A week had passed since Eichi began his so-called "training." The rumors surrounding his swordsmanship had spread like wildfire within the Arata Clan, growing more exaggerated with each retelling. What had started as whispers of precise restraint soon became tales of him slicing through targets with invisible strikes, his blade moving faster than the eye could follow.
By the time the rumors reached Keisei, they had evolved into something almost mythical.
The scene shifted to the grand hall of the Arata Clan's villa, where Keisei sat at the head of a long table, the flickering candlelight casting shadows over the serious faces of the eight division leaders seated before him. These were the most powerful figures in the clan—commanders who each controlled key territories in Koto. And now, their discussion centered around one thing: Eichi.
Masaki Hozumi – Leader of Kiyosumi-Shirakawa
Riku Abeno – Leader of Toyosu
Sagawa Toshizo – Leader of Fukagawa
Gouda Isamu – Leader of Sumida River
Rengo Masanori – Leader of Miya no Mori
Natsume Raizo – Leader of Shin Kiba
Elder Hoshino Jubei – Guardian of the Arata Clan
Elder Oka Genzo – Guardian of the Arata Clan
A man with sharp eyes, Rengo Masanori, leaned forward, his voice low. "Lord Keisei, I have to ask… is it true that the Young Master has been hiding his strength all this time?"
Another leader, a grizzled veteran named Sagawa Toshizo, crossed his arms. "I didn't believe the rumors at first, but I've received reports from multiple sources. They all say the same thing—his swordsmanship is precise beyond measure, his strikes controlled as if he's testing his enemies rather than cutting them down."
A burly man named Gouda Isamu let out a dry chuckle. "Hah! And here I thought he was just a sheltered noble with no battlefield experience. To think he was actually restraining himself this whole time…"
Keisei said, his voice low and thoughtful, "He even noticed that I was monitoring him and made contact with Ryuunosuke… and confronted him."
The room fell silent for a moment as the leaders processed his words.
Riku Abeno, ever confident, leaned back in his chair with a smirk. "Didn't I tell you, Masaki?" he said, his tone mocking. "Master's orders are always absolute. Every move has meaning."
Masaki Hozumi, who had been silently observing, nodded thoughtfully. "Yes… but the Young Master is more perceptive than I gave him credit for. I never thought he would catch Ryuunosuke watching him."
Riku chuckled softly, clearly pleased with the situation. "A true leader knows when to observe and when to act. It's no surprise that Eichi caught on. Master Keisei's own surveillance methods are not to be underestimated."
Keisei, still leaning forward, his eyes narrowing, added, "This could prove useful. It's clear Eichi is more than capable of sensing danger… and that's a skill any leader needs."
Hoshino Jubei, the elder, finally spoke, his voice measured and full of thought. "It's strange... how Young Master Eichi has been changing. It's almost as if he's not the same person anymore. He's no longer showing any weaknesses—almost as if everything from the past was just an act. He's been hiding his true strength all this time, only to reveal it at the right moment."
Elder Oka Genzo, sitting beside him, nodded in agreement, his expression unreadable. "Indeed. It's almost as if we've been blind to his potential all this time."
The room grew quiet, the weight of their words settling over the gathered leaders. Eichi's transformation was becoming undeniable, and each of them, even those who had closely observed him, couldn't help but feel that they were witnessing something far bigger than they had anticipated. The misunderstanding surrounding him only seemed to deepen.
The meeting continued for a while, discussing other matters of the clan—territory management, resource allocation, and the growing tension with the Unuodera Clan. But it was clear to everyone in the room that the anticipation of a potential clash with the Unuodera Clan weighed heavily on their minds.
The leaders exchanged brief words about strategies and possible alliances, but the central focus remained on the looming conflict. Tensions were high, and everyone knew that the time for action was approaching. Keisei, despite his calm demeanor, couldn't ignore the implications of his son's newfound strength.
As the meeting drew to a close, Keisei gave a final command.
"Prepare yourselves. The situation is only going to escalate. Keep a close watch on Eichi, and stay vigilant."
The leaders rose from their seats, the weight of the decision hanging in the air. They filed out of the room, each lost in their thoughts, preparing for the inevitable.
The fate of the Arata Clan, and perhaps even Koto itself, now depended on their ability to navigate this dangerous game of power—and whether Eichi's unexpected strength could truly be the turning point in their battle with the Unuodera Clan.
The tension in the air was palpable as the days steadily counted down. It had been two months since Eichi had begun his rigorous training, and his progress was becoming undeniable. Yet, there was a constant buzz of uncertainty surrounding the impending attack on Bakurocho, the deadline growing nearer with every passing moment.
As the time limit set by the Arata Clan for the conquest of Bakurocho approached, Eichi remained restless, unsure of how his next steps would unfold. He had learned a great deal in these two months—not just about his own abilities but also about the art of leadership, responsibility, and trust. However, there was still a gnawing doubt in his mind: how would he face what was to come?
The Arata Clan prepared, their minds set on the mission ahead. Some were more confident, while others still held reservations, knowing that the fate of their clan and their territories rested on this final move. The Unuodera Clan, meanwhile, was unknowingly about to face an even greater challenge than they anticipated.
As the days ticked away, Eichi's role as both a leader and a fighter was about to be tested in ways he had never imagined.
Eichi stood in front of the mirror, his muscles tense as he tried to adjust his posture. The reflection staring back at him was the same confident young man, but deep down, there was a lingering unease. He had learned a great deal in the past two months—more than he could have imagined. His movements had become more refined, his swordsmanship more controlled. But despite the progress, there was a glaring issue that remained: he had no real battle experience.
Fighting with his clan members wasn't an option. He couldn't afford for anyone to see his weakness. They had already started to see him as someone with potential, someone who might be able to lead, but if they discovered the truth—that he had never been in a real fight, that his strength was untested—he would lose everything he had gained. They would see him as just a sheltered heir, not the warrior they believed him to be.
"How do I prove myself if I can't even face anyone?" Eichi muttered under his breath, the weight of the situation pressing down on him. He couldn't just sit idle, waiting for the battle ahead. He needed experience, something to solidify the image he had built.
With the time running out, Eichi's thoughts began to race. If he wanted to be truly prepared, he couldn't afford to keep hiding behind the facade. It was time for him to face the truth and take the leap—whether he was ready or not.
Eichi stood in the center of his room, the weight of his decision settling in. It was true—he had trained for months, refined his skills, and prepared as best as he could. But despite all the preparation, there was still an undeniable nervousness gnawing at him. The fight for Bakurocho was not just a battle for land—it was his first real test as a leader, as a warrior. And he would face it without the luxury of experience.
The time was ticking, and although he still had fifteen days before the deadline, Eichi had made up his mind. The attack would happen tonight. He couldn't afford to wait any longer. The clan's eyes were on him, and the weight of their expectations loomed heavy.
"Tonight. 10 PM," Eichi muttered to himself as he looked out the window, watching the sun slowly begin its descent. The air outside felt heavy, thick with anticipation.
He grabbed a piece of parchment, his hand steady as he wrote the message to send to Riku and Masaki. With quick precision, he scribbled down the instructions: Prepare yourselves. We are attacking tonight at 10 PM. There is no time to waste.
He called for Sakimura, who appeared promptly in the doorway. Eichi handed him the message, his voice calm, but firm. "Send this to Riku and Masaki immediately. Let them know the time. We attack tonight."
Sakimura gave a respectful bow. "Understood, Young Master. I will see to it at once."
Eichi nodded. As his most trusted aide, Sakimura would carry out the task without question. But now, alone in his room, Eichi felt the tension building in his chest. It's time, he thought. Time to face what I've been preparing for.
The plan was set, and the team was ready. But Eichi knew there was still much that could go wrong. The next few hours would be crucial. As the clock ticked down, Eichi's resolve grew stronger. Tonight, he would prove his worth—not just to the clan, but to himself.