Day 324
Gengetsu Hōzuki, better known as the Nidaime Mizukage, was one of the most feared ninjas of his time, thanks to his exceptional skills in Genjutsu and Ninjutsu. His reputation for invincibility was not based on impenetrable armor, but on absolute confidence in his abilities. He wore simple cloth garments, daring anyone to harm him.
This confidence was justified. His preferred Genjutsu technique involved a giant clam capable of releasing smoke that altered the perceptions of his opponents. The Mizukage and his clam became mirages, protecting each other. Finding the summoner or the clam in this maze of illusions was a Herculean task, rendering any attack futile and desperate.
Gengetsu Hōzuki bolstered his Genjutsu with unmatched mastery of Yin chakra, or Inton, a chakra nature that allowed the creation of illusions from spiritual energy. Few ninjas could boast control over such power, and Gengetsu Hōzuki was among those rare few, making him an indomitable legend in the art of ninja combat.
But Genjutsu was not his only skill. Indeed, the Nidaime Mizukage belonged to the Hōzuki clan, famous for their ability to liquefy their bodies into water. Gengetsu had perfected this technique by incorporating oil, allowing him to create unpredictable and varied effects on his opponents. One of his most formidable techniques involved transforming the water of his clones into explosive vapor before reverting to a liquid state, creating an unbroken cycle of destruction that rendered him practically invincible.
With such capabilities, along with those of his legendary swordsmen, it was clear that Kirigakure was better off not counted among his enemies. Tobirama Senju, the Nidaime Hokage, was well aware of this.
At the start of the war, Tobirama did not hesitate to secure an alliance with Kirigakure. He easily convinced the Mizukage to join him by exploiting the deep-seated hatred the latter harbored toward the Nidaime Tsuchikage.
Gengetsu Hōzuki harbored boundless enmity toward Mū, whose sole ambition was to make Iwagakure the most powerful, by any means necessary. When Senju proposed an alliance against Tsuchi no Kuni, the Mizukage did not hesitate for a moment. The prospect of reducing the Tsuchikage to dust was enough to convince him to accept any proposition.
But before he could face his sworn enemy, Gengetsu Hōzuki left Kirigakure a month ago, heading resolutely toward Sunagakure. His troops struggled through the arid lands until they reached their final objective: the capital of the Wind Country, Sunagakure no Sato.
The Nidaime Mizukage had planned a surprise attack on the capital, taking advantage of the scattered troops of the Wind Country, mostly engaged in Uzushiogakure or on the fronts of Hi no Kuni. What he did not expect to find was such neglected defense: barely a hundred ninjas to protect the village and their Kage.
The element of surprise, combined with the overwhelming numbers of the Kirigakure ninjas and the formidable efficiency of Gengetsu Hōzuki, brought the city to its knees in a matter of hours. They took the Kazekage and his family hostage, thus forcing the leader of Sunagakure no Sato to surrender. The Mizukage thus obtained the surrender of the Wind Country on all fronts, balancing the forces in this endless war.
Assured that this area was secure and under control, Hōzuki left part of his army to maintain order before heading to the front of Tsuchi no Kuni, nurturing the hope of finally confronting his eternal enemy.
Day 325
Fifteen days had passed since Madara had obliterated Uzushiogakure with the devastating power of his Rinnegan. No form of life could have survived such a cataclysmic Ninjutsu, unless prepared or well hidden.
Thanks to the city's extensive underground networks and the numerous Sealing Jutsu formulas that protected them, the population found refuge. For civilians and soldiers who hadn't had time to seek shelter, Sakura, with Katsuyu's help, had created a protective barrier against the massive chakra assault.
Once the assault was over, Madara dispersed sticks combining Sealing Jutsu and Genjutsu throughout the city. These devices gave the illusion that there were no living souls left in the ruins and erased chakra signatures, even those ninjas knew how to conceal. Thus, all survivors became invisible to the world.
Ashina Uzumaki, who had insisted on observing Madara's actions, was initially filled with furious desire to annihilate the Uchiha for destroying his city, his home! But, despite his rage at the desolate sight, the old man could not deny an undeniable truth: Madara Uchiha had just saved his people. Swallowing his pride, Ashina remained silent, grateful to this man whom he had long considered a traitor.
"And now?" asked Ashina Uzumaki once the entire city was enveloped in this bubble of illusion.
"Let's remain cautious, Ashina. Any movement too hasty could lead to our downfall. Let's return to the underground for now," replied Madara, his piercing gaze scanning the surroundings to ensure no enemy still lurked.
"How long will we stay hidden?" inquired the old shinobi, worry tainting his voice.
"As long as it takes... fifteen days, perhaps twenty," estimated Uchiha, genuinely fearing they might be discovered.
Thus, they remained concealed in the underground for several days, like rodents in a cage. A strict rationing protocol was established to ensure the survival of the two thousand people crowded there. But Sakura intervened, summoning sufficient food reserves for the entire population. No one lacked anything, and all had one thought: Long live Sealing Jutsu.
Sakura quickly stood out among the population. Drawing on her experience from the Fourth Great Shinobi War, she organized a medical center for everyone present: civilians, soldiers, and shinobi alike. With Katsuyu's help and her medical skills, the pink-haired young woman set about treating anyone in need. She prioritized the wounded, eliciting astonishment among the crowd. For many, Medical Ninjutsu was an unknown form of magic.
Days passed, and despite the omnipresent tension, a certain order was established. Madara continued to keep watch over the surroundings, his mind constantly alert, while Ashina struggled with his conflicting feelings. He could not deny that, although he loathed the Uchiha, the latter had saved their people. As for Sakura, she became appreciated and respected, her dedication and medical skills instilling a glimmer of hope in this dark period.
Every decision, every action was imbued with extreme caution, for they all knew that one misstep could lead to catastrophe. But for now, hidden in the bowels of their city, they held firm, united by the will to survive and rebuild.
But beyond her uncommon medical skills, what caught the population's attention was Sakura's attitude. The young woman tirelessly cared for people with a genuine smile, unwavering gentleness, and rare empathy in these times of war. Her presence brought tangible comfort, alleviating the stress of being confined underground awaiting their liberation.
Taking advantage of this period of confinement, Ashina and Madara discussed the next steps, focusing on what would be best for their people. Sakura and Madara discussed Heiwa, a place of peace, a refuge for war victims, where they could start anew. But to achieve this, they needed to ensure that the entire population could move without being seen or heard. This challenge became their new priority to ensure a smooth journey.
Ashina actively participated in devising a plan to ensure everyone's safety when they finally left these ruins. Drawing inspiration from Sakura and Madara's Sealing Jutsu sticks, he sought to increase their range and stability. Moving two thousand people by land without attracting attention would be a real feat, creating a population exodus over several kilometers.
Discussions were intense, each idea examined from every angle. Madara, with his strategic experience, and Ashina, with his deep knowledge of Sealing Jutsu, worked tirelessly. Sakura, despite her numerous medical tasks, offered practical suggestions, always with her unwavering optimism.
The plan gradually took shape: moderate-sized groups would move under the protection of enhanced Sealing Jutsu, alternating routes to avoid enemy patrols. Coordination would be crucial, and every detail meticulously prepared to ensure their discretion.
Day by day, hope grew among the survivors. They knew the road would be long and perilous, but under the guidance of Ashina, Madara, and Sakura, they prepared to meet this monumental challenge. The dream of Heiwa, this promised sanctuary, gave each of them the strength to persevere, to be ready for the moment when they could finally emerge from the darkness.
The old Uzumaki took into account all possible parameters: civilians do not advance as quickly as seasoned shinobi, and reaching the destination would surely take several days. By incorporating these factors into the considerations already taken into account by Sakura and Madara, he devised a more complex and, above all, more reliable system. Sealing Jutsu offered an impressive array of possibilities, and Ashina opted for a substance sturdier than a simple piece of wood to avoid any risk of accidental breakage. He proposed using the plates of the shinobi headbands as support for the seals. This would then allow the seal to be deactivated by another sealing technique, thus canceling the technique.
Thus, the inhabitants of the defunct Uzushiogakure learned of their imminent departure to a new home, a place of peace. All that remained was to organize this exodus. Groups were formed, supervised by shinobi responsible for their security and for maintaining the illusionary protective wave around them.
The instructions were clear: take only the essentials to avoid slowing down the convoy. It was heartbreaking for many, because despite their gratitude for being alive, they had to face one of the traumas of war: losing everything. When the time came to leave the underground, the shock was even greater. They discovered that their city was nothing but a heap of ruins, their entire lives reduced to nothing.
Many cried, but were quickly reminded to be silent. Silence was mandatory. Even under the protection of the illusion, they couldn't rule out the possibility that spies were still watching, verifying their possible survival. Prudence and mistrust were essential. Although their saviors spoke of this haven of peace where they could start their lives anew, as long as they weren't there yet, they had to continue to keep a low profile.
The convoy set off. They had been steadily progressing towards Ta no Kuni for a week already. Ashina stayed close to Madara, conversing with him regularly.
"What else do you know?" Ashina asked Madara as they walked at a civilian pace.
"What do you mean, Ashina?" retorted the Uchiha.
"I still find it hard to believe in these fortune teller stories, but the facts are there! You were right about Konoha's betrayal, you were right about our enemies' attack, and now you're proposing refuge for my people," the old man listed reluctantly. "What else do you know about the future?" the Uzumaki specified.
Madara recognized in these questions the analytical mind of his counterpart. He planned to be honest while avoiding revealing Sakura's secret. He knew how to manipulate words to guide his interlocutors where he wanted them.
"The war is practically over," sighed Madara.
"How can you assert that?"
"How? Because every army is getting exhausted. This conflict has been going on for far too long, and resources are starting to run out. Don't tell me you haven't noticed this detail?" Madara wondered.
"Indeed, now that you mention it, we've received reports indicating that food supplies are starting to run low in some regions. And we've also heard about numerous orchestrated pillages," added Ashina, casting a piercing glance at Madara and Sakura. "It was you, wasn't it?"
"Hn," Madara simply responded, which was enough for Ashina to understand the underlying events.
However, the Uchiha preempted his counterpart's questions by adding wearily, "Let me stop you right there, Ashina. I didn't start this war. I simply took advantage of the situation to advance my asylum project, a refuge for those who wish to live in peace."
"Then why do I get the feeling that you're not thrilled that the war is coming to an end?"
"Because the Second Shinobi World War will soon follow."
"Seriously?"
"Ashina, you know as well as I do how conflicts work. Sure, I intervened in this war for my own interests, and destroying your city will shake the Elemental Nations. Suspicion will arise within alliances, and since everyone has already lost so much in this conflict, it's inevitable that each Kage will eventually get personally involved on different fronts to end it. But..."
Madara paused, making sure Ashina was following his logic and listening attentively to his words.
"But by choosing this option, most of the Nidaime will perish."
"How can you say such a thing, Madara? The current Kage are exceptional ninja with monstrous techniques! Don't think for a moment that you and Hashirama were the only ones to scare the world!" the old man protested, taking the Uchiha's previous words as legendary arrogance.
"Didn't I predict that your city would be destroyed? Ashina, I've told you: I've seen what the future holds for the world!" Madara retorted, showing his Rinnegan hidden under his hair.
Ashina frowned slightly. If this legendary pupil conferred such power, then it was obvious that Madara could indeed have several moves ahead of his opponents. But the Uzumaki wanted to understand why his interlocutor was so certain that a new war would soon break out. While seeing it through his ocular power was one thing, the old man needed concrete evidence, substantial elements to arrive at the same conclusion.
"Ashina, give me your opinion. How do you think the Elemental Nations will feel once the armistice is signed? Because it will be signed. Every war ends at some point. Even you, as a clan leader who has lost everything because of this war and Konoha's betrayal, how would you instinctively react?"
The Uzumaki began to understand where Madara was going with this. Of course, he was grateful that his people were saved, but it was only possible through the brunet's intervention. In other words, if he hadn't intervened... And just thinking that Konoha had abandoned them to their sad fate, coupled with the fact that the Leaf had deliberately hidden the disappearance of his only daughter... one feeling then overwhelmed the old man: vengeance.
"The desire for vengeance will motivate the Elemental Nations to react," the Uzumaki calmly announced in a cold voice.
"Exactly," Madara agreed, satisfied to see his counterpart understand his logic. "But it's Konoha that will start hostilities. Sure, a climate of hatred and resentment will settle in each Elemental Nation, but it's through Konoha that the second war will begin. I don't know the real motivations that will lead the Leaf to behave so belligerently, but Konoha will seek to sow discord and provoke tensions. All of this will benefit the Sandaime Hokage who..."
"The Sandaime?" Ashina exclaimed, which made his counterpart smile.
"I'm telling you again, the Nidaime will perish in this conflict, and even Tobirama will lose his life. Believe me, that's a certainty that won't be changed!" the brunet added, his satisfaction in knowing that this bastard Senju would meet his end barely concealed.
"Fine! But ultimately, Madara, what exactly is your goal in all of this? What does it serve you to play the good Samaritan? And don't give me your stories about wanting a haven for war victims," demanded Ashina, who didn't believe at all in this utopia defended by the Uchiha.
"Peace!" Madara replied firmly.
"Peace?" Ashina repeated, incredulous.
"You, who are older than me, should understand my feelings. How many of your own have you seen perish over your very long life? Far too many, right? Imagine me, since I was little, we've been confronted with the horrors of conflicts and battles. All for what? Because a self-absorbed idiot has ambitions of conquest? I'm tired of all this, Ashina. Tired of seeing everyone I love die. Tired of doing nothing to change this worldview. So I've decided to act, to change this world that is governed only by hatred."
Madara had not once taken his eyes off of Uzumaki, and continued with conviction:
"I want to subdue the world and force it to be at peace: that's what I've wished for for so long. But since history is written by the victors, I am the one described as the madman, the traitor... the villain," he finished saying in a weary tone.
Uzumaki Ashina understood perfectly everything his counterpart had just said. How much he had wished for peace to be firmly established in the Elemental Nations.
But every time a semblance of peace and stability settled, it was again shaken by yet another conflict. War alliances and peace treaties. That was all the old man had known throughout his existence. So yes, a project of global peace could be a sufficient reason to adhere to the Uchiha's vision.
"I can understand that," Ashina replied, turning his gaze towards his people. He would be willing to do anything to preserve and protect them, even to adhere to a plan like the one proposed by the Uchiha.
Day 340
Yui was awestruck by what she saw before her, an architectural marvel like nothing she had ever seen before. It was far beyond anything she had observed in her short existence. Upon arriving in the country of Ta No Kuni, what immediately struck her was the state of the roads. They were perfectly laid out, even paved. Not even the most developed cities had such infrastructures, especially not such detailed signage. Each city was clearly marked, and no detail could escape those who stopped in front of the signs.
Heiwa stood out as a landmark, the center of all other destinations. When the young woman arrived with her parents in the valley preceding the capital, they were overwhelmed by the vastness that stretched for kilometers. Villages were under construction in various places, while rice paddies spread out in the valleys. All these details showed that the region was expanding rapidly.
But what impressed the most was the immense wall looming in the distance. Impossible to miss, it rose several meters high, undoubtedly protecting the great city behind it. Equally impressive was the fact that the wall, like the city, was constantly expanding, a clear sign of the region's ongoing development.
"It's beautiful," exclaimed Yui aloud as they prepared to pass through the main gate's portcullis.
The gate was guarded by about fifteen soldiers tasked with monitoring entries and exits. Occasionally, they conducted identity checks and asked people the reasons for their visit.
"Are you sure, Yui-chan?" asked the woman in her fifties accompanying the brunette.
"Yes, mother," the young woman affirmed immediately, scanning her surroundings.
Since her encounter with the woman who had saved her from a dire fate, Yui had only one idea in mind: to follow in her savior's footsteps. So she had done everything to convince her parents to follow her to Heiwa.
As they passed by the guards, Yui looked up and saw a large bell and archers positioned on the wall. Strangely, she felt no fear at the sight, but rather a sense of security. There was a feeling of tranquility, of peace in this city. Yet outside, war raged, ravaging countries, trampling arable lands, destroying cities and villages.
But here, everything seemed different, as if this city were a bubble outside of time, preserved from the turmoil of the outside world. How could such a place be spared by war? How could the inhabitants be so serene, without a trace of worry on their faces or in their behavior? Yui wondered if all these people were also victims of war, just like her.
"At the very least, it's a real hive of activity," commented Yui's father amidst the bustling noise.
Indeed, the main thoroughfare was immense, allowing the crowd to move without jostling despite its large numbers. The pedestrian traffic flowed smoothly, as if the architects had anticipated the influx of population and the city's development. All structures were made of stone, from the street pavements to the surrounding buildings, to the imposing wall enclosing the city. There was no doubt that there must be a quarry nearby for the architects to have chosen this material as a priority.
Suddenly, the sound of a horn reverberated through the city for a few moments, causing agitation among the population, but without causing panic or anxiety.
"What's happening?" exclaimed Yui's mother, unused to such commotion and the hoarse sound of the horn.
"No idea, mother," Yui immediately responded, scanning the surroundings. People hurried to take shelter along the buildings.
"Make way!" shouted a man in the distance, followed by the sound of hooves echoing on the pavements. Yui and her parents joined the movement, taking refuge on the side of the road just in time to let pass a troop of fifty cavalrymen in formation, exiting the city.
If there were any lingering doubts within her about her choice to come here, Yui quickly dispelled them. Sakura had not lied to her. By coming to Heiwa, she had finally found what she was looking for: a home, a safe refuge for her family. But more than that, she now knew that she had the opportunity to protect them, a prospect that would have seemed unthinkable if she had stayed in her small village.
Once the troop of cavalrymen had departed, the city's activity resumed immediately, with its usual bustling noise. Yui and her parents blended back into the crowd, until the young woman spotted a patrol of soldiers.
"Excuse me, sir," exclaimed Yui, approaching the man who seemed to be the patrol leader. He stood out because he kept his weapon sheathed, unlike the others, who wielded polearms.
Although confident, Yui felt a slight apprehension about how she would be received. She knew she was physically attractive and that she appealed to men. It was enough to remember the horror she had almost faced if Sakura hadn't intervened in time. Moreover, she was accustomed to men treating women as objects rather than as human beings.
But she was pleasantly surprised by the man's reaction to her approach. For the first time in her life, Yui did not feel the lecherous gazes of men. On the contrary, he responded to her with respect and concern.
"Yes, miss? What can I do for you?"
"I come on behalf of Sakura-sama. She asked me to meet with Suzuki-sama," she explained straightforwardly, wanting no trouble with the local authorities.
At the mention of these two names, many soldiers turned their gaze toward the young woman, who suddenly felt intimidated to be the center of attention. The patrol leader observed her and her family, his eyes narrowed, then ran his eyes over the beautiful young woman, seeking to understand why Sakura-sama would have sent this person to meet Suzuki-sama. He needed to ensure that it wasn't a trap, as the possibility of an assassination couldn't be ruled out: Sakura's reputation had been growing since the beginning of the war.
"Did she specify the reason for your meeting with him?" he asked.
"I wish to join the ranks of the army."
The response, spoken with strength and conviction by the young woman, left her parents stunned. Indeed, Yui had deliberately lied to her parents about her true motivations for coming to Heiwa. They would never have agreed to follow her, let alone leave their village, if they had known. What parents would consent to their daughter learning the art of combat, especially in a society where it was frowned upon? Her mother, her voice trembling with despair, exclaimed:
"But Yui, my dear, you can't be serious! You told us you wanted to escape the war and start a new life in this city, not enlist in the army."
"Mother, please," pleaded the young woman, her heart heavy with the guilt of lying to her parents. She was torn between the pain she was causing them and her burning desire to protect her family.
The patrol leader was not phased by the palpable worry of the young woman's companions and asked if they also intended to settle in the city. Yui didn't let her parents answer, taking advantage of the moment of shock caused by her announcement to nod in agreement. Although inwardly perplexed by the idea that someone might aspire to join the military ranks, the man kept his thoughts to himself and gave the following instructions:
"Follow the main thoroughfare. Once you reach the marketplace, turn left and continue straight up the alley to another gate. Inform the guards stationed there of what you've told me, specifying that you've already undergone a check. They will escort you to Suzuki-sama. However, your parents will not be able to accompany you."
"Why not, sir?" inquired the family's father, reluctant to leave his only daughter alone surrounded by so many men.
"As new arrivals and future citizens of this country, you must register at the administration. The building is imposing, you can't miss it; it's on the same street leading to Suzuki-sama. If you have trouble finding it, just follow the queue. Have a good day," explained the patrol leader before continuing on his way with his men to resume their work.
As the family embarked on the designated path, Yui's mother called out to her daughter who was walking ahead:
"Yui! When were you planning to tell us about your plans?"
"Mother, you know very well that you would have done everything to dissuade me if I had informed you back in Kaze No Kuni," she replied, making her way through the crowd.
"It's not too late to turn back," insisted the old woman, convinced that this idea was absurd.
"No, mother, you know what happened there! I never want to feel as helpless in such a situation again. I want to have the power to defend myself, to protect those I love. I don't want to be a woman destined only for marriage. No, mother, I refuse that imposed fate," she defended vehemently.
Indeed, even though she was completely absorbed in her goal, Yui couldn't ignore the furtive glances that turned toward her with every step. With her delicate features and naturally feminine aura, the young woman irresistibly attracted attention, both from men and women.
Her mother, hesitant to let her daughter make such a decision, appealed to her husband to intervene and reason with their child:
"Darling, say something! You're not seriously going to accept this?"
"What do you want me to say? Let her be, life will bring her back to reason if necessary," replied the father, aware that he wouldn't sway his beloved daughter. As long as she was happy, he was willing to accept her choices.
That ended the discussion, and they walked for long minutes before reaching an immense square that could only be the marketplace. Stalls and shops sprawled across the area, while a bustling crowd shopped. It was bustling, a noisy mix of merchants' voices and customers. Some attracted clientele with announcements and haggling, while others negotiated prices in search of the best deals.
This market was unique, overflowing with riches, from essential foodstuffs to the most exotic products. This opulence sharply contrasted with the reality of the outside world, where famine and deprivation prevailed.
This did not escape Yui's father, who stopped in front of this abundance with wonder. He even wondered if he was dreaming, it seemed so surreal to him. Could it be that the Daimyo of this country was much richer than the one in Kaze No Kuni? At first glance, the answer was obvious. Yes, this country was undoubtedly rich. It wasn't just about wealth in gold or gemstones, but the development of the infrastructure spoke for itself. No elemental nation had walls as imposing and well-built as these. But the most significant indicator of the country's and its capital's wealth was the serene atmosphere that prevailed there. Undoubtedly, the choice of neutrality in the current conflict had allowed this region to develop and prosper.
The young girl's father was pulled from his contemplative thoughts when he heard his daughter's soft yet determined voice:
"I'll join you later."
Indeed, they had arrived in front of the famous administration building, in front of which already stood four lines. Many soldiers were present to monitor and ensure the security of the place. People were first searched before being invited to wait in one of the lines. Yui was about to leave her parents to head toward the direction indicated by the soldiers when her mother hugged her tightly, whispering in her ear, "Be careful, my daughter."
Once the embrace was over, the young woman confidently made her way to the door she was supposed to take. Yui then noticed the existence of a second wall within the city itself. Although it was three times shorter than the one surrounding the capital, it seemed to delineate the different districts of the city. The young woman was evidently heading toward a district reserved for nobles. The quality of the clothing of the people passing through the control gate indicated that they were wealthier than ordinary citizens. Moreover, the guards let them pass without further checks, unlike the less well-dressed people, who were subject to closer scrutiny.
Yui couldn't avoid this treatment as she approached the second gate. Indeed, a guard stepped slightly forward, preventing her from advancing further. She didn't wait for him to ask her why she was here and repeated what she had already stated during the first check. Like his colleagues, the names Sakura and Suzuki caught the guard's attention, who frowned slightly before staring intently at the young woman. If she had passed the first check, it was because she had already been asked the appropriate questions.
However, Yui didn't expect to undergo a body search. She had imagined that mentioning the names Sakura and Suzuki would suffice to open the way for her. But when the guard called over one of his colleagues and ordered the search, she felt her body tense with fear, the memories of her assault still vivid in her mind. Reflexively, she tightly closed her eyes as the man's hands approached her body, resting on top of her clothes. The guards, keen observers, understood from this reaction that this woman had likely faced physical, even sexual, violence. That's why the man conducting the search made sure not to be too intrusive, although he was obliged to check that she wasn't concealing a weapon.
"Nothing to report, chief," the man who had just slid his hands along the young woman's pants, from the groin to the ankles, finally said.
Yui still had her eyes closed, trying to calm the pounding of her heart after this body search. She had to admit that she had feared the man might take advantage of the opportunity to grope certain areas of her body more intensely, such as her chest or her groin. But no inappropriate gestures had been made.
"Suzuki and Hashuba were clear about the army: discipline!"
"Very well, Katsuo will guide you to Suzuki-sama," one of the guards announced before heading toward another person approaching the main gate.
Yui opened her eyes upon hearing that she would finally meet the one who would teach her to defend herself and fight. She followed the man named Katsuo, and they continued their journey in silence in a slightly less crowded area than the previous one. The buildings were undeniably better crafted and of a more artistic architecture. They walked at a brisk pace, but she found time to observe her surroundings until she spotted an imposing building further up, probably the Daimyo's residence.
However, that wasn't their destination. They headed toward another place, less imposing but equally remarkable. The owner of the place seemed to be an art enthusiast, as many sculptures adorned the building in question.
Two men stood in front of the entrance door and opened it as soon as they recognized Katsuo. Yui caught a glimpse of a spacious and refined interior without being overly sophisticated.
Their progress was interrupted by the pleas of a man behind them. He was being dragged by two soldiers, each holding one of his arms, and they entered the building passing by Yui and Katsuo. The latter had automatically stopped before entering the premises, where they heard one of the guards addressing the escorted man.
"Save your breath, scoundrel!" retorted a city guard.
"I didn't do anything! I'm telling you, I didn't do anything," the escorted man almost shouted.
"But of course," sighed the second guard, who then entered a large room.
A man was there, seated cross-legged in the middle of the room, apparently in the midst of a meditation session. The two guards respectfully knelt before the individual even as the third man gestured vigorously between them. Yui was about to enter the room herself, but she was interrupted by Katsuo: "Wait," was the only word he uttered before silencing her with a single look.
"My lord, forgive us, but this man...," began one of the guards still kneeling.
"What crime has been committed?" Suzuki asked directly, keeping his eyes closed.
"Shoplifting, Suzuki-sama," immediately responded the other soldier.
Suzuki opened his eyes upon hearing this phrase, thinking he had misheard. They had come to bother him for a simple case of shoplifting. Usually, he was called upon for more significant, more serious crimes... not a simple theft. He gave the guards in front of him a menacing look. One of them hastened to provide more details in light of the threatening gaze they were receiving.
"This man stole from the city's jeweler and goldsmith, my lord," he said, placing a pouch in front of his chief. Suzuki made a barely perceptible nod to authorize the contents to be revealed to him. There were about ten emeralds of various sizes in it, representing a small fortune.
"My lord, please, it wasn't me! I... I...," the thief defended himself as best he could, but he stopped short when Suzuki raised a hand to silence him. Then, he clapped his hands twice and a servant promptly entered the room with a wooden block.
The two guards immediately placed the man's right wrist on the said block, sleeve rolled up. Suzuki drew his katana from its sheath before moving toward the man to delicately place the blade's edge on the skin of his wrist.
"Do you know the punishment reserved for thieves?" Suzuki asked, although everyone in Heiwa knew the answer.
"No... please!" pleaded the man, sweating profusely in the face of the impending fate.
Suzuki remained silent for a few seconds, which seemed terribly long for the thief, as well as for Yui, who felt the tension around her. She understood that she was facing the man she was supposed to meet, and she was simply impressed by the charisma and strength he exuded.
"However, we are in Heiwa, and no one is supposed to ignore the law that applies here. So, you have a choice: your hand or three months of forced labor in the stone quarry," Suzuki reminded calmly.
As expected, the thief opted for the three months of forced labor. Of course, the law was clear: a second chance was given to everyone, but if they were caught committing further offenses, the sentence would be much less lenient. Moreover, the law offered these redemption alternatives only for crimes considered minor. It was uncompromising when it came to unforgivable crimes such as rape and murder.
Hardly had the thief made his choice than he was led out of the room while Suzuki smoothly returned his katana to its sheath. Katsuo then took the opportunity to address the man.
"Suzuki-sama, I bring someone who wishes to speak with you in person."
The man looked up at the soldier and at the beautiful young woman by his side. Despite her pounding heartbeats, she summoned up her courage and managed to speak in a loud and intelligible voice:
"I come on behalf of Sakura-sama, and I wish to take up arms."
[Hello everyone, I'm sorry for this late chapter, and I don't know when I'll do the next one. I live in New Caledonia, and we are in a state of Civil War. My priority was to find food, medicine to support my family. We are safe and waiting for the army to intervene.
I hope you are doing well and still enjoying this story.]