CH46: Fire Capital (3)

Darkness cloaked the courtyard like a silent veil. The moonlight barely seeped through the gaps in the trees, casting eerie shadows across the stone path. 

Amidst this stillness, a man stood unseen, his movements fluid, his presence near undetectable.

His name was Haton Haizuki, known as The Emperor's Mirror, one of the Three Jewels of the Emperor, one of the highest-ranking warriors serving directly under the imperial throne.

.

He was no ordinary soldier. Haizuki hailed from one of the noble bloodlines, a lineage renowned not only for its prestige but also for its exceptional combat prowess and kekkei genkai. 

Though his roots traced back to nobility, he had spent his youth in Konoha's Ninja Academy, trained in its ways, and learned its methods. But he had never sworn allegiance to the Leaf. He was the Emperor's Shield, his sworn protector, his unseen blade.

Even so, bonds had formed, friendships that transcended allegiance. One such bond was with Uchiha Kagami.

Haizuki had heard of his old senior's visit to the capital, along with his students. A mischievous grin had curled on his lips. It had been years since he last saw Kagami. A little prank wouldn't hurt.

Initially, the plan was simple: catch Kagami off guard, remind him of their old days, and have a laugh. But then…

He encountered him.

A presence unfamiliar yet intriguing.

A youth skilled to detect his presence and prepare for the counter.

Yuichi.

A quiet, controlled presence. Not reckless, not naïve, but refined, sharp. It piqued his curiosity. 'Who is this kid?'

And so, plans changed.

Now, standing behind them, kunai poised at their necks, Haizuki let out a disappointed sigh.

"Seriously, senior?" he murmured, clicking his tongue. "I heard you got weaker, but this is just sad."

But before he could press further-

Poof!

Smoke erupted.

A flicker-no, an illusion-dispersed before his eyes.

Haizuki barely had a moment to process before his instincts screamed at him.

'Genjutsu?! When?!'

His body tensed, fingers already forming a release seal, but it was too late.

Crack!

Glass materialized behind him in a desperate act of defense, a mirror-like barrier forming in the blink of an eye. But the very next second-

Shatter!

The force broke through.

An attack strong enough to break his jutsu hit him.

Pain shot through his back as he was slammed onto the cold, hard ground. His breath hitched. A weight pressed down on him.

Above him, Kagami sat, twirling the kunai Haizuki had placed at his throat just moments ago. His crimson Sharingan spun lazily, amusement dancing in his eyes.

"You're not there yet, Haizuki." Kagami smirked. "And who the hell told you I was getting weak, huh?"

Haizuki blinked, still stunned.

"When the hell did you cast the genjutsu?!" he blurted out, bewildered. "And how did you know I was going to attack? Aren't you tipsy?!"

Instead of an answer, Kagami simply raised his fist and-

Thwack!

Punched Haizuki in the head.

"Just know that you're not there yet," Kagami said smugly. "And who the hell's been spreading rumors about me getting weak?"

Haizuki groaned, rubbing his head. "Damn it, senior, I was just messing around!"

But before the conversation could continue-

A new presence emerged.

Yuichi felt it immediately- or rather, he didn't. That was the unsettling part.

Whoever it was had been there the whole time, completely masked, completely undetectable. But Kagami…

He had known from the very beginning.

From the shadows, a voice spoke, smooth and tired.

"Kagami… just let him go. If someone sees this, it'll damage the reputation of the Three Jewels."

A tall figure stepped forward, his posture relaxed yet exuding a quiet authority. His name was Kuroo, another of the Three Jewels. Unlike Haizuki, whose energy was carefree and wild, Kuroo carried himself like a man burdened by responsibilities– tired, weary, yet bound by duty.

Kagami, still seated on Haizuki's back, looked at him and smirked.

"Nah. Don't feel like it."

Kuroo exhaled, rubbing his temple. "You're a pain, as always."

From his expression, Yuichi could tell this was a man who had too much on his plate, constantly cleaning up messes caused by people like Haizuki.

Meanwhile, Haizuki, still pinned down, was making exaggerated pleading faces toward Kuroo.

"Just give him two or three punches and let him go," Kuroo suggested with an exasperated sigh.

Kagami tapped his chin thoughtfully.

"…I'll let him go. But only if he pays for all my meals the next time I visit the capital."

With that, he finally got up, stretching with a slight hiccup.

Haizuki groaned, rolling over. "Seriously, senior, you're the worst man..."

Ignoring him, Kagami turned toward Yuichi and gestured at the two men.

"Well, kid, consider yourself lucky. You're standing in front of two of the Three Jewels of the Emperor - Haizuki and Kuroo. The highest-ranking warriors in the Emperor's court."

Yuichi's eyes narrowed slightly, assessing them both.

Haizuki, despite his playful nature, was strong. Very strong. His reflexes were sharp, his movements seamless. Even though Kagami had the upper hand, it wasn't because Haizuki was weak, it was because Kagami was terrifying.

Kuroo, on the other hand, was an enigma. There was something about him, something restrained, held back.

Kagami patted Yuichi's shoulder. "And this here is one of my students. Exceptional, just like my other one."

Haizuki, now sitting up, grinned. "Oh? That so?" He sized Yuichi up. "You've got a good sense and interesting presence, kid."

Yuichi simply nodded, not giving much away.

Haizuki smirked. "You remind me of someone. Can't put my finger on it."

Yuichi tilted his head slightly. "Should I take that as a compliment?"

Haizuki laughed. "Oh, definitely."

Kuroo, watching the exchange, shook his head. "Haizuki, don't start corrupting the boy already."

Haizuki grinned. "Too late."

Kagami sighed, stretching his arms. "Alright, enough chit-chat. The kid needs to sleep."

Yuichi resisted the urge to scoff. 'Coming from you?'

Haizuki grinned mischievously. "Fine, fine. I'll let the kid be."

But as Yuichi turned to leave, he heard Haizuki's voice, softer this time.

"Next time, let's spar. I will teach you a few things."

Yuichi glanced back. Their eyes met.

There was no mockery in Haizuki's gaze, only genuine curiosity.

Yuichi with a fake smile replied with a nod.

With that, the night full of surprising encounters finally came to an end.