Kiseki's thoughts lingered on Tenjin as he struggled out of bed, bandaged injuries protesting.
In the dining room, his grandfather, Agama, sat lost in thought, speaking to himself.
"There was once a village in the East that was under attack from multiple others... Five brave swordsmen fought off entire armies to protect it..."
Kiseki approached, recognizing the tale.
"Grandfather, that's from a Lebo(comic) series, Lords of Justice," he said.
Agama's gaze returned to his food.
"Maybe it is... Stories of selfless acts like it remind me of my son... The son of a swordsmith, but a true soldier at heart."
Kiseki's expression turned somber.
"Yeah, my dad was a true soldier."
Agama's focus remained on his food, "Not him, my other son."
Kiseki's curiosity sparked.
"Dad had a brother?" he asked, sitting down anxiously.
Agama's eyes met Kiseki's, hesitating, "Well—"
Martha intervened, wheeling in with Kiseki's food, "Dad, no! You'll only encourage him to do dangerous things like aggravating terrorists again."
Her gaze shifted to Kiseki.
"And Kiseki, didn't I tell you not to leave your room?"
"Calm down, Martha. The boy just wanted—"
Agama's words were cut short by a knock at the door.
"Excuse me," Martha said, rising to answer the door.
As Martha left, Agama's gaze lingered on Kiseki then back to his food.
Meanwhile, in a distant village, Nethercrimson and Kushino approached a secluded house.
Their footsteps echoed through the silence.
Upon entering, they navigated the dimly lit corridors.
Their destination: the masked one's hideout.
Nethercrimson's expression remained stoic.
Kushino's grin hinted at anticipation.
Kushino leaned against a pillar, grinning. "Lovely weather we're having, don't you think?"
Nethercrimson stood motionless, gaze fixed ahead. "It's irrelevant."
Kushino chuckled. "Come now, Crimson. Lighten up. You're as stiff as a board."
Nethercrimson's expression didn't waver. "State your business, Kushino."
"Business can wait. I'm curious, do you ever unwind? Enjoy the simple things?"
"No."
Kushino's grin persisted. "You must have hobbies. Everyone does."
"I don't."
"Travel, perhaps? See the world beyond our... extracurricular activities?"
Nethercrimson's voice remained flat. "I've seen enough."
Kushino's eyes sparkled with amusement. "You're a hard man to crack, Crimson. I'll give you that."
Nethercrimson shifted, his gaze piercing the shadows. "Your games are pathetic. Speak your mind or stay quiet."
Kushino's smile faltered for an instant before he regained his composure. "Very well. Father will be here momentarily"
Nethercrimson's silence was oppressive.
The silence was broken by the masked one's entrance.
"Children," he said, settling into his central seat.
Kushino and Nethercrimson bowed their heads.
"Good afternoon, Father," they chimed in unison.
"Raise your heads," the masked one instructed.
As they obeyed, he continued, "I sent you to acquire the Karen sapphire, and you have. Your actions bring us closer to our family's needed power. Well done."
Kushino beamed with pride. "Father, if I may, I nearly took over the village. Just a few more minutes and—"
The masked one's calm interruption halted Kushino's enthusiasm.
"You won't, Kushino."
Kushino's surprise was evident.
The masked one elaborated, "Our family is consolidating power in the cities you've captured. Expanding further would divide our resources. Capturing Ganja would require you to remain there as its leader."
Kushino's grin faltered, replaced by nervous laughter.
"Ah, Father, maybe I don't need it as badly."
Nethercrimson's expression remained impassive, observing the exchange.
The Masked One's voice remained serene. "Your efforts weren't for naught, Kushino. Word of Ganja's brutal attack will spread soon."
Kushino's eyes widened as understanding dawned.
"In that sense, Ganja village would be at the center of twenty other villages," Kushino said, his voice laced with awe.
The Masked One nodded, unperturbed. "Precisely."
A lone drop of sweat trickled down Kushino's temple as he envisioned the impending chaos.
"Ganja's vulnerability will spark a territorial scramble," Kushino muttered, his mind racing.
The Masked One's expression remained inscrutable. "Attacking villages always leave their backs open. Our family will be poised to capitalize on that instability."
Nethercrimson stood silent, his gaze fixed on the Masked One.
Kushino's thoughts swirled with the implications. "We'd be manipulating the conflict from the shadows."
The Masked One's voice was devoid of emotion. "Our targets are those who least expect it. That way we acquire more territory using less power."
The masked one's gaze lingered on Kushino before shifting to Nethercrimson.
"Nethercrimson, you were the one who found and brought back the Sapphire. Your efforts will be rewarded accordingly."
Silence
The Masked One's voice broke the silence, "You may both go."
Kushino and Nethercrimson bowed in unison, "Yes, Father."
As they departed, the Masked One's gaze returned to the shadows. His mind whirred with calculations, strategies unfolding like a chessboard.
Ganja village, soon to be engulfed in chaos. Neighboring villages, poised to strike. His family's influence, spreading like a hidden flame.
The Masked One's eyes gleamed in the dim light.
The game had begun.
The fate of Ganja village hung in the balance.
Will Kiseki uncover the truth?
Will the Masked One's plans come to fruition?
In the next chapter...