In a dimly lit cottage cut off from the rest, there sits a old man. He is exhausted beyond belief. This little expedition and the one that comes after has been quite taxing on his aged body. His attention is towards a small glass box placed on the corner. The rats have finally stopped their playing. The defeated one lies in the corner, bits and pieces of his flesh scattered here and there. The victor refuses to eat any more of the departed. A very unfortunate situation indeed. The shōji screen opens and in comes a young man.
"Master I have some reservations about your plan"
"Are you not satisfied?"
"Not really, how do know its him?"
The old man adjusts his posture to face the young man and gestures him to sit down.
"Listen closely Bato, you're one of my most trusted men. But there are some things that are better left unsaid. It may be a foolish request but please bear with it. "
"Master I did not mean rude, I my humble apologies I was just cu-"
" Curious? I know you were but please I want you to promise me not to question my decision. There are some things that even you don't understand. However, you do deserve to know what was going on, I owe you that much at least. Why is why I had Yondu explain to you the details."
"I understand, I won't pester you anymore"
And with that the young man stands up and courteously bows and takes his leave. Moments another much more noticeable personality enters and greets the old man. He sits down abruptly and pours both the old man and himself a drink.
"I was listening in on your conservation, he's a pretty straight-forward individual, no wonder he's your right hand man"
"The men respect him Yondu, that's an important thing. It's something that I've lost which is quite unfortunate"
"Is that why you've gone on ahead with this plan of yours? This isn't like you"
"I'm not getting any younger my friend, its been a long time since my men have seen me in action. They seem to have forgotten what I can do and I don't blame them. I've been piling on my responsibilities on that boy for too long. Its time I take matters into my own hands"
"Which is why you didn't tell him right?"
Nozo doesn't reply, instead his eyes dart over towards the half opened screen door where if looked upon closely, you could see the men lazing about drinking and enjoying themselves.
"I've grown complacent and so have my men. We've lost our standing. Look at us, we've been reduced to pillaging and stealing. I want to go out with a bang not a whimper. Our time has come to an end Yondu but there still some energy left in these bag of bones. He'll come at dawn tomorrow"
"I've stationed the men on the roads, they'll be overlooking the whole village. We'll be notified of anyone who enters or leaves the village. He won't escape."
"I'm not to sure about that, remember this information was given to us by some informants over at Raun, even though they are reliable it just sounds to good to be true. Why would he give his position away like this? What does he stand to gain?
"He's been on the road for five years, maybe he's tired. You have to remember that his legend his precedes him. Any semblance of a normal life that he could've had is gone. Even though he won't show his face anyone can recognize the sign of "The House of Shibuyon". Be glad that we are the only ones who are aware of that. The sign may be popular but where it originates from is not."
And with these words for old man Nozo to ponder upon, Yondu takes his leave.