A True Samurai
Chapter Two, Dog Days
"Alright. You need to work on your precisition. Make sure it's a clean cut." Mifune said.
I nodded and readied my kantana. Mifune took hold of a basket.
"Remember what I told you Sakura. We must stay shap, because-" I rolled my eyes.
"Becuase people are like swords. I know that old man. You've been telling me that since I was five. I'm ten now. I think your old age is starting to get to you." I mumbled.
"WHAT WAS THAT!?"
"Just do it already!" I yelled.
Mifune composed himself.
"Ready... Now!" He yelled and threw the baskets contents in the air.
Thirty anpan dumplings flew into the air.
I smirked and jumped up. Faster than lightning, I sliced them all in half before any of them touched the ground.
I landed back down and sheathed my sword. I smiled up at Mifune.
"How did I do Mifune-sensei?" I asked.
Mifune quickly counted the now distroyed dumplings and smiled at me.
"You're as sharp as ever Sakura. But.." Mifune smirked as he held up one untouched anpan.
My eyes bugged out of my head.
"But I thought.."
"I threw it in the air only seconds after I threw the entire basket up." He said.
He placed the dumpling in my hands.
"You must stay sharp. But, considdering you beat your record, this anpan is your prize." Mifune said and ruffled my bangs.
"Thanks Mifune-sensei!" I smiled and took a bite out of the dumpling.
"Come on little one. Let's go." Mifune said.
I nodded and ran to his side and then we walked to the Samurai Base.
We entered the rec room. Okisuke and Urakaku were playing a game of shogi. A few other Samurai were drinking tea. Along with old man Kodai. Mifune went to join Kodai for some tea while I wandered over to where Okisuke and Urakaku were and sat beside Okisuke.
"Hey baldy." I greeted Okisuke.
Okisuke growled and flicked my forehead.
"Hey! That's mean Okisuke-nii-chan!" I cried.
"Then stop calling me 'baldy' you little twit." Okisuke growled and narrowed his one good eye at me.
"Then stop acting like you're some big tough guy!" I huffed.
"I am bigger that you. I'm fifteen! I'm more grown up than you are!" Okisuke said.
"Okisuke, just play the game, would you?" Urakaku sighed and moved his piece, successfully taking Okisuke's king.
A vein pulsed in Okisuke's forehead. Urakaku smirked at his pupil/partner.
"I win again." Urakaku said.
Okisuke grumbled.
"Hey Okisuke-nii-chan?" I asked.
"What is it ya little pest?" Okisuke answered.
I giggled and pointed to the dragon tattoo on the side of his head.
"I have a name for the dragon now!" I excliamed.
"Nani?"
This drew the attention of the people in the room.
"Funwari!" I exclaimed.
'Funwari' literally meaning 'fluffy'.
Everyone in the room burst out laughing. Even Mifune cracked a smile.
"She got you good Okisuke!" Urakaku gasped as he wiped tears from his eyes, still trying to compose himeself.
"That's it ya little kusogaki! I'm gonna kill you!" Okisuke yelled.
He chased me all over the Samurai grounds. I was laughing the whole way.
Those were the days that I cherish most. Spending time with Mifune. Playing shogi with Okisuke and Urakaku. Listening to the stories of the legendary Samurai from Elder Kodai.
I wish I could go back to those days. Training with sensei. Annoying Okisuke. Just enjoying my life. But all good things come to an end.
