Game Without Limits

"Let us know if you decide to go somewhere, daughter," Naoko's voice was soft, yet tinged with worry. She pulled Ayana close, as if trying to warm her not just with her body but with her concern.

"Indeed," Takatsu nodded, his gaze steady, as though ensuring his daughter truly understood his words.

"Looks like the servants are already preparing the meal," Hiroto interjected, casting a fleeting glance at Kaio, who had joined a group heading toward the breakfast pavilion. "Shall we eat?"

The question was rhetorical, and soon the family was seated at the table, enjoying a slow, unhurried meal. Yet one person was missing—Keito. When Ayana inquired about his absence, a servant bowed respectfully and answered:

"The master is occupied with his duties as the head of the clan."

Takatsu's brow furrowed ever so slightly as last night's conversation with Shigero surfaced in his mind. Back then, Shigero had hesitated before speaking, his voice nearly a whisper, as if weighing each word:

"I've been meaning to ask... why did you save us?"

The reply had been brief but carried undeniable weight:

"Words are unnecessary."

Takatsu had said nothing in response at the time, yet now those words echoed in his mind, demanding contemplation.

After the meal and a short rest, the family decided to take a stroll through the estate, basking in the warmth of the sun. They wandered through the shaded gardens, where artificial streams murmured softly among the greenery. Here, every tree seemed to have been planted with intention, and the stone lanterns cast intricate shadows upon the perfectly maintained paths.

"The beauty is certainly impressive..." Naoko remarked, running her fingers along the smooth stone surface of a bridge arching over a pond where vibrant koi swam lazily. "But all of this is just the outer shell. What lies beneath—that's what truly matters."

"No doubt," Hiroto nodded. "Even the air here feels steeped in something ancient. History, power, tradition... You can feel it on your skin."

As they moved forward, they approached the training pavilions, where students were scattered across the courtyards. Adults and children alike, armed with wooden swords and spears, practiced their strikes with focused determination under the watchful eyes of their instructors. Occasionally, a sharp command rang out, forcing the trainees to straighten their stances and correct their form.

Takatsu observed the training in silence for a while before finally speaking, his tone thoughtful:

"Strange… An organization with this much influence, this much power—and they devote so much effort to raising warriors from childhood. There's a logic to it, but what exactly?"

"Maybe it's about loyalty," Hiroto suggested, crossing his arms. "If you train someone from a young age, they'll be devoted to you with their entire being. Duty will become their very nature."

"Perhaps," Takatsu mused, still watching the fighters. "But I think it's more than that. This isn't just about raising warriors—it's about building the perfect system. These fighters aren't merely weapons; they're pieces of a larger machine. They don't need simple killers. They need people who think the way the clan wants them to think."

"In other words," Ayana added quietly, speaking up for the first time in a while, "they're not just training their bodies. They're shaping their minds."

Takatsu glanced at his daughter with approval. She understood.

At that moment, the sharp clash of swords echoed through the air—a trainer's voice shouting instructions. As he watched the courtyard, Takatsu suddenly realized: this clan hadn't built its strength over mere years. It had been crafted over generations. And whoever controlled this system wielded far greater power than they appeared to on the surface.

"Ayana!"

"Ayana!" A bright voice rang out behind her.

Turning around, she saw Kaio and her usual group approaching. The girl carried herself with her usual confidence, but there was a faint glimmer of curiosity in her eyes—perhaps even a trace of respect.

"Spending the day with your family?" Kaio asked with an easy smile before adding, after the briefest pause, "It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Kaio, Ayana's friend."

She then turned to the elders with a polite bow.

"Greetings. I'm Kaio, a friend of your daughter. It's an honor to meet the esteemed Fujiwara family."

The name Fujiwara carried weight, not just in the capital but far beyond its borders. Whether Kaio had learned about them only yesterday or had always known of their influence no longer mattered. What mattered was this moment.

"Hello, I'm Naoko," Ayana's mother introduced herself with a warm but composed smile. "I'm glad my daughter has made friends. She's usually so quiet..."

"Moooom!" Ayana immediately turned red, barely resisting the urge to hide behind her father.

Hiroto, standing nearby, glanced at her, his breath slightly uneven from their walk. His cheeks, too, were tinged with color as he stole a glance at her reaction.

"I am Takatsu, Ayana's father," came a low voice that seemed to cut through the air between them.

Kaio turned to him and, without a hint of hesitation, shook his outstretched hand.

"A pleasure to meet you, Lord Takatsu."

His gaze lingered on her, assessing. She stood firm—neither overly deferential nor disrespectful. A balance of confidence and proper etiquette.

"If you ever need assistance, don't hesitate to ask. The Fujiwara family takes care of those who stand close to our own." His tone was devoid of false warmth—only a cold, unwavering promise.

"Good to know, Lord Takatsu," Kaio replied with a small, knowing smile, her eyes narrowing slightly, as if analyzing every word.

During that time, they were introduced to the rest of the group as well.

Standing a bit off to the side was a massive man, towering over everyone else. His broad frame, draped in loose-fitting clothes, gave him the appearance of a bear, and a perpetual, lazy grin was etched onto his face. With a casual wave of his hand, he spoke.

"Panda. Just Panda. Nice to meet you."

"Panda?" Naoko echoed, her surprise barely concealed.

"Yeah. Just Panda," he confirmed with a shrug. "Legend has it, I was once an ordinary man, but fate had other plans."

"And what are you now?" Hiroto asked, intrigued.

"Now? Now I'm just a big guy who enjoys a good fight and a good meal," he said with an easy chuckle, stretching his arms behind his head.

"If only that weren't true," Kaio interjected, rolling her eyes. "But yeah, Panda is just Panda."

Beside him stood another young man, who had been quietly observing the exchange before finally joining in. He wore a long scarf despite the warm weather, his expression distant yet oddly perceptive. Tilting his head slightly, he introduced himself.

"Hikaru. Just watching how things unfold."

Takatsu studied him for a moment before speaking.

"It's not every day you meet someone who openly admits they're just watching—and who insists on wearing a scarf in this heat."

Hikaru met his gaze with a calm, indifferent shrug.

"Well, you know… someone has to."