AngelSubzero - Douma's Adventures

Both Kazuki and Miya stood by the flowing river at the outskirts of the village.

The arm with the deep cut was wrapped in a bandage. Miya made sure it was securely wrapped around Kazuki's arm.

Miya gazed upon the clear sparkling water and noticed two flowers lying against the rocks in the river.

"Those flowers are so pretty!" The girl exclaimed. "I think they're the same ones I saw at the perfume store in town. Maybe we should go there this weekend! I hope they still have that perfume! The flowers over there really give off a nice smell."

Kazuki smiled, listening to Miya and her harmonious voice alongside the stream of calming water flowing in front of them. The birds in the trees sang a melody, so did the crickets in the grass.

Miya leaned closer to the flowing river to get a better look at the flowers when she felt her foot slip against the rocky surface.

The swordsman quickly grabbed her hand and pulled her away from the river. "Be careful Miya." He told her gently.

"Oh thank you Kazuki. I almost tripped." Miya stood beside Kazuki and smiled awkwardly at him.

Stifling his arm to make himself comfortable, Kazuki stood there in silence. When the realization hit, Miya widened her eyes at his arm. The swordsman had to use a lot of energy to pull her away from the stream. She was worried now.

"Kazuki is your wound getting better?" Miya asked him in a panic.

"Yeah it is." Kazuki was about to draw out his sword when Miya stopped him with a squeak.

"Not yet you need to take a break from all that fighting."

Kazuki thought about it for a while and nodded. "Hmmm I guess you're right." He said with a soft smile.

"I'm glad you didn't lose that strong fighting spirit of yours!" Miya said cheerfully. She moved to Kazuki's side and pulled the back of his hair that was tied. "Or this!"

The swordsman blushed. Miya truly cared about him.

"Yeah that's right." Chuckling, Kazuki turned to face Miya who was standing in front of him with a grin. He gazed upon the gorgeous young lady who acknowledged his dedication to protecting the innocent and restoring peace.

The Genkunodo Clan and Heinomora Clan became one again. Their presence was hidden from society. Rumors have it that whenever they recruited new members, they'd do so quietly. Kazuki and his friends as well as those who fought alongside them during the war never bothered to run anymore investigations for it was insignificant from a general consensus. They just did what was right and that was to annihilate the real threat that had endangered society for decades. Now that the conflict had been put to rest, they could go about their daily lives again as usual.

"Absolutely!" Miya exclaimed, smiling at the swordsman.

"I'm glad we didn't lose each other." Kazuki said with a warm smile.

~~~

The hill far from civilization was the place where Hayato's body was buried. His corpse was too dangerous to have any form of contact, for the curse flowing within him would wither anything that came near it. Just like the forbidden power sealed away centuries ago until Hayato broke the code of honor, the commander of the former Heinomora Clan was shunned by society as a whole. Known as a traitor in the history of nobility.

Besides having a grave unreachable by just about anyone, Hayato's belongings were kept away in a building where items barred from entering public spaces were kept. Hayato's armor and sword being stored in a sturdy case wrapped around with chains believed to ward away evil and conceal its remains.

The emperor had assigned a team to help with the burial process of Hayato's body and every item he owned. Those involved with the process made sure that nobody had access to these areas, moreover, the place where Hayato's armor and sword were buried contained forbidden items and scrolls that were a hazard to own.

"I suggest putting up warning signs around here."

"Setting foot here isn't worth the risk. The signs will keep any potential trespasser informed about it."

In addition to the advice and suggestions that the government brought up during the burial of Hayato's entire history, security within public spaces were tightened. The emperor didn't want to take things lightly, anyone who dares challenge the system of Japan will face severe consequences.

As time passed, groups and organizations leaning towards voices and concerns surrounding the livelihood of people maintained their policies and values. Never had they ever considered enforcing them upon every single individual in the country.

With that, the war initiated by the tyrant feared by many for decades had taught society valuable lessons that will be kept in mind for years to come.

It's unlikely that Hayato's spirit will ever be put to rest. The victims of his conquering and those who heard about the stories of the Heinomora Clan's methods of forcing people into submission in accordance to their rules were still terrified. They were convinced that Hayato's vengeful spirit still haunted them.

Because those who encountered Hayato often became paranoid whenever they passed by dark alleyways and abandoned houses. In fear that he would jump out and continue his wrath. The rogue samurai never hesitated to step into the most isolated places when it came to carrying out his gruesome actions of rebellion towards the daily lives and views people had.

His obtainment of the cursed power in one of the quietest parts of the forest being an example of that.

Society hoped there will never be someone like Hayato again. Even if there were those who were inspired by his morals which was inevitable since a few of them were spotted and thrown into cells for disobeying the law, they most likely couldn't be as cruel as Hayato.

The Shogunate was very much aware that everyone had their eyes on them. They made sure that any form of dispute and influence in their faction was taken cared of immediately. Separating from each other wasn't the viable solution to such problems. Hence, they did their best to prevent another conflict from occurring within them.

As time passed, the effects of Hayato's terror became nothing more than a tale that people spoke of to warn others of the consequences of such actions. Society was free from the harm that once upon a time shattered a nation until justice was served.