The capital loomed on the horizon, a sprawling city surrounded by towering walls and guarded gates. As Kazuki and Tatsuya approached, the dirt road gave way to stone streets, and the landscape transformed from the quiet countryside to the bustling center of the nation.
It was Kazuki's first time seeing such a vast city, and the sight left him momentarily speechless. The sheer scale of it—the towering buildings, the grand temples, the intricate marketplaces—made the towns he had known seem like mere villages in comparison. He could feel the pulse of the city, the constant hum of life, as people moved about their business in every direction.
Tatsuya glanced at him, catching the awe in his expression. "Impressive, isn't it?"
Kazuki nodded. "I've never seen anything like it."
"Stay alert," Tatsuya warned. "The capital is full of opportunity, but it's also full of people who would gladly stab you in the back for a coin or two."
Kazuki couldn't shake the weight of Tatsuya's words as they passed through the massive gates, the guards barely giving them a second glance. The streets inside were crowded with merchants, samurai, and townspeople, each one hustling for their own gain. Kazuki kept his hand near the hilt of his sword, wary of pickpockets and suspicious figures lurking in the shadows.
The pair made their way deeper into the heart of the city, the noise growing louder as they ventured toward the palace district. Kazuki's eyes wandered from the stalls selling exotic goods to the grand stone structures that lined the streets. He could sense the power that resided here, the influence of those who ruled this land.
But despite the grandeur, Kazuki couldn't shake the sense of danger lurking just beneath the surface.
"Where are we headed?" Kazuki asked as they turned down a quieter street, the noise of the marketplace fading behind them.
"First, we'll find a place to stay," Tatsuya replied. "Then we'll seek an audience with someone who can get us close to the Lord. We'll need to be cautious. We can't trust just anyone."
Kazuki nodded, his mind already buzzing with thoughts of what lay ahead. He had come to the capital for strength, for allies, and to learn more about Kekkei Kaigen. But he knew that power came at a price, and the capital was not a place where one could afford to make mistakes.
They soon arrived at a modest inn, tucked away from the busy streets. Tatsuya led them inside, where a middle-aged woman greeted them with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.
"Two rooms," Tatsuya said, sliding a few coins across the counter.
The woman took the money and handed them two small keys. "Top floor. Quiet, just as you like it."
Tatsuya nodded and led Kazuki upstairs. The inn was simple but clean, a place where they could rest and regroup. Kazuki threw his belongings onto the bed in his room, staring out the small window that overlooked the street below. The capital stretched out before him like a labyrinth, filled with possibilities and dangers.
A knock on his door interrupted his thoughts. Tatsuya entered, closing the door behind him.
"Get some rest. We'll move tomorrow," Tatsuya said, sitting on a stool by the window.
"Move where?"
"I've made a few contacts in the city over the years," Tatsuya explained. "People who can help us navigate this place without drawing too much attention. Tomorrow, we'll meet with one of them—a man who works directly for the Lord of this city. If we're lucky, we can secure an audience."
Kazuki's heart quickened. "You think the Lord will see us?"
"If all goes well," Tatsuya replied. "But don't expect an easy path. This city has its own rules, and power is often hidden behind layers of deceit."
Kazuki leaned against the wall, feeling the weight of the journey starting to settle in. The assassins they had encountered in the forest were still fresh in his mind, and he had no doubt they would face more danger here in the capital.
"Do you think those assassins will come after us again?" Kazuki asked.
Tatsuya's eyes darkened. "They were hired by someone powerful. As long as you're a threat, they won't stop."
Kazuki clenched his fists, the memories of Jiro's death and the enemies he had faced replaying in his mind. He had come too far to turn back now. He couldn't afford to lose focus, not when so much was at stake.
"Then I'll be ready," Kazuki said, determination burning in his eyes.
Tatsuya smirked. "Good. Because from here on out, things will only get more dangerous."
The next morning, they set out early, moving through the quieter streets of the capital. The hustle and bustle had already begun, with merchants setting up stalls and samurai patrolling the streets. Kazuki kept his senses sharp, his eyes scanning for any sign of danger.
They eventually arrived at a small tea house, tucked away from the main roads. Tatsuya led the way inside, where they were greeted by a middle-aged man with a graying beard and sharp eyes.
"Ah, Tatsuya," the man said, his voice low but warm. "It's been a long time."
"Too long, Kojiro," Tatsuya replied, bowing slightly. "We need your help."
Kojiro glanced at Kazuki, his gaze lingering for a moment before nodding. "I figured as much. Sit. Let's talk."
They sat at a low table, and Kojiro poured tea for all of them. There was a tension in the air, but it was clear that Kojiro and Tatsuya had a long history.
"We need an audience with the Lord," Tatsuya said, cutting straight to the point. "And we need it soon."
Kojiro sipped his tea thoughtfully. "Not an easy request. The Lord doesn't see just anyone."
"I know," Tatsuya replied. "But Kazuki here has the potential to be someone of importance in the Lord's court. He's already proved himself in battle, and he's only getting stronger."
Kazuki straightened at the compliment, though he knew there was still much he had to learn.
Kojiro looked at Kazuki again, his eyes narrowing slightly. "I've heard whispers of a young samurai with potential. Is that you?"
Kazuki met his gaze, his voice steady. "I don't know about the whispers, but I'm here to find strength—and I'm willing to prove myself."
Kojiro studied him for a moment, then nodded. "You'll have your chance. There's a tournament in a few days—an exhibition for the Lord's elite samurai. If you can make a name for yourself there, the Lord will take notice."
Kazuki's heart skipped a beat. A tournament? This was his opportunity, the chance to prove himself in front of the Lord and the entire capital.
Tatsuya nodded, satisfied with the plan. "We'll be ready."
Kojiro smiled, a glint of amusement in his eyes. "Good. But be warned—the competition is fierce, and not all of it will be honorable."
Kazuki's grip tightened on his cup. He had faced dishonorable enemies before. This time, he would be prepared.
As they left the tea house, Kazuki's mind raced with thoughts of the upcoming tournament. This was it—the moment he had been waiting for. But he knew it wouldn't be easy. The capital was full of skilled warriors, and the path to the Lord's favor was lined with danger.
But Kazuki had made a promise to himself and to Jiro. He w
ould find the strength he needed, no matter the cost.
The tournament was his first step.