The forest was a labyrinth of towering trees and thick underbrush, the sunlight barely piercing through the dense canopy. Homura moved with the grace and stealth of a shadow, her footsteps silent on the forest floor. She had traveled far, evading the Kingdom of Science's patrols with ease, her pink hair tied back to avoid detection.

As she approached the heart of Tsukasa's territory, she could sense the heightened tension in the air. The guards were alert, their eyes scanning the surroundings with wary precision. Homura knew Tsukasa's base was near, hidden within the natural fortress of the forest.

Homura reached a large boulder that marked the beginning of Tsukasa's inner sanctum. She paused, her eyes narrowing as she observed the guards ahead. They were disciplined and well-trained, a testament to Tsukasa's leadership. She took a deep breath and stepped into the open, her movements deliberate and unthreatening.

One of the guards spotted her and signaled to the others. They tightened their formation, but there was no aggression in their stance. Homura raised her hands slightly, showing she meant no harm. "I need to speak with Tsukasa," she said, her voice calm and authoritative.

The guards exchanged glances before one of them nodded. "Follow me," he said, leading her through the final stretch of the forest. As they walked, Homura's mind raced with thoughts of Hyouga and the conflict with the Kingdom of Science. She knew Tsukasa would be strategizing, preparing for their next move.

The trees thinned out, revealing Tsukasa's base—a collection of sturdy wooden structures built around a natural clearing. The place exuded a sense of order and strength, much like its leader. Homura's escort stopped at the entrance to the main building, where Tsukasa awaited her.

Tsukasa sat in his stone-made throne, his eyes sharp and penetrating as he watched Homura approach. He was a formidable figure, his presence commanding respect and loyalty. As Homura drew nearer, she could see the flicker of concern in his eyes, though his expression remained stoic.

"Homura," Tsukasa greeted her, his voice steady. "What news do you bring? And where is Hyouga?"

Homura bowed slightly. "Tsukasa, Hyouga has been captured."

Tsukasa's eyes narrowed, but his voice remained calm. "Explain."

Homura took a deep breath, her shoulders tense.

"Asagiri Gen is a traitor. His information is liable to be false; Ishigami Senkuu is still alive." She reported. "The village, Kingdom of Science, led by Ishigami Senkuu has been seen with upgraded weapons, one of them is katana."

Homura noticed Tsukasa's form became rigid, she still continued. "The invasion toward the village resulted in defeat. Hyouga has been captured by an iron-made trap, possibly crafted by Ishigami, the other subordinates on the other hand… Dead, the downslope wind killed them by getting affected by the sulphuric acid near the volcanic activity during the time of escape, its air producing poisonous gas that eliminated them in one deep inhale."

After a beat of silence, Tsukasa released an exhale, his eyes narrowed with hidden concern. "That is unfortunate. We need to reassess, Ukyo, I need you to step in Hyouga's role temporarily. Take Homura, prepare our scouts and gather intelligence on their movements."

Ukyo nodded, his expression serious. "I'll ensure we have eyes and ears everywhere."

Homura glanced at Tsukasa, worries reflecting in her eyes. "Do you think they'll try to use him against us, Tsukasa?"

Tsukasa's gaze hardened. "It's likely. Senkuu is cunning. But we will not be swayed by their tactics."

He addressed his followers, his voice strong and unwavering. "This setback is but a test of our resolve. We will continue to stand strong and fight for a world free of the old corruptions. Train harder, be vigilant, and be ready for anything."

"Hyouga, I won't let your capture be in vain. We will succeed."

Hyouga leaned against the rough wooden wall of his cell, his expression calm and composed. He woke up inside of a cell, presumably inside Senkuu's territory. The previous events reflecting in his mind as the last thing he saw was a blonde woman knocking his head out. Despite the restraints on his wrists behind his back, his mind was anything but captive. He surveyed the room with a keen eye, noting the guards' routines, the structural weaknesses, and the subtle sounds of the bustling village outside.

Being captured by the Kingdom of Science was a hindrance, and Hyouga hadn't anticipated this possibility. He knew Senkuu's tactics well enough to understand that they would not underestimate him, but not this far. The question that remained was how they planned to use him.

Hyouga's thoughts drifted to Tsukasa and the empire he had built. He respected Tsukasa's vision of a pure, uncorrupted world, free from the taint of the old civilization. Hyouga had always been pragmatic, willing to use any means necessary to achieve their goals.

Now, he needed to turn that pragmatism towards his own survival and usefulness.

The door to his cell creaked open, and Hyouga's gaze snapped to the figure entering—Kunzite, one of the villagers he had heard about, hanging around Senkuu and his subordinates. Short dark hair and eyes with an almost bronze hue, she was petite, lacking the muscles necessary for combat, Hyouga mused.

She approached cautiously, carrying a tray of food and water. Hyouga's eyes flickered with interest. Every interaction was a potential source of information.

"Here," Kunzite said softly, setting the tray down. She looked at him with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. "You must be hungry."

Hyouga gave a slight nod, maintaining his calm demeanor. "Thank you," he replied, his voice smooth. "I appreciate the hospitality, even under these circumstances."

It was quiet, Kunzite hesitated, then spoke again. "Why do you follow Tsukasa?"

Hyouga studied her for a moment, weighing his words carefully. "Tsukasa and I share a vision for the future. A world where the strong and righteous prevail."

Kunzite frowned slightly but didn't press further. Then she sat across from him, awkwardness oozing from their interaction.

"Uh," Kunzite started, feeling her voice catch in her throat. Hyouga's eyes flickered towards her, sharp and piercing. "As you noticed, you are in binds."

"I can see that," Hyouga replied coolly, his voice smooth and unbothered.

Kunzite shifted her weight from one foot to the other, her discomfort palpable. "I can't let you eat using your hands," she retorted, gesturing to him. "You might escape."

Hyouga cocked his head slightly, just staring at her. The silence between them stretched, filled only by the distant murmur of the village outside. Kunzite flushed under his gaze and motioned to his mask.

"I have to feed you," she finished lamely, her uneasiness speaking volumes.

Hyouga's lips curled into a faint, amused smile under his mask. "And if this is a poison?" he responded, his sharp eyes drilling into hers.

Kunzite blinked, momentarily taken aback. "Why would we poison you?" she asked, regaining some of her composure. "You're more valuable alive."

"Am I?" Hyouga countered smoothly. "Alive, I am a threat. Dead, I am a message."

Kunzite swallowed, trying to maintain her composure. "Senkuu believes in preserving life," she said firmly. "He wouldn't resort to poison."

Hyouga chuckled softly, a sound that sent a chill down her spine. "Very well, then," he said, leaning back slightly. "Let's proceed."

With trembling hands, Kunzite softly reached towards his mask, pulling it down and revealing the marks around his lips. She stared for a bit, then shook her head and picked up a piece of food, carefully bringing it to Hyouga's lips. He watched her intently, his gaze never leaving her face. She could feel his breath on her fingers as he took the bite, his eyes still locked onto hers.

"You seem nervous," Hyouga observed between bites. "Are you afraid of me?"

Kunzite's hand shook slightly, but she steadied herself. "I'm cautious," she replied. "There's a difference."

Hyouga raised an eyebrow. "Cautious. Interesting. You don't strike me as a fighter."

"I'm not," Kunzite admitted. "But I am loyal to my friends and my village. I'll do what I must to protect them."

Hyouga's eyes softened ever so slightly. "Loyalty. A commendable trait," he said. "But loyalty can also be a weakness, exploited by those with ill intent."

Kunzite's jaw tightened. "Perhaps," she conceded. "But I believe in the people I care about."

Hyouga finished the last bite of food, and Kunzite placed the tray down, her hands still trembling slightly. "You're braver than you appear," he remarked, his tone almost appreciative.

Kunzite met his gaze, her eyes determined. "I have to be," she said. "We all do, in this world."

Hyouga nodded slowly, his expression thoughtful. "Indeed. The world we live in now requires strength in many forms."

Kunzite didn't answer. Hyouga then questioned, "If you're not a fighter, then why are you here alone?"

"I'm not," Kunzite replied. "Senkuu and the others are just outside the door."

Hyouga's eyes flickered towards the exit of his cell, noticing Senkuu grinning right at him alongside a boy with a serious expression that looked like he was daring him to lay a hand on Kunzite.

"I see," Hyouga replied, amusement with a hint of displeasure pronounced in his form.

"They won't let me go alone inside a cell with a strong opponent," Kunzite said in a matter-of-fact tone. "Especially one much stronger than me, even in binds."

Hyouga's amusement grew, but he masked it with a neutral expression. "Wise. Senkuu is always thorough."

He then leaned slightly forward, his eyes narrowing with curiosity. "Why are you the one bringing me food, then, if you're not a fighter?"

Kunzite hesitated, then squared her shoulders. "I'm well-mannered enough to approach you without directly killing you on the spot or running away due to fear," she replied, trying to maintain her composure.

Kunzite then nodded, cutting any conversations that might spring up, finishing her task and standing up. "I'll be back later with more food and water," she said, trying to maintain a semblance of authority.

"Until then," Hyouga replied smoothly, his eyes following her as she exited the cell.

She left the cell, closing the door behind her. Hyouga watched her go, his mind already analyzing the interaction. She was curious, perhaps even conflicted. This could be an opportunity.

Hyouga's mind was a whirlwind of strategies and contingencies. He knew that the Kingdom of Science would try to extract information from him, perhaps even attempt to turn him against Tsukasa.

In the silence of his cell, Hyouga's resolve hardened. He was a strategist, a warrior, and above all, a survivor. The Kingdom of Science had captured him, but they had not broken him. And when the time was right, he would make his move.

Senkuu observed through the cell door as Kunzite approached Hyouga with the tray of food. Despite her calm demeanor, there was a visible tension in her movements. She handled the food with care, her hands shaking slightly as she fed Hyouga. Her nerves were evident, but she remained determined to complete the task.

Hyouga, on the other hand, sat with an air of calm confidence, his gaze fixed on Kunzite with a piercing intensity. The way he scrutinized her seemed to reveal a layer of his character—calm but always calculating, never missing an opportunity to gain an advantage. His injured leg, now patched up with herbs to prevent infection, seemed to be of little concern to him, though it was clear from his posture that the injury still caused him discomfort.

As Kunzite finished her task and exited the cell, Senkuu turned to Chrome, who had been watching the interaction with a furrowed brow. "Something wrong?" Senkuu asked, noting Chrome's apprehension.

Chrome shook his head. "Why did you pick her out of all people that should approach a man like that?"

Senkuu nodded, considering Chrome's worry. "Kunzite is the only one with the right temperament for the job without escalating things." He answered. "She's clearly not suited for combat, but her approach to feeding Hyouga shows a different kind of strength—one based on care and diligence. She's trying to maintain a sense of normalcy and humanity in a situation that is anything but."

He continued, "If anything happens, may it be Hyouga attempting to escape, his wounded leg will hinder him, thus recapturing him again."

Chrome, still not satisfied with the answer, asked once more. "And Hyouga? What about him?"

Senkuu sighed, waving his hand comically. "Hyouga's demeanor is part of his strategy. He's always been a calculated individual based on the mentalist's perspective. His calmness is likely a tactic to mask his true thoughts and intentions."

After a beat of silence, Chrome glanced back at the cell. "So, what's our next move?"

Senkuu's expression grew serious. "We need to prepare for the possibility that Tsukasa might retaliate. Hyouga's capture is a significant blow to him, and his next move could come swiftly. We need to ensure that our defenses are fortified and that we have a clear strategy for any potential attacks."

Chrome nodded in agreement. "I'll tell everyone about the preparations for winter."

Senkuu gave him an appreciative nod. "Good. I'll focus on coordinating with our scouts to monitor Tsukasa's movements. We need to gather as much intelligence as possible to stay ahead of any plans he might be brewing."

As they began to move toward their respective tasks, Senkuu glanced once more at the cell. The capture of Hyouga was a critical development, and Tsukasa's likely response meant the Kingdom of Science needed to be exceptionally prepared.