lazy days

[sachi]

"Shinobi. . ."

My hands curled into fists as the word rolled out of my mouth, knuckles growing increasingly white as I thought it over. It was no secret to anybody that knew me that I harbored a hatred for them I couldn't describe, and it was something I carried with me for as long as I could remember. They were the reason I'd lost almost my entire family, they were the reason for the wars that took the lives of so many - and I would never forgive them for it so long as I lived.

"I'll be sure to listen to what he has to say."

Any information I could get would be welcomed, I wanted to learn their ways, their strengths, their weaknesses - anything I could, really. I hadn't come face to face with a shinobi since the night of my Mother's death, and I had to make sure I was prepared for whenever my next encounter might be, because if I had any say in the matter, it was going to be their blood on the floor this time around.

I did my best to bury my thoughts into the back of my mind, I wasn't going to let them ruin the rest of my day. Today was a day to be happy, it was the best feeling in the world when my Grandfather recognized my progress, it made me feel like I was inching closer and closer to my dreams. I downed the rest of my breakfast in a hurry, washing it down with a large mouthful of juice, wiping my face off with the back of my hand, my eyes lighting back up when Gramps started to get up, I knew it was time to get started at this point!

"I'm not gonna let you down, Grandpa!"

My voice was filled with endless enthusiasm, but I spoke with dedication and full realization of what he expected from me. I was next in line to become Shogun, but I didn't let that pressure get to me, I instead chose to embrace it, to let it further fuel my ambitions. I had the best swordsman in the world to guide me, after all!

"No time to waste!"

I ran over to my Grandmother, hugging her tightly and thanking her for the meal, before turning quickly on my heels and sprinting straight out the door. My imagination ran wild, wondering what my sword would look like, what it would feel like to hold, and what Grandpa had in store for me today. I couldn't slow down if I tried, and I'd run all the way to the blacksmith, knowing that my Grandfather would be trailing behind me in no time at all.

"WHERE'S MY SWORD?!"

I ran through the door, eyes wide with excitement as I looked all around. I could hardly contain myself, I wanted to be training already!

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[NARRATOR]

Monzaenon noticed the feverish fire in his grandson's eye at the mention of shinobi, and he fully intended to fan and refine those flames as he grew. Isamu would, in time, become the Land of Iron's greatest weapon against the Ninja Threat; this Monzaemon was positive of.

But, when the boy sprinted off, Monzaemon could do nothing more than shake his head. "Impulsive as ever." Yes, he had quite a bit of work to do.

"Now now," Chiyo cooed. "He's simply excited."

"I know." Monzaemon stood, kissed his wife, and then followed after his grandson.

It was several long moments until he was behind the boy, the clank of his cane against the cobblestone path signaling his timely arrival. The blacksmith had, for the most part, ignored Isamu's entrance and inquiry. He knew very well what day it was, and knowing the boy better than most, had been expecting him to burst through his doors asking and grabbing for the weapon. But, under the Shogunate's strict orders, he was not to give it to him. Not until Monzaemon had inspected it thoroughly, and given his blessing.

"Good morning, Lord Shogunate." The blacksmith, a stout man by the name of Hikashi, said with a deep bow. "And to you, Honorable Grandson."

"Good morning," Monzaemon replied with his usual dry, brisk voice. "I take it my order is complete?"

"Of course!" Hikashi shuffled off to the back of his humble abode, past the fanning flames and forge. When he returned, it was with a sheathed blade, garbed entirely in intricately decorated silk. "It is, without a doubt, one of my finest pieces of work. Only your blade surpasses this masterpiece, Shogunate-sama."

Stepping ahead of Isamu to ensure he did not touch the sword, Monzaemon extended his hand. Hikashi promptly placed the handle in his lord's palm, and with an elegant tug of his wrist, did the sheath slide from the glistening steel, revealing the blade.

"A test cut is in order." Monzaemon turned on his heel and exited the large hut, knowing the blacksmith would folllow. "Come, Isamu."

[sachi]

Long strides carried me as fast as I could move, my excitement making it impossible to slow down. The day a Samurai earned his first sword was an important one, it marked his recognition as a real soldier, showed that he was skilled enough to be given the honour of carrying this weapon. I had been pretty good with a bokken, but this was a whole new stage - this was real, a no-doubt flawless blade capable of great violence.

"HELLO?!"

I shouted towards the blacksmith, him ignoring my shouts and excitement as I'd burst through the door. I of course knew why - I mean, Gramps was always so thorough - but I wasn't thinking about anything other than my sword!

I crossed my arms and stood there impatiently, my sandals tapping restlessly on the floor as I waited for my Grandfather - only the telltale clack of his cane to let you hear him coming. Eager yellow eyes watched intensely, eyes flicking back and forth between the Shogun and the blacksmith looking for any sign of my sword. That was until I'd finally see it, my sword wrapped in decorative fabric, and already I was in love. I had no idea what it looked like or if was even a decent blade, just the fact that it was my first real sword was enough for me.

"Can I s- . . ."

I was cut off by Grandfather starting to speak, reaching out and removing my katana from its sheathe. My eyes widened and I wanted to just snatch it out of his hand, but I knew better than that.

"This should be good!"

I followed excitedly after Gramps, expecting that he was going to test my sword himself. His demonstrations of his flawless swordplay were always a sight to see, he always showed me something new - and most importantly, it kept me humble, it let me know how much farther I had to go.

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