In a sudden break of tension, Yamato interjected, "Hold, warriors!" The warriors paused in their advance.
Turning to King Kei, Yamato spoke firmly, "Your Highness, if we harm or attempt to slay them here, it will damage the bond between both kingdoms. You understand the paramount importance of this alliance."
King Kei's angered gaze remained fixed on Minamoto's before gesturing to the royal guard to step back, to which they obeyed,
"Very well then we will offer you our assistance." King Kei declared. Ukichi respectfully placed his hand over his chest in acknowledgment.
Addressing the squad, King Kei continued, "Mr. Shogo is one of our esteemed nobles, he will accompany you on this mission." The squad expressed their agreement with nods.
Rising to his feet, Mr. Shogo spoke up, "It would be my honour to assist the Minamoto's. However, Your Majesty, I request the company of twenty royal guards for my own security reasons."
A mocking smile appeared on King Kei's face, as he responded, "Certainly, I will allocate as many warriors as you want."
Turning his attention back to the squad, King Kei advised, "It's late, you should rest now. Your mission will commence tomorrow. Mr. Shogo will guide you to your rooms." The squad acknowledged his words with respectful nods.
In addition, King Kei instructed, "And Mr. Shogo, ensure that our royal servants extend our utmost hospitality to our guests, show them the hospitality of the Kei Kingdom." Mr. Shogo's smile mirrored his agreement as he nodded in acknowledgment…
The squad, accompanied by Mr. Shogo was on their way to their assigned room. Upon reaching the entrance door, the royal servants swung it open, inviting them inside.
As Minamoto stepped into the room, their eyes widened in awe at the luxurious surroundings.
Mr. Shogo stepped into the room and gestured around. "This is your room. You'll find four beds, a bath area, and refreshments available. If you require anything, simply ring this bell," he said, handing them a small bell, which Kageru eagerly accepted.
"Make yourselves at home," Mr. Shogo concluded before departing with the royal guards.
Kageru's excitement was infectious as he dashed around the room, marveling at its size. "This place is incredible!" he exclaimed, rushing to the window, looking outside, "Look at the view I can see the entire kingdom from here! When I ascend the throne, my room will be just as grand!"
Uzin and Hiroto shared in his enthusiasm with warm smiles.
"Don't become too attached," Ukichi cautioned, "this isn't ours. We're leaving tomorrow."
But Kageru couldn't resist. He leaped onto the bed, exclaiming, "Hey, Uzin, check out how plush it is! I've never felt anything softer!"
With a smile, Uzin reclined on the bed. "This feels incredible," he remarked.
With a big smile, Hiroto also joined in, lying with them.
"Stay sharp, guys. Keep an eye on your weapons," Ukichi cautioned again.
"Ukichi, take it easy," Kageru reassured, "we're in the royal palace, the safest place in any kingdom."
"Alright, enough relaxation, it's bath time now." Ukichi declared.
Everyone concurred with nods, and quickly began to take off their weapons and clothes and began heading towards the bath area.
After taking bath they all emerged out from the bath area, all draped in towels, ready to dress, when there came an unexpected knock at the door.
The squad's focus shifted to the door. Ukichi instructed, "Kageru, open the door, it's likely Mr. Shogo." With a nod, Kageru moved toward the door, drawing everyone's gaze to the entrance.
As Kageru swung open the door, his eyes widened, his jaw dropping in surprise. His face flushed red as he saw four young, beautiful women dressed in alluring attire, standing before him.
Upon catching their sight Uzin mirrored Kageru's reaction, his jaw dropping, and cheeks coloring with embarrassment.
Hiroto stood frozen in shock, eyes wide with disbelief, fixed on those women.
Ukichi's gaze was equally stunned, his expression reflecting the surprise of the unexpected visitors.
One of the women spoke up, "We've been tasked with looking after you and we have also brought your sleepwear. We'll join you for a bath and help with your backs."
At the mention of bathing together, Kageru's nose started bleeding, The squad was struck with disbelief, experiencing sudden headaches and blurred vision.
Despite the daze, Ukichi managed to regain his composure and awkwardly interjected, "Thank you for the offer, but we've already bathed."
The second woman offered, "If not the bath, we're at your service for anything else you need."
Ukichi's expression turned sour as he marched forward, seized the clothes from their hands, and exclaimed, "We appreciate the gesture, but we'll manage on our own." With a forceful slam, he shut the door, his breaths rapid.
Ukichi's voice trembled slightly as he spoke, "I understand it was a challenging situation, but let's stay focused on our mission. Distractions won't help us achieve our goals." However, there was no response from the squad.
As Ukichi turned around, his eyes widened in surprise to find them still frozen in the same stance, their expressions mirroring astonishment.
Their eyes remained wide, mouths agape, and noses bleeding.
"Hey guys? Kageru? Hiroto? Uzin?" Ukichi called out, but there was no response from them.
Ukichi then let out a sigh, cracking his fingers, and began to approach them, saying, "I'm sorry, but it seems I have no other options left."
inamotos were now reclined on their beds.
"Ukichi, there was no need to beat us that much." Kageru remarked, his expressions one of sadness.
"You weren't reacting at all." Ukichi replied.
"That's it, let's move on, that was an awful experience" Hiroto interjected.
"Yeah, let's rest, tomorrow holds much ahead." Uzin concurred. With unanimous agreement, they all closed their eyes diving into slumber.
As the sun rose, there came a gentle knock at their door.
Uzin opened it to find Shogo accompanied by a team of royal servants bearing trays laden with breakfast.
"Good morning," Shogo greeted them warmly. "We have brought your breakfast."
Uzin smiled and replied, "Thank you, please come in." Shogo directed the servants to bring the breakfast inside.
Approaching Shogo with determination, Ukichi expresses, "Mr. Shogo, after breakfast, we must pursue the Fujis without delay."
Mr. Shogo, maintaining a smile and a calm demeanour, "Why the rush, Mr. Ukichi?" he asked.
"We're here for the mission," Ukichi asserts firmly. "And I'm keen to see it through swiftly. Therefore, I kindly request that we commence the mission without further delay."
Understanding Ukichi's urgency, Shogo nodded, "Very well, then. We'll proceed after breakfast."
With a nod of acknowledgment, Ukichi watches as Shogo takes his leave, closing the door behind him.
Later on, the Minamoto's stood before the King Kei,
Offering his well-wishes for their mission, The King Kei stated, "May success follow your endeavours. Twenty of our royal warriors will join you, led by Mr. Shogo. Should you require any further assistance, do not hesitate to ask."
The squad respectfully places their fists over their hearts as a sign of respect.
"Thank you, Your Majesty, we are grateful to you." Ukichi expresses their gratitude.
King Kei nods in acknowledgment, replying, "You may proceed now." With that, Minamotos takes a few steps back before turning around, and begins to walk away…
Perched on their horses, Kageru's voice breaks the silence, "Where are those royals? We're running late."
"Guys, remember our mission is to eliminate the Fujis and I don't want this mission dragging on for days." Ukichi remained.
Hiroto chimes in reassuringly, "Don't worry, Ukichi, one day is all we need to find and eliminate them."
"These few days will determine our fate." Ukichi's voice carries conviction as he emphasizes, "We'll either die as warriors prevail as true assassins."
The squad smiles and nods in agreement, their fists placed solemnly over their hearts, determination shining in their eyes.