The Vow
The whispers in the ledger were a confirmation of what my soul already knew. Ryuichi Saito. The name burned behind my eyes. The celebration at the Crimson Blossom Estate was not an obstacle; it was an invitation from fate itself. My path was set.
Infiltration
I chose not the grace of a geisha nor the shadows of the wall, but the humble invisibility of a servant. A smudge of soot, a simple robe, and a bowed head were my disguise. The kitchen overseer, blinded by his own self-importance, barely gave me a glance as he barked an order for more sake. Just like that, I was inside.
Uncovering Secrets
My first priority was to understand the serpent's den. I slipped away from the main hall's noise, my steps silent on the polished wood floors, and made my way toward the private quarters. A moment's distraction was all I needed to slip into the clan's command room. There, on a wide desk, lay their secrets: patrol routes, a master key, and a heavily-coded ledger detailing their Benefactor connections. I took in the details, securing the knowledge I needed.
The Perfect Weapon
Next, I needed to locate my prey. I returned to the festivities, moving through the throng of arrogant men. I played the part of an attentive servant, listening to their boasts and whispers. Their loose tongues gave me everything. Saito was in the western garden. With his location fixed, I needed only the perfect weapon. My search took me back to the chaos of the kitchens. Amidst the steam and shouting, I saw what I was looking for. My fingers moved in a blur, and a vial of potent Fugu poison disappeared into my sleeve.
A Dish Served Cold
Now, I was ready. I made my way to the western garden. There he was, the man who killed Harumi, meditating by a koi pond as if he had no sins to weigh him down. On a table nearby sat his personal sake pitcher. While the distant party distracted him, I moved like a ghost. A few silent drops from the vial mingled with the sake. I retreated into the shadows to watch.
A Debt Paid
He reached for his cup, took a long drink, and paused. A flicker of confusion crossed his face before he collapsed. A quiet, ignoble end for a man who dealt in such loud violence. For Harumi. Watching him fall, I felt the fire in my soul cool to embers. Kurohana was still alive, the head of the snake remained. But my debt, the one I owed to my friend, was paid. My personal vengeance was complete. That would be enough for tonight. I slipped back over the wall and melted into the Mupalan night, leaving a quiet grave in my wake. Warlord Kurohana and his clan remain, but I have claimed my pound of flesh. Justice has been served.