Ukichi and Uzin exuded an unmatched aura of confidence as they both were standing tall, arms folded behind their backs.
"Ukichi, don't be stupid. You are underestimating the Fujis." The King's voice cut through the tension, laden with concern.
"I will not go back on my words." Ukichi declared, "To prove our worth, my squad is prepared to confront any challenge. We earnestly seek your permission to begin on this mission." With that Ukichi and Uzin bowed respectfully before the King, their determination evident in their demeanour.
King Sugiyama, appearing serious, spoke up, "If you choose to proceed, I demand nothing less than victory or sacrifice - either their lives or yours."
Ukichi boldly placed his fist on his chest, lowering his head, he declared, "It is an honour to lay down our lives in service to this kingdom."
With a smile, the King delivered his command, "To the 9th rank assassins, your mission is clear: either succeed against the Fujis or die by their hands."
Masatoshi's smile twisted into a chilling grin, "Ukichi," he called out aloud, "Make sure Hiroto dies on this mission, or prepare for a future where I will kill him with my own two hands. And mark my words, it will be a death so brutal that it will etch itself into the most brutal murder in the history of mankind."
Confident, Ukichi's confident smile widened, "You'll be disappointed to see that neither of us will die until you witness us outshining you and your squad."
Masatoshi's fury boiled over as he clenched his sword tightly, sending tremors rippling through the air of the castle. The intensity of the quake grew, instilling fear in everyone present, yet Ukichi and Uzin remained steadfast, their confidence unshaken as they stood tall amidst the chaotic air.
"Enough, Masatoshi!" the King's shout pierced through the turmoil.
Masatoshi loosened up his grip on his sword, making the atmosphere go back to normal.
King Sugiyama continued, "Tomorrow morning, the 9th rank squad will depart for their mission. Now, everyone, leave."
The assassins acknowledged the command with respectful bow and began to make their way out of the hall…
Kageru's excitement bubbled over as leaped up high, exclaiming, "Yeahhhh! At last, a true mission!"
Hiroto echoed his enthusiasm, "Absolutely, it's our moment to rise."
"Yeaah! we'll make the Minamoto name proud," Kageru affirmed with determination.
Uzin's smile widened as he chimed in, "We need to put everything we've got into winning this."
Amidst the trio's excitement, Ukichi walks purposefully towards them, resting his hand on Kageru's shoulder, "Kageru" he calls out gently.
Then, he moved to Hiroto, placing a firm hand on his shoulder, "Hiroto" calling him out gently.
Turning to Uzin, Ukichi laid his hand on his shoulder, "Uzin"
"Alright, let's do this," Ukichi said, his voice carrying a note of solemnity. "But promise me this, none of us will die."
A shared smile spread across the trio's faces, reflecting their confidence.
"Now's not the time for us to die." Kageru responded confidently, "Our journey is just starting, and our aim is to conquer, not to die."
Ukichi nodded decisively. A look of confidence spread across his face "Prepare yourselves. Tomorrow is the day" he declared.
As their gazes met, each member of the squad exchanged looks filled with confidence and determination, their smiles reflecting their determination…
As the morning sun cast its golden hues upon the land, the Minamoto's stood assembled with their horses, prepared for departure. Beside them stood Mr. Minoru Kasumi and his father, Kazuo.
As the Minamoto's approached, Ukichi stood before Mr. Minoru, their eyes meeting in a silent exchange of understanding.
They clasped hands, Then, in a tender moment, Mr. Minoru enveloped Ukichi in a heartfelt hug, tears welling in his eyes.
"Father," Ukichi spoke up, his tone was gentle, "Please, don't be sad. Just keep us in your prayers. And if we don't come back, promise me you'll take good care of Hana and yourself."
With a nod, Mr. Minoru silently agreed as Ukichi stepped aside.
Hiroto stepped forward, embracing Mr. Minoru in a tender hug.
"Father," he spoke with heartfelt sincerity, "I have one humble request. It may seem weird, but if I don't return, please give Hana a baby dragon on my behalf."
Mr. Minoru's smile softened, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. Though he wasn't crying, his emotions spoke volumes. With a nod of understanding, he acknowledged Hiroto's wish as Hiroto steps aside.
Now, it was Kageru's turn to approach Mr. Minoru. He enveloped him in a warm hug, his voice filled with earnestness as he spoke "Father, I also have a favour to ask. If I don't make it back, please guide Hana and help her become the best assassin ever. If she rises to become the Queen of Sugiyama, then I'll consider that my aspiration of being king has been fulfilled."
Kageru's words carried a sense of determination as Mr. Minoru acknowledged with a nod, a shared understanding passing between them. With a reassuring smile, Kageru steps aside.
As Uzin embraced Mr. Minoru, he expressed his heartfelt request.
"Father," he began with sincerity, "if I don't make it back, please ensure Hana's well-being and nurture her brilliance and most importantly-"
With a soft motion, he retrieved a sword from his back and presented it to Mr. Minoru. "I've wielded this sword myself," he continued, "please give it to Hana on her eighteenth birthday as a gift from me."
Tears streamed down Mr. Minoru's face as he accepted the sword, a silent vow to honour Uzin's wishes.
Tears also glistened in the eyes of Mr. Kazuo and Kasumi as they stood behind, silently witnessing the poignant exchange.
Mr Kazou then stepped forward and with deep sadness in his voice, he spoke up, "I'll keep you all in my prayers. I'd give my life for you if I could."
A smile spread across the faces of the squad, touched by his sincerity.
"Your prayers are enough for us. We would be truly grateful for that." Hiroto's response was filled with gratitude.
Suddenly the sound of approaching horses filled the air.
As the Minamoto squad glanced behind, they saw the four members of the eighth-ranked assassin squad.
Among them, their leader, Haku Naoto, locked a tense gaze with Ukichi, both staring at each other.
Without delay, the eight rank squad dismounted their horses and started walking towards the Minamoto's, a palpable tension filling the air.
Minamotos mirrored their approaches, meeting them head-on until both squads stood face to face.