Metsuhai stood upright as Ando straightened the strap on his shoulder, now with a blue stripe sewn onto it, befitting Metsuhais new rank.
"I am very proud of you, Efraitor Fugughuu," Ando spoke with clear happiness, stepping back to his desk, "Your great achievements did not go unnoticed. I have never heard of an Efrator rank given by the Generalisimus himself."
"I was surprised as well," admitted Metsuhai.
"Well, I have another surprise for you." Andos smile grew as he sits back on his chair, revealing his perfect white teeth. "You have been promoted to a rare and exceptionally lucrative position. To put it bluntly, your life is set for you."
Metsuhai didn't know what to say so he said nothing. He was rather excited.
"Orders came from above. You are now officially a royal guard. Your duty is to defend the life and safety of Kagehiroto Arisu sama."
"Is it really such a good position?"
Ando put his hand over his forehead and shook his head in disbelief. "How can you even ask… This is the oldest son of the lord commander himself we are talking about- the successor. Most likely he will be our ruler one day. Just being in the company of such an important man is an honor. Also… Your salary will be tripled. Even I get a small bonus for this."
So this is what he is so happy about. Then a worrying thought crossed Metsuhais mind.
"Does this mean I won't be sent to the battlefield anymore?"
"Well, you will guard our precious commander. The work of the elite of the elite. Enemies are just waiting to get a breach in the defenses of the higher ups. Frankly, you'll go to the field much less, but from time to time Kagehiroto sama fights demons as well. You'll have to keep him safe there too."
Metsuhai nodded. As long as I destroy enough enemies it'll all work out.
"You must set out at once, the rest of the guards are expecting you."
"But I am supposed to have my training with master Lezner right now."
"Oh? You don't know, do you. Your days of training under Lezner have come to an end. He only teaches the basics. By your survival and performance you proved to be a valuable warrior of the order. You are a beginner no more. Now you can progress by training on your own. You can try to convince a master from the order to take you as his apprentice but from what I heard they are all busy. Now go to the palace gardens before you'll get us both in trouble."
Metsuhai quickly made his way through the rich district, reaching the entrance to the palace gardens. The cool air of the early morning helped to keep Metsuhai awake. It was impossible to miss his new comrades, the other royal guards. There were five of them, all wearing light blue plate armor. They talked among themselves with quiet friendly voices. Surprisingly Metsuhai recognized one of them.
Metsuhai saluted to the guard captain, stating "I am to join you from now on."
The guard captain, Tanuki, saluted back. "I was informed. Welcome to the royal guard."
The other guards introduced themselves. They seemed like nice people.
"Mister Arisu sama will arrive soon. I'll show you the ropes. Where Arisu sama goes we follow and keep our mouth shut. That's all there is to know."
Tanuki noticed something and gestured with his hand. The other four guard organized into a line formation and saluted. Metsuhai took his place at the end of the line.
From a turn in the garden appeared a tall man looking like the angel of death. He was covered from head to toe with a black robe concealing the top of his face. That double chin, the satisfied smug. If Metsuhai didn't know better he would swear it's an enemy. The temptation to sense his energy was quiet significant but of course that would be unacceptable. Metsuhai did notice him in the party from far away. But meeting him up close was an entirely different matter. To complete the picture Arisu sama carried in his right hand a huge scythe.
Metsuhai was so preoccupied with Kagehirotos appearance that he didn't notice the six guards behind him at first. It was another royal guard squad and their commander saluted. Tanuki saluted back and the second squad turned around, leaving without another word.
"My scythe wasn't washed well. Wouldn't you say so Tanuki?" Kagehiroto had a strong manly voice. "No sir. I believe your scythe looks as good as ever."
Kagehiroto put the scythe on his back and scanned the line of guards. "I see the new number five is here. Good."
Kagehiroto narrowed his black eyes and scanned Metsuhai with a short gaze, saying nothing. He turned to Tanuki once more. "I have this beautiful day planned out. Let's go for some action."
All right. It seems we'll get to the fighting even faster than I expected. This guy really means business. It bothers me a bit he didn't follow proper introduction etiquette, but I suppose he has his own way of doing things. Things are only gonna get better after I'll show him how I fight.
…
How did I ever get to this?!
The fancy casino room was engulfed in smoke. So thick, that one could mistake that a fire broke out. The large room was filled with men wearing businessman suits siting on wide chairs around round tables. Metsuhai was sitting on a long orange sofa together with number four (the guard who stood near him at the line- up) and Tanuki. They sat at the very side of the room, wearing black leather and carrying guns- so did Metsuhai, with the gun Kagehiroto gave him attached to his belt. Their guard armors and cold weapons were nowhere to be seen, temporarily confiscated. This situation would be enough to place Metsuhai out of his comfort zone: he didn't have his weapons, armor and carried a gun he never learned how to use. Also there were criminals everywhere: shady men wearing leather jackets and carrying guns. These were the body guards. Closer to the center of the room, their masters sat. Physically different from each other, but wearing identical clothes: suits with ties and black sunglasses.
Practically everyone was smoking (not Metsuhai or Tanuki though).
But the real action was taking place in the center, where the richest, most powerful kings of crime dueled over the poker tables. This is where Kagehiroto sat, wearing a suit as well, together with three other known enemies of the law. He was completely relaxed and enjoying himself, clearly feeling at home. As if a tradition, to the sides of everyone at Kagehirotos table and the tables nearby, sat two gorgeous probably under-aged girls wearing nothing but bras and underwear. They were caressing their masters and looking at them with unwavering astonishment and admiration, doing all they can to give them a pleasant time. Although generally the players didn't want to be distracted too much from the cards. More women dressed the same way were delivering trays loaded with lobsters, black caviar, other fancy foods and expensive wine.
Kagehiroto looked at the tall, pale calm- looking man to his left. The man to his right on the other hand was short and fat, with neat black hair. He was loudly telling a story, his smile occasionally revealing several golden teeth. "…So I tell this fine lad- look, I can't pay half the guards in the city to find your lost dose, but… I did just receive a new shipment. So I offer to sell him what he needs for three quarters of it's value..." The fourth man near the table begin laughing and even Kagehiroto smiled. "…and the imbecile bought his own merchandise!" Everyone laughed except the tall man who spoke with a strong voice "raise, 50000." He moved some chips forward.
When the laughter died down Kagehiro, whose turn commenced, commented "Modest. I guess I'll call."
That's 50000 dollars! I can only dream of such amounts… And this guy throws them to the wind as if there's nothing to it… And that's in the midst of a global war. This money could have saved lives.
Metsuhai wasn't the jealous type but these numbers were overwhelming. Metsuhai slowly breathed in and out the smoke, calming down. This crime infested lifestyle wasn't for him though the girls were really pretty. Metsuhai fondly remembered that he wasn't as poor as before either: after receiving the prize money for Mordon and paying back Kuma he still had enough money for two weeks of medicine.
To avoid processing the immoral scene in front of his eyes, Metsuhai recalled his last for a while meeting with Kuma. He met him right after Ando told him they weren't training together any longer. They shook hands strongly and instead of an awkward goodbye Kuma simply said:" see you on the battlefield." Of course, Kuma hasn't received Lezners approval to go to war yet, despite asking repeatedly.
They wasted two and a half hours in the casino pointlessly. Kagehiroto wasn't even particularly happy when they left: his loss was around half a million. At least now they wore their armors again. While organizing for their next adventure, Tanuki stated quietly "isn't our boss the best?"
"Ehhh…" (Metsuhai)
"He is so rich, and all these influential people respect him deeply."
I measure people in different parameters, Metsuhai forced himself not to say.
The continuation of the week that started badly (not for Kagehiroto) got even worse. They visited brothels, rode on horses (which by itself was not that bad of an experience), dined in luxurious restaurants and even watched illegal fist fights up close. Except for the short time Kagehiroto signed some papers as the (irresponsible) leader of officer investigation unit, pushing his royal work on to obedient subordinates that didn't argue, Kagehiroto was having the time of his life. Kaghiroto was sunbathing on a massive yacht surrounded by beautiful women. He bathed in Jacuzzis, practiced (for the good of the order) skydiving, drinking expensive wines and car-racing on a real track against professional racers. How the hell does all this have anything to do with destroying demons! Metsuhai was furious, and with each passing day he got more and more angry. And everyone, everywhere gave Kagehiroto so much respect! Whenever he entered a shop he got the ultra-VIP treatment, jumping to the front of the line. And usually he dismissed the best goods as second class, buying something rarely. Yet the shop keepers treated him like a god, as if his visit itself was a gift.
Other problems didn't give Metsuhai rest as well. His money was getting depleted fast and without the prize money soon he could purchase his medicine no more. Furthermore the poison… it was spreading slowly in spite of the medication. The pain in his arm was growing stronger and spreading to new zones and as his emotions rampaged. He was constantly irritated and was plagued with dark tendencies. Anger and hatred based on nothing. The desire to see people he didn't even know hurt, the desire to see them suffering. The desire to personally make them suffer. I'm losing my mind. Was it the venom or the behavior of Kagehiroto, maybe both. Kagehiroto even invaded into Metsuhais sleep. Metsuhai dreamed repeatedly of how he hits Kagehiroto as hard as he can. Other nights he dreamed again about baron Phaulin. As a bonus, Metsuhais training was not going well. Metsuhai was strong and fast, skilled too. Now that he didn't have scheduled training lessons all the responsibility for keeping himself in shape fell on his shoulders. He had to build his own training regimen from what he already learned. It wasn't easy to force himself to train all the necessary aspects of battle in a balanced way with no one to guide him or stand by his side. Metsuhai had done the bare minimum to keep himself in shape. His goals were elsewhere. He wanted more- that golden attack that put an end to Mordon. But the one thing Metsuhai was so much after was the one thing that kept eluding him. No matter how hard and how many times Metsuhai tried, the golden glow just wouldn't come. Every evening, half naked, exposing his young muscular body to the light of the rising moon, Sweating and breathing hard in the middle of training yard, Metsuhai was cursing his inability to recreate the power he couldn't master, nor understand.
I need to clear my thoughts, thought Metsuhai as he headed to his and his friends usual meeting place in the park. The green surroundings which by themselves had a relaxing affect didn't calm Metsuhais mind at all- they reminded him of the palace garden, from which Kagehiroto always emerged. But he knew once he shares his anxiety with John, Alex and Yamius his burden would lighten.
However upon arrival another disappointment awaited. Something wasn't right. John and Yamius sat across the chessboard but the pieces weren't set. In fact they weren't even touching them. "What's wrong?" asked Metsuhai without even saying hello.
"He is completely drunk. He is in no shape to play," honestly and shortly answered Yamius. Metsuhai took his usual seat, picking at John. Johns eyes were almost empty, like a corpse. Metsuhai wasn't even sure he recognized him. Tears were streaming across his face. Metsuhai had never seen him like that. The tough and confident john, always with a smile on his face- crying. Metsuhai wanted to ask what happened, but that would be like rubbing salt in his wounds. This was a place of sharing, but only from personal initiative. All Metsuhai could do was place his smaller hand on Johns shaking shoulder and say nothing. Eventually John spoke, with broken voice. "I wasn't always working for the order. I used to be a construction worker. Rather successful for my field. And I was happily married. At least in the beginning…"
John drank another cup of green liquid. "I have two beautiful children. One celebrated his seventh birthday today. The other is only four. Two years ago he didn't even know how to speak. These two wonders didn't stop her from cheating or blaming everything on me. Apparently I wasn't good enough anymore. Didn't make enough money, didn't spend enough time at home- Those are opposites dammit!" John drank another cup. "The divorce was brutal… You wouldn't believe how much. It dragged on and on and on. Her lawyers fought me for every penny. Not just our shared account, every drop of money I made on honest work was poured either to the legal fees or to her. She on the other hand was funded by the state. Making unimaginable allegation against me. I have never hurt her! And she destroyed me. Dave even had to testify, that's my older boy…"
For a second Metsuhai forgot all about his trouble and only felt sorry for this good man who did not deserve this. "I didn't have strength anymore. She took EVERYTHING. Since I was now homeless she even got full custody of our children. I barely got to see them. I was a father no more. And I still have to pay her money every month. A lot. And she wastes it thoughtlessly. I can't believe she hated me so much… I should have seen it coming. It's all my fault I know it…"
"It's not," quietly said Yamius "the legal system in America is in a crisis. Completely biased."
Metsuhai wasn't sure John heard him at all. "…I see it in Daves eyes, through the Skype. Every day he respects and loves me less. She is poisoning him against me. I thought this was the bottom. But it seems there is always a way to fall further down." John was now crying with such pain and visible suffering that it made Metsuhais blood boil.
"She has a new boyfriend now. And from what I hear he looks and acts like a gang member. A drug addict, near my children!"
John took another sip, mumbled something unclear and collapsed on the table. Soon he was snoring. "I had no idea," quietly said Metsuhai "He looked so happy and strong."
"I knew, kind of," explained Yamius, slowly drinking his tea "You should have seen John when he just arrived here. He had a death wish. Went to the battlefield against orders. He came face to face with death. But there, on the battle field he discovered himself anew. He found his purpose in life and was reborn. But from time to time his old life gets to him."
Metsuhai went back to his new sleeping chamber (a tall building not far from the rich district) even more demoralized than before.
Ando sat behind his desk writing with his pen on some document. He looked as if he was sunbathing on the beach. It was similar in a way to how Masaru paints his work of art at night. Metsuhai barged into the room, opening the door with a slam. Several pages fell of the table.
"What happened?" worriedly asked Ando "Is Kagehiroto displeased?"
"Kagehiroto is just fine. But this has to end. This job is not for me."
"What's wrong, I don't understand. This is a dream-job. You get paid and respect with minimal risk. Some fighters loyally fight for the order all their lives and never get anything near this."
"Maybe, but this is not what I want. I need to fight. I cannot explain why."
"I still don't get it, neither can I do anything about this. It's not like working at the smithy or guarding the port. This goes high up the commend chain. The Arisu are the top. Factually I'm not your commander anymore. You need to speak to Kagehiroto Arisu sama. Either way don't worry. I heard he is going to battle soon. I am sure it will all work out."
…
Masaru dodged Kumas hammer again. Despite being tired Masaru remained quick on his feet and as sharp as ever. Before Kuma could strike once more Lezners manly shout stopped them "Everyone stop. I have an announcement to make." Surprisingly Lezners cigar was nowhere to be seen. Kuma, Masaru and all other pupils stopped their respective training fights and organized into lines.
"If it was up to me alone, I wouldn't have done this. But I got clear orders. We are short of men on the battlefield. So I have to supply… You guys are not ready. Nao, Masaru, Takeo, John,…" Lezner kept naming more and more students. Kumas body was strained from head to toe as he excitedly waited to be picked, but to his great disappointment he was one of the only four not selected.
"…You'll be sent in teams to the heart of battle. Remember our honor. Remember our sacred goal. Good luck. I am proud to have trained you. The time we spent together gave me great joy."
"Yes sir!" answered at once all those selected. "What about me?" protested Kuma "I am ready. Send me to the hardest fight!"
Lezner looked at him with an empty gaze. "First, I would never send an amateur like you. Second, my decision is final. Your time will come. It's inevitable. I'm doing you a favor. I will not send to battle a guy who left his war hammer in the palace during the party."
…
Metsuhai was standing in line with Tanuki and the other numbers. They were saluting. Metsuhai had terrible mood. Kagehiroto approached from the palace gardens.
"This week was reasonably satisfying, but I'm getting bored…" as always Kagehiroto only spoke to Tanuki. It was exceptionally rare for him to address one of the other guards directly, and if he did he would only call them by number. Kagehiroto preformed a warm up exercise with one arm, and then the other. "…Lets loose some muscle. I'm thirsty for some action. Take me to a hot spot." Hot spot? An area under attack! Finally some demon action, I waited for so long. Metsuhai breathed in, calming himself down a bit. I don't think I'll manage to like Kagehiroto even though he is doing something for the order. But at least I'll get the money I desperately need. Maybe after I show him how I fight he'll come to appreciate me.
A whole fleet of choppers was crossing the sky, there were at least twenty of them. The engines noise was loud and permanent. The chopper carrying Kagehiroto (and Metsuhai too) was in the very middle. It was large, yet almost empty, containing Kagehiroto and his six bodyguards alone (not including the pilot). Metsuhai was surprised from the size of the force.
"Is the invasion really so massive?"
"I believe I did not gave you permission to speak, five" replied Kagehiroto.
Silence befell on the small group. After a short while Kagehiroto spoke again "It seems the general of this flying unit wants to show off to his superiors. Or maybe he is afraid to be blamed if something goes wrong."
"We are landing," announced the pilot loudly.
Metsuhais chopper just landed on the roof of a tall building, the propeller still rotating. Kagehiroto stood proud at the edge of the roof, holding his massive scythe, looking down upon the damaged city, his robe moving with the wind. Prepared to send enemies to oblivion as the angel of death that he is.
Metsuhai already gave up on talking to Kagehiroto, so he turned to Tanuki "why aren't soldiers exiting from our fleet?"
"The choppers were covering us in the air. They were here just to escort us to the place of engagement. Now the fun is beginning." As the army of choppers retreats in the background Metsuhai slammed his fist into his palm exclaiming "now we'll show them what we've got."
Kagehiroto turned to his bodyguards "Okay, Tanuki, numbers, this is the combat plan…I am going to have some fun. You guard the chopper and follow me with your eyes. I hate to get stuck in a battle zone, thus missing lunch. But if somehow I get in trouble… well that doesn't really happen."
Kagehiroto slid down the vertical building wall with lust in his eyes. I hope he'll be eaten by crushers. Metsuhai didn't really wished for Kagehirotos death, but he really hated the guy.
"Gentleman draw your weapons" calmly said Tanuki.
Metsuhai went for his sword, but then he noticed how all other bodyguards drew binoculars out of their backpacks. Metsuhai was stunned. Tanuki gave him a binocular "you are a bit inexperienced for this, so I brought one for you too. Am I not the best!"
Metsuhai tore the useless thing from Tanukis hands saying nothing. Now Metsuhais attention was diverted to Kagehiroto.
Kagehiroto was going through the infested city, looking like the angel death, slicing through everything in his path with his scythe. It usually ended with one sharp devastating slash. Four bleeding crushers piled up on one another. Dismembered demon corpses everywhere. Firestarters running for their lives- but not fast enough. A large pile of torn misfortunate ratman. And its not like the demons weren't fighting back. They were overpowered. Three crushers closed in on Kagehiroto, but as they simultaneously jumped they got cut deep, roaring in pain. Kagehiroto sent one of them back with a blow of a fist. Is it even possible to do this?
Kagehiroto was beating the life out of a crusher with his bare hands. A ratman snuck behind him with a drown dagger. Before he knew what's going on the glove wearing hand crushed his throat.
A goblin pulled the string of his bow just to find out that a knife pierced him from behind.
And Kagehiroto went on and on leaving behind him a path of destruction. It was a massacre- but this time the demons were the prey.
Eventually Kagehiroto came back covered in demon blood from head to toe. He licked his red covered lips in satisfaction. "We've done well. I need a bath."
And I didn't get to fight a single opponent!
Kagehiroto (who cleaned up already and wore his favorite suit) and his guard group entered 'The Persian King', a fancy restaurant of the highest level with high spirits- except Metsuhai who was suppressing his rage. Though he had to admit, this place had its style: decorated carpets hanging from the walls, fountains and marble statues of brave warriors. Large chandeliers illuminated the tables with bright white light. The tables were covered with perfectly positioned white tablecloths. Few of the tables had flower arrangements on them, masterfully decorated vases with beautiful aromatic flowers. On a small stage, a group of musicians played harmonious music on violins of various sizes. They wore traditional Persian costumes, including turbans on their heads. The incredible establishment was packed due to the much anticipated arrival of 'The Soul Thieves', the most famous band in the order, though controversial. They were invited especially for the celebration of the owners' birthday, seemingly not there yet. A small yellow sign warned the diners of the recently washed floor. "Tanuki, you and your guys seat there, near the window."
"Yes sir," answered Tanuki immediately, but the other guards seemed really disappointed. They were hoping Kagehiroto was going to treat them to a meal as well. Still, they had the band performance to look up to. Tanuki rushed them (and Metsuhai) to the long side table along the restaurant wall. They sat in group near a fat large man who ate non-stop. Fancy used plates were piled up to his side.
Kagehiroto sat near an empty table close to the middle, relaxing in his comfortable chair. Two waitresses rushed to place a decorated plate filled with bread in the center of the table, and a whole sat of spoons, knives and forks befitting nobility. A pretty smiling waitress placed the menu on the table. Kagehiroto was browsing through it with much attention, like a peacock female examining the tail of the male.
Metsuhai looked around the restaurant, impressed by the dining habits of the highest society, although not without resentment. People like John and Masaru should get to eat in places like this. Not Kagehiroto.
A satisfied old man not far from the kitchen entrance, looked over the people, those eating, those ordering food, talking, smiling, delivering food or removing used plates from tables. The sound of hot oil in the oven warmed his heart. This balding old man of average height, who only had hair at the sides of his head, was the proud owner of 'The Persian King' who celebrated his birthday.
"I want another course of grilled pork with clams," the fat man asked the waitress closest to his table. Soon enough Kagehiroto made his pick and returned the menu to the waitress who wrote down his order on her small notebook. Metsuhai sat far away and couldn't really catch exactly what was he telling the waitress. The music and the peoples many conversations were just too loud. Wearing his suit and classy tie, seating and ordering food Kagehiro -the angel of death- looked almost normal. The happy relaxing atmosphere only made Metsuhai angrier, reminding him that he was doing a pointless job amidst an intense war.
And then it happened. A waiter carrying a wide tray loaded with food and spices lost his balance, stepping on the wet flour. He stopped, barely short of falling. He even managed to hold on to his tray. But the edge of the tray slightly touched the vase on Kagehirotos table, knocking it over. The water spilled all over the white cloth and worse, right on top of Kagehirotos face. Graveyard silence befell on the restaurant. The musicians ceased playing music, and nobody spoke. All looks were aimed at Kagehiroto.
"Oh boy oh boy" (Tanuki)
Kagehiroto looked at the waiter with an expressionless look. The waiter rushed with a napkin, wiping Kagehirotos suit while mumbling apologies. Tanuki harried to Kagehiroto. The rest of the guards took several steps forward, confused and not knowing what to do. Kagehiroto smashed the table with his fist, braking it.
"I'm furious, I will kill you," Kagehiroto pushed the waiter off his feet. Tanuki looked from side to side, considering what to do. The old restaurant owner rushed towards the raging prince, thinking- my restaurant is fancy. It doesn't always attract the right kind of people. I dealt with yakuza bosses and shady politicians. This one though is known to be especially bad tempered.
The restaurant owner approached Kagehiroto, bowing deeply. "Sincere apologies Arisu sama. I will give you your money back as well as a free meal, anything you'll like to order."
"I will act to close this unworthy institution," answered the now less angry Kagehiroto.
"No, you can't, I worked all my life to build it. It is my bread and water!"
"Oh yes I can," replied Kagehiroto, pushing the weak old man off his feet. The frightened waiter took several steps back looking with disbelief at the unfolding scene.
Metsuhai could take no more. Out of nowhere he appeared, standing between Kagehiroto and the misfortunate old man.
"ENOUGH!...
You can't treat people like this!"
A cruel smirk appeared on Kagehirotos face. "Enlighten me."
"Fughuhuu, get out of the way…" called out Tanuki, "NOW!"
"How can you treat an elder like this?" Metsuhai ignored Tanuki completely, talking to Kagehiroto, "he meant no harm. You are overreacting!"
"Number five, you traitorous snake, my father gave you fame and honor. You received a perfect job combined with the route of fast promotion. A rare and well-paying work. Gave it to you instead of another worthier candidate. We extended a hand of generosity to you and you spat on it. But it seems all of what we did for you is not enough…" Kagehiroto continued to speak as he slowly draws his scythe out of nowhere, and as his black robe unfolds on his body. "…maybe you will also like to inherit my father when he finally goes to retirement?"
Metsuhai now knew- this was a fight. Putting his hand around the hilt of his sword. I messed up. I didn't plan dying like this. Even if the guards won't intervene Kagehiroto is going to tear me to pieces and there is very little I can do about that. The power difference is too big. It was a life worth living, even if a short one. Metsuhai refused to beg Kagehiroto for his life. It probably wouldn't save him as it is.
Tanuki suddenly appeared at Metsuhais side, placing his hand on Metsuhais hand (the one holding the hilt of sword) and man, his grip was strong. "Arisu sama wait!"
"Tanuki, you know what I do to people who get in my way."
"Sire, the gap between you and that bastard is ocean wide. You don't need to duel this unworthy scum personally. Let the generals deal with this, it's part of their job. His life and career will never be the same again. He will live years to regret what he did. Isn't this far more satisfying, master?"
Metsuhai began losing grasp of the situation. His hand left the hilt.
For a few moments Kagehiroto considered the suggestion. Then he slowly began nodding. The bodyguards surrounded Metsuhai in a half circle, blocking his movement in the direction of Kagehiroto. "Follow us to your room," said one of the guards (number 3). Metsuhai wasn't sure what to do. Kagehiroto who he had barely seen from behind the guards wasn't even looking in his direction anymore.
Tanuki turned to Metsuhai, speaking quietly "what are you planning to achieve. Even if you somehow defeat all of us. How will you explain to the most powerful ruler in the world that you killed his oldest son?"
After a short moment of consideration Metsuhai removed his hand from the hilt. Metsuhai and three of the guards walked out of the restaurant. Inside, Kagehiroto turned to Tanuki.
"We are going home."