Those who weren't afraid of death couldn't be intimidated by it. Benimaru had never feared death, not even when he dared to do what he had today, so he wasn't afraid of the blade in Gennosuke's hand, either.
He only regretted that things had come to this.
Watching the Red Eyes slaughter one another, Benimaru knew the situation had become irreparable.
It was time to come clean with Lord Gennosuke.
They would hold Gennosuke hostage and seize resources, force him to commit a grave mistake so he would have no way back, then help him become the Red Eyes' leader. With the wealth Gennosuke displayed, they could secure even more support.
That was the Red Eyes' entire plan. Unfortunately, it had failed.
The humble expression vanished from Benimaru's face. With his back straight, he turned out to be a refined, elegant young man.
"Heh. Lord Gennosuke, when did we ever betray you?"
Benimaru was clearly unconvinced—more so than even Gennosuke, who had been shouting that he was wronged.
Too worked up to notice the change in the young man, Gennosuke only wanted an explanation. He wanted his grievances answered.
He owed that explanation to the Koga Clan, and to Lord Qi. Gennosuke considered himself an outstanding person. He didn't want to become a disgrace to Koga or a laughingstock to Iga.
It was all because Benimaru had betrayed his trust. The Red Eyes were at fault.
"Benimaru, you promised you'd return to the Land of Fire with me, to Konoha! What you've done goes against everything you promised."
Benimaru had worn a smile ever since he straightened his back, but it was a smile that seemed to cut deep.
"Lord Gennosuke, I never promised you that."
Benimaru's smile wounded Gennosuke more than any blade could. Driven half-mad, Gennosuke decided to