Chapter 29 Part 2: Kuroyama Minamoto’s Past

  Four years before Kazuki’s false imprisonment, Kuroyama Minamoto had already erased his past and assumed a new identity—Kuroyama Endo.

  To ensure no one recognized him, he not only changed his last name but also altered his appearance. He grew out a beard, cut his long hair short, and styled it into a disciplined top knot, making him almost unrecognizable from his former self.

  His goal was simple but deadly: infiltrate the ranks of Shogun Tokugawa’s army and get close to him. But in order to do so, he had to suppress his bloodlust, masking himself as an ordinary soldier. Even the slightest hint of his true nature could arouse suspicion.

  In the barracks outside the castle walls, the sun had yet to rise, but the routine was strict. At exactly six in the morning, a loud bell rang, signaling the start of the day. Soldiers groaned as they stirred from their slumber, hurriedly dressing in their uniforms. The general, an aging but sharp-eyed man, walked in, his voice commanding the room.

  “Stand in formation! Attendance check begins now!”

  The soldiers scrambled into line, their boots thudding against the wooden floor. The general’s assistant, a young officer, unrolled a scroll and began calling names.

  “Harada Ichiro!”

  “Present!”

  “Takeda Kenji!”

  “Present!”

  The roll call continued, a steady rhythm of names and affirmations. Kuroyama Endo stood silently near the back, his eyes half-lidded, his breath controlled. Then, a familiar name caught his attention.

  “Kazuki!”

  “Present!”

  Kuroyama’s eyes flickered toward the man who responded. So this was Kazuki—the one recruited by Tokugawa himself. His rise from nothing to a soldier was broadcasted to all of Kyoto. His gaze lingered, studying him with mild curiosity.

  So this is the guy... the one Tokugawa handpicked himself? he thought, his expression unreadable. His parents abandoned him, yet here he is. Interesting...

  The roll call neared its end.

  “Kuroyama Endo!”

  “Present,” he replied calmly, his voice even and devoid of emotion.

  As the general dismissed the soldiers to begin their morning drills, Kuroyama stole one last glance at Kazuki.

  He might be useful… A perfect cover-up.

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  A sinister smirk crept onto his face as he turned away, already weaving the threads of his next move.

  Two Years Before Kazuki imprisonment,

  Inside Kyoto Castle, Shogun Tokugawa sat comfortably, watching over his newly promoted men. Both Kazuki and Kuroyama had passed their military exams with distinction, and today was the day of their formal promotion.

  “Kazuki,” the Shogun announced, his deep voice echoing through the chamber. “You are now an official guard of the Shogun.”

  Kazuki straightened up, bowing deeply. “It is an honor, my lord.”

  The Shogun then turned his gaze to Kuroyama. “You have also earned this title.”

  Kuroyama bowed but hesitated for a moment. “My lord, while I am honored, my skills are better suited elsewhere. If I may, I would like to serve as your chief advisor instead.” He bowed even lower, his forehead nearly touching the floor. “It would be greatly appreciated.”

  The room fell silent. The other advisors exchanged looks of displeasure, murmuring amongst themselves. One of them, an older man with a wiry beard, finally stepped forward.

  “My lord,” he began, his tone polite but firm. “This is highly unorthodox. He has only just completed his military training. Shouldn’t he start as a junior and learn from us before taking such a role?”

  Tokugawa stroked his beard, considering. Kazuki, standing nearby, suppressed a laugh. There’s no way he gets the job. Is Kuroyama even thinking straight? He can’t seriously—

  His thoughts were cut off as the Shogun suddenly chuckled. “Fresh blood, huh?” He leaned forward, a glint of interest in his eye. “I like it. Kuroyama, your request is granted.”

  Kazuki and the advisors all shouted in unison, “WHAT?!”

  Kuroyama, still bowing, hid his smirk. When he finally raised his head, his face was composed and serious. “Thank you, my lord.”

  Tokugawa nodded. “Now, as my main advisor, do you have any advice for me?”

  Kuroyama folded his hands behind his back. “Indeed, my lord. I have a few individuals I would like to recruit as palace guards. They will need lodging and provisions—perhaps a room or two, if possible.”

  Kazuki’s eyes widened in shock. Is this guy crazy?! He clenched his fists, recalling how Kuroyama had always pushed boundaries, arguing with generals and making impossible demands. There’s no way Tokugawa accepts this… right? Right?!

  The Shogun smiled. “Of course. Whatever you need.”

  Kazuki nearly choked. “WHAT?!” This time, he was alone in his outburst. All eyes turned toward him. Flustered, he quickly covered his mouth. “S-Sorry, my lord.”

  Kuroyama continued, unfazed. “These individuals are remnants of the Minamoto clan. They have no homes, no family, but they are battle-ready. They also have strong ties to deities. Surely, my lord, such warriors would be valuable assets to your reign?”

  Tokugawa tapped his fingers against the armrest of his chair. “An interesting proposition… However, the Minamoto clan has not been my greatest supporter. Would this not create tension?”

  Kuroyama stroked his chin in thought before answering. “An excellent observation, my lord. However, I assure you, these individuals are not aware of the history of Sekigahara. They hold no ill will toward your rule. In fact, they respect me for providing them with shelter when they had nowhere else to turn. They will be loyal—to me, and in turn, to you.”

  Tokugawa turned to Kazuki. “What do you think, Kazuki? Should I accept?”

  Kazuki gulped. “W-Why ask me, my lord?”

  The Shogun chuckled. “You have worked alongside him in the military. Your insight is valuable.”

  Kazuki hesitated. Every fiber of his being screamed No!—but when he looked at Kuroyama, he saw something unnerving. The man was sweating slightly, as if his entire plan rested on this moment. Kazuki swallowed hard. If he denied him, all of Kuroyama’s effort would go to waste.

  With a forced smile, Kazuki said, “Uh… Yes, my lord. You should accept his request.”

  Kuroyama’s smirk grew so large he had to hide it behind his hand as he bowed again. “Thank you, my lord.”

  Kazuki’s gut twisted. Something about this feels wrong…

  Tokugawa stood. “That settles it. Now, begone—I will take my evening tea in the garden.”

  Both Kazuki and Kuroyama bowed deeply. As they left, Kazuki noticed Kuroyama suddenly veer off in a different direction.

  Kazuki narrowed his eyes. Something is definitely off…