Chapter 2.1: Veiled Intentions
"Kamanosuke" - Speech
'Saizo' - Thought
"{Dragons Fang}" - Attack / Abilities
"Halt!" - Loudspeaker / Orders / Something Loud
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6:00am - April, 13th, 1585
Ueda Castle, West Wing Barracks, Saizo's Bedroom
Saizo stirred from his slumber as the first rays of morning light pierced through the thin paper screen of his window, casting a warm golden glow across his modest chamber. With a soft groan, he blinked away the remnants of sleep, his mind slowly rousing from its nocturnal reverie.
For a moment, he lay still, the weight of his responsibilities pressing upon him like a heavy mantle. Thoughts of the upcoming mission, coupled with the tension from his encounter with Kamanosuke, lingered at the forefront of his mind, refusing to be ignored.
As he lay there, bathed in the gentle embrace of morning light, Saizo's thoughts drifted back to the events of the previous night. The confrontation with Kamanosuke had left a bitter taste in his mouth, a reminder of the simmering tension that seemed to pervade their interactions.
But even as he reflected on their heated exchange, Saizo pushed the memories aside, unwilling to dwell on them any longer. With a resigned sigh, he resolved to put the incident behind him, at least for the time being. There were more pressing matters to attend to, and he could ill afford to be distracted by petty quarrels.
With a decisive shake of his head, Saizo pushed himself upright, his muscles protesting the sudden movement after a night spent in fitful sleep. Ignoring the stiffness in his limbs, he swung his legs over the edge of the futon and rose to his feet, stretching languidly as he prepared to face the day ahead.
Outside, the castle grounds lay bathed in the soft light of dawn, the air crisp and invigorating after the chill of the night. Saizo took a moment to savor the tranquility of the morning, the quiet calm a welcome respite from the chaos of the world beyond the castle walls.
But even as he basked in the serenity of the moment, Saizo knew that it would not last. There were duties to attend to, preparations to be made, and a mission to undertake. With a resigned sigh, he turned away from the window and set about his morning routine.
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Same Time - April, 13th, 1585
Ueda Castle, West Wing Barracks, Kamanosuke's Bedroom
Meanwhile, in his own chamber, Kamanosuke stirred restlessly, his sleep disturbed by the tumultuous thoughts that churned ceaselessly in his mind. The events of the previous night weighed heavily upon him, casting a shadow over his usually carefree demeanor.
As he lay there, staring up at the ceiling, Kamanosuke couldn't help but replay the events of the previous night in his mind, each moment etched into his memory with painful clarity. The confrontation with Saizo had left him shaken and unsettled, his emotions in turmoil as conflicting desires warred for dominance within him.
On one hand, there was the burning resentment he felt towards Saizo, a simmering anger that threatened to consume him if left unchecked. He couldn't understand why Saizo seemed to look down on him, treating him as though he were nothing more than an annoyance to be brushed aside.
But beneath the layers of anger and frustration lay a deeper, more troubling emotion: fear. Fear of rejection, fear of inadequacy, fear of being left behind while others forged ahead without him. It was a vulnerability that Kamanosuke loathed to acknowledge, even to himself, yet it gnawed at him relentlessly
As Kamanosuke lay there, grappling with the storm of emotions raging within him, a voice whispered in the recesses of his mind, a faint echo of his inner turmoil.
'Saizo...' he thought, his mind swirling with conflicting thoughts and emotions. 'Why does he always get under my skin? It's like he knows exactly how to push my buttons, how to make me feel... insignificant.'
The memory of their encounter last night played out in his mind's eye, each moment vivid and visceral. He could still feel the weight of Saizo's gaze, the intensity of his presence pressing down on him like a physical force. And then there was the touch—the brief, unexpected contact that had sent a jolt of unfamiliar sensation coursing through his body.
'I couldn't understand it,' Kamanosuke mused, his brow furrowing in confusion. 'What was that feeling? It was like... like something I'd never experienced before. And Saizo... he was so close, so...'
His thoughts trailed off, unable to articulate the strange mix of emotions that had surged within him in that brief moment of closeness. It was a vulnerability that unnerved him, a weakness that he refused to acknowledge.
But as he lay there, lost in the labyrinth of his own thoughts, another realization dawned on him: despite his best efforts to resist, Saizo had effortlessly dominated him in their fight, his skill and strength evident in every precise movement.
'I couldn't even lay a finger on him,' Kamanosuke thought bitterly, his pride wounded by the memory of his defeat. 'He was like a ghost, always one step ahead of me. And then he... he restrained me, just like that.'
The memory of Saizo's hold sent a shiver down Kamanosuke's spine, his body tensing involuntarily at the recollection of that brief moment of helplessness. It was a stark reminder of Saizo's formidable prowess, a reminder that left him feeling both awed and infuriated in equal measure.
'How does he do it?' Kamanosuke wondered, his mind awash with frustration. 'How does he always come out on top, no matter what? And why does it bother me so much?'
As Kamanosuke's thoughts swirled with frustration and confusion, a sudden surge of heat washed over him, suffusing his cheeks with a deep crimson blush. He rolled over on his futon onto his stomach, his heart pounding erratically as he kicked his legs around and thrashed about in a futile attempt to dispel the overwhelming emotions coursing through him.
'And who is he to dare touch me like that anyway?' Kamanosuke thought, his inner monologue growing increasingly heated. 'Does he have any idea where his hands were?!'
The memory of Saizo's touch sent another wave of embarrassment washing over him, his cheeks burning with embarrassment as he recalled the unexpected contact that had left him reeling. It was a violation of his personal space!
'He had no right,' Kamanosuke fumed inwardly, his fists clenching at his sides as he struggled to contain his anger. 'No right to treat me like some... some...'
But the words eluded him, lost in the whirlwind of conflicting emotions that churned within him. All he knew was that Saizo's actions had left him feeling exposed and vulnerable, a sensation that he loathed with every fiber of his being.
With a frustrated growl, Kamanosuke buried his face in his hands, his breaths coming in ragged gasps as he tried to regain control of his racing thoughts. But even as he attempted to push the memories aside, they lingered like a dark shadow at the edge of his consciousness, a constant reminder of the tumultuous events of the previous night.
Kamanosuke let out an exasperated sigh, the sound echoing loudly in the confines of his room. "Ahhhhh," he muttered to himself, his frustration palpable. Finally, with a resigned shake of his head, he acknowledged the futility of dwelling on the events of the previous night.
"I need water," Kamanosuke declared aloud, his voice tinged with irritation. There was nothing he could do about it now, so he might as well go and clear his mind. The cool, fresh water from the nearby river sounded appealing, a welcome respite from the turmoil of his thoughts.
Kamanosuke had always found solace in nature, and the river held a special significance for him. Its gentle currents and soothing sounds never failed to calm his restless spirit, providing a much-needed escape from the chaos of the world around him.
With newfound determination, Kamanosuke set about making preparations for his excursion. He gathered a few essentials before striding purposefully out of his room and into the morning light.
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Around 1 Hour Later | 7:15am - April, 13th, 1585
Ueda Castle, North Wing, Main Castle Palace Structure, Great Hall
As Saizo approached the entrance to the Great Hall, the tantalizing aroma of breakfast greeted him, wafting through the air and stirring his appetite. He took a moment to savor the familiar scent before pushing open the heavy wooden doors and stepping inside.
The Great Hall was already bustling with activity, the sound of conversation and laughter mingling with the clatter of dishes and utensils. Isanami and Anastasia sat together at one of the long wooden tables, their heads bent close as they shared a meal and engaged in quiet conversation.
Saizo's gaze swept over the room, taking note of the familiar faces scattered throughout. Kakei stood near the far end of the hall, deep in conversation with a group of infantrymen, his expression serious as he discussed matters of strategy and logistics.
A group of infantrymen, numbering at least twenty, were seated nearby, their laughter ringing out as they exchanged stories and jests. Mixed in among them were a handful of servants and soldiers, moving about the hall with trays of food and pitchers of water, tending to the needs of those gathered.
Saizo made his way through the bustling crowd, his movements purposeful as he headed towards the serving area. He exchanged nods of greeting with those he passed, offering a small smile or word of acknowledgment where appropriate.
Finally reaching the serving area, Saizo selected a few simple dishes—a bowl of rice, some pickled vegetables, and a cup of tea—before finding an empty spot at one of the tables. He settled into his seat, savoring the warmth of the food and the comforting chatter of his comrades.
As he ate, Saizo's thoughts drifted back to the events of the previous night, the memory of his encounter with Kamanosuke lingering at the edges of his consciousness. He pushed aside the troubling thoughts for now, focusing instead on the food in front of him.
Saizo savored each bite of his meal, finding comfort in the simple pleasure of nourishing his body after a long night. The rhythmic clatter of utensils and the hum of conversation filled the air around him, creating a sense of camaraderie that he found oddly comforting.
Midway through his meal, Saizo was jolted from his reverie by the sound of a sharp slap against one of the tables. He glanced up to see Isanami seated nearby, her expression one of annoyance as she attempted to catch his attention.
"Saizo!" Isanami exclaimed, her voice carrying across the room. "Why are you sitting all by yourself? Come join us!"
Saizo's brow furrowed in irritation at the interruption, but he kept his composure as he replied lazily, "I prefer to eat alone, Isanami. Leave me be."
Isanami's frustration only seemed to grow at his response, and she continued to pester him with questions and complaints. Saizo sighed inwardly, feeling a headache coming on as he attempted to tune out her incessant chatter.
Anastasia, ever the voice of reason, intervened before the situation could escalate further. With a gentle hand on Isanami's arm, she whispered soothing words of reassurance, urging her to let the matter drop.
Relieved at the reprieve, Saizo offered a silent prayer of thanks to whatever deity might be listening. With Isanami's attention diverted elsewhere, he returned his focus to his meal, grateful for the moment of peace amidst the chaos of the Great Hall.
Unfortunately for Saizo, this reprieve from annoyances didn't last long, and his peace was interrupted yet again. He just so happened to look up at the right time as Kamanosuke strode into the great hall through the main wooden doors. For Kamanosuke, they were finally in a better mood after last night, a gleaming smile on their face, however, as for them, that as well didn't last very long, as both Saizo and Kamanosuke's vision both fell upon the other.
Kamanosuke stopped dead in their tracks, their smile fading into a look of surprise and uncertainty as their eyes locked with Saizo's. The air seemed to fall still with tension between the two, unbeknownst to the other occupants of the Great Hall.
Saizo felt a knot form in the pit of his stomach as he met Kamanosuke's gaze, his heart pounding in his chest. He couldn't tear his eyes away, couldn't shake the feeling of being drawn inexorably towards the other man, despite the turmoil raging within him.
For a long moment, they simply stared at each other, neither speaking nor moving. It was as though time itself had ground to a halt, leaving them suspended in a moment of suspended animation.
The tension was abruptly shattered as Kamanosuke's expression shifted from surprise to a forced smile, their eyes darting away from Saizo's intense gaze. With a nervous laugh, they muttered something about being in the wrong place and hastily retreated through the same doors they had just entered.
Saizo blinked in bewilderment, watching Kamanosuke's retreating figure with a mix of emotions swirling inside him. The brief moment of connection, of shared intensity, left him feeling strangely hollow as he tried to make sense of what had just transpired.
His mind raced, replaying the encounter over and over again as he struggled to understand his own feelings. Why did Kamanosuke's sudden departure leave him feeling so... unsettled? And why couldn't he shake the nagging sense of hurt that lingered in its wake?
Frustration welled up inside Saizo, his confusion giving way to a simmering anger as he tried to push aside the whirlwind of emotions threatening to overwhelm him. But even as he attempted to regain his composure, a nagging voice at the back of his mind whispered that things between them had changed, irrevocably altered by that brief, fleeting moment of connection.
With a sigh, Saizo pushed himself away from the table, his appetite forgotten as he made his way out of the Great Hall. There were too many questions, too many uncertainties weighing on his mind, and he knew that he wouldn't find the answers he sought here.
Saizo's steps echoed softly against the polished stone floor as he made his way out of the Great Hall, the weight of unresolved tension heavy on his shoulders. He cast a searching gaze across the bustling courtyard, scanning the faces of the people milling about in search for a flash of magenta hair, but there was no sign of Kamanosuke to be found.
A deep frown creased Saizo's brow as frustration gnawed at him from within. He couldn't shake the feeling of unease that lingered in the pit of his stomach, whatever had transpired between them last night, whatever tension that had been building ever since they met, it had left its mark on Saizo in ways he couldn't begin to fathom. And now, with Kamanosuke nowhere to be found, the tension continued to hang heavy in the air like a storm cloud on the horizon, threatening to break at any moment.
With a resigned sigh, Saizo knew that he couldn't afford to let things continue on as they were. He had to find Kamanosuke, and had to confront whatever demons lurked within them both before it was too late. The thought of facing the other man filled him with a mix of trepidation and determination, but he knew that he had no other choice. Saizo's resolve solidified as he embarked on his search for Kamanosuke.
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Around An Hour Later | 8:23am - April, 13th, 1585
Ueda Castle, West Wing Lord Manor, Sanada's Study
In his personal study, Sanada lounged comfortably on a cushioned seat beside a low desk scattered with parchment and scrolls. His pipe smoldered lazily between his fingers, the fragrant smoke curling upwards in delicate tendrils as he contemplated the documents before him.
Rokuro, ever the faithful attendant, hovered nearby, his sharp eyes flicking across the pages as he absorbed the information they contained. His brow furrowed in concentration, a testament to his dedication to his lord and master.
Sanada exhaled a cloud of smoke, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly as he leaned back against the cushions. Despite the chaos that threatened to engulf them from all sides, he found solace in the familiar routine of his duties, a brief respite from the weight of responsibility that rested upon his shoulders.
But even as he lost himself in the comforting haze of tobacco and ink, Sanada couldn't shake the feeling of unease that lingered at the edge of his consciousness. The absence of his trusted warriors weighed heavily on him, their whereabouts unknown in the face of looming danger.
With a sigh, Sanada set aside his pipe, his mind already turning towards the next steps he would need to take to ensure the safety of his people and the prosperity of their land.
Sanada turned to Rokuro, his gaze piercing through the haze of smoke that enveloped them. "Rokuro," he began, his voice calm but tinged with concern, "have we heard anything from Miyoshi? How goes the training?"
Rokuro paused in his perusal of the documents before him, his brow furrowing in thought. "My lord," he replied, "Miyoshi has yet to return from their physical training mission. However, based on their usual schedule, they should be back around or just after noon today."
Sanada nodded, his expression thoughtful as he took another puff from his pipe. The absence of one of his most trusted warriors weighed heavily on his mind, but he knew that Miyoshi was more than capable of handling whatever challenges lay in their path.
"And what of Sasuke?" Sanada inquired, his tone betraying a hint of concern.
Rokuro's eyes flickered with recognition at the mention of Sasuke, and he quickly composed himself before replying. "Sasuke left very early this morning, around 1 am," he reported. "He departed for the scouting missions with a contingent of 13 Ninja, including themself. They set out under the cover of darkness to avoid detection."
Sanada nodded in acknowledgment, his thoughts already turning towards the tasks that lay ahead. "Keep me informed of any developments," Sanada instructed, his voice firm but measured. "And ensure that our defenses are fortified in case of any unforeseen threats."
With a final nod of affirmation, Rokuro returned his attention to the documents before him, the weight of their responsibilities hanging heavy in the air as they prepared for the trials that lay ahead.
Sanada's gaze lingered on Rokuro, a mischievous glint dancing in his eyes as he took in the other man's appearance. Despite the gravity of their situation, he couldn't resist indulging in a bit of playful banter, especially when it came to teasing his loyal retainer.
Rokuro, well accustomed to his lord's playful antics, felt a familiar warmth rise in his cheeks as he sensed Sanada's gaze lingering a little longer than usual. He cleared his throat, shifting slightly in his seat, but made no effort to cover himself or adjust his attire.
"Is there something on your mind, my lord?" Rokuro asked, his tone tinged with amusement.
Sanada chuckled softly, leaning back against the cushions with a smirk. "Just admiring the view, Rokuro," he replied, his tone teasing.
Rokuro rolled his eyes, though a fond smile tugged at the corners of his lips. "I'll take that as a compliment," he quipped, turning his attention back to the documents spread out before him.
Sanada's smirk softened into a gentle smile as he shifted closer to Rokuro, his hand coming up to cup the other man's face tenderly. Rokuro's heart skipped a beat at the unexpected gesture, a blush dusting his cheeks as he met Sanada's intense gaze.
Sanada's touch was surprisingly gentle as he brushed aside the strands of hair and bandages that obscured Rokuro's right eye. With a careful motion, he revealed the eye that had remained hidden from view, its vibrant color catching the light in a mesmerizing display.
Rokuro felt a flutter of embarrassment at the intimate gesture, but he couldn't deny the warmth that spread through him at Sanada's touch. He met his lord's gaze with a mixture of surprise and affection, his heart pounding in his chest as he allowed himself to be drawn into the moment.
For a long moment, they simply stared at each other, the world around them fading into insignificance as they lost themselves in the intensity of their shared gaze. In that fleeting moment, all that mattered was the connection between them, a bond that transcended the boundaries of duty and loyalty.
Sanada withdrew his hand, a wistful smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Your eyes are truly a sight to behold, Rokuro," he murmured softly, his tone filled with genuine admiration. Rokuro's blush deepened at the praise, but he couldn't suppress the smile that tugged at his lips. "Thank you, my lord," he replied, his voice barely above a whisper.
Sanada's expression softened even further, a tender warmth in his eyes as he regarded Rokuro with a gentle smile. "Rokuro," he began, his voice low but filled with sincerity, "your eyes are unique, a reflection of the strength and resilience that lies within you. They are a precious gift, one that should be cherished and protected at all costs."
Rokuro's breath caught in his throat at Sanada's words, the weight of their meaning sinking in with each syllable. He nodded slowly, a sense of reverence washing over him as he met Sanada's unwavering gaze.
"No one can have your eyes except me," Sanada continued, his tone firm but gentle. "Promise me, Rokuro, that you will never let anyone destroy that invaluable treasure, or the power that lies hidden within."
Rokuro's heart swelled with emotion at the depth of Sanada's words, a fierce determination burning within him as he vowed to uphold his lord's wishes. "I promise, my lord," he replied, his voice steady despite the emotion that threatened to overwhelm him. "I will protect them with my life, for as long as I draw breath."
With a solemn nod, Sanada reached out to clasp Rokuro's shoulder in a gesture of solidarity. "Together, we will face whatever challenges come our way," he declared, his voice filled with unwavering resolve. "And together, we will emerge victorious."
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Some Time Later | 8:40am - April, 13th, 1585
Ueda Castle, East Wing, Castle Compound Grounds
The cool breeze brushed against Kamanosuke's face as they wandered aimlessly through the east wing castle grounds. Here, away from the hustle and bustle of the main compound, a sense of tranquility enveloped them like a comforting embrace.
In the distance on the north side, the imposing structures of the main office buildings loomed, their shadows stretching across the neatly manicured gardens. Servants and soldiers moved about with purpose, their voices murmuring in the background, but Kamanosuke paid them little mind as they lost themselves in the peaceful solitude of their surroundings.
With each step, the weight of their thoughts began to ease, the gentle rhythm of their footfalls a soothing counterpoint to the turmoil that churned within them. They found solace in the quiet beauty of the castle grounds, the verdant foliage and blooming flowers a testament to the resilience of life amidst the chaos of war.
The tranquility of the castle grounds was shattered as Kamanosuke's thoughts were once again consumed by images of Saizo's face. Despite their attempts to find solace in the beauty of their surroundings, the memory of their encounter with Saizo lingered like a dark cloud over their mind.
Lost in their thoughts, Kamanosuke didn't notice the imposing figure of Kakei rounding the corner until it was too late. With a startled gasp, they stumbled forward, only to collide headfirst into Kakei's chest.
"Whoa there, watch your step," Kakei chuckled, his deep voice rumbling with amusement as he reached out to steady Kamanosuke. "Didn't see you coming."
Embarrassment and slight annoyance flooded Kamanosuke's as they took a step back. "Sorry" they mumbled.
Kakei waved off light tension with a reassuring smile. "No harm done," he replied, his tone warm and friendly. "Are you alright?".
As Kakei offered his reassurance, Kamanosuke's annoyance only seemed to intensify, their frustration bubbling to the surface. Ignoring Kakei's friendly demeanor, they launched into a tirade about Saizo, their words dripping with disdain and frustration.
"I can't believe him!" Kamanosuke exclaimed, their voice laced with anger. "Saizo is such an arrogant fool, thinking he can just waltz around like he owns the place!"
With each word, their frustration mounted, the weight of their emotions threatening to overwhelm them. Turning away from Kakei, they stormed off towards the northeast section of the castle, their steps quick and purposeful.
Kakei watched them go, a bemused expression on his face as he chuckled softly to himself. Despite the unexpected outburst, he remained unfazed, knowing that Kamanosuke's temper was as fleeting as it was fierce. With a shake of his head, he continued on his way, content to let the moment pass without further comment.
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10 Minutes Later | 8:50am - April, 13th, 1585
Ueda Castle, North East Castle Grounds, 3rd Training Plateau Mini Forest
Kamanosuke found themselves perched high atop a sturdy branch of a large tree, nestled within a secluded grove in the northeastern corner of the castle grounds. From this vantage point, they could survey the surrounding landscape, the verdant foliage stretching out before them like a sea of green.
Their frustration with Saizo still simmered just beneath the surface, bubbling with a fierce intensity that threatened to consume them. With a heavy sigh, Kamanosuke leaned back against the trunk of the tree, their gaze fixed on the distant horizon as they muttered aloud to themselves.
"I'll show him," they muttered, their voice barely above a whisper. "I'll put him in his place, once and for all."
The words hung in the air like a silent vow, a testament to the determination burning within them.
Kamanosuke's internal monologue continued unabated, their thoughts swirling in a maelstrom of confusion and conflicting emotions. "Why did that even have to happen anyways?" they muttered to themselves, frustration lacing their words. "I thought I had just gotten over it, and everything would be fine. But no, I had to just see Saizo's stupid handsome face in the Great Hall, didn't I?"
As soon as the words left their lips, Kamanosuke recoiled inwardly, cheeks flushing with embarrassment. The admission hung in the air like an unspoken truth, a confession they weren't quite ready to make. "Handsome face?" they repeated, disbelief coloring their tone. "Why did I even think that?"
The question echoed in the quiet stillness of the forest, unanswered and unsettling. Kamanosuke's confusion deepened, their thoughts spiraling into a chaotic whirlwind of conflicting emotions. They couldn't make sense of it—why would they consider Saizo handsome? It didn't make sense, and yet... there it was, the undeniable truth staring them in the face.
Shaking their head as if to dispel the errant thoughts, Kamanosuke buried their face in their hands, a deep sense of embarrassment washing over them. "Stupid," they muttered to themselves, chastising their own foolishness. "Stupid, stupid, stupid." But no matter how hard they tried to deny it, the image of Saizo's face lingered in their mind, a stubborn reminder of feelings they couldn't quite comprehend.
Tears welled up in Kamanosuke's eyes, a silent testament to the tumult of emotions raging within them. They felt overwhelmed, lost in a sea of uncertainty and self-doubt. It was all Saizo's fault, they reasoned, the turmoil in their heart a direct result of his actions and the way he treated them.
As the tears trickled down their cheeks, Kamanosuke couldn't help but feel a sense of betrayal, both by Saizo and by their own traitorous heart. They had trusted him, looked up to him, and yet he seemed determined to tear down every shred of their self-confidence with each passing day.
But beneath the anger and resentment lay a deeper, more painful truth: the ache of loneliness and longing, a longing for acceptance and understanding that seemed forever out of reach. It was a vulnerability that Kamanosuke loathed to acknowledge, even to themselves, yet it gnawed at them relentlessly, leaving them feeling raw and exposed.
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An Hour And 20 Minutes Later | 10:10am - April, 13th, 1585
Ueda Castle, South Castle Grounds, Outside Temple Structure And Training Zone
Saizo's footsteps echoed softly as he traversed the familiar paths of the castle grounds, his eyes scanning the surroundings in search of any sign of Kamanosuke. Despite his efforts, however, there was no trace of his elusive companion, leaving him with a sense of frustration and concern.
As he continued his search, Saizo's thoughts drifted back to their encounter in the Great Hall, the memory of Kamanosuke's fleeting presence lingering in his mind like a ghost. He couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to their exchange than met the eye, a hidden depth to Kamanosuke's emotions that he had yet to fully understand.
Saizo paused in his tracks, a furrow forming on his brow as he pondered the perplexing puzzle that was Kamanosuke's behavior. It didn't make sense—why would they freeze like that and then hastily retreat? Surely, under normal circumstances, they would have simply ignored him and gone about their business, perhaps even exchanging a few barbed remarks as they often did. And yet, their sudden departure from the Great Hall, coupled with the memory of the radiant smile that had graced their lips, left Saizo feeling strangely unsettled.
As he mulled over the enigma of Kamanosuke's actions, a troubling thought crept into Saizo's mind, one that he couldn't easily dismiss. Why had he found their smile so captivating, so... beautiful? The realization sent a shiver down his spine, his heart skipping a beat at the revelation.
Pushing aside the unsettling notion of Kamanosuke's captivating smile, Saizo refocused his thoughts on their recent encounter. The memory of Kamanosuke's sudden change in demeanor weighed heavily on his mind, stirring a pang of guilt within him. While he couldn't be certain of the exact cause of Kamanosuke's distress, the timing of their encounter couldn't be ignored. His presence seemed to coincide with the abrupt disappearance of Kamanosuke's radiant smile, leaving behind traces of sadness
Though Saizo knew he couldn't be held responsible for Kamanosuke's emotional state, the guilt gnawed at him nonetheless. He couldn't shake the feeling that his mere presence had somehow contributed to Kamanosuke's sudden loss of happiness and vibrance. It was a troubling realization, one that left him feeling oddly at fault.
With a heavy sigh, Saizo tried to set aside his feelings for the time being. Pushing aside his annoying thoughts, he continued his search for Kamanosuke, determined to uncover the truth behind their recent encounter.
After some time had passed, Saizo found himself wandering through the northern castle grounds, his footsteps echoing softly against the cobblestone pathways. Despite his best efforts, Kamanosuke remained elusive, his whereabouts still unknown.
The main palace structure of Ueda Castle towered before him, its imposing presence a stark reminder of the responsibilities that weighed heavily on his shoulders. Saizo scanned the area with a furrowed brow, his senses on high alert as he searched for any sign of his elusive comrade.
But try as he might, Kamanosuke remained nowhere to be found, leaving Saizo feeling increasingly frustrated and helpless. With a sigh of resignation, he continued his search
Saizo's brow furrowed deeper as he searched the castle grounds, his mind preoccupied with thoughts of Kamanosuke. Just as he was about to continue his fruitless search, a familiar voice called out to him.
"Saizo! What brings you to this part of the castle?" Kakei's voice broke through his thoughts, drawing his attention to the approaching figure.
Saizo turned to face Kakei, offering a small nod of acknowledgment. "Just taking a walk," he replied vaguely, his tone guarded as he kept his true intentions hidden. "How have you been, Kakei?"
Kakei's easy smile faltered slightly at Saizo's evasive response, but he forged ahead with the conversation nonetheless. "Oh, you know, the usual," he replied with a shrug. "Busy as ever. But enough about me, what's been keeping you occupied lately?"
Despite his reluctance to divulge too much, Saizo found himself opening up to Kakei, if only to distract himself from the frustration of his search for Kamanosuke. As they fell into conversation, the weight of his worries began to ease, if only for a moment, in the comforting presence of someone whom he did at least consider to be a friend.
As they talked, Saizo's mind drifted away from his search for Kamanosuke, finding solace in the familiar cadence of Kakei's voice. Yet, amidst their conversation, a particular mention caught Saizo's attention, causing him to pause mid-sentence.
"Wait, you saw Kamanosuke earlier?" Saizo asked, his interest piqued by the mention of his elusive comrade. "What happened?"
Kakei shrugged nonchalantly, as if it were a common occurrence. "Oh, you know how it is," he replied casually. "Just another one of his outbursts. Screaming about something or other. It happens all the time."
Saizo nodded thoughtfully, trying to mask the urgency in his voice as he continued the conversation. "I see," he replied, feigning nonchalance. "Do you happen to know which direction he was headed?"
Kakei shook his head, oblivious to Saizo's underlying concern. "I'm not entirely sure," he admitted with a shrug. "Last I saw him, he was heading towards the North Eastern Castle Grounds. Probably off to one of the training grounds up there to blow off some steam, knowing him."
Saizo's heart skipped a beat at the mention of Kamanosuke heading to the North Eastern Castle Grounds. It was a lead, albeit a vague one, but it was better than nothing.
As Kakei continued talking, Saizo listened attentively, his mind already racing ahead to formulate a plan. He was eager to continue his search for Kamanosuke, but he knew he had to play it cool, lest he arouse suspicion.
Fortunately, luck seemed to be on his side as Kakei suddenly glanced at his timepiece, a look of mild surprise crossing his features. "Oh, would you look at the time," he exclaimed, a sheepish smile spreading across his face. "I've got some errands to run. It was good catching up with you, Saizo. Take care."
With a nod and a quick farewell, Kakei hurried off, leaving Saizo alone once more. Seizing the opportunity, Saizo wasted no time in resuming his search for Kamanosuke, his determination renewed as he made his way towards the North Eastern Castle Grounds.