Dai ordered his men and they disarmed the two Lightning ninjas before tying them up. Afterwards, he strode over to Mikoto and caressed her chin. "You're very beautiful... what's your name?"
Mikoto ignored the question and spat on Dai.
Dai grinned, wiping his face. "Ah, I like them feisty…" He licked the spit off his hand, taking a moment to savour its taste. "Hurry up you fucks," he said, turning to the yakuza. "We ain't got all night."
☯
Kazuo and Yamamoto were about to leave the Ishigami business district when they encountered a tall, muscular figure. The man looked to be in his twenties with a black Mohawk and short stubble. He wore a dark dungaree, boots and had dragon tattoos inked on his exposed arms. On his shoulders was a katana that he carried like a crucifix.
"My, my... this is impressive." The man spoke with a deep tenor. "I am the strongest in this country and even I couldn't make it budge. So, I had to see it for myself."
"D–D–Daichi!" Yamamoto stammered.
"It is Lord Daichi to you, officer." He gave the keisatsu a stern look and turned to Kazuo. "I am the Hasegawa boss and who are you, boy?"
"Kazuo..."
Daichi raised an eyebrow and scratched his beard. "Inazuma?" Doesn't the brat have purple hair? Oh well... "That sword was gifted to my country by Lord Kazuro himself. It belongs with us..."
"If you want it so badly..." Kazuo glanced at Dōjin, taking a defensive stance. "Come and get it!"
"You know what, Inazuma brat?" Daichi chuckled, brandishing his katana. "Lord Kagero put out a huge bounty on your head. Sadly, I will be sending you to him in pieces..." He leapt forward, swinging the blade with one hand.
The height difference between them was too great.
As the giant soared, he shifted into an overhead swing. Daichi roared and loud clangs followed. However, Kazuo blocked the barrage using Dōjin.
"Hah… Hah... Hah!" Daichi grunted, sweat dripping from his temples. "Is defense all that you know?" He switched direction, swinging from the side.
Kazuo glimpsed Daichi's advance and shoved Dōjin on the ground. Another clang echoed and sparks followed. Another clank sounded followed by a spark. "Hmm..." he grinned, tossing the axe blade.
Daichi grabbed Dōjin's hilt with his other hand. As the axe blade pulled him down, he let go and veered back. "Nice counter... but playtime is over!" He grasped his katana with both hands and charged.
Loud grunts and steel clangs filled the air again.
As the fight progressed, Kazuo got accustomed to dual wielding. He seemed to hold his own for a while. However, the odds were not on his side. The sheer difference between their skills was evident.
Minutes passed and Kazuo started slowing. Caught off guard, he got slashed on his arm. "Aargh," he groaned, looking at the grazed skin. He turned to Dōjin's longer blade, panting as it dragged him. This sword is heavy...
Daichi pointed his katana at Kazuo. "The next one will be fatal! Unless if you surrender right now..."
☯
Once they reached the palace, Kazuo's comrades saw numerous yakuza patrolling around. While Mikoto was escorted away, the two boys were brought to a huge throne room.
A dark-haired man in his twenties sat on a golden chair with one leg over the other. Short curls went over his forehead and eyes. Covering his slim build was a black uniform. "Oh my, an Artisan..." he said with a light tenor, eyeing Takumi from head to toe.
"You must be the brain of this operation." The man turned to one of his yakuza, "You can leave me with the Artisan. As for the peasant boy, take him away."
"NO!" Kaito cried as he got dragged outside. "Takumi! Do something!"
"Takumi, huh?" The man on the throne chuckled. "How fitting. Oh, where are my manners? I'm Hasegawa Daisuke..."
"—the true daimyo of this country," said Takumi.
Daisuke glanced at his seat. "An instant giveaway, isn't it?" He rested his face on the back of one hand. "So, why did you blow up my warehouse?"
"We needed a distraction."
"I heard one of you broke into Iwa and stole our national treasure." Daisuke smiled. "I pity the foolish brat... Daichi is likely dealing with him as we speak."
He pulled it off! Takumi raised his eyebrows and chuckled. "Well... your brother is in for a reckoning!"
Daisuke's smile disappeared. "Oh really, we'll see about that." He got up and walked towards his guest. As he got close to Takumi, he stopped himself from slapping the Artisan. "Unlike my brothers, I'm not one for physical combat. Shōgi is more my forte..."
"Likewise," Takumi gulped, sweating.
"I thought as much..." Daisuke paced around Takumi. "Since I'm feeling generous today, how about a match. When I win, you and your friends will be executed—"
"And when I win?"
"If you win... you'll get to leave with your lives." Daisuke clapped once and a young man brought two futons and a small table. After the board was set, he sat down and faced Takumi. "Shall we begin?"
"Uhm..." Takumi looked at his bound hands.
Daisuke moved a pawn and gestured at the servant. "He will move for you."
With the stakes set, the game began.
Daisuke played as black—moving up the board. Twenty minutes into the match, he was down a Bishop and four out of his nine pawns. Takumi, however, had lost a Knight and three pawns.
☯
Mikoto had been detained in Dai's room for what seemed to be an eternity. Suddenly, she sniffed a sweet aroma and Dai entered the room. He carried skewed dango and beef cutlets on each hand.
As he shut the door, he walked over to her carrying a red rose with his mouth. "Sorry for being late," he said with gritted teeth, passing the dango to her. He took the rose and cleared his throat. "Mikoto-chan, I may not look it but I'm a hopeless romantic."
With her hands bound, Mikoto grabbed the dango. Tempted to take a bite, she shook her head. "How do you know my name?" she asked, furrowing her eyebrows. I don't recall telling him...
Dai cackled. "The Soil boy squealed out everything like a little piggy. And we ain't lay a finger on him."
"Leave Kaito out of this! He didn't do anything!"
"As long as your other friend is found..."
I hope Kazuo's alright.
"Why ain't you eating your dango? They're your favourite, ain't they?"
Mikoto frowned, examining the dumplings. "How sure am I that this isn't poisoned?"
"I can try it if you like…"
"Okay, close your eyes and say ah…"
Blood trickled from Dai's nostril. He needed no further convincing. Guided by the scent, he drew closer—keeping his eyes shut and mouth open. Before tasting anything, he got knocked on the chin jerked backwards. Afterwards, a heavy kick connected on his chest and he flew through the door.
There was a loud crack as Dai hit a wall. Mikoto lost balance and fell on the side—knocking her head.
Both were out flat.