476 The Systems History: Unraveling their guise II (1/2)

”Taiga-dono, there were trails of blood found on that hill and a piece of cloth. However, we recovered nothing but that.” Arakaki stood behind Tora who was watching two samurais par. Their swords clashed, satisfying enough for leaders like them to have as a warrior.

After the blow he received from the strongest general he had ever known, Arakaki took quite a few minutes to snap back to reality. Hence, he was lost when Tora left and shot an arrow. The thing he only witnessed was Tora shooting an arrow to a specific area.

He then hastily headed to the tower where she stood. Upon reaching it, he saw her hand dripping with blood as she had a deep wound. Therefore, he insisted on treating her wound, which she agreed after he persisted.

”Arakaki, continue strengthening your base and tighten your patrol.” Without turning her gaze away from the two warriors parring, Tora ordered. ”Task a small group of soldiers to thoroughly conduct an investigation regarding the incident but don't let your guard down.”

”Yes, Taiga-dono.” Bowing his head, Arakaki heeds her orders.

”Whoever the person behind it, he/she sought for a distraction of this base by implanting doubts within your people. Fortunately, their cheap trick won't work on me.” Slowly, a smirk formed on the side of her lips.

Indeed, it was a good thing that Tora was present when it happened. Or else, Arakaki would also think that a rat managed to sneak inside the base. After all, the arrow though seemed it came from the top of the archery tower, it actually came further behind it.

Still, that was more alarming because it meant that someone has a terrifying skill in shooting an arrow from an extended distance. It could be considered that he was as good as Tora in terms of archery.

”I'll be heading back to the capital tomorrow at dawn. I can entrust the affairs here to you, can I?” Tora turned, her hands were held behind.

”I wish for your safe return to the Capital, Taiga-dono.” Saluting with his fist on his chest, Arakaki bowed his head before his commander.

It has been a month since Tora arrived on the northern border. She initially planned to stay for several days only, but after the incident, it prolonged her stay in the town. However, since the envoy of the emperor came to request for her presence in the capital, they mandated her to return to join the court.

”Arakaki, our enemy…” She paused as Tora scanned her eyes around the surrounding. ”I have a feeling that they won't come from outside because they were already inside.” With that said remark, Tora set her eyes to Arakaki, who knitted his brows before his pair of eyes widened and sharpened.

”Taiga-dono, are you implying that there would an uprising?”

”Yes, my king.” Arakaki offered her another salute as he lowly muttered.

An uprising meant that another blood bath would take place to fight for the throne. Although the current emperor was just a mere figurehead, Tora was mandated to fight on the frontline to protect him.

After all, the emperor was still sitting on his throne because Tora let him. But, that didn't mean he was the true ruler. Everyone secretly acknowledged the general as the real ruler of the kingdom. Hence, a revolt was to challenge the one true king: Tora.

****

The next day: DAWN.