“Wait the Soutou?” Akatora asked, cocking his head up from the heap of paper work which plagued his desk. Rubbing his wrinkled brow he let out a deep sigh and grabbed his empty mug of coffee. Looking into the cup he saw his own reflection staring back at him, one full of exhaustion.

  He could try to stop Kanashi and Kenji from doing whatever it was they were planning but his chance of success was questionable, he could force Kanashi into submission easily but being tied with Kenji in strength it was a throw in the dark as to who would come out on top. Not only that but by doing so he’d sever the chances of an alliance with the Venator Society and destroy that which he’d worked so hard to create.

  “Maybe it’s time for a break…” He muttered, putting the mug down and pulling open his desk's top drawer. With a light click the drawer's lock was unlatched and he pulled it out digging through his belongings until coming across the small dark brown box which he pulled out carefully. Treating it as if it was a precious heirloom he lightly placed it onto the desk and lovingly undid the small clamp which kept the box firmly closed.

  Upon opening the case Akatora looked at the four cigars which were present inside of it, each one worth thousands of dollars due to their scarcity in modern times. Their color, a rich cinnamon with lapis blue bindings around the tip.

  These cigars were over fifty years old and from the Sikart Union, a now disbanded archipelago country off the coast of Brojiru a country in southern Afurenthos.

  Being converted to communism in the past the country was a powerhouse for Tobacco production but upon producing more tobacco than edible crops the union collapsed into what is the modern day mass of countries which once composed the union.

  As such the cultivation and production of tobacco was out right banned across the archipelago by all countries unanimously. Deeming it as an evil plant.

  Only a scarce number of cigars are left and those are sold for up to fifty thousands a pop. Akatora being a cigar connoisseur bought himself a collection which he stored away for the odd occasion when he felt he needed to relax. And such an occasion had presented itself now.

  Wetting his lips he carefully plucked one of the cigars from the box and took to a flame which he conjured on his fingers tip. Igniting the cigar he put it to his lips and took in a mouthful of the smoke.

  A delicious flavor filling his mouth, like that of cinnamon and sugar sweetness yet spicy like a hint of chili had been added. The after taste of which was rather rustic and earthy like meat grilled over a charcoal oven. Letting the flavour brumate in his mouth for a moment longer he begrudgingly released the smoke, letting it fill the room.

  Not done yet, Akatora continued to smoke his cigar and turned to the small radio which rested upon a shelf behind his desk. Flicking the radio on he tuned it until finding a station he liked.

  Leaning back in his chair, while smoking his cigar and listening to music he felt as though the world around him had melted, like nothing else mattered except that very moment.

  How long he sat like that is unknown to him, it could have been only a few minutes, maybe even an hour but he had no intention to let the party end so soon.

  Instead he was forced to end it by a knock, a little rattle at his door which echoed four times, each in a different key.

  Upon hearing the distinct knock Akatora was awoken from his daydream, his eyes filling with anxiety as he quickly turned his radio off and pressed the red button which opened his office door.

  Clearing the smoke which escaped the room with a wave of his hand and entering Akatoras office was a man of below average height, his statue busted by the pair of wooden geta which clacked across the smooth tile with. His bare chest covered in tattoos was exposed by his open haori and atop his head was a chonmage topknot.

  To this man's direct left and four paces behind exactly was another strange figure though one which took that aspect up multiple notches. His head was adored with a basket that covered all above his collar bone, he wore a set of priest-like robes and fastened to his side was a long and thick bamboo flute. One which could surely crack open the skull of whoever it came down upon.

  The two men who entered Akatoras office were none other than Susanori Kobe, leader of the Toumeikan and his servant Kamotake Kyoso.

  “Kobe-Sama.” Akatora muttered in disbelief, his throat growing dry as he stared at the short man who entered the office. His boss who’d only seen a single time in his life and career working in the Toumeikan.

  Even to a Hachibuto the existence of Kobe was a tightly woven secret, his whereabouts, residence and daily doings kept unknown for his protection. For him to appear before Akatora himself was just as much of a gift as a curse.

  “It’s been a while, Taishi.” Kobe said, pushing his square glasses up the bridge of his nose.

  Unsure of what to say Akatora choked on his own words, thousands of possibilities raced through his mind. Different phrases, topics, actions and plans all met with death at the hands of the Komuso monk which stood silent starting in Akatoras direction.

  “A Sikart Cigar I’m assuming?” Kobe asked, walking over to Akatoras desk.

  “Yes, would you like one?” Akatora asked, a forced smile painting his face.

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  Without word Kobe forcefully flipped the cigar box open, the lid loudly smacking against the metal desk. Forcing his fingers into the box he pulled out a single cigar and pointed it at Akatora.

  “Light it.” He commanded.

  “Of course.” Akatora bowed, conjuring a flame on the tip of his finger which he lit the cigar with.

  Kobe put the cigar to his mouth and took a quick hit, one which lasted only a fraction of a second before blowing the smoke out of his mouth, the flavour not savoured whatsoever.

  “What brings you here today Kobe-Sama?” Asked Akatora, a forced smile still on his face, one which he tried his best to make look subservient and positive.

  “I came to talk to you about an important change which has occurred recently.”

  “Thank you for trusting me with such information.” Bowed Akatora, his vein riddled forehead nearly touched the cold metal of his desk.

  “You’re the only one I trust amongst the other Hachibuto I suppose.”

  Flinching at this comment Akatora raised his head to Kobe who kept the Cigar at his side, letting it slowly burn.

  “I’ve taken the country for myself. The Orochi Representative was killed by Kyoso on my command. Our relationship with the Orochi Kingdom permanently severed.” Explained Kobe.

  “I see, what wonderful news!” Laughed Akatora clasping his hands together like one would a prayer.

  “I assumed you’d be pleased. Which is why I’m coming to you who opposed the partnership the most in the first place.”

  “...”

  “The other four powers were dubious about my actions and plans to take the government for my own, the Soutou outright objected to it while the Sosaki and Hojo seemed to disagree with the premise but were open to hearing of my plans.”

  “That means that the Sosaki and Hojo are our true allies then correct?” Asked Akatora gleefully.

  “No, not quite. I calmed the Sosaki and Hojo for the moment and forced the Soutou into the same position but their opposition still affects my true goals.”

  “...”

  “I told them that this is only temporary, that once the liberation has been replied or a compromise is met that I’ll release the Government. By doing this I'm only securing my business with no further plans.”

  “...”

  “But I lied.” Kobe shrugged with a bored expression. “I want it, I want it all. And I’ll take it all, now that the chance has appeared and I have the largest fish almost within my grasp I can’t help but want to catch it fully and keep it. To put it on my wall as a trophy, an addition to my collection. I’m sure you could see the benefits to this as well, no?”

  “Of course I can, and I hope that it surely succeeds. What is it that you wish for me to inorder to make this a possible reality, Kobe-Sama.” Asked Akatora.

  “To kill that child which has stowed away inside the country first and foremost, he is our greatest threat seeing as he knows too much. He’s an outside witness who could testify against us in the national courts. The Edoland branch of the Venator Society can be worked with.”

  “What of the mainland's planned invasion and liberation?”

  “Violence is something which I hope to avoid… but if it comes to that then I plan to enact a little bit of a play.”

  “May I ask what this play is, Kobe-Sama?”

  At this Kobe smiled, a cruel toothy smile, his black painted teeth visible. “We make the Venator Society commit crimes against the people of Edoland.”

  “...” At this Akatora began to sweat, his hand balling into a fist which trembled under the desk.

  “I can’t share for certain how we’ll do such things yet. But in doing this we will make the Venator Society appear as nothing more than a terrorist organization and banish them from my country's borders. After that’s done I either force the other powers to submit to me or we exterminate them. This is where you will come into play, Taishi.”

  “Exterminate them?” Akatora questioned.

  “Yes, like I did the Kageki clan.”

  “I understand.” Aktroa said, bowing his head once more.

  “Well, if that’s understood then I can see to it that my work here is done for now. I’ll contact you once more pieces have been laid, not that you know what to expect, things will only fall into place easier later on.”

  “Anything I can do to help you?” Asked Akatoras his head still low.

  “Splendid, it was permissible to talk to you.” Kobe said, flicking the cigar which he’d only taken a single drag from into the trash.

  “Well then, I’ll be leaving. Be prepared for further instruction.”

  “Please answer a question I have before you leave.” Called out Akatora as Kobe turned his back.

  “What is it?” Kobe asked, not turning around to face Akatora.

  “Will the other Hachibuto know of this?”

  “No, only you for now, I will tell them when the time comes but for now only you will know. I trust that you keep that information between us and let it slip to no one else?” Kobe asked, his voice growing sharper, the pressure from Kyoso increasing at this question.

  “Of course, Kobe. I swear upon my soul.”

  “Then I hold no worries for your loyalty, for if you break our contract only death awaits.” Kobe said leaving the room with Kyoso, the door slamming as they left.

  “...”

  Akatora sat in silence for some time, his blood boiling and muscles tensing with adrenaline, his shirts binding ripping around its seams.

  “Gurrrrah!”

  Finally breaking down Akatora crashed his hand down onto the cigar box shattering it into splinters. The rich tobacco and carefully crafted wrapping paper burned to cinders. Not done yet he flipped his desk, the metal instantly turning into smoldering liquid which he stomped his foot into. Turning to his office wall he slammed his fist into the concrete, his arm burying into the material all the way to his elbow. Not finished releasing his pent up emotions he continued to punch the wall, carving into it a deep indent as if it was made of clay and someone had hit it with a hammer.

  When everything was said and done his office had been reduced to nothing but ashes. The structure being scared black by flames.

  Out of breath he kneeled on the floor, his head buried into his hands as his large thick fingers pulled on his black hair.

  “What a mess I’ve gotten myself into…” He muttered only to himself.

  If Kenji and Akatora were to fight I honestly have no idea who’d win.

  Also that nasty vibe Kenji had gotten from the fork in the road was due to Kobe or Kyoso to be more accurate. Sorry if that wasn’t apparent enough, I wasn’t sure how to weave it in.