Squad Sanguis

Chapter 2: The Call to Arms

One day, upon waking, Oki discovered a note by his bedside. Written in Japanese, his native language, the message unveiled the existence of Kaito, the alter ego that emerged during his blackouts. The note detailed Kaito's capabilities and explained their symbiotic relationship but left many questions unanswered.

The note read:

Oki,

You have another side, Kaito is my name. When you lose control, I take over. i am ruthless, efficient, and fearless. We share a body but operate independently. When the time comes i'll allow you to use my strength, but beware of my wrath. Together, we survive.

Acknowledge our bond, and we may thrive.

Oki's mind raced as he read the note. It spoke of Kaito's fierce strength, his unparalleled combat skills, and an unsettling penchant for violence. Kaito, it seemed, was a part of him he had never known, lurking in the shadows, waiting to surface. The note hinted at a connection between them, a balance that needed to be maintained. But why?

Days later kami approached Oki, instructing him to prepare for a departure to the family's estate, accompanied solely by her. Confused, Oki questioned the abrupt summons. Kami's answer was vague, "I've been told they want you to partake in the trials."Captivated by the notion of the trials, Oki pressed for details. "What are these trials?" he asked. Kami, with a hint of reluctance, replied, "Only the family heads are privy to the trials' nature, as 

they are the architects. What little I know is that they're known as the Call of Arms."

Oki nodded, his mind racing with possibilities. He quickly gathered his belongings, making sure to pack light. As they left the penthouse, the tension between them was palpable. The ride to the Moretti family's main residence was silent, each lost in their own thoughts.

Upon their arrival at the house, they were greeted by a guard who instructed them to follow him to the rooms where the heads were located. The guard led them through a maze of corridors, each turn more disorienting than the last. Oki's mind raced, filled with apprehension and curiosity.

Finally, they arrived at a set of heavy, ornately carved doors. The guard knocked, and the doors swung open, revealing the dimly lit chamber beyond. The scent of cigar smoke and the low murmur of voices greeted them. Oki's pulse quickened as he stepped into the room, flanked by Kami and the guard.

The room was large, dimly lit, and filled with an air of undeniable authority. Don Marco Moretti sat at the head of a long table, flanked by Antonio Russo and Isabella De Luca. Their eyes bore into Oki, scrutinizing him as if peeling back the layers of his very soul.

Don Marco's gravelly voice shattered the silence. "Oki Jiga, welcome. The time has come for you to demonstrate your value to this family. The Call of Arms is upon us."

Antonio Russo leaned in, his voice smooth yet just as forceful. "You've shown promise, Oki. Yet, promise is not sufficient. You must show steadfast loyalty and skill. The trials will determine if you truly possess these qualities."

He reclined, his tone firm. "Let's be explicit about the consequences. To fail the Call of Arms is not merely a setback; it is a choice. Those who do not withstand the trials will remain in their previous roles until we decree otherwise or be deemed unsuitable for the family, cutting off all connections to those within this family."

Antonio paused, letting his words linger before continuing, "Realize this: the Call of Arms transcends a mere test. It is a rite of passage, a means to affirm your place. Steel yourself, for there is no retreat once you commence."