Chapter 14: The Oni's Watchful Eye

"Sigh," Hakuryoku sighed and got up from his cushion, everyone's eyes falling on him. "You seem to not understand, Aki. Everyone works for someone. People who don't work for individuals work for the sake of higher beings."

Akihiko finally understood why Hakuryoku came to his clan. As realization dawned, many of the doubts that he had previously harbored became clear. Straightening his posture, he sat on both knees with his back straight. He moved his left hand, which was clenched behind his back, and placed it on his lower back, while his right hand rested on his heart. With only a bow of his head, he expressed his acknowledgment. Surprised yet again, both swords followed his lead. This time, there was nothing but respect in their hearts for Hakuryoku.

Hakuryoku began, his voice resonating with authority. "I, the Oni guardian of 'Gogle Kodoku,' have been decreed by the noble shrine maiden, in the name of Alpame, the goddess of solitude, to safeguard your clan in this time of crisis. As per orders, I shall remain in your clan until the imperials are eradicated and a new clan leader is selected. You may raise your heads."

"May the blessed hands of Alpame and the shrine maiden rest upon our heads."

"May the blessed hands of Alpame and the shrine maiden rest upon our heads."

"May the blessed hands of Alpame and the shrine maiden rest upon our heads."

"So my request has been heard. If only I had known you were an Oni guardian, Haku-dono, and that you were resting here in my village, I would have escorted you here myself," Akihiko expressed.

"I have no interest in such grand welcoming, nor do I seek to be in the limelight. Nevertheless, upon hearing your plea, the shrine maiden has sent one Oni guardian to each of the three great clans of Thalasor," Hakuryoku replied impassively.

"And she has specifically messaged me to remain here until a new leader is selected. If I remember correctly, you should be having a clan meeting this weekend, right?"

"Yes, indeed," Akihiko confirmed.

After pondering for a bit, Hakuryoku spoke, "Tell your higher-ups to bring their successors with them. Let's see if any of them catch my eye."

Sensing that Hakuryoku is trying to make inexperienced youngsters their clan leader, Daiki questioned, "But Hakuryoku-dono, there will be many young successors who haven't even passed their first trial?" Then, in a respectful tone, he added, "Also, I apologize for my previous impoliteness."

"There have been many occurrences in history of a young master taking the throne of clan leader. The majority of the time, those young masters have failed to meet their required expectations or been murdered by their own people. However, the minority few wrote history, such as your current clan leader. The old lack the ability to persist, while the young are hot-blooded and more active, but most of the time, naive. However, if shown the right direction, if they are not easily tempted, if they become realistic and reasonable, these are the kind of people who will lead you to greater heights."

"It seems my question was rather stupid, Hakuryoku-dono," Daiki said awkwardly, while Hiro added in a stoic tone, "We have been blessed by these knowledgeable revelations, Hakuryoku-dono."

Akihiko simply kept silent while Hakuryoku continued, "Aki, I have taken a lot of your time." Akihiko abruptly interrupted and said, "Not at all, it was rather a pleasant surprise."

"I see. But still, I don't want to take too much of the clan leader's time. So, at last, I want to ask you two favors: first, the six people who saw me, including Haruka and those two maid servants, should be the only people to know of my existence in your clan. Second, I want a lonely place to rest in the meantime where no one visits."

"There is an abandoned shrine of Alpame on the Sepuku Mountain, the mountain is only used when committing sepuku. So no one visits there; it's eight kilometers south from here. It's the only place where no one could visit, even if they want to, without guards because of 'Hikugiri'. But I believe it won't be a problem for you," As he spoke, he stood up and everyone followed him, signaling the end of their conversation. Akihiko went to a nearby drawer, picked up a face mask that covered only the lower half of the face, a full set of guards' armor, boots, and a katana. He then approached Hakuryoku, gesturing for him to take everything. The mask was crimson red color clear contrast to the guards armor which was black color with silver iron strips, the mask had a big demonic smile with four large fangs on each corner. It also had black clothing underneath to conceal the face because of the large smile.

"Since you were publicly brought here, people might recognize your face. Also, it will be easier for you to leave the clan hall if you disguise yourself as one of our guards," Hakuryoku acknowledged. He took everything and wore it over the simple garments Haruka had given him earlier. Finally, he bowed to the clan leader and said, "Thank you," before leaving.

"Make sure no one disturbs him during his stay here, and inform Haruka and those other two to keep their mouths shut. Also, inform Ayaka and Ryota that the prisoner has been executed," Akihiko instructed as he turned to his Swords. "We will do our best," Daiki assured, and both Swords bowed to their clan leader. Hiro added, "We will take our leave," and with a curt nod from Akihiko, they both left, descending to the lower stories, leaving the clan leader alone in peaceful solitude.

Descending the stairs from the clan hall, Hiro let out a heavy sigh, his thoughts consumed by the revelation about Hakuryoku.

"Who could have thought Hakuryoku-dono was an oni guardian," Hiro mused, his voice tinged with regret.

Daiki, ever the pragmatist, chimed in with a sly tone, "If you had asked about what happened to him, you would have put both the clan leader and Hakuryoku-dono on edge. Keeping quiet was the right move."

Hiro nodded in agreement, albeit reluctantly. "We both know our soldiers wouldn't let any small fry bother us. Especially not someone daring to urge us to take the prisoner to the clan leader through Elder Ayaka. If I had asked about that incident, I might have ruined the aid provided by Gogle Kodoku, not to mention facing the wrath of the clan leader."

"That would have been a grave mistake," Daiki agreed, his gaze thoughtful. "But I still have my doubts. If what Hakuryoku-dono said is true and our clan harbors a traitor, shouldn't Akihiko-sama take immediate action?"

Hiro pondered for a moment before responding, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "I believe Akihiko-sama's silence is deliberate. If we expose the traitor too soon, it may alert others to their presence. We need to find a way to root out these rats without causing unnecessary bloodshed."

Daiki nodded in understanding, his expression serious. "After informing Elder Ayaka, Elder Ryota, Lady Haruka, and her maid servants, what do you say? Do you still want to continue your investigation into the massacre?"

"Of course," Hiro replied without hesitation, his sense of duty unwavering. "Anything dangerous happening in our clan that threatens innocent lives concerns me deeply."

Daiki raised an eyebrow, a hint of teasing in his tone. "Are you sure it's not just your curiosity about the oni guardian?"

Hiro grunted softly in response, increasing his pace down the stairs. Daiki followed suit, the two of them leaving the clan hall behind as they embarked on their mission to uncover the truth.