CHAPTER 35- The Weight of a Promise

Yoto hesitated, his voice heavy with uncertainty. "That man said, 'Die like your father did.' What happened to him? And where's your mother?"

Souta's smile faded, his expression darkening. "My mother died when I was a kid."

Yoto's heart sank. "And your father?"

Souta's eyes glistened with unshed tears. "My father... was killed by the village speaker."

A chill ran down Yoto's spine. His breath caught in his throat as Souta's words sank in. The village speaker—a murderer? His fingers clenched at his side.

Souta continued, his voice trembling. "My father tried to stand against the village speaker, but that man is a real monster. His strength is beyond human. He beat my father to death... but he—he..."

Souta broke down, sobbing, his tears falling freely. "That monster beheaded my father for opposing him."

Yoto's heart pounded in his chest, anger boiling inside him. He placed a hand gently on Souta's head. "Souta, go back to sleep," he said softly. Without another word, he turned and walked out of the house.

Souta, sensing something was wrong, called out with concern, "Yoto, where are you going?"

He stepped outside, searching for him, but Yoto had already vanished.

Meanwhile, hidden in the shadows, Hataki had been eavesdropping from a distance. A single tear slid down his right cheek, his fingers clenching into a fist.

As he turned to leave, a low voice cut through the silence. "Where are you going?" Kaito asked.

Hataki turned slightly, his face unreadable. "Nowhere. Just taking a stroll at night."

Kaito sighed, unconvinced. "Hataki, are you still feeling guilty about them?"

Hataki's response was stiff, almost hesitant. "What are you talking about, you idiot? I told you, I'm just taking a stroll in the moonlight."

Kaito's gaze hardened. "No, you're lying. Everything was fine until the kid started talking about his father being beheaded."

Hataki stopped walking. Kaito continued, his voice firm. "Hataki, it's not your fault that they are dead. If you want to blame someone, blame all of us."

Hataki exhaled sharply. "What are you saying, Kaito? It's too late. Just go back to sleep."

Kaito shook his head. "No, I'm not going anywhere until I know where you're going this late at night. Don't tell me… you're going to the village speaker's house."

Hataki's expression darkened. "If I don't go, this family will suffer."

Kaito sighed. "See? I knew you felt guilty." He placed a hand on Hataki's shoulder. "Hataki, it's not your fault that they are dead. And why would this family suffer? Explain it to me."

Hataki hesitated, his voice heavy with regret. "In the past, I ignored what was happening, and they died because of it. And now, this family—this woman—fed us, gave us shelter. If I ignore them too... what if the speaker comes back for her? And we're not here?"

Kaito tried to calm him. "Hataki, stay rational. You're imagining things. Things won't go wrong just because of a gut feeling. Sleep on it—everything will be fine."

Hataki's voice sharpened. "No, even if it is just my imagination, I can't leave this family in this situation. This nation is falling apart—taking women by force, killing anyone who resists. What the hell is happening? How did it all change in just one year?"

Kaito's tone grew serious. "Hataki, do you remember how many lives we've taken on our missions? Don't you think they had families too?"

Hataki's temper flared. "You're right. I killed people—but only those who threatened my people. If you're talking about our missions, I never once accepted one that required me to kill an innocent person."

Kaito smirked slightly. "Yeah, I remember that. And because of it, our monthly paycheck was barely enough for our team. Now that I think about it, that was your fault." His expression turned serious. ""If you can't bear looking at innocent people's suffering, You are a good person, But Hataki, tell me—why did you try stopping Yoto yesterday when he went to save that boy? Answer me."

Hataki looked away. "Didn't you listen to what I said? If any of the guards saw us, it could cause trouble—even for Hayato."

Kaito's voice turned sharp. "Hataki, don't lie to me. Tell me the real reason."

Hataki hesitated. He couldn't answer. Kaito pressed further. "Fine, if you won't say it, I will. You were afraid."

Hataki's eyes widened in surprise. "Fe… fear? Me?"

"Yes," Kaito said firmly. "You were afraid."

Hataki's voice became tense. "If you know that I was afraid, then tell me—why? Why was I afraid?"

Kaito locked eyes with him. "You were afraid of losing Yoto."

Hataki's breath hitched. His hands clenched into fists.

Kaito continued. "When you and Yoto fought Razor, he lost an arm in that battle. Thanks to our new ally, Nishi, it was regenerated. But seeing him like that—losing a limb in battle—you started doubting his strength. That's why you tried to stop him from saving the boy from the guards. Am I right, Hataki?"

Hataki remained silent for a long moment before finally speaking. "Yes… you're right. But it wasn't because of fear—it was because of a promise I made."

Kaito's expression softened. "Even if it was for a promise, you still doubted his strength after he lost his arm. But Hataki, Yoto is not as weak as you think. I saw it myself—Razor hesitated for a moment and dodged his punch during our battle in the Ice Nation. Yoto has become stronger.

Kaito continued, his tone firm. "Even if you doubt him, let me tell you something, Hataki. If there's a fight between someone powerful and Yoto, who do you think will die first?"

Hataki remained silent.

Kaito pressed on. "It's Yoto's opponent. Because he has a bad habit of not giving up—not even on himself. Even if he's bleeding, even if he can't move, he will find a way to stand back up. That's the kind of person Yoto is. And at the level he's reached now, He might even rival you in strength . Sure, he lacks speed, but he'll learn. And it's up to us to teach him."

Hataki didn't respond, deep in thought.

Kaito yawned. "That's all I wanted to say. Oh man, it's already midnight." He stretched, yawning again. "Talking this much is exhausting. I need some sleep. Good night, Hataki."

He turned and walked back to his room, leaving Hataki standing alone in the corridor.

Hataki let out a small chuckle, gazing at the moonlit night. "Idiot… just shut up and sleep already."

He looked up at the sky, his expression softening. "Thank you, my brother… Thank god you haven't changed."