Chapter 7

"Have you heard of the Oiran, Ruri?"

He considered the question carefully, fiddling with his tea cup while he thought about it before finally shaking his head.

The woman across the low table from him gave a small smile, "I thought not. Did Yashamaru-sensei tell you anything about why I am here?"

"He said you were going to be taking over most of my training, Ishigawa-Sensei."

"Call me Hikaru, Ruri. Is that all he told you?"

Ruri nodded and the woman sighed.

"An Oiran is a specially trained companion – "

"I'm Gaara's companion."

Another small smile, "Yes you are Ruri, but don't interrupt. It is most rude, especially when the person you are interrupting is of a higher rank than yourself – "

"Are you of higher rank than I am?"

"You're interrupting again."

The look she gave him could have frozen his tea if she'd have focused on his cup instead of him.

Ruri bowed his head, "I am sorry Sensei."

She nodded, "I understand you are excited but there is never an excuse for bad manners. That shall be your first lesson."

"Yes Sensei."

"Being an Oiran is not an easy thing Ruri. You're training will be long and difficult but I have been watching you and Garra-sama, and I believe this will benefit both of you."


Hikaru watched the glint that entered her new pupil's eyes when she said she'd been watching the boys.

"Ah – so he's aware of the mirrors then. Good. He's also smart enough not to blurt out what he knows. He's keeping it to himself, although I wonder if he's told Gaara-sama."

She eyed him as he took a sip of his tea.

I think not. From what I've learned from Yashamaru, this building probably wouldn't be standing if the Jinchurikki – the demon vessel – knew just how controlled his life had been so far.

"Your mornings will still be spent with Yashamaru-sensei, learning healing and taijutsu, correct?"

Ruri nodded.

"After the noon meal, then, to the evening meal will be our time. To start, we will work mostly on dance and etiquette."

"Dancing?"

Hikaru laughed inwardly at the barely veiled annoyance in the boy's tone.

"Yes, dancing Ruri. This is a very important kill for an Oiran. You will be required to perform a flawless dance in public in order to be considered a fully trained Companion – but do not worry. That will not be for a few years, yet."

"Oh."

"It's not so bad, my boy. Learning dance will improve your taijutsu. Surely that's worth something?"

He nodded in agreement but she noticed his bottom lip seemed more pronounced than it had been a moment ago.

She sighed silently, the boy had huge potential, but coaxing him into fulfilling it may prove to be the greatest challenge of her life.

Ah well, there's no time like the present.