Chapter 1: The Father-Figure
"Let's get this clear! I am not anyone's dad, ok? Don't you dare call me FATHER!"
Hiro knew full well that he meant what he said. This was the second time he accidentally let 'Dad' slip out, and there was no sign of any warm feeling, no looking back as if unsure of himself, or anything in his eyes that would suggest that deep down inside he wanted a son. He thought he would get something out of Maigoichi; a smile, a nod of approval, anything, but so far all he received was routine scolding and the occasional 'that'll do for now' as if, at that very moment, he would never amount to anything in life, but this was the farthest he can improve on in the time being.
Hiro never really wanted to be a warrior. After all, his passion was in the making of the weapons themselves; the craftsmanship that went in to making a sword or a spear was absolutely fascinating and his heart ached to put in the tender, loving care that is absolutely necessary in making quality products. His father, however, had no desire to appease him of his life-long dream. He was going to become a warrior and bring honor to the Nagasaki family. To do this, though, he had to spend 12 painful months with a man who cared nothing about him, his family, or whatever his dreams may be. Hiro became a chore, and Maigoichi Saika had to complete this chore to get the earnings of a lifetime, not to mention countless favors from his father who was somewhat of a friend.
"Forgive me, Lord Saika, I didn't mean to…"
"And let's get one MORE thing straight. I am not anyone's lord either! I hate the whole idea of being one and don't plan on leading any clans, nor following them, understand? I'm just calling in a favor from an old acquaintance of mine, and YOU happen to be worst of it."
Only the first few days and already Hiro had it in for himself. What had he done to be put in such an awkward position? At least he wouldn't be at this man's mercy for very long. The Mikawa people would treat him with respect. He didn't even know why he needed Maigoichi to be accepted into a well-reputable clan.
Saika took his musket and raised it to his shoulders until the back nearly touched his right shoulder. He paused and narrowed his left eye.
"Now, in order to shoot this thing well, you have to be completely calm and collected. Aim carefully and don't tremble. Ah, you'll get the hang of it." and he fired the musket; the bullet stopped upon a bird's chest in mid-flight, and it dropped to the ground with its head toward the clouds as if saying a fond farewell.
Hiro followed, raising his musket to his shoulders slowly and steadily. Saika chuckled, so obviously he was doing something wrong, but Hiro didn't pay attention. This shot would show some promise; he could tell because he finally wasn't trembling as much as he used to. Maybe he was getting a hang of this whole shooting thing after all. He narrowed his left eye and took aim. This would be the moment of proof, or aching pain, as Hiro soon found. His bullet flew into the clouds as if carelessly thrown away, and the musket had kicked back with such a recoil that Hiro would be feeling for weeks. He grabbed his shoulder and kneeled to the ground. Saika's chuckle grew into a laugh and he walked on.
"There's still much you have to learn, kid. But don't worry, you'll be ready for Mikawa training when we get there. They'll teach you a thing or two. Just don't embarrass me, ok?"
Hiro looked up at the back of his head. What if the bullet had hit right through that pretty hair of his? He lifted his gun with his left hand, no harm meant, but the anger had consumed him just enough to think about the possibility.
"Yeah, that'll do for now."
Pow.