In the Laybirth Kingdom
Kaji pushed open the doors of the Golden Palace, and the entire team froze in awe. The sight before them was breathtaking.
The walls were lined with shimmering golden patterns and enormous painting depicting the past king Peter. Chandeliers dangled from the ceiling, glowing like captured starlight. Gleaming marble floors reflected their footsteps, while twin staircases spiraled upward in perfect symmetry. Countless hallways branched off, leading to rooms too many to count. The palace wasn't just luxurious—it was overwhelming.
Kaji's eyes lit up like a child's.
"This… this is so cool."
"I know, right?" Shun added, his voice brimming with excitement.
"Let's not lose our heads," Kenshiro reminded them, his tone calm and grounded, though even he couldn't hide the flicker of awe in his eyes.
Kaji quickly recomposed himself. He straightened his back, brushing imaginary dust off his shoulders, and strode forward like a commander.
"Alright, everyone—follow my lead."
They all nodded, forming a tight line behind him. But suddenly, Kaji threw out an arm, halting the group.
"Stop."
Shun leaned closer, whispering nervously.
"What is it? What happened?"
"Come here. Look—past this wall." Kaji kept his voice low.
One by one, they crept forward in silence, careful not to make the faintest sound. When they peered around the corner, their eyes widened.
Beyond the wall stretched an enormous living room, almost like something from a different world. A gigantic crystal screen stood mounted at the far end. Lavish couches lined the room, sitting atop an intricate carpet that stretched across the entire floor. The air was thick with the aroma of food, for behind the couches and through the archway was a bustling kitchen. Chefs worked tirelessly, while two armored guards stood watch with spears in hand.
Rei furrowed her brows.
"How do we get past all that… to the staircase without being caught?"
Kaji's lips curved into a sly grin.
"Simple. We teleport."
Rei blinked. "Wait—you can teleport all of us?"
"Duh." Kaji smirked.
Kenshiro stepped forward, shaking his head.
"No need. Take Rei and Goro with you. I'll handle Shun."
Kaji raised a brow. "You even know how to teleport?"
"Of course I do. My family are assassins. This is second nature."
Kaji shrugged. "Alright. Rei, Goro—hands on my back."
"Okay," they whispered in unison.
In a flash of light, the three of them disappeared. When they reappeared, they were at the base of the massive staircase.
"Wha—! You actually teleported us!" Rei gasped.
"You've gotta teach us how to do that," Goro added, almost bouncing with excitement.
"Nah," Kaji chuckled. "Figure it out yourselves."
Meanwhile, Kenshiro gestured for Shun.
"Touch my shoulder."
"Got you."
The moment Shun placed his hand on Kenshiro, their figures blinked out of sight, reappearing on the other side of the staircase.
Kaji smirked. "Didn't think you could pull it off."
Kenshiro smirked back. "C'mon, I'm not new at this."
They began their climb. The stone staircase stretched high, each step echoing faintly in the silent palace. But as they ascended, the pressure in the air grew heavier. By the time they reached the top, it was clear why—their path ended at a colossal golden door, guarded fiercely. Two soldiers stood directly in front of it, spears crossed. Along the flanking walls, six more guards watched with piercing eyes. This wasn't an entrance meant for just anyone.
Kenshiro's voice was low. "So… what's the plan?"
"We can't avoid this," Kaji replied, straightening his back.
Kenshiro's eyes narrowed. "What the hell is he doing…?"
"I have no idea," Shun muttered.
Kaji stepped forward, grinning at the soldiers.
"Hey, guys. We need to get through. Jinko's expecting us. You know—business stuff."
The guards' eyes sharpened.
"Who are you?" one demanded.
"You've trespassed into forbidden grounds. For that, you must face death," another growled.
Kaji sighed theatrically. "Don't be like that…"
Rei clenched her fists. "No choice, then."
She leapt out, summoning her Dust Arms. Two glowing constructs slammed into the nearest guards with such speed they didn't even react before collapsing.
"I might as well help, too." Shun raised his hands, and wooden pillars burst from the ground, wrapping around the two guards at the golden door.
"What is this sorcery?!" one shouted, slashing at the wood, only for more tendrils to sprout and bind him completely.
The remaining guards rushed in, one aiming his spear directly at Kaji. But Kaji caught the strike with one hand, grinning.
"Was that supposed to hurt?"
With a flick of his wrist, he ripped the weapon free and drove it back with devastating force. The golden armor split, blood spraying as the guard collapsed.
"Damn. Used too much force." Kaji glanced at the bleeding soldier with mild regret.
Goro dashed forward, fists blazing with orange heat. Another guard thrust his spear, but Goro ducked smoothly, pressing his flaming palm against the armor. The metal melted instantly, and the man collapsed from the unbearable heat.
The last guard trembled, eyes darting between his fallen comrades. Before he could move, Kenshiro appeared behind him, whispering:
"Boo."
The soldier dropped like a stone.
"Well, that was easy," Kenshiro said with a grin.
"Too easy," Goro muttered.
"C'mon, forward," Kaji urged, pushing open the golden door. The second floor shimmered in white and gold. Two more guards stood ready, but Kaji dispatched them with swift strikes before they even had time to react.
"Quick and easy." He smirked.
Elsewhere…
Ryju screamed as a sword hilt slammed into the back of his leg. The grinning woman torturing him licked blood off her blade.
"Got anything left to say, brat?" she jeered.
"Like I said… go to hell!" Ryju spat, blood streaming down his face.
"Oh, tough guy, huh?" She raised her sword again.
"Tell me your name. Tell me who you're with, and maybe I'll kill you quick."
Ryju chuckled weakly. "What's the point? I'm gonna die anyway. I'd rather go down quietly than sell out my friends."
Her eyes widened. Then she smirked. "Strong heart. Won't even betray your village. I like you, brat."
A massive man stepped forward, cracking his knuckles.
"My turn."
Ryju's face paled. "Goddammit…"
Back with Team One
They reached a corridor that split into three paths.
"So, uh… do we keep going straight?" Shun asked nervously.
"Good question," Kaji muttered, rubbing his head. "Yeah. Straight ahead. Jinko's office should be there."
They advanced cautiously, their eyes drawn to golden artifacts, paintings, and relics lining the walls. Finally, they spotted two guards at the end of the hall, standing before a pair of massive double doors.
Kenshiro looked at Kaji. They exchanged a nod. In an instant, they vanished, reappearing behind the soldiers and knocking them unconscious without a sound. Carefully, they laid them on the floor to avoid noise.
Kaji peeked through the crack in the doors. His grin widened. Inside, Jinko sat at a grand desk, surrounded by the Four Generals.
"This is it," Kaji whispered. "Jinko's office. Stay quiet."
He smirked to himself. If you don't mind, Jinko… we're going to eavesdrop for a while.
To Be Continued…