The Sekirei’s Covenant

"What?! That bastard… General Sora is actually the mastermind behind the Revolutionary Army and the Path of Peace?!!"

Ieyasu's voice was full of shock and disbelief after hearing Sayo's explanation.

"Um… sorry, Ieyasu, Tatsumi, for deceiving you back then. Actually, I've always been fine. I was just working by Lord Sora's side and, like you, am a member of the Revolutionary Army."

A faintly sarcastic glint flashed in Sayo's eyes as she spoke with a guilty expression.

"What exactly is going on, Sayo? If that's the case, why did you…"

Feeling confused, Tatsumi still didn't understand after Sayo's explanation. Since General Sora was on their side and Sayo hadn't betrayed them, why had she drawn her sword against them before?

"Sorry, Tatsumi, for causing you so much pain back then. But it was necessary for your growth!"

Sayo said seriously:

"You must now understand how rotten and dark this country is. Back then, we knew nothing and foolishly hoped to make a name for ourselves in the imperial capital and save our village. Luckily, I met Lord Sora, who made me realize how dark this world really is!"

"Relying on this corrupt empire to save our village was impossible, but if it was Lord Sora, it could be done. So I joined his Revolutionary Army. The plan back then was mine. You two were too weak and naive, so to help you grow quickly, I asked Lord Sora to act with me in a play to stimulate you."

"I'm truly sorry for hurting you, Ieyasu, Tatsumi. But seeing you now as true warriors and men, I have no regrets about that decision. Even if you blame me, I won't hold any grudge!"

Having trained closely with Sora, Sayo's strength had improved greatly, and her acting skills were top-notch. Her sincere tone and expression deeply moved Ieyasu and Tatsumi.

They had no doubt about the truth of Sayo's words. Back then, they were indeed naive and clueless. Ieyasu was a bit crazy, and Tatsumi was even sold out the first time he came to the capital, even paying the other party for the trouble. Thinking of those shameful memories, both blushed.

"Sayo, we don't blame you. We should thank you! And we're really glad you never betrayed us…"

Tatsumi said emotionally.

Previously, both had been avoiding one question: if Sayo had truly betrayed the party, what use would it be to rescue her? Now, knowing she was still the same childhood friend and comrade, they breathed a long sigh of relief.

This should be the best ending…

"Hahaha… so that's how it is, Sayo, you should have said so earlier. I was worried all this time. And that General Sora is actually the leader of the Revolutionary Army! He acted so villainous, I really believed it!"

Ieyasu scratched his head, laughing foolishly.

"Hmph! Ieyasu, you must have said a lot of bad things about Lord Sora, right? Remember to apologize properly next time! Lord Sora has always cared for me and even sent a large amount of gold coins to our village. It was also Lord Sora who arranged for Master Babara to train you!"

"Lord Sora is a benefactor to us and everyone in the village. We must repay his kindness properly, understand?"

Though her acting was excellent, thinking of her usually bad-tempered master, Sayo blushed.

However, Tatsumi and Ieyasu didn't know Sayo's blush was from guilt and embarrassment; they thought she was angry at them.

They trusted Sayo deeply, and after hearing that Sora had sent gold to their village, their last doubts vanished.

They felt a bit embarrassed themselves. They had been tricked badly when they first came to the capital, and after joining the Revolutionary Army, they were constantly trained by that cruel old woman. They had no time to earn money to send back to the village. Hearing Sayo say this, they felt grateful to Sora.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

Just as the three were about to speak, a huge noise suddenly came, and the ground shook.

"Not good! The strongest Teigu, Shikoutazer, is about to appear! Ieyasu, Tatsumi, leave here quickly!"

Standing firm, eyes shining, Sayo said hurriedly. If not for her master's orders, she wouldn't want to stay with these two fools.

"What's Shikoutazer? Sayo, come leave with us quickly!"

Not knowing what Shikoutazer was, but judging by the noise, Ieyasu and Tatsumi were anxious and urged Sayo.

"I'm Lord Sora's guard now. How can I leave his side during battle? Don't worry about me. Lord Sora taught me many combat skills and gave me a powerful Teigu. I'm stronger than both of you now!"

While opening the third eye on her forehead for the two to see, Sayo said again:

"Tatsumi, Ieyasu, you two definitely sneaked out, didn't you? This is the most critical moment of the revolution. You should hurry back to your posts. Don't disappoint me."

With a serious expression, if Sayo weren't worried about ruining her master's plan, she really would have had the impulse to shoot these two nagging fools with an arrow.

"Sayo… you… fine, we'll go back to fight. You be careful too. We'll meet again after this is all over."

Ieyasu looked at Sayo's miraculous Teigu in astonishment and wanted to say more, but Tatsumi stopped him. Nodding at Sayo, Tatsumi then pulled the reluctant Ieyasu away back to their battlefield…

"Hmph, two idiots!"

Watching their departing figures, Sayo's lips curled into a sarcastic smile, then she leapt and disappeared from where she stood…

…

"Ugh… General Sora, I don't want to die, please spare me…"

The minister, wrapped all over in silk threads like a big brown dumpling, was thrown on the ground, looking pitifully at Sora and begging.

"Tsk tsk… Minister, you're quite adaptable!"

"Enough pretending. You're a treacherous hero of your generation. Don't you want to keep some dignity for yourself?"

Sora kicked the minister's fat belly with a look of exasperation.

This minister was very cunning. Since he dared to take the path of usurping power and betraying the country, he was not the type to fear death. If some people who didn't know him saw him like this, they might be fooled and let their guard down, giving him a chance to escape.

"Hmph, dignity or no dignity, can that thing be eaten like meat?"

"General Sora, you're too heartless. I've never wronged you, have I? Whenever there was a benefit, did I ever take less than my share? Even when I asked you for small favors, I let you extort and exploit me. Even when you slaughtered my Syura, I never blamed you. And now you treat me like this? That's not what a gentleman would do!"

No longer showing the cowardly, death-fearing look from before, the minister shakily sat up and spoke to Sora with a scowl.

"Heh heh heh… Minister, you know who I am very well, yet you still talk about gentlemen and such. Using your words, can that thing be eaten?"

"Don't worry, I won't kill you. For a great traitor and villain who has ruined the country and made the people suffer like you, killing you would be too cheap!"

Squatting down and looking at the minister's chubby old face, Sora said with a wicked smile.

"Hey, brat, you're not planning to dismember me alive, are you? You're too cruel. If you really do that, I'll die for you right now!"

The minister was creeped out by Sora's sinister expression. Knowing he was probably doomed this time, he stopped pretending to be weak and instead became very defiant.

"Oh? Dying for me? What do you think you are, some delicate girl? I'm so scared…"

"Hahaha… Don't worry, Minister, I've already planned your trial! Just wait and see! Hahaha…"

Sora kicked the fat man again and didn't bother with him anymore. This guy loved his life like he loved meat, so Sora wasn't worried he would really commit suicide.