Feared Brother: Geno Takeda

With Republic forces looming, the throng huddled uncomfortably in the middle of the village, their collective nervousness evident. The troops' well-polished armor shone in the morning light, and the orderly lines of their formations gave off an air of power that repressed the peasants. Shen felt the weight of their numbers, even though he tried to calm himself. Their presence smacked of planned dominance, and this was no ordinary force.

Arrogance emanated from the Republic officer in the middle of the square. Intricate insignias of high rank decorated his tunic, and Shen felt an almost visceral rage at his mocking smirk. The officer's condescending tone cut through the peasants' whispered conversations.

The officer's smirk broke the uncomfortable silence as he said, "How bold of you all." "To damage our property, trespass on Republic property, and then stand here acting like you're innocent." Such bravery is deserving of praise. He looked directly at Shen. "Nothing occurs on Republic territory without repercussions, and the mill you damaged is located there."

The officer pointed accusingly at the far-off silhouette of the windmill, its blades barely spinning in the breeze, as his derisive gaze ran over the gathering.

"That mill stands on Republic soil," he added in a venomous voice. Now have a look at it. His comments cut through the air, and his tone grew sharper. Its framework has been undermined. harm brought on by your careless behavior.

The villagers' muttering became louder as they looked at each other anxiously. Shen narrowed his eyes as he studied the mill and followed the officer's pointing finger. Fresh scars from the night hunters' rampage were visible on its walls, including broken wood, claw marks, and areas that were obviously unstable.

A sneer curved the officer's lips. "Those beasts came here because of your stupid meddling, even though you may not have delivered the blows yourself. It is up to you to destroy them.

Shen stepped closer to confront the officer's arrogant face while clenching his fists. Shen firmly stated, "We didn't lure those creatures." "We struggled to stay alive. It was their attack, not ours, that caused the collateral damage to the mill.

The officer's smirk deepened as he leaned in a little. "Collateral? Commander, do you believe the Republic is interested in your excuses? That building stands for our claim and power. And it has been tainted by you and these peasants.

The locals exchanged apprehensive looks as the mob moaned in terror. The village chief took a step forward then paused, a look of discomfort on his face. But Shen, unable to keep quiet any longer, clenched his fists.

“To save their lives, these people battled night hunters!” Shen's voice came out, his tone piercing with annoyance. They were protecting their houses and themselves. The mill was a byproduct of a struggle for survival.

The officer's enjoyment was obviously mocking as he laughed dismissively. "Survival?" he asked in a sarcastic tone. "Survival is a privilege, not a right, on Republic grounds. Your behavior, this village, is blatantly against our laws. Each syllable of his words, which were designed to establish authority, hung heavily in the air.

Shen felt her blood boiling. "If the mill was so important, then why didn't the Republic deal with the night hunters?" he growled as he took a step forward. Or do you just uphold the law when it suits you?

After a brief lapse in his arrogant demeanor, the officer squared his shoulders and stepped menacingly in Shen's direction. His brows narrowed as he snarled, "Commander, watch your tone."
"You're conversing with a Republic official. Your disobedience is almost treasonous.

A ruckus broke out among the peasants before Shen could reply. A powerful figure appeared, and the throng erupted in whispers of relief and amazement. When Shen saw his brother Geno Takeda's broad-shouldered silhouette, his heart skipped a beat. Every eye was drawn to him, and the murmuring were silenced as he swept into the square like a storm.

The mood was instantly altered by Geno's commanding presence and piercing eyes. He seemed to dwarf the Republic soldiers with his sheer presence as he swept through the crowd. The officer's self-assured expression broke down when he realized what had happened.

The cop whispered, "Geno Takeda," scarcely raising his voice above a whisper. His previous cockiness gave way to obvious nervousness. Despite having no formal role in the Republic, Geno was well-known for being a formidable tactician and fighter.

Geno's icy, unblinking eyes found the cop. His voice was low but firm when he continued, "Enough of this farce." "These peasants have endured enough hardship. You won't continue to harass them using Republic rules as a justification.

The officer paused, looking around for reinforcements from his soldiers. Though his prior confidence had vanished, he muttered, "This… this is a matter of Republic law."

Geno stepped forward purposefully, his presence a silent threat. His tone was cold as he replied, "And I'm telling you to leave." "Go with your laws and your men. Right now.

The officer's eyes shifted uneasily between Shen and Geno. At last, his voice was quiet as he nodded. He remarked quickly, "Perhaps there has been… a misunderstanding." He turned and yelled an order to his soldiers. "Go back!"

The relieved villagers anxiously observed as the Republic soldiers started to withdraw in a well-organized line. Until the final soldier vanished from view, Geno's eyes remained fixed. He turned to Shen just then.

Geno's face softened a little as he remarked, "You handled yourself well." He touched Shen's shoulder firmly. "I was informed of the events that transpired in the forest. You heroically defended the peasants and Zara.

With a mixture of pride and uncertainty churning in his chest, Shen cast his gaze downward. With a hint of uncertainty in his voice, he whispered, "Was it enough?" "I was unable to save the soldiers." Zara, too, might have lost her life.

Geno's hand wrapped reassuringly around his shoulder. "You went above and beyond," he stated firmly.
"Saving everyone is not the goal of bravery. It's about sticking to your principles when it counts most. You are the reason Zara is still alive. You are the reason the villagers are still alive. Shen, that's bravery. Never question that.

Shen looked into his brother's eyes as the significance of what he had spoken sank in. He experienced a sense of accomplishment for the first time that was unclouded by uncertainty or remorse. He nodded, a tiny smile tugging at his lips. "I'm grateful, brother."

"Come," Geno urged in a softer voice. "We should reassemble in the stronghold. Your leadership will be required as there is a lot of planning to be done.