Chapter 10
(A/N: We're coming to the climax! This is the third to last chapter, and the death waiver will be signed. I know it's short, but it's good. Enjoy, and please review.)
It was a quiet night in Kyoto. The Shogun, Masutatsu Varada, had been dinning with the Empress Ishiyama and felt certain that if the negotiations continued to go as they did, his political faction would have more power than ever before.
"Surely, your Majesty," said Vara in a voice that was smooth as warm oil, "you can see the logic in this. The followers of the Buddha are harmless enough, for they do not violate the ways of the Gods, but the followers of Christ are weakening the spirit of Japan. It is especially bad on Kyushu, where the nobles are thinking of putting them into positions of power. If we are to stop this, your highness, we must ban Christianity."
"I have listened to your advice, Masutatsu Varada," said the Empress, "but to actually punish people for their religion just seems so . . . heartless. Who else would we persecute under this new law?"
"No one else who really matters, my sovereign," said Vara genially, "Just the Hindus, the Taoists, the Jews."
Suddenly, the doors flew open, and Danny crossed the threshold, now wearing his functional blue kimono, a murderous look in his eyes.
"Why, Daniro," said Vara, "Whatever are you doing here?" Danny, instead of replying, bolted across the room and socked Masutatsu in the jaw. Quick as you could blink, the Immortals that lined the walls assumed fighting stances and drew their weapons.
"PUT UP YOUR SWORDS!!" screamed Ishiyama from behind her screen. The Immortal reluctantly complied. "Fenton Daniro, what is the meaning of this?!" she yelled at him. "Your Majesty," said Danny soberly, "Masutatsu Varada's hired killers attacked me at the Obon dance and murdered my best friend!"
"And what would you have done about it, Daniro?" asked Vara bitterly as he stood and wiped his mouth.
"I challenge you," said Danny venomously, "to single combat, unto death. No rules, no weapons beyond our swords and bodies, no quarter asked, and none given."
With a thin, superior smile, Varada said, "I accept."
1.) Shogun - basically, a high-ranking samurai general.
TO BE CONTINUED.