As they reached the walls of Emperor Gima's palace, Kairu stopped in his tracks. He could not bring himself to go any further, for the past still haunted him, and the anger coursed through his veins like molten lava.

It was then that a volley of fiery arrows landed at their feet.

Kairu gasped, and Akima tensed, readying his sword. But before either of them could do anything, a voice rang out from the shadows. "Who dares approach the Ujuni palace stronghold? Make yourselves known!"

Akima was about to shout away in the shadows, but before he could utter a word, Kairu grabbed his arm. "Let me," he whispered, his voice firm and undaunting. Akima nodded, relieved to the extent that his trembling voice would be spared.

"Put down your bows and open the gates, for Emperor Gima is expecting us," Kairu said calmly. There was silence, then a voice replied, "As you wish. Approach the gates." Kairu and Akima stepped forward, and while Kairu showed no fear, Akima's heart was pounding in his chest, for he could see the shadows of men lurking in the darkness, ready to pounce on them at any moment.

Nevertheless, by mustering every ounce of courage, Akima continued onwards with Kairu until they reached the palace gates.

*** *** ***

As they neared the palace gates, Akima could now see the shadows more clearly.

"It's okay," Kairu said, his voice gentle, as he saw the fear in Akima's eyes. "They won't hurt us; we are guests here." Akima nodded, trying to calm himself. He could feel the eyes of the men on them, watching as they walked through the gates.

*** *** ***

Akima looked around; these were not ordinary soldiers; they were the royal palace guard, dressed in karutas, with their kabutos and shikoros. Akima could not make out any faces, for they were all wearing their oni masks.

"I may not be as strong or skilled of a warrior as Kairu," Akima thought, "But no one here will take me down without a fight. I am Akima Tetsu!"

Akima's thoughts were cut short when he heard the words—General Iirenikasu.

*** *** ***

"General Iirenikasu!" It was a second time in a matter of seconds that Akima heard those words again. As Akima turned to Kairu with a puzzled look, it was as if Kairu had sensed what Akima was about to ask—"Now is not the time; I will explain later." this was all Kairu said before Akima could even form the words.

A soldier stepped forward and removed his oni mask. By the royal seal on his karuta, Akima knew he was the one in command here.

"It is good to see you again, General Iirenikasu," Tamai Rai said, his voice betraying no emotion. "I am glad that you have joined us."

"I am no Gen—." Before Kairu could finish his sentence—another soldier appeared behind him.

"Enough talk; let's get to the palace," The soldier retorted, cutting off Kairu. "You have kept the Emperor waiting long enough!" Akima could not help but feel uneasy at the soldier's words. He felt that even though they were guests, they were not welcome there.