Kaze's fingers hovered over the shogi board, trembling slightly as he contemplated his next move. Across from him, young Shogun Hidetada sat with an air of smug confidence, arms folded across his chest as he awaited Kaze's turn.
Kaze's eyes darted frantically across the board, analyzing each strategic possibility, but finding no clear path to victory. Beads of sweat formed on his brow. How could a mere boy of thirteen have outmaneuvered him so thoroughly?
Clenching his jaw, Kaze slid a piece forward with unsteady fingers. Immediately Hidetada's face split into a grin and he snapped his tile down in response.
"Checkmate," he declared, leaning back on his hands.
Kaze's stomach dropped. His breath quickened as heat rushed into his cheeks. This wasn't just a game to him - it was a matter of pride. To lose to a child...it was humiliating.
Clenching his fists, Kaze slammed a palm down onto the tatami mats. The shogi pieces jumped at the impact.
"You got lucky, boy," he snarled through gritted teeth.
Hidetada raised an eyebrow. "Luck had nothing to do with it. Your strategy was weak and your focus lacking."
Kaze's face flushed deeper red. He could feel the rage boiling up inside of him, threatening to erupt to the surface. How dare this arrogant whelp insult him so openly? If he wasn't the young Shogun, Kaze would...
A curt knock on the door broke the tension. Kaze rose swiftly to his feet as Hina entered the room. Her black and red kunoichi garb stood out starkly against the muted earth tones of the chamber.
"My lord," she said with a bow. "Forgive the interruption, but I must discuss an urgent matter with Kaze."
Kaze let out a slow breath through his nose, regaining his composure. Hina had provided a timely distraction from his humiliation.
"Of course," Hidetada replied. "I believe our game is finished, in any case." He shot Kaze a pointed look.
Kaze bristled, but said nothing. Turning his attention to Hina, he asked in a measured tone, "What news do you bring?"
Hina's eyes flicked to Hidetada. "We've received word of new targets. I'm afraid more...messy business may be required."
Hidetada's smug expression faded, replaced by one of unease. "Do we have to subject more of my clansman's to public execution?"
Kaze crossed his arms. "Sometimes unpleasant things must be done to maintain order and justice."
"Does it?" Hidetada furrowed his brow. "Or are you all just drunk on power?"
Before Kaze could respond, another knock interrupted them. Mizuki entered, garbed identically to her twin sister.
"Lord Kuroyama has summoned us all to the war room," she announced. "We must go at once."
Kaze nodded. As they turned to leave, Hidetada stood up quickly. "I wish to join you as the Shogun it is my duty."
Kaze placed a hand on the boy's shoulder, leaning in close. "Not this time. Stay here. We will return shortly."
Hidetada's cheeks flushed with indignation. "This is unjust! As Shogun, I should be present at crucial meetings like this, offering my judgment for the sake of Kyoto."
Ignoring the young lord's protests, Kaze signaled for one of the maids. Hidetada's voice grew increasingly shrill as he continued to call Kaze's name, but Kaze deliberately turned away, refusing to meet his gaze.
When the maid arrived, bowing respectfully, Kaze leaned in to whisper to her ear instructions. "Ensure that the young Shogun is entertained in his chambers. And see that he's put to bed by midnight."
The maid nodded and took hold of Hidetada, who was now openly fuming. "It's time for the adults to handle matters," she reassured him, leading him away. "You'll have your day to rule all of Kyoto, young lord. For now, rest is what you need."
Hidetada squirmed in her grip. "Release me at once Haru!"
But the plea was in vain; he found himself escorted upstairs, confined to his chamber. As the door shut behind them, the maid offered a proposition, a smile gracing her lips. "How about a game of shogi, my lord? If you win, I'll consider letting you out."
Hidetada eyed her skeptically, then glanced at the shogi board she was setting up. "Fine," he huffed. "But don't expect an easy victory."
The maid chuckled as she arranged the pieces. "Oh, I don't, young lord. I don't."