The Drake Blood Tales

As the group made their way closer to the Yarinaga region, Fallion couldn't help but notice how many of the villages they passed were barren and empty. The silence was haunting, the once-thriving settlements now desolate reminders of past conflicts.

The kunoichi broke the silence, her voice soft but tinged with sadness. "When the civil wars broke out many years ago, the villages remained untouched. The Paladins of the Order of the Spear of Justice were there to protect them. They kept things safe, unaffected by the chaos of war."

"But after their fall, barely surviving the destruction a few years ago, everything unraveled quickly. Without them, these places were left defenseless," she continued, shaking her head.

"What were you even fighting against back then? Doesn't sound like your usual kind of battle," the kunoichi asked, glancing at Dofan.

Dofan frowned, his expression heavy. "Those battles in Arnis… they weren't against cultists. It was something worse."

"How could that be?" Fallion asked, curious but uneasy.

"I've heard strange rumors," Dofan replied. "But after what happened at Qa'stur, it's clear we underestimated the threat. In theory, those monsters are also the reason the paladins managed to survive for as long as they did."

"Pardon?" Samhain raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued.

Dofan nodded gravely. "The Rift Occult Imperator Knights. They're not exactly allies of the cultists. In fact, the man you spoke with—their supposed leader—has been actively clearing out cultist forces. As for why they attacked the paladins, or why their leader seems interested in Fallion, we still don't know.

"It's no secret that they're powerful. But they're not typically aggressive, which allowed the paladins to focus on rebuilding and fighting the cultists. At least, that was the case until Qa'stur."

The kunoichi turned to him. "Wait, you're a paladin, aren't you?"

Dofan hesitated before responding, his voice low. "No… not anymore. After the battle at Qa'stur, my entire chapel was wiped out. I was the sole survivor—thanks to Katherine, who saved me. But even then, I couldn't continue. The current Grand Master offered me a position in a different chapel, but I didn't feel worthy of the title anymore.

"Now, I'm just Dofan. I still help people wherever I can, but not as a paladin."

"It must've been terrifying," the kunoichi said quietly. "Seeing over 50,000 people die in a single day."

Dofan's gaze dropped to the ground. "It wasn't the death toll that broke me. It was the realization that I was always too weak to protect others. In the end, I was the one being protected. That's not what a Forgiven Shield Paladin is supposed to be."

Gaz'mirna stepped forward, her tone sharp but reassuring. "You underestimate yourself, Dofan."

"What?" He looked at her, surprised.

"You're not weak," Gaz'mirna continued. "You're not overwhelmingly powerful, sure. But you've done incredibly well. If we were gladiators, you'd be the one everyone wanted as their partner. Back in Omashu, your reflexes saved both me and Samhain when you banished that shadow fiend. You've earned your place, whether you believe it or not."

Dofan let out a dry chuckle before breaking into a hearty laugh. "Hahaha, yeah, I'm weak. But I never said I wasn't great."

The group joined in his laughter, lightening the heavy mood.

Dofan's tone turned serious again as he added, "But you're right, Gaz'mirna. After some time to think, I've come to believe that helping each other is what gives us a real chance at success. Alone, we falter. Together, we stand stronger."

The party soon arrived at a small castle nestled on the horizon, its worn walls standing as a quiet witness to the battles of the past.

As the group approached the Yarinaga territory, they were immediately intercepted by samurai guards.

"By the order of Lord Yarinaga, stop! State your business," one of the samurai commanded, his spear pointed toward the group.

The kunoichi stepped forward, holding out a badge. "It's me. I'm delivering Lady Miko's final request."

The samurai's face shifted with confusion and worry. "What… but where is Lady Miko?"

Fallion stepped forward, his voice heavy. "We were ambushed by the Rift Occult Imperator Knights. She didn't make it."

The tension escalated as one of the samurai leveled his spear directly at the kunoichi. "And yet you dare to show your face here!"

The kunoichi remained calm, her voice devoid of fear. "I am no samurai, so I don't carry a tanto to commit your people's seppuku. I was the last survivor of the ambush. Before her death, Lady Miko entrusted me to deliver these people to help your cause."

The guards examined Fallion and his companions, their suspicion growing. "Wait… you're the Crow?" one of them asked, narrowing his eyes.

Fallion shook his head. "No, I'm his brother. I'm here to help."

The samurai whispered among themselves. "The Crow has a sibling? A twin? And he wants to help us?"

"It feels suspicious, doesn't it?" another muttered. "But if he's genuine, we could avoid unnecessary bloodshed and preserve our troops for the fight against Utakata."

Before they could deliberate further, a tall figure approached, his voice booming with authority. "WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS?"

The guards immediately stiffened and formed a line, saluting the imposing man. One of them stepped forward to explain the situation, introducing him as one of Yarinaga's generals.

The general scowled. "You fools! If you had doubts, you should have disarmed them and interrogated them immediately. And if they're Lady Miko's guests, take them to Lord Yarinaga without delay."

"Yes, General!" the guards barked in unison.

After confiscating their weapons, the guards informed the group that the kunoichi would be taken to meet the Shinobi Grand Master.

"Hey, will she be alright?" Farid asked, concern evident in his voice.

"I don't know," Dofan replied grimly. "It all depends on how this plays out."

Shortly after, the guards announced, "You will meet Lord Yarinaga. Mind your manners, strangers."

The group followed the guards through the castle gates, where over a hundred armored samurai stood silently, their piercing gazes watching every move. Inside the castle, two bodyguards greeted them.

"Welcome, guests. Please, take a seat. Lord Yarinaga will meet you shortly," one of the bodyguards said, gesturing toward a small seating area.

Moments later, a massive figure entered the room—a man towering at 2.2 meters, his presence commanding respect. He seated himself with an air of authority.

"Greetings, guests from afar. You may or may not know me. I am Lord Kouga Yarinaga, master of the Yarinaga clan and ruler of Kashima," he said, his deep voice resonating through the hall.

The party bowed their heads in respect before Fallion stepped forward. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Fallion Drake Blood of Whiteford, and these are my companions." He proceeded to introduce each member of the group.

Lord Yarinaga nodded thoughtfully. "I see. If you are here, I assume Lady Miko has already briefed you on our situation?"

The group exchanged glances before Fallion responded, "Yes, Lord Yarinaga. As I understand, the mercenary known as the Crow has been conducting operations that, while not directly opposing you, have inadvertently benefited your adversaries."

Yarinaga's expression darkened as he nodded. "Correct. I hold no personal grudge against the Crow, but his actions have strengthened Utakata, a power we cannot afford to face at full strength. Our numbers have dwindled in recent weeks, especially after the incident at Arnis. Attempts to persuade him failed, and his actions have cost us dearly."

Fallion hesitated before asking, "Then, if I may, why did you go to such lengths to have someone close to the Crow—his own brother, no less—persuade him? Why not simply eliminate him?"

The room fell silent, the boldness of the question shocking both the guards and Fallion's companions. However, the intent was clear: Fallion sought to understand Yarinaga's motives fully.

Yarinaga let out a hearty laugh. "Hahaha, an excellent question, young lord. As I said, I bear no grudge against the Crow. As long as he does not actively aid Utakata, I have no reason to seek his death. Furthermore, attacking the mercenary guild directly would only create unnecessary enemies for us. My focus is solely on defeating Utakata."

Fallion nodded, his respect for Yarinaga growing. He paused, then asked, "May I ask one more thing?"

"Go ahead," Yarinaga said.

"The kunoichi who accompanied us—will she be executed?"

Yarinaga's lips curled into a smile. "Me? No. But the Shinobi have their own iron code. Her master is not as generous as I am." He paused, then added, "However, if you wish to claim her, I can grant her to you as a token of our alliance."

Fallion thought for a moment before nodding. "Yes. Having someone familiar with the terrain and adept at scouting would be invaluable to our mission."

Yarinaga gestured for his bodyguards. "Fetch the kunoichi."

After a tense wait, the kunoichi was brought into the room.

Yarinaga addressed her coldly. "You failed me by allowing Miko's death. I have no further use for you. From now on, you will serve Lord Fallion Drake Blood as his property."

The kunoichi prostrated herself first before Yarinaga, then before Fallion. "My life is yours now, Lord Fallion Drake Blood."

Yarinaga stood, his towering figure casting a shadow over the room. "If there is nothing else, I pray for your success, Lord Fallion. Your efforts may avert unnecessary bloodshed. As for the kunoichi, use her as you see fit."

The group departed the castle, their weapons returned to them as they stepped back into the harsh sunlight of Kashima.

"Wow, that went smoother than I expected," said Samhain.

"I was sure Lord Yarinaga would be more hot-headed, but I stand corrected," added Gaz'mirna.

"Let's not dwell on it. For now, let's find a place to rest and go over the mission," said Fallion, taking charge.

The kunoichi led them to a nearby inn. As they entered, she turned to Fallion with a sly smile. "Ah, yes, my lord. I am officially yours. Whatever you desire of me, even if it is to be your concubine, I will obey as it is your order."

Fallion's face turned crimson as he stammered, "We... well, let's, um, discuss that later. For now, we need to focus on getting my brother back."

Samhain smirked, leaning toward Dofan. "He didn't outright reject the idea. He's definitely thinking about making her his concubine."

Dofan chuckled. "Yeah, I guess puberty's hit him hard. At this rate, I'd bet on seeing another two or three Drake Bloods in the next five years. Not to mention Tasha."

Fallion cut in, clearly flustered. "Hey, hey, can we stay focused? The plan is to deal with Fordragon, get my brother back, and then—"

"—start a family with Miss Kunoichi," Gaz'mirna interjected with a grin.

"Start a family with—" Fallion stopped himself, realizing too late he'd almost echoed the words. "Hey, I said we're getting my idiot brother first! That's all!" he shouted.

The kunoichi smiled faintly, mumbling to herself, "Well, this will certainly be a colorful journey."

Once they reached the inn, the group rented a large suite with a meeting room. As everyone settled in, Fallion gathered them around.

"I know we're all tired, but before we rest, I want to properly introduce our newest companion to the Drake Blood family," he said, gesturing toward the kunoichi. "But first... this might be a good time to ask—what's your actual name?"

The kunoichi hesitated before answering, "Unfortunately, I don't have one. They've always called me Kunoichi 27. It's just my designated number."

"Not even a real name?" asked Samhain, clearly shocked.

"No," she replied with a somber tone. "Even before joining the Yarinaga clan, we were stripped of our names as children. By the age of five, our parents were forbidden to call us by our real names or even tell anyone else. We were just... tools."

"That's... horrifying. Even daemon gladiators don't face that level of cruelty," said Gaz'mirna, shaking her head.

"I've always envied people with names, especially those given by their parents. Even more so, I envy the time they've had to bond with their families," she said, a wistful look in her eyes. "But this is my fate. And honestly, it's not all bad—I'm in good company now."

"Hm..." Dofan muttered under his breath, his expression troubled.

"Hey, buddy, if something's bothering you, just share it with us," said Samhain.

"Yeah, Samhain's right. Don't bottle it up," added Farid.

"Uncle..." Fallion looked at Dofan with concern. "Is something wrong?"

Dofan sighed deeply. "It's nothing. It's just... the longer this journey goes on, the more I feel torn apart from what I used to believe."

He shook his head. "Don't worry about me. I'm fine," he said, retreating to his room.

The kunoichi watched him leave, her expression unreadable.

After a moment of silence, Fallion spoke up, turning back to the group. "How about we give you a name?" he suggested to the kunoichi.

Her eyes widened in surprise. "Re... really? I wouldn't object, but I'd like it to feel somewhat connected to my origins."

"Do you have any preferences? Maybe something to give us an idea," asked Samhain.

"Well," she began, "I've always liked names tied to my homeland—something like Chen Sen or Lin Shi. But as I said, I'm happy with whatever you decide."

After some brainstorming and discussion with Farid, Gaz'mirna, and Samhain, Fallion made his decision. He turned to her with a smile.

"Farewell to Kunoichi 27. Welcome to the Drake Blood family... Yanmei."

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