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The Kurokumo Clan and the Blade Lineage were two syndicates that were more often than not opposing one another. There was no room for cooperation between the syndicates, let alone friendly interaction. Hong Lu knew this well, and was certain this wouldn’t cause any problems for him. He didn’t have anyone of note to worry about in his life–he had cast away things like love and family a long time ago. Sure, he was friendly with his fellow Kurokumo members (at least when they weren’t ordering him around), sure, he wore a smile on his face at all times, but in truth he was alone, and he was content with that.
He was alone, too, upon facing a member of his rival syndicate, with none to back him up as he faced down a noted member of the Blade Lineage. A man who, after their battle having been drawn out for hours, covered in blood and open wounds, chose to share his name with Hong Lu.
“Yi Sang.”
Breathing ragged, Hong Lu looked up at the man with whom he was locked in combat.
“What was that..?” He asked, tilting his head a slight bit.
“My name. It is Yi Sang.”
Yi Sang looked up at his opponent. His gaze was focused intently on Hong Lu, though the emotion reflected in his eyes was no longer bloodlust. Hong Lu couldn’t quite pinpoint what it was.
“I share my moniker with you, for I no longer yearn solely for the taste of victory.” Yi Sang spoke again, seemingly having detected Hong Lu’s confusion. He let the arm holding his sword fall slack at his side. “It is not easy to prove oneself respectable. You have done so without travail.”
“...Are you saying you’re giving up?” Hong Lu asked, raising an eyebrow. “I hope you realize I was ordered to kill you.”
“As was I, regarding you.” Yi Sang closed his eyes, speaking softly. “I shall not allow you to succeed in that endeavor, however, no longer do I wish to proceed in mine. You have earned a sense of admiration.”
Hong Lu paused for a moment, considering carefully what it was he should do and say in response. Seemingly, this man had come to admire and respect him, in a way that he couldn’t deny was the same for him. Yi Sang was skilled with a blade, in a way that Hong Lu had not observed from many of his other opponents. Sure, there had been a few at Yi Sang’s level in the past, but… Hong Lu had killed them, just as he was supposed to. Never had he required himself to stop and think before killing an opponent. But with this enigmatic man, who had in the midst of combat had admitted his respect and admiration for his enemy, it was different.
Hong Lu chuckled softly before speaking. “You’re going to be in some trouble should you return to your Syndicate after neglecting to kill me.” He let his sword fall to his side for a moment before spinning it around and sheathing it, letting out a sigh. He walked over to Yi Sang, one hand on his sheath and another extended out, his lips curled into a smile. “My name is Hong Lu. I’ve never been one to enjoy being ordered around. I think I’ll disobey my orders this time~”
Yi Sang stared at Hong Lu’s extended hand for a moment before reaching out to take it. “Trouble is naught but a trial one must overcome. I will be well.”
Hong Lu shook Yi Sang’s hand gently, his smile not fading. There was something about this man that intrigued Hong Lu, and Hong Lu wanted to learn more about him. That would likely never happen, but… well, he could dream. He could have his head in the clouds, daydreaming about a world in which he and Yi Sang weren’t on opposing sides.
Maybe in that world, they’d get to know each other well.