger than even the moonlight.

"Hello there, sir. My friends and I have just arrived and were wondering if you knew where we could find lodging." Simone said politely with a bow.

The man tilted his head to the side and went into thought, "The inn is just down this road and to your right. You should see a sign with light under it to help."

"Thank you…" she bowed again, leading the kids.

The man in the straw hat with the strap took off his hat and placed in behind on his neck, "Ma'am, if I may...escort you and these children there?" he offered with concern in his tone.

Simone shook her head, "Don't worry, we'll be fine. Thank you though."

Following the man's directions, Simone and Squidcom arrived at the inn. This place would have to be their resting grounds for the time being. Sally once again offered to pay for everyone's rooms and requested three rooms: one for the three boys, one for Violet, Fuchsia and Kosami, and one for her, Simone, and Tangie. They received info about when breakfast would be served, about the hot springs that sat behind the inn outside, and the rooms they would be staying in. It was a traditional style room with tatami mat beds and sliding doors. At that same time, A yawning Cobalt arrived at the golden gates of his estate where his uncle and other family resided. The sight of the massive walls that had lights all along the rows that ultimately led to the golden doors gave him chills as he rang the doorbell, surprised to see the gates opens so quickly; turns out one of the guards on what had peeked and noticed the young man make his way. As the golden gates opened, the memories came flooding into his mind. He was home…

"The young master has returned to us!" one of the guards said with enthusiasm.

"Saya-sama will be pleased to see him again, that is for sure!" another said unaware that the two had already encountered previously.

"Ao-sama, how was your journey?" another asked.

Cobalt struggled to keep his mind focused on one question as his head turned from left to right at the many guards dressed in armor. Behind them sat the beautiful estate that had many renovations since he last remembered. Cobalt's heart raced with each step he took, anxiety taking over as fears of his reception became more of a reality. The guards of the household seemed to welcome his return positively, but he knew it was more because of his father that they revered him. How would his family respond though? His close cousins and uncle were what remained of the immediate Tokugawa lineage with the rest either being second of third generation relatives who had branched off. As he walks over the small bring with the calm flowing river below, he's led into a large building-the main residence.

"Teitsu-sama has awaited your arrival, Ao-sama." an elderly lady said as she led Cobalt into the building.

Cobalt kept his talking to a minimum, preferring to keep his guard up. He finally reached enemy territory, who knew what awaited him. Visions of Saya's message to him when they last met flashed in his mind and immediately his blood began to boil, his fists clenched, and his nose puffing out air as he kept a clam expression. His body was spoiling for a fight yet again, and he wanted to fight Saya. What she said got under his skin. Led into a large hall, all he could see was a huge throne with one figure sitting alone, all the lights dimmed. It was Teitsu, and his glare was as sharp as ever. Cobalt's breathing gets heavier with each step, his eyes steadily rose up to meet his uncle.

"Leave us be." Teitsu dismissed the old lady.

It was just the two of them. Cobalt's eyebrows twitched as his uncle showed a toothy grin. Teitsu raised his chin as Cobalt responded by lowering his with a glare apparent. Cobalt's fist clenched while Teitsu had his hands clasped together. "Uncle."

"Ao." Teitsu grinned.

"I hate you."

"The feeling is mutual."

"Good. Then we have no need for a discussion."

"Not so fast, Ao. We need to talk. Why don't we catch up…?"

The doors behind them slam shut, the lights dimming to the point that only the candle lights at each pillar illuminated their small area. Cobalt knew he couldn't go back, that much he could feel in the air. This was home now. His gut felt heavy as the intimidating pressure in the room fell onto his shoulders, his uncle sitting upright-then standing up and putting his hands at his waist. Teitsu peered at Cobalt with a sneer, raising his chin once again to look down on his nephew. While the Tokugawa Selection started in just a couple days, for Cobalt it started now. The psychological war he'd have to battle at being wary at every turn in this estate. His life was on the line from this moment...