Today's archery lesson lasted until sunset. So much for him making the lessons easier since it was way harder today. Perhaps this was my punishment for sneaking out with Reiko yesterday. My legs were so sore, I could barely walk. As I dragged my weary body through the halls of the palace, Ieyasu looked at me as if I were a rare specimen in a museum.

"Why are you wobbling?"

"Because my muscles aren't working right," I replied. "If today's lesson taught me one thing. It's that I don't exercise enough."

"But that was barely a workout. Sounds like you've lived a charmed life up to now."

It was true. I grew up in a time of peace and safety. No need to train with weapons. Of course I couldn't tell Ieyasu about that. First of all, he'd never believe me. And he'd probably think I was up to something fishy and start avoiding me again.

"Your training may be over for the day," he began. "But you're not done until you clean your weapon."

"So, you've decided to keep training me then?"

"I don't have a choice. If I refuse, you'll just start pestering me for attention again. Teaching you is preferable."

Yes! I get to learn a valuable art and spend more time with him. Two birds with one stone. I flashed him an exuberant smile.

"Thank you, this is great."

Ieyasu's eye went wide, but he soon furrowed his brow uncomfortably. "You really think you should be happy about that? I'm not going to go easy on you, you know."

"Good, because I don't want you to."

He seemed bewildered by my excitement and determination. "No hesitation at all? I can't tell if you're too simple or just overconfident. You're really are an odd woman."

He upgraded me to odd? That's better than being taken for a fool.

"See you tomorrow," he said.

"Yeah. Same time, same place?"

Ieyasu turned without another word and marched off toward his room. I think this was the first time Ieyasu's given me the common courtesy of a greeting. It really felt like I was starting to make some headway with him. He talked to me a lot during the archery lesson, though it was always to tell me I was doing something wrong. But it was a start. The next day, Ieyasu kicked the Spartan training into high gear.

"Today you will use the basics you learned yesterday to try shooting an actual arrow."

"Got it! So, where's the target?"

"Um, no. You are nowhere near ready for target practice."

Seriously? No target?

With a superior air, Ieyasu handed me an arrow.

"Bet you're not even strong enough to reach that fence over there," he challenged.

"We won't know that until I try!"

"Oh? Then, by all means. Give it a go."

"I will!"

I concentrated on what I learned yesterday and took an arrow from him. I recalled the lessons from yesterday on how to grip the bow and put my arrow into place. I tingled with a mixture of nerves and excitement and slowly drew the bowstring back.

"Uh," I said in defeat. My finger slipped and the arrow plopped uselessly to the ground at my feet. Just as my heart dropped with it, I felt a fierce sting on my left arm. "Ouch!" The string had struck the inside of my elbow painfully. It really hurt and was so embarrassing.

"You're incredible."

"Huh? I know I failed, but do you mean my form isn't bad?"

"No, the opposite. You're shockingly bad. Even worse than I expected." But that was only my first try at shooting! I can't be that terrible. "Feel free to quit anytime."

"I am not quitting," I protested. "You're teaching me and I am going to keep trying my best."

I know I'm not very strong yet, but the doesn't mean I don't want to get stronger! And I just started..it's way too soon to give up. I won't believe I'm hopeless quite yet.

"You don't need to 'try your best.' Words like that are meaningless anyway." His voice was monotone but, he scooped up the fallen arrow anyway. I decided that if he doesn't like words, that I would show him with my actions. He stood behind, placed his hands on mine and shifted them into the proper position. "Trying to prove your strength is pointless when you don't know what you're doing. Relax your arms. Bring your left elbow in and nock the arrow firmly."

"Okay." For all his harsh words, he was still teaching me. His contradictory behaviour was oddly comforting. I just had to stay calm and focus. I drew back slowly, then released my fingers to let the arrow fly, and I did it. The arrow fell to the ground only a few feet away, but it felt like a major accomplishment. "Ieyasu! I shot the arrow!"

"I know. I was here. Don't get overexcited, it's irritating."

"I can't help it…it's exciting! Uh, but I'll try to control myself." And so, Ieyasu continued his strict lesson with me. By evening I was starting to get the knack of shooting an arrow.

"It's not pretty, but at least you can kind of shoot now. We'll stop here for today."

"Thank you." I felt like I made a lot of progress and I was glad I didn't let him bait me into quitting. My body was weary, but my body was soaring. I've been chased, attack, and locked up without being to do anything about it. But now I knew that, I if I try, there's nothing that I can't do in the Sengoku period. "I've already come a long way because of your teaching!"

"I didn't really do anything. It's all because of your inability to quit."

That may be the most contrary compliment I've ever heard, but I'll take it. The odd and unexpected praise put a little spring in my step. "You're really a kind teacher, Ieyasu."

"Huh? You think I'm kind after how strict I've been with you?"

"Yes. You've been strict because that's what I need."Ieyasu raised a quizzical eyebrow. "I wouldn't improve if you weren't."

"Don't jump to any strange conclusions. I don't have a choice in the matter." He really had to contradict everything I say, huh? "I have to be strict because you're unbearably weak. Everyone needs to learn at least one way to protect themselves. And if I don't teach you, who will?"

He can deny it all he wants, but it sounds like he's being kind and considerate to me. The memory of that rainy night I attempted to escape came rushing back to me. When I found myself in danger, I couldn't do anything to save myself. When I walked back to the castle with Ieyasu, I had been filled with frustration at my weakness. Of course I was happy to have an excuse to get to know Ieyasu, but the chance to learn how to use a weapon was something I just couldn't pass up. Taking control of my own safety gave me confidence and courage. I wonder if Ieyasu suspected I would feel this way all along.

"You're truly kind, Ieyasu."

"I told you, I'm not. I just can't stand to look at someone who's as weak as you."

"Yes, and that makes you kind."

"Geez, just drop it!"

He had a sour look on his face and quickly strode away. I hoped I didn't take it too far. I just couldn't seem to get him to really open up to me. I returned to my own room and started to clean my bow.

"I'm coming in," Ieyasu said from outside my room.

Ieyasu? Without even knocking, Ieyasu opened the door to my room. He sat down amp set a wooden box on the floor.

"Hold out your left arm."

Because? "What's going on?"

"Just do it."

Guess I'll just have to humour him. I rolled up my sleeve and held out my left arm. Ieyasu opened the box and took out some sort of salve that he started rubbing on my arm.

"Is that medicine?"

"It helps prevent bruising." It felt nice and soothing on my sore arm. "You let the bowstring snap you so many times. It would look gross if your arm turned black and blue."

He's was still being a brat, but he's proving more and more how considerate he is. "Thank you."

"Why does everything make you so happy? I'm only doing this because it's my job, remember?"

"I'm still happy. Even if it is just your job."

"Hmph." Ieyasu blushed a little. "You don't get sarcasm, do you?" Once he had finished with my arm, Ieyasu's eyes flicked up to my face. "You really are a simple person, Chizuru." I don't think he means simple in a good way, but…my heart leapt in my chest when I realized something. That was the first time he's ever called me by my name. Maybe he was starting to respect me more? "Anyways, you worked hard today. Get some rest so you're less clumsy and wobbly tomorrow."

"Okay." I pulled my arm back with a start when I realized he was still holding it. There was the faintest flush on Ieyasu's check, which made my pulse race. He's as cute as ever, but I think I'm starting to understand him. Ieyasu does have a good heart, I'm sure of it now. I had a feeling the walls around him had grown slightly thinner. I don't know why that makes me feel so good. It's not just a happy feeling, there's something almost thrilling about that thought. The awkward silence that had sprung up between us was suddenly interrupted by a voice outside.

"Lord Ieyasu, are you in there?" Ieyasu's eyes snapped toward the door. I turned as well, trying to regain some composure. Ieyasu's aide slowly slide the door open and poked his head inside.

"What," he demanded.

"The maid told me I could find you here. Please pardon the interruption."

"You're not interrupting anything. What is it?"

"Lord Nobunaga has sent a messenger. There will be a war council tomorrow morning at the castle. It seems Lord Mitsuhide has some urgent news to share."

"I see."

"I heard a ninja has been spotted snooping around the castle grounds. There have been many disturbances lately.

A ninja? Sasuke? My eyes went wide when a certain someone's face popped into my head.

"Unbelievable," Ieyasu said. "I thought they had increased security?" Ieyasu shook his head and sighed as he stood. "Tell the messenger to wait. I'll write Nobunaga a reply now."

"Yes, my Lord."

A stern expression on his face, Ieyasu followed the aide out. I was sure that I knew this ninja that's been sneaking into the castle. I needed to find a way to tell him where I was before someone catches him! I slipped quietly from my room and made my way behind the palace where we had set up the archery grounds. I haven't figured out how to make a smoke signal. I looked around at what was available to me. I've built a fire while camping before, it's probably just the same thing. Once I was sure I was alone, I gathered dried twigs and leaves and set them on fire. I didn't know what made a signal fire different from a normal campfire, but oh well. I hoped Sasuke would see the smoke. A thin plume of smoke rose steadily from my small fire as the sun began to set. I didn't think it was working and I couldn't think of another way to get in contact with him. I wished our cell phones still worked. I crouched dejectedly, watching the unreliable smoke curl into the air. I had almost given up when two heads popped from the other side of the stone fence.

"Sasuke, is this the girl you're looking for?"

"It is," Sasuke said. "Well done."

It's Sasuke! And his friend looks awfully familiar too…!