บท 7: Chapter-7 : Seeds of Discord
Chapter 7: Seeds of Discord
The news of Haruto's defeat spread like wildfire across the martial world. The leader of the World Clan, one of the most powerful clans in Murim, had been annihilated by a single arrow from Taiyo, the exiled master. It was an event that not only shook the Pillar Clans but also sent waves of unease throughout the Fist of Meteor (FOM) itself.
Within days, whispers of Taiyo's power and the true potential of his Singularity technique echoed across taverns, training grounds, and even the Clan Union's halls. But the most critical ripples were felt within the Pillar Clans—the 20 remaining pillars who had long served as enforcers of FOM's will.
Tension was mounting. The Pillar Clans were restless, and the seeds of discord had begun to take root.
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The council hall of the Pillar Clans, a vast stone structure nestled within a hidden valley, was abuzz with heated discussions. The leaders of the 20 Pillar Clans sat around a long table, each one voicing their concerns, frustrations, and fears. The hall was lit dimly by torches, casting long shadows on the stone walls, a reflection of the growing shadows in their hearts.
At the head of the table sat Kazuki, leader of the Iron Wolf Clan, his face stern and contemplative. The once-steady alliance between the Pillar Clans was fracturing, and it was clear to Kazuki that the time for action had arrived. But whether to continue serving FOM or break away was still up for debate.
"The defeat of the World Clan… it was more than just a battle lost," said Takeda, leader of the Thunder Serpent Clan. His eyes were filled with unease as he looked around the room. "We have seen with our own eyes what Taiyo is capable of. The World Clan was one of the strongest among us, and now, it's gone. Reduced to ashes."
"How can we trust FOM to protect us when they've been so silent?" another clan leader interjected. "Taiyo is not just a rogue warrior anymore. He's a threat to all of us."
Kazuki's fingers drummed lightly on the table as the arguments continued to swirl around him. His eyes were focused on the center of the table, where a map of Murim lay sprawled out. The territories of the clans were marked clearly, and at the center of it all, FOM's stronghold stood like an immovable mountain. The power that had once held Murim together now felt like a distant shadow.
"What of Ron?" a voice asked, breaking Kazuki from his thoughts. The question came from Kaede, leader of the Jade Phoenix Clan, her voice cold and measured. "The leader of FOM has yet to make any move since the fall of the World Clan. Does he even care that his empire is crumbling?"
Silence followed her question, and all eyes turned to Kazuki.
The Iron Wolf Clan leader exhaled slowly, his brow furrowing. "Ron… is focused on his own battles," he finally said, his voice low. "He's preparing to face Natsu, the Thunder God, and Hadius, the Hell Maker. To him, Taiyo and the World Clan are distractions."
"That's the problem," Takeda spat, slamming his fist on the table. "Ron is so obsessed with proving his strength that he's ignoring the very foundation of his power—the Pillar Clans. We are the ones holding up his empire, and yet he treats us as if we're expendable!"
Kazuki didn't respond immediately. He knew Takeda was right. The FOM had once been the unifying force of Murim, but Ron's obsession with personal glory had weakened the bonds that held the Pillar Clans together. Taiyo's return was simply accelerating the inevitable fracture.
"We've served FOM for years," Kaede said quietly, her voice calm but filled with a dangerous edge. "But we've received nothing but silence from them in return. Taiyo has challenged us, and we've lost one of our own. If FOM cannot protect its own Pillar Clans, then why should we continue to serve them?"
Murmurs of agreement filled the room. The seeds of rebellion were being sown right before Kazuki's eyes.
"We've fought for FOM, bled for FOM," Takeda continued, his voice growing louder. "But Ron has forgotten that his power comes from us. Without the Pillar Clans, FOM is nothing!"
A heavy silence fell over the hall as Takeda's words hung in the air. Kazuki leaned forward, his gaze sweeping across the room, meeting the eyes of each clan leader in turn. There was no longer any doubt. The Pillar Clans were beginning to question their loyalty to FOM.
But Kazuki knew that rebellion was not a decision to be made lightly. The power of FOM was still formidable, and Ron's Meteor Fist technique was feared across the world. If the Pillar Clans were to revolt, they would need to act with precision and unity, or risk being crushed before they could even strike.
"Before we make any decisions," Kazuki said, his voice steady and commanding, "we must consider our position carefully. Taiyo may have wiped out the World Clan, but that doesn't mean he is an ally. He's a wild card, a force we don't fully understand. If we choose to revolt, we must do so with the knowledge that we could be facing both FOM and Taiyo."
"Taiyo's strength is undeniable," Kaede said, her tone thoughtful. "But he is not aligned with FOM. He fights for his own reasons. Perhaps… we can use that to our advantage."
A murmur of agreement rippled through the room. The idea of using Taiyo's rebellion as leverage was tempting. If the Pillar Clans could pit Taiyo against FOM, they might be able to weaken both sides while preserving their own power.
Kazuki narrowed his eyes, contemplating the risks. It was a dangerous game, but it was also the only path that made sense. If the Pillar Clans revolted openly, they would face the full wrath of FOM. But if they could manipulate the situation—if they could maneuver Taiyo into striking first—then perhaps they could turn the tide in their favor.
"We need to make contact with Taiyo," Kazuki said finally, his voice cutting through the whispers. "But we do so carefully. He's no fool. If he suspects we're using him, he'll turn on us just as quickly as he turned on the World Clan."
Takeda nodded, his anger tempered by the promise of a new strategy. "And what of FOM? Do we wait for Ron to make his move?"
"We'll continue to act as if we're loyal," Kazuki replied. "For now. But when the time comes, we strike. And we strike hard."
The leaders of the Pillar Clans exchanged glances, the weight of their decision settling over them. The seeds of discord had been sown, and now, all that remained was to wait for the right moment to act. FOM's grip on Murim was slipping, and with Taiyo in play, the balance of power was shifting faster than any of them could have anticipated.
As the meeting came to a close, Kazuki stood at the head of the table, his eyes fixed on the map of Murim. The territories of the Pillar Clans stretched far and wide, but all roads led to FOM. And soon, those roads would be paved with blood.
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The Pillar Clans were ready to revolt. Now, all they needed was the spark to ignite the fire.
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