Authors Thought:

A short one note, as we trade a fight scene for more background of characters in this prequel. Really fun to give some lore to these OC's I've created from scratch, so they have some personality.

Thanks again as usual for the constant support of just reading this story, been a long year, and a lot of sleepiness nights, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. As there is just so much enjoyment in writing this series out for all of you.

So enjoy the read and the rest of your day.

Till the next Authors Thought.

Sengoku Period 1583

A pleasantly warm night lay over the land, the clouds cover the stars, leaving darkness to enshroud everything. With the need for a torch to guide oneself in this pitch black night, though someone was traversing this darkness along a dirt road without a torch, dragging himself over the earth in painful breaths.

"I have t…t…," a voice said, hanging onto life as best he could, crawling with all his might along the dirt road.

The man himself wore the black and grey armor of the Nishizumi clan his Do chest armor, Kabuto helmet, Kote sleeves, Yaguke gloves, and Haidate thigh guards. All these were the hallmarks of samurai armor, meant to give its wearer the utmost protection. Though for this poor soul, crawling away on the road, it had done little to protect him or his comrades.

As he was riddled by arrows, in his back and his front. Their steel tips embedded into his flesh, making each pull across the earth more painful than the last. Yet the man would press on, forgetting his pain and torment, for he had a duty to warn his lord of what had transpired. Of what threat now was going to challenge their clan, looking to destroy them for good.

He had to warn Lord Masahiko Nishizumi, of the coming storm.

"I hav…t…t…to…wa..," the Nishizumi warrior said once more, blood escaping his lips, every fiber of his being asked him to stop, to forgo the struggle, and let death embrace him.

Yet he was a loyal retainer to his lord, no pain would keep him from his duty. His very life was meant to serve the Nishizumi clan with all he can offer, and this man would offer his very life if only to warn his lord. His hand reach out, gripping the soft earth, then pull himself forward, like he had been doing for some time.

"I hav…to…to…," the Nishizumi warrior said once more, repeating the words that would push him on.

Suddenly a low chuckle dance across the wind, as the illuminating light of torches began to push the darkness back around the Nishizumi warrior, as footsteps told him someone was coming for him. Knowing what was drawing close he stop his crawl, and while slightly turning over to look back at the men who had attacked his patrol, murder his sword brothers, and now was coming for him.

Four men, wearing similar samurai armor and headgear, but the torches that shine off theirs was a different color. Being brown and white in design, in contrast to the black and grey color of the Nishizumi samurai. These were the colors of the Kawahara, a large and powerful clan that border along the north of the Nishizumi clan's land. They had been enemies when Tora Nishizumi came to power fighting on and off again. Yet both cease their hostilities to join the Oda's forces in the pursuit of Japan's unification, becoming brothers of the sword, forgetting old transgressions.

The dying Nishizumi samurai had been part of that campaign, which had ended for his clan after the death of Masahiko's son in the battle of Tedorigawa, with their lord leaving in grief over his lost son. The Kawahara had fought on, but left after Nobunaga's death in 1582, in the Honnō-ji incident. Though the Kawahara's could still be considered loyal to the unification war but had so far taken an isolationist policy as of late, joining no sides, like the Nishizumi's.

One of the Kawahara men came close to the dying man, using his torch to get a better look at him. After seeming to confirm the man was alive the Kawahara samurai turn back to the party with a nod to another, prompting another warrior to come to the forefront, to look down on the Nishizumi samurai who was dying.

"Wh…wh…why…," the Nishizumi samurai said, trying to find reason in the ambush of him and his men.

"Why?...yes a reason for this little skirmish must have a why….," the Kawahara warrior said, seeming to take enjoyment of the dying foe's question.

"We…we…are…n…no…not…en…enemies," the Nishizumi samurai pleaded.

A nod from the Kawahara warrior followed the statement, then reply. "Yes, not enemies, but then not friends either. I mean you are the clan that abandon Lord Nobunaga, to most you are traitors, but then again we both follow that demon king's ambition, though I really didn't care much for unification."

The Nishizumi samurai said nothing back, his breaths becoming shorter as his life was leaving him.

The Kawahara warrior continued. "Unification means no more wars, which means no more fun for me. I never even had the pleasure to kill till tonight, you and your men made for great practice you know that."

"Yo…you bring…grea…great shame…o…on…your…Daimyo…Lord Tashiro," The Nishizumi samurai said, baring his defiance against his foe.

"Hahahaha….oh that's good. Yet I can care little for whatever 'shame' you think I'm bringing on my father."

That made the Nishizumi samurai's eyes go wide. "Fa…fa…father?"

"Well, you're about to die anyway, no point keeping secrets, allow me to introduce myself, I am firstborn son and heir to the Kawahara clan, Hirotaka Kawahara," the young heir said, then remove his helmet.

Underneath was a handsome young man, only reaching his 20th name day. With strong chiseled features, his skin slightly tan, large brown eyes, with his long black hair neatly tied up. This was Hirotaka, the heir to the Kawahara, who had attacked this patrol, killing all those who oppose him. Though what was his reason for this was beyond the Nishizumi warrior.

"Yo…you…wo…wo..would bring war?" The Nishizumi warrior said, his vision fading.

Hirotaka just let out a self-satisfy smile. "Yes, but not on you or your clan, I just need your death to bring me what I want. A chance to finally rule as I see fit, with your clan being a nice addition to my future plans in the end."

Though he was on death's door, the proud Nishizumi warrior felt anger run through him. Seeing that this foe look to use his clan's strength for his own, in whatever devious scheme Hirotaka had conjured up. There was no way that could come to past, as even with his life force almost spent, the Nishizumi warrior, grunting with every movement, rose to his feet.

On shaky legs, with blood running down his body that protested against this movement, the Nishizumi warrior stood tall, drawing his katana that was still in his saya. Now holding the blade in his hand, did the other Kawahara warriors draw their own katana's while moving to protect their lord's son.

Yet the young heir just smile at the defiant Nishizumi warrior as he spoke. "I can see the reputation of the Nishizumi clan's warriors is not exaggerated. Bloodied, batter, and beaten, yet you rise to fight on. My, what great tools you will make when my plan comes together."

"Wi…wi…with…my…fi…final breath, I wi…will kill you," the Nishizumi warrior said, then charge forward in one last duty to his clan.

"Sorry to say, but your bravery will be for not, kill him," Hirotaka said.

As one, his guards went forward, using their numbers to overwhelm the defiant wounded warrior who was only able to check a handful of sword swings, before one pierce his belly. Then another cut his throat ending the final charge of this brave warrior.

The last thought of the Nishizumi warrior was a prayer that his clan would survive this treachery and not join him in death.

"Well that was certainly entertaining," Hirotaka said looking down at the dead warrior.

"To stand after being punctured with that many arrows, those Nishizumi's are real tigers," one of Hirotaka's guards said.

"Your right, if we hadn't ambushed them, they might have been a lot more difficult to deal with," Hirotaka said, then nodded to one of his men.

With a return nod, the Kawahara warrior in a flash stab his katana into the back of his comrade who commented. The man let out a horrifying screech at the sudden feel of his flesh being pierced, then fell forward dead next to the dead Nishizumi warrior, all the while Hirotaka just smile at them, feeling giddy about his little plot working out.

"You think your father will buy our story," the Kawahara samurai said while cleaning his former comrade's blood off his katana.

"Mostly, if we had come back with a full complement of men, he would have been suspicious. Now, we just need to finishing touch. Hit me a couple of times, make sure to break the skin and bleed me," Hirotaka said.

"I'm sorry?" the Kawahara warrior said with a perplexed look.

"Well, I can't just come back unwounded now, my father will want to do everything he can to avenge his son's beating," Hirotaka said, his smile still on, that somehow grew wider as things were working out perfectly.

XxxxX

A Fortnight Later

Tsuyo-sa Castle, the proud seat of the Nishizumi clan was being illuminated by the sun high in the cloudless sky. Low walls surrounded the castle, which had four entrances to it, with a guard post at every gate. The castle itself rose three stories, surrounded by the vastness of trees from the countryside. Laying below this great castle, was a large town, which was lively with activity.

The smiths were breaking steel for new katana's, spears, and other ironworks. Merchants were setting up their shops to sell their wares, be it food or pleasantries. While farmers were riding in with cartloads of grain, rice, and other essentials to be sold. All and all, it was just another peaceful day for these people who were protected by the Nishizumi clan.

Though one such man was not enjoying any of the peace his people were having.

Staring down from his castle, Masahiko took in the sight of his people going about their day from his balcony. He was a tall man, with white and gray long hair, bundle neatly up. His features were showing his age as they begun to crease, but his body was still strong and tone, a testament to his warrior days that kept him in shape. Though his health was beginning to wane.

The sight of the town below, was something Masahiko's father Tora Nishizumi had enjoyed countless years before his death, and more importantly a sight he had earned by challenging the Daimyo Kinzo Tanigawa to a duel, only wanting to earn the right to rule by the sword and strength of one's own conviction.

Now it was Masahiko ruling the clan his father won by the sword, but now was failing. With Masahiko's only son dead having drowned at the battle of Tedorigawa that still haunted him to no end. He was now without a true heir to the family once he pass from this world.

Well, not an heir of his blood that is would take over the Nishizumi clan, but a Nishizumi nonetheless.

"Masahiko, if you keep staring like that, I might think you have gone mad," a voice call out.

A huff of annoyance pass Masahiko's lips as he replies. "You should learn the proper conduct when addressing your lord, Master swordsmen."

Turning around, the lord of the Nishizumi clan took in the sight of an elderly man, Hachiro Morikawa. Though he didn't quite walk like a man his age, standing tall, with his katana still at his hip. Dress in a light kimono and hakama. His hair was white as snow, with it tied back. Even he had very few creases on his face even at his age, seeming to find a bounty of youth.

I feel older than him now, I haven't even touched my 50th name day, and his well past his 70th

Masahiko thought with a shake of the head, then came forward back into the room.

"My lord, I mean no offense, but the maids were whispering about how you been standing there since dawn," Hachiro said with a bow, then rose to look at his former pupil.

"I am a lord, I can do as I please. The maid's gossip, it is in their nature, nothing to concern yourself with," Masahiko said, as he walk past the elderly man.

Watching him, Hachiro frown a bit. "You are not sleeping properly as well I hear."

That made the lord stop in place, then turn back to speak. "It comes with having a great deal of responsibilities."

"You cry out for your son that died in that battle, as well as your stillborn son and wife," Hachiro said while turning to face his lord completely.

A growl escape Masahiko eyeing this old man intensely. "Are worry about my strength? Worried I'm no longer worthy to hold the title of Daimyo."

"I didn't say that, I simply worry for your health. You have been not taking the sleep tonics the doctor provided," Hachiro said in a calm tone, knowing his lord's anger could be a terrible thing.

"Bah, that man just wants his money. He gives me anything that makes seem like it's making me better," Masahiko said, tightening the fist at his side, hating the feeling of being helpless fighting his own internal demons.

"Then why keep him around?" Hachiro said in amuse tone.

Masahiko gave back an annoyed look. "For the simple reason to appease you and my daughter who insist I must take the medicines."

"We do that because we care for you," Hachiro said in a happy tone.

"You care for me, do you? Where was your care when you put a sword in my daughter's hand, hm? Where is my daughter's care, while she gallivants out there hunting down bandits? If you both care for me, you would listen to the absolute commands of your lord, instead, you resist me to do as you please," Masahiko accuses in an angry tone.

Hachiro let out a sad sigh. Knowing his lord had every right to be mad at him for training Nakano in the art of sword and bow. It wasn't like Hachiro had trained her without resisting, he had denied the girl several times, even threaten to tell her father about it. Yet she stay persistent, even going so far as to practice on her own in secret.

It was because of this commitment that Hachiro relented, hoping to put the poor girl through some tough training in the hope she would quit, but instead he found something truly special with the girl. She had this sixth sense to know when Hachiro would strike, either dodging it or answering with a clumsy parry. It was something elderly swordmaster had never seen in a warrior before, not even Tora had shown any like it when he was alive.

Unable to hold back, Hachiro train Nakano with renewed vigor, while also being surprised again by her persistence. If he were honest, Hachiro was harder on her than any other student that he ever brought under his wing, including Masahiko and his late son. For he wanted to push this young girl to realize her full potential, no longer caring for being of the fairer sex, for a warrior spirit resided in her, while the passion from Nakano to protect her family was too bright to hold back.

"My lord, I apologize for my actions, bearing full blame for encouraging Nakano. Though I did try to stop her," Hachiro said while bowing his head.

Though the apology had no effect on Masahiko who scowl. "If you truly want to apologize, then when Nakano returns, convince her to drop the sword and return to her duties a lady of this house."

Raising his head, Hachiro let out a gentle smile. "That's a tall task my lord, tougher than any battles I fought beside you and your father."

"This isn't a joke, Nakano has duties to marry to continue our line, instead she puts her life in danger," Masahiko growl at his swordmaster and friend.

"As you put your own life in danger?" Hachiro argue back with a shake of the head. "One could say she is cut from the same cloth in that regard."

"Damn you and your witty retorts. If she were to die, I….I…..," then the proud lord went silent.

"It is a tragedy unbearable I know. Losing your son during the battle of Tedorigawa was hard on all of us, but he knew his duty to you and your family," Hachiro said with a resolute tone. "Just as Nakano knows her duty to her family."

"It isn't the same, she should be here protected from the horrors of taking a life, instead now she does it as easily as one breathes," Masahiko said, rubbing his forehead as a headache was coming on.

"She doesn't take life with no conscious, I've thought her meaning of life and the sword, that taking life with the sword is nothing to be proud of. To only unsheathe her blade against those that mean our people and family harm," Hachiro lecture.

Stopping the massaging of his temples, Masahiko sigh letting go of his frustrations. "Yes, the same lessons you thought me as a child and my son. Nakano has taken to that ideal as well, but she will one day have to put down the sword, this can't go on much longer."

"I understand, I will talk to her on her return, as much as it will pain me to lose such a gifted student," Hachiro said.

"Good, with that ou-," the Nishizumi lord began to say.

A sliding door to the room was open without a courteous ask for permission to enter. In walk a Nishizumi clan samurai, which anger Masahiko for the discourteous way the man came in. The samurai quickly made his way over to his lord, then fell to his knees to bow before Masahiko.

"Forgive my rudeness my lord, but a messenger came in," The Nishizumi warrior said.

Forgoing reprimanding the man, Masahiko spoke. "Yes, go on."

Raising his head, while remaining on his knees, the samurai spoke. "It was from the Kawahara clan, they say there was a border incident with our guards, and that Daimyo Tashiro says his son was hurt in the skirmish badly. He demands a meeting of our clans to settle this dispute or war will be upon us."

"The problems never cease to stop," Masahiko said with a shake of the head.

Hachiro turns to his lord to speak. "We have a long history with Lord Tashiro, he is an honorable man. He would not make such a claim without merit, while also I hear he is one of many lords wanting to bring peace to Japan after such a bloody period we been in, as you know we fought together with the Oda clan to unify Japan."

"Yes, he has been the few clans with who we have been able to keep peaceful relations, though he still angery with me for abandoning the Oda clan after my son's death," Masahiko said in a remorseful tone.

"I'm sure he understands your leaving," Hachiro said with encouragement.

"He might, but going to battle with him is not something I would want, while also something we can't afford to do as well. Their army vastly outnumbers ours," Masahiko said, touching his chin in thought thinking over if he needed to add more defenses to his fortresses in case war did come to pass.

"Well, in any case, send a messenger back to Lord Tashiro that will meet him near the border, to discuss this issue," Masahiko said to samurai.

"It will be done my lord, also there is one more thing," the warrior said.

"What is it?" Masahiko ask.

"Lady Nakano has returned," he said.

A small smile play across Mashiko's lips. "Well finally some good news, come Hachiro, let's see what trouble my daughter has got into, and if you will make good on your promise to make her drop the sword."

The old swordmaster grin at the challenge from his lord. "Certainly, I will do as my lord commands, even if ask the impossible."

That made both men chuckle as they exited the room.

XxxxX

"My lord, please forgive me!" Okabe, the captain of the guard assign to the Daimyo's daughter, pleaded, as he was on knees hunch over with his forehead touching the polished wood of the hall room.

Still dressed in full gear, the loyal retainer was pleading to his lord as he just had finish retelling what had occurred to Mashiko's daughter, Nakano Nishizumi, and the battle with the bandits. The story had made many who were also in the hall, sitting on either side of the captain cross legged, either nod their heads in approval of the destruction of the rouges, while others shook their heads slightly that again Nakano had put herself in danger.

Sitting at the back of the hall, on an elevated platform, the Daimyo of the Nishizumi clan, Masahiko Nishizumi, dress in the black rich kimono of his house, just stare down with disapprovement. Not at his captain, but more at his over courageous daughter. Who once more put her life on the line for others, but wasn't something Masahiko could be proud of. Not when the duty of protecting his people was his job, and that of his samurai.

Yet more and more, it was Nakano people whisper about, the great Bandit killer they call her. Going out of her way to hunt them down mercilessly whenever they were reported by the common people. It didn't do well for the lord's daughter to be doing such a bloodied job, even as effective as she was. For Masahiko was a father who had already lost a child in battle, his firstborn son, a young man destined for great things, but whose destiny had been wash away in the Tedori River.

Now he had to hold his breath, as Nakano, who he tried to reign in from going on her bandit hunting by whatever means, would always find a way to escape the castle. With even double the guards, it made no difference for the young girl who prove to be too elusive, like a cat.

Masahiko eye his captain for a moment longer, then reply. "Okabe, you are forgiven. For I gave you a task harder than charging into a Tanegashima firing line."

That cause some chuckles amongst the samurai and the council of elders in the room.

Okabe though, still not raising his head, spoke to his lord. "I can't accept that my lord, Miss Nishizumi was hurt under my watch. I was foolish to let her out of my sight, and if I hadn't gotten to her in time, I fear the worst would have happened."

"Raise your head, Okabe, I wish to see your eyes," Masahiko order.

Doing as he was told, the young samurai raise his head to his lord.

Masahiko spoke once again. "The worst could have happened, if not for your actions. You not only save my daughter's life but those of the women who were going to be harm in ways unimaginable. Not to mention we have rid ourselves of the Yukimura the Bear Devil."

"That honor belongs to Nakano, she took on that beast of a man by herself," Okabe had to say, still even now shock by how fearless his lord's daughter was facing a man twice her size.

"Yes...she seems to have a great affinity for gaining honors in battle," Masahiko said, looking off into the distance.

Hachiro from his sitting position just behind his lord, lean forward to whisper. "My lord, maybe it best to move forward, we know all we need too."

Masahiko look over his shoulder to his old friend, then nodded in consent. Turning back to his retainer the Nishizumi lord spoke. "Okabe, your mission was to find my daughter who had run off once again, you accomplish that and more. You fought with great honor of a Nishizumi clan member, and your family's loyal service to me since our clan's founding has been a great source of comfort."

"My lord, you honor me," Okabe said, bowing his head in respect to his lord's praise.

"So let us close this matter. Please get some rest, though knowing my daughter it will be a short rest, Okabe," Masahiko said with a small smile, with his light joke causing another round of chuckles.

Okabe, always serious in his duties, didn't chuckle as he reply. "Yes, my lord. I won't let your daughter out of my sight if you excuse me."

Then the young samurai rose to his feet, with another bow to his lord, then exited the room. As he left, the councilmen and samurai in the room started to speak quietly amongst themselves. While Masahiko let out a sigh, thinking over how to best handle his daughter, who was next to speak. If he didn't start controlling her better, while making her put down the sword, some of his top councilmen might start to question his leadership if he couldn't even manage his daughter.

It was strange to think if Nakano was a boy, they would be singing the praises of the virtuous act of protecting the commoners from bandits, but because she was a woman, it was looked down upon for a female to raise a weapon in battle. Though there were women like Tome Gozen, who was a superb female samurai during the Genpei War, many still had unease with women picking up the sword.

Sometimes Mashiko wonder if that was where Nakano got her inspiration for following the way of the warrior.

"Okabe certainly takes his job seriously, even if it's mainly babysitting," Hachiro said from behind his lord.

"He is the only one I can trust to doggedly track her when she runs off," Masahiko joke.

"Yes, he is like his late father, a tenacious fighter and loyal with no question. Now we must move on to Nakano, I think it best to proceed with this in private," Hachiro said.

Looking over his shoulder, Masahiko eye his swordmaster intensely. "If I don't reprimand her in front of my council of elders, they will think I'm being easy on her."

"This is true, but at the same time, you know she will argue back, which will do more harm than good," Hachiro lecture.

A scoff escape Mashiko's lips. "And who was the one to build such an attitude, hm?"

A chuckle follow the response from Hachiro, knowing he was being accused. "I can take some credit for that, but at the same time, you know Miss Ichiha, your late wife, was a willful spirit as well. It seems that pass onto Nakano."

A sad smile cross Masahiko, thinking of his late wife that had die birthing his second son, who was stillborn which only added to the misery for Mashiko. If Ichiha was here, Masahiko could have relied on her to reign in Nakano, for her wrath was a terrible thing to garner, yet she always had a gentle touch as well. There was no better wife Masahiko could ask for, dutiful, well manner, tenacious, a loving mother, well educated, and a great confidant to rely on.

Now she was gone and with it a large piece of Masahiko with her. Yet he was a Nishizumi, he had a duty to press on for her and their only daughter now. The only comfort the Daimyo could take from this was that Ichiha could be with their firstborn son in the afterlife as well as the one they lost in childbirth, so she would be surrounded by the warmth and love of their two sons.

"Yes, my dear Ichiha, though I do believe my father Tora Nishizumi is the real culprit of my daughter's behavior," Masahiko said with a chuckle.

"Your father was an eccentric man, even in his late days, he was as spry as a young man. Made me quite jealous if I'm honest," Hachiro added to the pleasant memories.

"He was the one to put a practice sword in Nakano's hand when she was little, I thought he was just playing with her. Now I think he was of the mind to make her samurai," Masahiko said, thinking back on his late father.

"Well in the first days of the clan, we were short on warriors to hold off other clans, so he decree some women to be placed in the army. I still remember some of them, fighting shoulder to shoulder to preserve our dream for our clan to survive," Hachiro said.

Mashiko gave the old man a smug look. "If I recall, one of them became your wife."

"Ah, you are right, Rira, a fine warrior, and an even better wife. Can never seem to make miso soup as she did. I can never match her as a marksman with a matchlock. I look forward to seeing her again when I finally leave this existence," Hachiro said, reminiscing on his warrior wife.

"Don't say that, you have many years before that will come to be," Mashiko said defensively.

The old swordmaster just nodded his head. He knew Mashiko feared losing him to the embrace of death, for he is the last memory of his late father to fade away. Hachiro had raised young Mashiko with the sword, teaching him to the way of the warrior, the way of the Nishizumi clan, and what came to be from this was a familial bond between the two.

Losing him would be to Masahiko the equivalent of losing a second father, to which Hachiro knew well.

"My lord, I pray that will be the case. Now let us press on, we should talk to Nakano," Hachiro said wanting to get on track.

"Yes," Masahiko said, then turn to his councilmen and samurai in the room as he spoke. "That will be all for the day, you are dismissed."

As one, his subjects all bow their heads in unison and shuffle out of the hall as one.

"You may go as well Hachiro, send Nakano in after you leave," Masahiko said.

"As you command, my lord," Hachiro said with a bow of his head, then rose to leave the room.

Now the Nishizumi Daimyo was alone, awaiting his daughter to enter the room. He had to mentally prepare himself for the coming argument they were going to have obviously. It was something he hated, that their relationship had reached such a point. When she was just a child, Nakano was very playful, always asking him to take her riding. She had been an avid painter as well, making him crude, but greatly appreciated pieces.

That all seem like a lifetime ago, as now his daughter makes art with the blade, and the color was always crimson. Not something he could rightly appreciate, even if it was in the defense of their people.

The sudden opening of the sliding door to the hall brought Masahiko out of his thoughts. He took in the sight of his only daughter Nakano Nishizumi walking into the room. She had ditched her dirty wear from her journey, to wear a black kimono with white flowers across it, with a white hakama, and white cloth socks.

Her long black hair that was like her mother's, was tied up in a high ponytail. With her graceful pale skin only adding to her beauty, along with her greenish eyes. Though her beauty was tarnished a bit with the bruising on her face and neck, a testament to the fierce fighting she had been through. While also making the father's heartache to see his daughter in such a state.

Rising from his cross legged sitting position, the Nishizumi Daimyo made his way over to Nakano as he spoke. "I heard you had quite the adventure."

Nakano, even as the lord's daughter, still bow to her father. Then spoke as she rose up. "I hope Okabe didn't make it out to be that way."

"He spoke in his usual plain manner, though he was quite cross about you slipping away from him, when he and the other guards caught up to you," Masahiko said.

"Well I had to," Nakano argue in a calm voice.

"Did you?" Masahiko quietly challenges back.

"Yes father," Nakano said, her hands curling up a little bit. "If I had quietly come back with him, I would have left those poor women to their faith, Okabe wouldn't relent on the issue."

"As he should have, you are my only surviving child. Putting yourself in danger like that is reckless," Mashiko said.

"As you put yourself in dangers recklessly to defeat other clans that were looking to destroy us," Nakano hotly said back.

A shake of the head follows the response from Masahiko at his stubborn daughter. "That is different Nakano."

"You're making excuses, like usual. I only do my duty to our people as their protector," Nakano said, giving her father a hard look.

"Your duty is to me, you're all I have left in this world. If you were to die, it is cruelty beyond what I can handle," Masahiko said, trying to make his daughter see reason.

Now the young woman could not look her father in the eye. Because he was right, if she were to die, her father would left all alone. The Nishizumi line would end with her after Tora Nishizumi had fought to gain their positions by his own merit. Yet, Nakano, after two years of defending their lands from rouges, could not simply now be sheltered away in their family's castle, to be protected as if she were glass ready to break at the slightest misstep.

"Father, I understand your plea…but…but Kojiro would not hide behind our walls in our time of need," Nakano said, speaking her brother's name openly.

Hearing his fallen son's name made Masahiko tense up.

"Your right, Kojiro would do his duty to defend his people. Yet he also listen to me when I commanded, because I still look after his well-being in the end, to which is where you and he differ," Mashiko shot back.

The words cut right through Nakano. She always idolize her brother Kojiro growing up, from archery to horse riding, to even childish things as climbing trees. He always did things to the best of his abilities, even when he failed, the young boy would be right back on his feet ready to try again. It was his persistent nature that Nakano took to, which was why she train so hard to become a great swordswoman and archer.

For her father to lay out the differences of her dutiful brother, compare to the lord's rebellious daughter was hard to swallow for the young lady.

"I do what I must father," was all Nakano could say, keeping her frustrations down.

Masahiko decided to press further. "Do you enjoy killing that much? Is why you find a need to hunt these rouges with such fervor?"

That made Nakano gasp at her father's accusation. "How can you say that?"

"I have to say such things, for I need to understand my daughter's mind. Though our clan was founded on blood and violence, even your grandfather took no pleasure in the killing of another, he only did it when it was necessary."

"Is not killing those who mean to wrong others part of our duty?" Nakano said, her eyes becoming cold, her face contorted into frustration.

"Yes, but you seem to be drawn to it, searching for danger and death when you have no business looking for it. Our patrols will be double to keep the rouges away from our people, you will stay here in this castle, is that understood," Masahiko order.

"You know that won't keep me from going back out, I am a warrior father," Nakano retorted.

Masahiko chuckle at his daughter. "You don't know what it means to be a warrior, nor would I want you to travel that path. Your hands are meant to carry your child, not be splash with blood. You're meant to enjoy peaceful boring days, not darkening skies with the sound of steel clashing like a constant thunderstorm."

"I…," Nakano wanted to dispute but could find no words.

"A warrior lives with scars, not of those cause by a katana, but those that weigh on the mind. That is what I don't want you to grow old with, I want happiness and peace to be what you grow with," Masahiko said, feeling like he was getting through for once.

"When your katana is drawn, only ever advance with it, and only sheath it when the enemy is defeated…Never before…," Nakano quoted a line from their clan's creed.

"For our wills are iron, our hearts are steel…For Nishizumi's go forward always, and never take one step back…," Masahiko finish the clan creed, with a sigh following.

Nakano lower her eyes for a moment, not wanting to fight with her father. Ever since Kojiro died, their relationship had become alienated as her father work tirelessly to keep the clan safe from others who wish to destroy them, as he cope with his firstborn's death. With things becoming worse, when Nakano's mother died, along with the baby who was stillborn only added to her father's heartache.

Yet all I want to do is lift his burden, why can't he accepted that

Nakano thought, then rose her eyes to meet her father's once more.

"Father, I don't mean to add to your burdens, but I must do what I can to alleviate what burdens I can," Nakano said, her voice becoming light while giving her father a small smile.

Even with such a small smile, Masahiko felt all his will to fight anymore melt away with that heartwarming smile. "I know, I am grateful, but I can't lose you. Not because it would break my heart, but your aunt's children would be in line to rule next."

"I know, though would it be such a bad thing to let Toshikasu grow into the position? He is strong, an able horse rider, is lean-," Nakano try to argue.

"He is not the one I want ruling this family. I want my own blood taking over the Daimyo's position, your blood Nakano, the blood of your child,"

Masahiko said, voicing what he really wanted for his daughter.

Nakano frown some, knowing what her father had wanted, but wouldn't relent. "Why not let your sister's children rule."

Masahiko took a deep breath, as the memories of another dead family came to his mind. His late sister, Kaiyo Nishizumi, was a beauty unmatched in Masahiko's mind as they grew up. Their father Tora Nishizumi had married her off quickly to a lord bordering their region to build an alliance. Masahiko still remembers how scared she was, to be sent to marry a man she barely knew, with Masahiko wondering if he should intervene, even though it was for the betterment of the family and would stop any conflicts.

Even with all his worries, Kaiyo came to love the older lord, who treated her like a delicate flower. Not even sleeping in the same chambers as Kaiyo until she felt comfortable with him. Slowly the two came together with trust and love, consenting their marriage and producing two boys, unfortunately for Kaiyo, her lord husband died after being ambush by bandits, as he was made to patrol the Nishizumi lands while Masahiko was away on campaign.

When Masahiko return and heard of the loyal lord's death, it only added to his heartache. Which was made worse as Kaiyo blame him for his death, saying he left him here with little troops to defend their own land from rouges. From then on the two children of Tora Nishizumi who once were close, now kept each other at arm's length. Sadly they would not be able to reconcile, as Kaiyo died of some lung disease as the doctors put it. Leaving her two son's orphans, so Masahiko took them in to honor his sister, yet now a problem was forming as the eldest son was proving to be a capable heir that couldn't be ignored.

Shaking the bad memories away, Masahiko focus on his daughter. "Toshikasu is too impulsive. He can't learn to not want to draw a sword first, his head is too filled with thoughts of gaining glory. I can't let him rule, but my council of elders are whispering that there should be a strong consideration for his ascendance to the Daimyo position."

"It's a smart choice," Nakano said.

Masahiko eye her incredulously. "They only make that suggestion, because you continue to not perform your duties as a lady. You are going to marry and bring forth a worthy heir to uphold the Nishizumi family."

"I can't do that father, not until our lands are safe," Nakano said back, making sure to look her father in the eyes, to make him understand her will was absolute in this.

"Bah, you, unfortunately, inherited my stubbornness," Masahiko said, turning to look away from his daughter.

"It's not such a bad thing," Nakano joke, hoping to lighten the mood between them.

Though it didn't seem to have any effect on the Nishizumi lord. "Well discuss this matter another time, for now, go get some rest."

Nakano eye her father for a bit then spoke. "Are not going to say anything to me about this border incident with the Kawahara clan?"

"How di-," Masahiko began to ask.

"The messenger let me know, we both came to the castle at the same time," Nakano said in a casual tone.

A shake of the head from Masahiko follow the statement, as he hope to keep that quiet from his daughter, knowing she want to be involved, which was just what he didn't want to happen. Yet there was no stopping it at this point, so the Nishizumi lord would relent.

"It seems Lord Tashiro's son was hurt in some skirmish with our men, the details are unclear. Yet I know Tashiro from the day's our two clans fought against and with each other. He is a man of great honor, which makes this incident peculiar, we've always kept our distance," Masahiko said, touching his chin in thought.

"Will there be war?" Nakano ask apprehensively.

Masahiko let out a deep sigh. "I don't know, if there is need to be a resolution, will settle it in the old way."

"Father, you ca-," Nakano begun to argue.

"Yes, if I must duel Lord Tashiro for our clan's honor, I will," Masahiko said, his voice commanding and unwavering in this.

Several times Nakano open her mouth to argue but stop herself. Her father had a look that broker no use in arguing in this point. As a lord, Nakano knew her father had a duty to look after their people, and if he could do that, forgoing any bloodshed being spent by his people, by a single duel, then Nakano couldn't try and stop him. For even she would do the same if to protect her people and clan from destruction.

"Very well, father, but know I go with you to this meeting," Nakano said, now matching her father's commanding voice.

Now Masahiko look to argue but could see there was little he could do to stop his daughter. Even if he left her behind, she would sneak out and follow him, so he thought it better to just bring her along now. With the hope that she understood the price that needed to be pay while being a warrior.

"Alright, we travel in two days' time. Go rest for the rest of the day, please my daughter," Masahiko order in a light tone.

"Yes father, thank you," Nakano said, bowing back to her father, then began to leave the room.

As she near the sliding door, he call out to her. "Nakano was Yukimura as big as a bear."

Nakano turn back to her father with a small smile. "I think the stories were a bit exaggerated on that part."

A chuckle from Masahiko follow the response, then he spoke. "If there's one thing that never changes with you, is that you're a bad liar Nakano."

"I'm sorry, father," Nakano said with a chuckle.

Masahiko just nodded to her, then spoke again. "You did well as a warrior taking him on, I'm proud of you, as I'm sure Kojiro would be too." Then without another word, Masahiko walk off to his own chambers, pulling a sliding door open and quietly close it behind him.

"Thank you father," Nakano said quietly with a smile, then left the room.

XxxxX

Nakano exited the Lord's hall room, feeling more tired than the sword duel with Yukimura. Her father was of course right in every worry about putting her life on the line. Yet she couldn't just sit by and do nothing, not when others were being butchered. It just didn't sit right with Nakano, for she was a leader of the clan, with a duty to protect those who they rule.

Now that duty was only amplified by the coming threat of the Kawahara clan because of the border dispute. It scared her to think of an actual war with them, knowing they commanded an army that dwarfed their own at this point, which had been weakened with the constant fighting in years past. There be no victory to be had in a head-on battle, leaving them with only one option to avoid destruction and bloodshed if diplomacy fails.

A duel between the leaders.

Mashiko was dead set on that path if he could not convince Daimyo Tashiro Kawahara that war is not the best interest in the end. Luckily the two had a history with one another, having fought together in Oda Nobunaga's campaign, till Mashiko left the now dead leaders service after Nakano's brother died in battle. After that, their relationship had become strained, due to the dishonor of abandoning Oda's forces that was place on the Nishizumi clan.

"Hopefully things can be settled peacefully," Nakano said quietly to herself as she walk down the halls of their castle to her room, and to get some much-needed rest.

"If only hoping could solve our issues, but that lead to more problems than we like," a voice call out.

A smile play across Nakano's lips, as she raise her head to take in the sight of her master, who had tirelessly taught her the way of the sword. He was also a good friend to Nakano, especially whenever she and her father would argue over things, Hachiro would always find a middle ground for them.

"Good morning Master," Nakano said with a bow.

"A very good morning to you, dear student," Hachiro said with a bow back.

As she raise her head, Nakano spoke again. "Were you waiting for me?"

"Of course, and to escort you to bed as well, your father's orders," Hachiro said with a teasing smile.

"I'm not a child, I can see myself to my room. You need not worry about me escaping again, I'm too worn out from the long ride here," Nakano said, with a amuse shake of the head.

"If only I could quite believe that, besides this be a good time to talk, come along," Hachiro said, with Nakano agreeing while walking beside her master.

As they walk, several maids pass them while bowing in respect, then walk on. Though Nakano could see them eye her with incredulous looks, mostly due to the bruises on her face and neck. Not the look a proper lady should have, though more and more, Nakano was feeling less and less like a noble lady as the warrior life was her norm now.

Nakano could only imagine how her mother would feel about the path Nakano had taken, that might have broken her poor heart.

While walking alongside his troubled student, Haciro could tell by Nakano's face contorting of what she was feeling. Worries of if the path she chose was right the one in the end, still plague his student even to this day. Yet, Hachrio was more than strong in his belief that Nakano was on the right path, having seen firsthand her natural instincts for the sword that only needed a hand to guide her.

"Still feeling unease over your path?" Hachiro ask openly now.

Turning to look at her master, Nakano nodded. "A little, but what choice do I have now? Father can't keep fighting much longer with his health, and Toshikasu is too young to inherit the right to rule."

That made Hachiro raise an eyebrow. "So you are fine with letting your nephew take the role of Daimyo of our clan when he comes of age?"

"I am, it's better than having my father marry me off to another lord son and most likely absolve our clan," Nakano said, feeling assuredness in her decision.

"Your father doesn't trust the boy, feels he dreams of too much of winning glory with the sword than by the pen," Hachiro said.

"I'll admit he is hotheaded, but his heart is in the right place. He only wants to continue the tradition of our family's warrior prowess," Nakano said back.

A soft sigh escapes Hachiro's mouth, then he reply. "Yes, it's understandable when your grandfather gain such fame to his name for the abilities of his sword. Yet few remember he won some battles with his words and diplomacy."

"Only you would remember that, master," Nakano tease.

Hachiro chuckle lightly, then reply. "Very true, though it's hard to convince Toshikasu of this, though his brother Shoda, is more interested on that subject."

"They could be no more different, yet Shoda would make a very good Karō to his brother, to help advise him on more delegate matters," Nakano stated.

"Only time will tell, yet the question must be asked. Do you not want children for yourself?" Hachiro ask seriously.

Not answering the question right away, instead, Nakano held out one of her hands. She look at her palm, which no longer was smooth and delicate, in its place was now a hand that was hard and callous from the long hours of training with a katana. It wasn't the roughness of her hands that made her hesitant, but also what these hands had done, covering themselves in blood as Nakano fought to protect her land.

There was also something else, something her father had earlier accused her of, but she had fought off as him being overbearing.

Nakano had to her shame, gain some excitement from being in battle and the utter thrill of the clashing of swords. Though there were also nightmares, for her memory could never forget the faces of the men she killed, always they come to her in her dream state, sometimes making her jolt awake drench in sweat and tears.

How can I hold a child I bring forth into this world in this state?

Nakano thought, then stop walking, making Hachiro stop as well, turning his full attention on his pupil who he knew was going to reveal something deep to him.

Fiddling with her hands a bit, Nakano then spoke. "I ha…I…I have nightmares, about the men I killed."

"Are you ashame of this?" Hachiro ask.

"I feel as a warrior, that these dreams mean I regret what I've done when I was only fighting in the defense of our people. Sometimes I wonder if it's because I am a woman, that I have such nightmares, worse I find myself becoming attached to this life by the sword and it scares me that I might have to leave it behind one day," Nakano said, voicing her internal worries she could only trust to her closet confidant.

Hachiro came up and put a hand on Nakano's shoulder, making the young girl look him in the eye.

"Man or women," Hachiro began. "Killing leaves its scars on all of us, I too have nightmares, I too see the faces of those who I cut down with my blade. Not all of them were men who did evil, some just were doing their duty to their lord and their clan, the same as me."

Nakano said nothing back, still ashamed of her weakness.

Hachiro though was going to make sure he wash this feeling away. "Do you remember when I, your father, and brother left to join the Oda clan's campaign to unify Japan?"

"I do," Nakano said.

There was a grand spectacle, with people lining the streets to see their lord and his retinue off to war, to finally unify Japan under one banner and end the untold years of war and bloodshed. Nakano remember watching it all being mystified by it all, the gleaming armor, the smart look of the soldiers, and her brother smiling at her as he left the gates of the castle, telling her that he would bring back some gifts for her when he return from the campaign.

Kojiro never did return.

"And do you remember how we returned?" Hachiro now ask.

"Yes," was all Nakano could say.

Almost a complete opposite of the send-off ceremony, the return of Lord Masahiko and his remaining troops was as cheerless as one could think it is. Wounded men came back, some missing limbs from battle, others faces were grave and unfriendly, with the worst part of the whole thing being the announcement of Kojiro's death in battle. Though to the common people, her father had lie and said he died fighting off a horde of Uesugi clan warriors. Yet in private, he told Nakano and her mother that Kojiro had drowned to death, with his body being carried off down the river unable to retrieve it for a proper burial.

Nakano's mother cried and cried for the loss of her brave son. While Nakano ran away to grieve by a sakura tree she and Kojiro use to play by, crying herself to sleep, till her father came to get her.

"Yes, I remember that time," Nakano said, her face saddening at the memory.

"There is a saying I live by, it is well that battles leaves scars not on just our bodies, but on our minds, so we don't forget its horrors," Hachiro said, his voice coming out mournful. "This attachment to combat is something that all warriors drink greedily, but we all one day will have our fill of it, don't let these thoughts plague you."

As always, Haciro was a voice of reason for Nakano, allowing her to voice her inward fears, while lifting them from her shoulders.

Nakano bow to her master as she spoke. "Thank you, master. I treasure your words that always lift the weight on my heart."

The old swordmaster simply smile, then bow back. "Thank you for indulging an old man by listening to his advice, an ability your father would do well to follow."

"Hachiro," Nakano scolded in a joking tone, as the old man spoke openly of his lord.

Yet they both just chuckle together, allowing this light moment to cleanse away any fears of the future.

"Nakano!" a voice call out to the duo.

Both heads turn to see a boy only reaching his 10th name day coming running down the hall, wearing a simple kimono and hakama. Another boy follow after, though he was a year younger, and seem to struggle to keep up with his more energetic counterpart. Yet they both wore excited faces as they rush to greet their older cousin who they miss dearly since she left.

"Toshikasu! Shoda! No running in the halls," Nakano said with a scolding tone.

Both boys stop in place, fearful of their older cousin's wrath. Then came forward again, in a respectful shuffle across the wooden polish floor. When they finally reach the duo, they both bow their heads in respect and apology for their outlandish behavior earlier.

"Sorry," both boys said.

Seeing they were under control now, Nakano let a smile across her face. "It's good to see you."

"You too cousin, why didn't you come to see us?" Toshikasu said, with an irritated look on his face.

"Yea, we miss you cousin. Are you alright?" Shoda ask, in a shy tone.

Now the older brother's irritation was turned on his younger brother. "Of course she is alright, she's the greatest warrior in the clan. I bet she handle those bandits with ease, like always."

"I…I…I…I just want to make sure she is alright is all," Shoda said, cowering a bit back from his older brother.

Nakano now came forward, kneeling to both boy's height. "Don't be mean Toshikasu."

"Hah, I was ju-," the older brother try to say.

"Ah, no arguments," Nakano interjected, then turn to Shoda with a smile. "I'm quite alright, thank you for asking."

"Are you sure? You got bruises on your face and neck," Shoda ask, with his eyes looking over them intensely.

"Oh, those I got from being a little careless," Nakano said with an embarrassed smile.

That comment made Toshikasu go wide eye. "You got careless, that can't be."

Turning to Toshikasu, Nakano smile at him. "Yes, even I get careless."

That made the Toshikasu frown a bit. "I wish I was older, so then I could fight side by side with you. Then you wouldn't be careless ever again."

"Really now, and what if I have to constantly save you since your such a hothead," Nakano tease.

"I'm not a hothead! Right, Master Hachiro?" Toshikasu argue turning to his sword teacher for support.

The old swordmaster just chuckle a bit. "Sorry, I never tell lies young Toshikasu. Thankfully your brother is the calm one here."

"I…don't mean to be, I'm not as great of a swordsmen as my brother," Shoda said, looking at the ground in embarrassment.

"Ha! That's the truth, you can barely lift a wooden practice sword, while I wield real steel like a man," Toshikasu boasted, with his hands on his hip puffing his chest out.

"Oh, and where did you find time to do something I've told you not to do?" Nakano ask, her face pleasant, her voice threatening.

"Ahhhhhhhhhhhh," Toshikasu said, knowing he had just ratted himself out, then try to make a break for it, yet was caught by the collar by Hachiro who move faster than a man his age should.

"Well, looks like discipline is in order for breaking the rules of learning the sword. Never does one hold steel he hasn't earn, even Nakano never held a real sword till she earn the right," Hachiro said with a disappointed shake of the head.

"Please, I'm sorry. I just want to grow up faster so I can hold a sword too. Help my family deal with all dangers to our clan," Toshikasu said, going limp in his master's grip.

Nakano shook her head. "That doesn't excuse your actions, the day will come when you can hold a sword. Patience is your next lesson, so bear it. Actually, that will be your punishment, write Patience in kanji a hundred times, if you don't finish by nightfall, you will another hundred tomorrow, and if you refuse, Master Hachiro will not teach you the way of the sword anymore."

"Ah….yes I go do my punishment," Toshikasu said, while Haciro let him down.

"I'll stay with him to make sure he does it, take young Shoda out riding, the day is quite lovely for that," Hachiro said.

A small playful smile spread across Nakano's face. "And disobey my father's order for rest."

"You were already planning to do that, just say you wanted to teach Shoda to ride," Hachiro said with a warm smile.

"Very well," Nakano said, bowing her head to Hachiro.

Then the old swordmaster led Toshikasu away to do his discipline.

Watching them walk off down the hall for a bit, Nakano now turn back to Shoda, who was still looking at the floor. "What's wrong?"

The young boy fidgeted a bit, then spoke. "I want to be as good of samurai as Toshikasu, but I can never hold a sword properly. I want to protect Nakano, so you don't have to get beat up as you do anymore…I…I don't want to lose you like I lost my mom."

"I know, but trust me when I say that won't happen," Nakano said, trying to reassure the young boy.

"How can you be sure?" Shoda question, looking into Nakano's eyes.

"Because I made a promise to your mother that I protect you, and will not break that promise, ok?" Nakano said, stroking the boy's hair.

A small smile came on, as Shoda felt a little relief by the words. "Ok, I still will train hard to be a great warrior like you one day, I'll be a virtuous one, who defends the weak against all evil as you do."

I wi…wish…I could ha…hav…have…do…do…done something no…no…noble

Those were the words of the boyKeita Fukaya, who die wanting to be a noble samurai. Even now, Nakano could see his face, so frightened to die, but so happy that he had done some good in his last act. Now Keita would be added to Nakano's dreams of the dead, but at least he would be a good memory for her. Yet at the same time, Kieta reminded her of Shoda now, seeing someone who wanted to be something that did good in this world.

"Don't worry Shoda, I'm sure one day you show yourself to be a man of honor, that protects the weak but more importantly lets them live a life in peace. That's what you should strive for," Nakano said, wanting to be like Hachiro, and lay some wisdom down on this youth.

The young boy absorb those words, with a happy smile. "I will Nakano, I'll make you proud of the man I will be one day."

"Of that, I have no doubt. Alright, so how about it? Want to go riding?" Nakano said, wanting to let loose after enduring long talks and dark thoughts. Her fatigue from her long journey home dissipating.

"Yeah, can I hold the reins?" Shoda said, bouncing in place, giddy to go fast as he could on horseback.

"Sure," Nakano said, standing tall now while holding a hand out to Shoda.

Quickly the excited boy took her hand, then the two walk down the hall heading for the stables. Nakano look down at Shoda whose smile was like the shining sun, only bringing her heart peace. Part of her wonder one day if she could have children and be this happy, it seem like something uneatable for now, with all the problems needing to be sorted out for the Nishizumi clan to survive.

While also letting both Toshikasu and Shoda grow up in a peaceful time.

Yet those problems would be put on hold for now, as today was a day for serenity and fun. To forget for a moment of the growing shadow, and just smile. As the happy two walk hand in hand, to laugh, scream in delight, and let this tranquil day embrace them to the fullest.

For this embrace of peace…

Was soon to be overshadowed by the drums of war….