ERABA RETA 1 - Beyond the Pedestal

On a secluded island nestled between Japan and the Philippines lies the hidden stronghold of the Toheyama Private Military Army. This island serves not only as a sanctuary but also as a rigorous training ground where members of the Toheyama clan are honed in martial arts and the clan's secret techniques—skills that have safeguarded their family against external threats for generations.

The Toheyamas, while quietly influencing the world from the shadows, have built a legacy rooted in wisdom, strength, and compassion. Yet, they understand the delicate balance of light and dark. Despite holding extensive information that could dismantle underground clans, the Toheyamas act only when provoked or when their family's safety is at risk. It is this restraint that sets them apart from other power players. 

From a young age, all Toheyama clan members are sent to the island to learn the ways of their ancestors. The training is grueling, demanding not only physical prowess but also mental fortitude. The clan employs a strict ranking system:

F Rank: The lowest level, assigned to newcomers.

A Rank: The pinnacle of achievement, reserved for those who have proven their unparalleled skill, discipline, and dedication.

No one, not even the head of the family's children, can bypass this system. Everyone begins at the bottom, earning their place through merit alone.

But training on the island isn't limited to combat. The Toheyama clan believes in cultivating well-rounded individuals. Clan members are encouraged to pursue and master various talents—medicine, architecture, engineering, the arts, and even entertainment. These skills serve as the "masks" they present to the world.

To the outside observer, a Toheyama appears as an exceptional professional—a renowned doctor, a talented actress, or a brilliant engineer. However, when provoked, they reveal their true nature: a razor-sharp weapon ready to strike with deadly precision. 

At just fifteen, Katarina was chosen by Nakago to be his wife and the mistress of the Toheyama clan. She understood the responsibilities of her position and the sacrifices it required. Unlike many who clung to titles, Katarina cared little for the prestige of being the mistress. Her loyalty was to Nakago and their family.

She recognized the potential for internal power struggles—a common downfall of empires throughout history. Families often schemed to position their daughters as consorts to powerful leaders, seeking influence through them. Katarina was determined to prevent such chaos within the Toheyama clan.

To address this, she created a secretive and elite group within the clan known as The Garden of Eden. 

The Garden of Eden is an exclusive operative unit comprised solely of women—ruthless assassins, highly trained warriors, and exceptional strategists. But these women are not chosen merely for their skills. Katarina personally selects them based on strict criteria:

Beauty and Poise: They must be striking enough to stand beside Nakago in public, exuding grace and elegance.

Rank A: Achieving the highest rank in the clan's training system is a non-negotiable requirement.

Intellect and Wit: They must possess the intelligence to engage Nakago in meaningful conversation, offer him sound advice, and challenge his perspectives when necessary.

Unwavering Loyalty: A "Rose," the title given to each woman in the Garden, must sever ties with her immediate family. Her sole allegiance is to Nakago and the Toheyama clan.

Sacrificial Dedication: They are trained to protect Nakago at all costs, even at the expense of their own lives.

Far from being a mere harem, the Garden of Eden functions as Nakago's personal bodyguard unit. These women are not only trained to protect him physically but also to shield him from the political and emotional turmoil that comes with leading such a powerful clan. 

Katarina has no fear of losing her position as mistress of the Toheyama clan to any of the Roses. Her focus is singular: Nakago's safety and the preservation of their family's legacy. She views the Roses as extensions of herself—women who share her commitment to Nakago and the clan.

Nakago, revered by the elders as the vessel of their ancestors' spirit, is seen as a leader destined to elevate the clan to unprecedented heights. His intellect and vision surpass those of his predecessors, and while he is more than capable of defending himself, Katarina wants to ensure that he is never without protection.

The Garden of Eden stands as a testament to her devotion—a secret force built not for political maneuvering but to solidify the Toheyama clan's power and ensure its unshakable future. In Katarina's eyes, these women are not rivals but allies, bound by their shared purpose: to protect the man who carries the weight of their legacy.

——

"Look at that, Soi's hands are trembling," teased Tallahassee, a fellow Rose, as she leaned casually against the wall, arms crossed and a mischievous smirk on her lips.

Soi shot her a sharp glare but said nothing, her focus returning to the task at hand. Her fingers moved hesitantly over the silicone surface of the training tool in front of her—a realistic penis sex toy designed to teach new Roses how to please a man.

In any other scenario, Soi exuded unshakable confidence. She was a deadly assassin, known for her precision and composure under pressure. Yet here she was, visibly nervous, her hands betraying her usual poise.

At eighteen, Soi had earned the right to stand beside the lord of the Toheyama clan, Nakago, in every capacity. This included sharing his bed, a responsibility she had anticipated with equal parts excitement and apprehension. It wasn't something she was forced into; she had chosen this path. She had dreamed of this day, of earning Katarina's blessing. But now that it was here, she found herself faltering.

"Why are you trembling, Soi?" Katarina asked, her voice calm but tinged with amusement. "You never tremble when killing someone."

Soi sighed, her cheeks flushing slightly as she avoided her mistress's gaze. "But Mistress, this is… different," she admitted, continuing to awkwardly glide her hand up and down the toy.

"It's just a rubber toy, Soi," Katarina said with a raised brow. "It won't bite."

"The real one might," Sorcha chimed in, arching an eyebrow with a sly grin.

The other Roses in the room burst into laughter, their teasing filling the space as Soi's embarrassment deepened.

"Can I skip this part?" Soi blurted, dropping her hand and looking at Katarina almost pleadingly. "I mean… can I not do this? This is—"

"Are you saying you don't want to share the lord's bed?" Anastasia interjected with a mock gasp, her tone laced with exaggerated disbelief.

"Of course I do!" Soi snapped, her head whipping toward Anastasia. "I just mean… this." She gestured toward the toy in frustration.

"So, what's your plan?" Freya chimed in, her smirk widening. "You'll just charge in there like you do on assignments? Or are you expecting the lord to please you instead?"

Another round of laughter rippled through the room, making Soi groan inwardly.

"Roses, enough," Katarina said, chuckling lightly as she waved a hand to calm the group. The teasing stopped immediately, and all eyes turned back to their mistress. "Soi," she said gently, her smile softening, "you came to me yourself and declared you were ready for this. So why are you so nervous now?"

"It's not really like that, Mistress," Soi said, shifting uncomfortably. "I just… think this isn't necessary. I'm confident I can please him without this… practice."

"Ooooh!" the Roses chorused in unison, their teasing intensifying.

Katarina tilted her head, studying Soi with a knowing expression. She could already see the regret written across the girl's face before it even happened. Katarina herself had been in Soi's position once, and she knew better than anyone the gravity of being in Nakago's presence in such an intimate setting. Though Nakago never demanded his Roses to please him, the intensity of his presence alone made them feel the need to rise to the occasion.

Katarina gave Soi a small, approving smile. "Okay, if that's what you want," she said simply, stepping back to allow Soi her decision.

Soi nodded, her shoulders relaxing slightly, though the nervous glint in her eyes remained. Katarina chuckled softly to herself. It was only a matter of time before Soi would realize that confidence alone wasn't enough to prepare her for what lay ahead. The lord of the Toheyama clan was no ordinary man—and Soi was about to learn that firsthand.