The Rise of the White Lotus

Although Aki wanted to refuse, he chose not to speak as his instinct tells him no one could stop her. Not just that, but also, he sensed the strong aura of death circulating around her figure. Hence, he just agreed with the nod of his head.

"Also, you," Slowly, Tora strode towards the entrance of their wooden cell as she muttered. "Let go of all your hostages and bring them all with you. At the east side of this forest, there was a hill— camp there." With that said note, the rope that was used to lock down their hostages was cut, instantly flowed down to the ground, and the entrance waved as it slightly opened.

"Ye — yes!" Stuttering, Chiharu could only listen to the command of Tora. His shaking eyes shifted behind her figure and saw Aki lifting up the little girl's body. "But, if we go outside we will be expo—" 

"Heed my orders, animal." Tora emotionlessly interrupted as she headed out of the cage without waiting for them. 

Chiharu, though was insulted by her address, could only bow his head in shame. Meanwhile, Aki watched her retreating figure before shifting his gaze to the two of his subordinates. The two only nodded. 

They were capable to protect themselves, and also the victims on their escape plan. Hence, they weren't worried that they would get exposed. However, what worried Aki was Tora. Nevertheless, he understood her concern about Churu's body. The reason why he must secure the victims first before giving her his aid.

****

After a minute, when the two of Aki's subordinates were free from their shackles, they decided to head out and rescue the other hostages. With their guards all up, they cautiously went out. However, their tracks halted upon seeing the sight outside.

There, numerous bodies had already scattered, lying in their own pool of blood. Meaning, their way was already secured as Tora extinguished the danger of their route. Therefore, Aki's group went to the other cage not far away without a problem.

"This…" As they reached the cage, Chiharu talked the women down as he instructed them that they came to rescue them. He vaguely explained the situation, but what he ascertained was that they could escape their damnable fate of being sold off.

On the other hand, Aki could not care less about comforting the women as his gaze peered at the dead bodies nearby. He noticed that every one of them died with a single slash on their bodies — in their weakest point.

It was too similar how the general fight as she was known to kill an enemy in a single slash of her sword. Although it was hearsay, only those who were close to the general and fought alongside her knew if it was true or not.

But this sight, there was no doubt that they were killed in a single slash. Aki's heart slightly pounded as he felt conflicted. He already tossed the thought that Tora might be the general but the more he sees her action, the more she gave him clues relating to the general of the Chisaka family.

'Yamada-san… is that your real name?' He questioned inwardly as the female hostages were being guided out. 

***

"Waah!" A loud shrilled resounded across the whole camp place as Tora slashed another man down. She was being surrounded by warriors of this group and every passing second, their numbers were being reduced.

"Imbecile!" Despite his shuddering shoulder, one man shouted as he sprinted forward with his wielded sword. However, even before his sword could land on her, he felt a striking pain in his abdomen. In a second, he coughed up blood as his eyes slowly moved to the woman holding the sword that pierced him.

As she pulled out, the thud of his body was heard, adding to the number of lifeless corpses on the ground. She flung her sword in the air, producing a little gust of wind. Tora slowly scanned her surroundings, counting the men that were around her.

Fear crept out on their countenance as everyone that attempted to take her down, they would die in a fraction of seconds. No matter if they attack her in groups or one by one, they would all perish. The outcome didn't change.

"You! What are your intentions?" Despite the fear that slowly shaking his heart, one man demanded in a shout. 

Ever since they were alarmed by the infiltration, Tora never once spoke a word while she goes on a killing spree. No one knew what she wanted, and everyone had their own assumptions on her intentions. Some assumed that she was there to rescue the captive, and others thought that she was sent by an enemy group.

However, just as he asked, Tora disappeared from her standpoint before a series of loud scream was heard. One after another, they slumped to the ground with blood oozing out their bodies. No one saw how and where was she coming from as she was akin to a bolt of lighting.

Her speed was faster than earlier and each second, their numbers were reduced until the last person standing knelt down, holding his neck that was slit even before he knew it.

"Reasons? Shall I have any other than your demise?" Looking down on the last man whom she last executed, Tora emotionlessly said.

This was her of way of grieving, and revenge for the unjust death of Churu.

Churu's pale face flashed across her mind as the blood from every member of this group trickled down on the tip of her sword. This sword would be the only witness of this group's death. With that, Tora heard more footsteps heading to her, hence, to save themselves the trouble, she sprinted to its direction.

That night, the whole forest was filled with resounding screams and the clashing of swords, before the crisp sound of fire burned the whole area. That very night, the town near the forest caught the noticeable light of a wildfire — turning the night into a day. 

Even from the northern town, Arakaki saw the fire that brought light around. Hence, together with a few warriors, they headed towards the area to investigate the matter. After all, it has only been three days since the general set off. Hence, she was probably nearby.

Meanwhile, Aki, who stood on a hill where they camped as per her instruction, watched the whole territory of the group that was supposed to be his prey burn into flames. No one could read what he has in his mind.

Just then, he snapped when he heard a familiar child's voice. "NO!" Churu suddenly jolted from her lying position as she shouted. Aki slowly turned to the supposed dead child, and his eyes widened in disbelief.