And soon after that, the elections to choose Emka's next ruling clan began.
For five long days, the nation held its breath. Streets filled with whispers. Temples echoed with prayers. Camps stayed awake through sleepless nights.
And when the fifth day came…
The results shocked everyone—
even Kaoru Hibuko himself.
Rin Takeda had been chosen as the 5th Kurozuki of Emka.
Inside a dim, quiet room, Rin Takeda sat on the floor as a guard delivered the news.
For a moment, Rin didn't speak. The weight of Emka's future rested silently on his shoulders.
Then he exhaled softly.
"Now is the time," he murmured.
"We finally fix Emka."
—
Meanwhile, far across the city, Kaoru Hibuko stood in his palace, staring through the tall windows at the land he believed belonged to him.
His fists clenched so tightly his knuckles turned white.
"I'd destroy you all, you slaves…" he whispered, trembling with rage.
"How could you forget what my ancestors did for you? What we went through for you…"
He let out a harsh, furious sigh.
"You're all so ungrateful."
The palace doors burst open with a heavy THUD!
A guard stepped inside.
"What's next, sir Kaoru?"
Kaoru pressed his palm against his forehead, trying to steady his breathing… but rage twisted behind his eyes.
"We destroy them," he said coldly.
"Prepare our forces."
The guard bowed sharply.
"Understood."
He turned and left, the palace gates closing behind him with a final THUD—
a sound that echoed like the beginning of war.