Master

Kagehisa Toyotomi’s eyes narrowed, his voice cold and sharp:

"What if I have been? You know the law—if Shimizu somehow defeats you, the Dual Swords will recognize him as their wielder. And don’t forget, I taught you how to harness your magic properly. So don’t ever question that again."

Yamiko inclined her head respectfully but kept her tone steady:

"Pardon me, Master. Where is Sentaro now? Is he still keeping watch over the Hiragi clan?"

Kagehisa’s expression hardened as he replied:

"Yes. The Hiragis are attempting to create a potion to defeat the Demon King. They lack enough fighters, so I sent Sentaro to support them—should things take a turn for the worse."

Yamiko’s voice was calm but filled with concern:

"Yes, I know. Sentaro is strong. But the magical potion is dangerous. If the Hiragi clan fails, a demon might be born. I just hope it doesn’t come to that. Master, may I have your permission to go to Wisdom Castle? I need some answers."

Kagehisa’s expression hardened, his tone sharp and unyielding:

"You are not permitted to go there—no matter how hard you try."

Yamiko bowed her head slightly, determination shining in her eyes:

"I understand, but I need to find the truth."

Kagehisa’s voice dropped to a warning, laced with menace:

"I just hope your curiosity doesn’t kill you. You know 'she' lives there, and she will never answer your questions. Instead, she will kill you. And Yamiko, your current—and only—job is to keep an eye on Shizuka."

---

The scene shifts to SHIMIZU and Shizuka sitting quietly under the morning sun, a steaming pot of tea between them.

SHIMIZU: "Does the curse mark still burn?"

Shizuka took a slow sip of her tea before answering.

SHIZUKA: "Not anymore. Yamiko-chan sealed it permanently. I trust her. Even the captain of our squad says Yamiko’s magic is so incredible that she c—"

SHIMIZU (cutting her off sharply): "Let’s not talk about that. She’s our cousin, Shizuka. Try not to weigh her down."

Shizuka looked away, slightly embarrassed. There was admiration in her voice, but SHIMIZU's words struck with a protective edge.

The truth of their family ran deep. Shizuka and SHIMIZU’s mother, Ayaka, was the older twin. Yamiko’s mother, Sayuki, was the younger.

Yamiko herself had an older brother, a formidable presence few spoke of aloud. He is 21 now. His name remained unspoken between them, but his shadow lingered across their story.

Just then, footsteps returned across the stone walkway.

YAMIKO (calm and composed): “I’m back.”

Her gaze locked onto SHIMIZU’s.

YAMIKO: “So? Did you get stronger while I was gone? You’ll have to, if you ever plan to take the Dual Blades from me.”

There was no arrogance in her tone—just a challenge. A reminder that strength wasn’t given. It was earned.

YAMIKO crossed her arms, a teasing smirk tugging at her lips.

YAMIKO: "Honestly, I think even Shizuka might be stronger than you right now, Shimizu. So why not spar with her? What do you say?"

SHIMIZU blinked in surprise.

SHIMIZU: "Wait—what? But… what if she gets hurt?"

YAMIKO: "Then I’ll heal her with my magic. Don’t worry. And Shizuka, you’ll find out just how far you’ve come. You’ll both use your Imperial Arms."

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