Shoutout to IDB ,who funnily enough gave powerstones to my other book as well. May you get a Zen POTG in your next match.
The plane ride to Japan was a smooth one, and lonely one. Apparently, this was going to be a solo mission, as it was only me who was requested, not S3bastian. He was deployed to help push to claim another omnium instead. Therefore, it gave me time to think about what might be happening in Hanamura.
There was only one event that was happening to warrant a response from Mamoru. Genji must be being born soon. Which made me realize, Sojiro's wife was killed by the Hashimoto a couple of years back, so who was Genji's mother?
The plane lands in the private airport and I exit wearing my original uniform I wore on missions with Mamoru. I had a feeling that I didn't want to represent Overwatch for what was to come. It doesn't take me long to recognize the approaching figure to welcome me.
Unable to hold back my smile, I reach out to take the outstretched hand of Mamoru. Just as our hands almost connect in a handshake, my instincts take over, and I grab his arm instead. With my other hand, I pull back his sleeve and take out an extremely small needle. I look at him questioningly, "Cyanide?"
He raises an eyebrow, "Botulinum. I was checking to see if kept practicing like I taught you. If you failed just now, you would have been paralyzed and flown back. Glad to see I won't be doing this myself."
"So, what are we doing?" I ask expectantly.
He looks around, "Not here, follow me."
I follow him out of the airport and into the parking lot where we get to his car. We drive past bustling streets with people living their lives like a war for humanity wasn't happening in the world. Maybe they were doing better in the war than the rest of the world.
"Overwatch huh. I heard you're doing big things out there. I didn't take you for one to try to change the world." Mamoru finally says.
"I have my reasons." I respond.
"Don't we all. Don't we all." He says while continuing to drive.
After a couple more minutes, I just give up playing his game and just decide to be blunt. "Are you going to tell me what we're about to do or not."
"Well, I can't tell you because I don't know." He reveals.
I roll my eyes, "Then what was all that back at the airport?"
He shrugs, "I was trying to be mysterious. Cut me some slack, it's the most fun I've had these past days."
"Then, where are we going?" I ask.
His expression softens as a little smile appears on his face. "Home."
Having said that, the rest of the car ride is in silence as I appreciate the beautiful scenery of Japan. We headed more towards the mountains, where I started seeing more of them. The cherry blossoms. I'd heard stories of them, but to actually see them, was breathtaking. It was only when I took my eyes off of them, that I noticed that we had entered another city, this one more vibrant than the last. Then, in the distance as we pass street after street, I saw a huge familiar structure.
Shimada Castle.....
We parked a couple of miles back, I didn't ask why, but it gave me good reason to appreciate the scenery of a map I loved. Sure, it was a 2CP map, but there were more times that I had fun than not, so I liked it. Walking, I compared the way it looked as to the game. Turning on to the renowned street, I was disappointed to find the arcade that was first spawn wasn't a thing yet. But, looking up, I saw the post where Genji would be standing while watching Hanzo infiltrate this place in a couple of decades.
It's only when we near the large wooden doors with the twin dragons crest on it, do I feel the tension in the air. Mamoru knocks on the door and a little slate pulls back to reveal a set of eyes that look between me and Mamoru. It closes back with silence for a minute. Then bolts unlocking can be heard as the door slowly swings open revealing the rest of the place.
I could say, there were way more buildings here than in the game. On entering, we were immediately looked at by men in black suits in various places. An elderly guy wearing black and white kimono walks up to us.
"Mamoru. I see you brought your apprentice as we instructed. Very good." He says, wearing a creepy look on his face.
From common sense and watching anime, I pretty much knew the situation here, and knew that this guy was up to something devious. No doubt he was going to explain our involvement but not his master plan.
"Come, we have much to discuss." He leads us to the area to the left, where you could see the city and mountain in the distance. Beautiful, by the way. There was a large azumaya right under the cherry blossoms, in the perfect place to look at the scenery in the distance. It was that moment there that I decided that in the future when Genji dismantles the Shimada and the Hashimoto take over, I'm going to do everything in my power to claim this place.
On two other seats, were two other elderly men, who were apparently in on whatever scheme they were planning. They wait until both of us have a seat before they start.
"Greetings Mamoru and his apprentice. It pleases us that you have answered our summons. Do not worry about being discovered Mamoru, this meeting is discreet and Lord Sojiro is... away." He explains. His word choice there makes me raise a mental eyebrow, but I don't reveal a single thing, keeping a poker face as I try to determine what they want.
"How much do you know about our current situation?" Another one asks.
Mamoru takes off his shades, revealing his wary face. "Everything." He says sadly.
"As expected." The third one says to himself. I don't know their current situation, but judging from how tensed everyone is, I could take a hint.
"The longer we take, the more damage there is. If you have a plan, spit it out, otherwise, I'm going to do what I was going to do before you contacted me." Mamoru says, losing patience with them.
The first elder looks slightly annoyed before clearing his throat. "Right, according to our spies, Lord Sojiro is bound to have another son within the week." He explains.
"That doesn't seem so bad to me." Mamoru says. The second and third also start to look annoyed with him.
"Not while he's vexed with a Hashimoto witch." The second elder says like Mamoru's an idiot.
"No shit. I meant as it doesn't really affect us...you guys as it won't give the Hashimoto an advantage over us. In fact, it gives you two in line to rule the Shimada." He responds.
The elders share a look at each other before turning back to Mamoru. "What if something were to happen to Lord Sojiro, then Master Hanzo? The half-blood would be next in line. There's no telling what he would do." The third elder says.
"He'll be raised next to his brother here in these walls. I still don't see the problem." Mamoru counters.
The first elder is tired of Mamoru who doesn't seem to share the same concern as they do. "The boy must not be allowed to be born." He announces, and a silence ensues. For a moment, only the wind can be heard.
"We cannot make a move, as Lord Sojiro has forbidden us from taking action against the witch who mothers the boy. We cannot risk death or banishment, as the clan is already fragile as it is." He continues when it was apparent we weren't responding.
"The Hashimoto are more cunning than we anticipated, more stronger. The witch's hex is so rooted in Lord Sojiro, we fear it may continue for years to come. We fear that they could control his actions if something isn't done soon." The second goes to say.
They each wear a solemn look as the third finishes. "Mamoru, you and your apprentice must assassinate the witch and in turn, the half-blood."