Kanashi explained to everyone present the contents of Akatoras memory and what Susanori Kobe had said. Of course he didn’t say anything talk about the other [Memories] he bore witness to, those [Memories] which still seemed to cling to his brain trying to not be ripped away and lost in the void. Though thankfully it seemed as if they were not permanent as he’d already begun to forget them, their faintest presence tickling the back of his mind like a dream he wanted to remember but couldn't.

  Once he was finished talking and everyone began to mutter between themselves processing the information Kanashi walked over to Beniise.

  “Are you feeling alright Kanashi?” Beniise asked, extending his which could clutch a basketball like one would a baseball.

  “Yeah, I think I’ve gotten a grasp of myself once more… I know you said you didn’t know much about the person who you got the spell from but I have to ask. Do you have any idea how they are able to use it without losing their mind?” Asked Kanashi.

  “...” Beniises face seemed to stiffen and his eyes flashed various thoughts as he tried to come up with an answer. “From what I remember I saw an old man being harassed by some Yamaguchi Yakuza on our turf. So I stepped in and fought them off, in return he gave me that scroll with a brief explanation and walked away. In hindsight I now know a bit more, that he’s called the [One Eye] and is one of the best clairvoyant magic users in the world. Running into him was just a random chance occurrence but it looks like fate really lined things up for us now.” He said. “At least that’s how my father explained it.” He added with a wry smile.

  “Maybe he foresaw it with his [One Eye]?” Joked Kanashi. From his understanding it was possible for a Clairvoyant magic user to be able to predict the future or certain events. Perhaps at a certain level of power you’re able to follow those threads of fate far off into the distance. But if that was the case the reason for [One Eye] helping them was probably something they couldn’t understand. Maybe a butterfly effect, that single action perhaps not mattering until ten years in the future. Or it could have just been an odd chance encounter. Not everything has to be destined to be after all. He thought.

  “Kanashi, do you know the theory of Clairvoyant Magic?” Asked Beniise.

  “No… not really. I just know how it works and what it does .”

  “I only know a bit about it from what I’ve heard from others but the basic theory is that somewhere in the universe's deepest [Abyss] there’s a massive [Archive] or [Library] of all information. And Clairvoyants are just tapping into that to use their magic. Maybe that’s how his spell works, you were reading my fathers [Book] of [Memories]. Maybe for someone with no Clairvoyant abilities like you it’s too much information while for someone like the [One Eye] they're naturally resilient to its effects?”

  “Hm, that's a cool theory. I guess it’s not too related but I do know of something similar in Saharan Mythology. There's the [Library Of Life] which contains the [Books of the Dead] and the [Books of the Living]. The book of the dead tells you the life of a dead person while the book of the living tells you of someone currently living or destined to live. But that domain belongs to the god of Judgement Annubis alone in Saharis mythology. Maybe your theory is based on that concept?”

  “...” Beniise's face strained at this and he shrugged his shoulders, clearly not one too knowledgeable on the history or culture of foreign nations.

  “Never mind, it’s probably just me trying to tie together loose strings…” Muttered Kanashi.

  “Are you two done flirting?” Called out a deep and rough voice, that of Ohi Yoshin, one of Akatora’s Joushin elite four and a man Kanashi had not the greatest of experiences conversing with.

  “Sorry, we were waiting for everyone to finish collecting their thoughts.” Said Beniise walking back the small group which was huddled in the center of the office.

  “You don’t have to apologize, Beniise, Ohi is just being a dick.” Growled Akatora punching his underling in the arm.

  “Ow dammit! I’m just playing around!” Yelped Yoshin, rubbing his now sore arm.

  Taking his place standing next to Kenji, Kanashi joined the discussion. Akatora taking his own place next to his father.

  The first to speak was Sekihara who raised his hand. “Akatora, can you talk with us about what Kobe said or are you still bound by contract?” He asked.

  “To be safe I’m going to keep my mouth shut on the actual discussion I had with Kobe. However I’m still able to participate in what our counter measures are.” Akatrora explained.

  With that Sekihara nodded and looked to Kanashi who frowned meekly at the expecting glance.

  “What’re you looking at me for…” He muttered.

  “Because you have connections to the Venator Society and the Hojo don’t you?” Sekihara answered.

  “Well, that’s true but I don’t remember telling you the 2nd part…” Kanashi grumbled looking at Akatora who kept a straight face. “Well if you really want to know my opinion then I think it’s safe to go as planned right? I mean this is between the Toumeikan and you guys. I’ll do my part and you do yours I guess.”

  “I agree.” Yoshin said, puffing out his chest. “We've Always been able to do these things ourselves, looking to some newbie for advice is a shame on our pride as men!”

  “But it’s a fair question, I doubt Sekihara meant to ask Kanashi what we should do but rather how we should work together. Am I correct?” Bennise asked, looking at Sekihara who nodded in confirmation.

  “If Kobe is really intending to make the Venator Society look like villains during this invasion it’s up to us to find a way to prevent that without exposing ourselves.” Continued Beniise. “Kanashi is correct that we do our part and he does his but the issue lies in how we make those two parts blend together now that Kobe has seized the government. For all we know he can begin a smear campaign tomorrow morning about how the Toumeikan repelled the Orochi Kingdoms invasion themselves. Not to mention that Kanashi is a perfect scapegoat for the Venator Society's black washing. In a worst case scenario this might even mean painting the Venator Society as vultures trying to pick up the broken pieces of Edoland and force them inside the cracks.”

  “...” Kanashi swallowed that idea down harshly, his image becoming the symbol of an evil invasion, not one too pleasant.

  “Then why don’t we make the first move?” Kenji asked, interrupting the silent thoughts of the group.

  “?”

  “If we let them put up their defense first then it will seem like an attack, but if we make the first move and they fail to defend then it’ll be a liberation.” Kenji shrugged.

  Though Kenji's explanation was rough, everyone at the meeting got the basic understanding of his intended plan.

  If the Toumeikan or Kobe to be specific managed to create a smear campaign against the Venator Society before the invasion occurred then they could gather the support of those who believed it to be an invasion of conquest rather than liberation. With that backing no matter the truth of the matter the Venator Society would appear as villains and have the chance of an overall failure turn from small to decently sized.

  But if Venator Society was to strike first they’d have the greater chance to peel the tumor that the Toumeikan was off the country's government before the propaganda had the chance to spread. Making the invasion look like the liberation it was.

  Good job Kenji. Kanashi nodded to the swordsman who nodded in return, understanding the praise.

  “But there’s still an issue with that.” Said Akatora.

  “...’

  “The issue being… we don’t know when the time to act is…” Beniise muttered to his father who winked.

  “The invasion is supposed to be on August 1st, which is three days from now…”

  “But Kobe doesn’t know that, meaning he might not think to launch the campaign before that. But at the same time he might launch it tomorrow morning.” Said Sekihara scratching the large kaiju tattoo on his cheek.

  “So it all comes down to luck.” Kanashi finished ruffling his own overgrown brown hair. “But since Kobe talked to you directly Akatora then there's a chance he’s planning on moving sooner rather than later. Though there’s also the benefit of him trusting you enough to maybe tell you when he presses the red button?”

  “That’s… I’m not sure if I’ll be able to tell you directly if and when the time comes.” Grumbled Akatora, his own lips curved into a self deprecating scowl.

  “No, I doubt Kobe will.” interrupted Kanashi, raising his black arm high. “Though Kobe said he trusts Akatora I think it was apparent that he doesn’t actually trust him. I can't go off much but what I can say based on what I saw was that Kobe views Akatora as less of an employee and more of an object. The worst kinda guy. But that’s only a hunch of course. So I don’t think Kobe will tell Akatora anything unless he needs him to do the dirty work.”

  “So we have to base our plan around your assumption?” Ohi Yoshin huffed, crossing his arms.

  “Well have you met Kobe?” Asked Kanashi, his eyes sharpening as he looked towards Ohi.

  “No…” Ohi answered his eyes, avoiding Kanashis.

  “Then please don’t disregard my opinion, because next to Akatora it’s the best we’ve got.”

  The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

  “Kanashi is right.” Akatora clapped, preventing the verbal scuffle from turning into a full blown argument. “I’ve met Kobe twice and I can say with certainty that Kanashis assumption is correct. To Kobe we’re all just objects, parts on a board for him to shift around and throw away whenever his bald ass wants to.”

  “So the chance of him telling us what to do is zero to none then huh? What a bummer.” Sekihara muttered looking down at the floor.

  “No, I don’t think that's exactly correct actually.” Beniise said, everyone turning to look at him. “I think there’s still a way to find out what Kobes plans are.”

  “And how would we do that?” Asked Kanashi.

  “We need to give him the idea first.”

  “!”

  Everyone's expression seemed to change, some smiled at the idea while others scowled, what Beniise offered was truly a dangerous game but with certainty they’d be able to assess what Kobes plans were. The issue being if their suggestion caused him to move first.

  “If we give him the idea and then try to tell him when we plan to execute it ourselves he might just go along with it. Then all we need to do is put the date after the 1st of August!” Beniise explained his voice getting slightly higher pitched the more excited he became.

  “No, that’s too dangerous.” Sighed Akatora. “First of all finding him alone is near impossible, he said he’ll find me when he needs me to do something so we have no way to contact him. Also if we do give him the plan and he’s not thought of it already there’s a chance he might just put it into motion immediately.”

  “I agree.” Kanashi said, raising his hand once more. “It’s a good idea but I also think Kobe is too unpredictable.”

  “So then what the hell are we supposed to do!?” Ohi shouted, his eyes narrowed.

  “Shut it.” Kenji barked, staring at Ohi with narrowed eyes. “I’m sick of you.”

  “Huh? Who do you think you are speaking to me like that punk? You’re even newer than he is!” Ohi yelled, pointing to Kanashi.

  “Stop!” Roared Akatora slamming his foot down, only Kenji and Beniise didn’t tremble at the gesture, everyone else shaking as they felt their bones rattle. “This isn’t getting us anywhere, so we’re going to go with Kanashis plan.”

  “Mine?!” Kanashi asked, pointing to himself.

  “Yes, I thought it wasn’t much of a plan in the first place. After we’ve talked about all of our options it’s become clear how we can’t do much but wait. When the time comes for Kobe to make his move we’ll meet again. For now it’s good enough that everyone knows the current state of things.”

  Everyone seemed to frown at Akatora's assessment but knew it was true. There was no real way to do anything here, as long as Kobe was hidden and unable to be contacted they were fighting an uphill battle against a shadow.

  “It’s getting late, so we’ll end this here. Sleep on it and maybe one of you can come up with a new idea. But for now we’re wasting time.” Aaktora finished try to slick his hair back once more to no avail.

  “Alright.” Everyone nodded at Akatoras finishing statement and in a single file left the room, that is except for Kanashi who Akatora called out for.

  “What’s up?” Kanashi asked, his hand trembling from nerves, hopefully Akatoras anger of the memories fiasco hadn’t resurfaced.

  “I wanted to apologize for everything, I’ve been treating you unfairly, but I think you've proven yourself to be more useful than I’d originally assumed.” Said Akatora.

  “Oh… thanks for the… compliment?” Kanashi asked, his brow furrowed. For a compliment it was rather rude.

  “Saying that it also means I expect more from you. I’m assuming you took care of the Soutou situation with the Hojo today?”

  “...” Kanashi tried to hide his shock at his actions being revealed so easily but calmed down when he saw Akatora wasn’t angry with him.

  “I’ll take that as a yes, you didn’t hide your intentions very well either. Next time don’t ask me where their estate is, just find it yourself.”

  “Yeah… I kinda see how that was a dead give away…”

  “If you really have finished that situation then I’m right to put more faith into you. But with this faith comes a greater sense of responsibility too. Our entire plan, life and death rests on your shoulders. Make the Venator Society join us.” Akatoras tone dropped drastically at the last part of his sentence, more like a gravelly whisper than his normal confident booming voice.

  Feeling the weight on his shoulders and soul increase, Kanashi tried to hide his anxiety with a smile and thumbs up. “I got it.” He muttered out with a creased forehead.

  “Then I’ll be waiting for an update.” Akatora said with a light smile and placing his large heavy hand onto Kanashi's shoulder.

  # # #

  “Blegh!” Kanashi gagged in the bathroom toilet though nothing came out. His stomach cramped and hands were bone white.

  With a moan he raised up to his feet and stared at himself in the mirror, his lips blue and sweat dripping off his chin he’d become ill once he returned to his room. The realization of needing to contact both the Hojo and Nordon settling in.

  “It’s fine, I’m fine. I got this.’ He muttered. In movies when one has a panic attack they normally try to splash themselves off with cold water, but that was the last thing you’d want to do as it only increases your heart rate and anxiety.

  “Like Akatora said, I'm doing great so far. I’ve gotten the hard parts down, this is the easy stuff. The falling action before the climax. It’s not a big deal I’m just gonna call them both and let it be over with. I’ll start with Hojo Mitou. That’s a guaranteed success, so then I can call Nordon tomorrow. Yeah Tomorrow. Actually, why don’t I just call Mitou tomorrow too? I mean I’ve worked hard enough today right? I should be able to let myself relax and-”

  Cutting himself off, Kanashi looked at his reflection in the mirror once more. Focusing intensely on his crooked face he felt pure disgust, the urge to strangle his own reflection coming to mind. Who he saw was the person he hated the most, the single person he could kill without hesitation, the only person who he truly loathed from the bottom of his heart and the entirety of his soul. He saw the man he hated the most, himself.

  “No…I need to do it now.” He said, straightening his face. “Pushing it off doesn’t just hurt me but everyone else too. And even then… if I can’t do this to help myself how can I rely on myself to help others? I need to do this, At Least for myself.” Staring intently at his own reflections he focused on his eyes. Like the calm tide on a crystal clear blue lake he tried to search for someone deep within himself.

  To find the Kanashi Saurmalder which Akatora had trusted, the one which Kenji pledged his loyalty to. The one who had managed to get himself this far, he tried to find the best version of himself in that calm crystal blue water. But he only saw himself, there was no different Kanashi, no alternate personality he could call upon to save him from even this small seemingly minor obstacle.

  He only had himself to use as support.

  “If I push it off I’ll only hate myself more for being a coward… that same coward who got himself into this mess in the first place. If I can’t even make this single small step then what the hell has been the point of trying to right my wrongs?”

  His face slightly returning to its original shade he felt his heart beat slow down. Though his body was still uncomfortably warm and his hand trembled. But even though those minor nerves still attacked his body he’d managed to break his face through the depths which he’d been pulling himself down into.

  If I put it off anymore, then I’ll just never be able to do it.

  # # #

  The phone rang, a ringing like that of a cicada in the warm summer air, an annoying high pitched chirp which made you wish to burn your nearest forest down so as to no longer be cursed by that awful sound.

  Reaching her thin and wrinkled hand out, Hojo Mitou grasped the green phone handle and plucked it from the wall, the long cream coiled cord stretching as she did so.

  “Hello?” She asked, wetting her thin pink lips.

  “I did it.”

  The voice which came through the phone sounded like a mix of a gasp for air and the grunt of something choking on a frog.

  “Excuse me?” She asked, raising her brow.

  “I said I did it, Soutou Raizen will step down as soon as tomorrow morning.”

  Her heart beat seemed to pause and her peripheral vision spun around in a spiral as her blood boiled to the point it felt like it would melt her body from the inside. “Sarumalder?” She asked.

  “Who else would it be?” The voice barked back, though not a yell it was clearly also not a voice of someone eager to talk with her.

  “You forced Soutou Raizen to step down and surrender his title to Sosuke as the next clan head? You did so today and the effects will take hold tomorrow with no chance of failure!?” Mitou rattled off, not pausing for a breath.

  “Isn’t that what I just said? I mean maybe not that whole thing but obviously that’s what I meant.” The voice said over the phone with a mutter under its breath afterwards.

  “Hehehehehehe.” The laughter which escaped Mitous old turkey-like throat was dry and low. Like the whispering cackle of a witch.

  “Anyways, the deals done right? I did my part, you do yours.”

  “Of course I'd be happy to oblige and fulfill our agreement.”

  An audible sigh of relief came through over the phone, one which Mitou grinned at hearing.

  “But only after the Soutou clan head title has been officially transferred is that fine with you?”

  “...”

  “I think it’s only fair as we can’t simply just go off your word alone.” Mitou reasoned, her tone patronizing.

  “Alright, alright I get it. But tomorrow by the latest and no tricks or anything alright?”

  “On my title of the current Hojo Clan head I swear that no tricks or schemes are being pulled on you Kanashi frome me Kanashi.”

  “I don’t like the way you said my name there, seemed kinda gross so please refrain from doing so in the future.”

  Mitou growed at the harsh comment but let a loose breath escape her lips, “I do hope we can amend our relationship within our future business. It only seems as though you have quite the disdain for me.”

  “Hmm, nope I don’t really plan on amending anything, you can keep being you and I can keep being me until we're both dead. Never seeing each other again after this whole mess is done. I think it’s a fair trade isn’t it?”

  “Hmph, how cruel of you to taunt your many remaining years before someone elderly like myself…” Frowned Mitou.

  “Well that wasn’t my intention but I won’t apologize for it coming off that way either, in fact I kinda like that it hurt your feelings.”

  “You truly do hate me don’t you?” Mitou asked.

  “From the bottom of my heart, I do indeed despise you.”

  With that the signal was cut with the sound of a thump, Kanashi having hung up on the Hojo clan's head.

  “To even go as far as to hang up on me.. What a little brat.” Grumbled Mitou, picking at her fingernails. “Now the issue is whether we can uphold our half of the deal.” She sighed with a crooked smile of her own. Both self deprecation and outward malice present within it.

  Honestly Kanashis mental issues are really hard for me to depict, not out of a lack of experience but because for me those mental issues are something I deal with everyday. How do you explain how to breathe without it sounding redundant? How would you explain to a lungless fish the feeling of oxygen filling your lungs? It’s hard and I don’t want to make it sound forced. But at the same time I can’t really explain the feelings well.

  The best way to put it is that you hate yourself, you really do. You think of everything horrible you’ve ever done and all the people you’ve let down. All the failures you’ve caused and want to crawl into a ball and disappear. All those feelings become so real it’s like they’ve been chained across your body and are forcing you down to the ground. But that kind of explanation has no real impact when being read. I want to make it feel like you’re also experiencing the same issue. But again it’s hard to describe how to breathe air to a fish.