Act 6: Conviction and Corruption
It was a sun-kiss bright afternoon, with no trouble in sight within Musashi: Edo, Nihonbashi.
As our two demon blade hunters search the streets and commerce districts, for a suitable inn to stay at sunset and tomorrow.
They were a little tired of walking for twenty minutes and began to get bored until they saw a crowd of people for some reason. They got a little curious, so they decided to check it out.
"Oh please lord daimyo sir, I beg of you sir, if I lose this carpeting contract in the eastern districts, it will not only be the death of my family but also the rest of my loyal employees will be unpaid and in debt." The old man said begging and pleading on his knees asking for mercy and generosity.
The daimyo reached out his hand within his palanquin, surrounded by his trustworthy samurai bodyguards, awaiting the old carpenter man's next actions. The carpenter walked over and handed most of the money he had in his pockets.
Thought the daimyo wanted money in exchange for having the contract job. The daimyo looks at how much money he handed him and he was quite disappointed by the low amount of money in his hand.
"You handed me this!? Your mediocre pocket change!" He yelled out loud for the whole crowd to hear him and show off his dominance to the peasants, merchants, and shopkeepers.
"Men killed this shriveled up, old man at once!"
"Yes, sir!" They responded, as they drew out their swords, showing no remorse; preparing to kill an innocent old man, who had done nothing wrong.
Trouble follows you or draws you into danger. When life goes upside down, out of nowhere.
Those who are prideful and mentally def, exploit their own power, due to their rank and status in the Edo period society.
But sometimes justice, empathy, and conviction prevail in unlike situations; where you least expect them. Kisuke took a couple of steps forward, ready to intervene in this display of punishment by the daimyo and his unworthy samurai servants.
Until a stranger stopped him from continuing further. By raising his hand on Kisuke's shoulder and saying. "Please don't interfere, we all feel the same as you, but just let it go okay, look you see those samurai in front of the daimyo."
"They're personal bodyguards, top prodigies swordsmen in Edo, they're in the different leagues among the Yagyuu Shinkage style of samurai. Not even the daimyo men stand a chance against one of them, you understand."
"It isn't a lot of money, coming from an old fart like you. But at least you'll cross the Sanzu, the river of the dead, sooner than expected hahaha."
"Curse you." The old man murmured under his breath. "Hey, you scumbag samurai, that's really pathetic of you guys, killing an elderly man, pleading for help in his dire need!" Kisuke shouted out loud for everyone to hear.
"Shut your mouth boy, unless you wanna die a painful death!"
"Yeah, watch your tongue when speaking to an elite samurai!"
"You spent years learning the ways of the sword, to become a butch of lapdogs, to a horse shit lord," Kisuke responded, mocking their ranking stats and belittling their dignity.
"Why you disrespectful little brat!"
"In my eyes, you're all disgraceful lackeys."
"I had enough of this bullshit."
"Say your prayers kid!"
All three samurai came changing at Kisuke while drawing out their katana with no mercy.
The first blade slashed sideways, to cut off his arm, the second came down high, to split Kisuke's skull and the last one went, to thrust his sword through his chest.
But Kisuke dodged and prayed the enemy's rage-filled attacks with his Muramasa blade. Then gave the samurai a few cuts and small bruises on the arms, face, and legs and finished the battle with a counter-attack by hitting the samurai's key chakra points with his sword handle.
Leaving each of them completely immobilized to move with just a single blow. It was kinda a dirty move on Kisuke's behalf, but it was the only way to end this duel without any death or bloodshed.
Since he made a vow to Momohime to never kill a living soul ever again, whether their affiliation or intentions are good, evil, or in shades of gray. Unless given permission by her approval, depending on a certain type of situation.
The daimyo had his mouth wide open in shock, by the young boy who singles handily defeated his greatest samurai bodyguard.
Kisuke then deposits his blade while giving the daimyo and the rest of his bodyguards a cold silent stare, warning them not to test his prowess.
"W-wait, wait, wait! Wait just a minute! Do you want money? I'll give you as much as you want, just let me live okay."
Kisuke then took the unconscious samurai money from their pockets and said. "You fools don't deserve this," Kisuke said as he shakes the tiny pouch of money.
"I'll be keeping these." As he walks back to the crowd of people; staying away from him at all costs, fearful of his willpower, and expertise, and respect for his determination.
"Somebody! Somebody captures that despicable child now!" The daimyo then turns around, to the few bodyguards that remind and said. "You sissy ass, good-for-nothing cowards!
Kisuke eventually blended in with the herd of people and reunite with Momohime near a dark alley so they can talk in private.
So the police and citizens won't track them down or look suspiciously. After the rebellious performance, Kisuke just showed earlier.
"I appreciate your actions for helping that old man Kisuke."
"There is a but at the end of that sentence, huh Momohime?"
"Did you really have to insult the daimyo high-class samurai like that, in front of everyone?"
Kisuke responded. "Yes, those samurai are nothing but lapdogs, who strengthen their skills, just to kill innocent people."
"If I didn't defend that old man, he would've been killed, right on the street in front of everyone for no reason. I just hate it when authority figures misuse and abuse their power. Thinking they're superior to peasants and the working-class citizens."
"Kisuke I was born into royalty too and I know what it feels like being backstabbed by a greedy tyrant?" Momohime said, trying her best to understand his loyal partner's point of view and feelings about Edo society in today's era.
"I guess it's up to us Demon Blade Hunters to help the innocent people, oppression by government officials and criminals of this world."
"So we have to take a stand to fight off evil. Because if we don't defend injustice for our people, who will?" Momohime replied feeling little concern; now that the last Shogun was killed over a month ago.
Who knows how many thugs and daimyos will take advantage of this opportunity...
"Well I think this hunter needs a drink of sweet sake after kicking a bunch of samurai dogs, don't think so, Lady Momohime?" Kisuke said, trying to get into Momohime good side.
"Don't call me lady, but you did earn some hero points for helping that old man, out of the kindness of your heart. In your own subtle type of way, sure why not."
"Thank you," Kisuke replied and thanked her while bowing his head, as a form of gratitude and respect to his friend and highness.
Then out of nowhere, they heard someone coming out of the shadows in the distance. With Kisuke being so cautious of his surroundings.
Preparing to withdraw his blade if this mysterious person wanted to cause trouble. "Excuse me, are you the young man who saved my life today."
"Oh, it's just you." To wait there I thought those samurai lackeys track us here for a second round with me Kisuke thought.
"So what do you want now?" Kisuke feels quite uninterested in the person's needs right now.
"Kisuke don't be rude! This old man probably came here in this dark scary alley, to thank you properly for saving his life from a horrible death."
"Maybe he will help us with our current situation, don't you think?" Momohime murmured into his ear with a disapproving look on her face.
"My apologies for my rude friend's words earlier sir, but why did you come here exactly?"
The old man responded. "I just thought you and your boyfriend might require a room to stay in. For the night since the cops are looking for you guys after you humiliated the daimyo men a few hours ago."
"That would be lovely sir, thank you, but he isn't my boyfriend, and what made you assume we're a couple?" Why does everyone we meet, thinks I'm dating this ninja? Are they crazy or just love shipping pre-teens, Momohime thought?
"Because at first glance I thought the both of you were making out or having a secret conversation and I didn't want to interrupt your alone time until you were both done talking." Momohime made a blushing face and then took a deep sigh.
"I'm going to pretend I didn't hear that, out of respect for your generous offer sir," Momohime replied with a hint of sarcasm.
"Thanks... Anyway, the inn actually belongs to my older brother. But I'm sure he is willing to give you guys a nice room to stay in for the night and morning. Until the police are done chasing you guys."
Kisuke then asked. "Does your brother inn serve sake as well? Because I could really use a drink right about now?"
"Why of course; I'll even try to convince my brother to give you a discount on sake, on the house."
"Thank you, sir. We promise to return the favor one these days."
"Well if you two ever strike it rich, by finding a gold mine or married into royalty. Just pay me back with what little you can spare as a gesture of kindness."
"No problem." Kisuke said.
Since Momohime will eventually become the next queen or daimyo of the province of Mino. She'll always keep her promises and will most likely give a small donation to the old man for his gesture of kindness here today. It's another trait of her personality that I highly admire, Kisuke thought.
"Anyway, could you lead us to your older brother's inn, my hands and legs are getting kinda cold since it's the middle of February," Momohime said while keeping her hands in her armpits, to gain some warmth from her body?
"Very well then, just kindly follow me, young ones. Although it might take us at least thirty minutes to reach his inn." The old man said, feeling unenthusiastic about the cold himself. Even if his winter robe is trying to protect him from the cold.
The three of them traverse through the bustling city streets with luminously lit lanterns outside. With many people being influenced by economic growth, strict social order, foreign policies, and authoritarian laws still have a stronghold effect in Japan.
Even after the death of the shogun Tokugawa Tsunayoshi on February 19th, 1709.
"Here we are, young vagrants. Welcome to my older brother's inn, the Moonlit Spirit Inn." The old man said, presenting his older brother with wonderful business. Kisuke and Momohime were observing the place if it was suitable for their needs and liking.
Including the building lodging, food, beverages, and many other accommodations. The hour was late, so the tavern was fully packed with local merchants and craftsmen.
"Are these friends of yours Harou?" The bartender said while passing down sake to some of his drunken customers by the table, near the cloth sheet door entrance.
"They saved my life Kairu. I couldn't just leave these nice children at the mercy of the daimyo and his officers."
"I'll give them a discount for a guest room, but that's all I'm willing to give. Business is a little tough now that I have to offer some money to your family carpeting store. So you can survive the next month's bill." Kairu replied while being a little stingy with his he has to pay the rent soon.
"Every little bit helps I guess," Kisuke said. I was hoping to get a few free shots, but at least Momohime won't complain about a rat or bug-infested inn, Kisuke thought.
"Yes, a lovely and quiet guest room please," Momohime responded, as she handed out the exact amount of money from her pouch, while Kisuke offered some of his money as well. So they can have room to stay and a hot meal to eat tonight.
"Thank you and enjoy your stay in the Moonlit Spirit inn, young vagrants."
Kisuke and Momohime bowed their heads, as a sign of thanks and took their seats by the dining table. Awaiting order drinks.
"Here they are, one Hojicha green tea with a side order of fried tofu, for the pretty lady and sake with a bowl of miso soup for the young vagrant boy," Kairu said as he passed their ordered food and drinks as they requested.
Momohime sighed and reached out to grab the teacup, eyeing Kisuke all the while. "I still think any decent person can agree that drinking your troubles away is a very poor coping method Kisuke," she said blandly and sipped her warm glass of green tea.
"But it is a coping method; whether you like it or not," Kisuke countered in a profoundly wise manner of thinking.
"Well, that makes a lot of sense Kisuke," Momohime replied sarcastically.
You just want an excuse to get drunk and eventually, I'm gonna break this bad habit of yours Kisuke, thought Momohime as she started to eat some of her meal.
"Besides, both ninjas and samurai use booze for training purposes, to build up their alcohol tolerance. To make sure people like me don't blackout in unfortunate situations that are sometimes life-threatening." Kisuke, trying to change her opinion.
Kisuke raised his glass of sake, to his lips. Taking a mouthful and swallowing. Ahh, still tastes bittersweet, as always.
He had almost drained his whole cup of sake, while Momohime was busy getting some useful information from the crowd who were trying to flirt with her or start a conversation about business, politics, or the new Shogun of Japan and the new laws he will implement in the near future.
Kisuke kept up a steady stream of conversation, gaining some good intel on people who stash way Muramasa swords and the latest gossip around the city. The crazy giggles were back again and Kisuke's stomach was starting to hurt a bit from continuous laughter.
"Hey princess." He eventually murmured, drawing out his stuttering words and staring at Momohime's face. "Have I ever told you that your hair is more beautiful than your older sister's?"
"Only the ten-timed you were drunk Kisuke." She said annoyingly.
"Yet you still don't stop me, from telling you how attractive you really are."
Kisuke was still for a second, something flickering across his face.
Kisuke blinked slowly at her. He was feeling all warm and cozy and his head felt both heavy and light at the same time.
It felt amazing.
Finally, Momohime murmured. "You're a weird drunk, Kisuke," she said dryly.
"Thank you!" He grinned at her. "I don't know what kind of drunk you are, though." He tilted his head on her shoulder, trying to convince her to take a drink as well. "Maybe you should take a sip too, so we can both feel happy together, while the night is still young!"
"I think I'll pass Kisuke, someone has to be the responsible one in our partnership."
"Yeah, your right, you're the brains, and I'm the bra-bra-brawns," Kisuke said until he flopped over to Momohime, wrapping his arms around her smooth waist and laying his head gently on her voluptuous warm breast, for a generic hug.
"I love how smart you are Momohime." He chirped in contentment.
"Thank you Kisuke, now would you p-p-please get your drunken, pervert face off me! You smell like booze." Momohime said, feeling quite angry and embarrassed by prying eyes staring at them. As Kisuke rubs his face on Momohime's voluptuous warm breasts.
Wow, her B-cup boobs are so soft and cozy. Like red bean mochi. Kisuke thought as he continued to rub his cheek on Momohime's breasts.
While he was still snickering every now and then, he hummed vaguely. "You know, you gonna say I love you. If you want me to let you go, you silly girl," he said while snickering again.
"You gotta be joking!?" she shouted, very displeased by Kisuke's drunk behavior.
"Nope. Now say it!" He shouted, with a smile on his face. Having fun provoking Momohime, during his uncontrollable state.
"But everyone is staring at us!" she said awkwardly, while a few faces were gazing and chuckling to themselves. About the romance show, they exposed to the public.
"I don't care! I can hold on to you, like this forever you know." He squeezed on her body tightly, so she had no means of escape with his muscular arms.
"Anywhere, but not here Kisuke!" She said deeply depressed
"You're the only girl I know, who can keep up with me."
"Well your shit out luck, so don't make me tell you again."
"I'm only doing it for love. Expressing my happiness and fulfilling my destiny with you. Because you're helping me keep my mental sanity in check. So please say it for me." He said with a blushing red face with begging puppy dog eyes.
Then she whispers to his right ear and said.
"F-fine, I-I-I love you Kisuke," Momohime said with blushing pink cheeks.
He hummed vaguely. "Yeah, me too!" Then he let go of her and went back to snickering again.
"You two are both, adorable little love birds," Kairu said. "Your gonna pull on my heartstrings if you two keep this up."
"Then maybe you should see the love doctor soon," Kisuke informed him solemnly and slowly pushed himself out of his seat, to go to the bathroom and take a piss.
"Where are you going?" Momohime said a hint of skepticism about where his companion is really going, at this late hour.
"Nature calls!" He said with a grin on his face. As he turned around, he was very dazed and dizzy from drinking slightly too much alcohol.
Wow, is it just me or is the world suddenly spinning a bit, with each step I take hmm? Kisuke thought when he moved slowly.
Sometimes that little ninja boy is a pain in the neck every time he gets drunk on alcohol.
I wish he acted more maturely when using that stupid drinking substance. Momohime thought.
Kisuke returned back to his seat and said, "did you miss me Momohime?"
"Not really," Momohime said with an unhappy face.
"Hey I know my words are spurring now, but when I sober up. I always come to see how the fuck you're holding up without me by your side."
Kisuke reached back for his unfinished cup, to enjoy the wonderful flavor and then held her hands firmly on his cup of sake as he expected Momohime, making grabby hands on the table near his cup.
"Hip-come on I'm not even that drunk, yet Momohime." He said when she didn't immediately do anything other than eye her with wry amusement and reached her hand slightly, to his sake cup.
"I think you had enough for one night Kisuke; this is your last glass, then we are both going to bed okay." She said magnanimously.
"Yes, mommy," Kisuke said mockingly to Momohime as he drained his cup of sake and savored the sweet taste, to its last drop and they both gave his cups, bowls, and plates to the bartender.
They both finished eating and drinking, then turned their backs out of the busy inn. Momohime sighed a little and then picked up whatever thread of dignity she had left, as she carried Kisuke on her back. Upstairs to their reserved room in the evening.
While Kisuke snickered and reached out an uncoordinated hand to pat her beautiful black onyx hair. As he was drooling on Momohime's shoulder.
Momohime lay, Kisuke gently on the futon and said. "Go to bed," the princess ordered, as she moved the blanket covers, to his body.
"Okay!" Kisuke chirped and executed a semi-decent salute. "You're my best friend and my master," he informed her. "I have to do whatever you say," he whispered loudly, because what if she didn't know that?
"Uh-oh."
"Exactly," Momohime said and gave him a gentle nudge. "Good night Kisuke," Momohime added and stood up straight, turned around, and walked out of the room.
Blew the small fire on the lighted lantern and closed the door until there was nothing but a canvas of darkness spreading across the room.
Kisuke returned his feeling to Momohime and said. "G'night," but before he passed out, he whined to Momohime.
"Momohime I'm hot, could you please take off my ninja attire." He added pleadingly and went into a soundless sleep.
Momohime moaned and said, "for the love of kami, here we go again." She sighed deeply as she began to remove the sleeve of his black and blue ninja robes and pants.
As she tried her best to look the other way when glancing at some of his private parts, until he had nothing left, but his pure white fundoshi. She then put on his night kimono and lay him back on the futon, once again.
As she started to remember all the cute and funny reactions Kisuke made during the night. When he is usually, so polite and kind towards her.
I guess it's a little adorable and attractive seeing him behave this type of way towards her individuality. Instead of her sexual parts, from breast to thigh, Momohime thought.
Maybe he earned a reward, after praising me so much tonight, Momohime thought, as she inched closer and closer to give a kiss of gratitude, on Kisuke's forehead and then laid back on her futon a few inches away from Kisuke and went to sleep.
Dear fans, I would like to inform you all that Muramasa: Battle, bath, bonds. Will continue in March and during summer vacation.
Since I'm still actively working in college. For the next chapter, there's gonna be a little more suspension and action.
While the two characters are separated due to an unexpected surprise. So please review and follow my story, if you want to see more of Muramasa: Battle, bath, bonds. (Thank you for all your help and support.)