lazy days

[sachi]

Oh sleep. What was better than sleep on a chilly Iron morning? I was wrapped up in multiple layers of fuzzy blankets, curled up on my comfy bed, sound asleep without a care in the world. It was mornings like this where sleeping in felt best, it was so refreshing! So there I'd lay, eyes tightly shut, a small trail of drool running from the corner of my mouth, the slight movement of my chest from my breathing the only indication that I wasn't dead . . .

---

Wait, where was I? I stood alone in a dark room, or at least I assumed it was a room judging by the wooden floor. I couldn't see anything, the floor was cold, all I could hear was a faint sound in the distance, it sounded like . . . screaming. I spun around, my head looking frantically in all directions for any sign of anything, and then I'd see it, a small bead of bright white light off in the distance. I immediately took off running towards it, that must have been the way out, I literally couldn't see anything else in this room besides that - and the closer I got, the louder the screaming got . . . and then I realized I recognized that voice, it sent shivers down my spine and turned my blood cold,

"MOM?! MOM IS THAT YOU?!"

I ran faster, my curiosity now turning into desperation as the light grew the closer I got to it. Why was she screaming? What was going on? I had never run so fast in my life, and when I finally had gotten to the light, its luminescence grew to blinding levels, my hands immediately shot up to cover my eyes. But when I would lower them again I would realize I was in a different room, a familiar room. And when I would look over to my eyes, I would realize where I was, I would realize where the screaming was coming from . . . my mother was slumped over Miyo's body, the kunai that was lodged in her throat now sitting in a pool of blood, she was screaming at the top of her lungs.

"Mom! Mom, what is happening?!"

I asked her the question, but I knew the answer. I had been here before, I had lived this already, and I knew what was to come next.

Isamu! Get down!

"No! Mom, we have to get out of here!"

But Miyo! She . . . She . . .

"She's dead, Mom . . ."

Just saying it was hard, even though I knew. I could feel the growing lump in my throat, the uneasiness of my stomach,

". . . We can't do anything now Mom, I have to protect you!"

Then all of a sudden we would be rocked by an explosion coming from the opposite side of the house, the force enough to knock me off my feet and into the pool of my sister's blood. It was still warm, and it covered my white kimono from head to toe, only smearing even worse as I tried to frantically wipe it off my face and arms.

Isamu they are here!

My mother stood up and ran to the other side of the room, grabbing a sword off the wall - my father's sword, kept here in his honour. I knew what she was trying to do, I knew what she had intended. She wanted to cut me and fake my death, but this time was different, I was going to protect her . . .

"Mother . . ."

I rose slowly, a raging fire burning inside me, growing with each passing second,

". . . Stay with Miyo."

I reached out and took the katana from her, the feel of the sword comfortable and familiar, as if it was an extension of my arm,

"I won't let anything happen to you, not again . . ."

I walked slowly to the door, my bare feet trailing bloody footsteps behind me,

". . . Not again . . ."

[/justify][/blockquote][/blockquote]

[sachi]

The smell of smoke filled the air of the hallways as I exited the room. The explosion had not only damaged the house, but set fire to it as well, the orange glow of flames visible in the distance, the light flickering along the walls. I could hear the sounds of yelling outside, the sounds of steel on steel, the sounds of death. I knew who my enemy was, I knew this all because I had lived it already - was I given a chance to make things right? Could I change time and protect her? Miyo was already gone, but if I could save my mother . . . if I could just change things . . .

You'll have to get through us, Shinobi!

I could hear shouting in the room just ahead, before the inevitable sounds of a fight breaking out, and judging by the noise it was a big one. I could hear blades clashing, projectile weaponry stabbing into the walls, glass breaking and thumps as people would drop to the floor, blood leaking out from under the door. I moved forward slowly, blade held firmly in my right hand as I approached the entrance. More explosions went off at different ends of the house, I could hear the wooden supports snapping as they were either burnt of destroyed by the concussive force. The flames were getting larger and more intense, the smoke was getting thicker, but I knew that in order to save my mother I had to clear a path for her . . .

I slid the door open and stepped through, and was immediately greeted with the sight of dead servants all around me. We had been taken by surprise by the shinobi, but despite this they still took up arms to protect my family. They didn't have a chance of winning, but still they sacrificed themselves for the Hoshimitsu, to buy us time, to do anything they could. My chest grew heavy, the lump in my throat worsened, but the burning anger inside of me only grew, my yellow eyes stared into the Shinobi before me as if I was looking into their souls.

First servants, now children?

Haha, what's next, infants? You are pathetic!

There was 10 of them, shinobi armed to the teeth. Some with swords, some holding kunai, wearing their flak jackets and headbands and obviously prepared for battle. They killed without honour, without a care for those that couldn't properly defend themselves. They killed my mother and my sister once before, but I had the chance to fix this, I was going to kill every last one of them.

"You're all going to die. . ."

I slowly raised the katana in front of my chest, my left hand now gripping the hilt, taking the traditional stance my Grandfather had taught me,

". . . Every last one of you. You're fucking dead . . ."

Hahahaha! Do you hear hi-

His words were cut short as my blade sliced clean through his throat, sending a spray of blood into all his comrades behind him. I had moved in a burst of speed too quick for any of them to comprehend, he was dead before he could even finish his thought, let alone his sentence. His still beating heart sent blood spraying from the slash in his neck, covering the walls, the ninja, and even myself in the warm liquid - and I found myself enjoying this . . . killing him, it felt right.

What the he-

I seamlessly transitioned to the next closest shinobi, they were only now catching onto my movements, but by then I had drove my weapon into his stomach, straight through and into the man behind him; impaling them both. I moved with an agility and accuracy that could only be attained by years of training, a level of swordplay these ninja couldn't hope to achieve - I was showing them what a Samurai was capable of.

I pulled my blade out of the two ninja, running up the first one's body as he fell, springing myself off his shoulders; sending me right into the bunch of them. My body seemed as if it was moving on its own, my killer instinct and hatred for these men guiding me, guiding the motions of my blade as I spun and twisted, landing clean strikes to 4 more ninja. I was sure to severe an artery or pierce an organ with each strike as I moved through the room, taking them down one by one - whether they knew it or not, they were dead already.

It only took me a few moments, but at the end of it all I would stand on the opposite side of the room, the flames now engulfing the walls to my sides. Behind me all 10 of them laid on the ground, large wounds forcing them all to bleed to death as they groaned in pain, unable to move, let alone fight back. I could have killed them all cleanly and painlessly, but I wanted them to suffer, I wanted them to watch all their blood leak onto the floor beneath them - I wanted them to die just like Miyo had to.

"I will never let you hurt anybody ever again . . ."

---

". . . Never . . ."

I mumbled into my pillow, still entirely consumed by my dream.

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SPOILER: Click to show

Kagirinai Hagane Hitosashi (Endless Steel Dance) [300]
Rank: S
Type: Offensive / Taijutsu / Kenjutsu
Range: 0 - 5 meters
Chakra: High x3.
Special: Can only be used once per thread.
Description: Commencing from a standing position, the practitioner gathers a vast amount of focus into their mind, prepared to end the lives of those before him. Then, once the user has unsheathed his blade and focused his chakra into his body, the user then lunges forward rapidly, initiating a sequence of up to ten rapid, but precise attacks. The user and his blade moves like a storm, flashing from one attack to the next relentlessly, the opponents being unable to trace one indistinguishable attack from the next. This is one of the ultimate attacks of Kenjutsu, and relies on complete focus in order to perform the blur of motion correctly. Thought of as the antithesis of 'Hitosashi Tenrai', the two techniques have been known to completely counteract eachother, leaving behind an amazing spectacle of sparks and sword clashes.
Domain: Kenjutsu. Battōjutsu 'S'. 'Sanjuu Kenippen (Triple Blade Slice)'.

[NARRATOR]

"Is he still not awake?" Monzaemon had been waiting for Isamu for almost five minutes, which, while wasn't uncommon, was rather unbecoming.

Chiyo, Monzaemon's wife, could only smile. "He's a young boy, my love. He needs his rest."

Monzaemon shook his head. "Then he should go to sleep at a reasonable hour. Punctuality is necessary for a blossoming samurai."

"You know, I remember when you would sleep in quite late," she teased. "Be easy on him."

Monzaemon lofted a brow. "I was much younger, and hardly a decent samurai."

Finishing with readying the tray with tea, Chiyo all but glided over to her husband. Even though she was well into her sixties, she still retained all the finesse and grace of a swan. Placing the tray down first, she then rested both of her weathered hands upon her husband's shoulders and gave his bald head a loving, tender kiss. "You were, and always have been, an excellent samurai, my love. Now, go wake Isamu up while I finish getting breakfast ready."

Monzaemon moved to stand, but was paused by a slight pressure from Chiyo's hands. "And remember," she said. "Be easy on him."

Reluctantly, he nodded.

The Hoshimitsu Estate was rather large; enough so that you could easily get lost if you did not know your way. Filled with multiple gardens and open court yards, all connected with snaking halls and corridors, it was more akin to a lavish castle and dojo than a simple home. It was just perfect for their wintry spring, when the snowfall lessened and the sun was most visible. Isamu's room was located near the heart of the compound, not far from Monzaemon and Chiyo's room.

Slowly sliding the rice-paper door to the side, Monzaemon entered Isamu's chamber just as he began to murmur. It was the same dream, every night -- or rather, the same nightmare. He couldn't count how many times he'd had the same visions invading his thoughts, stabbing him like sharp daggers of torture. Even as a neutral nation, they'd loss so much at the hands of the Shinobi; so much that could never be returned. But, that would be rectified soon enough.

For now--

Whack!!! It was the sharp, piercing crack of a wooden cane lashing across Isamu's exposed head as he fumbled with his pillow. "Wake up, you lazy, good for nothing boy! You're five minutes late, so you'll be spending five extra hours practicing your swordsmanship today!"

[sachi]

My dream world was finally shifting, the reoccurring nightmare at last fading after I had "saved" my Mother once more, my mind allowing me to move on while I slept under the assumption everything was okay again. The events of that night had left an emotional and mental scar I couldn't describe or contain, it was a battle all on my own, a battle without my Granfather's guidance to help me . . .

---

WHACK!

The wooden cane slapped hard against my forehead, ripping me right from my sleeping state and bringing me to life with a scream of pain, my hands instinctively thrown over my head in anticipation of another smack,

"GRAMPS!"

I shouted through clenched teeth, my Grandfather's legendary strength making something so fragile as a wooden cane feel as if I was struck with the blunt end of a sword, a red mark apparent on my head as I rubbed it,

"You made me work an extra five hours yesterday! Why do you think I slept in?!"

My tone was clearly an unhappy one as I quickly slid to the end of my bed, because as much as it pissed me off and as much as I'd rather sleep, the last thing I'd want it to make him tell me twice, he tended to not like that!

I rose out of bed, my eyes heavy and only half open despite the rude awakening, my hair a mess as I stood there in my tanktop and boxers,

"You could always just give me a shake next time, Gramps . . ."

I spoke as I stepped away from him and towards a door on the other side of my room which led to my closet, entering and quickly changing into my standard kimono, lazily tying my hair into a ponytail as I'd exit, my Grandfather no doubt waiting for me to make sure I wasn't wasting any time. He was always fierce about tardiness, and while I was usually pretty punctual there were just some days where a boy needed his sleep!

The smell of my Grandmother's cooking was the only thing lifting my spirits right now as I headed towards the kitchen, my head still throbbing from my wake up call. If there was ever anything I could count on my Granny for, it was keeping me well fed, boy was she ever a mean cook! I walked into the room quickly, yellow eyes scanning the room for anything that was ready to eat as I made my way to my seat,

"Good morning, Grandmother"

At least with Grandma around, Gramps would be a little bit nicer!

[/font]

[NARRATOR]

"And it is because of those five extra hours that you are the top of your class!" Monzaemon huffed as he followed his grandson off to the kitchen. Isamu was, without a doubt, one of the most promising samurai that the Shogunate had seen in his entire life. But, it was to be expected. When his mother was born, many chided Monzaemon for his lack of a proper heir. Naturally, the Shogunate paid it no mind.

While the continuation of their sacred bloodline -- the blood of Iron -- to continue, he saw his daughter's birth as a gift. While he would not have his heir immediately, something in his stomach told him that she would bring into this world a boy: and what a talented boy, she did.

Naturally, Monzaemon pushed his grandson hard. But, it was solely out of love.

"Good morning, my sunshine," Chiyo chirped as Isamu rounded the corner. As was her tradition, she intercepted the young boy before he could reach his seat and took him into a deep hug; placing a kiss on his head, and then a pat on his back, and then ushered him along. "I hear you'll be needing a rather large breakfast, hm?" she teased as she brought tray and tray to the table at the center of the room.

"You know how your grandfather gets when you're late," she whispered before Monzaemon had entered the room. "But, I'll see if he'll shave off a few hours of your punishment."

As if speaking the devil's name, Monzaemon appeared through the doorway. "Chiyo, my love," he spoke in his usually gruff voice. "Tea, please."

"Coming now, my Lord," she relied sweetly as she readied the pot. Meanwhile, Monzaeon took his place across from Isamu. His expression-- which was hard to discern, through his long beard and equally long eyebrows --was flat.

"You'll be practicing with a real sword today, Isamu." Nodding in agreement with himself, he continued. "And from this day forward, for that matter. You've outgrown your bokken; it's time for you to take the next time." Chiyo produced the tea he requested, and after having several sips-- which was more than enough time for Isamu to calm whatever excitement he'd been having --he spoke once more. "And, I'll be introducing you to Master Akio later today. . . the Jinchuuriki Samurai."

[sachi]

The closer and closer I got to the kitchen, the more the bounce in my step increased. The smell of the food was getting stronger and my stomach growled loudly in response, my mouth practically watering at the thought of breakfast. With Gramps working me hard as he did, I pretty much needed to eat like a beast to even make it through training - the fact it was the best food I'd ever had was just a bonus!

"I'm thinking maybe you should be the one to wake me up from now on!"

By now the pain had subsided enough for me to joke about it as I stepped towards my Grandmother, returning the hug with a firm, loving squeeze. She was the complete opposite of Grandpa, her displays of love much more gentle and understanding, and the kindest person I knew. She was like a mother to me, and if it wasn't for her, that darkness in the back of my head may have consumed me entirely,

"I'm not sure how well that'll work out . . ."

I was of course referring to her trying to get me out of the whole 5 hours. If there was anybody that could do it, it would be her, but Gramps was always the definition of tough love, and one way or another he was going to make me work off my tardiness - even if it was just five minutes! I quickly quieted down and took my seat as I heard my Grandfather's footsteps, eyes wide in excitement as food was placed before me - a potential whack from Gramps' cane being the only thing maintaining my manners; the urge to dive in before the table was set almost unbearable at this point.

"Awesome as always, thanks Grandma!"

The excitement was obvious in my voice, and when the last tray had been set down I dug in without delay, shovelling food onto my plate so fast it must have looked like they starved me! Meat, eggs, fresh fruit and bread, piled into a ridiculous portion on my plate, the size of my meal looking far beyond what a boy of my size could eat. I was halfway through shoving all my food between two pieces of bread before I heard my Grandfather begin to speak,

"Really?!"

The news was wonderful, to say the least. Ever since he'd started training me, Gramps had always insisted that I train specifically with a wooden practice sword, even though I felt I was ready for a real sword for some time now. He was very strict in his desire for me to master the basics, to only progress when he felt that I was ready, so you could understand my excitement when he'd finally said it, and it certainly showed in my big grin,

"I won't let you down, Gramps!"

My left arm shot out quickly, giving him a big ol' thumbs up, my right hand shoving my meat-egg-fruit-bread sandwich creation into my mouth with a huge bite. It was a weird way to eat, but I liked it - and heck, I was already running behind schedule as it was, I didn't want to imagine what Gramps would do if he had to wait even longer on me to eat!

"The jinchuuriki samurai?"

I spoke with my mouth half full of food, pausing to chew and swallow it down,

"How come?"

It wasn't that I wasn't interested to meet the Samurai that held the power of a tailed beast, but more so just curious as to why he wanted me to meet him in the first place. Was this part of my new training?

[/font]

[NARRATOR]

"He will be your new Big Brother," Monzaemon said calmly as he sipped his tea. "I've decided that Tetsu no Kuni's greatest asset should not be trained by anyone other than me. His mastery of the Sanbi is impressive, but there is so much more he could do with that creature."

Nodding sagely, Monzaemon allowed ideas to mull over in his mind. "Furthermore, Master Akio will be your new security detail. I have dismissed the others -- I know how much you disliked them. He's much younger than they are, so, perhaps you two will find more common grounds."

Though it wasn't the best way to show his affection for his only grandson, Monzaemon did take his whining and complaining to heart. Many considered the Shogunate paranoid, when referring his fiercely protective behavior toward Isamu. But, they could also understand it. Aside from the boy, Monzaemon had lost everything at the hands of the shinobi's reckless wars. His son-in-law; his beautiful daughter; his wonderful granddaughter. And Isamu had been unfortunate enough to witness it all, first hand.

"Besides, Master Akio has perfected the art of the House of Blades." Monzaemon smirked proudly. "He might be able to teach you a thing or two, when I'm not around."

[sachi]

"Big brother?"

The words came out slowly, distasteful in my mouth as they did - I had already suffered the loss of enough family as it was, just what was Grandpa getting at? He of course understood the pain I felt more than anybody, and even though he was harsh at times I knew he always had my best interests in mind, but was this really what he thought I needed?

"I have all the family I need right here in this room, Gramps . . ."

Yellow eyes glanced over at my Grandmother, then back to my Grandfather,

". . . But if you think it's best, I'll give it a try."

Regardless of how I felt, my faith in his abilities and intelligence were absolute, I figured it couldn't hurt to just see how things went, who knows, maybe this could turn out to be exactly what I needed?

I thought it over quietly to myself as I devoured more food, but the thoughts didn't last long - I was far too excited about my upcoming training. Moving on to blade work meant I was one step closer to my power armour, which meant one step closer to becoming a full-fledged Samurai Master! I was in reach of my dreams, and this only further fueled my ambition! The last barrier for me to overcome was to master the advanced Samurai arts - and if Gramps' wasn't going to teach me, apparently my new bodyguard could!

"Well Gramps, I'd much rather learn from you . . ."

I reached for my drink, raising my glass to my mouth,

". . . So whenever you're ready, let's get out there so I can show you what I'm made of!"

Every day I worked my absolute hardest, as if my life depended on it - because one day, perhaps even one day soon, I knew such a time would come. The deciding factor would be how much of myself I put into my training, how much I listened to my Grandfather's advice, how badly I desired to progress. There was still much for me to learn, but if I had any say about it, I was going to become a Samurai worthy of my Grandpa's name - heck, I was going to become a better Samurai!

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[minakami shū]

NONE CURRENTLY!!

[minakami shū]

NONE CURRENTLY!!

[minakami shū]

NONE CURRENTLY!!

[minakami shū]

These missions are all interactive missions, and will play a role in affecting the nation of Tenjin in terms of it's standing with and other nations (mainly, its diplomacy) and people involved from our nation, and nations we may happen to have a mission for - or against. All interactive missions are B Ranked and above due to the sheer fact there is the possibility of capture by another nation, torture, or even death. None of these missions will be repeatable.

ESPIONAGE,

SABOTAGE,

ASSASSINATION,

WARTIME MISSIONS,

DEFENSE MISSIONS,

[minakami masaki]

It wasn't often that Masaki found himself engaging in missions which, in spite of his position, was a detrimental tale. He may have been a High Minister, but he was still considered Genin in rank. He refused to acknowledge himself as anything more until he endured the challenges others had to climb the ranks. As such, he found himself eager to take on a few missions. The only place to do so was the Imperial Headquarters, so it was not long before Masaki found himself face-to-face with a fellow minister, though the current Minister of Defense and Security seemed to be filler until one of Shū's many sons would be willing to take up the role.

“Hm...,” began Masaki while sifting through the C-Ranked assignments. He preferred the thought of starting with a mission more advanced than your standard D-Rank. Finding two that particularly stood out to him, he would smile with a nod.

“These will do. I have a firm belief that children are the future, so it's only right that I do my best to encourage them in taking a proper path in life.”

Masaki casually shrugged, chuckling at what he had said. They were believable words because they held some sincerity behind them, but he certainly held an ulterior motive for picking missions that dealt with Academy Students. Some loved kids, some hated them. Some loved to mess with them because they hated them. Masaki wasn't as much of a fan of children as his words may have lead on, but he would show restraint for their sake.

“Either way, it's time to rake in experience.”

Nodding to himself in self-approval, Masaki took up copies of the pages asking for Genin to help around the Academy before pivoting on one foot and setting off. His stride was certainly leisurely, but there was no hesitation in his departure.

SPOILER: Click to show

Name: Back to the academy.
Rank: C.
Description: It's time to go back to your roots. The chūnin teacher of the ninja academy has asked for a genin to speak to the class. You will be required to tell the students of an experience you have had throughout your life as a genin, as well as encourage them to perform well in their exams by showing them some of your jutsu.
Rewards: 200 experience, 1000 ryō.
Requirements: One shinobi minimum, repeatable.


Name: Deal with the waggers.
Rank: C.
Description: Some of the cooler kids in the academy have taken it upon themselves to skip class. The chūnin instructor has noticed this, however is unable to leave the class unattended. You are required to camp outside the academy at the beginning of the day. Take note of the students as they are dropped off by their parents, and locate the ones that disperse from the class group. Teach them a little lesson as to why they shouldn't skip class, nothing fatal though.
Rewards: 200 experience, 1000 ryō.
Requirements: One shinobi minimum, repeatable.

Name: Locate the unknown hideout.
Rank: C.
Description: Otogakure no Sato is a village which is spread out across a vast range of different areas. Although connected underground, there have been some caverns that have been unexplored and hideouts that are yet to be discovered. Your duty is to find the entrance to one of these hideouts and report back to the mission centre. Completing this mission will allow you to pursue a more dangerous task in the future: exploring the hideout.
Rewards: 200 experience, 1000 ryō.
Requirements: One shinobi minimum, repeatable.

Name: Clearance of the entryway.
Rank: D.
Description: The entrance to Otogakure no Sato often becomes blocked off by falling rocks and other debris from the world above. Being an underworld cavern, it is imperative that the entrance is kept clear at all times so that shinobi and citizens alike can travel in and out of the village.
Rewards: 100 experience, 500 ryō.
Requirements: One shinobi minimum, repeatable.

Name: Carrier.
Rank: D.
Description: The farmers in the rice fields above Otogakure no Sato often produce large quantities of rice stock for the citizens of our village. As we are their largest purchaser, it is important for the farmers to transport their products to the village. An elderly farmer named Mr. Yagari has grown too old to carry his products down into the village. It is thus your job to retrieve these products and pay Mr. Yagari a small sum that will be provided to you before you embark on your mission.
Rewards: 100 experience, 500 ryō.
Requirements: One shinobi minimum, repeatable.

Name: Cleaning up of the rice fields.
Rank: D.
Description: Recently, a tornado has struck the land above. The rice fields have been torn apart on some plantations. You are required to assist one farmer in repairing his/her rice field by planting new crops. Don't expect this task to be an easy one.
Rewards: 100 experience, 500 ryō.
Requirements: One shinobi minimum, repeatable.

[/justify][/blockquote][/blockquote]

[Yox]

Word came that the Chūnin Exams were approaching. I realised that with no missions under my belt, I would be unable to partake in such event. Thus, it was time for me to show my commitment to the village by involving myself in a few village errands.

I edged my way into the military headquarters, eyeing the missions that were laid out before me. It seemed that we were required to have five missions under our belt, two of which being c-ranked and/or above.

So that was where I would start.

SPOILER: Click to show

Name: An upset stomach.
Rank: C.
Description: One of the guards of the royal palace has come on duty today with an upset stomach. It seems that he has acquired food poisoning from his dinner the night before. It will thus be your job to stand on guard at his position and check the credentials of everyone who enters the palace. Be careful though, letting the wrong person in will have dire consequences.
Rewards: 200 experience, 1000 ryō.
Requirements: One shinobi minimum, repeatable.

Name: Back to the academy.
Rank: C.
Description: It's time to go back to your roots. The chūnin teacher of the ninja academy has asked for a genin to speak to the class. You will be required to tell the students of an experience you have had throughout your life as a genin, as well as encourage them to perform well in their exams by showing them some of your jutsu.
Rewards: 200 experience, 1000 ryō.
Requirements: One shinobi minimum, repeatable.

"I'll return with these completed," I said confidently to the minister. With a final nod of the head, I exited the military compound and moved out into Otogakure to get on with these tasks. The opportunity to become a chūnin had fallen on my doorstep. There was no way I was going to let it just slip away.

[NARRATOR]

"You'll still be learning your swordsmanship from me," Monzaemon explained, "But he has recently returned from the lands of the Shinobi. It's been many years since I've seen those savage places with my own two eyes, and thus Master Akio has valuable knowledge that had can share directly with you." Nodding, more so to himself, he paused his speech to sip his tea. "You know that it's always better to receive information from a eye witness, rather than a second or third source."

The breakfast passed all too quickly, and in what felt like seconds they were ready to leave. Monzaemon finished his tea by the time his grandson had put away all his breakfast; the Shogunate stood from his seat, gathering his cane, and started out. "We will not be back until after sunset, my love." He smiled. "So, there is no need to prepare dinner as early as you usually do."

"I understand," Chiyo replied. "Have a good day, the both of you."

Despite the Shogunate's age, he moved with a profound purpose and smoothness. His steps were not slow or stagnant, ridden with arthritis or decrepitness. In fact, it was often said that he walked -- and even ran, some said -- faster than most samurai; on par with ninja, they whispered. He did, however, us his lengthy cane with each step, placing it before him and clearly using it for support.

"I have a sword made especially for you, boy," he whispered to his grandson with a strong sense of pride. "Be sure to take exceptional care of it, for it will be the blade that guides you to Shogunate when I am no longer here." Monzaemon had never made it a secret that he intended for his grandson to take control of his position once he'd passed away. "It should be ready for you," he confirmed while making his way off the compound and to the blacksmith.