Red Death S1

The clan hall is quiet but full. Warm light spills through slatted windows. A long table stretches across the center—food laid out with simplicity: rice, smoked fish, pickled roots.

Hirai sits at the head.

Ryu enters without ceremony. No greeting, no bow. Just walks in and takes a seat—across from Hirai, next to Kumo.

Hirai watches him closely.

Hirai (measured):Didn't think you'd come.

Ryu (flat):You wanted to know where I was.

The hall is quiet, lit by soft morning light spilling through the wooden slats. The scent of steamed rice and grilled fish lingers in the air.

Ryu sits at the long table, a bowl in front of him. He eats without hurry—each motion deliberate, not rushed, not lazy. Across from him, Hirai finishes his own meal, wiping his hands with a cloth. Kumo sits nearby, unusually quiet.

Hirai eyes Ryu for a moment.

Hirai:

Glad to see you're eating. Thought you were the type to live off dust and instinct.

Ryu (flat):

Instinct doesn't fill the stomach.

Kumo gives a soft laugh. Hirai doesn't. His gaze lingers—reading more than words.

Ryu finishes the last bite, sets the bowl aside.

Ryu:

There's something I need to show you.

Hirai raises an eyebrow.

Ryu:

It's about the Empire. Their next move. I want you to see it for yourself.

Hirai gestures with a hand.

Hirai:

Go on.

He picks up a rice ball, sets it down untouched. Then unrolls a folded piece of cloth—revealing a roughly drawn map.

Hirai leans forward.

Ryu:I found three likely approaches the Empire will use. South ridge, forested slope, and the dried creek west of the main gate.

He marks them with swift lines.

Ryu:The ridge is fastest, but exposed. They'll keep that as a feint—draw archers there.

Hirai (quietly):And the real push?

Ryu:The forest. Mid-sized squad, cloaked movement. Underbrush is thick, hard to track without scouts already in place.

(beat)

But they'll only move once they think you've taken the bait.

Hirai studies the map, silent.

Ryu (points):Here. And here. Natural bottlenecks. I'll set the ambush lines there—using volunteers who can move fast, hit hard, then fall back.

(beat)

You'll make it look like your main force is focused on the ridge—spread torches, loud commands.

Let them think you're overcommitting.

Kumo (softly):That could work...

Ryu glances at him. Just a glance.

Ryu:The success of the plan depends on timing. Discipline. And no panic when the real wave hits.

Hirai sits back, arms crossed.

Hirai:You're certain of this?

Ryu (calm):No.

(beat)

But it's the best you'll get with two days.

Hirai watches him. Long, silent.

Then speaks—carefully.

Hirai:You're proposing we risk lives on your guess.

Ryu (quietly):You're already risking them by doing nothing.

Hirai:And if this is misdirection? If you lead us into a slaughter?

Ryu (even):Then I'll be the first to die.

(beat)

You think I'm playing both sides, I understand. But ask yourself:

Why would I sabotage your defense this way? Why draw maps, mark positions?

Why not just stay quiet and let you fall?

Kumo (gently):Father… I believe him.

Hirai doesn't look at his son. He's still locked on Ryu—gauging the weight in his words.

Then finally—

Hirai (low):We'll follow the plan.

(beat)

But I'll have men watching your shadow until this is over.

Ryu (flat):If they can keep up, let them.

There's no smugness. Just fact.

Kumo shifts beside him—still watching the map, trying to understand every line.

Kumo (quiet):You've done this before.

Ryu (cold):Too many times.

Hirai (curious):Were you a soldier?

Ryu:No.

(beat)

Soldiers have orders. I had survival.

The room grows still.

Hirai (nods slowly):We begin moving troops tonight. I'll assign scouts to your locations.

He stands, rolling the map carefully.

Hirai:Anything else?

Ryu rises too.

Ryu:Just one thing.

(quiet)

Tell your people not to die for pride.

Tell them to die for each other.

He walks out before anyone can respond.

Hirai remains still, eyes on the map. Then turns to Kumo—his voice low.

Hirai:Keep following him. Learn what you can.

Kumo (quiet):You're starting to trust him?

Hirai:No.

(beat)

But I've started to need him.