Three brothers kneel in front of their father with their swords horizontally ahead. They are facing downwards as a sign of respect to the emperor.
" I've...just received the news that...Hatsu was killed..."
The crowd gasp.
" My firstborn ... the eldest...of all...what a tragedy..." His voice gets louder and louder as he speaks.
Nagano punches the ground to show his rage. " We must find the killer and bring him to justice father, let me do it."
"Nagano...my second born...yes...bring the murderer to me ...and...take the rest of your brothers along with you."
Ryou peers towards Nagano and sees a slight lift on his lips. His grin gives Ryou an unsettling feeling.
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" Wow, I can't believe Hatsu is killed...but guess who's the new heir for the throne! " Oshita elbows Nagano and they both starts to laugh.
"Well you can't change the outcome, I guess God thinks I'm worthy for the place after all." Nagano chuckles
" Don't be too cocky, I will find a way to surpass you ... brother. " Oshita replies jokingly.
Ryou rushes down the stone slab getting tons of attention with his geta shoe stomping each step.
" Where're you rushing to baby Yoshi?" Oshita shouts.
Ryou turns around and looks up the top of the stairs. " I'm not your so-called baby brother Oshita and it's none of your business.-"
"Hold on Ryou, I don't think that's how you're supposed to talk to your brothers." Nagano interrupted.
Oshita blushes and an eerie smicker as a sudden burst of realisation he could be the second in command for the future king. "Yeah! Don't think you're better than us just because you stayed in America for three years."
Ryou clenches tightly to his scabbard and walks away in shame as people from the council feast their eyes on his embarrassment. These little things could have a great impact on which prince they eventually side when the time comes.
Nagano pulls out a small metal container and presses it on Oshita's chest. " Pass this to father tomorrow morning. Do not open it in any condition unless I tell you to. I'm got something to do, see you later." Nagano gives Oshita a light tap on the back.
" Wait...wait...what's inside?"
" Just promise me you won't open it unless I say so. Can I trust you on that?"
" Ye..ah....yeah you can."
"Good, remember to pass it to father tomorrow morning."
"Where're you going then? Kyoto?"
Nagato gives him a smile. " Somewhere."
He rushes out the gate looking for Ryou. He sees him walking into the crowd along the food market, but stays exactly 10 feet behind as he follows Ryou's footsteps like he always does before taking someone's life.