RECORD OF STAY IN TOONO

Chapter 2

Even though he had some arranged training sessions, Rikuo would only be be able to train after he had done with his chores.

Rikuo spent almost of his day doing the laundry, cutting the woods, cleaning the baths and prepare some hot water for the bath. Itaku had never bothered to help him with those chores.

The head of Oshu Toono's clan, Akagappa, had instructed not to give Rikuo any special treatment whatsoever. Nurarihyon had also told them not to be reserved around Rikuo, and to make use of him as much as possible.

There was a flat huge rock jutting out from the side of the mountain. As usual, Itaku stood there, observing Rikuo from above, but that was all he did. Itaku didn't make a sound at all as he saw Rikuo was battling with the large amount of laundry that he had to finish.

Doing the laundry was an exhausting job. Toono was surrounded by mountains, and the rocks on its sides were covered in moss. The river at the bottom of the slope was where the clothes were washed, and to dry the clothes they had to climb up the steep slopes to the top. Someone who wasn't used to it will definitely have a hard time trying not to slip while climbing up the slopes.

"How is it? Does the grandson of Nurarihyon seem to have any potential?"

Itaku heard a voice from behind him. Turning his head, Itaku saw Akagappa was standing there.

"Akagappa-sama."

Akagappa's massive figure was quietly standing beside him. Itaku casted his gaze downwards once more.

"How do I put this..I think he's gotten a lot better in washing clothes."

"Heh, washing clothes, huh? How about his fighting skills?"

"Not bad. And that guy has a lot of passion. The only thing he desires is to become stronger."

But, then Itaku said,

"But that's not enough. He's still too weak now."

"What about Hatsu?"

"He does have some basic knowledge regarding that, but he only knows how to use it. It isn't enough just knowing how to use it. One needs to know how to apply it in the battlefield, against stronger opponents. If only I had more time, I would have taught him everything I know."

"It's true. But that guy seems to be eager to go to Kyoto."

"That's right, but it's too early for it right now. Those Kyoto youkais are the real deal. Even I want to have a fight with them."

"Are you talking about Kidomaru? Those subordinates that he brought along seem to be quite strong too.", Akagappa had a serious expression on his face as he stroked his beard.

"I cut off an arm from one of them."

When he heard what Itaku said, Akagappa laughed out loud.

"But Kidomaru is in a whole lot different level. He is exceptionally strong.", Itaku continued and Akagappa shut his mouth.

"Yes, that is correct."

"The fear he possessed, the quality and depth of it greatly exceeds any normal youkai. In addition, he had a strong sword swing and he could calmly analyze the battle situation. He must be a very strong youkai.", Itaku said.

"Kidomaru's reputation is much better than it was during the Edo era, so he is definitely strong. Even tough his hair starting to turn gray, the more experienced he is, the stronger he become.", Akagappa nodded silently.

Can I win?

Itaku thought to himself. After seeing such a skillful opponent, he would ask himself that question. The conclusion was always the same,

How am I supposed to know if I don't even try?

Facing the battle by mentally prepared to die will lead to a definite victory – Itaku would never think of such childish thoughts. That was not the way of a professional battler.

Itaku started to imagine his fight with Kidomaru. He didn't posses any fear in his heart. All he felt was an unbreakable fighting spirit. He knew that his recklessness was part of his nature as a Toono youkai. The ninja youkai of Toono had always had that fighting spirit flowing in their veins.

"Itaku, do you wish to go out and fight?", Akagappa asked suddenly.

"Go out and fight?"

"Yes. Go with the grandson of Nurarihyon to Kyoto and fight alongside him. Aren't you thinking about him right now?"

"With that guy? That's impossible.", Itaku denied strongly.

I really want to leave Toono to test my skills – He would be lying if Itaku said that he had never had these kinds of thoughts before. But, these thoughts have never been linked to Rikuo, at least that was what he thought.

"If I wish to fight together with someone, I would have chosen a stronger youkai. That guy just learnt Hatsu, he is a total newbie. I don't care even if he is the young head of the Nura clan. He's just a spoiled young master who had been living in a rather soft environment. Either way, I won't become his comrade."

"That's surprising. Why did you suddenly say bad things about him?"

"Those are my true thoughts."

"You know, I used to be like you as well.", Akagappa said as he stared faraway. Itaku turned to look at him.

"Before that guy's grandfather came, I was similar to you. I had no good feelings whatsoever on him. Indeed he was strong, but that mouth of his was too arrogant. He was always talking about his magnificence. At that time, I was thinking, who does he think he is?"

Itaku nodded.

"But in the end, I got conquered."

"Conquered?"

"He had this certain charisma, and that aura. It was those two things that made me submitted to him."

"That can't be! You actually submitted to someone?"

Akagappa nodded, confirming that.

"I wanted to follow that man – even though there were very few people in the world who could make me feel that way. But people like that do exist. That would be that guy's grandfather.", Akagappa pointed towards Rikuo.

At that time, Rikuo didn't realize that such conversation was taking place above him, and he was working hard in the laundry area.

"Nurarihyon is that sort of man. If I wasn't the leader at that time, I might have gone with him as well."

Gone with him, Itaku thought to himself as he watched Rikuo.

Would I follow such a weak man?

That's impossible. Itaku couldn't help but to steer his answer towards the negative stance. Then, Akagappa continued,

"It doesn't matter. You might not be attracted to him like I did. But, he is still the grandson of Nurarihyon in the end. He might have captivated without you even realizing it. Just like what his grandfather did to me.", Akagappa smiled as he left Itaku's side.

Itaku stayed frozen in his spot for a while. The phrase 'captivated you without you realizing it' gave him a bad feeling.

Itaku stared at Rikuo with an expression close to anger. He turned over the thoughts in his head.

That's all for chapter two! This chapter is really long that I almost passed out when trying to translate it. But anyway, I hope you guys enjoyed it!

Please do leave some reviews here :D