Day 740
"Can you hear me?"
This first phrase emerged like a faint thread in the anesthetized mind of Hashuba Shôta, who was struggling to emerge from the state in which he had been plunged for hours. The voice seemed distant to him, as if filtered through the thickness of water, making the sounds muted and indistinct.
As his consciousness slowly returned, the Daimyô began to become aware of his own condition. Everything around him was dark and hazy, as if a thick veil obscured his vision. An intense thirst burned in his throat, awakening an irresistible desire to drink.
He felt trapped in a deep dream from which he could not awaken. Every attempt to move was in vain; his body seemed pinned to the ground by an invisible force.
"Can you hear me?"
There was that voice again.
Hashuba wondered who it might belong to. It seemed familiar, but he was unable to place it, though it sounded a bit less distant than the first time.
Unable to fully wake, Hashuba directed his attention toward his body. But even that simple action exhausted him, as if he had just run a marathon. How could it be so difficult to wake up from mere sleep? The Daimyô couldn't comprehend what was happening to him.
"Daimyô-dono?"
This time, he knew the voice was addressing him. For a moment, he wondered if he was dreaming, having experienced a similar sensation before, but never with such difficulty in emerging from it.
Then a thought struck him: Was he dead? However, the little logic his foggy mind could still muster indicated that this didn't make any sense.
He tried to respond to the voice, but even the effort to speak seemed titanic. He summoned all his will to try to coordinate his thoughts with the muscles in his mouth and vocal cords.
"Y-Yes?" Hashuba barely whispered, his voice almost inaudible.
"If it's too difficult to speak, squeeze my hand," suggested the voice, which was becoming clearer.
It was only at that moment that Hashuba realized someone was holding his right hand, exerting a slight pressure. The hand was soft, delicate—certainly that of a woman. But again, the effort to respond with even a simple squeeze of his fingers seemed almost insurmountable, as if his mind and body were disconnected. Yet, somehow, he managed to signal that he could hear.
"Very good, try to open your eyes slowly," the voice requested, melodious to his ears but still unidentifiable.
Why hadn't he thought of that first? Encouraged by the suggestion, Hashuba focused on his still-closed eyelids. He could feel himself gradually emerging from the confusion, but the effort to open his eyes seemed interminable. When he finally succeeded, the ambient light dazzled him, almost painfully, and he had to close them again immediately.
"Take your time," murmured the voice, which he now recognized as a woman's.
There was no doubt: it was a woman helping him emerge from this state of torpor. Yes, Hashuba Shôta was now certain, especially since the hand holding his was unmistakably feminine.
With more caution, he tried again to open his eyelids, giving his eyes time to adjust to the light. Slowly, his mind began to analyze what he was seeing. The first thing he distinguished was a shade of pink.
Pink? In a split second, Hashuba's mind connected all the information that had accumulated since the beginning.
"S-Sakura?" the Daimyô asked, uncertain.
"Yes, you've come a long way, Daimyô-dono," Sakura replied, a discreet smile of relief playing on her lips.
"Where… am I?" the man asked, surveying his surroundings.
"In the hospital."
"What happened to me?"
"You were the target of an assassination attempt," Sakura replied, her voice hardening slightly.
Assassination?
Suddenly, the memories came rushing back. He saw again that man, the one who had infiltrated the palace, massacring his men in an instant. The intense fight, and the strategy he had devised to eliminate his adversary. Like many before him, the assailant had underestimated his abilities, surprised by his agile dodges and precise counterattacks. Hashuba had taken advantage of this to attempt a fatal strike, but the memory of the sharp pain that had pierced him brought him back to reality: he had failed. After that, nothing... until the conversation he had with his enemy returned to him as well.
"Konoha!" he exclaimed, eyes wide.
"Yes… it was Konoha no Sato that ordered your assassination. We captured the man who attacked you," Sakura confirmed, recalling their return to Heiwa.
No sooner had they arrived in the valley on the back of the Nibi than the Uzumaki had rushed to them to report what had happened. Without delay, Sakura had gone to the Daimyô to assess his condition and take care of him. It had been a delicate operation, but Hashuba Shôta was alive.
"How… am I still alive?" the Daimyô asked as Sakura performed a health check.
"My seal."
"Excuse me?"
"Do you remember, over a year ago? I placed a Fûinjutsu seal on you. Even though I hoped it would never activate, it saved your life," Sakura explained, lifting the Daimyô's arm slightly to show him.
At the spot where she had marked him, the seal was now visible, etched into his skin like a scar or a tattoo. When it activated, a burst of chakra had surged through Hashuba's body, saving him just in time. This mark, now permanent, would forever remind him of the day he escaped death.
"Thank you," murmured the man, fully aware that his survival was due solely to the intervention of the young woman.
"It's my duty, Daimyô-dono. We all take risks in what we do. It was only natural that I placed that seal on you—it was a matter of life or death."
"Yes… but you won't always be there. And perhaps next time…" the man said thoughtfully. If it had happened once, there was no guarantee it wouldn't happen again.
"There won't be a next time because we're going to strengthen our defense system to prevent this from happening again," Sakura assured with determination.
"How long will I be bedridden?"
"Hmm… that's where the news is less favorable, Daimyô-dono."
"What do you mean?" the man asked, concerned.
"The seal saved your life by stabilizing you until medical teams arrived. But the wound inflicted by the assassin caused you to lose a significant amount of blood before the hemorrhage was controlled. Unfortunately, that massive blood loss caused brain damage that even my skills cannot repair. It will leave you with some lasting effects," Sakura explained.
"Be direct, Sakura-san. I'm no child that needs coddling," the man responded firmly.
Sakura looked at him with compassion but without excessive pity. He was right; a man of his stature deserved the truth.
"You will never walk again," she stated simply.
And upon hearing those words, Hashuba Shôta felt the full weight of his life and age resting heavily on his shoulders. So, this was the price he had to pay for choosing to believe in this dream of peace. He then closed his eyes, letting out a long sigh.
Day 745
Hiruzen Sarutobi was in his office, gazing at the portraits of his predecessors hanging on the wall. It had only been a year since he was named the Third Hokage, but already he felt the crushing weight of his role. He hadn't imagined how heavy the responsibility of so many lives, and the need to decide who should live or die, would be.
"How did you do it?" Sarutobi murmured aloud, addressing the portraits. Of course, he wasn't expecting a reply, but asking the question helped him fully grasp the difficulty of such a position, one coveted by so many shinobi.
"Hokage-sama?" a man called, entering the room quietly.
"Yes?"
"A message has just arrived."
"Place it on my desk," Hiruzen replied, his eyes still fixed on the portraits of his predecessors. The country was on the brink of collapse, famine threatened, and if he didn't act quickly, the consequences would be dire.
After his secretary closed the door, Sarutobi let out a deep sigh, hoping with all his heart that this message would bring good news.
He returned to his desk and picked up the rolled-up scroll: the handwriting was that of Nao Hyūga.
Consider your request accomplished. If you do not receive a second message from me by tonight, it means I am dead.
Caged Bird.
P.S.: Tsunade Senju is in Heiwa!
The beginning of the message relieved the Third Hokage. Deciding to eliminate a Daimyō might seem extreme, but it was abnormal for a country to thrive while others struggled to survive. In Sarutobi's eyes, the neutrality of this country was not enough to explain such prosperity. This is why he had made the radical decision to eliminate this Lord, aiming to destabilize the country and seize its wealth.
But the end of the message immediately furrowed Hiruzen's brow. What was Tsunade doing in Heiwa? And how long had she been there?
At this thought, he realized he hadn't had enough time to focus on his students, whose training he hadn't completed. The role of Hokage consumed all his time, and it had been quite a while since he had received any news from any of them.
He knew Orochimaru had isolated himself to mourn his parents after the last war. Tsunade Senju had also withdrawn after the tragic loss of her clan. Jiraiya had mentioned that she continued to train and that he was accompanying her in this effort, but that was several months ago. What had happened for the last of the Senju to end up in Heiwa? The only mission currently underway in that region was the one he had assigned to Nao Hyūga.
Could it be that...
"BEAR!" Sarutobi suddenly shouted, his voice betraying panic.
Questions swirled in his mind. Had Tsunade been kidnapped? Was she a prisoner? If not, how had she managed to get to Heiwa without his knowledge? And most importantly, was she safe?
The loss of another clan heir would be catastrophic for Konoha's fragile balance. If word got out, Hiruzen feared a revolt within the village itself, a scenario he couldn't afford.
He needed answers, and quickly... very quickly!
No sooner had he called the code name of one of his Anbu than the ninja appeared, kneeling before his leader.
"Command, and I will obey, Hokage-sama!"
"Find Tsunade at the Senju estate immediately! If she's not there, discover how long she hasn't lived there. Also, locate Jiraiya and Orochimaru!" Hiruzen ordered firmly, demonstrating the urgency of the situation.
"At your command!" the Anbu responded before disappearing.
"Let her be safe," Sarutobi murmured to himself, looking out the window.
The afternoon was drawing to a close, and the Third Hokage stood, his eyes fixed on the nightlife of Konoha beginning to stir. He had yet to receive any news from the Anbu he had sent to find his students, nor from Nao. The dusk, with its growing shadows, seemed to heighten his worries. Why had he heard nothing yet?
As the city lights flickered on one by one, a quiet sound pulled him from his thoughts.
"Hokage-sama," said a voice muffled by an Anbu mask.
Hiruzen turned quickly, suppressing an exclamation upon seeing only two people before him: Bear, the Anbu, and Orochimaru, his student, who seemed surprised to be summoned so late.
"Where are the others?"
"Untraceable, Hokage-sama."
"What's going on, Sensei?" Orochimaru asked, completely lost.
"Orochimaru, when was the last time you saw Tsunade and Jiraiya?" Hiruzen asked, ignoring his student's question.
"Several months ago. I've been isolating myself lately," Orochimaru replied.
"Did they say or do anything that seemed strange to you?"
"Strange how?"
"Did they mention the idea of leaving?"
"No."
His student's answers only deepened his concern. Hiruzen realized he had neglected his students for too long. Where had their team spirit gone? Why hadn't they sought to stay in touch despite their individual needs for solitude?
"And at Tsunade's? What did you find?" Hiruzen asked, turning to his Anbu.
"No sign of life for a long time. The estate is silent, as expected, and her house is empty. Jiraiya wasn't there, and no one has seen him for some time. They've simply vanished from Konoha, Hokage-sama," the Anbu reported gravely, before adding, "However, I found this at her place."
He handed a green-covered book to his leader, who took it immediately.
"A book?"
"Yes, it was on a coffee table with other papers. I thought it might have some significance for you."
"How to Become a Medic Ninja, Volume 1" by Sakura Haruno, Sarutobi read aloud. "Who is that?"
"No idea."
"I know," Orochimaru chimed in.
"Who is it? Tell me now!" Hiruzen ordered.
"It's the book by the woman with pink hair. The one who accompanied the man everyone was searching for during the war, those whose identities and motives no one knew."
"When did she give it to you?" Hiruzen asked, surprised that his student had kept this information to himself.
"During the war, when we were ambushed on the way to the front against Tsuchi no Kuni. We had been separated, Sensei, and..."
"And what?" the Hokage asked, remembering perfectly the day he had worried so much for his students, who miraculously returned unscathed.
"We wouldn't be alive if they hadn't come to save us. Jiraiya was severely injured, and Tsunade was trying to heal him, but the woman stepped in and healed that idiot Jiraiya..."
"Why didn't you tell me about this medical intervention and the book?" Sarutobi questioned, trying to understand why none of the three had revealed the truth to him at the time.
"Because Tsunade made us promise to keep it a secret..."
"What secret?" asked the Sensei, suddenly suspicious of the intentions of these unknown individuals who had crossed paths with his students during the war.
"The woman gave this book to Tsunade, telling her that when she was ready, she could come and join her," Orochimaru explained, seeing his Sensei increasingly troubled.
"Join her where?" Hiruzen demanded.
"I don't know, Sensei," Orochimaru admitted sincerely.
Hiruzen realized his student was no longer hiding anything from him. He sighed again before opening the book to a random page. He quickly skimmed the content, which was very detailed and unsettling. Never had he held a book like this before. Although he was considered a scholar, some terms were completely unfamiliar to him. As he flipped through the manuscript, he realized it contained teachings on becoming a healer, but in a way he had never imagined.
He finally reached the last page of the book, and what he read there provoked instant anger. The explanation for Tsunade's disappearance, the last of the Senju, was right there, before his eyes.
Find me in Heiwa.
Everything became clear to the Third Hokage. He understood why his late master, Tobirama Senju, had warned him about those two individuals from the old war. Not only were they destroying villages, but one of them had no qualms about turning Shinobi away from their village, transforming them into deserters and traitors to their country. This couldn't go on; it was high time to put an end to this threat once and for all.
"Sensei?"
"Yes, Orochimaru?"
"The night has already fallen, and I'd like to go visit my parents' grave. May I go?"
But instead of answering, Hiruzen realized something else: Nao Hyūga had still not given any sign of life. The night was well underway, which could only mean one thing: he had failed in his mission.
This realization shattered the Hokage's calm, and he resolved to eradicate this country himself.
"Bear!" he shouted while the Anbu was still present in the room.
"Yes?"
"Prepare an army contingent! We are going to war against Ta no Kuni!"
Day 750
Nao Hyuga had been confined in a heavily guarded cell for several days. At least two guards constantly monitored him, always keeping a safe distance to raise the alarm at the first sign of an escape attempt. Nao knew that any attempt to flee would be futile, and he was surprised to still be alive.
Although his Byakugan had not been sealed, all his personal belongings had been confiscated. As he anxiously awaited his fate, Nao pondered the situation. Were his enemies negotiating his release with Konoha? He also worried about the Sandaime Hokage's mindset, knowing that he had not been able to send the intended message.
That morning, his cell door finally opened, and he was escorted to another room. The room was austere, furnished only with a table and two chairs, one of which was already occupied by someone with their back turned to him.
He was placed on the other chair, and his restraints were finally removed, giving him limited freedom of movement. He began to consider a possible escape, but a chilling voice interrupted his thoughts.
"Don't even think about it; you won't be leaving here," declared the voice from behind the guards, who stepped aside to reveal Ashina Uzumaki, the Uzukage, staring at him with a cold, severe gaze.
"Uzukage-dono... This isn't what you think," Nao stammered, immediately recognizing his interlocutor.
"Oh, of course I believe you, and my daughter is still alive?" Ashina retorted with sarcasm. "If it's not what I think, answer me this: where was Konoha when its ally needed help? Where was Konoha when my people sacrificed themselves for your cursed war? Where was Konoha when MY DAUGHTER DISAPPEARED?"
Ashina, the clan leader and Kage, had lost what was most dear to him, and he demanded answers with barely contained fury.
"I... I'm just a spy, Uzukage-dono. I can't answer those questions," Nao stuttered, thrown off by the justified rage of the Uzukage.
"A spy? And I'm the Sage of Six Paths," Ashina replied with biting sarcasm as another person entered, pushing a small cart loaded with instruments.
Ashina watched his prisoner closely, observing every reaction. The newcomer placed scalpels, forceps, and a jar filled with a suspicious liquid in front of the Kage.
"What are you going to do to me?" Nao asked, uncertainty and fear creeping into his voice.
"These? They're for your eyes," Ashina replied bluntly.
"My eyes?" Nao's anxiety deepened.
"Yes, a Dōjutsu like the Byakugan isn't something you just let slip away. Since you're here, you might as well serve a purpose."
"You'll never get my eyes!" Nao retorted with a confidence he hoped would be dissuasive.
"Oh, really? And why is that?" Ashina asked, a smirk forming on his lips.
"The cursed seal on my forehead will seal my pupils upon my death. You won't be able to obtain them."
Nao was aware that his clan had taken every precaution to protect the Byakugan, even after death. He believed that this seal would protect him, but Ashina remained unfazed.
"Yes, I know about that seal. But do you really think that changes anything?"
"What do you mean?"
"Who do you think designed that seal?" Ashina asked, savoring the moment of revelation.
"You don't mean to say that..." Nao stammered, fear creeping into his voice.
"Oh, but I do. Your clan leader came to us, the Uzumaki, to create that Cursed Seal. It was a pleasure to give them that 'gift,'" Ashina replied with a sinister smile.
No sooner had he finished his sentence than Ashina raised a finger, and Nao felt an excruciating pain deep in his skull, more intense than anything he had ever experienced. It was as if his brain were trying to tear itself from his head, as if blades were slicing into his eyes and making them spin. The Hyuga clutched his head with both hands, screaming in agony for several seconds before the pain finally subsided. Was this what members of the branch family endured? Why had none of them revolted against this condition? But there was no time to ponder the practices of his own clan, for even though the pain had lessened, he knew his ordeal was far from over.
"You see, insignificant Hyuga, you're here only to answer my questions. Once I've gotten what I want, I'll take great pleasure in ending your life."
"I won't say anything!" the Hyuga shouted, defiant and resolute.
"Resist all you want; I'll get your eyes regardless! I know exactly how to deactivate that seal on your forehead and preserve your pupils. What a fitting compensation for Ta no Kuni after your assassination attempt on its Daimyō," the Uzumaki declared, revealing a side of himself that few had witnessed... and survived.
"Kill me now! End it!" the prisoner pleaded in rage, knowing his fate was already sealed.
"That's up to you... a quick death, or a long agony until you tell me what I want to know."
"I won't say anything," Nao reiterated, his determination unwavering.
"That's what they all say," Ashina replied, uncrossing his arms. "Oh, one last thing!" the Uzumaki added, addressing his prisoner.
"What?"
"The Daimyō is still alive," the Uzukage announced, delighting in the surprise in the assassin's eyes. "I wouldn't have missed your reaction for the world."
Nao Hyuga didn't have time to comprehend how his target had survived the fatal blow he had dealt, as Ashina Uzumaki raised his finger again. The pain exploded in his skull once more, pulling him far away from any notion of reality.
Day 770
The attack on the Daimyō was on everyone's lips, but it didn't stop the military and administrative councils from meeting to continue their work. As every month, around twenty people gathered around the large table to discuss the plans for the upcoming month.
Everyone was already seated except for one person: Hashuba Shôta, the Daimyō himself, who was still recovering from the incident he had suffered.
At least, that was what everyone assumed when they noticed his absence. However, a steady noise approaching the meeting room caught their attention. The guards opened the door, allowing Hashuba Shôta to enter, seated in a wheelchair pushed by another guard.
"Daimyō-dono!" several people exclaimed with almost exaggerated deference.
Almost all the members of the assembly stood up upon seeing their leader attend the meeting despite his condition.
"Remain seated," ordered Hashuba before being positioned in his usual place.
"It's not wise for you to be here, Daimyō-dono. You need to rest," insisted Sakura with concern.
"I know, but it was necessary for me to make an announcement to this council today," Hashuba replied in a determined voice.
"Would you like to begin, so that you can return to rest afterward?" asked Sakura, under the attentive gaze of the assembly.
"Indeed," replied the Daimyō, turning to face the anxious faces.
Only two people seemed indifferent to the situation: Madara and Ashina. After all, those two were not the type to conform to the ways of others, and the Daimyō couldn't blame them.
"Let's get straight to the point. I announce that at the end of this meeting, I will be stepping down as Daimyō," declared Hashuba.
The news hit like a bombshell. As soon as he finished speaking, the room was plunged into a commotion. Many refused to believe it, insisting that he shouldn't abandon his post. The people needed him and his wisdom. The agitation lasted several seconds until Madara released a hint of his murderous intent, and everyone calmed down, oppressed by the overwhelming aura.
"Have you chosen your successor, Hashuba-san?" asked Ashina, without using any pompous honorific titles.
"Yes," Hashuba replied.
"Who is it?" Madara then inquired.
"Before revealing my choice, allow me to explain my decision. Our goal here is the prosperity of Ta No Kuni, and by extension, peace in the world... true peace. But unfortunately, the incident I was targeted in will inevitably happen again. We can improve our defensive system, but there will always be a flaw, no matter what we do. That's why our future leader must be someone strong, capable of maintaining stability in Heiwa and throughout Ta No Kuni."
"If you thought of me, old man, forget it immediately," Ashina warned as disapproving murmurs echoed at his lack of respect.
"I did indeed consider you, my friend... but your character doesn't align with the immense responsibility that entails," Hashuba replied with a slight smile.
"Don't tell me you're giving even more power to that lunatic?" Ashina exclaimed, pointing at Madara.
"That 'lunatic' has a name, Ashina! And watch your mouth if you don't want me to make you call me Heikage-sama," retorted Madara, arms crossed.
"Hah, I'd like to see you try..."
"No, I haven't chosen Madara-san as Daimyō. He already has enough responsibilities to manage on his end," reassured Hashuba, while hiding a smile at the fiery nature of these two shinobi.
"Who have you chosen, Daimyō-dono?" asked one of the counselors, taking advantage of Hashuba's intervention.
Everyone was hanging on his words as he announced, in a clear and determined voice:
"Sakura Uchiha."
The announcement was shocking, and it took a few seconds for everyone to react.
"Me?"
She hadn't expected such a decision at all and was visibly surprised to be named as the successor.
However, the news was not received unanimously by the assembly.
"This is unthinkable… she's just a woman!" one of the counselors protested vehemently.
"So what?" Hashuba responded, turning to him.
It was true that two years ago, Hashuba himself might have reacted similarly. But after working alongside Sakura, he had come to revise his opinions about the role of women, particularly this one, who was unique in her own right.
"Because it's not a woman's place!" added the counselor with a conviction tinged with palpable animosity. He tolerated Sakura's presence among them, but the idea of her becoming their superior was unacceptable to him.
"And where exactly is a woman's place, counselor?" Sakura intervened, undeterred by the openly misogynistic remark.
Staring the man down, she showed no hesitation, revealing an underlying threat.
"I'm listening, counselor. Go ahead, have the courage to speak your mind."
The man, out of pride, met her gaze and opened his mouth to express his true thoughts.
"At home."
Sakura, with a hardened gaze, was not offended by his words. On the contrary, it confirmed that mindsets were still far from evolving. As for the other council members, they remained uneasy, their thoughts not clearly discernible.
But a reaction was not long in coming from Madara Uchiha, who struggled to contain his anger at not eviscerating the insolent man on the spot.
"Counselor, this is the only warning I will give you, and you should consider yourself lucky that I am doing so!" Madara exclaimed.
The counselor, now facing the Uchiha, was visibly less confident.
"Who do you think you are to create a diplomatic incident of this magnitude? Do you realize that you just insulted the wife of a clan leader – mine, the Uchiha clan? Moreover, you just belittled the wife of your Heikage! And finally, you questioned the decision of your Daimyō, to whom you have sworn allegiance and loyalty! Do I need to remind you that you are just a counselor? If you don't want your head detached from your body, you will apologize to my wife immediately!" Madara threatened, staring the man down with piercing eyes.
The counselor, realizing the gravity of his mistake, quickly bowed to Sakura.
"I humbly apologize, Uchiha-dono," he said hastily.
Seizing the moment of respite, Hashuba Shôta resumed speaking.
"I will still address your objection, counselor. My choice naturally fell on Sakura because, out of all of us, she is the most invested in this project. Don't forget that it's thanks to her that we were able to fund everything we have undertaken and continue to undertake. It's also thanks to her that we now have two Bijū in our possession and a Jinchūriki. She is the one who drastically reduced the mortality rate in Heiwa since her arrival. Do I need to go on, or are these proofs of her commitment sufficient?"
Hashuba slowly turned his head to each member of the council. No one could refute these facts; on the contrary, it was clear that these reminders were necessary for everyone to understand the importance of this woman, regardless of her gender.
"And I will add this: it is thanks to her that I can still speak to you today. She saved my life! Without her seal and medical knowledge, I would have already crossed to the other world, killed by an assassin."
The council members nodded silently, finally convinced of the righteousness of their Daimyō's choice.
"Lastly, to fully convince you, I remind you that she is one of the most powerful people in this city. Additionally, she is intelligent, has the support of the people, and is revered and admired. When she walks in the streets, the people thank her, applaud her… What better for a Daimyō than to be loved and respected by their people? For all these reasons, I make Sakura the next Daimyō of Ta No Kuni!"
"Your will be done, Daimyō-dono," several counselors exclaimed.
"I am no longer your Daimyō," Hashuba Shôta retorted, removing the ring from his finger and placing it in front of Sakura. "Matû, take me back to my quarters."
At this order, his personal guard pushed the wheelchair towards the exit. But just before they reached the door, it abruptly opened, allowing someone to enter who bowed deeply before the council.
"Heikage, an army has just crossed the southern border of Ta No Kuni!"
"Which country?" Madara asked.
"Hi No Kuni!"
"The south?" Sakura murmured to herself before crying out, "Oh no! Hitomi!"
Thinking immediately of her best friend, who lived near the southern border, Sakura rushed out of the room, closely followed by her husband.
"Sakura!" Madara shouted as he caught up with her.
[WARNING: The next chapter will be extremely violent, with highly detailed scenes of combat. I remind you that this story is not a fairy tale, but rather a depiction of a war-torn era. Thank you again for your reading and support.]