I Enslaved The Goddess Who Summoned Me

Nathan walked beside Yukihime along the narrow forest path that led away from the Shinobi Village.

The village was already awake behind them. Scouts moved in and out of the hidden trails, horses were being prepared, and messages were carried between the houses with increasing urgency. The first rumors had begun reaching Norihiro’s network, and soon enough, the Daimyo would have to respond.

Nathan did not want to remain too far away when that happened.

Minami Kyoto was still a considerable distance from the village. If Norihiro moved suddenly, if one of the shinobi discovered something important, or if the trap inside the city began to reveal itself, Nathan needed to be close enough to act without losing precious time.

Genzo’s people were positioned throughout the surrounding roads and towns. Information would reach Nathan wherever he went. But information alone was not enough.

When the moment came, he intended to be there.

Yukihime walked close at his side, calm and elegant despite the haste in their steps. Her dark hair moved gently in the breeze, and her expression was composed, though Nathan could sense how pleased she was to be leaving with him.

Then a voice called from behind.

”Ryo.”

Nathan stopped.

Ayame approached from the path leading out of the village, her pace unhurried despite the urgency surrounding them. She wore a light smile, though her eyes were focused on Nathan alone.

Yukihime’s expression cooled immediately.

”We are in a hurry,” she said, clearly annoyed. ”Can you not see that?”

Ayame glanced at her and smiled with mild amusement.

”I can see it.”

Then her attention returned to Nathan.

”What is it?” he asked.

Ayame’s expression softened.

”It is about Sakura. You said you would speak with her, but you still have not.”

Nathan let out a slow breath.

He had known she was right.

Every time he thought about speaking with Sakura, he found another reason to postpone it. There had always been a report to read, a scout to meet, a route to inspect, or another piece of the plan requiring his attention.

But the truth was simpler than that.

He did not know what to say to her.

What could he tell Norihiro’s daughter?

That he intended to kill her father?

That he had taken her from Minami Kyoto because he could not trust what would happen to her if Norihiro learned she was no longer under his control?

That she needed to remain hidden because once Norihiro fell, people might want revenge against anyone carrying his blood?

Nathan did not want to treat her as an enemy. Sakura had done nothing to deserve the fear and uncertainty forced upon her. She had been caught in a conflict created by powerful men long before she had any chance to choose a side.

But keeping her in the dark was not kindness either.

He could not continue avoiding her simply because the truth was difficult.

”If you want,” Ayame said gently, ”I can come with you.”

Nathan looked at her for a moment.

He knew she meant well. She had a way of making people feel safe, especially those who had spent their lives being treated as tools or prisoners. Sakura might find it easier to speak with another woman there.

Still, this was something Nathan needed to do himself.

”No,” he said. ”I will be fine.”

He turned toward Yukihime.

”Wait here.”

Yukihime’s eyes moved toward Ayame at once, then returned to Nathan.

She clearly did not like the idea of being left behind with Ayame.

But she nodded.

”Yes, Nathan-sama.”

Nathan left them on the path and headed toward the small cottage where Sakura and Akiko had been staying.

Behind him, Ayame watched his back with a fond expression.

”He is a wonderful man, is he not?” she said quietly.

Yukihime looked at her coldly.

”You do not need to tell me that.”

Ayame gave a soft laugh.

”I think there are still sides of him you do not see.”

Yukihime turned toward her.

”Do you want to die?”

Ayame did not appear frightened in the slightest.

”If you killed me, Ryo would be very upset,” she said with a smile. ”And I know you would never want to make him unhappy.”

Yukihime gritted her teeth.

Ayame’s smile remained innocent.

For all her warmth and gentle manner, she had a dangerous confidence of her own.

Yukihime looked away with an irritated huff.

”You are lucky Nathan-sama asked me to wait.”

”I know,” Ayame replied lightly.

A tense silence fell between them.

Neither woman moved from the path.

Both continued watching the direction Nathan had taken.

Nathan reached the cottage a few minutes later.

It stood near the quieter edge of the village, partly hidden between tall trees and low shrubs. Genzo had chosen the place carefully. It gave Sakura and Akiko privacy, but it was also close enough to the main paths that guards could reach them quickly if anything happened.

Two shinobi stood watch nearby.

Nathan gave them a brief nod as he approached.

One of them bowed. ”Ryo-sama.”

”Has anything happened?” Nathan asked.

”No. They have remained inside.”

Nathan nodded and stepped toward the entrance.

He slid the outer door open and entered without delay.

The cottage was quiet.

A small fire burned in the center of the main room. Two cups rested on the low table, and folded clothes had been placed near one wall. The place was simple, but it was clean and warm. The village had done what it could to make the girls comfortable, even if neither of them had chosen to be there.

Nathan walked deeper inside and approached the sliding door leading to the room where Sakura and Akiko were staying.

He paused briefly.

Then he slid it open.

The sight inside made him stop.

Sakura stood with her back toward the doorway, clearly in the middle of changing clothes. Akiko was beside her, trying to help her adjust the layers of her kimono.

At the sound of the door opening, Sakura froze.

Then she turned just enough to see Nathan standing there.

Her eyes widened.

For one brief second, Nathan caught only a glimpse of her uncovered shoulder and side before she spun around again, pulling the loose cloth tightly against herself.

”Kyaaa!”

Her cry filled the cottage.

Akiko moved in front of her at once, placing herself protectively between Sakura and Nathan despite being much smaller.

”You!” Akiko snapped. ”Leave immediately!”

Nathan stood still for half a second, more surprised than anything else.

Then he turned around without a word and slid the door shut again.

Outside the room, he waited with his back to the door, his expression calm despite the sudden awkwardness.

Inside, he could hear hurried movement.

Akiko was speaking in a low, irritated voice. Sakura said something too quietly for him to understand. Fabric rustled as they rushed to finish dressing.

Nathan rubbed one hand over his face.

That had not been how he wanted this conversation to begin.

But rather...

He remembered of Sakura’s bare back and also the side of her breasts he caught sight while he turned her body slightly. He hadn’t expected her to hide that much under her kimono truthfully.

A few moments passed.

Then Akiko’s voice came through the door.

”You can come in now.”

Nathan opened the door carefully.

Sakura was fully dressed this time, sitting near the low table with her hands folded tightly in her lap. Her face was bright with embarrassment, and she kept her eyes lowered.

Akiko sat beside her, still glaring at Nathan as though he had committed some unforgivable crime.

Nathan closed the door behind him.