First Opium War

Chapter 16: The Sacrifices

For weeks, Itsuya, and the others, spread word about their endeavor to form a revolution against Walter's regime. First, they started in Japan, but unfortunately, no one was interested in supporting them. Residents of Japan existing in the bottomless gutters spat at them, while the local shop owners laughed at them, believing the chances of their success was low.

          And after a two day journey back to China, a bit of hope was lost on them, as Akihiko, Jasper, and Mengyu began doubting Itsuya's plan. The people of China were the same as Japan; no one cared to show interest, and some even decided to alert the local British guards. And in the end Itsuya decided that to uncover Walter's corruption they would need to do so on a bigger scale.

          An event celebrating the union of British and Chinese citizens was scheduled to take place that day, prompting Itsuya to deem the event a great opportunity to spread their message amongst a large portion of people. Streets were filled below Walter's towering kingdom that was built above the city and on top of a hill, surrounded by enormous gates with rare black iron. The people enjoyed a variety of food, drinks, and snacks. Red, white, and blue balloons filled the sky. Many Chinese men and woman were dressed in ceremonial robes; while the British wore formal garments akin to their heritage.

          Itsuya and the others were surprised Walter's newly built International Armed Forces, consisting of Chinese and British recruits, didn't recognize them. They'd thought maybe the Bertrand's would keep a close on their whereabouts according to their past history with each other. But luckily, maneuvering through the crowd didn't prove to be difficult. 

          "My father was right..." Mengyu whispered, recalling what Donghai told her during the invasion of their village. "Walter finished his goal...to create a generation full of naivety."

          "My god there's a lot of people here!" Jasper looked in awe, sometimes dancing to the music that placed in the background. 

          "Well I say we get this over with as soon as possible. If these people did lose sight of their history with the First Opium War...they'll hate us for sure for interrupting their internal peace." Akihiko sighed and wished he was back at the cabin fishing.

          But Itsuya fell victim to desperation, as he spotted a stage at the center of the city, watching a couple performers step down a fight of small stairs after ending their gig. Itsuya turned around and faced his friends. "Alright, just as we planned, alright? No one make any sudden moves...for our mission is not to harm anyone, but bring harm unto ourselves for the greater good." 

          Mengyu prayed as she held her hands in front of her face. Akihiko simply nodded, and Jasper fixed his hat. 

          "Let's do it," everyone agreed in unison. 

          "For Senpai."

          "For Shifu."

          "For China's legacy."

          "And for Japan's awakening."

          All four of them calmly marched forward and took the empty stage which startled some of the musicians who were sitting it. Itsuya went to stand before a podium and its microphone, while his friends surrounded him to protect him. 

          "Remember, let's make this quick, shall we?" Jasper smiled, placing his hand on the grip of his pistol tucked inside its holster on his hip. 

          Akihiko lowered himself into a Kenjutsu stance, firmly holding the hilt of the katana that Hideo had gifted him before his death. Mengyu nodded at Itsuya and got into a Fu Jow Pai stance, raising her both of his hands in front of her, using her fingers to form a claw. They prepared to defend themselves from the backlash. It was time to become the sacrifice for their generation.