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Part 4
Since Kaze had overheard of Leo and Niles scheme, the ninja has been weary and careful to avoid them at all cost. And if he had no choice but to come face to face with them, he would be by his legies’s side. And safe.
But Kaze knew he could only do this for so long. Eventually they will have to come face to face alone, without any hiding spots. Without any shields. Without anyone or anything standing in the way.
But Kaze tried to hold this off as long as he could for both his and Corrin’s sake. But soon the time had to come…
Kaze had been tossing knives at his enemies, their shoulders bleeding out as screams of agony escaped their lungs before colliding to the cold ground.
Both he and Corrin along with the rest of the army who tagged along on this expedition, had encountered a bunch of ruthless bandits.
And the bandits, never surrendering, and never showing an ounce of mercy, continued to attack.
As much as Corrin wished to spare them still, despite these things, she knew that they would have to be killed. Because she cannot risk anyone on her side to die from something as trifling as this.
Rain was soaking the ground damp, but the ninja’s footing never faltered; he continued to both stand and attack without a single slip up.
Sure, after awhile of this constant fighting, it was becoming rather exhausting, but Kaze knew that failing was not an option.
Kaze never lets down his guard in a battle field; ever. But after seeing how the field appeared to be quite empty, Kaze, for once, lowered his guard as he heaves a sigh.
The amount of bandits that attacked… was quite abnormal. The size of the bandits was like an army.
But sometimes notorious groups could hold big numbers every once in a full moon. So Kaze didn’t ponder over this at all.
Kaze’s mind had not been completely focused after releasing his guard, for having reached near exertion in that battle while protecting his master, allies, and himself included, messed with his usually keen senses.
Relaxing for just one instant ends up being Kaze’s great mistake, for he feels something sharp pierce him right below the shoulder blade and he lets out a shout before grabbing hold of what wounded him.
Kaze’s legs wobbled but he kept standing. He pulls out what stroke him to find that is was a bloody arrow. But… this arrow…?
Kaze recognized it. It wasn’t any ordinary arrow you would find in the dusk armory shop within Nohr’s city walls.
This arrow… it belonged to Niles, Leo’s retainer. So… the time has finally come for them to face off against the other.
“Niles… come out and face me instead of hiding like a coward!” Kaze shouts out into the darkness. If he was to die here, he at the very least, wants to see the face of the one who shall take away his life.
“Coward…? Like you aren’t any different… Kaze.” Niles hops down from the tall tree he was knelt on top.
“I’m not the only one who’s been hiding here. You hiding in the shadows of our camp. You hiding besides your retainer like a child would to their mother… your one to talk, Kaze.” Smirked Niles.
“Niles… I know why you wish to end me.” Kaze points out. “Hm? You do…?” Niles was a little surprised that Kaze may had known. But then again, it wasn’t so uncommon for a ninja to sneak and eavesdrop, either.
“You… you and Leo wish to end my life here… to keep Corrin, Camilla, and Elise safe. But also… for the sake of Nohr’s safety as a whole.”
“Sneaky one, aren’t you Kaze?” Chuckles Niles in amusement. “I won’t blame you for wanting to take my life. But… I want you to know that you are wrong about me. I fight not to betray you… but neither do I fight for Hoshido any longer. The one I fight for… the one I pledge my loyalty to… is Corrin only.” Kaze voices.
“So… you no longer fight for Nohr or Hoshido… but for the liege you have pledged your loyalty towards…?” Questions Niles, wanting to make sure he’s getting this right.
“Yes.” Nods Kaze, showing his unwavering decision and resolve. “Hm… well, that’s quite sad really. Because that almost sounds like to me, like you lost your purpose. But no, it’s not that you lost your purpose… you’ve found a new one. And lady Corrin gives you that purpose, does she not?”
“Yes.” Kaze answers yet again, full of honesty. After talking much, Niles really didn’t see any reason to butcher Kaze from where he stood.
He really didn’t seem like much of a threat. Niles knows a liar when he sees one. And right now… Kaze was telling the sincere truth.
Niles swore and promised his master that he would eliminate any threats that threatened his beloved sisters and kingdom. But… what good is destroying something when it truly poses no threat whatsoever? Especially if that said one’s purpose is to no longer pledge loyalty to a side in one’s war…?
“You know… this is pointless.” Sighs Niles in frustration at himself. He is aware that Leo will not be very happy about his disobedience, but he has his price incheck and would not lower himself to murder a human that posses only innocence and no harm.
Niles knows that believing Kaze’s words when they might turn out being the opposite of what they seem could end up stabbing him behind the back, but… Niles will not do it.
Kaze hmed in confusion as his head tilted slightly to the side, almost like a confused puppy dog. So Niles decides to explain further.
“I know a liar when I see one. You are honest and sincere, and truly pose no threat to my lord, his sisters, and kingdom. So… feel lucky to have been spared with only a single strike of an arrow.” Niles smirks before taking off.
It seemed that Niles had spared Kaze… for now, anyway. But that wasn’t enough reason for Kaze to ever lower his guard again.
After all, when there's two who holds suspicion, it’s always common for more to be just as suspicious and to plot schemes such as they did.
So for Kaze, this was a warning. A warning that his allies could very well turn on him when it is believed he will turn traitor. And also a warning if he does decide to become enemies with Nohr… just how powerful and easily they could take his life away.
