The alliance pact had stand strong even after a millenium. The vows of the sworn brothers. Destroyed effortlessly, the southern district was demanded to join the war frontlines. It was the world's last choice. The enemy of the Kuroko clan lurked and hided in the shadows, the goadings of evil had deceived the feudal lords of the lands, making them join hands in times of war. And that time was soon drawing nearer. An all-out war against the great empire of Teiko. Kuroko had stared at the grassy view of his window and sighed. He was worried what would Kirisaki Daiichi do to his brother. Take him hostage? Use him to fight against Teiko? Kill him? No, the last option wasn't possible. Mayuzumi Chihiro is strong, like the rest of the clan, he possesses the rare power of vanishing arts.

"What are you doing?" Akashi had discovered Kuroko staring at the window in a corner with a history book in front of him. He picked up the book and read the title. "The history of man? Since when you liked these things?" He picked up his wife in his arms. "You don't have to do anything. I'll end the war without them even destroying our barrier."

Kuroko shook his head. "That's not it, Sei-kun. I remembered something. This war may have a bigger underlying motive than I thought." He embraced Akashi's hug. "I remember our clan's last duty my ancestor had failed to do so. It's my responsibility, I won't fail a second time."

Akashi put Kuroko gently on the table. "Oh? You finally realized?" He smirked, looking into Kuroko's clear blue eyes, took his lips with his own. The table was higher than the both of them combined. Kuroko was currently taller than the master. They separated, gasping for air. Kuroko had blushed crimson, the heat burning through the surface of his cheeks. "You are Kuroko Tetsuya, my love. Kuroko Tetsujin had long left this world."

Kuroko gently caressed through his husband's soft crimson red hair. "I was told I am Kuroko Tetsujin"s reincarnation a long time ago. My clan had strongly believed he had returned to fulfil his unfinished duty. My powers are far stronger than anyone had ever seen. Only my ancestor could have been born with such raw power." Kuroko had sighed, his other hand was massaging his tummy at the slight discomfort which had vanished in mere seconds. He was puzzled, wondering on the source of discomfort. Telling himself it was nothing to be worried about, Kuroko returned the thought to the back of his mind.

"You inherited his powers. But you are not him. You are Kuroko Tetsuya, the man I fell in love with." Akashi planted a small kiss on the back of his right hand. "On a side note, Kuroko Tetsujin is nothing like you. He's rude, sarcastic and selfish. But his journeys changed him. He learnt the values and compassion of life. So don't worry, Tetsuya."

Three days left before the invasion.

Kagami had begun his training with Aomine, in the land of To'ou. Akashi had made plans with Seirin, to cease the war with minimum damages, he had asked for Seirin's cooperation. The female monarch of Seirin, Aida Riko had promised them Seirin's military force after witnessing Teiko sincerity. Seirin is probably the only country left who still believes in the sacred guidance of the heavens. No one had ever saw the master of Teiko and lived. His existence was a legend. Teiko was a legend. Akashi realized that Teiko could not afford to remain a legend. A legend that just watches does not serve any meanings. The legend must take a step forward and becomes the sword that cuts through evil, transforming its existence into reality.

Kuroko had used the remaining time mastering the ancient techniques his ancestor, Kuroko Tetsujin had developed. It was fortunate Akashi had collected and stored everything related Kuroko Tetsujin in the library. Kuroko felt his husband must have foresaw he would need it someday, and had his people stored the history, culture, traditions and knowledge of the now extinct Kuroko clan. It also included the teachings of spiritual strength, which would be very helpful in the war. Kuroko had a feeling that mastering just vanishing arts would not be enough. He would have to worry about facing his own brother in the war. There won't be a pleasant result when two masters of vanishing arts clash.

The people of the empire were occupied with their duties and equipping themselves with skills that will contribute for the sake of their master and their beloved empire. Akashi returned with the military force of Seirin had perturbed the people. The master's order was the order of Teiko. The people of Teiko were thankful for the additional military forces he had allocated for the sake of the upcoming war.

"These people... they don't look scary at all." Seirin's most trusted general, Hyuuga Junpei had muttered, his soft inaudible voice heard by Riko and the master of Teiko. "It's like, they're human."

The fuss of the people had intrigued Kuroko's curiosity. Kuroko had frowned, put down his book back on the table. "Kise-kun, let's find out what's happening." He had grabbed his walking aid and raced down the halls, his ankle chains clanking loudly against each other, dragging his attendant along behind him, stepping foot into the villages for the first time despite his attendant's protests. Akashi and the Queen of Seirin were walking in front, followed by the troops of Seirin marching into the village of Rakuzan. Kuroko and Kise were ambushed by the rare sight before him.

"Sei-kun, these people are?" Kuroko had questioned the returning Akashi, glancing at the tremendous sight of soldiers. He had recognized the flag. It was the military force from the land of Seirin. Kise had paled, panicked and bowed to the master, apologizing for disobeying his orders.

"I'm sorry, Akashi-sama! Tetsuya-sama just had to see for himself the cause of the fuss in the village." Kise had explained. Akashi smiled, dismissing Kise without any punishment. Kise had breathed in a sigh of relief. He would not want to die just yet. Akashi stepped nearer, closing the gaps between Kuroko and himself.

"Why are you here, Tetsuya? Did you miss me?" Kuroko was lifted into his strong arms effortlessly, the long chains making the subtle sounds of metal chains clinking against each other and planted a kiss on his pale lips. The villagers had bowed, in the presence of their master and his wife. The populace of Seirin had stepped back in astonishment. Several of the soldiers had reddened at the master's bold comportment. They scrutinized at the small boy in the master's arms. Pale cyan blue hair and eyes, a delicate body and milky white skin. Could this boy be...? Riko had wondered, her fingertips massaging her chin as the thousand possibilities running wildly through her mind. But why are his legs locked in chains? Observing the villages reactions, and the fallen walking aid when Akashi had picked Kuroko off the ground. Riko concluded there could only be one possibility.

"Master of Teiko, may I owe the pleasure of this young man?" Riko had gathered courage to question Akashi.

Akashi and the villagers had chuckled. "Oh yes, I have yet to introduce you." Akashi held Kuroko firmly in his arms. "This is my wife, Kuroko Tetsuya." The villagers had nodded proudly in an approving manner at their master's revelation. The people of Seirin had stared at Akashi with a very discombobulate look on their faces.