Just as they began to eat, a noise disturbed the tranquility outside. Takashi's senses sharpened immediately. Without hesitation, he reached for his sword.
A figure approached the door, the sound of hurried footsteps growing louder.
"My lord!" A familiar voice called. "Lord Takashi!"
Takashi opened the door to find Yasuke, one of his most trusted generals, standing there, panting heavily. His face was pale, and a sense of dread began to creep into Takashi's mind.
"Yasuke," Takashi said, frowning, "what's wrong?"
"My lord, there is a problem," Yasuke said urgently. "We need your help. Now."
Takashi glanced back at his family, his heart sinking. "I'll return as soon as I can," he said softly to Aika, who nodded, understanding.
Without further delay, Takashi followed Yasuke
They rode hard for what felt like hours, the landscape growing darker and more unfamiliar as they traveled.
"Yasuke," Takashi called as they neared a forested area. "We've been riding for a while now. What's wrong? I'd like to return home before my soup gets cold."
"We're almost there, my lord," Yasuke said quietly.
But something was off. The air felt heavy, and Takashi could sense that something was very wrong.
When they arrived at a small clearing, Yasuke suddenly stopped. Takashi dismounted, scanning the area. "There's nothing here," he muttered, narrowing his eyes.
The snap of a branch echoed from the trees. Soldiers emerged from the shadows, their swords drawn, their eyes filled with hostility.
Takashi's heart raced as he turned to Yasuke. "What's the meaning of this?"
Yasuke's face twisted with regret. "I'm sorry, my lord," he said, drawing his own sword. "These are the Emperor's wishes. No one can oppose the Emperor's command."
Takashi's blood ran cold. "The Emperor?" he asked, his voice filled with disbelief. "What are you saying?"
Yasuke's expression darkened. "You're a traitor, Takashi."
Shock rippled through Takashi's body. "Traitor?!" he exclaimed. "What are you talking about?!"
"You've grown too strong," Yasuke spat. "The Emperor fears your power. We've been ordered to wipe out the Kurogane Clan—completely."
Takashi's breath hitched. "No…"
"At this moment," Yasuke continued, "your generals are being led astray, and your entire family is about to be slaughtered."
Takashi's mind went blank. His heart pounded in his chest, panic gripping his soul. "No… my family…"
In an instant, he mounted his horse and bolted toward his estate. "Get him!" Yasuke shouted.
---
The Last Stand
Takashi raced toward his home, his heart hammering in his chest. The fires of his village were visible from afar, the acrid smoke filling the air. Screams echoed through the night—his people were being massacred.
As he neared his estate, his worst fears were confirmed. The gates had been breached, and soldiers were already inside, cutting down anyone in their path.
Takashi's breath caught in his throat as he spurred his horse forward. "I have to make it in time," he thought, his desperation rising. "I have to save them!"
But when he arrived, the sight before him shattered his soul. His home was in flames, his family cornered by enemy soldiers.
"It's too late, Takashi!" Yasuke shouted as he and the soldiers surrounded him. "Your clan is finished!"
Takashi roared in rage, launching himself into battle. His sword became a whirlwind of death, cutting through the ranks of soldiers like they were nothing. Blood sprayed across the courtyard, but no matter how many men he killed, more kept coming.
"Surround him!" Yasuke commanded, and the soldiers closed in.
Takashi's strength was fading. His vision blurred as exhaustion set in. He turned to his family, who were cowering behind him, their eyes wide with terror.
"I'm coming!" Takashi yelled, fighting his way toward them. But his body was failing him, his muscles screaming in agony.
Suddenly, Yasuke appeared before him, his sword raised. "This is the end, Takashi."
With one final scream, Takashi swung his blade, but Yasuke easily deflected the blow and stabbed him through the chest,blood gushes out in a violet spurt.
Takashi collapsed to the ground, blood pooling around him. His vision darkened as he looked at his family one last time. "I'm… sorry," he whispered.
---