Kaito knew his wife would not prolong her stay at the Komorebi village. He calculated the time, and his crows set out through the forest. They flew far and wide, their wings are like blades cutting through the air. The crows perch on branches, their obsidian feathers catching the moon's light.
His golden eyes glowed like fire, and he used the crows eyes as his eyes - their vision became his own, a unique ability he wielded with lethal precision. Kaito focused - searching - and he saw his wife was in danger. He saw an almost naked figure, a cunning smile, and the towel that clung to her turning crimson. Two assassins turned their back on her, then his vision shifted to another crow.
Another assassin perched in the tree - hidden in the shadow. The bowstring creaked as the assassin prepared to nock the arrow. His target, Chiyo - stood unaware of the incoming danger, but Kaito was faster.
Behind the assassin, dark mists suddenly emerged. Kaito materialized behind him, his presence a silent storm; His eyes, cold and unwavering, held no hesitation. The crow cawed, breaking the silence. The assassin suddenly felt an unknown fear when he heard the noise. He turned around, and his eyes widened in horror. A blade swept towards his neck - swift and deadly - he had no chance to move at all.
The assassin's head fell, and his body crumpled. Blood sprayed, staining the snow crimson.
He died just like that and the last thing he saw was a golden eyes glowing like hell-fire in the dark. Kaito's cold gaze looked beyond, there he saw his wife fighting, smiling with defiance. He took the severed head on the ground, and his figure suddenly vanished from its spot.
He appeared atop a tree, just behind the last assassin. Throwing the head in front of him, he jumped down - his eyes of lethal calm. He has always been Chiyo's protector. Not just a husband; but, a friend; a lover; and a knight - her sharpest sword. One that would strike without hesitation.
Chiyo met his gaze - a calm before the storm - silent fury simmering beneath those hues of gold. Kaito killed the assassin with his sharp sword, the end of it piercing through his heart. It was a quick death. It was over before the body fell.
"Kaito." She called out to him then his gaze bore into her.
He scolded her, his voice low and sharp. "Careless," he murmured, disappointment etched across his features.
Chiyo averted her eyes. Facing Kaito's disapproval, doubt crept in. What she did... Was it really worth it?
"I really can't take my eyes off of you." He sighed. Removing the top coat of his kimono, he draped it over hers. "Why do you always get hurt whenever I'm not around. I have already told you to be careful. No matter how strong you are, you can't just sacrifice your body for your own advantage."
"I needed a weapon." She answered, her voice meek and low. She fixed the kimono on her body, hiding the stab wound on her stomach.
"That doesn't justify your actions." Kaito was mad, but not on hers, he's mad at himself for finding her late. He's mad because someone tried to kill her. "Come on. We need to clean your wounds before it pesters."
She staggered to his side, but as soon as her foot stepped forward, her vision blurred. She felt her world spun around,
"Kai—" was all she could say before she fainted — falling into his arms, the cold ground forgotten.
***
In the shadowed labyrinth of Kaiyokoku kingdom — the Kurayami port, a hooded figure walked among its dark alley where the moon's gaze dares not penetrate its depth. He navigated the narrow alleyway with knowledge, his purpose veiled in obscurity. The silhouette, a familiar enigma to the place, went straight to the Whispering willow bar.
The bar looks normal on the outside, to unsuspecting passerby, it appears as any other dimly lit tavern where the aroma of sake mingles with the laughter and hushed conversations, however, such place is no ordinary. The regulars — the spies, the courtesans, the warriors, and even desperate youkais who sought clandestine meeting gathered here.
It was dark inside, small candles from each tables are the only light illuminating the crowded place. He slid onto a worn wooden stool, its surface polished by countless patrons seeking for solace or danger. His finger tapped the table. A silent signal. Three taps — one tap — then three again. The barmaid went to him, her voice barely audible above the murmurs of other patrons.
"He's playing right now. You can talk to him once he's done." She whispered. "Follow me."
The hooded figure nodded. He rose, and followed her lead. The barmaid led him through a narrow corridor, at the end of it is another door leading to the hidden chamber.
"Just sit anywhere, and wait. Don't talk unless he asks you first." The barmaid added before leaving him.
He went inside the room. There is one big table at the center. Four youkais sat there — a one eyed-man, a white haired tengu, a two-headed man, and what catches his eyes the most is the most distinguished figure in the room. Clad in black warrior kimono and a long scar across his face — the flickering candlelight making the scar more hideous — the assassin king sat on his throne of shadow, playing cards with his companions.
The assassin king is not merely a master of blades and shadows.
He is also a gambler, an unbeatable one. For him, cards are more than ink and paper; they are mirrors reflecting one's soul, so he gambles with destinies, and every shuffle through his fingers, a higher stake: favors, debts, whispered promises, or even a life. Those who want to challenge him, a known fact was spread among patronage, in the Whispering Willow bar, every game is a gamble, and the house always wins.
Hachiro watched him play, revealing a perfect hand as he leaned back victoriously — sealing the fate of the challengers.
Gambling king, the name really suits him.
"Speak your purpose." The assassin king commanded, his gaze remained on the card but the hooded figure knew he was referring to him.
"I seek your help." He said, his voice echoing throughout the chamber. "There is someone threatening the very fabric of our world."
"What do you need?"
"I want that enemy dead." He told him, his head lowered even more to hide his face. "I want it quick and as soon as possible."
"What of the target?" He nodded at the challengers that just lost to him, their lives already belonging to him. He signaled them to leave, and they willingly abide.
"Strong and smart. I don't think sending one assassin is enough."
The assassin king smirked at him, his eyes slightly teasing as he glanced his way. "Why won't you do it? You're hiding your strength, but I can tell how strong you are, or perhaps... Is it stronger than you?"
"You're right. I'll die if I fight alone. I'll pay as much as you want. Tell me when can you finish the job." Hachiro waited for him to answer, his heart beating in anticipation.
"Gold alone is not enough." The assassin king leaned forward, a dangerous smile appearing on his face. "What else can you offer me?"
Hachiro thought he could easily get the job with gold alone, but it seems that the assassin king is greedy for more, but what else can he do? He needed his help. He needed the hand of an outsider to orchestrate something.
His own show.
"What else can I offer you?" He asked instead, his eyes glowing like a lamp under the hood.
The assassin king was surprised. He smiled widely while staring at those glowing green eyes of Hachiro.
"So it was true." He mumbled in awe. "Why don't we talk about all the details in another room?"
Hachiro nodded in satisfaction, a calculating smile forming under his hood. He was already expecting it. With his trump card, he can even make the assassin king bend to his will.
Another pawn. He thought.