"Greetings, Kuroyama Endo," expressed the woman assisting the emperor, her voice brimming with solemn respect. She was an elegant figure, dressed in a traditional silk kimono that showcased the intricate craftsmanship of the Imperial court. Her eyes, soft and intelligent, held a depth of experience and wisdom that belied her youthful countenance. She bowed profoundly before ushering the group along the hallowed hallway leading to the throne room.
The doors of the emperor's throne room creaked open, revealing the opulent chamber adorned with gold-trimmed tapestries and intricately carved statues. Kuroyama Endo, flanked by his loyal kunoichi, Mizuki and Hina, strode into the room with purpose, his deep blue haori billowing behind him as he walked towards the emperor.
"Your Imperial Highness," he began, his voice steady yet respectful, "I am honored to relay that Shogun Hidetada has seen it fit to bestow upon me his authority, considering his tender age and the demanding responsibilities of the Shogunate. I respectfully seek your approval to formalize this decision."
"Kuroyama Endo," the emperor's voice resonated, chilling and firm. "So you aspire to take on the mantle of the Shogun? You, the man who has blood of the late Shogun Tokugawa Leyasu on his hands?"
Kuroyama's eyes widened slightly before narrowing in seething anger. "Your Highness, I assure you, I am not responsible for the death of Shogun Tokugawa Leyasu."
"Is that so?" The emperor leaned back on his ornate throne, studying Kuroyama with a critical eye. "It seems convenient that you rise to power just as our dear Shogun is found murdered."
"Convenient or not, I did not kill him," Kuroyama insisted, his voice strained under the weight of his emotions. He clenched his fists tightly, fighting to keep the anger from boiling over.
"Your Majesty, I–" Kuroyama began, but the emperor interrupted.
"Silence!" The emperor barked, slamming his hand against the armrest of his throne. "You dare speak to me with such disrespect?"
"Forgive me, Your Highness," Kuroyama bowed deeply, struggling to contain his rage. "I meant no disrespect. I only wished to clear my name."
"Very well," the emperor said, a cunning glint in his eyes. "But if you are innocent, then bring me Kazuki's head."
"Your Highness, I accept your request," Kuroyama said, his voice steady and determined.
"Good," the emperor said, a smirk playing on his lips. "Do not disappoint me, Kuroyama Endo. Or should I say… Kuroyama Minamoto?"
Kuroyama's heart skipped a beat, and he felt as if his world had suddenly turned upside down. His mind raced with confusion and disbelief, but he kept his face carefully neutral. "I am not certain what you mean, Your Highness."
"Feign ignorance if you must," the emperor mused, "but it is curious that 'someone' has erased your name from the history books. As emperor, I possess the original records of all names and clans. And according to these documents, your father was none other than the first Shogun, Yoritomo Minamoto. That makes you not Kuroyama Endo, but Kuroyama Minamoto - the man that was supposed to be next in line to be Shogun."
The emperor's revelation echoed ominously in the room, cutting through the tense silence like a sword. Mizuki and Hina shared a knowing look, their eyes meeting briefly. This revelation, so startling to others, was no surprise to them.
"Of course you're gonna try to deny it," the emperor sneered. " But know this – your true lineage will not save you if you fail to bring me Kazuki."
As the weight of the emperor's words sank in, Kuroyama bowed once more before turning to leave the throne room, Mizuki and Hina following closely behind. As they stepped into the dimly lit corridor, Kuroyama's thoughts swirled with unanswered questions.
"Kuroyama-sama," Mizuki whispered, concern etched across her face. "Are you alright?"
"Leave me be, Mizuki," Kuroyama snapped, the frustration finally spilling over.
"Of course, Kuroyama-sama," Mizuki replied, her voice subdued.
As they walked through the castle's winding corridors, Kuroyama couldn't help but feel a deep sense of unease. The revelation of his true lineage had shaken him to his core, and he could only wonder what other concealed fragments of his past that corpulent, despicable emperor held against him.
Kuroyama clenched his fists as anger bubbled beneath the surface. He had been denied knowledge of his own heritage, and now the emperor was using this information to manipulate him further.
"Kuroyama-sama," Hina spoke up hesitantly, "Do you think emperor Jimmu knows more than he let on?"
"Perhaps," Kuroyama replied tersely, his jaw set with resolve. "But it does not matter. We must find Kazuki."
"Indeed," Mizuki affirmed, her voice a resonating gong in the looming silence. Her loyalty, steadfast and unyielding, shone in her eyes. "We pledge our fealty to you, Kuroyama Minamoto. As the rightful Shogun of Kyoto, we shall remain ever at your side."
As they exited the castle and made their way towards the gates, Kuroyama's thoughts were consumed by the task that lay ahead of them. The truth about his identity had been revealed, and now he had no choice but to confront the demons of his past.