CHAPTER 28- The Hooded Savior

The group moved swiftly through the shadowed alleys behind the village houses. The narrow pathways provided cover, with few people lingering in these isolated passages. Their footsteps were light, their presence a mere whisper in the wind.

Then, a piercing scream cut through the air.

They all froze.

A child's desperate cries echoed from deeper within the village, sending a ripple of unease through the squad. Without hesitation, they followed the sound, weaving through the dimly lit passageways until they reached the market square. Concealing themselves behind a row of barrels, they peered out to assess the situation.

Their hearts clenched at the sight before them.

Two men in uniform were tormenting a child, while another girl was being dragged by her hair. The squad's collective breath hitched, their stomachs sinking at the cruelty unfolding before them.

Yoto's blood boiled. His fists clenched so tightly that his knuckles turned white. He took a step forward, ready to charge, but Hataki grabbed his arm, stopping him in his tracks.

"Why are you stopping me, Sensei?" Yoto hissed, barely restraining his rage.

Hataki's grip was firm. "Yoto, don't just rush in without thinking. We're here for a reason. If we interfere with village matters, we risk sabotaging our mission. They'll know we're here for him, and it'll make bringing Hayato back much harder. Think, Yoto."

Yoto's heart warred with his reason. He wanted to help no, he had to help but Hataki's words made sense. If he chose the child, they'd be discovered. If he chose Hayato, the child would suffer.

Hataki's voice was resolute. "Alright, we move out. We can't stay here too long. And you, Yoto we have to go."

Yoto's gaze remained fixed on the scene before him, his jaw tightening. "Sensei… why is no one helping them?"

Hataki exhaled, his voice grim. "Yoto, keep your head in the mission. This nation has always been like this. It's normal here."

Ken's eyes darkened as he clenched his fists. "Hataki, what do you mean by that? Are people always this cruel in these lands?"

Hataki's expression was unreadable. "I don't know, but ever since the king changed, the nation has been like this. And never mind the king the village speaker is even worse. Those men in uniform? They're his. That's an even bigger reason to stay away from them. Now let's go."

Ken's fists trembled at his sides. "Then isn't that more of a reason to stop them?"

A sharp slap rang through the air.

Their heads snapped toward the source of the sound. The girl, Hena, had been struck. She crumpled to the ground, pain and shock etched across her face.

Yoto's rage erupted. He couldn't hold himself back any longer. Ken's face twisted with fury as well, but before he could react, Hataki placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Ken," Hataki said solemnly, "even knowing what you want to become, it's hard to tell you to abandon a child. But think about our position. If we help, they'll recognize us. And if they do, who knows what will happen? A kind heart is a gift, Ken, but too much kindness can cost you everything. If we step in now, we might endanger Hayato. We don't even know why he's here."

Ken's voice was quiet but firm. "Even so, Hataki… I can't just abandon a child bleeding in the streets."

Hataki's patience snapped. "You blockhead! Didn't you just listen to what I said? If we interfere, we put Hayato at risk. We'll be the ones in the worst position!"

Eiji, sensing the growing tension, hesitated before speaking. "Uh… where's Yoto?"

Hataki and Ken turned their heads sharply. Yoto was gone.

Hataki's stomach dropped. That idiot.

The uniformed man scoffed. "Tch. Enough of this. My master is waiting. Time to get rid of you, brat."

He unsheathed his sword.

Hena sobbed, shaking her head frantically. Souta, too weak to move, squeezed his eyes shut, bracing for the inevitable.

The blade came down.

And stopped.

There was no sound of steel slicing through flesh. Instead, there was a dull, grinding halt.

The attacker's eyes widened in disbelief.

A hooded figure stood between him and Souta, a trembling, bloodied hand gripping the blade mid-swing. Blood dripped from his fingers, pooling at his feet, yet he did not flinch.

The uniformed man snarled, yanking at his sword, but it didn't budge. His frustration boiled over. "Oi! How dare you interfere with the Village Speaker's men?!"

The hooded figure lifted his head slightly, his voice low and seething with barely restrained fury.

Yoto's voice was a low growl, sharp as steel. 'What the hell do you think you're doing?'.

Gasps rippled through the onlookers. What is that hooded fool doing? Doesn't he know who they are? He'll bring ruin to the village!

The second uniformed man sneered. "Who the hell are you trying to save him? Do you even know who we are? Do you know who our master is?"

His partner scowled. "Enough talking. The master is waiting. Let's kill these two and move on."

Before he could act, Yoto moved.

In a flash, he yanked the sword-wielding man forward and drove his fist into his gut with immense force. The man's eyes rolled back as he collapsed, unconscious.

The remaining soldier snarled. "You bastard!" He drew his sword and swung wildly at Yoto.

Yoto dodged with fluid precision. The moment he spotted an opening, he twisted the soldier's arm and delivered a brutal kick to his head, sending him crashing into a nearby fruit stall.

Souta, stunned, tilted his head up. A hand extended toward him, offering support. With shaking fingers, he grasped it and pulled himself to his feet.

"Thank you…" he murmured.

Hena ran to Souta, hugging him tightly. "You idiot! You could've been hurt! Why do you always do this?!"

Tears welled in Souta's eyes. "I got angry when they tried to hurt you, Hena. Father told me to protect my older sister. I promised him I would."

Hena's breath hitched. "You did protect me, you idiot." She clung to him, sobbing.

She turned to thank their savior

But the hooded figure was gone.

The murmurs of the villagers grew frantic. That's it. That's it for this village. We're doomed. Hoshimura will fall, just like Kaminosato did last year. We're finished.

Yoto rejoined his team.

Hataki's fury was palpable. "You idiot! What if someone saw you? If those men had ties to Genta, we'd be screwed!"

Ken countered, "Hataki, Yoto did the right thing. He didn't reveal himself, so there's no problem. Let's get back to the mission."

Hataki's eyes burned with frustration. "Even so! What if he got exposed? What if this puts Hayato in danger? The king might be using him we don't know what's going on!"

The tension thickened. Akemi, silent until now, stepped forward.

Without warning, she slapped Yoto.

The squad fell into stunned silence.