Chasing Dreams (Discontinued)

Chapter 216: An Unexpected Ally

"This is complete insanity." Hakuji disapproved. He stood upright in his chair and shook his head like a ringing bell. "You can't just get up and leave."

"Why can't I?" Nyssa glared. "Didn't you say I'm not your prisoner?"

"Yes, but-" Hakuji pulled his hands back and exhaled. "It's dangerous," he warned. "What if Itsuki gets ahold of you or, even worse, Michael? I don't think you understand how valuable of an asset you are, Nyssa. Outside of Renji, you have the largest bounty on your head out of everyone within your group. It would be unwise. No, it would be flat-out stupid for me to allow you to leave."

Hakuji exhaled once more. "I forbid it."

Nyssa and Sarah shared a look.

Sarah saw anger flash in Nyssa's eyes. She knew it'd be hopeless to stop Nyssa, so what would be the point of stalling her?

Sarah gripped Nyssa's shoulders. It was an honest attempt to suppress her ravishing rage.

Between Natsumi, Suzume and Nyssa, Sarah wasn't sure who's temper was worse. They were all hot-headed and ill-tempered in various ways, but Nyssa was the only one among the women who lashed out in disastrous ways.

"It wouldn't be wise to order her around."

Sarah decided to act as the voice of reason. She didn't know much about Hakuji. She wasn't sure if he was as cruel as Ryota or as irrational as Suzume. But, regardless, Sarah felt it'd be better for her to speak now and prevent a potential vengeful outburst on Nyssa's end.

"Why?" Hakuji asked. "Because of her temper? I'm already fully aware of how angry Nyssa can get. But that child's rage does not scare me. What scares me is what could happen if she falls into the wrong hands."

Hakuji's demeanor changed. A dark hue loomed over his face like a shadow cast by a group of thunderclouds.

"Sarah, you seem like an intelligent woman. I can't imagine you'd base your decisions on whims. Before deciding to fight with Renji, I am sure you've considered how things would turn out if he failed."

"I have plenty of times," Sarah admitted. "I know that if Ren fails, then everyone who fought alongside him would be executed."

"Percisely." Hakuji said plainly. "But, have you ever considered what would be the worst possible scenario?"

"Well, no, not really." Sarah winced. "I can't say being pessimistic is my cup of tea. I was taught to be optimistic, to have faith in yourself and everyone around you. Because if you don't believe you will succeed, then why would anyone else?"

Sarah relaxed her hands and pulled them to her side. She gave Nyssa a small smile before redirecting her attention to Hakuji.

"I don't know how many times you've heard this, but Ren won't fail," Sarah announced as if she was willing it into existence.

"How can you be so sure?" Hakuji questioned. "He's already failed you, hasn't he? You were all ambushed by the Inosanto Tribe, and Renji couldn't protect any of you from what I've been told. How can you still believe in him despite his repeated showings of incompetence?"

Sarah slowly inhaled and softly exhaled. She kept her tone low, seemingly not wanting to raise her voice out of courtesy for the resting soldiers in the barracks.

Sarah closed her eyes. She remained silent for a long time, and Hakuji wondered if she was praying. But little did he know she was collecting her thoughts.

Sarah took a moment to think about Ren. Apart from her attraction to him, Sarah did value their friendship. She considered Ren an irreplaceable friend and someone to whom she owed her life.