"It is necessity and not pleasure that compels us.”

[Paul 21]

A loud, bone chilling shout echoes through a camp in the woods. A few lights start flickering between the tents as the people settled there rush towards the source of the sound with torches in hand only to witness the horrifying scene left behind by Mukuro’s betrayal. 

 

Several hours earlier.

 

“When the weight of the world is on your shoulders and it’s pushing you to your knees, become stronger! When your goals are just beyond your reach, getting further and further away, become faster! When your enemy spits and kicks dirt in your face each time he bests you, become better! The secret to survival in this world is determination and power!” These were the words of Mukuro’s father, Aojin, the first leader of the Kuroi Ken (Black Fist) tribe. The reclusive son was reading the speech out loud when one of the tents within the camp he was overwatching suddenly collapses.

 

Down in the camp, Mukuro’s two older siblings, Naraku and Suijin were brawling again, stomping on the collapsed tent, completely disregarding their surroundings. These bouts were more and more frequent, the triggers behind them becoming more pitiful with each passing day. Anything could spark a quarrel between the two siblings, the heated debates eventually instigating fist exchanges when the stormy discussions inevitably led towards who will inherit the leadership over the tribe when the time comes. 

 

Suijin was the eldest, tall and fit with unmatched oratory skills in the tribe. He often motivated the men with his speeches before combat, inspiring them with tales of glory and riches.

 

Naraku was the second son, slightly shorter than Sujin, but with wider shoulders. He was their father’s spitting image and an uncontested warrior of the tribe. He often spearhead attacks on their enemies, fearlessly leading his men from the front lines in combat.

 

Witnessing the scene, Mukuro approached his brothers while they were tumbling in the dirt, struggling to make eachother forfeit, and addressed them “For pride and avarice and envy are the three fierce sparks that set all hearts ablaze. Why do you persist in this folly, my dear siblings? Why not share the burden of  leadership?”

“Who do you think you are, telling us what to do?” Naraku shouted as he released the older sibling to face Mukuro.

“Watch your tongue, little brother. You might be blood from our blood, but if you challenge our authority, you will be punished just like anyone else! Know your place!” Suijin added as he joined Naraku, towering over the youngest sibling.

 

Mukuro dismissively waved away the threats and turned away from the duo as he walked away. As one of the clan leader’s offspring, he still benefited from Aojin’s protection, despite being shunned by most of the clan members, including his siblings. While Naraku and Suijin constantly searched to gain more power, following the teachings of their father, the doctrine that laid the  foundations of the Kuroi Ken tribe, Mukuro was pursuing his own passion for literature, prophetic texts and the search for “his destiny”.

 

Later that night, Mukuro made his way to Suijin’s tent, approaching his sleeping brother. “And now I fell as bodies fall,for dead.” he quoted as he brought his palms together in a series of seals. Suijin’s body felt heavy as if a mountain was placed on his chest. Unable to even speak under the weight he felt, the eldest sibling could only watch in horror as Mukuro methodically carved out his tongue, stripping the man of his ability to speak.

 

Naraku walked in to witness the scene, only to be blinded by a bright light when Mukuro focused his attention on the second sibling. A sharp pain causes Naraku to scream in terror, the bright light being replaced by pitch black darkness as his eyes were sliced by the tip of Mukuro’s blade, permanently robbing the warrior of his sight.

 

Present time.

 

Aojin makes his way through the crowd, falling to his knees when he spots Naraku sobbing over Suijin with gaping holes where his eyes once were.  The talents they took pride in are now lost, an orator without a voice and a warrior without sight.

 

“You will learn to work together now, my dear brothers, for It is necessity and not pleasure that compels us.” Mukuro speaks, overlooking a small settlement from a hilltop, far away from the Kuroi Ken tribe's camping ground.

 

Spoiler

Mukuro's story continues here.

 

Edited March 9, 2020 by Paul

[Gogo 81]

Well done! Can’t wait to see your next sagas! =]