HiMERU's memories were a bit vague. The only memory he could recall was the death of the Tojo family. Everyone in that house lay dead in front of him, his brother had run somewhere far away to escape the assassination but HiMERU did not budge. He stood in front of the Tojo river and stared at his reflection before he began to water the plants nearby.
A katana landed on his shoulder, but it didn't cut through. HiMERU then heard a loud, booming voice, "You there!" He turned around, just to see a young man with a confident smile, pink hair, and bright purple eyes talking to him, "Why aren't you running?" HiMERU stared at him and find him pretty dashing, his shoulders were broad and he has a good build. HiMERU assumed that he was probably the Headmaster of his clan.
His gaze then landed on the headmaster of the Tojo family who was lying on the ground motionlessly. Noticing that the young boy was looking at his master, the man said, "I poisoned the water and the alcohol, he is dead now, and everyone in the Tojo is dead."
The man moved his katana to HiMERU's chin, "And now, I'm going to kill you. You can run away or fight back but in the end, you will be dead by this sword."
HiMERU looked at the man with disinterest, "Sure," and then turned to the plants, "Since my master is dead, I guess HiMERU doesn't need to water these plants anymore." After he finished speaking, he dropped the plant water kettle.
The man raised an eyebrow, clearly interested in this unusual behavior. "Well, our job is just to assassinate those who killed the Akehoshi Headmaster," he shrugged and then placed a hand on HiMERU's shoulder, "How about this....."
HiMERU turned to face the man. "How about I give you orders, come to the Oukawas and work for us." HiMERU looked at the man with widen eyes, he then moved a hand on top of the man's and said, "Sure, I don't mind."
Ever since that day, HiMERU worked and served them. He goes everywhere they go, whether to pick up herbs, go hunting, eliminate troublesome supernaturals, or even just sightseeing. The Headmaster was very fond of the young boy, he obeys every command, every order with no hesitation, it was as if he was some kind of machine.
But soon, the Headmaster grew old and passed away. So his grandchildren and some relatives in the Oukawa will be the ones taking over instead. They assigned him various tasks.
"Eliminate the night burglars."
"Patrol."
"Pick up herbs."
"Torture the criminal."
"Deal with those troublesome supernaturals."
"Kill everyone in that house."
HiMERU also sometimes hears gossip about him among the commoners, "Why is there a Tojo?! I thought they were all killed!", "Well, it's the Oukawas wish to let this boy stay, let's not mingle into their business, okay?"
The days of endless duties that were given to him, were also no different amount to what the Tojos gave him.
"HiMERU, I'll leave the guarding of the next sacrifice for you." HiMERU looked up, the Headmaster's son was only a bit shorter than him, he looks almost exactly like the Headmaster. Pink hair, purple eyes, and he has a sharp tongue. If HiMERU was not wrong, this young boy's name is Kohaku Oukawa. HiMERU recalled that this boy is younger than him and has multiple older sisters but he was chosen to take the Headmaster's place instead despite his young age.
"Like in the past, if she tries to run. Break her legs. If she doesn't listen, blind her."
"Yes," HiMERU said in acknowledgment and then he heard the young boy sigh. "The Kazehaya gave her to us, she is only 12, the same age as yours but unlike you, she doesn't know anything. I guess they do not want the Kannagi to resent them."
