Ryo Gaiden

Hirabayashi and Endo met in a quiet corner away from the village center. Both were impressed by Kamiya's recent leadership qualities.

Hirabayashi thoughtfully began to speak: "Kamiya's performance at the last meeting was truly impressive. He has a clear vision for the future of the village."

Endo nodded in agreement: "Absolutely. He not only thinks strategically, but also has the ability to bring people together. This is exactly what we need in these difficult times."

Hirabayashi hesitated a bit, then continued: "Well, should we consider formally proposing him as the village leader? I know he said he didn't want this in the past, but... besides, Kinjo had also suggested him at that time. I approached it a bit selfishly then, but he seems to be the most logical choice."

Endo took a deep breath: "I already had full faith that my son could do this. We should talk to him about this. Maybe he's ready now. The village needs him, and he should be aware of that. I think Kinjo and the others will understand this too."

They both parted, agreeing on this idea. Kamiya's leadership could be critical for the future of the village.

Later, Endo called Kamiya for a private meeting. The two climbed a hill outside the village, overlooking the forest.

Endo silently watched the view for a while before getting to the point. Finally, he said, "Kamiya, we need to talk about the Minamoto incident. Do you remember, years ago, it was said that he had died?"

Kamiya's face turned serious: "Yes, I remember. Everything was very confusing back then."

Endo continued: "When I caught Naru, I asked her. She said Minamoto was dead, but... I knew he was lying. Naru was an innocent child, but she was hiding something."

Kamiya took a deep breath: "So you were suspicious too. Why are you talking about this now?"

Endo replied, "Because Minamoto's return shows that we need to face our past. For the safety of the village, we must know the whole truth."

Kamiya nodded thoughtfully: "You're right. We need to find out why Minamoto has returned and what he's planning. This has gone beyond just my personal issue now. Where did you catch Naru?"

Endo sighed, constantly being dragged into the past was stressing him out. "During the war, I had sent a team to support the Jun tribe. At that time, we saw Naru and his friends on the battlefield and they were in trouble, we rescued them so he owed me a favor, that's when I interrogated him about Minamoto. Shortly after those events, he disappeared again."

Kamiya clenched his fists, if he had killed them both that day with Sato's help, though Naru was innocent, he knew he wouldn't just sit and watch his brother die.

Both of them, aware of the difficult task ahead, began walking towards the village. The shadows of the past were intertwined with the uncertainties of the future.

Outside the village, at a secret spot, Naru Toki was carefully observing the surroundings. The appearance of the newly established village from the outside had surprised him. What was once a scattered and defenseless community had now transformed into an organized and powerful structure. Moreover, from what he observed, Kamiya was taking the lead, he thought that if it weren't for the past hostility, he could have lived in such a place himself. "A delegation from our clan is coming today, I wonder how it will turn out," he was thinking.

Naru muttered to himself: "Kamiya, you and your village have really changed. But will it be enough?" His eyes scanned the defense systems around the village. "Minamoto's plans are much bigger. I hope you're prepared."

For a moment, he remembered what had happened to him. A bitter smile appeared on his face. "If only everything had been different," he thought. But now, he had chosen his side, albeit unwillingly, and there was no going back. He was sure Kamiya would kill him.

Naru, after taking one last look at the village, disappeared silently into the depths of the forest just as he had come. Behind him, he left a village that still looked peaceful under the shadow of the approaching storm.

Naru Toki returned to the Jun tribe's secret camp with the intelligence he had gathered. Tribe leader Akira Tanaka and other high-ranking members were waiting for him impatiently.

"My leader," said Naru, bowing respectfully. "I've returned from Yukien village with important information. I learned the reason why Endo Naizen called us."

Akira frowned. "Tell us, Naru. What's this important reason?"

"They've been attacked by the Masked Ones," Naru explained. "Yukien village has been significantly weakened as a result of these attacks. Endo Naizen must have called us to ask for help."

Yuki, the tribe advisor, spoke thoughtfully. "This is an unexpected development. But why did they choose us?"

Naru took a deep breath. "Actually... there's a personal reason for this. My father, the former leader of the Jun tribe, owed a debt to Endo Naizen."

Everyone in the room looked at Naru in surprise. Akira demanded, "Give us more information about this debt."

"Years ago, when my father was in a difficult situation, Endo helped him," Naru explained. "Thanks to this help, our tribe managed to survive. My father couldn't repay this debt before he retired."

Akira nodded thoughtfully. "I see. Well, what do you think, Naru? What do you suggest we do?"

"I think we should help them," Naru said with a determined voice. "Not just for my father's debt, but also to unite against the threat of the Masked Ones. This could be an opportunity for our tribe as well."

Yuki interjected. "But the people of Yukien village were once our enemies. Wouldn't this be a risky move?"

"True," Naru agreed. "But circumstances have changed. We now have a common enemy. Together, we can be stronger."

Akira remained silent for a long time, seemingly lost in thought. Finally, he spoke: "Thank you for this information, Naru. We'll gather the tribe council and discuss this matter. We'll take your suggestion into consideration."

As the meeting dispersed, Naru thought that his father's debt and the threat of the Masked Ones could potentially sow the seeds of an unexpected alliance between the Jun tribe and Yukien village. The road ahead would be difficult, but perhaps this was a way to overcome past enmities.

On a sunny afternoon, the expected delegation from the Jun tribe finally arrived at Yukien village. Leading the delegation was a strong female figure, Akane Koga, walking in the center of the group, her long silver hair flowing behind her fit body. On Akane's back was her family heirloom sword, Whisper of the Wind, said to have been forged by the gods and containing the energy of many energy beasts, and had remained in the Koga family for years. A team of about ten people advanced in an orderly formation.

As they entered through the large gate of the village's newly built walls, Kamiya, Endo, and Hirabayashi were waiting ready to greet them. In the distance, Soma, Sanda, and Rikimaru watched the events excitedly.

Akane Koga was one of the most respected members of the Jun tribe. She drew attention with her long silver hair and sharp gaze. She was known for her expertise in close combat and strategic intelligence. She had emerged victorious from many difficult struggles in the past and now had taken on this critical diplomatic mission.

Kamiya stepped forward to greet the delegation. "Welcome, esteemed members of the Jun clan. We are honored to host you in Yukien village."

Endo glanced at Akane Koga out of the corner of his eye, muttering, "I was expecting someone stronger..."

Akane bowed her head respectfully in response. "Thank you, Kamiya. We hope this meeting will be beneficial for both parties."

Endo invited the guests inside. "Please, follow us. Let's proceed to the meeting hall we've prepared for you."

As the group moved forward, Soma whispered: "Wow, that woman leader looks really impressive."

Sanda nodded. "Yes, I heard she's one of the best warriors of the Jun tribe. This meeting is going to be very interesting."

Rikimaru, however, looked worried. "I hope everything goes well. This alliance is very important for the future of our village."

"Are you going to listen in on the delegation, Riki?" Sanda asked.

"Uncle Kamiya didn't allow it, he said this matter was beyond my scope. I was really curious." Rikimaru sighed. He was really curious about what would happen in the meeting.

"Let's listen in secretly then," said Soma. "To be honest, I'm curious too," he added.

All three of them set out to watch with curiosity how events would unfold. This meeting would be a critical turning point in determining the relations between Yukien village and the Jun tribe.

When they entered the meeting room, Endo got straight to the point: "You have a debt to the Naizen clan. You have no chance to refuse this debt; the leader who gave his word was Naru Toki's father from the Toki clan."

Akane Koga began to speak with a slight smile. "Yes, we are aware of this debt. However..." She paused, fixing her eyes on Endo. "Some things have changed."

Endo furrowed his brow. "What kind of changes?"

Akane continued, "Our new leader, Akira Tanaka, unfortunately couldn't join us today. However, he gave me the authority to speak on his behalf." She swept her eyes across those in the room. "Akira respects the promise made by our former leader with great reverence. However, he also wanted me to mention that our clan is in a new era." She was also thinking: "I suspect Akira might not be fully informed about this matter."

Endo asked with surprise, "Well, what do you think about this debt?"

Akane replied, "Akira's thinking is that we might be able to repay this debt in a different way. Perhaps we can make an agreement that will be mutually beneficial."

Kamiya spoke up, "Respected members of the Jun clan, I would like to explain the reason we invited you here. Recently, our village-"

Akane, interrupting Kamiya, said, "I apologize, but can we get straight to the point? Who is your leader and what exactly do you want from us?"

Kamiya, hiding his surprise, said, "I understand. To be frank... We don't have an official leader yet. However, we urgently need help. We were attacked by the Masked Ones and-"

Akane interrupted again, "You don't have a leader? Then who are we supposed to negotiate with?"

Endo, tensely, replied, "Hirabayashi and I are currently representing the village. Please, allow us to explain our situation."

Akane sighed, "Very well, I'm listening. But please, emphasize the important points."

When Hirabayashi mentioned that they hadn't yet determined who would be the leader, Akane made a dismissive comment along the lines of, "No wonder you're in this situation then." This attitude increased Endo's irritation towards Akane, and he thought to himself, "The Koga clan has always been arrogant."

Kamiya spoke up again, "I have a suggestion regarding leadership. We could organize a competition to choose the strongest and wisest person in our village. Actually, this idea came from Kinjo Kohei. This way, we'd have a fair selection that everyone could accept."

Endo, furrowing his brow, said, "Holding this competition might be... problematic."

Hirabayashi interjected, "Perhaps that's not necessary. Kamiya, you're already..."

Kamiya gently stopped him, "I understand where you're going with this, but we should give everyone an equal chance."

Endo sighed, "Alright, we need to think about this a bit more. Let's end the meeting here and continue tomorrow."

Akane was listening with interest. "This is an interesting development. I'm looking forward to discussing this in more detail at tomorrow's meeting."

After the meeting, Endo and Hirabayashi spoke privately with Kamiya. There was a tense atmosphere in the room.

Endo took a deep breath and began, "Kamiya, it's time for you to take over the village's leadership. We need a strong leader in these critical times."

Kamiya, furrowing his brow, replied, "I know, but this is a huge responsibility. I'm not sure..."

Hirabayashi intervened, "Kamiya, you're the most suitable person for this role. Everyone trusts you."

Just then, the door opened and an injured Kinjo entered, supported by a crutch, accompanied by Yahiro and Dokuro.

Kinjo, trying to smile despite his pain, said, "I hear we're choosing our new leader."

Yahiro nodded in agreement, "Yes, and I think we're all thinking of the same person."

Dokuro added, "Kamiya, you're the only one who can keep this village together."

Kamiya looked at the faces around him and took a deep breath. "Alright... If you all believe in this, I'll do my best."

Endo smiled with relief, "Thank you, Kamiya. We'll officially announce this at tomorrow's delegation meeting."

Everyone approved this decision, and Kamiya accepted the responsibility of becoming the village's new leader.

Sanda and Soma, who had witnessed all these conversations, were pleased. However, Rikimaru's mood was dampened. After all, he thought, if his father Sato Ryo were here, he could have led the village very well.

Soma, noticing the expression on Rikimaru's face, asked, "Hey Riki, what's wrong? Why do you look so sad?"

Rikimaru sighed and replied, "I don't know... I'm just thinking about how it would be if my father were here."

Sanda touched Rikimaru's shoulder with an emotional expression. Her thoughts were complex; she was proud that her father was becoming the new leader, but Rikimaru's sadness had deeply affected her. Softening her tone, she spoke, "I understand, Riki. Your father was truly a unique leader and losing him... must be very difficult." She paused for a moment, looking into Rikimaru's eyes, and continued, "But believe me, my father Kamiya will also do his best for our village. Maybe together, we can keep your father's legacy alive."

Soma nodded, adding, "Yes, and don't forget, your father trusted Kamiya too. He might be proud right now."

Rikimaru smiled slightly. "You're right... I guess I just miss him. Well, at least our village will be in good hands."