CHAPTER 26- The Path to Sirocaan

Eiji's tone sharpened. "Watch your words, Yoto. It's not like we wanted to abandon him. We had no chance to fight back. Sensei was injured protecting you, and you lost an arm! How do you think we could have saved him in that situation?"

Tears welled up in Yoto's eyes, but his determination burned brighter. "Even if we abandoned him, I will bring him back. No matter what it takes."

Hataki, his face unreadable, responded firmly, "Don't say things like you'll definitely bring him back at any cost. That means you're underestimating your enemy. You're still not at the level to look down on an unknown opponent, so choose your words carefully, Yoto."

Yoto clenched his teeth, his fury rising. He turned toward the exit, grinding his molars as he muttered, "I'm not strong enough, huh? Then I'll show you how strong I can be."

As he passed the doorway, he slammed his fist into the wall, leaving a deep dent before storming off to his room and shutting the door behind him.

Yushin tried to stop him, but it was no use—Yoto had shut everyone out.

Hataki, watching the scene unfold, sighed and shook his head. "Just having power doesn't mean you're strong enough to look down on someone you don't know, Yoto. Watch your attitude, young man." With that, he left the hallway.

Inside his room, Yoto sat on the floor, frustration weighing heavily on him. He spoke to himself, voice low but filled with conviction.

"It's not that I look down on an unknown enemy—it's my confidence. I will go to any lengths to bring him back. Even if it means my death, I won't back down. Just wait for me, Hayato."

Meanwhile,

Ken, Hataki, Ginrou, and Kaito gathered in the meeting room. 

Hataki and Ken explained the situation to Kaito, who had not been present earlier. As he listened, his expression darkened. "I think this is just another one of Genta's games to capture Yoto."

Ken nodded, his expression serious. "Yes, it's possible. From the very beginning, Yoto has been his only target. He even sent Razor to take care of things. That alone proves how seriously Genta is taking this."

Ginrou crossed his arms. "So, what's the plan? Are we heading to Beastmen Island or the Sirocaan Nation to bring the kid back?"

Ken's voice remained steady. "If Yoto is Genta's primary target, then our safest option is to leave him on Beastmen Island under the Beast Queen's protection. The four of us will retrieve the kid."

Hataki, cautious as ever, interjected. "If Yoto is the primary target, wouldn't it be better to keep him with us? That way, we can protect him ourselves. We know how the organization operates. If we encounter anyone, we can handle them without dragging the Beastmen into it."

Kaito nodded in agreement. "Yes, I think that's our best option. If Yoto stays with us, we can protect him at all costs."

Ginrou, however, wasn't pleased. "With all due respect, you don't have to drag us into this. We will fight for Yoto ourselves. We are not so weak that we can't protect Sir Yoto."

Kaito raised a hand, his tone calm. "It's not that we don't believe in your strength. We'd just feel more at ease if he was within our sight, that's all. No offense, Ginrou."

Ginrou smiled faintly. "No… no, it's fine. I didn't take it seriously."

Ken refocused the conversation. "So, we're heading to Sirocaan Nation, then."

Hataki added, "Yes, but we should keep in mind that some of the Seven Knights or even Razor might be there. We need to prepare for the worst."

Ken agreed. "Alright. Our destination is Sirocaan Nation. Hataki, you've been there on a mission before, right? Can you tell us about it?"

Hataki's expression darkened. "Yes, I have. Sirocaan Nation is also known as the black market of the world. You can find anything there slaves, weapons, valuables. It's a lawless place. As for the king, there are rumors that he isn't the true ruler. Some say he killed the real king and took his place. That's all I know for now."

Ginrou exhaled. "That's valuable information, Hataki. So, there's no justice in that nation… and he's no true king. Let's assume he's connected to Genta."

Hataki frowned. "And why do you think that?"

Ginrou leaned forward. "Think about it. Yoto was sent on a mission with Razor. Then, Razor tried to arrest Ken and Hataki. What if that was all to keep you two from rescuing Yoto? And after the struggle, Hayato went missing. Do you really think that's a coincidence?"

He continued, his voice tense. "No, it's not. Genta sent Razor to catch Yoto off guard. Then, he had you two arrested to keep you from intervening. He even sent backup, knowing the fight would end in a draw. But he couldn't keep the fight going forever, so he took Hayato as leverage. That way, instead of searching for us, we would come to him. He planned everything in advance. The more I think about it, the more terrifying it is to realize what kind of monster we're dealing with."

Ken clenched his fists. "If this was all planned in advance… then it's all been an act?"

Ginrou shook his head. "No, I don't think so. When I saw the news on TV, it felt too genuine. And why would Genta make such a public announcement? He's a man who operates in the shadows he avoids unnecessary attention."

Ken gritted his teeth. "Yes, Ginrou is right. Genta isn't the type to attract a crowd."

Hataki glanced at Ken with concern. "Ken, are you alright? Why are you getting so angry?"

Ken exhaled sharply. "It's nothing. Let's get back to the plan."

Ginrou studied him carefully. "Sir Ken, you were really angry for a moment there."

Ken forced a small smile. "I'm fine. Just remembered something that made me mad, that's all."

Kaito shifted the topic. "How long will it take us to reach Sirocaan Nation?"

Ginrou answered, "By morning, we should be there."

Kaito nodded. "Then let's get ready to set sail. Even if this is all part of Genta's plan, we'll tackle it head-on and get the kid back. But once we enter the nation, we need to stay low-key. If this is a setup, they know we're coming. We have to stay on high alert."

Hataki warned, "And remember no unnecessary fights. We don't want to make it seem like we're challenging the village speaker."

Ginrou agreed. "Alright then, I'll take care of our journey to Sirocaan Nation."

Hataki added, "I'll explain things to the younger members so they stay focused."

Kaito concluded, "I'll head back and guard the ship."

As everyone went to fulfill their respective duties, Ken remained alone in the meeting room, lost in thought. He clenched his fists, his mind replaying an old memory.

"You didn't want to get your hands dirty, huh? That's why even back then… you killed him without even staining your hands."

Meanwhile, Hataki was explaining the plan to the younger squad members when he paused. "Where's Yoto?"

Yushin responded, "He's still in his room, Sensei."

Hataki's expression softened slightly. He sighed and walked toward Yoto's door. Knocking gently, he spoke from the other side.

"Yoto, we're setting sail for Sirocaan Nation. We're going to bring Hayato back. And… I'm sorry for earlier."

There was no response from inside. Yoto remained seated on the floor, frustration still simmering inside him.