The daimyo’s hall falls silent as Zabuza stands before the raised dais, numb hands held near his sides and heavy steps finally still. Genova and Ayame remain close beside him.
A-Yeong, a slim adult kitsune with grey eyes and two sweeping fox tails, enters in modest traveling clothes. Zaelen follows, an athletic adult tigerfolk woman with orange fur, black stripes, and bright green eyes. Rin, a young adult woman in a dark green court coat, slender, with fair skin and a silver brooch at her collar, walks beside them, her short black hair framing a calm, determined face.
A-Yeong
We stand with Zabuza and Ayame. Our affection is not rumor or convenience. It is a bond we choose openly.
Zaelen
I choose them too. Zabuza walked through danger to protect others, and Ayame deserves companions who will not abandon her.
Rin
Let the court hear this clearly. Their cause has my loyalty, and my witness joins theirs.
The Bandit Chief
The warlord burned granaries, starved villages, and seized the helpless for dark rituals. I saw the rites beneath his manor, and I saw lives taken to feed his power.
The daimyo’s expression hardens as each word settles over the hall. His gaze moves from the bandit chief to Ayame, then rests on Zabuza and the gathered witnesses. At last, he lifts one hand. “Zabuza Kenpachi, will you add anything before I weigh this testimony?”
✓ Quest Accepted
Earn the daimyo's authority to act against the Warlord