About 20 minutes prior to the return of Ariana's visitors, three dryads were sensed making their way over to the entrance of Ogra. Taking it upon himself to meet them, Byakuya had been the first to respond.
Using [Spatial Movement], the old man appeared at the entrance with his blade at his side. He had known the dryad's purpose as protectors. However, that did not mean he would not fight if needed.
Walking at a brisk pace, it ended up taking the green haired spirits a little over a minute to reach where he was. It was only then that he saw them with his own eyes. Inhabiting their temporary magic bodies, they appeared as glowing women with long green hair and glowing blue eyes. They emanated a calm, serene presence almost as if their very being was the embodiment of nature itself.
Upon meeting eyes with the swordsman, she gave him a look of familiarity. "Ah, Sir Byakuya."
Byakuya would have shown a look of minor confusion had he been worse at maintaining a poker expression. He bowed, "Greetings. I apologize if we have met before. I do not recall your face."
Treyni shook her head gently, "No, it is fine. We have not met before. I only know of you from our distant observation and talks with your students."
"My students? I see." He supposed it made sense that they had met with the dryads. "If I were to guess, you are either here to meet with my lord, or the old mistress in the cave. Apologies for being so straightforward, but could you tell me your reason for visiting? To my knowledge and experience, it is not often that the dryads meet with Ogra so directly."
"I understand." She bowed, "I am aware of how sudden the visit is, but the situation is urgent." With her hands clasped to her chest, she explained, "I have come seeking aid in combating a threat."
Byakuya nodded along, "I see. You wish to request Ogra's forces in the fight against the orc lord." He seemed to stop and think. He had planned to leave the situation up to others but a request from a dryad wasn't something he could just ignore.
He thought carefully about how he should answer. "If that is your purpose, then I suppose it would be best to have you discuss the matter with my lord."
Treyni smiled. "I thank you for your kindness."
Turning around, he motioned them to follow along. As the dryads walked in, Byakuya watched as the ogres and kijin around him awed at the sight.
Ogra was largely independent from most of the customs in the forest. For example, due to the presence of people of comparable scale within the village, they held less admiration towards the Storm Dragon than most. However, that did not stop them from having some level of reverence. The forest viewed the dryads with respect and admiration. Even for the people of Ogra, that was not something that could be ignored. He looked at the potato spirit
"Spirit. Do you have a name?" He asked.
"Yes. My name is Treyni." She answered. "I am accompanied by my younger sisters, Trya and Doris."
He shifted his eye to the less powerful spirits. They're eyes quickly shifted to meet his own. It took the swordsman but a second to understand them. They were loyal companions to their sister. Sisters that truly looked up to Treyni as their idol.
His face cracked a tiny shadow of a smile. "It is a pleasure to meet you. I am sure you are aware, but my name is Byakuya Araki. Some call me the Sword Saint. You may just call me Byakuya."
It took the group a few more minutes to reach the entrance of the chief's meeting chambers. Opening the door and motioning them inside, the old man followed after them. There stood the chief, looking on at them from his throne. The oni had sensed their approach and prepared as such for their arrival.
The meeting room, wide and intimidating, was silent, no one moving a muscle as the dryads entered. To his sides stood his two best active samurai outside of Byakuya himself meanwhile a garrison of 10 more stood tall and straight on either side of the room. Hands ready to draw their blades.
Unperturbed by the sight, Treyni calmly made her way to the chief and bowed. "Greetings, Chief Ryuji of the ogre tribe. I give you my sincere thanks for your patience in allowing this sudden request."
The air grew quiet as the chief stared silently, his deep red eyes trained at the dryads. "I accept your show of gratitude, Lady Dryad." With a calm voice of authority, he continued, "Tell me, what is it that brings a messenger from the dryads to my doorstep?"
Treyni straightened. "I have come to request aid in the coming fight against the threat of the orc lord. While I am aware Ogra is powerful enough to remain unharmed in the conflict, I fear the same cannot be said about the rest of the forest so," she bowed again, "please, Chief Ryuji. Lend us your aid."
The chief looked at the spirit. "The orc lord is a threat Byakuya has spoken to me about before. Their powers are great and numerous. That much I can acknowledge. However, you are correct that even such a threat lacks the power to damage Ogra."
The chief looked at the dryad with a cold look. "I am not obligated to lend your aid. Especially with the possibility of Ogra suffering injuries or losses in the fight." Treyni hid it well, but the oni could tell that the answer made her nervous. However, she waited. Then, the oni began speaking again, sighing, "Ogra owes its current position to a hero that once called this place home. A man that I call a friend that has long since moved on to a grander purpose."
His eyes softened, "Turning down an urgent plea for help, even when I possess the power to shift the scales in the favor of the suffering. Such an act is something that friend would never approve of." He raised his right hand. Byakuya reacted instantly, teleporting to his lord's side. "Byakuya. Call for Hakurou. I wish to speak with him. After that, wait for my son and daughter to return. I have something to say to them. I believe it is time for that talk. This is the perfect chance to start those two off strong."
Byakuya nodded, "Very well." Disappearing from the scene, the dryads could only watch on.
The air grew still once more until the chief spoke once more. "Dryad, as of this moment you do not have a form of repayment, correct?"
Treyni looked down. "I'm afraid not."
"No need." The chief stared at the spirits. "I know of one way for you to repay me for my help in full."
"Truly?" Treyni asked. "Could you elaborate?"
"I merely ask for you to stand still. It should not hurt." The dryads didn't have time to react.
The chief stared at the dryad and activated a skill very few knew he had. Upon activation, all three dryads suddenly felt silent pressure shoot through them, burying itself deep into their very soul. With the activation of [Crossroads King Enma], their every earthly deed was judged from start to finish. From their creation at the hands of Ramiris, to their separation from her, to their deal with the Storm Dragon, all the way to that very same day.
The chief sighed. The look on his eyes shifted. Within the course of just those few seconds, it was as if he had turned from a complete stranger into a man that had known them all their lives. "Most disappointing that you chose to leave your queen for such trivial reasons but I can see beyond that you are pure. I hope you meet with her again."
Treyni was utterly baffled. "You…"
"What I just did was have your soul judged by a skill of mine. It is nothing harmful. I had my own personal reasons for doing as such. Just know that your debt is repaid." The air whistled suddenly as a new presence was felt entering the chambers.
"Hakurou. So you have arrived." The chief said.
The swordsman bowed. "Of course, my chief."
The chief smiled ever so slightly. "You truly do not need to bow. You are the grandson of my closest ally, are you not? There is no need for formalities."
"I apologize, my chief but I cannot allow myself to treat one of your station like that." He straightened.
"Hakurou." He sighed, "You are just like him." He moved on, "I need you to prepare an expeditionary team. Make it a group of 7 kijin or oni. Ensure they are strong and ready for potential combat."
"Of course. May I ask what for?"
"A war effort. We are to lend aid to the dryads in their efforts against an orc lord to our east." He sat back, "You shall be accompanied by my son. I entrust you to keep him from encountering anything fatal."
"Understood." The swordsman exclaimed.
The chief smirked, "I expect honor from this battle Hakurou. Do not bring shame upon our name." He seemed to remember something. "One last thing."
After a few more clarifications on the needs of the mission, the oni made his way out. Just in time for the return of the ogre tribe chief's son and daughter.
Outside, Shizue and Rimuru followed along after choosing to just walk back with the siblings. Making their way to the meeting chamber, it was then that they watched the entrance open. Out of which walked a white haired oni. "Master Hakurou?"
Benimaru was the one to recognize him the fastest. "Prince Benimaru. It has been some time." Shizue walked over with a smile. The oni smiled back, "It appears you came to visit as well young mistress. I hope you are doing well."
Shuna looked at the confused Rimuru. Walking back a bit, she leaned over as she explained with a smile, "Master Hakurou is an old friend of Miss Shizu. He's the grandson of Master Araki."
"Huh?" Rimuru exclaimed. Staring at the old man, he couldn't help but notice. "But Byakuya…"
Shuna giggled. "I suppose their physical appearance doesn't match, does it? Master Araki stopped aging for the most part after he evolved into a saint so he looks younger than most his age. His descendants aren't an exception. He might not look it, but he's hundreds of years older than Master Hakurou" Granted after becoming an oni, Hakurou didn't age much either, just more than Byakuya.
Leading Hakurou to Rimuru, Shizue explained, "This is my traveling companion at the moment. He leads the village I'm staying in right now."
Hakurou looked at the slime. "Hm, I see. I can sense great power from you." A small smile spread across his face, "Yet great kindness too. As expected of someone the young mistress trusts."
"Oh…hehe." Rimuru felt awkward. "Yeah."
From behind the group, it was only then that Byakuya chose to make his full entrance, locking eyes with his descendant immediately.
"Grandfather."
"Hakurou."
Everyone stood there awkwardly as the two stared at each other. Rimuru couldn't help but try to look away. The air grew still as the two silently looked at each other and then silently walked past.
"Those two are still just how I remember."
"Is this normal for them?" Asked Rimuru.
Benimaru explained, "Master Hakurou and Master Araki are student and teacher as well as grandson and grandfather. While he cares about Master Hakourou, Master Araki does not hold back with his students."
Shizue stood in a thoughtful position. "It is hard to explain in detail, but the two have developed a deeper understanding than just family. They can understand each other without speaking. My own master has a similar connection to Master Araki."
That's…really cool. Rimuru thought to himself.
Regrouping once more, Benimaru and Shuna watched as Byakuya made his way to the door.
Seeing no reason to wait anymore, they all entered the meeting room. Shizue and Rimuru chose to stay near the doors with Byakuya as Benimaru and Shuna made their way forward. It had been a call for just them after all. Shizue locked eyes with Treyni as well, being two people with at least some history. The two nodded to each other.
The dryads moved away from the front, choosing to stay off to the side as the royal siblings took center stage. "Father, I have returned from my great grandmother's residence. You have called?"
"Yes." The chief shifted forwards on his seat. "Son, I believe it is time for you to start your journey."
The young kijin's eyes widened in shock. The journey of the Ogran royal lineage was a tradition that started with Ariana. At the age of just 15, she had yelled at her father enough to force him to let her leave to accompany Hero Alexander on his travels. With Byakuya as a bodyguard of course. It was a choice of action that proved to have been monumental for her growth. Having grown by leaps and bounds by the end of her journey. From that point onwards, the decision was made to do the same with the following generations. After proving their strength sufficient, the young princes and princesses of the line would leave on a journey, coming back only when ready to succeed their precursors with strength and wisdom beyond them.
Benimaru's older brother Hiiro had already left on his own no more than a year prior. Taking up residence in a small kingdom to the west. Now, it was time for Benimaru's own. "I. Am I truly ready?"
"I have witnessed your sparring with Shion. You are more than strong enough at this time." The chief's face hardened. "I have assigned to you Hakurou as your escort, as well as those he deems worthy. Shuna, you shall accompany him as well."
Shuna seemed shocked at this. "Father."
"I am aware that you might not see yourself as such just yet, but you are no less capable. I entrust you to be able to handle something such as this."
The chief looked at his son with a hint of pride. "Benimaru, I have chosen to use a crisis that has been plaguing the forest recently as your first test. If you judge yourself as truly not ready after facing that threat, then you may return. Hakurou should ensure you remain safe in the unlikely circumstances you are not." As Benimaru processed this, the chief turned back to the dryads. "This is my son. You may refer to him as he chooses. He shall be one of the warriors sent with you to fight the orc lord."
"An orc lord?" Benimaru questioned. He had heard of the legend of such a monster before. An evolution of the orc species that increased everything from their power to regeneration. A monstrous force that would be accompanied by a legion of millions. A truly worthy threat even for a student of Byakuya.
He looked back to Shizue. "Shizu. If I am to guess correctly, you will get involved as well, won't you?"
"It is what Master would have wanted."
"Yes. That much I understand well." He motioned to his children. "In that case, would it be allowed to have them make camp temporarily at your base?"
The goblin village was closer to the orc lord at that point. It would be convenient. "I am afraid that decision would be best left up to Rimuru."
"Eh!?" Rimuru jolted. He immediately felt the pressure as everyone's eyes shifted to him. "Oh, well, I suppose it shouldn't be a problem."
The chief looked at the slime. This slime was new to the role of village chief, that much he could tell. It led him to make a lot of decisions under pressure. It was a flaw that he could tell immediately. However, [Crossroads King Enma] had told him something else. Hidden beneath that tendency to cave sat the potential of a king. Upon first meeting, he had pretended to attack the slime for two reasons
One, he had been too close to Shizue. Much more than most. A girl he saw almost as a niece.
Two, his skill had told him of his potential. Such a strength was something that could only be tested when put under heavy fire. Fire he provided. From that he could tell. This potential was still raw. Unpolished. Untapped. He was clumsy, starting off with little more than blunt claws charging into a sea of beasts and monsters. Yet he had potential.
The lead oni pondered. How would this potential grow in the future? That much he would see.
He hoped Benimaru could catch some of that spark. Given Shizue was there, the fire was already lit. It was time to introduce the unlit matchsticks.
The chief would keep that to himself, however. With a booming voice, he simply said, "Very well."
Going quiet, the chief watched as Byakuya made his way back to his side and Shizue approached the dryads. Perhaps he would take a secret trip to the battlefield. Benimaru, Shuna, Rimuru, Shizue, Hakurou. Just the lineup alone was interesting. Perhaps it would be worth his while to keep an eye on the fight against the orc lord himself. If not for added safety, for the entertainment of it all.