Chancellor’s Residence
West of Raiden’s Eye, Kaminari no Kuni
0600 Hours
“Milady, it’s finally arrived,” said Mizuki breathlessly as he bowed to Lady Ami, ragged from having sprinted across the large courtyard of her villa to the entrance of her study. So much was his excitement at the recent arrival that he had, uncharacteristically, almost forgotten to take his outside shoes off before entering the manor proper.
“Lord Mizuki, thank you for your vigilance. Let’s see it,” she said, giving him a nod of her head in acknowledgement and beckoning him closer. Flanked by her ever-present bodyguards, she sat on a cushion at a low mahogany desk, her legs folded under her as was polite form for a lady of her standing, poring over stacks of papers and war reports concerning the civil war that had raged across the country after the horrific chemical attacks on the major cities and the ensuing Ryuu-led invasion. The situation was dismal. Although the Imperial Army led by Marshal General Kouhei had managed to take back Port Cirrus with the help of a shinobi vanguard, the other cities across the country had not been so fortunate. Kelmura was still firmly in Ryuu’s hands, as were Nkkei, Oishi, and other large population centers. Ryuu forces held the city centers while the Imperial Army maintained protracted sieges and blockades, hoping to starve out the opposition. Raiden’s Eye, although having suffered a chemical attack, did not have to endure Ryuu mercenaries marching down the streets, due to its special status as the capital and the seat of the Council of Eleven, which had the sole power to grant the title of Shogun to an eligible individual. Instead, the fight for control took more clandestine forms. Assassinations in the shadows, wars of bribery, covert promises and leaked scandals, and all while the city partied on like nothing had ever happened. Even the smaller countries and city-states bordering Kaminari no Kuni had not been unaffected. Okaya, the Kagoshiman capitol, was still recovering from a devastating attack earlier in the year by Admiral Takumi’s fleet, and the Holy City of Tenouza had only just now managed to throw off an intense Ryuu siege and was still quite vulnerable to the inevitable Ryuu counterattack.
But back to the matter at hand, Mizuki now hurried over to Ami’s side and brought out the item he had rushed from the hands of a royal courier to hers. It was a large scroll case, marked with the crest of the late Shogun as well as the seal of the transitional bakufuu of Kaminari no Kuni. After breaking the wax seals around its top, Mizuki deftly removed the rolled-up piece of parchment inside and unfurled it carefully on the table, weighting down its free corners to keep it from springing back into its original roll.
“It seems your proposition has been accepted by the Council of Eleven, Milady,” he said, grinning despite himself. The gold-leaf-inlaid paper was a decree and a summons. It recognized that the Kumo mednin named Shiranai was a legitimate candidate for the title of Shogun, and that the council of Nobles would be called to meet to determine whether they should swear fealty to him, which was the real issue at hand. It was not enough that he was the Shogun’s son – he needed their blessing first. Normally, their swearing of fealty was given without much debate, but Shiranai had been previously thought dead, and his recent reappearance was no doubt viewed with some suspicion. The second thing the scroll called for was an official summons to four specific individuals: Chancellor Ami, General Kouhei, Admiral Takumi, and Warlord Ryuu, to meet for official negotiations to end the current hostilities plaguing the country, by any means necessary. And this was based on the Crown Prince’s authority. Funny, Lady Ami thought, that they were unwilling to grant him the title of Shogun outright, but that they would grant him royalty status simply to stop the war that had been draining their own funds all this time.
“It’s not perfect, but it’ll do,” said Ami, now rising from her seat with practiced grace. “Lord Mizuki, tell the staff to make the Raiden’s Breath ready for departure. Our first destination will be Sekai Yuki.” She now turned to the two bodyguards. “Gentlemen, unfortunately you will need to stay at the villa for these talks. But not to worry, I will be taking Sir Yui.”
At this, the guards both nodded, relief barely visible in their eyes.
Sekai Yuki, Citadel of the Northern Gate
Border of Demon Country, Kaminari no Kuni
0800 Hours
The snow fell freely around Sekai Yuki, the large fortress and military base that sat on the forthernmost edge of the border between Lightning Country and the inhospitable, unexplored northern wasteland colloquially called Demon Country. Large flakes drifted through the air, settling on the gilded armor of the Raiden’s Breath and melting on contact. The titanic, monolithic-appearing ancient steam train had once been used to ferry the Shogun and his staff to the far reaches of the country during prior campaigns for territory against neighboring nations, or when disasters struck. Its mission was eerily similar now – to help stop another disaster from enveloping the land.
“Chancellor,” said Marshal General Kouhei as he now stepped on board, his boot-clad foot clearing the threshold of the train and scattering small bits of snow and slush onto the tiled marble floor. “Requesting permission to board,” he said, giving her a polite smile and a bow.
“Granted, Marshal General,” said Ami. “I bid you and your companions welcome. Thank you for making such haste. It will help us gain a time advantage on our journey to meet with Admiral Takumi. The staff will show you and your party to your cabin. If there are any problems with the accommodations, please let me know,” she said, giving him a low bow, which was duplicated by Mizuki and Yui, who flanked her at the entrance car. Kouhei snorted.
“Please, Milady, I’m an old soldier. The first time I was on a train we were packed into a cattle car so tightly we couldn’t even sit down, on our way to certain death in Marsh Country. Only after we got hit with a few strafing runs was there actually room to bend our legs, if you didn’t mind sitting on your dead compatriots,” he said shaking his head.
“Kouhei-san, please, I cannot bear to hear about such things. They give me terrible nausea,” said the woman who accompanied him. Princess Shiro Miyu – the widow of the late Shogun, and mother to Shiranai. Ami remained bowed as Miyu passed, not specifically acknowledging her but not acting overtly hostile. Of course, the two women knew who each other were. Both had shared the late Shogun’s bed, although only one had been considered his wife. A Shogun was expected to have numerous bed partners and lovers, both official and unofficial, during his reign – this was a fact that women marrying into the royal family needed to accept, lest they die of jealousy and heartbreak. Some women became fast friends, lightheartedly embracing their fellow concubines in a weird sort of sisterhood, and some chose to pretend the other women did not exist.
Izanagi Naoto gave a brief nod to Ami and Mizuki before also passing. It was no wonder that Kouhei had chosen Naoto as his bodyguard for this event – although the man was not a shinobi, he was a chakra user and displayed the genetic traits common to shinobi clans derived from the stony crust of the earth itself. After the death of Major Senada in Port Cirrus, he was also the last of the general’s chakra warriors.
Finally, Ami straightened her posture. Bringing Miyu along was no mere coincidence on Kouhei’s part. The woman controlled the pursestrings of his house, after all. Her agenda was not as clear as Kouhei’s. Hopefully she would not disrupt the proceedings too much. Yui looked at Ami now, a knowing gaze in her eyes.
“She wishes to see her son again. That, I believe, is her primary motivation for coming with the General. If Makoro attempts an attack, she might actually put up a good amount of resistance for an untrained civilian. Mother bear defending cub,” said the blue-accented woman.
“I wouldn’t know, never having been a mother myself,” said Ami. Her thoughts turned to Hayata Shin, unwantedly, before she shook them away. The train started to move now, the blasts of its steam drive echoing the beating of her heart.
Holy City of Tenouza, Outer Gate
Episcopal Jurisdiction of the Church of Saint Isamu, Eastern Kaminari no Kuni
1200 Hours
The spires of the Grand Cathedral of Saint Isamu stood upright, even pockmarked with craters from artillery fire, piercing the dull-gray heavens overhead as the smoke-blemished, tattered battle-standards of House Nemoto flapped proudly in the gusty wind from their perches on the battered gate towers on the sagging, almost blasted-through walls that ringed the city. The city’s guards stood atop the fortifications, their formerly immaculate silver-colored armor now mostly dented, smeared with blood and dirt, and patched over innumerable times. Bloody bandages wrapped around heads, arms, and legs were the rule now, rather than the exception, and nearly every man had grown a scruffy beard as a result of not having time or energy to shave. Innumerable trails of smoke rose from the city’s interior from smoldering fires still to be put out, casting a gray haze over the entire city.
Ami drew in a breath of surprise as her eyes took the sights in. This warzone was a far different Tenouza than the one she had visited in earlier years as the Shogun’s chancellor. The Holy City she knew was renowned for its beauty and cleanliness, and was a favored destination for tourists and religious pilgrims who came to see its towering spires, shining guards, and the Cathedral itself. The city was rich, but it had always been understood among the Shogun’s cabinet that the city was probably indefensible if a large army decided to try to take it. Its fortifications were relics of a distant age, and its defense force more for show than for fighting. And yet Ami now saw that the city had not only survived, but actually managed to repulse an invading, modern army. Its people had suffered, yes, but they had held on to their pride. It was evident in the faces of the wounded guards who still hoisted their weapons through the pain of lacerated tendons and missing fingers, and in the faces of the civilians who were even now diligently at work clearing away rubble and tearing down unstable structures. There was even new construction going on before her very eyes.
“Pardon our mess, Your Excellency,” said the Guard Commander who had been escorting Ami, Yui, and Mizuki through the city. Nemoto Aran was his name, she remembered. Like his soldiers, he too had seen the worst of the recent siege, and bore many wounds. Regardless, his visage was cheerful, even with the unwavering resolve in his eyes.
“It is not a problem at all, Commander. Kaminari no Kuni is grateful for Tenouza’s cooperation in this matter, as well as for relaying our correspondence with the Admiral,” replied Ami, stepping around a chunk of broken masonry with Aran’s help. Behind her, Mizuki and Yui followed, the Viscount’s eyes recording the overwhelming number of details the war-struck city presented into his eidetic memory, and Yui scanning constantly for threats, even with her weapon sheathed.
“We all seek the same peace, Your Excellency. War is the ugliest of things, even if we must always prepare for its arrival. My daughter is a genin shinobi of Kumogakure – no doubt she is fighting in this conflict as well, and my heart aches to think of her suffering, even if she is a soldier like myself. She has not posted in months, and I fear the worst” said Aran, shaking his head and gritting his teeth. Ami swallowed.
“Commander, we are stopping by Kumo in a few days as part of the peace negotiations. If you are willing to trust us, we can ferry a message to your daughter, and a message back from her when we return Admiral Takumi to this city. It will be faster and more secure than through the Royal Post or through messenger animals,” said Ami, gently touching Aran on an unwounded part of his arm. If she still lives, remained unspoken, although understood by both parties.
“I appreciate the offer, Your Excellency,” said Aran. Stopping for a moment, he dug a thick envelope from out of his armor and handed it to Ami, bowing. She bowed back and took the letter packet with both hands. No doubt it was not only messages from her father, but also from other family as well.
“What is her name, Commander? Your shinobi daughter?” she asked, a slight heaviness in her heart. She remembered how young the two genin had been who she had sent to escort her package to General Kouhei, and how they had barely lived from that mission.
“Nemoto Senna,” said Aran, smiling.
“We...no, I... will make sure this reaches her,” said Ami, holding the letter packet tightly. Mizuki, who had been about to take the package from her, refrained from doing so. Ami was possessive in some ways, especially sentimental ones. Finally, the group now came to the Naval Legation building, a brick structure with an impressive face decorated with anchor motifs. Tenouza, while not a major port city, did have enough of a natural harbor for a good part of the Royal Naval fleet to berth in, especially advantageous for the ships that had been damaged in the Kagoshima conflict and which were now vulnerable to the elements. As far as Ami understood it, Takumi and the Tenouzans had somehow come to an agreement that benefited them both; Takumi’s fleet had turned its massive firepower on the besieging Ryuu army surrounding the city and had helped to drive them off, and in return, the Tenouzans had agreed to shelter the fleet for repairs and resupply. Who or what had brought those two parties together, especially in light of the fleet’s recent attempt to pirate another independent coastal state, remained a mystery.
“Here we are, Milady,” said Aran, signaling to the guards outside, who then opened the doors to the Legation. Inside, the building’s main floor was a whirlwind of activity as dozens of Royal Navy officers talked, argued, and drew up plans for resupply and repair priorities and planning. Around a central table, a group of four flag officers huddled together in debate, pushing icons around on a large paper map of the area. In the center of the group, Admiral Takumi was unmistakable. Noticing Ami’s arrival, he raised his head, giving a half-smile as Ami’s group approached.
“Milady Chancellor, it is always a pleasure,” he said, bowing politely.
“Admiral Kato Takumi, thank you for agreeing to meet with us here,” said Ami, returning his bow. “I understand that your time is valuable, so I will get to the point.”
“Much appreciated, Milady.”
“The Crown Prince of Kaminari no Kuni as well as the Council of Eleven have issued a summons to parlay for all of us, including you, General Kouhei, Warlord Ryuu, and myself. We are ordered by His Majesty to engage in negotiations to bring about the end of the current conflict that threatens the might of our nation, before the Crown Prince takes the oath of fealty from the Council of Nobles and becomes the new Shogun of the nation. To this end, I have arranged for secure transport for all of us aboard the Raiden’s Breath, which will also serve as our main space to engage in talks. General Kouhei is waiting on board the train, and our next stop is to the Citadel of the Eastern Gate to retrieve Lord Ryuu as well. You, your second, and your bodyguard will be given a cabin outfitted for all your needs,” she said.
“The Crown Prince, eh? Forgive me, Milady, if I don’t outright believe that some random Kumo shinobi is really the long-lost Prince Shiro Yuuto vi Kaminari,” said Takumi, smirking. “I of course, desire for our nation to stop this conflict and have peace once more, but it seems a little unbelievable that the Crown Prince is still alive. We saw the evidence. A sennin killed him on a whim. The line is finished.”
“That, Admiral, is where you may be...where you are mistaken,” said Ami, a smile on her face. “Shiranai is the lost Prince. And you will get to see him and judge for yourself when we pick him up at Kumogakure.”
Takumi’s brow furrowed at this. It was evident that Ami was convinced of her truth – and Ami was generally known to be right about such things. But it was just so implausible... He sighed. He had not made it into the Admiralty by being indecisive.
“Very well, Milady. If the Crown Prince orders it, it must be done, even if I am made to ride on that abomination of a land-ship,” said Takumi, shrugging. “Reina, Clogs, you’re with me,” he said to a sly-looking man and the fearsome, blond-haired woman, who wore Royal Navy Captain uniforms. “Jun,” he began to say now to another man, whose face was purple with healing bruises and scabbed-over cuts, but who also wore the gold braid of a Captain, “you’re in a charge of the fleet until we get back.”
“Aye Aye, sir!” they all chorused back, even as the woman shot a disapproving glance at the bruised man. Perhaps there was some history between them, but for Ami, it was irrelevant. What was relevant now, was that the meeting of the factions was coming together, and that there would be peace at last. Only one last hurdle stood in the way – Amakusa Ryuu. Would he be willing to join the negotiations, or would he declare himself the enemy of all Lightning Country and continue the fight? Even if Kouhei and Takumi joined forces to storm captured cities and blockade ports, and even if shinobi were used extensively on the front lines as true weapons of mass destruction, there was no guarantee of victory over the forces of a man with nearly infinite money and resources. He would simply keep handing out gold and weapons, and more of the nation’s unemployed, uneducated, displaced, and angry young men and women would flock to his cause. Lightning Country’s neo-feudal system had produced enough young angry soldiers with nothing to lose to last for a hundred wars.
No. I won’t let that happen. I can’t let that happen. I promised him I wouldn’t, Ami thought to herself, gritting her teeth as she turned to accompany Takumi’s party and her own back to the rail station outside Tenouza.
Seiryu no Me, Citadel of the Eastern Gate
Base of the Dragon’s Spine Range, Kaminari no Kuni
1700 Hours
The air bore the chill of an especially early fall as the Raiden’s Breath came to a slow, rolling stop on the stretch of track nearest to the main gates of the ancient Eastern Fortress of Lightning Country. It was called the Eye of Seiryu, after the azure dragon who served as guardian of the eastern heavens, and like the Northern Fortress that Kouhei occupied, the Eastern Fortress had been built up over centuries to watch over the borders of the country and defend against invaders from the seas, specifically pirates from Water Country. It was also now where Amakusa Ryuu had made his base of operations, and conducted all of his business from.
Word of the summons to the negotiation table, as well as Shiranai’s announcement as the Crown Prince of the land had already reached the citadel’s walls well in advance, but Lady Ami could not help but let out a momentary shudder at the thought of how Ryuu would react when they actually arrived at the gates of his headquarters. They were on his turf now, regardless of the multitude of laws and customs that supposedly protected them from harm as long as they approached under a white flag. The train’s engines still ran, so a quick escape could be had if necessary, but the entire point of rounding up all of the faction heads was so that the war would end, instead of merely become prolonged.
“No use worrying about something that hasn’t happened yet, Milady,” said an older man’s voice behind her, as a grizzled but warm hand came to rest on her shoulder. It was Tohsaka Satoshi, minister of justice in the Shogun’s cabinet, and an old samurai warrior through and through. He had seen his fair share of battles, and while the Shogun had been alive had run the country’s courts in a fair, if somewhat strict manner. While he usually served as one of the more conservative voices on the cabinet, and had clashed with Ami before, she had come to value his counsel over the years.
“Thank you, Lord Tohsaka,” she said, closing her eyes for a second, allowing herself to take comfort in his steadiness before resuming her aura of total serenity and control. “We must make all haste to Warlord Ryuu’s gates before nightfall. I assume Viscount Mizuki and Sir Yui are waiting for us,” she said brightly, to which Tohsaka nodded. In his mind, he was gladdened that Yui was coming along – the woman’s official position was as an aide-de-camp for Mizuki, but in reality, she was Lady Ami’s true bodyguard, and last line of defense. The woman fought with brutality and precision that made her dangerous even to shinobi, and when she swung her kanabo, the studded metal club cut a swath of unmatched destruction in its path. Hopefully, her skills would not be needed in the next few minutes.
Unfortunately, that hope proved to be potentially lost, as the party shortly found themselves at the closed gates of Seiryu no Me, Ryuu mercenaries lining the tops of walls and towers, crossbolters at the ready, and Baron Daiki, Ryuu’s second-in-command, now facing them with evil intent in his eyes.
“Yo homey, this aint Bel-Air! You lost or something?” asked the redhead, clad in a hideously pink Hawaiian-style shirt and carrying a fruity, oversized blended drink in his hand. He sucked loudly at the straw.
“My Lord Baron Tsukahara Daiki! Lady Tokisada Ami, Chancellor of the bakufuu of Kaminari no Kuni, formally requests to meet with your master, Daimyo Amakusa Ryuu. We request that you open your gate and allow us passage inside, or that Lord Amakusa be summoned here,” said Mizuki, holding open a gold-leaf-inlaid scroll for all to see. Written on it was the official summons to meet for all the faction heads; Ami, Kouhei, Takumi, and Ryuu. It had been freshly signed and stamped by the Council of Eleven in Raiden’s Eye only a day earlier. Daiki rolled his eyes and stepped closer, peering at the document. He shrugged his shoulders, as if to signal for the gate to open, when he suddenly broke into a malicious smile, turning back to Mizuki.
“Yo Baby-face, that’s a cool-looking piece of paper there, but tell me why I shouldn’t just have my guys fill you all with holes right now? After all, you all did send shinobi after us,” said the redhead, smiling broadly.
“Baron, I am warning you, this is a summons from the Council of Nobles on behalf of the Crown Prince of the Nation. You are not to ignore it. Summon your master immediately,” said Mizuki, hoping that a show of assertiveness would serve to call the unbalanced man’s bluff…
“Nah, OP is still a faggot. Sage!” said Daiki, turning to walk back to the fortress, his hand rising to give the command to open fire. The PMC soldiers on the walls started to raise their weapons, disengaging safeties, aligning sights, and wrapping their fingers around their triggers…
“We approach under a flag of peace, you bastard! If you or your men attempt to harm us, that is a war crime! Your master will be held responsible for this! He will be hunted down like a rabid dog! The Council of Eleven will never accept him as a peer, much less as any sort of Shogun!” growled Mizuki to the sauntering man’s back as Ami inhaled deeply and Tohsaka’s hand went to the hilt of his katana. Yui’s narrow-set eyes rapidly moved, scanning the Ryuu firing positions as she steadied her grip on the giant metal club hitched to her belt. The first priority was to cover the Chancellor – she could easily swat away even concentrated fire directed at Ami, and spirit her into the Raiden’s Breath, which was well-armored even against artillery strikes. Mizuki and Tohsaka would definitely die; there was no possible way to retreat from the killzone of the front gate alcove without Yui’s help, but of course both men understood that. They had all served under Lady Ami for many years. They were prepared to lay down their lives for her.
“Well now, Daiki, that wouldn’t be very desirable now, would it? To have you make me lose face in front of my council over a silly thing like being enemies in a war,” purred another man’s voice now, approaching from the now-opening gate. Mizuki’s expression remained fierce as he now caught sight of the approaching form of Amakusa Ryuu. The man appeared just as lizard-like as he had ever been to the Viscount – an angular, forward-pointing face with wide-set, green eyes that seemed to flit from side to side without reason, and a wide, thin-lipped mouth that occasionally drew back to reveal fang-like teeth whenever the man smiled. Topped with perfectly oiled, slicked-back blond hair, and an ever-present smell of rose-scented perfume that hid the persistent odor of blood emanating from his mouth, Ryuu looked every inch of his reputation. His powerful body was well-dressed in an expensive suit replete with gold chain and a fur-lined overcoat draped over his shoulders, his arms free of the sleeves, however. He clutched a jeweled cane with a large, sapphire head that no doubt contained a poisoned sword within its shaft.
Flanking the warlord was another man who Mizuki and the rest had seen before – Damashi Kenta, who was Ryuu’s bodyguard. Compared to Ryuu, Kenta was certainly the more wholesome-appearing of the pair. Boyishly handsome with wavy dark hair down to his neckline, he was clad in a no-nonsense, tight-fitting jumpsuit that allowed him maximum flexibility with his chosen fighting style: dual-wielding a pair of heavy, foreign-made basket-hilted straight swords whose odd geometry and construction compared to the more traditional curved specimens of the continent made them an unexpected threat. More than a few times had he simply slashed through his opponents’ relatively weaker blades with his own. Kenta’s expression was usually downcast, as it was today. It was rumored that he despised guarding Ryuu more than anything else, but could not leave because he could not make himself violate an old oath.
“Lord Amakusa. As Chancellor of the bakufuu of Kaminari no Kuni, I bring you greetings. You have been issued a summons to parlay by the Council of Nobles and the Crown Prince of Kaminari no Kuni. As a member in good standing of the Council, you must obey this, lest you lose your title and all ensuing rights granted by this,” now said Ami, her voice imperious and formal, and without a hint of fear. Ryuu grinned at her.
“Foolish girl, I recognize no Crown Prince of Kaminari no Kuni other than myself. The shinobi boy you insist on shamefully masquerading as our late Liege’s son is no more a blood-noble than you are, daughter of fishmongers. I am only answering this ridiculous summons because the Raiden’s Breath is an appropriate conveyance for someone of my majesty, and it is high time that I travel to Raiden’s Eye myself to accept the coronation ceremony and the swearing of fealty. After which, you and Kouhei will be imprisoned, mutilated, and executed for treason along with your families and servants, as well as that shinobi boy and whoever he’s related to in Kumo as well. If you beg me for mercy on your knees, I might simply decide to hang you in the square alongside the common criminals,” snarled Ryuu, to which Mizuki coldly stared back. He started to open his mouth to reply, when Ami silenced him with a quick wave of her hand.
“Lord Amakusa, we waste time with idle banter. Please accompany us to the Raiden’s Breath where you will be shown to your cabin, which has been outfitted to the needs of a man of your standing. As you know, you may have your second in command accompany you to serve as your personal aide and servant, as well as a single personal bodyguard. We depart immediately,” said Ami, her tone unchanged. Deep within, she hoped that maintaining her calm demeanor would serve to unbalance the man and help to tip him into a compromising spot.
“Not so fast, Chancellor. I know Kouhei and Takumi are on that train, as are you. If I were Kouhei, I’d slip a blade into my ribs and be done with it. You will give me...collateral,” said Ryuu, coldly licking his lips. Ami opened her mouth to reply, but Tohsaka now stepped forward.
“Fine. I’ll be your hostage, Amakusa, if you’re so damned scared of taking the choo-choo train,” he remarked, his voice contemptuous and gruff. He shot a look back at Lady Ami. It must be done, milady,” he mouthed to her, before walking forward. With a fluid motion, he pulled his sheathed katana free of his obi and handed it to one of the two paramilitaries who now came detain him. “Show some respect to your elders, young man,” he growled at one of them as they roughly slapped a pair of manacles on his wrists.
“After you, Chancellor,” said Ryuu, leering at his new hostage in satisfaction. With a single gesture, he summoned Daiki to follow him. Kenta of course stuck to his side like a shadow, his expression slightly more pained than before.
An hour later, the gilded black train thundered its way across the ancient network of rail tracks laid across Lightning Country in the age before the cataclysm that had changed the world forever, carrying the leaders of the major factions fighting over a dying nation’s body. Their last intended passenger: The Crown Prince of Lightning Country. Their destination: Kumo, The Village Hidden in the Clouds.
Meanwhile
Deep Confinement and Interrogation Block
Sileo Tempestas, Kumogakure, Kaminari no Kuni
2330 hours
Two kilometers underground, a steel door rolled aside into its recess in the stone wall. Above it, stencil-painted onto the whitewash covering otherwise unremarkable concrete were the words: “Interrogation Chambers”. Vice Commander of the ANBU Takaki Masao now stepped out into the antechamber, his face drenched in sweat. A woman now approached him, her face expectant.
“We have to warn Shin. There’s been a development,” said Masao, sighing.
“Did he talk?” asked Rin.
“They always talk. Ayatsuji gave us everything. Names, dates, locations, attack plans, weapons caches, everything. Makoro’s entire organization. And most importantly, we know who he is now.”
“What’s his real name?”
“His real name is Makoro. Hayata Makoro. He’s the Raikage’s uncle.”
Finis.