The Azure Lotus (Chapter - 2, Volume - 2)

Yajima Merchant House..

Mizuki entered Misaki's cabin without waiting for any explanation. But the cabin was dark, so she ordered Kenji, "Kenji, quickly go and bring me a lamp." Kenji bowed his head and left, saying, "ok, Madam." The small room was so suffocating with darkness that drunk Mizuki began to notice three shadowy figures, who were standing in the corners of the opposite ends of the room, blending in the pitch-black darkness, glaring at her, and at the same time, preparing to pounce on her. This feeling struck fear in Mizuki, causing her to unknowingly blurt out a question, "Who...?! Who are you?!"

At this moment, the three shadows seemed to move and angrily rushed towards Mizuki. At the suddenness of this incident, Mizuki almost screamed in fear and nearly ran out of the cabin. She suddenly bumped on to someone. It was Kenji, who was just about to enter Misaki's cabin holding an oil lamp in his hand. Kenji grabbed Mizuki with one hand to prevent her from falling and said, "Your Highness... What happened? You would have fallen right now!",while bringing the lamp near her face he saw in the lamplight, Mizuki's entire face had turned pale with fear. Kenji said in a worried tone, "Your Highness... What happened? Are you scared of something? Well... Wait... Let me check!" Suddenly, Mizuki felt a strange courage in herself. "No.. Kenji, give me the lamp. I want to see them by myself. Who were those, standing in my house and threatening me?!" Saying this, she almost snatched the lamp from Kenji's hand and went inside.

Kenji quietly followed Mizuki into the cabin. No, there was nothing to suspect about the cabin, and the bed was not empty either. Someone was sleeping, fully covered in a bedsheet from head to toe. As Mizuki was about to pull open the sheet for confirmation, the sleeping person turned over due to the created disturbance and her hand came out from under the sheet in sleep, and eight burned wounds were clearly visible on that hand.

The bruised hand confirmed that it was Misaki, which gave Mizuki a little pleasure. So she moved forward with a crooked smile on her lips to strike the wounds on her hands. But at this moment, Kenji said, "Your Highness, wait, don't make such a mistake!" upon hearing this Mizuki got angry and said, "You cheap slave, how dare you advise me? Huh?" Kenji bowed down his head and calmly said, "Forgive me, Your Highness, but think about one thing, you have already banned her from consuming water and food tonight. And also, if you hit her while she is sleeping, and if she somehow gets sicker because of it, then...! I hope you can understand what I am trying to say. Her Highness Misaki is not running away anywhere, and this is not the right time to take out all your anger on her. So it's my humble request to you, please madam, just keep calm for now and let's leave.." Hearing this, Mizuki looked at Kenji with a seductive smile and said - "Kenji.. my slave.. I'm impressed.. You are sharp not only in bed but also in diplomacy. Haahaaa.." This time, Mizuki gently ran her slender fingers lightly over Kenji's chest. "You know, today I promise you one thing. If I ever have to leave this house after getting married, you will accompany me as my personal escort... got it? hmhm.. ? " Kenji politely nodded in agreement. Then Mizuki said.. " Okay.. Now let's go." With this, Mizuki was about to leave but suddenly stopped, turned around, and said once again... "Well... you deserve a reward today for this diplomacy... which I will give you ... So, your reward is that today you will sleep with me in my cabin on my soft bed... How's it? Come on... Follow me..."

Saying this, Mizuki Staggered forward, and Kenji turned his head to look at the girl lying on the bed with her face covered. This time, the girl removed the sheet from her face. No.. It wasn't Her Highness Misaki.. It was Hina. This is one of the countless servants of Yajima House who adores Her Highness Misaki. While bringing the lamp, Kenji heard about Hina's sacrifice. For Her Highness Misaki, she willingly accepted so many wounds on her hand...! However, Kenji looked sadly at Hina, nodded slightly and then bowed his head with a sigh and followed Mizuki like a wooden puppet...

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Akimitsu's temple on the mysterious fog mountain..

Misaki ate the entire bun with great satisfaction, and drank all the water from the bowl, and let out a sigh of relief. While putting the bowl down, she said, "Sensei, thank you so much for quenching my hunger and thirst with food and water today." Sensei patted Misaki's head with a soft smile and said, "Misaki-chan, you don't have to thank me." Misaki also replied with a big smile on her face, "Sensei, then can I ask you another question?" Mitsuo calmly said again, "Yes, of course." Misaki widened her eyes and asked, "Sensei, was my mother really your disciple? Mitsuo said with a sweet smile, "Well... yesterday you left without telling me your mother's name, so how am I supposed to give you the correct answer? But yes, in that case, if you tell me your mother's name, then I think I might be able to help you." Misaki pouted a bit and said, "I am really sorry, sensei.. for yesterday's behavior." Since she was unable to sense Mitsuo-sensei's expression, she kept kneeling down repeatedly while saying, "Please forgive me." Seeing her act, Mitsuo-sensei thought to himself with a gentle smile, "Oh Lord... this girl can't get over her embarrassment." He carefully moved his hands towards Misaki, and softly grabbed her hands, and said, "It's fine, Misaki-chan. Whatever you did yesterday doesn't need any apology." Hearing this, Misaki's face lit up with happiness, then she exclaimed, "My mother's name was Izumi... Yajima Izumi... and I love her the most in this world. She told me in my dream to come here to meet you once again." Misaki stopped for a while to take a breath and continued, "And... and... Sensei, you know what? I have also seen colors, furniture, and my mother for the first time in my dream too. My sleep broke when she told me your name, so I didn't waste any time and hurried over here. On the way, I was abducted by a group of bandits. That's a long story, Sensei... So much disaster struck in this short time... sigh." Mitsuo's looks gradually turned serious. Then he looked closely at Misaki's left hand and asked, "And what about those burned marks on your hand?" Misaki looked a bit pale at this question as she stayed silent while looking down. Upon noticing this, Mitsuo Sensei asked again, "Alright... please don't bother... *sigh* Well... Misaki Chan, would it be possible to give me at least one answer as to who put this ointment on your wounds?!" Misaki, while hovering her hand over the burns, softly said, "The chief bandit.." Saying this, she placed her other hand on the burned area of her hand, but to her surprise, the pain was not there anymore at all. Not only that, but the wounded area is completely smooth now. With curiosity, she gently placed her hand on her chest this time. No, the wound over there is also gone. "How can a wound heal so quickly?" Misaki was overexcited and asked Mitsuo, "Sensei, how did my recent wounds heal so quickly I don't think that ointment had any magical powers that can heal the wounds so quickly in such a short time span?" Sensei thought to himself that there was no way Misaki should get to know about his seriousness. So he said in the same adorable tone as before, "Misaki-chan, tell me, when those bandits attacked you, did you pray for help?" Misaki instantly said, "Yes, Sensei, I did. I had unknowingly prayed to... Lord Akemitsu (slowly).. for help, and after that, I felt as if a soft ray had gently touched me, which brought a divine warmth to my eyes and my whole body. I don't remember much after that; I think I drifted off to sleep." Then, Mitsuo-sensei gently put his hand on Misaki's head and said, "Misaki-chan, think about it yourself. The one whom you had trusted to protect you, the one who brought so much light as you described, illuminating your dark world and spreading a soft warmth throughout your heart. So, from that point of view, you tell me, could he have left, without protecting you and help you to heal your wounds faster or without getting you here safely?" Misaki took a small pause and then said in a soft voice, "Sensei, can I hold your hands?" Mitsuo extended his hands towards Misaki, and she reached out, she grabbed them gently. Now holding his hands, Misaki said, well since I can't get Lord Akemitsu over here, even tho I know that he is omnipresent, so based on this belief I am holding your hands instead. I promise to Lord Akemitsu that I have devoted myself to him." Mitsuo's seriousness suddenly disappeared in such a situation, and in an instant, he unknowingly embraced Misaki in a hug. Out of his subconscious mind, he didn't want this hug But in spite of that, a wish kept telling him again and again, "what if this night continues like this..!?" And with this a strange feeling of peace and happiness filled up Mitsuo's heart. So he said fondly " as far as I know him, he also accepted you.. Misaki Chan.." This went on for a while when a sudden realization struck him again, but this time Misaki also felt the same. They both let go of the hug and moved back a bit. In this process, she moved in a different direction and started to bow down several times, saying sorry. However, she was facing a wall in which a picture of Lord Akemitsu was hanging. This scene made Mitsuo laugh a bit, and he said, "It's fine, calm down Misaki-chan. Remember I told you not to apologize to me all the time... okay?" Upon hearing this, Misaki pouted a bit and said, "But I was just apologizing, sensei." Mitsuo softly smiled and said, "As I said, my Misaki-chan." He then paused for a bit to clear his throat and continued, " Aham.. So, are you feeling well now? If so, can you tell me why you took so much risk at such an hour of the night to come to me? Is there something you want to tell me? Hmm..?"

Misaki let out a big sigh and said, "Lord Akemitsu knows that those bandits were given the task to escort me to the temple, but they attacked me as soon as I reached the fog mountain area. Actually, the chief bandit and his gang had captured me a bit earlier, and the chief bandit had left me as well." Mitsuo-sensei asked in a calm but serious tone, "But why did they capture you? And furthermore everyone knows that they don't let go of their victims so easily, but strangely they had released you. And most importantly, why would such a violent bandit apply ointment on your wounds?" Misaki gently rubbed her hands out of nervousness as she started to speak. "Actually, they had been trying to capture me for the last seventeen years, but yesterday they finally got the chance to seize me. However, due to my speed technique, they were unable to catch me. However today, I was so absorbed in my thoughts that my pace slowed down, and they caught me gradually. In that instance, I was quite afraid and insecure about myself. I thought if they didn't find anything to loot from me, they might commit molestation or worse, and end up harming my reputation. But after observing and overhearing their discussion, I realized that the thing I wanted to tell you is directly linked to the reason why those bandits captured me and wanted to kill me, because their chief bandit was directly connected to this reason." Mitsuo sensei's voice seemed deeper now when he asked, "And... What's the reason, Misaki-chan?" Misaki again let out a sigh and said, "The reason is my mother's death. That day, not just my mother, but the chief bandit's entire family died there too."

Mitsuo sensei's looks focused on her when he asked " But if you were a victim like they were seventeen years ago, then why would they kidnap you as an enemy even after so many years? And the bigger question is why would anyone hunt down a bandit group, where they doing the same thing... that means a third party, so they were the actual conspirer... Am I correct?" Mitsuo said in a serious tone.. "What exactly happened that day..?" Misaki continued "Actually that day they attacked us to loot us and because of my mistake his entire family passed away.." Mitsuo now got a bit close to Misaki and in a serious voice asked " Misaki chan if it's ok with you can you please elaborate that incident to me a little more, cause it's necessary for me to know all of this.. " Misaki nodded in agreement and said " Ya, for so many years I hadn't spoke to anyone about this incident but today I came here to tell you everything "

*(flashback)* Misaki started "I heard the story from the part when my mother accepted your discipleship and studied here, and started to live under your guidance... One day after few months of Gurukul's convocation ceremony, my mother came here to give the invitation card for her nuptials. But upon arriving here, she learned that you had already left on an important work trip, leaving Master Isamu and his wife Mistress Reina in your place just one day after the convocation ceremony, and you had not even announced about your return. Nevertheless, mother leaves her wedding invitation in their hands with the hope that you will come back and all of you will come together to bless her for the new life. But your absence made her realize that you are not yet back.. Then after her Marriage she used to come here quite often to get the news of your return, but alas..! there was nothing she could find, but until..!" Misaki paused a bit. Mitsuo asked.. " but until.. what..? please tell me Misaki chan? " Misaki said in a sort of clueless tone.. "I don't know much about this, because my mother didn't want to say anything about that incident.. But once when I was a child, I heard my mother crying, talking about the attack of the fog mountain area which caused her a lot of detriment! " sensei's jaw tightened. And he thought to himself - "One more question?!" But he remained silent. On the other hand, Misaki says in her flow.. "But despite that, I understood that she would have come here looking for you even after that unknown bad experience. and also after my birth I had been visiting here so many times holding her hand ever since I was Four years old.." Suddenly, Misaki change the track and said, "You know, sensei, my mother had a close friend besides Uncle Aito and Uncle Chimon, ..Aunt Aimi... In those days, I used to call her in this manner... *sighs*"

Those days were like a beautiful dream that everyone wishes and barely anyone would ever want to wake up from. Uncle Aito and Uncle Chimon used to travel abroad in order to become great warriors. Sometimes when they returned, they always visited our house first. They used to bring so many beautiful gifts from there, like wooden dolls, handmade clay crockery, chopsticks..." Misaki's voice trailed off, and at that moment she clutched the healed wounds on her own left hand. Her murky teary eyes widened, but she still managed to smile and said..."Lanterns, sweets, ornaments made of jades or crystals... etc., etc.!" Misaki stayed quiet for a bit and then showed her hairpins, and again said, "You know, Sensei, my mother used to brush my hair every day and tie them with these hairpins that she made for me with a broken metallic comb. After tying my hair, she used to hug me with lots of love and say, "My sweet little Misaki is the most beautiful daughter in this entire world..." Aunt Aimi used to visit us several times a month, and every single time after her arrival, she used to give me so many gifts and pamper me with so much love. But after they (Izumi, Aito, Chimon) passed away, everything had changed... *Sigh...*" Misaki bowed forward and said in the same calm voice as before, "I'm sorry, Sensei. Those memories made me lose track a bit and got me a bit carried away..."

Misaki sat there silently thinking who knows what, her big murky pink eyes were focused onto nothingness in the distance, Mitsuo sensei looked at Misaki with a pitiful look, he gently put his one hand on Misaki's solder when she composed herself again and returned to the main stream.. and suddenly as she felt that it probably wasn't too far form the dawn, she felt the haste to say everything to him, which she came to say..

taking a deep breath Misaki started.. * 'So..' Seventeen years ago (Flashback) *

Izumi woke up Misaki in a hurry, "Misaki.. Misaki.. wake up hurry" Misaki got up from her sleep while rubbing her sleepy eyes "Yes.. mum.." Izumi said again in a hurry.. "we have to go for a trip.. come on.. hurry up sweetie.." Izumi got down and left a blessed kiss on Misaki's forehead..Misaki sleepily reached out her arms to climb into her mother's lap. Izumi picked her up lovingly and Misaki hugged her neck and gave her a kiss on her cheek and asked.. "Are we going to Lord Akemitsu's temple again mum..?" Izumi said while lovingly patting Misaki's head.. "No sweet heart today we are going somewhere far.." Misaki, raised her head while rubbing her eyes and said "Somewhere far..? Where is it mum..?" Izumi now gently said, "We are going to your gramp's house Misaki." Misaki asked with wide eyes, "Why, mum...?" Izumi replied in an affectionate voice. "Because we are going to attend your uncle's marriage ceremony, and it's a long way to go. If we don't step out now, it won't be possible for us to reach there by tomorrow noon. So, hurry up! Let's splash some water on your face and you will see the sleep will run away.. yaay.. we are going to gramp's home.. come on.. Let's go!.."

After a long journey, they camped in the small forest between Bushi and the Koakuma clan. This forest area was not owned by either of the two clans. Misaki sensed that this forest area had been bustling and full of commotion since their arrival. She asked in a soft tone as she grabbed Izumi's hand, a little scared. "Mum, why are there so many people making noise in the forest area at night? Who are they?" Izumi said with a soft affectionate smile Misaki. "There's no reason to be afraid, honey. They belong to the Bushi and Koakuma clans. There is often a fight between them. Uncle Aito and Uncle Chimon will be here soon. And besides, do brave girls ever get scared like this?" Misaki still asked worriedly, "But why are Uncle Aito, Uncle Chimon's clan, and Aunt Aimi's clan fighting with each other, Mum? Aren't they supposed to be friends?" Izumi hugged Misaki close to her while lying down and said, "Yeah, sweetie... And nothing that sort... Let's go to sleep..." Saying this, Izumi sang that song until Misaki fell asleep. But Misaki didn't know that her seemingly innocent question actually stirred a deep worry in her mother. It is not possible to say exactly how long the night was. Misaki's slumber was suddenly interrupted by a mesmerizing flute melody. The sound of that flute must have hypnotized her. So she slowly left her tent and started to move towards the direction from which the sound was coming. Misaki kept walking for a while until she directly reached the source of the melodious sound of the flute. She stood there for a while when the flute sound stopped, and the hypnotizing effect had disappeared as if with the sound. Maybe Misaki could clearly sense that she was nowhere near the tents, so she got a bit scared. Suddenly, she heard her mother's scream from behind, and she fell in shock. Before falling down to the ground, she heard a pained scream from her mother followed by a soft, trembling, painful voice saying, "Mi.. Misaki.. sweetie.. run..!" and then everything went silent. Misaki might have felt the last breath released by her mother, so she crawled on the ground and started groping around with her hands, suddenly touching the body of a woman lying on the ground. That body had no pulse and was immediately losing its normal heat and smell. Indeed, Misaki is familiar with this frozen body. Upon realization, tears rolled down her eyes, and she started to sob while saying, "Mum... what happened to you? Please talk to me.. Mum.. We have to go to gramp's house.. right? so.. Come on.. hurry up.. Mum.. Please.. listen to me.. wake up.. You can't just leave me so late at night, alone in a forest like this among so many strangers.. Mum.. Please.. please..?!" Izumi was lying face down on the ground. Misaki lamented as she laid her hands on her mother's lifeless body. Her hand went to the left side of Izumi's back where an arrow pierced through Izumi and ripped through her heart and chest. Suddenly, Misaki felt a fluid oozing from the part where the arrow had pierced. Little Misaki realized what that liquid actually was... So, seeing no more hope, Misaki burst into tears. Misaki was so broken down in tears that her fear of death completely disappeared. So, the members of The Flute Bandit Group got a little scared and decide to kill Misaki by signaling to each other, and just like that, they set off. On the other hand, some of the members of the Bushi Clan wondering in the forest for some reason at the moment. Suddenly, the sound of Misaki's muffled cries reached their ears, and they ran towards the source of the sound.

The members of the Bushi clan quickly and very confidently followed the sound of crying through the forest and arrived at a place from where the entire crime scene was clearly visible. In such a situation, it was not difficult for them to understand what was actually going on... in the grip of the infamous "Flute Bandits," helpless Misaki was crying while hugging her mother's lifeless body. At that moment, the bandit group was raising their weapons with the intention of ending her life to stop her crying forever. The Bushi Clan is the only warrior clan in the entire Lotus Continent. They were the worshippers of the War God, so they had to acquire expertise in almost all kinds of war tactics. Yes, they knew very well the technique of defeating the flute bandits and ceasing them. Their "Mind Obstruction Technique" (a technique that obstructs any hypnotizing effects that might affect one's mind) against the flute bandit group has always proved to be infallible. Moreover, they also knew that many people of this bandit group might be hiding in the vicinity and could trap them, so they used the Divulging Shock Wave Technique (a technique that sends a shock wave in a huge radius in all directions; any hidden enemies or traps would be exposed) to be careful. And last but not the least, they used the sorcery block technique to block their powers and abilities. Catching the flute bandit group proved to be much easier for these warriors of the Bushi clan than any other time because their full concentration was on Misaki. So when the bandits were about to attack Misaki, unfortunately, they were completely surrounded by the warriors of the Bushi clan. At the same time, some soldiers of the Torihiki Clan (Merchant Clan) arrived at the scene.

After capturing the flute bandits, some female servants of the Torihiki clan came to rescue Izumi's lifeless body and Misaki. At that moment, another person appeared at the scene. The impression of aristocracy is clearly noticeable in his manner. This is the current ruler, Kuroi Akihiro, of the Koakuma Clan. (the most powerful, hypocritical, and vicious clan in the Lotus continent, one of whose ancestors was forced to give the Sword of Justice by God himself). Akihiro came forward and said in a heavy voice.. "What's going on here?" His armed soldier came forward following him.. On the other hand the then ruler of bushi clan Takeda Masaru came forward saying that - "Yes we may have rivalry with Koakuma clan but despite that I also would like to know the answer to this same question… what's happening over here?!" And behind him came his special security forces. Several more soldiers of the Torihiki Clan came running from another direction. So needless to say, this incident was no longer a secret.

One of the generals from the Bushi clan came forward and said, "If I am not wrong, this noble lady right here is Yajima Izumi, the wife of Yajima Yamato from the Torihiki Clan and the daughter of the Konohara family from the Majishan Clan. She might have been going to her parents' house to attend a marriage ceremony with her daughter. During their travel, she had set up tents in the forest for some rest. The flute bandits somehow found out about this and intended to try to use their manipulation technique to bring them here to loot them. Most probably, at that moment, Her Highness Izumi got killed by them in the process of saving her daughter." Masaru said in a serious tone, "Hm... I understood... but... it's such a shame that even though two rulers of two powerful clans like Koakuma and Bushi are present in this area, the first lady of a third-party clan, and most importantly, she is from the richest clan of this entire continent, lost her life just because of trying to protect her only child, and the most worrying thing is... it's not unusual that we may have to answer to Yajima Yamato."

The chief bandit burst out in laughter after listening to their statements and said, targeting Masaru, "Go ahead, haha, give him the detailed answer as you like." Hearing this, Masaru claimed angrily, "Do you even know what's going to happen to you? Don't you fear death?" The chief bandit now said, taunting Masaru, "Obviously, I don't fear death, and you don't have the power to do anything to me. And why just you? No one has the power to do anything to me.. except... haha...!" Masaru claimed angrily, "Except who... Huh, except who?" The chief bandit now claimed, "I am not bound to answer to anyone except my Master... understood, Your Majesty...?"

"Who is your master? Tell us. What is their identity? Who is giving protection to such despicable bandits like you? And what are they taking from you in return? Speak out.." Masaru asked in an angry voice. The chief bandit was about to say something, but suddenly Akihiro said in a serious tone, "Maybe we're wasting our precious time by talking so much with this cheap-rated bandit group. They're probably just making this up to fool us. So don't waste your time on them so much. Leave them in our hands. They will be judged by the 'Sword of Justice' as well." Masaru said, "Sure, but on one condition, their judgment will be passed in the presence of the four clans (Koakuma, Bushi, Torihiki, Majishan)… and also if the remaining six clans of the 'Lotus Continent' wants to attend, they can do so. If your majesty of the Koakuma Clan and his members agree, then only we can accept this demand of yours without any hesitation." Akihiro agreed to this with a simple nod. Their concentration was broken by the chief bandit's wicked smile as he said, "Well, go ahead and do it… haha." Their tone sounded like they had actually wanted this from the beginning, so Masaru's sense of suspicion rose over him as he looked back at Akihiro. Akihiro thought to himself that if this goes on, this situation might get out of their control really soon, so he wanted to evacuate early with this bandit group, thinking that Akihiro tried to take the initiative to execute his plan of escaping with the bandit group and his guards from this scene with an announcement. "The judgment for these criminals will be passed in the presence of the 'Sword of Justice' at the court meeting organized by the Koakuma Clan after three days. In this court meeting, the officials of Torihiki, Bushi, and Majishan Clan, as well as the other clan members of the Lotus Continent, will be given the right to participate. An invitation letter will be sent to each of these clans respectfully. These bandits will be kept in a dark prison cell of Koakuma Clan for three days. On the other hand, our responsibility at this moment is to honor the corpse of the first lady of Torihiki Clan. Her husband is His Majesty Yajima Yamato. After handing her over for the funeral and standing by them in their hard time. Yes... It is not possible to end the enmity of Koakuma Clan with Bushi Clan, but for the time being, I think it is better to stop the conflict between the two clans." Saying this, Akihiro was about to carry on with the plan when Masaru asked an unexpected question... "Yes, I understood everything... but one question that still remains, Your Majesty, and that is this group of bandits repeatedly bragged about their protector. If they are really under the umbrella of such powerful officials, they will also be present at the court meeting on the day of judgment as per your invitation. And needless to say, he will surely resort to some sort of trickery to save them from the judgment. They can be from any clan of this continent. How do we figure them out, Your Majesty? Or is this clever gang talking about some imaginary officials to fool us? Shall we play along for a little bit?"

Akihiro said as calmly as possible.. "Right now we don't even have the time to think about any traitors. We will discuss this in the courtyard on the day of judgement i.e. after three days. So now I think we should leave, and I will command some of my peoples to stay stationed here to look after Torihiki's first Lady's body. Our state will do the best to help organize her funeral ceremony Respectfully.." Saying this, Akihiro was trying to take away the bandits in a hurry, and then Masaru said again, "Why are you in such a hurry, Your Majesty? Let His Majesty Yajima Yamato come; his wife's body is still here in front of us. After all, guarding them with honor is also one of our important responsibilities at this moment, I guess.. isn't it? And besides, I'm trying to guess who the coward is, who is getting so much praise by these ignoble cowards for the entire period. Not only that, they are still continuing to address His Majesty (in a sarcastic tone) as 'Master'.. Alas..! So their great master did not even bother to come to protect the vassals of his concern..? " Masaru sighed sarcastically.. This sarcastic taunt drew the main bandit's attention as he whispered to Masaru.. " Your Majesty, do you know my Master..? everyone is feared by him.. because he has a power that no one else has.. he can even fight your War God.. because he has.." The chief bandit couldn't finish his words when a sword came and beheaded him and silencing him forever as Akihiro said in a bold voice. "How dare you cheap thugs raise you voice in middle of a conversation between two high ranking officials.." The other bandits were quite shocked at this scene and suddenly screamed in rage as they noticed Akihiro's other soldiers pounce on them, it happened so quick they got no time to react leaving them in the hands of fate as there was no other option but to accept it.

Masaru was stunned for a few moments but soon regained his composure and asked with a sharp expression, "They were caught. They would be judged on the day of Judgement, and after my words, they dared to say their master's name. Then why, Your Majesty?"

Suddenly, a female voice was heard as she was coming forward, "Perhaps the Sword of Justice has decided that they will be punished today." Kuroi Aimi... Kuroi Akihiro's dearest daughter... and the youngest and only princess of the Koakuma Clan's generation at that time, she was carrying a large sword, a sword unlike any other. The sword was divided into three distinct colors: the blade was double-edged with its own colors of red and blue on both ends, while the blue represented heaven, the red represented hell. Finally, the handle was purple, representing the living, i.e., those who have souls. Although the sword was manufactured on earth, yet the sword was not made of any earthly metal. It looked bright and shiny like a unique crystal, but it is said to be made not of a crystal but of another metal. No one knows where this metal had originated from. Also, it has ten slots for ten gems, out of which eight slots are set with gems, but the upper two slots were unoccupied. Needless to say, this sword carried its own great history. Another thing that makes this sword so unique is that anyone who comes in contact with this sword can feel that at the heart of this object is a strange balance of two or more opposing forces. Others also say that the second ruler of the Kuroi clan had forced God to give him this sword, even though there are lots of disputes regarding this matter. However, when Aimi came forward with the sword, a strange thing happened that surprised everyone.

Misaki suddenly stopped crying, but the strange thing was that her eyes were focused on the "Sword of Justice," like the first light of the sun it was now emitting from itself a pleasant not golden, but silvery rays... This might have been the cause for her sightless eyes to glow. It was difficult to say exactly whether her eyes lit up from the light of the Sword of Justice or if this light was coming from somewhere deep within her soul. This incident took place in such a dark forest that for a moment, it seemed that the whole forest had been illuminated by the light of dawn. This light lasted until Misaki became senseless. As the divine light of the Sword of Justice was extinguished, the forest returned to its original nature. Everyone present at the scene, including Masaru and Akihiro, was shocked by the event and thought to themselves, "What was that?"

Akihiro thought to himself, "I'm quite unsure of why this happened. I might have to analyze it sooner or later, but I have to cover up the truth of the murder by emphasizing on this incident." Snapping out of his thoughts, Akihiro said, "God handed down this sword to my late father, and I have seen this sword in our museum since childhood and in the courtroom during trials, but never in my life have I seen it react so brilliantly, especially to a child. If I am not mistaking this sword has taken pity on this poor child. It wants us to show our mercy to her and support her." At this, Masaru suddenly asked, "Support? What kind of support may I ask?" Akihiro said in a soft, calm tone, "The Court of the Sword of Justice will still be arranged in three days, but instead of the matter of bandits, this meeting will decide on the silver line shown by the Sword of Justice for this helpless girl."

(skip to the next day)

At the end of the funeral...

After Izumi's cremation, her ashes were buried on the banks of the river.

Almost all the officials of every clan were present there. At that moment, when everyone was about to leave the place after the end of the cremation, two warrior-like youngsters arrived at the place holding hostage another person of relatively low caste.The warrior resemblance of the two men was Tekeda Aito from the Bushi Clan, and the other was Akagi Chimon. Basically, Chimon was from The Clan Tera No Tochi, which isn't in existence right now because these days this clan is under the Kuroi Family (who were also biologically part of the Akagi family, but due to certain disputes, they broke their links with them). After conquering these Clans' villages, they named it Koakuma. And The lower-class person with them was a man from the flute bandit group named Musushi.

Aito said firmly, "I see that the officials of all the Clans of the Lotus Continent are present here. Besides, the cremation of our beloved friend has been completed here. So, from our point of view, it is the right time and place to shed light on the real truth and expose it to everyone."

Akihiro's eyes flashed with anger upon seeing Musushi, but he still kept a calm expression on his face and said in a very normal tone, "First of all, this is not the place and time to rebel. Secondly, a meeting will be held on the day after tomorrow under the command of the Sword of Justice, under the direction of the Koakuma clan. There, the S.O.J. will listen to everyone's speeches. In addition to all the clan officials, their princes will also attend and speak at that meeting. The right to present oneself will be given... So today, I request the Princes of Bushi and so called Tera No Tochi that whatever statements you may have, you will come and present them in front of everyone the day after tomorrow. That day in the Court of Justice. It will be heard, and if deemed acceptable by review, it will be accepted at once. But right now sensing the seriousness of the situation, it seems better to remain silent in such a situation."

Chimon stood for a while listening and then asked, "Why are you always the one to speak up in all of these conditions? Let others give their opinion too. If they want, may the court be held right here, right now... isn't it?"

Chimon was interrupted by a youngster's voice who said, "He is at least the age of your father; you can't speak to him in such a teasing manner!" (This youngster is Kuroi Ayaki, son of Kuroi Akihiro). The leader of the Bushi clan Masaru, and the then Tera No Tochi clan (former Koakuma clan), Akagi Makoto came forward and said, "Chimon, Aito, make an apology to his majesty Akihiro for your rude behavior. Right now!" Aito and Chimon faced the stern man as they bowed down and stated an apology towards Akihiro.

Aito was trying to say something, but suddenly halted before bowing down his head, Yajima Yamato smiled bitterly and said in a pain filled tone with contempt to everyone there.

"Wow, I feel so glad to think of something. As we know, we are here today to accompany some peoples on their last journey, to bid them a final goodbye. Well... As far as I know, it's a sacred ritual, like worshiping God. But somehow, I don't know why, I think I can smell something stinky... It's the stink of hatetred! And surprisingly, but also unfortunately, it is emitting from us. 'Huuh'... we claim that we are humans; we are the greatest creation of the Supreme Father, so we have to be practical... shouldn't we? So as usual, what is the use of thinking so much about those who have left us? Rather, let those who are alive defeat each other and become much stronger isn't it? *Sighs* (Looking at little Misaki, wiping her tears) Leaving the two of us behind, my Izumi has drifted away to a peaceful sleep. And right now, we don't have any reason to stay here anymore. (lifting up Misaki) To be honest, today I have completely lost my inclination to hinder anyone... (indicating Misaki) except, only the little one on my lap all I can feel for. And right now, taking her, I want to leave, so please allow us to depart. And you guys, please carry on... "Let's go back home, sweetie...(to Misaki)"

Yamato went a little further, but then thinking of something, he suddenly stopped and turned around. Addressing everyone present there, he said... "To all the officials of every clan of the 'Lotus continent' present here today to attend Izumi's funeral and to bid her a final farewell, thereby honoring me and at the same time honoring each and every member of the flute bandit group by holding a cremation ceremony for them, I, Yajima Yamato, on behalf of my family and our clan, sincerely express my gratitude towards you all. And yes... I will be unable to attend the trial the day after tomorrow, so please accept my apology in advance for that. But even so, the decision that will be made with the consent of the Sword of Justice at that court meeting will be fully supported by our Torihiki Clan without any queries.

(Majishan Clan's then official and Izumi's father) Ito Meruem said, "Yamato, wait... *sigh* I know this time is not favorable for us. Maybe that's why I'm asking you to reconsider. However, don't forget that your decisions will determine the fate of Torihiki Clan. You are intelligent, so I hope you will use your wisdom in your decisions." Masaru said, "I support His Majesty Ito Meruem's advice. Yamato, don't be in a hurry, please reconsider your decision." Yamato stopped again and looked back while addressing both of them, "I am truly blessed to receive such heartwarming advice from Your Majesty Masaru and Your Majesty Meruem, but it's a pity that my answer will still be the same." Akihiro, this time, said as if stating a challenge, "Yamato... Since you are still adamant in your decision despite the advice of two elders, the Torihiki clan must accept the verdict declared at the court on the day after tomorrow without any complaints. Do you agree to this proposal?" Yamato said firmly again, "Your Majesty... I may be a merchant, but I am also the ruler of the Torihiki clan, and you know a ruler always sticks to his decisions. And I am no different." Carrying little Misaki in his arms, he slowly walked away. And with that, the scene concluded.

*Back to current day*

After saying all this, Misaki stopped and took a deep breath. Mitsuo-sensei now looked at the floor and asked in a low voice, "What happened to Aito and Chimon?" At this question, Misaki squeezed her hand and said again, "The day after my mother's funeral, a secret letter reached us. It was written that Uncle Aito and Chimon had passed away. It was after three days that we got to know the details of this case from a letter of the Koakuma clan, in which it was written that someone had brutally killed Aito and Chimon in the forest. The man they brought to my mother's funeral that day had also disappeared. Firstly, Uncle Aito and Uncle Chimon committed treason by unofficially meeting them and bringing that person from the flute bandit group to my mother's funeral without any notice and questioning the Sword of Justice's decision. So they had to pay with their lives as punishment. Secondly, the Koakuma Clan's officials are very adamant that Uncle Aito and Chimon were killed by the rest of the flute bandit's group," Sensei thought to himself. "Impossible!" Misaki continued. "Thirdly a decision was taken that whenever anyone spot any members of bandit group they shall slay that very bandit on the spot and furthermore, the Koakuma Clan officials also said that the Sword of Justice always wishes us well. So maybe they felt sorry for me that day when I was motherless, and from that, they assumed that I needed a mother, and none other than Aunt Aimi was qualified to be that mother... Maybe the remaining eight clans were so lost in the mystery of Uncle Aito and Uncle Chimon's deaths that they were confused about whether the sword of justice was making the decision in this court of justice or if the officials of the Koakuma clan were making it. So, most of the clans did not dare to oppose this decision. As a conclusion..." Mitsuo said, "...Koakuma's decision was upheld." Misaki nodded her head in agreement. "Yes, and as we know, our clan must accept the court of justice's decision according to my father's statement. So it happened. Aunt Aimi became my mother, and above all, she came to our clan first as my father's second wife, also known as Mrs. Yajima. And since then... Sigh..."

In the flow of so much conversation, Misaki suddenly took a deep breath. She looked around in a hurry, and then out of curiosity, she asked, "Mitsuo sensei, what... What's the time? Has the morning sun came out yet?" Mitsuo got up and removed the curtains from the window, gazing outside. The dim sunlight passed through the window and shined on the white and sky marble floor of the temple, creating a beautiful contrast of color. Mitsuo sensei said in a bit of amazement, "Yeah, the sun just came out, but how did you..." Misaki smiled softly and said, "Sensei, I may be sightless, but somehow I always know when the sun rises on this beautiful Earth. It's a feeling, and it never proved me wrong." She gently got up and, like a small girl, waddled slowly towards where it's supposed to be the gates of the temple. Mitsuo sensei hurried near Misaki and opened the doors for her, guiding her down the stairs while holding her hand. Suddenly, both of them heard the chirping of birds outside; yes, they had already started their dawn chorus. When a gentle breeze blows and brings a sweet aroma of sprouting lotus, and splashes everywhere with the intention of making a tinkling sound by playing with all the chimes as if to welcome the charming dawn, as the dawn sun lit up Misaki's face, Mitsuo sensei noticed an expression of question on Misaki's face as if she wanted to say something but she was holding on to it. Mitsuo asked Misaki affectionately, "Is there something you want to say, Misaki-chan?" Misaki slowed down a bit and said, "How... How did you know, sensei?" Mitsuo smiled softly and asked again, "I know a bit how to read someone's expression." Misaki pouted and said, "A question has been bothering me for all these years." Mitsuo looked at Misaki and asked, "Really? What is it?" Misaki said in a soft tone, "That day, had no one thought that on the court, the judgment was not passed by the Sword of Justice, but by the Koakuma clan officials themselves..." Mitsuo gripped Misaki's soft hands a bit tighter now and asked, "Since such a question arose in your mind, you must have thought of a well-defined answer about it too, and you just want me to clarify it?" Misaki nodded in agreement. Misaki continued, "I think the Koakuma clan held the Sword of Justice as a decoy and passed judgment themselves. I also think every other clan knows it too, but they never protested against it. What do you think about this matter exactly? Why didn't they even ask any questions, sensei?" Mitsuo replied, "I don't belong to any clan, so rather than me, I would like to hear it from you, Misaki-chan." Misaki said hesitantly, "I think they are all afraid of the Koakuma clan and its power, just like... *Sigh* ...just like me...! You know, Sensei, I have never said this to anyone except you!" Mitsuo said in a calm but confident voice, "Misaki-chan, never back off from telling any truth or protesting against anything wrong."

Saying this, Mitsuo halted for a while and then said, "Anyway... I think this wasn't the main thing that you wanted to say, am I correct?" Misaki let out a sigh and said, "Let's just leave it for now, sensei. Let's leave this for later because I need to have a reason to come back here again, isn't it?" Mitsuo smiled softly and said, "Misaki-chan, remember you said you had devoted yourself to Lord Akemitsu." Misaki, out of curiosity, responded, "Hm hm." Mitsuo continued, "So what do you think? Do you really need a stronger reason than this to come here, and furthermore, for your satisfaction? I must remind you that your mother, Izumi, had devoted herself to Lord Akimitsu too. So, from that point of view, I think you have the right to come here as you wish, and you will always be welcomed here with a full heart."

After descending the steps of the stairs, Misaki said in a gentle tone, "Sensei, I can go home from here." Mitsuo gently said to her, "Please, Misaki, allow me to escort you safely this time. You faced a world of trouble just to reach me, so it would be a dishonor for me to let you go alone." Misaki was a bit embarrassed but couldn't say no to such an appeal by Mitsuo sensei, so she nodded in agreement. While walking through the forest, Misaki suddenly said, "Sensei, there is something else I forgot to tell you." Mitsuo was focused on the path, but he answered, "What is it, Misaki-chan?" Misaki said, "You know, I had heard that Uncle Aito and Uncle Chimon's ashes were buried in the same place as Mother's ashes, and I came to know from someone that an apple tree and two peach trees had grown in that place." Mitsuo said in a really surprised voice, "What... what did you just say?" Misaki again said, "Yeah, three trees, but I myself don't know the truthfulness of this." Suddenly, Mitsuo became silent, as if he had fallen into deep thought about something. Maybe Misaki could also sense the silence, so she asked, "Sensei, is everything okay?" Mitsuo returned to his senses at this question and said in a really emotional voice, "Really? Have you ever been there yourself?" Misaki again said, "No, sensei... I don't really know the exact direction, and to be honest, there is no one to take me there either... You know, I think maybe my mom, Uncle Aito, and Uncle Chimon's souls are in those trees. And I believe, if I visit there, they will surely recognize me. Isn't it so, Sensei..?" Mitsuo thought for a while and then said, "Of course, dear, and don't be upset. Someday I will definitely take you there myself. Alright," Misaki nodded in agreement. After a bit of the journey, they first exited the foggy mountain area, then crossed the forest zone, and finally reached the border area of her village called Asa No Hana. From there, she would have to proceed further alone since her residence was very close. Before leaving, Misaki said, "Sensei, from here on, I can go alone and..." "And what, Misaki-chan?" Mitsuo replied, looking at her little face. Misaki again said in a very low voice, "Sensei, will you teach me like you taught my mother?" Mitsuo chuckled and said, "Why not, of course I will. You are always welcome to my place." Misaki pouted and said, "But... I can only come during the night, Sensei. Because I have to come here secretly. Is that okay for you?" Mitsuo again said, "It's okay. And besides, if the question is about education, then I do not want any kind of explanation from anyone. So don't hesitate, just come to Lord Akimitsu's home regardless of day or night." Misaki's face lit up with happiness, but instantly the smile faded away as she realized she need to leave. So, after bidding one final goodbye, she slowly, step by step, wandered into the forest trail. Mitsuo calmly said, "Go safely, Misaki-chan..."

After Misaki was out of sight, Mitsuo stood still for a moment in the forest with his eyes closed, as if he was tracing something, to say the least. Suddenly, he felt the presence of something invisible. He opened his eyes and began to carefully observe his surroundings with keen senses. "Yes... just as I guessed, something is lurking here... no... it's not a ghost, something else...! I can clearly understand that my suspicions were not wrong; something has been following us all this time... And 'that' or 'those' have been engaging in some supernatural activity all along. Another amazing thing is that until today, very few people could master this practice... To invoke so much power, one must come under the grace of some powerful god or some powerful heavenly officials. And to be able to efficiently use such skills, like the ability to hide techniques, how to receive pure celestial energy flows, and use it skillfully. Moreover, how to do it without falling into the grip of a primal ideology; as if these people or creatures already know how to capture and apply this power perfectly... Furthermore, I can effortlessly say so since I could and have taught this lesson, considering I also know the technique of breaking it. But before they realize that, I have to apply it and catch them." So he decided to apply the technique and re-concentrate, proceeding to search for that point or the fine portal as he thought. "Once I find and seal it, it will become possible to defeat them easily in a short amount of time. Because Heaven's energy is so intense that even if it is possible to master the method of using it through long practice, no one but a Heaven-dweller or a Heavenly Sage can preserve Heaven's power within themselves." But he was stunned after knowing the source of this incessantly flowing pure energy! "What?! This energy is not coming from heaven but from somewhere on earth... direction... direction... From haha-no-hiza! Which is Koakuma Clan's base village... it means... Sword of Justice?!"

He tried to contact the Sword of Justice through telepathy and said, "Your Lordship, I know it would be unpleasant to ask such a question, and I also know that you do not help anyone without judgment. Yet once more I turn to you with the intention of arriving at some truth. So, Your Lordship, I respectfully request, if you could give me a little hint, who are they? And why are you helping someone in such a way?" In a few moments, an answer came in an unearthly tone, "They are not ordinary human souls, not even ghosts, for now their bodies aren't present on this realm, and they have come here on earth with a much greater purpose. They are working that way with my help, they had been pursuing you for some significant reason. There is no need for me to tell you more because I firmly believe you can figure out the rest yourself." Mitsuo Sensei opened his eyes and started to leave, " Air Clone! So what do you want from me?" There was no answer, but they flew away with the help of the wind. Mitsuo Sensei, upon realizing that they had escaped, he himself started to move towards his destination.

"Fog Mountain.."

A white swan descended on the temple's premises and transformed into a person. Yes, that person was Sensei, Miyamoto Mitsuo. As he was about to enter the temple, he found a rolled-up letter on the stairs and immediately felt a weird sensation which he had experienced in the forest a while ago. The feeling of the presence of those shadow clones. It was impossible! Because no one could enter the Fog Mountain except those who were permitted by him. He picked up the scroll. Immediately, some type of strange, non-human voice echoed, "Sensei...! Mitsuo Sensei..?! Or should we say Lord Akimitsu..?!"

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- To be Continued...