Summon the Twelve Kizuki at the Start!

General Budo stood at attention, his expression solemn as he received instructions from Emperor Rivo.

"With your help, Budo, we're going to begin regaining control over the military forces stationed in the capital," Rivo said, his voice calm, authoritative.

Budo hesitated for a moment, lowering his gaze.

"Your Majesty… the generals stationed here are almost all under Honest's influence now," he admitted.

"Turning them to our side will not be easy."

A hint of frustration crossed Budo's face. Though he still held the title of general, many of his former subordinates had defected—seduced by Honest's bribes or coerced into submission. Even if Rivo gave him formal command, he lacked the manpower to enforce it.

Rivo didn't respond immediately. Instead, he called out two names:

"Bird. Sayo."

The room was silent for a beat—then two figures emerged from the shadows.

Sayo, expression stoic, nodded.

Beside her stood Rokuro—formerly the experimental "Gu Yu Bird," now fully integrated and renamed under the system's will.

Budo's eyes widened. He hadn't even sensed them in the room. As a seasoned general, that alone was enough to rattle him.

He thought he'd entered the chamber with only two present: the Emperor and the quiet woman with the long black hair in the corner—Nakime.

"Hand over your list to them," Rivo instructed, reclining slightly on the couch.

"They'll help eliminate the obstacles in your way."

"Once you have a base of loyal soldiers strong enough to move, I'll have them clean up the rest."

Budo said nothing, but his silence was agreement.

This was a change. He had once been a traditionalist—a blunt blade, unwilling to dip into shadows or subterfuge. But now… he was evolving.

"Still," Budo began after a pause, "some of those under Honest… they weren't all loyal. Some were forced into service."

"Do we really need to kill them all?"

His hesitation was visible. Though he could kill without remorse in battle, executing former comrades in cold blood still sat heavily on his conscience.

Rivo's gaze sharpened.

"This is war. Reform cannot come without bloodshed."

"Ernest's influence is like a rot. If it's not excised completely, it will return stronger than ever."

"Besides—Esdeath will return soon."

That name struck hard. Even Budo stiffened.

"We don't know what deal Ernest has struck with her. If she sides with him, we may not be able to stop her head-on."

"To be honest… Budo, you're no match for Esdeath. That's why we need to act now."

"Cripple Honest's power before she arrives. Level the playing field."

Rivo stood and walked to the tall window, looking out at the fading afternoon light.

"My authority can support you in public, but behind the scenes, Honest's control runs deeper than mine."

"We must strike first—and leave them no time to regroup."

"Yes, Your Majesty. I understand."

"I'll prepare the list immediately."

Budo bowed deeply. He now saw the shape of the plan.

The time for slow reform had passed—a purge was necessary.

"Have it delivered before dark," Rivo said flatly.

"Tonight, they move. And tomorrow morning…" He turned to Budo.

"You'll make your presence known to Ernest. Loudly."

With that, the meeting ended.

Nightfall — Operation: Purge

That night, the Twelve Kizuki moved as one—all except Nakime, who remained guarding the palace.

Alongside them, Sayo and Rokuro joined the shadows.

And over the capital, a scarlet rain seemed to fall—not from the sky, but from blood spilled in the streets.

The assassinations were swift, precise, and unrelenting.

Any official tied to Honest—any commander who held even a sliver of military power—was struck down in silence.

Guards could do nothing. Panic spread, but no one knew who to fight.

By dawn, thirty-seven high-ranking officials were dead.

Each had been one of Honest's trusted pawns—each had held key positions in military logistics, strategy, or regional control.

And now… they were gone.

Court the Next Morning

Minister Honest received the news just before the morning court assembly.

His face twisted in fury and disbelief.

Thirty-seven men—loyal to him—gone in one night. And not just any men. These were his embedded anchors across the Empire's military.

Only one person could've identified them all.

"Budo!" Honest seethed, his fists trembling.

"You bastard…"

"I don't know what lies you fed His Majesty, but if you want to die—I will grant it personally."

At that moment, Rivo entered the hall, clad in imperial robes, crown gleaming. He took his place at the throne as the ministers bowed.

All except Honest, who stood near the seat, face flushed with rage.

"Minister," Rivo said, eyes narrowing, "are you waiting for me here?"

"Or… did you mean to sit in the Emperor's place?"

The room fell into a sudden hush.

Honest's expression froze. A second later, he bowed.

"No, Your Majesty… it was merely a moment of thoughtlessness."

He stepped back—down below the dais, where servants and generals stood.

For the first time in years, Honest no longer stood beside the Emperor.

It was a minor detail—but one every minister noticed.

And for those once loyal to Honest, a tremor of fear passed through them.

Rivo's authority was rising. Honest's dominance was cracking.

And if Honest was no longer the most dangerous man in the capital…

Then who was?