The tall gates of Moukoku City loomed ahead, but as Yami and Rei crossed into its bounds, a quiet unease lingered. Without warning, dark-clad Moukoku shinobi emerged from the shadows, surrounding them with a tense silence that spoke louder than words. Yami's eyes narrowed, knowing well what this gathering meant. Rei instinctively shifted closer to him, her hand twitching toward her weapon, her stance protective and defiant.

The crowd parted, and Horiba Shiyume, the Moukage, stepped forward, his expression severe. His gaze locked onto Yami, not with anger, but with a disappointment that felt heavier than any rage.

"Yami," Horiba spoke, his voice laced with the weight of authority and expectation. "You know what this is for."

Yami nodded, his jaw set. He knew that killing the man meant to marry Rei would invite consequences, yet he'd made his choice, accepting that the price of her freedom was steep.

But then, Horiba's voice grew sharper. "You didn't just break one man. You broke the peace I've fought so hard to build. That peace kept Enraoi united and our clan above reproach." Horiba's eyes softened slightly, though his tone remained cold. "It took years to restore our clan's honor after the sins of our past, and you... you've thrown us back into the shadows."

Rei, sensing the threat beneath Horiba's words, stepped forward, her eyes fierce and wild. It was clear that, in her heart, she was willing to take on every shinobi in Moukoku if it meant protecting Yami. Her hand tightened around the hilt of her blade, and a fiery determination burned in her gaze.

Horiba turned his piercing eyes toward her. "Rei," he said, his voice low but unyielding. "You have a choice. You can suffer alongside him... or leave this behind."

Yami looked at her, his face tight with emotion. He could see the strain in her eyes, the raw desire to stand beside him, no matter the cost. But he couldn't let her suffer the consequences of his actions. This was his fight, not hers.

"Go, Rei," he commanded, his tone firm. She shook her head, eyes filling with defiance.

"I won't leave you," she replied, her voice breaking slightly. "Not now, not ever."

But Yami refused to let her be dragged into his punishment. "Rei, don't be foolish. Go!" His voice was fierce, almost pleading. "Run. Live free."

Tears glistened in her eyes as she clenched her fists. Her lips trembled, but she turned and took a few shaky steps back. Then, unable to bear the sight of his face, she turned away entirely, sprinting from the circle of shinobi, her footsteps echoing as she disappeared into the streets.

Horiba watched her go, his face inscrutable. Then, with a nod to his guards, he ordered, "Take him."

Yami didn't resist as iron chains were wrapped around his wrists and ankles. It was as though he was already resigned to his fate. As they led him through the winding corridors beneath Moukoku, the air grew cold and stale, and the light dwindled to almost nothing.

Deeper and deeper they descended, until they reached a chamber 700 feet below the surface. Chains hung from every wall, and the floors were slick with moisture. Yami felt the weight of his confinement sinking in as they bound him to the walls, sealing his chakra with intricate binding talismans.

The heavy door closed, the final sound echoing in the darkness.