Yoshi and his captain were sprinting fast through the forest, their boots thudding against the ground, leaves flying behind them.
They had to reach their temporary hideout, which lay beyond the forest.
While running, Yoshi said between breaths, "Captain, our mission is finished."
The captain nodded. "Yeah! It was very tricky," he said with a small grin, "but it went well!"
Yoshi laughed a little. "Next, the Kaminokawa Empire is falling apart.
The emperor has no vision, I guess.
Just royal blood passing on but not the royal brain!"
He laughed harder at his own words.
The captain smirked. "Hmmm! Maybe. But their Shogun won't let that happen easily. He's on another level. That man is completely devoted to his emperor.
He'll make his move soon to fight both of his enemies: us, the Revolutionaries, and the Shizukagawa Empire."
Yoshi's smile faded a bit. "Do you think Shizukagawa and Kaminokawa might both the empires join hands together one day and come against us the Revolutionaries as allied forces? If that happens, we'll be in great trouble!"
The captain shook his head. "I don't think so. They've been fighting for ages, and they'll keep doing that.
We Revolutionaries should use this chance to wipe both empires from their roots. Our commander will never allow them to unite.
Do you think he hasn't thought of what you're thinking now? He's already way ahead of us."
"Yeah, yeah, true," Yoshi said, half laughing. "That man looks scary!"
The captain glared at him. "Yoshi, you knucklehead! Show some respect. Say 'Commander,' not 'that man.' Now move faster we need to reach our hideout quickly!"
They both increased their speed. Dust and leaves flew behind them as they ran.
Their movements became a blur jumping from tree to tree, sliding down slopes, then dashing across the plain forest path.
The air was heavy and wet, their breaths loud in the quiet night.
[Meanwhile, in another place a dark grey black coloured castle far from the forest ]
In a dark room, a man sat on a throne-like chair. Shadows filled the corners of the room. One soldier came in and bowed deeply.
"Commander, our Team Two has finished their task. We've recaptured our lands in the southwest region."
Another soldier entered. "Commander, Team Four has successfully destroyed the control of the Ronin over NariNara village which is in northeast .
Then a third man came running in. "Commander, Team Six has taken down the Oda clan head - Daimyo Susumu Oda. They should be returning to their temporary hideout soon!"
The commander stood up, his face half hidden in shadow. His voice grew darker.
"Very well then," he said, smiling coldly. "I've poked both Kaminokawa and Shizukagawa."
He gave a low, evil laugh. Then suddenly shouted, "I want to see how the divine claws of Kaminokawa tear flesh and drip blood! And I want to see how Shizukagawa, the silent river, becomes violent and destroys everything in its way! HA HA HA!"
He took a bow and arrow from beside him, stepped toward a window of his castle, and aimed outside.
There, tied to a tall pole, was a man his body bruised, his face swollen, blood running down his arms. He was shaking with fear.
The commander pulled the string back calmly and released.
The arrow struck the man's neck. He died instantly.
The commander lowered his bow and said coldly, "I care less about traitors. Their lives are worth no more than chickens."
He turned back toward the room. The others bowed their heads in silence. Outside, the wind howled through the trees.