A couple of days earlier, in the infirmary:
Adachi: "Kina, is it possible to overthrow the Lord of a region?"
She looks up at me in disbelief. I know what I just said was crazy, but I intend to get Kiichi's children away from that man no matter what.
After a few seconds of thought, Kina responds.
Kina: "To remove people from power, all you have to do is kill them. Now then, you said you wanted to overthrow them. Is that the only option?"
Adachi: "It is. A swift death is too good for those two. They need to see their corrupt empire fall to pieces before their very eyes. I want them to be helpless and repentant."
Kina goes back to stitching me up while she responds.
Kina: "In that case, you would have to provide proof of their wrongdoing."
Adachi: "Their crime is over 15 years old! How am I supposed to dig up evidence on that?"
Kina: "You could try, but you would most likely fail. One thing you should keep in mind is that those types of people don't change. If they were doing evil things back then, they are almost certainly doing evil things now. So you don't have to provide evidence of all their crimes. It only takes one."
If that's all I have to do, then this task is possible. First, however, I'm going to need some inside information.
Present time, in the dojo's garden:
Adachi: "I plan to oust your mother and step-father for their activities. I'm sure many people have already realized your father's innocence. He grew up here where everybody knew him. All we need is a little proof to remove them from power, and then your dad can return. However, I can't do this alone. I'm going to need your help. Can I count on you?"
Alice, still unable to speak, nods her head and tightens her grip around me. She's lived in a luxurious prison her entire life with nobody to parent her other than her sister. Compared to that, growing up on Mount Nova was an easy life. She needs someone to count on, and I hope I can fill that role.
An hour later, Alice is preparing to leave with Obo. I hate to send her back to that household, but it's only temporary.
Adachi: "Remember, Alice. All you need to do is point me in the right direction. Don't do anything that might jeopardize your safety. Just tell me where to look."
Alice: "Okay, I got it. Hey, Adachi?"
Adachi: "What's up?"
Alice: "Thank you for doing all of this. You know how dangerous messing with my step-dad can be, yet you're going to do it anyway. I've been waiting my whole life to be free of his influence, and then you came along."
Adachi: "Kiichi took me in and raised me. If I don't do this much for his daughter, what kind of person am I?"
Alice gives me one more hug before she puts her blindfold back on. Obo leads her off into the stone maze.
I turn around once they disappear from sight to find Shiki and Mito standing behind me. Shiki has a look on his face that is more devious than usual. Mito appears to have something up his sleeve as well.
Mito: "Surely you're not thinking of doing this all by yourself, are you?"
Adachi: "Well- I didn't- I didn't want to involve you guys in my personal issues. It's going to be dangerous."
Shiki: "Pah! You're part of my dojo now! Welcome to the Seiei Dojo! We take care of each other here."
Ah, so this place does have a name. The Seiei Dojo does have a nice ring to it.
Shiki: "To tell the truth, the Gishie household has been a thorn in our side for ages. Our freedom of operation would significantly increase without them. It feels like stepping on eggshells when dealing with that man. If Kiichi were to come back, it would greatly benefit all of us. Not to mention, if you're putting your life on the line, we'll put our lives on the line as well. That's how we work in the Seiei Dojo. Get used to it."
Mito: "If you're going to take on the Lord Gishie, you'll have to be strong enough to hold your own. With the money he has, Lord Gishie can afford to hire the strongest mercenaries in the region. So you'll have to be much stronger than you are right now."
Mito extends his hand to me and smiles.
Mito: "So, are you ready for the Seiei Dojo's training?"
Without hesitation, I put my hand into Mito's. It looks like I'm finally being accepted around here.
Adachi: "I'll do whatever training you throw at me! You have my word."
Shiki: "Any training, you say?"
Suddenly, the atmosphere around me changes. Mito and Shiki both have devilish grins on their faces. Did I just make a grave mistake?