Chapter 8: March on the Capital

Takeshi gazed upon the capital city as the group emerged from the forest line. Though many years had passed, memories of Akemi still lingered in every lantern lit alley and shrine gate. They devised a plan to spread word of corruption through pamphlets and sermons while rallying support. 

For weeks, they covertly evangelized and organized dissent among peasants and merchants who suffered beneath the iron fist of oppression. However, their efforts did not escape notice. A spy revealed the group's identities and intentions to the clan. 

One evening, as Takeshi preached in the market square, armed men descended and seized his friends. Takeshi fought ferociously but nonviolently, subduing attackers through pressure points and throwing them from his allies. The five companions bolted from the city, narrowly fleeing as exiles.

Exhausted in a remote teahouse, Takeshi's confidence wavered. How could righteousness prevail if change required blood? Jun comforted him by candlelight, reading passages of faith, hope, and love from the well-worn Bible. 

As the full moon crested pine trees outside, Aiko's sweet voice filled the shadows. Her lullaby lifted the weariness from troubled hearts. Takeshi found renewal, understanding that with faith in truth and unity of spirit, the people's dawn would break even the strongest evil.