Night had fallen over the Matsuda domain, yet Ryota found no rest. The enigmatic words of Daimyo Matsuda still echoed in his mind. Was he truly innocent of the ambush, or was he playing a far more dangerous game?
Ryota left his chamber, clad in a light kimono, and moved cautiously through the corridors of the palace. Silence reigned, broken only by the faint creaking of wooden floors and the whisper of the wind through paper walls. He refused to remain idle, not when so many questions remained unanswered.
As he stepped into a small courtyard illuminated by the pale glow of the moon, he found Daichi, as he had expected. His loyal companion stood watch, leaning against a pillar, his katana within reach. His eyes immediately turned to Ryota, and he straightened.
"You're not sleeping, Ryota?" Daichi asked quietly, though he did not seem surprised by his presence.
"Not tonight," Ryota replied as he approached. "There are too many uncertainties. I can't shake the feeling that we're being watched, tested."
Daichi nodded, his expression hardening slightly. "You're right. This place breathes suspicion. I've noticed unusual movements among the Matsuda guards. Some have positioned themselves strategically, as if expecting trouble."
Ryota crossed his arms, deep in thought. "We need to learn more. It's possible that this ambush was the work of a dissident faction within the Matsuda clan. That would explain why the daimyo was so ambiguous."
Daichi raised an eyebrow. "You think there's internal strife among them?"
Ryota nodded slowly. "It's a possibility. But we won't know unless we stop playing the role of passive guests."
Daichi smirked slightly, sensing his master's intent. "You want to investigate, don't you?"
Ryota returned the faint smile. "Exactly."
They decided to move carefully, ensuring they did not raise suspicion. Ryota and Daichi slipped out of their quarters under the cover of night, skillfully avoiding the patrolling guards. Every step was calculated, every shadow used to their advantage.
Their first destination was the armory—a modest but well-guarded building they had noticed earlier that day. A place like that could hold clues about the origin of the weapons used in the ambush.
Reaching the small courtyard surrounding the armory, they spotted two Matsuda guards standing at attention. Daichi observed them closely before whispering to Ryota.
"We can't get past them unnoticed. But if we take them down quickly and quietly, no one will notice until it's too late."
Ryota nodded in agreement. The two men moved like shadows, striking in perfect synchronization. The guards were unconscious before they could react. Dragging them into a dark corner, Ryota and Daichi entered the armory.
Inside, the air was cool and thick with the scent of steel. Shelves were lined with weapons—katanas, bows, and arrows. Ryota's eyes were drawn to a particular set of blades, intricately engraved with patterns.
"Look at this, Daichi," he murmured, pointing to an arrow with an engraved symbol on its fletching.
Daichi stepped closer, frowning. "That symbol... It resembles the ones we saw on the arrows from the ambush. But there's a slight difference. This could confirm that the weapons came from here but were altered."
Ryota gripped the arrow between his fingers, his mind working quickly. "This could mean that elements within the Matsuda clan are acting without the daimyo's approval. If that's true, we may be dealing with a rogue faction."
Before they could investigate further, a sudden noise echoed from outside. Voices. Approaching footsteps. Daichi turned to Ryota, his eyes flashing with urgency.
"We need to leave. Now."
Ryota nodded, and they slipped out of the armory through a side door, disappearing into the shadows. They had uncovered critical information, but they now knew they were being watched.
Back in their quarters, Ryota placed the arrow on a small table, staring at it in silence. "This confirms our suspicions," he said softly. "But it also complicates our position. If the daimyo is not in full control of his own clan, any negotiation with him could be meaningless."
Daichi crossed his arms. "Then what do we do?"
Ryota took a deep breath, his gaze sharp with determination. "We keep playing their game for now. But we must be ready for anything. The Matsuda are not as united as they seem, and that could be either our advantage... or our downfall."
Daichi nodded gravely. "Then I will remain by your side, no matter what."
Ryota placed a hand on his friend's shoulder, a small but sincere smile on his lips. "Thank you, Daichi. We will overcome this, together."
In the darkness of the night, the shadows seemed to close in around them. But Ryota knew he had to move forward. The future of the Yamazaki depended on his choices, and failure was not an option.
Before dawn, Ryota was already awake. He was not a man to rest on half-truths, nor one to tolerate uncertainty. He felt the weight of watchful eyes on him—Matsuda's men were observing his every move, searching for any weakness. But they would find none. A Yamazaki did not bend. If this was a game of influence, he would dictate the rules.
Daichi awaited him in the courtyard, arms crossed, his expression darker than usual.
"Ryota, we need to act fast. Last night, I followed a messenger who slipped out of the palace. He delivered a message to someone in a secluded pavilion."
Ryota raised an eyebrow. "Did they mention my name?"
Daichi nodded grimly. "Yes. The message said, 'The Yamazaki heir must not leave.'"
A cold smirk crossed Ryota's lips. A veiled threat? An intimidation tactic? He had seen such ploys before. He had not come here to beg for an alliance but to assert his clan's presence.
Before he could reply, a servant of Daimyo Matsuda appeared, bowing deeply before announcing,
"Matsuda-sama requests a private audience with you. He wishes to discuss the terms of the alliance in confidence."
Ryota exchanged a glance with Daichi before straightening, his broad shoulders squared and his gaze unyielding.
"Very well. Take me to him."
The audience chamber was vast, bathed in dim light. Matsuda sat on a silk cushion, surrounded by scattered scrolls on a low table. His regal bearing did not conceal the calculating glint in his eyes. He studied Ryota, trying to see past his composed demeanor.
Ryota did not wait for an invitation. He stepped forward without hesitation and sat across from Matsuda, his posture strong and unwavering. He would not be the man who bowed in submission.
The daimyo observed him for a moment before speaking.
"Ryota Yamazaki, your presence here may mark the beginning of a new era for our clans. But every agreement requires a solid foundation. I need assurances."
Ryota did not flinch. "The Yamazaki do not offer assurances, Matsuda. They offer their strength, and that is never in question."
A faint smile touched Matsuda's lips. He appreciated measured defiance, but he knew that power was a game of perception.
"The ambush you faced on your way here must have shown you that uncontrollable elements exist in this region. If we are to form an alliance, we must face these threats together."
Ryota's expression remained unreadable. "Let's be clear. That ambush was no coincidence, and you know it. I will not negotiate anything until I know the truth behind that attack."
A tense silence fell between them. Matsuda held Ryota's gaze, weighing his words carefully.
Then, slowly, he responded.
"I did not order the ambush, but I cannot guarantee that some within my ranks have not taken certain liberties."
Ryota tilted his head slightly. "If your authority is not enough to control your men, what kind of ally would you be to the Yamazaki?"
A spark of challenge lit Matsuda's eyes. He was not a man accustomed to such direct confrontation.
"Do not underestimate the Matsuda, Ryota. We are not a weak clan. We have thrived in adversity, and we will continue to do so."
Ryota's slow smile was sharp. "I never underestimate an opponent. But I only ally with equals. If I am to stand beside you, I need proof that your strength is not just words."
Matsuda studied him for a long moment before chuckling softly.
"Interesting... You do not lack courage. Very well. If you wish to see what the Matsuda are capable of, I will give you a demonstration."
Ryota inclined his head, his gaze burning with challenge.
"Show me, Matsuda. Then I will know if your strength is worthy of mine."
The game had changed. This was no longer a simple negotiation—it was a battle of wills. Ryota had not come here to follow. He had come to lead.