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Chapter 185: Challenge

The capital\'s architecture mixes traditional wooden structures with modern touches - curved roofs and sliding doors alongside stone buildings. Demons dominated the crowds, making the scattered humans, elves, and dwarves stand out like exotic birds.

Stepping from the taxi, Arthur made his way to the elevated railway station. Morning commuters packed the platform - mostly demons heading to work in pressed suits and traditional robes.

His distinctive Morningstar features drew suspicious glances; their realm\'s rivalry with Japon evident in their cold stares.

Arthur claimed a seat, ignoring the whispers. Though some clearly recognized him from entertainment news, they maintained typical Japonese reserve, keeping their distance.

The journey to Yokohama passed through mist-shrouded mountains and autumn-touched forests. This marked Arthur\'s deepest venture into Japon, leading him to Third Prince Yasushi Akuma\'s residence.

Finding a discrete alley, Arthur unfurled his wings and soared toward the prince\'s estate.

He landed before a magnificent compound - sloping tiled roofs cascaded like frozen waves, while meticulously maintained gardens created a peaceful barrier between the residence and the outside world. Stone lanterns lined the gravel path leading to the main gate.

Two guards intercepted him. "Halt! Huma-" The first guard caught himself, noticing Arthur\'s horns. "I mean, demon, do you realize where you stand?"

"This is His Highness\'s residence!" the second barked. "State your purpose!"

Arthur smiled diplomatically. "I have a scheduled audience with the prince. Please inform him of my arrival."

"No need." A smooth voice interrupted. They turned to see a feline demon approaching, his elegant robes rustling softly. Silver and black fur gleamed in the autumn light.

"Satsuki-sama." The guards bowed deeply.

Satsuki acknowledged them before turning to Arthur with a respectful bow. "Please follow me, Mr. Pendragon."

Arthur followed Satsuki along polished wooden corridors, their footsteps whisper-quiet on the aged boards. Soft light filtered through paper screens, casting gentle shadows as they approached the meeting room. The sliding door opened with a subtle hiss.

Inside the spacious chamber, Yasushi sat cross-legged at a low table, five demons arranged around him. The room\'s minimalist elegance spoke of power through restraint rather than ostentation.

Three of the demons - two male and one female - carried gleaming curved blades at their hips, their posture speaking of years of martial discipline. The other two males wore simple robes, metal-plated headbands glinting in the filtered light.

Yasushi rose smoothly, his smile genuine. "A pleasure to meet the renowned director once again."

"The honor is mine," Arthur returned with a slight bow.

As Arthur took his offered seat, his gaze swept over the assembled demons. Yasushi caught his interest.

"Allow me to introduce my vassals, Mr. Arthur." He gestured to each in turn.

The three armed warriors belonged to the Shinsei no Oni clan, steadfast supporters of the third prince. The two headband-wearing demons hailed from the Ninja University.

But one figure commanded particular attention - Takeshi Onimura.

His massive frame seemed barely contained by his ceremonial armor, which bore his clan\'s red and black oni mask emblem. Dark brownish-red skin bore intricate black markings of his bloodline, while golden-yellow eyes burned with barely contained intensity. His black hair, streaked with crimson at the tips, was cut with militant precision.

Small twisted horns emerged from his temples, completing his fierce visage. Battle scars marked his exposed arm, each telling silent stories of past conflicts.

Takeshi and his fellow clan members fixed Arthur with cold stares, while the two ninja leaned forward with barely concealed excitement.

"Have I offended your samurai somehow?" Arthur\'s light tone carried a playful edge. "They\'re looking at me like I\'m their next meal."

Yasushi noted the hostility with a frown. "Takeshi, Kaede, Haruto - treat our guest as you would a fellow warrior of the blade."

The three bowed to their prince, but Kaede Kuronuma straightened with barely contained anger. Her silvery hair shifted like living silk, fox ears twitching with agitation. Her porcelain skin seemed to glow with inner fire as her green eyes fixed on Arthur.

"Forgive me, but I cannot show respect to anyone from that despicable Morningstar Kingdom!" Her voice carried the sharp edge of old wounds.

Haruto joined in, his hand unconsciously gripping his sword hilt. "Famous or not, his blood is still that of our enemy. How dare he presume to make a film about our sacred way!"

Arthur raised his eyebrows at their boldness. These samurai\'s hatred ran deeper than he\'d expected.

"I must apologize, Mr. Arthur," Yasushi sighed, shooting his warriors a stern look. "They\'ve faced Morningstar\'s armies in battle. Such wounds heal slowly."

Arthur\'s smile remained gentle. "No offense taken, Your Highness. Our kingdoms\' history is... complicated."

"Complicated?" Takeshi\'s golden eyes blazed. His massive frame tensed as he gestured to his scarred arm. "These marks came from your people\'s blades. This longest one? A gift from your elder brother, the crown prince himself."

Silence fell heavy across the room after Takeshi\'s revelation. Arthur\'s careful plans for a smooth negotiation crumbled before the past grudges he hadn\'t anticipated.

"Look, I understand the bad blood between Morningstar and Japon," Arthur said carefully. "But if it\'s hatred for my brother, father, family, or the entire kingdom you\'re carrying - I\'m already removed from that equation. I was exiled, took citizenship in Horn Kingdom. The Morningstar Kingdom and royal family are no longer my concern."

"So perhaps," he added with diplomatic precision, "your hatred might be misplaced."

Takeshi\'s dark chuckle carried no warmth. "Don\'t misunderstand. I hold no grudge against your elder brother. The scar he gave me was earned fairly." His eyes narrowed. "It\'s the dishonorable Morningstar soldiers I despise, those who\'d resort to any trick to win."

"And you," his voice dripped with contempt, "are worse than them. Abandoning your kingdom, betraying your blood - you\'re no different from those cowardly soldiers. At least they fought for something."

Arthur\'s smile finally faltered. He noticed Yasushi\'s deliberate silence, sensing deeper currents beneath this confrontation. Still, he played along. "Then how do I earn your respect and cooperation for my film?"

The three samurai exchanged knowing looks before Takeshi\'s lips curved into a predatory smile. "Simple enough. Face us in combat. Prove you\'re worth our time."

Arthur blinked at the unexpected challenge, but before he could respond, the two ninja burst into the tension.

"Hey, this isn\'t right!" Yokuma protested, waving his hands. "You can\'t just challenge him like this!"

Kurotani nodded vigorously. "Mr. Pendragon is an artist, not a warrior! He creates entertainment!"

"Silence, shadow-crawlers," Kaede\'s voice dripped with disdain. "This doesn\'t concern you."

Undeterred, the ninja flanked Arthur protectively. "Mr. Arthur, forget these stubborn sword-wavers!" Yokuma pleaded. "We\'ll help with your film!"

"Yes!" Kurotani\'s eyes lit up. "Make a ninja film instead! Your Naruto series is incredible - I haven\'t missed a single episode!"

Yasushi massaged his temples in helplessness.

Despite the ninja\'s protective flanking, Arthur\'s eyes remained fixed on Takeshi. "It seems I have no choice." He rose smoothly, causing the ninja to step back in surprise.

"As an entertainer," a slight smile played at his lips, "I suppose I could entertain you with a fight, samurai. How shall we proceed?"

His casual acceptance stunned the room. The samurai\'s confident expressions faltered, while the ninja exchanged worried glances. Even Yasushi\'s composed facade cracked slightly.

Takeshi recovered first, though uncertainty lingered in his eyes. "Kenjutsu. We test skill, not power."

"Mr. Arthur," Yasushi leaned forward, searching Arthur\'s face, "are you certain about this?"

Arthur\'s single nod carried quiet determination.

Yasushi\'s expression turned grave. "Then we\'ll take this to the garden. The space is more suitable." He paused, attempting to lighten the mood. "These ancient scrolls wouldn\'t survive a proper duel."

Arthur\'s continued seriousness made the joke fall flat in the tense air.

***

The garden\'s stone fountain trickled peacefully, bamboo leaves rustling in the autumn breeze. Stone lanterns lined the gravel paths while maple trees cast dancing shadows across the immaculate grounds.

Arthur gripped the wooden katana, facing Takeshi across the garden clearing. Their audience - the two samurai, ninja pair, Satsuki, and Yasushi - watched intently from the wooden walkway.

"Who do you think will emerge victorious, Satsuki?"

"Without doubt, Lord Takeshi will win, your highness," Satsuki replied flatly.

Yasushi\'s lips curved slightly. "Oh? Have you forgotten the news of Arthur defeating that Welsh noble with a single strike?"

Satsuki\'s expression remained cold. "The rumors of Lord Arthur\'s fighting ability are noted, but Lord Takeshi holds the title \'Seisen no Kishi\' for good reason. His kenjutsu is unmatched."

Yasushi nodded in agreement. The ancient title, meaning "Knight of the Holy War" in a long-forgotten tongue, was not bestowed lightly. Takeshi\'s skill was unmatched among his peers.

While they spoke in hushed tones, Arthur maintained his serious stance, seemingly focused on every detail.

Though Arthur knew his true strength, he couldn\'t risk underestimating Takeshi. Besides, he had to maintain his act of taking this seriously.

Takeshi launched his first strike. Arthur blocked the deliberately weak attack, making a show of straining against it.

"Is that all you\'ve got? If so, I\'m disappointed." Arthur\'s words carried genuine feeling, though everyone interpreted his bravado as mere posturing, given his apparent effort in blocking the strike.

"Heh, you think that\'s all? Block this next strike!" Takeshi shifted into an aggressive stance, his expression hardening as he prepared his attack.

Arthur maintained his act of effortful defense while Takeshi pressed his assault, each attack seemingly more aggressive than the last.

"Takeshi\'s just toying with him," Kaede smirked, her fox ears twitching with amusement.

"He can forget about making any samurai film," Haruto chuckled darkly.

"Who even cares about samurai these days?" Yokuma called out.

Kurotani nodded eagerly. "Ninja stories are way more exciting! Just look at Naruto!"

"Samurai embody honor, discipline, and unwavering loyalty," Kaede shot back, her green eyes flashing. "Our art isn\'t for tricksters who hide in shadows."

"Stealth is cooler," Yokuma shrugged.