Kakashi's cough gave away his position, Jay replaced his eyes with his hands as he searched for Kakashi.Kakashi held his throat with one hand stretching the other hand toward the path of Jay."Oh, Kakashi. We have to go. We have to go now."Kakashi nodded, picking himself up with the help of his friend. They dragged their feet toward their room.A blinding light flashed at their faces, stinging their eyes. Jay halted, Kakashi's body resting on his shoulders. "Stop there!"***"They are here," the man called out to other people."Why did you leave them here?"Oh, it's just one person. Jiro."That is the punishment for students who stay out late. They are all expected to be in their rooms by lights out.""Hm," Jiro grunted.He walked toward us."You both know better than to stay out this late, do you not?" Jiro gave us no room to speak for ourselves as he continued almost immediately as he was done with his last words. "You have violated rules meant for your safety. You have been du

"Luckily for me, I'm not the magician here," Doctor Haishi retorted.Oz tilted his head, impressed with the doctor's reply. "So I guess your secret is at liberty to be known then, right?" he wore on a threatening smile, walking past the doctor without uttering another word."How did I get here?" Doctor Haishi muttered.He raised his hands over his head, dropping them slowly to rub his face off the concerns and webs of engagements he was caught with. "We have to saddle our horses and get on our way home. We cannot stay in these dangerous territories for the night." Master Yonda stood before everyone to announce."What? It is late already. How do we know we are not heading toward danger itself when we leave now?""We don't!" The emperor appeared from behind. He looked at the surprising stares that bore into the back of his head."I understand I can be crude in my ways, with my words, but one thing is for sure, I am honest. Unlike some of you here…" the emperor's eyes darted from Doctor

The sun rose lazily over the horizon, casting a golden hue across the vast landscape as the troop of riders journeyed toward home on their horses. The gentle breeze carried the scent of blooming flowers, and the birds sang melodious tunes overhead. Master Yonda, Kokohashi, Honda, Doctor Haishi, The Emperor, and the soldiers felt the warmth of the morning sun on their faces. A comforting embrace after a long night’s ride. They had been on the road for two days now.As he rode, the anticipation of returning home to his wife, the queen, and his daughter sweetened the air, filling his heart with a mixture of joy and relief. As he rode, the anticipation of returning home to his dying child and three other dying students filled his heart with great grief and anger. His grip on the reins tightened, and he smacked his steed, running faster ahead of everyone else. His anger was visible in his speed. “You see, what you both do not know, is that Shinjuya is a fortress. For what has happened,

“Why are we moving like that? I thought we would get some wine or something to eat. I am hungry.” “You can join in with your brother if you are so keen on feeding your belly. You would be doing me a favor, trust me.” Master Yonda continued his movement home. Kokohashi didn’t mean to come off as uncouth but he had to feed the worms in his stomach. They have been growling for attention persistently.“You will get something to eat in no time. There is enough at home, enough for everyone. We will be there soon.” Doctor Haishi assured Kokohashi.“What makes you think they will let me come with you?” Kokohashi whispered“You are with us now, are you not? Master Yonda can be very stern in his judgments but makes decisions for the well-being of everyone in mind. He does not put his ego in front of anyone. I am sure he will let you stay. Why else did the emperor go with your brother? Master Yonda must have convinced him to take your brother in.” Doctor Haishi’s words were muffled and in a hu

The sounds of loud clatter and books thudding on the floor expressed succinctly the frustration that covered Jiro Shoei's face.He breathed from his ears, smoke emitting the anger that sizzled over his skin with a million bubbles foaming as he boiled with rage."What is happening, man? You called us here and you have been acting strange. Are we supposed to be worried?" Kakashi got burned from trying to touch Jiro's back."Never question my responsibility!""I didn't eve—""We are supposed to be with Master Yonda soon. He has had a few hours to refresh himself. He has requested our presence." Jiro slid an opening in his drawer."When did this request happen?"Bang! Zoa was startled as Jiro crashed his drawer."Why are you so angry? What is your problem? Am I not allowed to ask when you receive an instruction now? Is that also questioning your responsibility?" Zoa was pissed.Daichi patted her back, rubbing it down in a circular motion to ease the pent up tension in her.Jiro clenched h