Samurai vs Demon: The Prophecy unfolds

Chapter 3: Answers.

The sun cast its warm rays upon Banghinko Village, invigorating its residents as they went about their day. Vibrant life filled the streets: people strolled, children laughed and played, while others savored steaming bowls of ramen outside cozy restaurants. The village's architecture blended harmoniously, with traditional wooden houses standing alongside modern concrete structures.

At the village gate, four formidable figures emerged: the legendary Four Samurai. Each embodied a elemental force: Riyu, Samurai of Wind; Ginyu, Samurai of Water; Kenji, Samurai of Fire; and Tadashi, Samurai of Thunder. Riyu, with a disarming smile, approached the guards.

"Excuse me, gentlemen," Riyu asked, his tone courteous. "Two weeks ago, a woman arrived here, severely bruised and burned on half her face. Could you direct us to her current location?"

Nakamura, the guard, eyed the Four Samurai warily, his hand resting on the hilt of his own sword. "And why should I divulge that information?" he asked, his tone laced with skepticism. "What makes you think I'd trust four armed strangers, especially with swords at your sides? State your business, and perhaps I'll consider cooperating."

Riyu's smile turned enigmatic. "You see, that woman hails from Shikunuga. Rumors say she's the sole survivor of the village's tragic demise. While many believe it was a catastrophic explosion, we suspect a more sinister force: Joon-oh, the Demon Prince."

Guard Nakamura exchanged amused glances with his fellow guards, his laughter booming. "Hahahaha! You expect us to swallow that? Joon-oh, the Demon Prince? Myth, legend, folklore! What's next, blaming the wind spirits for your lost socks?"

Ginyu's hand instinctively rested on the hilt of his sword, his eyes flashing with anger. Kenji, sensing his friend's rising temper, placed a calming hand on Ginyu's shoulder, his subtle nod cautioning restraint. Riyu intervened, his voice measured.

"Let's put aside our differences. I implore you, Nakamura, share her location. Any information she can provide about Shikunuga's demise is crucial. We need to understand what happened and what she remembers."

Nakamura sighed, his expression softening. "Fine, I'll grant you access. Follow the path up the cliff," he gestured, "and you'll find the mansion where she resides."

As they navigated the village's winding paths, the Four Samurai ascended the lengthy staircase, their footsteps echoing off the stone walls. At the mansion's gate, imposing guards blocked their entry. Tadashi stepped forward, exuding confidence.

"Afternoon, gentlemen," he said, his deep voice commanding attention. "I'm Tadashi, one of the Four Samurai. Accompanying me are Riyu, Ginyu, and Kenji. We understand your employer has provided refuge to a woman severely injured on her face and body. May we have a word with her?"

The guards exchanged uncertain glances, clearly weighing their options.

Akira, the lead guard, nodded thoughtfully. "I'll need to confirm the details with Mrs. Madutski." He stepped inside, leaving the Four Samurai waiting at the gate.

Inside, Akira entered the serene lounge area, where Yumi sat on the carpet, looking significantly improved. Mrs. Madutski sat beside her, assisting with a steaming bowl of beef soup.

"Forgive the interruption, ma'am," Akira said, bowing slightly, "but four men have arrived, claiming to be the Four Samurai. They wish to speak with Mrs. Yumi regarding the Shikunuga incident."

Mrs. Madutski's expression turned contemplative, her eyes locking onto Yumi's. "Very well, Akira. Allow them to enter, but please escort them to the garden. We'll receive them there."

Yumi's gaze lifted, her eyes narrowing slightly.

As Akira departed, Yumi's curiosity got the better of her. Her big, expressive eyes sparkled with concern, framed by her luscious brown and black hair, which swayed gently with each movement.

"Mrs. Madutski, what do those men want?" Yumi asked, her voice tinged with apprehension. "Why do they want to see me? Have I done something wrong?" Her brow furrowed, and her hands instinctively tightened around the soup bowl.

Mrs. Madutski's expression softened, reassuring. "No, dear, you've done nothing wrong. They're the Four Samurai, renowned warriors seeking justice. They might have information or questions about the Shikunuga incident."

Yumi's gaze dropped, her thoughts visibly drifting to the traumatic events. Her voice barely above a whisper, "Ok I'll do my best."

A few minutes passed, and the Four Samurai were ushered into the serene garden, surrounded by vibrant greenery and tranquil water features. They stood tall, their eyes fixed on the mansion's entrance.

As Mrs. Madutski and Yumi emerged, the Samurai bowed in unison, their movements fluid and respectful. Mrs. Madutski's warm smile spread across her face.

"Ah, what an unexpected delight! I wonder what merits a joint visit from the legendary Four Samurai?" She chuckled, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

Riyu, the Samurai of Wind, rose from his bow, his expression courteous. "Mrs. Madutski, we come seeking information about the Shikunuga incident. Yumi-san's experiences may hold crucial clues."

Yumi's gaze met Riyu's, her eyes searching. Mrs. Madutski's expression turned thoughtful.

Yumi's smile, though tinged with vulnerability, conveyed determination. "I'll share everything I can."

Riyu's face lit up with gratitude. "That's all we ask, Yumi-san. Your courage is invaluable."

Mrs. Madutski nodded, gesturing to a nearby grassy area. "Let's sit over there, under the cherry blossom tree. It's a peaceful spot, fitting for this conversation."

As they settled onto the soft grass, the Samurai arranged themselves around Yumi, their expressions attentive. Mrs. Madutski sat beside her, offering a reassuring presence.

Yumi's voice trembled as she began her account. "It was around 8 pm, a typical evening. I was at the market, buying meat for dinner...when he appeared."

The scene shifted, and Yumi's eyes glazed over, lost in the memory.

"A figure descended from the sky, his red eyes glowing like embers. Ash-grey hair framed his face, and his presence seemed to suffocate us. We were paralyzed with fear, staring up at him in horror."

Joon-oh's voice boomed, dripping with sadistic glee. "Greetings, humans. I'm Joon-oh, the Demon Prince. I've blessed you with my presence...and I'm here to kill you all. Every single one of you!" His maniacal laughter echoed through the market.

Yumi's voice cracked. "He said... 'Demon Technique...Burning Sun!'"

Her eyes snapped back to the present, wide with fear, tears streaming down her face. She covered her mouth, as if stifling her emotions.

"I'm sorry...that's all I remember," Yumi whispered, her body shaking.

Mrs. Madutski enveloped Yumi in a comforting embrace. "You're safe now, child."

Riyu's expression darkened, his eyes burning with determination. "We'll find Joon-oh, Yumi-san. We'll bring him to justice."