Later that night in Miyazaki, heishi found a burnt body in the daimyo's room. Wailing filled the royal palace as servants and a few nobles mourned the loss of their leader. After Namiko was pronounced dead, noble clan elders and the advisory council had discussions about her succession.
There were factions for and those against the installation of her uncle–General Yuji. Since Namiko had no heirs or siblings, the nobles against Yuji ended up agreeing to his regency. The council made an official statement on the following day.
A bald-headed heishi entered one tent and broke the news of Yuji's ascension. "Moving on to today's issue, my men found two of our navies burnt at sea. This was about four hundred metres from Miyazaki harbour. Majors Tanaka and Watanabe are dead."
"Tell me, Lt. Yamada... I hear that this was the work of a single keisatsu." Yuji sat on a chair and stroked his long beard. He had a lean build and appeared to be in his mid-fifties. His right eye patch was striking and he had blue hair similar in shade to Namiko's.
"Yes, sir!" said Yamada, bowing his head.
"How is that even possible? Are we that pathetic as heishi to be bested by one keisatsu?" asked Yuji. Lord Kurayami lived up to his end of the deal.
"No, sir. The assassin was a formidable opponent. It's believed he used the secret route only known by high-ranking heishi. Those few who witnessed his swordsmanship and survived say he reminded them of our last General. The legendary kensei..."
"Why return now when he left of his own volition? And of all the treasonous things he could do, joining those Earth scum would be the absolute worst!"
"Indeed," Yamada nodded. "If I may ask, sir…"
"Speak freely."
"What is our next course of action?"
Yoichi's wish to make peace with Doi was mere fantasy. Now his daughter is dead because she shared his ideals. This is the perfect opportunity for me to seize Yamaguchi Port. I'll go down in history as the Water daimyo who took action against those scum, Yuji pondered over Yamada's question.
"Liaise with Majors from all eight cities and gather every heishi. Underlings included..." Yuji grinned. When I give the order, we're going to war!"
"Understood, sir." With those words, Yamada left Yuji's tent and headed to the other cities' barracks.
That evening, Yuji ferried to Kurai village in a smaller boat. It was just him and the boatman. They reached their destination at dawn. A group of foot ninjas welcomed and escorted them to the palace.
Seated on the throne was Queen Rina, with Kagami and Daisuke next to her. A toddler with dark strands of hair slept peacefully in Kagami's arms.
"Greetings, Your Majesty and Lord Kurayami," Yuji knelt and bowed. "Apologies for the unannounced visit. I'm here to thank you for my new station."
Kagami raised a hand. "Arise, Miyazaki..." After the Water daimyo got up, he continued. "It is we who should be grateful to Mizu for its generous donation to the Shadow Sect. What can we do for you?"
"War is brewing... and Namiko's assassination has given us a reason to strike Tsuchi (Earth). I'm requesting a few Shadow Assassins to assist us in our endeavor. My people want me to seek revenge after the recent events. A daimyo for a daimyo..."
Kagami and his two students whispered for a few moments before he answered. "My student Daisuke will lead a team of assassins that will carry out your request. When do you plan on flooding the Earth?"
"Thank you very much for your support," said Yuji, bowing his torso. "I need about a week for my army to reach the Earth capital and I plan on taking Yamaguchi Port in two days' time from now."
"It's settled then..." Kagami let the baby play with his fingers. "The Shadows shall strike from the east while your soldiers come from the south."
Yuji bowed. "Thank you, Lord Kurayami."
"Let there be darkness!" Kagami raised his voice.
"Hail the darkness!" Daisuke and Yuji replied.
When the meeting was complete, Yuji bid the Shadows farewell and left for the Water Country.
"Lord Kagami, if I may ask?" said Daisuke
Kagami nodded.
"Can I spare my brothers... if they join our cause?"
"If they agree, you may spare them."
"And if they don't..."
"Then you know what you have to do."