"This is one reason why I'm starting to hate Adonai…"
Mumbling with ire, Asami continued following Tanjo throughout the woodlands of the very nation she resided, keeping the jet-black-haired boy in her sights.
Tanjo heard what the woman said, replying, "After we do this, we can go to Shanti for as long as you want. After all, Mizuki is my only priority at the moment."
Fortunately, it had not been long since they departed from the lake, their immense speed allowing the two to advance across the nation in mere minutes. Tanjo had kept the note in mind, hoping that he wasn't being pulled by his naive nature once more—however, paper with a set of instructions doesn't arbitrarily appear from thin air. Perhaps it was Kronos' doing.
"It still surprises me how hellbent you are on rescuing him. I would've assumed that he was a younger sibling or something." Asami said, her voice clear in the boy's ears despite the sound-breaking speed they moved at. Enhanced senses really were something.
Though Asami has shown her curiosity about the boy's quest, she couldn't help but wonder what Tanjo's actions were built off of. Ironically, the jet-black-haired boy used to ask the same thing.
"I believe I've made it clear before—I wouldn't be able to see myself as a warrior if I let a helpless kid die because of my own idiocy." Tanjo responded, his black hair swaying violently in the wind. "And how would I accomplish my goal if I can't even make a kid smile?"
The blue-haired woman reflected off of Tanjo's words, simply accepting the answer.
"Woah, wait!" Tanjo yelled, his body halting instantly.
Asami landed on the ground, her feet creating ruts from the force of her stopping. The woman turned around swiftly, her eyes darting to the boy behind her.
"What?" Asami inquired, arching a brow as she waited for the boy to respond.
'The note was right!' Tanjo thought to himself, peering over a small hill before him.
Located just a few kilometers away, a seemingly run-down village could be seen. Its bordering walls were collapsing. The majority of the buildings within the perimeter were destroyed. It looks like the village was razed to the ground—all that remained intact was an ominous castle, towering over everything in sight.
It only took a second for Asami's face to morph into a look of disgust. "Shit, is this what Furusato looked like before it fell?"
Immediately, Tanjo vanished from Asami's view, only to be seen heading toward the front of the vanquished village. The woman sighed, slightly amazed by the boy's increasing control over his speed.
Upon reaching the village, Tanjo took the time to analyze the area: the ruined ground, mossy stone walls, and a massive sign that had toppled over for what might've been years ago. It's entirely impossible to guess just by looking, but Tanjo could tell it had been well over ten years—the amount of moss was an indication, but the wood told the boy that it was less than a few decades, as it still seemed healthy, just broken and splintered.
Suddenly, Tanjo's eyes broadened widely, his blue eyes glinting with shock.
Asami perked up as she heard a gasp elicit from Tanjo, focusing her attention on the boy. "What is it, Tanjo?"
The boy stood up silently, his head faced downward. To Asami's confusion, Tanjo reached into his gray cloak, retrieving his rogue mask and placing it over his face.
"Tanjo," Asami called once more tersely, "what is it?"
The jet-black-haired teenager in question shifted his body, his eyes reaching Asami. "We've made it. This village looks destroyed because it was, sixteen years ago—Furusato village."
Astonishment brimmed Asami's face as she heard those words, her expression matching Tanjo's from moments ago. "You serious? This is where Furusato has been? It doesn't even look clean! Typically, when a village falls, especially the number one village, partnered villages are required to pick up the mess to maintain power—not completely ignore the problem!"
Tanjo's voice lost any emotion it previously had. "Think, Asami. Those rogues that kidnapped Mizuki still inhabit this place—they fend off any incoming troops, and I'll say quite easily considering what they have in their arsenal."
'How many rogues are there, then?' Asami thought, her eyes glued to the large castle at the center of the village. "I haven't met them yet, but I suppose it's safe to assume that they're High-Class threats, huh?"
"More than that," Tanjo said. "You're not aware, but it would take one of them to wipe out entire militaries. That instantly puts them in a league of their own."
As he said this, memories of Ryakudatsu surged back into Tanjo's mind; how it only took one person to destroy the Montgomery Church; how it only took one person to swiftly defeat Buraun's chief; and how it only took one person to infiltrate through every defender to kidnap Mizuki, much less kill every troop before they could be dispatched. Tanjo had the chance to hear about Ryakudatsu's situation and what had happened. It was crucial information, to say the least.
Without warning, Asami ambled past Tanjo, entering the run-down village of Furusato without a second thought. The boy stared at Asami for a few moments, then proceeded to walk behind her. Finally, he'd made it—all Tanjo could hope for was that Mizuki was here and in one piece.
Tanjo's eyes glowered through his mask. "Mizuki, you better still be alive."
XXX
Regashi Ketsueki sat in silence, encompassed by a thick atmosphere. Oddly, his eyes were closed, all alone while he sat on the throne he claimed years ago. Some would say he was stuck in thought, others would presume that he was sleeping. However, nobody would be able to figure out the real reason behind the moment as it was disrupted by the sound of fire.
*WHOOSH!*
The flames whirled violently, elongating with every passing second. Soon, the fire vanished, revealing nothing but the fiery abomination, Imawashiki.
"Regashi," Imawashiki started, cordially calling out to the brown-haired male. "We have intruders again, but they aren't warriors."
The room became still, not a word escaping Regashi's mouth for numerous moments. Just as Imawashiki was going to speak up once more, he was prevented by Regashi finally parting his mouth to speak.
"I'm aware, Shiki." Regashi replied, his eyes remaining shut.
Imawashiki had gotten used to Regashi's antics. Over the years, since the invasion of Furusato, Regashi had calmed down greatly, changing from his previous belligerent temper to tranquil and collected.
The butler-like rogue nodded. "Seeing as they weren't exactly subtle about their appearance, what do you suppose we do? I could just have Gimu or the others clear them like normal, but I have a feeling that this will end differently."
"They're here for a reason," Regashi stated. "Besides, I'm picking up an interest with one of them as we speak."
Suddenly, Regashi opened one eye that glowed brilliantly—like an emerald.
"I want you to let the others face them, but I would like you to separate the two. And from the looks of it, you might be able to collect another family member." Regashi said, smiling wickedly.
Imawashiki's countenance shook momentarily, then steeled immediately after. "As you wish."
XXX
A family member? What could Regashi mean by that? How does Regashi know who is coming into the ravaged village? What will happen once the Furusato Unit encounters Tanjo and Asami? Stay tuned to find out! I want to wrap this volume up swiftly, as I have the entire latter half of the story built up, and I no longer wish to prolong all important instances with plot-less jargon. Hope you enjoyed this chapter, and I sincerely hope that this doesn't feel rushed—I'm one person creating a big ass storyline, so I try to keep it coordinated and organized to the best of my ability!
Have a Great Day!
Peace - Cr1ticalz_