(Kyoto, Japan 1861)
From above, the events of humanity in Kyoto seemed insignificant, mere ripples against the backdrop of nature's grandeur. The city nestled amidst the rolling hills and lush forests of the Kansai region, its presence dwarfed by the imposing Mount Hiei to the northeast and the Higashiyama mountains to the east. Descending closer, one could discern the distinct shapes of traditional wooden dwellings, their sloping roofs adorned with intricately carved eaves, nestled amidst the rugged terrain. The tiled rooftops shimmered in the sunlight, contrasting with the verdant foliage that blanketed the landscape.
Despite the natural splendor that surrounded it, the city of Kyoto was in the throes of extreme upheaval. In the midst of Kyoto's turmoil, the clash of swords and the cries of battle echoed through the narrow alleyways and along the tranquil canals. Samurai, once loyal to the shogunate, now turned against their former masters, striking down officials and political opponents with swift and deadly precision. The once orderly streets became battlegrounds, where rival clans skirmished for dominance, their conflicts erupting in violent clashes that spilled over into teahouses and inns.
Below the eagle's wings, too, was the grand Imperial Palace, its imposing silhouette rising amidst the chaos that engulfed Kyoto. Its towering walls and intricate pagodas stood as a testament to the enduring power of the emperor, a symbol of authority and tradition in a city torn apart by strife. Within its hallowed halls, the emperor held court, surrounded by loyal retainers and advisors who sought to navigate the treacherous currents of political intrigue that threatened to engulf the nation.
"Our target is the Omnyoji," Mentor Hidemaro had declared hours earlier, his voice carrying the weight of authority. "Our sources confirm his collusion with pro-Imperial Ishin Shishis, divulging intelligence on Shogunate officials. Backed by the Templars, he poses a grave threat. We must eliminate him."
As Mentor Hidemaro's words echoed through the room, their weight settled on the shoulders of each member of the team, underscoring the gravity of their mission. Among them, Leopold Lafleche couldn't shake the feeling that those words were directed at him in particular.
In the short span of just a year since his arrival in Japan, Leopold Lafleche had witnessed the rapid deterioration of the country's stability, exacerbated by the recent demise of Ii Naosuke. With his passing, Japan plunged further into chaos, grappling with the relentless forces of westernization.
The Assassins were keenly aware of the Templar machinations lurking in the shadows, stoking the flames of conflict between the Shogunate and the Imperials to serve their own nefarious purposes. It was clear to the Assassins that the Templars aimed to assert their dominance over the entire country, manipulating the ongoing turmoil to tighten their grip on power.
The scout who had reported the Templars' approach had indicated that a clandestine meeting was scheduled to occur near the bustling Shimogyo-ku district, renowned as one of the busiest commercial hubs for trade and commerce. A contingent of two dozen Tsu samurai, aligned with the Imperial-backed Todo clan, were to be present, indicating the significance of the gathering.
It was evident to the Assassins that the Templars intended to exchange crucial information that could pose a serious threat to the Brotherhood's operations in Kyoto.
Leopold had silently positioned himself atop the rooftops, his gaze scanning the surroundings with a focused intensity. Hidemaru, the Mentor, had observed his movements without comment, but the unspoken tension between them was palpable. Leopold's recent failure to prevent the death of Naosuke still weighed heavily on his mind, and the repercussions of that event lingered in the air like a shadow.
Hidemaru couldn't help but feel concerned. He knew that Leopold's recent setback had left him vulnerable, and there was a lingering fear that he might falter in the heat of the upcoming mission. The success of their operation depended on Leopold's ability to remain focused and composed, but Hidemaru couldn't shake the feeling of unease that gripped him.
With practiced agility, they commenced their descent, navigating the rocky terrain with deft precision. Leaping from crag to crag, they found footholds where others would see only sheer cliffs, their movements fluid and swift. As they made their way through the bustling crowds below, they blended seamlessly with the throngs of people, concealing their presence amidst the chaos. It was a fundamental principle of the Creed: Hide in plain sight.
As the company of samurai approached, the Assassins dispersed, seamlessly blending into the bustling streets. In the forefront rode a group of samurai from the Choshu and Tosa domains, armed with an array of weapons including spears and katanas.
Some of the samurai remained mounted on their horses, their elevated position granting them a strategic advantage as they scanned the crowd below. Meanwhile, others dismounted and mingled with the gathering crowd of onlookers, blending in seamlessly to observe the unfolding events.
After the soldiers came Katsura Kogorō, dressed in simple traditional robes that bore the subtle insignias of his rank and authority. He cut a striking figure, but Leopold had no eyes for him. All his attention was on the figure garbed in traditional Omnyoji robes, his face as impassive as if it had been carved from stone, while the Shishi dismounted from his horse.
As Katsura and the Omnyoji engaged in conversation, Leopold observed from his vantage point, hidden among the rooftops. The smoke and dust swirled around him, obscuring his view, but he remained focused, his senses alert for any hint of danger. His eyes stung from the harsh environment, but he ignored the discomfort, his training instilling in him the discipline to endure such challenges without faltering.
Leopold remained steadfast, his eyes locked on the Omnyoji, understanding that he was the linchpin of their mission. He mentally rehearsed the sequence of events, envisioning the chaos that would ensue and provide cover for their actions. In his mind's eye, he saw the opportunity for the Assassins to strike swiftly and vanish into the tumult, leaving no trace behind. It was a plan hinging on perfect execution, and Leopold was determined to see it through to fruition.
The signal to proceed was given when one of the Assassins noticed a letter being held by the Omnyoji, prompting a subtle nod.
Leopold kept his head low, the heavy rust-colored hood shadowing his face. Despite every instinct urging him to change his position, fate had placed him closer to another target, and Hidemaru was already subtly moving behind the Omnyoji.
Resigned to his role, Leopold maneuvered his way toward the edge of the crowd and slipped around to the back of a single-story building, climbing swiftly to the roof and pressing himself against it.
No one seemed to notice. The townspeople went about their business as usual, oblivious to the tense atmosphere surrounding them. Katsura extended his hand to receive the letter, while the Omnyoji glanced around, sensing something amiss.
("Well then?") "じゃあ？" Katsura asked ("Where is it?") "どこですか？"
The Assassins allowed him only a brief moment to react. Then, with coordinated precision as if every move had been choreographed in advance, they launched their attack.
Leopold leaped from the roof, his hidden blades poised for action. A Choshu samurai caught sight of the Assassin's shadow and turned, but it was too late for him to draw his weapon. Instead, he met Leopold's gaze just as the slender metal pierced his throat.
Cal stared at his hand, observing the activated blade, sleek and deadly, nestled beneath his five digits—no, there were only four; he had lost one on his right hand. "Stay with the memory, Cal," Sofia's voice urged him, breaking through the confusion.
Leopold closed the dead man's eyes and rose to his feet. "Assassins!" he shouted, his voice cutting through the chaos. At his command, the other Assassins sprang into action, unleashing swift and precise attacks on their targets.