Naruto: The Way of the Warrior
Chapter 1: Miyoko (Konoha's Resident Samurai)
It is disgraceful, the path that many of my kind have taken to get by in this world. They hire out their services as mercenaries to criminals. Then there is me. I am formally from the Land of Iron, but my blades have been forged in combat against those that threaten the ones I care for. What am I you may ask? My name is Miyoko, and I am samurai.
I am special kind of samurai, an Onna-Bugeisha. In this world ruled by the shinobi, it seems samurai are always outmatched by the ninja. Still, one must learn to find a place in this world. I've found my place, but I will not hire out my services. Money seems to bring out the worst in some people. My new place is in a village in the Land of Fire: Konoha.
My soul is my sword, a katana and a wakizashi forged from the finest steel. I also use the naginata and su-yari. I will never dishonor myself by using firearms. Firearms are for cowards. These days I wear the clothes on my back, and my armor fitted to my mature frame. because of my simple black armor with black lacing, I am called the 'Black Orchid'
My kabuto is made in the zunari style, and I wear an iron half-mempo with the face of a lion. I reserve that for the battlefield. Most of the time, I wear a simple black head-wrap with a cloth facemask. On a dapple grey stallion, I made my way into Konoha for the first time. The townsfolk look at me like I am from another planet as I tied down my horse.
I sat down for a meal, "Long way from home, aren't ya?"
"Well, this will be my new home," I replied back to her,
"A samurai among ninja, you'll stick out like a sore thumb," she joked,
"So what's your name, samurai?" asked the lady at the counter,
"I'm Miyoko," I replied, taking off my head-wrap,
"Hmm...that's a nice name, I'm Ayame," she replied,
"Nice to meet you Ayame," I replied, such a nice young lady,
After a long trip, I was hungry, "So what I can get for you today?"
"I'd like the kakuni ramen, no green onions please," I ordered,
"Would you like some sake with that?" Ayame teased,
"Oh, I don't drink, just tea please, thank you," I smiled back,
As a samurai, I always abide to the Eight Virtues of Bushido: Rectitude, Courage, Benevolence, Politeness, Sincerity, Honor, Loyalty, and Self-control. One cannot call themselves a samurai if they do not live their lives by these virtues. I can feel the eyes of people passing by as I waited for lunch. Is it my armor? Is it my swords? Being a samurai is tough.
I have short black hair in a boyish cut, and light brown eyes. My skin under my armor has some tan to it. Working and training in the summer months can do that to one's skin tone. I am 170cm tall, and 68kg without wearing all of my armor which is a mix of steel plates with padded silk and leather, and chainmail. All in a shade of black and dark grey.
Most of the time, I wear a blue-grey and white kimono with my head-wrap and cloth facemask. My swords will never leave my side. I will never shed the blood of the innocent. That is something that may wash off from your hands, but you will never be able wash it from your memory, "Here you are, I wish you all the best here in Konoha," said Ayame,
"Thank you so very much," I replied, and broke the chopsticks for a meal. The food here is very good. I seem to have found a place that I can frequent as a regular. Within an hour, I had finished my lunch, and paid for it, "excuse me, do you know where I can find Lady Tsunade? I have an important meeting with her that I must see to," I asked Ayame
"She lives in the middle of the village, you can't miss it,"
"Thank you," I said, making a polite bow and being on my way to a large home in the middle of the village. I walked my stallion Bando to the lavish home, and tied him to the post outside, "you be good, alright?" I said stroking him, and got a nuzzle from him as I was about to go inside, "good boy," I said with a giggle, and went inside for the meeting.
With my head and face covered, my custom armor clinked and rattled as I made my way up the stairs, cradling my kabuto and mempo. I bowed to Lady Tsunade. The leader of the village gestured for me to sit down, "Miyoko of the Mori Clan, the 'Black Orchid', it is refreshing to see there are samurai that follow the Bushido Code," said Lady Tsunade
"My clan stands firm to the ancient way, the way of the warrior," I replied, "I am happy that you have approved of me staying here, as a samurai, I pledge myself to this village," I vowed to Lady Tsunade, "and to your protection, should you require it," Lady Tsunade grinned and nodded as she signed some papers, "is there anything I can help you with?"
"Actually there is," she replied, "some of our shinobi have had troubles with samurai in the past, seeing that you are different from those hired mercenaries, I want you to show me what a real samurai can do," I have the skills that can make me a match for the best ninja on the open battlefield. One chapter of my life is over, and now a new one begins.
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