Betrayal and Sacrifice: Itsuki's Agony

In the council of elders

They met in a typical Japanese parlor with sliding paper doors and floor tatami mats. Just a few lanterns provided light in the poorly lighted space. The elders reclined on floor cushions, their long robes spread over them. Each elder had a stern expression on their face, revealing their dignified wrinkly features.

Mizuki-sama, one of the most powerful elders, presided over the gathering. Anybody who ventured to cross him appeared to be pierced by his razor-sharp stare. Akeno-sama, a revered elder, sat next to him, her expression frowning. Tanaka-sama, the group's oldest and slyest member, sat in the back, his wrinkled face revealing his age and wisdom.

When the elders debated the problem, the atmosphere became tense. Random persons could be heard from the outside, but their voices were swiftly silenced by the guards stationed at the entrance. The elders' discourse proceeded in low tones, their words scarcely discernible above the sound of rain pounding against the windows.

One of the random elders spoke up, saying, "I believe we should give him a taste of his own medicine. Let's watch how he reacts to being beaten up."

Another senior chimed up, "But, we must also consider the repercussions. If we go too far, the family may turn on us."

A third senior stood out, saying, "Tanaka-sama and I agree. We must not underestimate Itsuki-san resolve. We need to devise a strategy that would kill two birds with one stone, protecting our interests and compromising with the head."

The first elder laughed, "How can we protect our own interests? It's all about justice! We cannot allow such acts to go unpunished."

The second elder countered, "Justice is important, but we must also think about the bigger picture. Our household is one of the most powerfull in the country, and we cannot afford to make internal cracks on it."

When the elders deliberated their alternatives, the chamber became quiet. This episode had clearly generated a schism among the council, with some members supporting strong punishment while others advised prudence.

"We cannot allow Kurogane Ikki to continue behaving like a self-important child, he is but a shame on our honour" Mizuki-sama remarked.

" He must be harshly punished for his misdeeds."

"I agree," Akeno-sama nodded, "We cannot let this behavior go unpunished. It sets a bad example for the rest of the family."

Tanaka-sama stroked his long white beard, "We must not act rashly. Kurogane Ikki is a skilled fighter, we must not underestimate him."

One of the other random elders, who had been listening in on the conversation, couldn't resist chiming in with a sarcastic comment of his own. "Yes, because Kurogane Ikki is such a formidable opponent at the ripe old age of four," he said, rolling his eyes.

The other elders exchanged looks, some of them delighted, others upset by the interruption. "Your statement is not welcomed, and it is not beneficial to our conversation," Mizuki-sama stated, his tone stern.

Akeno-sama nodded in agreement, "We are here to discuss a serious matter, not to make snide remarks. Please keep your comments to yourself."

Tanaka-sama, who had remained quiet during the exchange, finally spoke up again. "Age does not always correlate with skill," he said, his voice calm and measured. "We must not underestimate Kurogane Ikki, regardless of his age. He has proven himself to be a skilled fighter, and we must take that into consideration, have you ever wondered how he could beat our kids?."

The random elder grumbled under his breath, but didn't say anything else. The room fell silent once again as the elders continued their discussion, their voices barely audible over the sound of the rain tapping against the windows

Tanaka-sama, who was usually quiet during council meetings, spoke up, "I have heard that Kurogane Ikki is a kid strving to be a honorable 'Samurai'. Perhaps he needs to be taught a lesson in manners."

The other council members nodded in accord with Tanaka-comments, sama's and several even whispered their own ideas for dealing with Kurogane Ikki. A few random persons who had been invited to the meeting to demonstrate the council's authority to the public were also piping in with their own views, adding to the confusion in the room.

Itsuki Study,

Itsuki walked back and forth in his private study, his thoughts racing with irritation and wrath. How could Ikki have been so stupid as to engage in a violent conflict that may have damaged his future? Itsuki had always known that his son had no future as a mage-knight, but he had planned an alternative professional path for him, one that would have enabled him to make a significant contribution to the family.

But now, all of those plans were in jeopardy, thanks to Ikki's reckless behavior. Itsuki couldn't believe that his own son could be so careless with his own future, and with the family's reputation.

"How could he do this to us?" Itsuki muttered to himself. "After everything we've done for him, after all the opportunities we've given him. He knows better than this."

Itsuki could feel the anger boiling inside of him, his fists clenched tightly at his sides. He had always prided himself on being a strict but fair father, one who had high expectations for his children. But now, he couldn't help but wonder if he had failed Ikki in some way, if he had not been strict enough with him.

As he continued to pace, Itsuki knew that he had to do something to make things right. He couldn't let Ikki's behavior go unpunished, not if he wanted to placet the elders.

But at the same time, Itsuki couldn't help but feel a sense of sadness and disappointment. He had always held out hope that Ikki would find his own path, that he would be able to overcome his limitations and prove himself as a valuable member of the family.

Now, though, that hope seemed to be fading, replaced by a sense of despair and regret. Itsuki knew that he would have to be tough on his son, to make sure that he understood the seriousness of his actions. But he also couldn't help but wonder if there was anything he could have done differently, anything that could have prevented this from happening in the first place.

As he finally sat down at his desk, Itsuki knew that he had a difficult road ahead of him. But he also knew that he would do whatever it took to protect his family's reputation, even if it meant making difficult decisions and sacrificing his son happiness.

Kisu Shadis, the main trainer of Ikki, knew that Itsuki had high expectations for his son and tried to reassure him, "Sir, Ikki's skills as a sword fighter are exceptional, and he has great potential in that area. With proper training, he could become one of the strongest swordsmen in the world."

Itsuki, however, was still furious and responded, "I don't care about his sword fighting skills! He has shamed our family by engaging in a brawl with other children. He could have easily been injured or worse!"

Kisu could sense the anger in Itsuki's voice and knew that he had to tread carefully. "I understand your concern, sir, but punishing Ikki too severely could harm his self-confidence and hinder his progress. Perhaps we can find a way to discipline him without completely crushing his spirit," Kisu suggested.

Itsuki considered Kisu's words but remained resolute in his decision. "No, he must be punished. I won't let him ruin his future with reckless behavior. I will go and speak to the council of elders to make sure that Ikki isn't exiled to the orphanage" Itsuki declared as he stood up and stormed out of the room.

As he approached the council room, he could hear the murmur of voices from inside. The room was a traditional Japanese study, with tatami mats on the floor and sliding paper doors leading to other rooms. The elders, dressed in traditional robes, were seated at a low table, their faces set in stern expressions.

Itsuki took a deep breath and barged into the room, ignoring the gasps of surprise from the elders. "I beg for forgiveness on behalf of my son, Kurogane Ikki," he said, his voice shaking with emotion.

The elders exchanged glances, their expressions turning sly. "How rude of you to barge in here like this," one of them said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

Tanaka-sama, the eldest of the group, spoke up. "Your son has caused a great disturbance, Itsuki-san. He attacked other students and damaged household.!! This is unacceptable behavior from a member of the Kurogane family."

Itsuki clenched his fists, feeling the heat rise to his cheeks. He knew that his son had acted foolishly, but he couldn't bear to hear his family name being tarnished. "I am aware of my son's actions, and I have already reprimanded him for his behavior," he said, his tone firm. "However, I believe that he deserves a second chance. He is still young and has much to learn."

The elders looked skeptical, and Itsuki knew that he had to convince them to give his son another chance. "Please, I beg of you. Give my son the opportunity to redeem himself. I will make sure that he learns from his mistakes and becomes a worthy member of the Kurogane family," he pleaded.

Itsuki gritted his teeth but forced himself to remain calm. He knew that the elders had a trump card against him, and he couldn't afford to show any weakness.

"We cannot allow such behavior from a member of our family," another elder said, his voice cold and stern.

Itsuki nodded. "I understand, and I am willing to do whatever it takes to make things right. But please, do not punish my son too severely. He is young and foolish, but he has a good heart."

The elders exchanged glances again, and Itsuki knew that they were considering his words. He took the opportunity to make his case, to plead for leniency for his son.

As Itsuki begged for forgiveness, the council of elders appeared sympathetic. Mizuki-sama leaned forward and clasped his hands together. "Shizuku is truly a shining example of what a Kurogane should be. She has always been obedient and respectful to her elders," he said, his tone dripping with pride.

Akeno-sama nodded in agreement. "Yes, she has made us all proud. She is everything we could have asked for in a successor."

Tanaka-sama, who had been quiet throughout the conversation, finally spoke up. "I have no doubt that Shizuku will make an excellent leader for the family."

As the elders praised Shizuku, Itsuki could feel his heart sink. He had always loved his daughter, but he couldn't help but feel a sense of disappointment that his son wasn't being given the same opportunities. He knew that Ikki was a misfit, but he couldn't help but wonder if he had failed him in some way.

Meanwhile, the other members of the council were exchanging knowing glances with each other, as if they had already decided on what to do about Ikki. Itsuki could sense that something was off, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it. He was so blinded by his love for his family that he couldn't see the political machinations happening right in front of him.

"You cannot do this to my son," Itsuki pleaded. "He may not have magic potential, but he is still my flesh and blood. Please, I beg of you, have mercy."

Mizuki-sama looked at Itsuki with disdain. "Your son has disgraced the Kurogane family. We cannot let this slide."

Akeno-sama chimed in, "He must be punished to set an example for others. This behavior cannot be tolerated."

Itsuki knew he had to act fast. He could not let the elders punish Ikki for something he did not deserve. "I have proof of your illegal activities," Itsuki said, his voice low and dangerous. "If you do not back down, I will bring you all down with me."

The elders looked at each other nervously. They knew Itsuki was not to be trifled with, and the thought of losing their positions of power was too much to bear.

Finally, they relented. "Fine," Mizuki-sama said, "but he must be placed under house arrest and kept out of sight. We cannot have the Kurogane name associated with this kind of individual."

Itsuki's thoughts raced as he sought to comprehend what had just occurred. He couldn't believe he'd succumbed to the elders' requests that his son be placed under house arrest. He was sick to his stomach at the notion of Ikki being locked up, concealed from view like some sort of criminal.

But what other option did he have? The elders had the most influence in the family, and they had made it obvious that Ikki would be punished. Itsuki was well aware that if he did not cooperate, they would find a method to ruin him and his family would split apart.

Itsuki felt a tremendous feeling of humiliation and contempt for what he had just committed to as he walked out of the hall. How could he turn his back on his own kid in such a way? At the same time, he felt he had to go to whatever length to defend his family.

Itsuki's heart wrenched as he remembered Ikki, who was alone and confined in his own house. He wished he could do something to aid him, but he knew that defying the elders would only make matters worse.

In the end, all he could do was pray that Ikki would somehow survive this tragedy and that they would be reunited as a family again one day.

Itsuki thought to himself as he exited the room, "I would go to any length to defend my kid. Even if it means giving up his happiness."

Ikki room

Ikki sat on the floor of his room, glumly peering out the window. He felt alone and caged, cut off from the outer world. There was a tap at the door, and before he could reply, it flung open, revealing his younger sister, Shizuku.

"I brought some toys to play with, Oni-chan!" she shouted, handing out a bag of toys from her own room.

Ikki's face brightened up at the sight of his sister, and he sprang to his feet to embrace her. "Thank you very much, Shizuku. You always know how to cheer me up, "He stated this with a grin on his face.

The two siblings spent the next couple hours constructing buildings with blocks and pretending with dolls. Ikki couldn't help but be thankful for Shizuku's warmth and joy in his life, even at the darkest of circumstances.

Shizuku spoke about everything while they played, calling Ikki "Oni-chan" in her sweet, innocent voice. Ikki smiled as he listened to her, happy for the respite from his own troubles.

"Do you want to be a mage-knight when you grow up, Oni-chan?" Shizuku inquired, her eyes wide with delight.

Ikki couldn't stop laughing at her question. "Shizuku, I'm not sure I'm cut out to be a mage-knight. My magic is worthless "He responded.

Shizuku, on the other hand, shook her head obstinately. "It is irrelevant to me! Oni-chan, I know you'll be a fantastic mage-knight eventually. You're the toughest person I've ever met "she added, a determined expression on her face.

Ikki felt a warm sensation spread through his chest as a result of his sister's comments. Despite his personal difficulties, Shizuku's unshakable belief in him offered him hope for the future.

"Thanks, Shizuku. You're the best little sister ever," he said, ruffling her hair affectionately.

The two siblings proceeded to play and converse, enjoying one other's company and temporarily forgetting their problems. Ikki realized at that moment that no matter what hardships were ahead, he would always have Shizuku by his side, supporting him wholeheartedly.