When compared to its sister empire of the east, the Great Gate Empire was one of the most formidable military powers. What it lacked in its ally's brute force and unyielding tenacity, they made up for with tactics and weaponry. Though incomparable to the Senbo Kingdom's military advancements, they steadily climbed the ladders of success to reach their level.

The grand capital of Great Gate, Kumonohana, was perhaps one of the most luxurious cities in all of the empire. Only the most prominent clans were granted access to live within its walls atop the hills, overseeing the vast towns and villages in the distance. Resting at the back of the city stood the royal palace of the emperor, built into the side of a mountain and easily towering over all other structures in the city.

Those that resided in Kumonohana weren't just the rich elite, but rather those of renowned skill and notoriety. The finest artists, calligraphers, swordsmiths, soldiers, and the like were welcomed within the city so long as they could prove their excellence.

That was the secret to Great Gate's rule: the strong tower above the weak, and the weak support the strong. Though seemingly unfair, it was a balance to the stability of the empire. Without the lower classes, the strong could not thrive. A single soldier could wipe out a village, but a single village could wipe out an entire army with the threat of famine.

An unfair system of power kept in check by a common understanding between all classes. Thus, a strange unity kept the two sides in line.

However, the weak were not discouraged to join amongst the strong. It was encouraged, even. Power was what made the world go round, and it was power that kept Great Gate as a prominent military force for the last two hundred years.

Among those elite clans that proved their worth, one stood above all the rest. A clan so powerful and deadly that they had the means to overturn the empire in a single night. They could only be kept in line by the alliance shared between the emperor and the long-standing head of the clan.

A clan so mighty and vast that they stood at the foot of Kumonohana. The town of Osorekaku which stood on the second level of the mountain the capital resided against. To enter the heavenly capital, one must pass through the hell that safeguarded it.

This was the town controlled solely and populated…by the infamous Takigawa Clan.

19th Wisdom Moon, 908 – Osorekaku-machi, Great Gate Empire

(Note: All characters are canonically speaking in Old Johtonian)

Rumors outside of the east spoke tales about this infamous town, and those rumors proved truer than any fictional spin made on the original truth. Next to the capital, Osorekaku was one of the most powerful towns in all of the empire. Many opportunities for work could be found in town, attending to the bustling clan that held such favor with their emperor.

A town populated almost exclusively by a single clan.

Much of the town was made up of various Pokémon, most of which being the relatively rare Hisuian Sneasel. They greatly made up the numbers of the Takigawa Clan with many other Pokémon scattered among their numbers. Children and adult alike, all carrying roots leading back to the head of the clan, Takigawa Hidekage.

His children and grandchildren had full reign of the town. Those in service to the Takigawa Clan worked hard to appease the proud and arrogant clan, their members ranging from icy cold to unrelenting selfishness. Born with the expectation of standing above the rest of the empire and as the pathway to the capital, they were called Heaven's Demon Hounds.

Because of the clan's immense influence, the other half of the population was made up of other clans who swore loyalty to Lord Takigawa. They would gain renown in power in exchange for offering a fitting suitor to carry on the bloodline. For a time, the eldest daughter would be offered to Lord Takigawa, but now his great number of children take the reins to secure the clan's legacy.

With so much to keep track of, the eldest of Lord Takigawa's children acted as his private enforcers to perform routine checks around town.

Among his eldest children tasked with such a role was Takigawa Gaku.

Gaku, a Watchog dressed in a black kimono with a haori draped over his shoulders, walked down the street with a journal and stick of charcoal in hand. His eyes roamed the streets, inspecting his many siblings, nephews, nieces, and the like. The children marched in groups, their eyes carrying a coldness unbecoming of such innocent times, while the teens and adults conducted themselves in more slovenly manners. A Golduck walked out of a bar with two Azumarill wrapped around his arms, a Rhydon was drinking and stumbling through the street, and a couple of Flaaffy were yelling at a Rapidash servant who accidentally kicked dirt at them, much to the fire horse's horror.

Gaku sighed and hastened over to the altercation, but stopped when a group of Hisuian Sneasel stopped and bowed to him. "Good day, Esteemed Gaku!" they greeted in unison.

Gaku bowed back to them. "As you were, children."

"Yes, sir!" They bowed again before continuing their march through the street.

"Well, at least the children are behaving accordingly," Gaku mumbled, quickly checking off their names before heading over to sort out the brewing quarrel.

Main Entrance

"Alright, you runts, listen up!"

A group of at least fifty Pokémon, ranging from ten to eleven, stood just before the town entrance. Their numbers mostly consisted of Hisuian Sneasel, as expected, and they stood attentively awaiting instructions from their supervisors.

On the left of the head supervisor was a muscular Passimian dressed in a sleeveless, form-fitting black uniform. A hard-shelled seed three times the size of a coconut sat coiled within her tail. She gnawed on a stick of jerky, scowling down at the new trainees.

On the right of the head supervisor was a fairly rotund, yet bulky Diggersby who hovered off the ground, holding himself up by his two massive ears. He dressed in the same uniform as her, with the addition of metal bracers strapped around his ears. He maintained a calm expression compared to his sister.

Finally, the head supervisor herself: a powerful Miltank who crushed the stone road under her feet with just a flex of her unparalleled leg muscles. She wore the same uniform, in addition to a cloak billowing off her shoulders and an eyepatch covering her right eye.

"As of today, you are now of age to take part in the Forest Survival Exam!" the Miltank explained. "We will be entering the Forest of Death and camping out there for the next three weeks. You will go through three different tests during our stay. Is that clear?"

"Yes, Big Sister Kiho, ma'am!" the children exclaimed.

Kiho huffed, then nodded at the Diggersby. "Bansyou will be in charge of the first week of training."

The sagely Diggersby stepped forward with his ears and explained, "The first week will be the survival portion of our training. You will have until the end of the week to understand your surroundings. The forest is littered with all manner of deadly plants, traps, and the like concocted by your older siblings. Some traps haven't been set off yet, and some were made in preparation for your training. Failure to survive is death. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Big Bro Bansyou, sir!" the children exclaimed.

He nodded and stepped back. Kiho nodded to the Passimian, who stepped forward. "Hatsu will be in charge of the second week of training."

Hatsu scowled. "Listen well, brats! Your second week of training will be hunting practice. We will be releasing dangerous criminals generously donated to us by Emperor Amano. They will have their sentences halved if they can survive the week. An extra year will be removed from their sentencing if they can successfully kill you. Your job is to evade them while hunting them in return. They will be armed. You won't. You are free to pair up into teams of two or operate solo. And whoever successfully assassinates the most criminals will be gifted exemption from the final test and granted special training under Kiho. Failure to survive is death. Understood?!"

"Yes, Big Sister Hatsu, ma'am!" the children exclaimed.

Hatsu stepped back, and Kiho stepped forward. "I will be instructing the final test. The Takigawa Clan prides itself on its strength and resolve. The weak die, the strong live. Our clan has no use for weaklings. If you have the resolve to make it through the first two tests, you must have the resolve to survive your peers. The final test will be another hunt, but this time you will be hunting each other. Everyone has the chance to pass, but weakness will not be accepted. This is a test of your dedication to the clan. We are the Takigawa Clan. Our loyalty is strictly to the clan's pride. We are feared. We are deadly. Do not show weakness. Do not spare. You are given the order to kill each other. What is our motto?"

"Failure to survive is death!" the children roared.

"Excellent." She turned toward the steps and took a deep breath. "Move out." She and her siblings led the way, the children following dutifully behind.

Osorekaku Hot Springs

"Hmmm…"

"…"

"Hmmmmmmmmm…"

"…"

"Tsk. Huh…"

"…Uuuuugh! Hayato!"

"Eh?"

Lounging in the town hot springs were a trio of siblings, never seen without the other. A dark red-furred Flareon with a scowl that could incinerate a forest. A relaxed Leafeon whose leafage and eyes were as orange as the warm autumn leaves. A Simipour, isolated from the two brothers, who was submerged just below her neck with her hands clasped together in silent prayer.

A heavy steam filled the private spring, so hot that it was suffocating to even the attendants, some of which were Fire and Water-Types. However, the three siblings were unbothered by the union of fire and water, reveling in the discomforting warmth. Of the Takigawa Clan's many members, they were the hotblooded warriors born together as the acolytes of all things hellish.

They were the Great Three Flames.

While their sister lounged in the spring, her brothers lay on the floor with a game of shogi sitting between them, an intense game underway. However, the Flareon snarled at his relaxed brother, much to his confusion.

"Whaaaaat?"

"You've been staring at the board for five minutes. Make your move already!" the Flareon snapped.

The Leafeon, Hayato, blinked lazily before smiling. "Alright. Hmmm…" His eyes skimmed the board. "Hmm. Alright. I've decided."

The Flareon groaned. "Finally—EH?!" His fur stood on end as Hayato rolled onto his side, turning his back to the board.

With a yawn, he declared, "I surrender. You win."

"YOU WHAT?!" the Flareon snapped.

The Simipour exhaled through her nose, generated another thick cloud of steam into the air. "Daimu, distract yourself from the temptations of rage. Drift like the cloud. Become one with your center—"

"He does this all the time, Natsumi! Don't protect him from my wrath!" Daimu screamed, his mane bursting into wildfire.

Natsumi sighed. "You'd do well to silence your inner demons, too."

Daimu tapped furiously on the board. "You're five turns away from taking my king! Your gold general is in the perfect position to steal the win after taking out my defenses!"

Hayato looked over his shoulder and grinned. "Ah, but you underestimate yourself, Brother. You would take my king in eleven turns."

"How does that invalidate my point?!"

"Because you deduced my plan of attack, thus you would plan accordingly to keep my gold general from advancing. Based on the number of pieces you and I have left, if you were to plan your route out accordingly to my counterattacks, you would take my king in exactly eleven turns. I would be unable to win."

Daimu grinded his teeth together. "Don't give me that! You're just being lazy again!"

"Meh." Hayato lifted his hindleg and scratched the back of his ear.

Daimi grimaced. "You are so undignified."

Natsumi chuckled softly. "He is heralded as the Strategic Coward of the Takigawa Clan for a reason."

"A name I wear proudly!" Hayato proclaimed. "Tactical cowardice, I call it."

Daimu scoffed. "I wouldn't parade myself with such an undignified moniker."

Hayato smiled playfully. "You should hear what our younger siblings call you. I believe they said something about you being an Oni of Disaster."

"THEY CALLED ME WHAT?!" Daimu snapped, his head becoming engulfed in a fireball of his own mane.

Natsumi sighed. "The universe looks unfavorably to this majestic oni."

"Calling me majestic doesn't make it any less irritating!" Daimu yelled.

Hayato grinned. "Would some mochi calm you down?"

"…" Daimu's mane extinguished, and he looked away with a pout. "Maybe…"

"That's the spirit."

"I hate you."

"Love you, too, Brother!"

"Can we just get through one game of shogi first without you quitting near the end?"

Hayato sighed. "I don't know…"

Daimu smirked. "I'll make freshly squeezed lemonade for you."

Hayato spun around and sat his rear down. "A tempting offer I simply can't refuse. Very well, Brother. One more game. I shall quell my instincts for the time being and make an honest attempt at losing to you."

"Quit playing and make your move."

Natsumi chuckled softly before sinking below the hot spring, free to meditate in peace in the scalding hot water that would cook any other Pokémon alive. My lovable, foolish brothers…

Private Villa of the Takigawa Clan

With the many advantages and statuses granted to the Takigawa Clan, they were free to do as they please once they've successfully completed their training. For most, they opted to continue pursuing greater strength to boost their power. Others opted to seek comfort and pleasure, knowing they could have whatever they desired without complaint or denial.

Three particular clan members took this luxurious lifestyle to heart, lounging in a private villa owned by one of them sheerly for the purpose of partying.

A party raged in the villa, accompanied by the tunes of many shamisen players. Sake and a plethora of sweets decorated the tables, all in attendance helping themselves to their heart's content. One wouldn't find a greater example of the Takigawa Clan's slovenly behaviors anywhere else. Most upheld the status of their clan, and others exploited it for their own sake.

The hosts of the parties lounged on a couch made entirely of cushions and blankets, being attended to by their servants while wearing only the finest kimono.

A Manectric sat curled up on a nest of pillows, distracted by a pawful of shiny jewelry gifted to her by some of their guests. She nuzzled her new jewelry with glee, their jewels sparkling off her excited eyes.

A young Shiny Finizen relaxed in a large bowl of sake, nodding his head to the delightful sounds of the shamisen echoing across the villa.

Finally, the main host of the party herself, was a Swoobat who indulged in the admiration of her guests. While she was resting in the same arrangement of cushions as her siblings, she was also being comforted by her admirers. She rested her head in a Cinccino's lap, who was massaging the bat's shoulders. A Dashsbun and Skuntank worked together to brush her fur and clean her wings.

"Does this please you, Mistress Reika?" the Cinccino asked, her face flushed red and eyes twinkling with a pink glow.

Reika sighed contently. "Wonderful, my dear, wonderful—agh!" She glared at the startled Skuntank. "Don't pull so hard on my wing."

"Ah! My apologies, Mistress Reika!" he cried.

The Dashsbun finished brushing out Reika's fur and smiled, happily wagging her tail. "I finished, Mistress Reika!"

Reika smirked. "Good girl. I think you deserve a reward. Come closer~."

Excited, the Dashsbun leaned closer to her mistress. Reika sat up, wrapped her wing around the dog, and pulled her closer. She flashed her fangs and sank her teeth into her neck. The dog gasped at first, then sighed contently as a flash of pink twinkled in her eyes.

Reika pulled away and kissed the Dashsbun gently. "Refill my drink. And get me some fruit. I'll let you feed me."

"Y-Yes, Mistress Reika." Filling a renewed buzz running through her system, the bread dog stood up and stumbled her way to the villa's kitchen.

The Finizen popped out of his bowl, leaning over the edge. "Man, they are really addicted to your venom."

Reika licked her fangs clean and snickered. "They wanted something stronger than sake, and I delivered."

The Manectric strung her new necklaces around her neck and slapped on her new studded bracelets. She flashed them in the light, grinning at herself. "Reika, Chougo, be honest with me: do I look dazzling, or do I look radiant?"

Chougo shot her a deadpan glare. "Bright. Very bright, Ginka."

"Oh, that's not nearly enough praise for my exceptional glow."

Reika waved her off. "Well, try and tone it down for later. Father needs us to conduct the business dinners tonight, and I'm trying to savor as much of the fun as I can."

Chougo groaned. "Do I have to join? Those dinners are so boring."

"Father put me in charge of keeping up relations with our allied clans. I need you two there to run support." She sat up. "Especially since Himura's wife will be attending tonight. We need to put our best foot forward if we want the continued support of the Himura Clan."

Ginka smirked. "You could just offer her one of your special bites."

"Oh yes, and risk death at the blade of the Demon of the Black Powder himself. Genius idea. Stick to counting sparkles, sweetheart, I'm the social expert here."

Chougo crossed his fins and huffed. "Can we at least break out the fancy drinks so I can get through the night with some enjoyment?"

Reika rolled her eyes. "Oh, fine, if it'll get you to stop complaining." She smiled as the Dashsbun returned with a fresh bottle and a bowl of berries. She leaned back and chuckled. "We've got one more hour of fun left. Let's put aside dinner planning and just enjoy the moment." She opened her mouth, allowing the Dashsbun to feed her.

Chougo leaned out of his bowl and tried to go for some fruit, but the Skuntank slapped his fin away. "Those are for Mistress Reika, fool!"

"…" Chougo's left eye blazed in a red aura. "Apologize."

The skunk yelped and jumped around to hide behind Reika. "I-I'm sorry, Master Chougo! P-Please don't kill me!"

Reika sighed and waved to the Cinccino. "Get another bowl of fruit and feed my brother before he destroys half the street." The Cinccino stood up, bowed, and walked off to the kitchen. She gently patted the Skuntank's face. "Poorly thought out, but appreciated."

Takigawa Clan Master Villa

After completing his rounds through town, Gaku made his final stop at the clan's master villa. It was a towering structure closely resembling a scaled-down palace. Two Hisuian Sneasel guards bowed to Gaku as he made his way up the stairs.

Upon reaching the front entrance, the Watchog raised his eyes to see one of his brothers waiting for him. A tough-looking Ampharos dressed in the clan uniform with purple, armored plating attached his arms, shoulders, chest, and legs. He had a scar running horizontally across his snout.

"Takato."

"Gaku."

Gaku bowed to his brother before handing him the report. "Is Father available?"

The Ampharos took the journal, skimming over the daily report. "He is out back. He's having Shizuka spar with Ouki."

"Tch. That weakling needs all the help he can get."

"He passed his Forest Survival Exam, so he's not completely useless."

"He adapted to the first week, partnered with a more experienced sibling, and just waited out the final week. It's almost as pathetic as Fuku's performance, and at least she killed a couple criminals during her run."

"Father believes Ouki has potential. Don't question his decision." Takato finished reading over the report and handed it back. "You have no room to talk given how our training went."

Gaku rolled his eyes. "I didn't expect you to slaughter everyone on the first day. I was being tactical with my options."

Takato scoffed with a smirk. "I can't help that I'm simply better than our siblings." He glared. "That reminds me, have you heard what's been going on in New Chariot as of late?"

"I know Algus has been launching attacks on their territory lately, and the Subterra Kingdom demolished an entire town. No word on survivors."

"Hmph. Nero's reign ended mere months ago, and the once invincible empire falls into ruin. Quite a poetic turn."

"Call it what you want. What about our own attempts to seize some of their land?"

"I was actually waiting for you so I could inform Father. Something tells me Shizuka is almost done roughing up Ouki."

Gaku tucked the journal under his arm and nodded. "Well, shall we proceed?" The brothers made their way into the villa, wondering just how badly their brother was getting beaten.

"HA! HA! HI-YA!"

In the gardens of the master villa's backyard, two Hisuian Sneasel did battle with each other. Shizuka, the Sneasel with sclera devoid of light and as black as her heart. She effortlessly parried the strikes of her brother, a Shiny Sneasel, who became increasingly frustrated with his sister's dismissive defense.

Observing their battle from the patio was the lord of the Takigawa Clan himself, the man feared by all of Great Gate: Takigawa Hidekage. A proud and malevolent Sneasler who towered over his many children, looking down on all with his wry grin. He dressed in a purple kimono, the left side branded with the family crest of three purple claw marks. His right arm rested hidden within his kimono, acting as a sling. The left side of his face was covered by a faux leather patch, a slight indentation revealing the shape of the skull's eye socket.

The Shiny Sneasel, Ouki, continued striking at his sister with greater ferocity, switching between jabs and kicks to throw her off balance. Shizuka stepped back lightly with each of his strikes, continuing to effortlessly disrupt his strikes. The longer their match went on, the sloppier Ouki's strikes were.

Her eyes shifted over to her father, where he nodded for her to finish the match.

Shizuka caught Ouki's wrist and flipped herself above him, grappling his neck with her legs, and pulling him to the ground. She bent his arm back while putting pressure on his body with her legs, causing him to gasp and punch the ground as he coughed for air.

"Shizuka. Yield."

Shizuka immediately released her brother, who gasped in relief, and flipped to her feet. She bowed to her father. "Was that a satisfactory match, Father?"

Hidekage's smirk grew. "An excellent performance, Daughter."

Ouki picked himself up, massaging his throat. He growled at Shizuka, his left eye blazing with an aura of bloodlust. He clenched his fists and tried to rush her down—

"Ouki. Yield."

He stopped short of his attack, freezing as he felt the tip of Shizuka's claws brushing against his throat. He stared into his sister's cold, dark eyes, like two bottomless pits with a single flame lit in the depths. His skin tingled from the prolonged contact with Shizuka's claws, even if it was just the tips. He pulled away, took a deep breath, and bowed to Hidekage.

"Forgive my unfavorable actions, Father."

Hidekage laughed. "My boy, such bloodlust is to be celebrated, but you must dispose of that reckless attitude. Defeat is a rare teacher in our family. Do you remember why?"

"Failure to survive means death."

"Exactly. This was merely training. Relish that rare opportunity. You have been falling behind in your training ever since your exam years ago. Do you think you should've died with the other siblings back in the forest?"

"No, sir. I survived by my own merits. I did what had to be done."

Hidekage snickered. "Good. Then continue to grow stronger. Maybe one day, you will surpass Shizuka."

Shizuka scoffed. "Pathetic."

Ouki clenched his teeth, but held his tongue before bowing to his father again. "Thank you, sir."

Hidekage sipped his tea before glancing over his shoulder. "And what business do you two have for me today?"

Takato and Gaku stepped out of the shadows, bowing to him. "Greetings, Father. How are you?" they asked.

Hidekage picked at his teeth. "Don't bother me with the pleasantries. You two want to say something, so just say it already."

"Quick to the point as ever, Father." Gaku handed him the journal. "I've completed my rounds through town today. Everything appears to be in order. A new batch of eggs hatched this morning. Seven children."

Hidekage huffed. "Seven new brats. Yeesh. I really am getting old."

"And fifty-two new grandchildren," Gaku continued.

"Well, that's good news, at least. Forty-one Sneasel. Figures. They've got ten years to impress me."

Takato scoffed. "Maybe it's about time you had an heir take your place as head of the clan, Father. You are getting up there in the years."

Hidekage laughed, throwing the journal back at Gaku. "I'm only seventy-one. I've got four and five more decades left in me. You're taking my status as Head Takigawa from my dead body, and I'm not going down without a fight."

Takato sighed. "Of course not, Father. I'm just saying, I would make an exceptional leader to the clan."

Gaku scoffed. "So, why did your last five engagements almost cost us an alliance with five different clans?"

"…" Takato huffed. "Silence."

"Your last date ended up marrying into the Himura Clan, so consider yourself lucky we didn't completely lose out on that deal."

Hidekage chuckled. "Taunt him later, Gaku. Was there something else you wished to discuss?"

Takato rolled his eyes before taking the lead. "We got word back from some of our soldiers who went to investigate the New Chariot Empire. It seems some of the townsfolk figured out we were scoping out their territory. At least three soldiers were killed before a retreat was sounded."

Hidekage rubbed his chin, laughing quietly. "Even in the throes of chaos, New Chariot continues to be a force of defiance. What a shame their almighty status fell apart so rapidly. I almost want to shake the hand of whoever instigated that little coup."

Shizuka straightened up. "The Foresters, Father. I saw Stormbreaker working under the late emperor. He must be the mastermind."

"Seems unlike Stormbreaker to concoct such a plot, though." Hidekage grinned. "Regardless, they did a good job getting rid of Nero. Though I believe I could take him in a fight, it would've undoubtably resulted in my permanent retirement. He was feared all over the east for his ruthless tenacity and power. It only made sense to appease him with an offering. About the only use I got out of Fuku. But now that he's dead, I don't have to play nice with Lord Martius anymore. The question is if we should take advantage of the empire's vulnerability or leave it to the wolves up on Algus."

Gaku nodded. "Seeing as the townspeople are putting up resistance, it may be wise to wait and observe."

"Perhaps." Hidekage glared. "What of Umbra Clock recently?"

Takato bowed. "Ever since the fall of the empire, the Umbra Clock Kingdom managed to recapture some of their lost territory. They've gained a boon in power as of late, likely due to the involvement of the Foresters."

"They've been busy these last couple of months," Hidekage mumbled. His smirk grew. "I wonder what they're planning."

Gaku glared. "Father, should we be concerned about the…other matter pertaining to Emperor Nero's death?"

"…" Hidekage laughed and stood up. "You mean Makiko's return? I wondered where the poor girl ran off to. Just as bloodthirsty as ever, though. I'm not worried. If anything, she did the clan a favor by removing Nero. She's a Takigawa no matter how long she's been away. That's my daughter. She does me proud."

Takato nodded. "She was the best out of all of us for a time."

"She may still be." Hidekage rolled his shoulders and yawned. "Well, I've lounged around long enough. Orochi is expecting me to help plan for his granddaughter's ascension. I expect you all to show your respect. We'll be seeing a new empress to Great Gate by the end of next month."

His children bowed. "Yes, Father!"

Hidekage smirked at the sky, laughing through his teeth. "No matter who takes the throne, one thing will always be certain: the Takigawa Clan…will outlast everyone. That will be our legacy, my children. An everlasting history!"

Kumonohana-to, the Capital of the Great Gate Empire – Himura Villa

The autumn air blew gently across the pristine garden of the Himura Clan's private villa. A beautiful arrangement of flowers surrounding a cobblestone-marked pond accompanied by the sound of the bamboo fountain, periodically filling the silence with its sharp, yet pleasing sound. The air carried along the scent of the flowers, relaxing the young lord of the Himura Clan.

The Simisear, Hanzo, sat outside his villa, dressed in a simple dark blue kimono. He balanced a smoking pipe between his teeth, occasionally huffing plumes of fiery ash through his teeth. Sometimes, the pipe would expel dark flames, though he mostly did this for his own amusement, as well as the little Pansear bouncing on his knee.

The child gurgled and sputtered, clapping his hands and trying to reach for his father's pipe. Amused, Hanzo would distract the boy by smacking his face with his sleeve. The baby monkey gurgled before pulling on the fabric, smooshing it against his face.

"Cherish these moments while you can, my love." Hanzo smiled warmly over his shoulder as a Scrafty approached from behind, carrying a tray of hot tea. She dressed in a light blue kimono with red floral patterns. She knelt at his side and handed him his cup. "Are you still worried about the ceremony?"

He took his cup, unbothered by the heat, and sipped it. He chuckled softly. "I've only been head of the clan for a year, and now I'll be officiating Lady Amano's ascension next month. It's…quite an honor. I was expecting someone like Takigawa Takato to oversee the event."

His wife smiled wryly. "Do not sell your achievements short, Hanzo. You are a respected samurai of the emperor's elite. I say there's no one more deserving." She rolled her eyes. "And believe me, Takato would just find a way to make the ceremony about himself."

Hanzo snorted. "You're still mad about that date he took you on."

She scoffed. "You call that a date, I call it another of the Takigawa Clan's quirks. The only reason we went on that travesty of an evening was because I insisted on knowing who my future husband was. Apparently the Takigawa Clan doesn't understand anything other than personal achievement."

Hanzo chuckled. "Come now, Honoka, they are allies to the Himura Clan. I advise you at least act respectful around them."

"I will only provide them the best of our cheapest teas if they ever decide to step inside my house."

"There you go."

She smirked, wrapping her arms around the Simisear. "Though, that horrible evening wasn't a complete waste. A dashing samurai escorted me home that night."

He smirked, holding her chin in his hand. "Oh? Anyone I should know?"

"Oh, just some big shot with a lot of money and prestige. Not someone I'd normally hang around, but he was quite the gentlemen. Knows how to treat a lady. Quite the swordsman, too~."

Hanzo kissed the Scrafty delicately and whispered, "Well, I'm glad someone was there to rescue you that night."

"Indeed. I hope he'll continue to rescue me for the rest of my days~."

"You still have to attend that dinner with Reika."

She pouted. "Ugh, fine!"

He chuckled. "You'll be fine. Just…make sure she's not the one serving drinks."

"Can I at least bring a gun with me?"

"Honoka…"

She fluttered her eyes at him cutely. "Please~!"

"…Fine."

She kissed his cheek. "Thank you, dear." She sat back and picked up her tea. After gently blowing on it and taking a sip, she said, "I still don't like them. Getting involved with the Takigawa Clan leads to trouble."

"They're not all bad." Hanzo frowned. "Well, I like to believe so, at least…"

Honoka frowned. "Sweetie, it's been years. Even if your letters did somehow find their way to Makiko, I don't think she wants to get involved with anyone. Especially after what happened a few months ago."

Hanzo glared. "I still can't believe she killed Emperor Nero."

"I'm surprised no one did it sooner. Then again, half the region was terrified of him, and now the empire's in shambles." She sipped her tea and sighed. "Why were you so fixated on her anyway? She was just as bad as the rest of her family."

Hanzo frowned. "They're not all bad. Fuku seemed to have been happy with her life."

"Hanzo, I know you have your responsibilities as the head of the clan, but I do advise keeping the Takigawa at arm's length. Disregarding my personal experiences, they're not good people."

"I know." He smiled. "That's why I'm glad to have been chosen to assist in Lady Amano's ascension. I might be able to help improve the current state of the empire. I want the Great Gate Empire to shine as its best self. I want what's best for the people. The Amano Clan seized power nearly thirty years ago, so I'm going to restore balance back into the faith of the system. And the rest of the region will follow suit under the banner of Great Gate. If I can convince her to my ideas, I envision a future of peace for Virdis."

Honoka snorted.

"What?"

"Sorry. You've always been a dreamer, Hanzo. It's infectious."

He grinned. "Dreaming big is what I do."

"Well, even if it's ridiculous, I would love to see a peaceful future for Virdis. You have my support."

"Thank you, Honoka." He kissed her cheek.

"BAH!"

The couple laughed as the baby Pansear crawled over onto his mother's lap. She cradled him in her arms and tickled his nose. "Alright Ryousuke, I think it's time to put you down for a nap. Say night-night to Papa."

"Gah!" Ryousuke babbled, reaching out for his dad.

Hanzo smiled, extending his finger for the baby to grasp. "Sweet dreams, my son." Honoka smiled before standing up and walking off, rocking the Pansear gently.

Hanzo leaned back on his hands and gazed up at the sky with a soft smile. He knew his ideal world of peace was an impossibility, but he believed he could rally change under the banner of Great Gate. A soldier he may be, he drew his blades to preserve justice. The Amano Clan may be the ones in power…

But Hanzo will not rest until his ideal world of peace comes to life.

Royal Palace

The biggest event of the year was only a month away, and preparations had to be made well in advance. Emperor Amano called only for the finest dressmakers, stylists, and event organizers to make his granddaughter's ascension as special as he treated her.

The slithering Seviper himself, Emperor Orochi Amano, knocked on his granddaughter's door and let himself in. "My darling granddaughter!" he gushed. "How are you today, my precious starshine?"

Standing before three vanity mirrors with a team of Maushold doing her measurements was a Gothorita. She stared into the mirrors with a hardened, emotionless glare, casting a glance at her grandfather through the reflection as one of the Maushold lifted and measured her arm.

"What do you want, old man?" she mumbled.

Orochi recoiled as if an arrow had shot him through the heart. "O-Old man?! My darling starshine, how could you say that—"

"I'm getting impatient, old timer. What do you want?"

And there was the second arrow, shattering the viper's back.

Composing himself, Orochi laughed and bowed his head. "Riko, my dear, the event organizers will be arriving in an hour to make the final preparations for this year's Aurora Revival Festival. We'll be going over your grand entrance, the festivities, and finally your ascension ceremony. We're going to be very busy next month."

Riko groaned. "I am aware of my role, Grandpappy."

Orochi squirmed with joy at being called Grandpappy. "Hehehe—ahem! Very good. This is a very important event for the both of us. You understand the responsibilities that will be placed upon your shoulders, correct?"

Riko gave him a side glance. "My ascension to empress is but a small step toward the greater prize. You said your special benefactor will be in attendance?"

"And it is advised you make a good impression on him if you want the power that's been promised to you. Lord Terrowin expects great things from you to receive this high honor. If you can prove to him you have the resolve to take on the reins of our empire, you will be entrusted with Virdis' future. It is a difficult task now that he has acquired a fourth candidate to the heir system. Show Lord Terrowin that you are a capable leader."

Riko scoffed, flicking at her hair. "Do not underestimate me, Grandpappy—"

"Yay~."

"I was born to rule. You inform Lord Terrowin that he may as well hand over the ultimate power to me. There is no other more worthy than I. What's my competition? Two snooty westerners and a king from an inferior kingdom? My fate has been sealed."

Orochi laughed. "That radiant confidence of yours, my precious starshine! That is what this empire needs! You will do great as Great Gate's shining Empress Amano!" He slithered out the door and said, "I'll be back in half an hour to check on you. I love you, my precious starshine!"

"…" Riko looked aside, her face turning red. "…Love you, too, Grandpappy."

"Heehee~!" Orochi closed the door behind him, his childish laughter piercing through the walls.

Riko held her arms out as the Maushold performed another round of measurements. She looked herself in the mirror, staring at the confident Gothorita before her. Her destiny, her birthright, was only a month away. Greatness would be promised to her on the day of her ascension. She deserved nothing less. This was the moment that would define her as the true ruler of Great Gate, and soon the rest of Virdis.

All will bow under the rule of Empress Amano Riko.

Demon Hound's Path (The Pathway to Osorekaku)

The autumn leaves scattered across the wind, landing on the stone steps leading up the mountainside to the famed capital of Great Gate, safeguarded by the lair of the demons themselves.

Standing at the foot of the stone steps was a figure, short in stature, with a cloak draped around their body. They wore a straw helm that concealed their face with a series of slits in the front to peer through. They gazed up the stone steps leading into the lair of the Takigawa Clan, the left side of their straw hat blazing in a red aura.

"Failure to survive…means death."

They ascended up the steps, a stagger in their step as if walking with a limp. However, the wandering warrior was unbothered by their limited mobility. It would not impede their mission. They sought a greater prize at the top of the mountain.

The execution of Takigawa Hidekage.