Chapter 51

Gakuto had rushed through the 108 torii that snaked their way up to the Shrine of the Banished, before stepping out into the grounds of the shrine itself. Kitsuya stood at the far end, clapping sarcastically as if congratulating the young guard for making it that far.

“Now, see, isn’t this a better setting for an epic showdown, Gakkun?”

The grounds were significantly more open than Gakuto expected, with only a handful of ishidoro, scattered almost erratically across the open space. Extending from the torii and encircling the grounds to both the entrance of the shrine and even around to the platform that overlooked the sea, were countless sotoba. To Gakuto’s left, behind the memorials, was an abundance of bamboo stalks. In fact, there were bamboo stalks around the outer edge of the shrine in several spots.

In spite of the open space, he felt like he was surrounded, almost confined by the shrine grounds. Maybe that was due to the partially obscured view of the sky by the stalks struggling with their own growth, shading most of the simple stone courtyard.

“I really don’t care about theatrics, Kitsuya.” Gakuto spat out before tucking his left arm behind his back and pointing his dagger at the tall man.

A wicked smirk crossed Kitsuya’s lips, as he reached back and finally revealed his twin daggers, keeping their blades parallel to the ground, aiming behind him. “You know, you really do resemble him…”

Gakuto narrowed his eyes, Kitsuya’s voice quieter than before. “What’s that?”

“Your father. Ryuta.”

Gakuto’s eyes widened, his right hand quaking slightly but he shook it off.

“I’m not falling for your lies! You never met my father, Kitsuya.”

“Oh? I didn’t…?” The wily man’s voice was dripping with sadism as he took a couple of steps forward.

“He was killed in battle before you joined the guard. There’s no way…” Gakuto’s eyes met Kitsuya’s, seeing the twisted, euphoric smile on Kitsuya’s face. “...you would have met him.”

“I mean, I guess I didn’t really meet him…” Kitsuya brought his arms forward, the blades still not directed at Gakuto. “...so much as he met my blades!”

Something snapped in Gakuto, hearing that as he stepped quickly forward before rushing across the grounds at Kitsuya, his blade raised. His eyes were filled with rage as the tall man brought up one of his own daggers to block the thrust.

“Yes. Very good, Gakkun!” Kitsuya pushed the young guard back and brought up one of his blades to his lips, creepily licking its edge. “That’s the look I wanted to see from you!”

Kitsuya’s words didn’t seem to register in Gakuto’s mind as his enraged glare locked onto the fox before him. He brought his blade back up and roared loudly as he aimed to pierce Kitsuya’s chest with Setsuna.

Jiro awoke, coughing and covered in bandages and sweat, panting heavily. The ceiling above was not his in the barracks, but that of the back palace. His whole body ached as he tried to turn onto his side and he felt a slight weight on his torso.

He glanced down to see Sumire’s face, sleeping restlessly, her hand gripping one of his bandaged ones. The sunlight pouring in from the window told him that it was well after the midday chime. He tried to sit up, but he didn’t want to disturb the lady-in-waiting and so he lay back down.

The door slid open and Jiro turned his head to see Sayuri standing there, a tray of food in hand.

“Jiro-san!” She quickly stepped across the room, setting the tray on the low table nearby. “You’re awake! I’m going to get the court physician!”

The young girl hurried out of the room and her loud footsteps seemed to wake Sumire up. The young woman wiped her eyes slightly, looking around in a daze. “Sayu…?”

Her eyes met Jiro’s and she wrapped her arms around his neck, tears streaming down her face. “Thank goodness you’re okay, Jiro-san!”

“Sumi…” Jiro gently patted her back as she sniffled, ignoring her tears as she cried against him for a few moments. She pulled back, covering her face with her slightly disheveled kimono sleeves, remembering she wasn’t wearing make-up and not wanting him to see her in such a mess.

“What were you thinking fighting with real weapons so late at night? And with Kitsuya!?”

Jiro sat up and put his hands on her shoulders, bellowing. “Where is Kitsuya!?”

Sumire’s eyes widened, shaken by the rage in his voice but she shook her head. “He disappeared. What happened!?”

“That miserable wretch…” Jiro growled, before coughing. Sumire grabbed a pitcher of water and poured it before helping the injured warrior drink. “He broke into my chambers and ransacked it! He was looking for something…”

Jiro’s eyes widened, everything from their confrontation flooding back. “He’s going after them!”

“Going after who?” Sayuri, who had just entered the room with the court physician in tow, asked.

Jiro looked gravely from Sayuri to Sumire.

“Kaede and Gakuto!”