As the meeting room cleared, the Spiritual Kings and Queens began to rise from their seats, chatting quietly amongst themselves. But one voice called out.
"Lloyd," Lara (24, Rendo Village) said, stepping toward him.
Lloyd (20, Great Village) turned. "Yes, Lara?"
"I have to tell you something."
"Go ahead."
Lara's expression turned serious. "On the mission where I sent my ninjas to investigate the Laybirth Kingdom… I sent two B-rank ninjas."
Lloyd nodded. "Alright."
She exhaled slowly. "They never made it back. They were supposed to return a few days ago… but they didn't. I can only presume they're dead."
Lloyd's brows furrowed. "Ah, man…"
"I'm telling you this so you'll send the right team when you move on that kingdom. It's dangerous."
"Thanks. I'll keep that in mind."
Lara hesitated, then added, "Also… it's not just Jinko Maenami. He has four elites who manage different parts of his army. They're powerful."
Lloyd nodded. "Thanks for the heads-up."
Without warning, Lara stepped forward and hugged him tightly.
"Be safe," she whispered. "I can't lose you."
"O-Okay, okay…" Llyod stammered, cheeks slightly red.
She finally released him and walked toward the door.
Lloyd muttered, "Why does she hug so tight…?"
Mr. Taka (100, no village) stepped beside him. "Let's go back to the village."
"Right."
They both vanished in a flash—and reappeared inside the Spiritual King's office.
Lloyd flopped into his chair. "Well, we got some useful intel from that meeting."
Mr. Taka folded his arms. "Lara likes you."
Lloyd's face turned crimson. "What?! No, she doesn't!"
"Yes, she does."
"You might be wrong, Mr. Taka."
"I'm just telling you what I saw."
She doesn't like me… right? Llyod thought, uncertain.
At that moment, Kaji and Okata **appeared in the office.
"You're back," Kaji said.
"Yep," Llyod replied.
Okata asked, "Anything from the meeting?"
"Yes. I've got a new mission for Team One."
Kaji tilted his head. "What is it?"
"The Laybirth Kingdom."
Kaji blinked. "What?"
"Oh, you haven't been there yet? It's a kingdom that threatened to destroy our village. I'm sending you and Team One."
Mr. Taka raised a hand. "No need."
"What?"
"I'll go there and destroy that kingdom myself."
Lloyd waved his hands. "No, please."
"They threatened our home."
"I know. Let's make a deal."
"I'm listening."
"Team One and Kaji go first. But… you can walk there."
Mr. Taka raised an eyebrow. "And then what? Wait for them to finish?"
"Exactly. It'll take you three days to walk there. If, by the time you arrive, the mission isn't done—or even if it is—you're free to destroy the kingdom. Deal?"
Mr. Taka nodded. "Deal."
Kaji whispered, "Yeah, you better accept that, old geezer."
Lloyd smirked. "Oh, and where is Team One?"
Misa's House (On a Cliffside)
At the doorstep, Uzuki stood stiffly.
"Do I really have to do this?" he asked.
Rei nodded firmly. "Yes, it's the right thing."
Kenshiro added, "C'mon man. Just apologize."
Ryju smirked. "It's not that hard."
Goro knocked on the door.
Misa opened it and blinked in surprise. "Yeah, who is—Team One? And Uzuki?!"
Rei bowed slightly. "Hey, sorry for the sudden visit."
Kenshiro nudged Uzuki. "He's got something to say."
Misa tilted her head. "What?"
Uzuki bowed deeply, sword at his side. "I'm so sorry for almost killing you and calling you weak. I hope you accept my apology."
Misa smiled—then smacked him on the back of the head.
"Ow!" Uzuki cried.
"What took you so long to apologize?"
"Sorry…"
Misa laughed gently.
What does that mean? Uzuki wondered.
"I accept your apology."
"Thank you," Uzuki said, relieved.
Kenshiro grinned. "He looks so stupid."
"Hey, shut up!" Uzuki snapped.
Everyone laughed.
Then, a familiar presence appeared behind them—Kaji.
"Sorry to interrupt your fun," he said. "But Team One—we have a new mission."
Ryju blinked. "What?"
Spiritual King's Office
"We have a new mission?" Ryju repeated.
Rei sighed. "That was quick."
Kenshiro groaned. "Already? I haven't even rested."
Shun gave a calm nod. "Okay."
Goro grinned. "I hope it's fun."
Ryju looked at the Spiritual King. "So, what's the mission?"
The Spiritual King's voice was firm. "The Laybirth Kingdom."
TO BE CONTINUED