A/N: Another chapter of small steps has finally arrived! Yay! There is a new character in this chapter, although she will not appear much in 'Small Steps', but she will play an important role in the future stories that I will make. However, I want to quickly introduce her to you guys.
Special thanks to Yukina Takanashi for allowing me to use her OC.
The Gassan Mountain was the highest of the Three Mountains of Dewa in the ancient province of Dewa. The snow terrain over there was always a place that was avoided by everyone. Due to the eternal winter snowfall, the mountain was inaccessible for long periods. However, the moon, when viewed from the top of the mountain, was so beautiful. Many people dreamed of living there, but it was definitely not a place for mankind to live.
Somewhere around the snowfield was an aradama with a form that resembled a large lizard crawling slowly. It headed to a higher place in the mountain. Even though the blizzard was raging, it continued crawling without stopping.
But the creature suddenly stopped in alert, when it felt a presence on its right. Standing on top of a tree wrapped in snow was a young girl about eighteen years old, wearing a white modified Miko uniform with a black skirt and thigh highs.
She had long silver hair like the color of snow that reached her back; her eyes were a cyan-like blue. On the top of her head were a pair of white wolf ears with a hint of black on the edges, and behind her flowed a single wolf tail. In her left hand was an Okatana with a straight blade still in its sheath.
"Your presence stains this place," the wolf girl coldly said.
The lizard aradama let out a loud roar, before waving its long tail like a whip towards the treetop where she stood. Right before the tail hit her, she jumped in the air in a spinning motion before landing a few steps in front of it.
She unsheathed her Okatana revealing its straight black blade, and the edge of the red line behind it. The aradama tried to bite her, but the wolf girl dodged again by jumping in the air, landing right on aradama's back. The lizard wagged its tail again; this time towards its back with the intent to hit her.
Right before the tail could even hit her, she slashed it with a fast motion without removing her Okatana's sheath in her left hand. The creature roared in pain, when its tail broke into small pieces. It tried to roll to the right in order to drive the wolf girl from its back.
Before it could roll over, she jumped down to its left. After its opponent left its back, the lizard released another growl and tried to claw at her with its sharp claws. She parried its claws easily for a moment, before chopping the hand that tried to attack her.
The lizard released another roar in pain, but didn't give up as it tried to bite her with its wide mouth. She jumped in the air and poked its left eye; it made a deafening sound as it roared in pain. Intending to finish it quickly, she planted her Okatana deeper, making the lizard howl for the last time before collapsing on the ground.
"And this is the eighth." She pulled her Okatana from the creature's left eye, before putting it back into its sheath. Not long after the lizard aradama died, its body dissolved into noro, making hot steam and melting the snow underneath.
She let out a short, exhausted breath before taking out a phone. In the contact list, there was only one contact number, with the name "Hime-sama". She tapped the number. After several beeps, the person on the other side picked up. She picked up the phone with her right hand, putting it a few inches in front of her mouth.
"I am alright," she said into the phone. The person on the other side asked about her condition.
"Today there are eight aradama in eight different locations," she reported. It had been a long time since any aradama had come to Mount Gassan. The reason why they were only now making a presence was unknown to her.
"I don't know." The person she contacted asked if she had any ideas with the aradama's sudden arrival. There was an explanation from the person from the other side, telling her about what to do for the meantime.
"I understand," she responded. The person on the other side, then asked if she would be okay handling it herself.
"No need to worry," she reassured, before her order was repeated again.
"As you command, Hime-sama," she answered in a respectful tone.
Then, she turned off the call before walking towards a higher place in the mountain. Even with the brutal winter, she just walked as usual and did not even feel the slightest bit cold. After a few steps later, her body crumbled into the snow and was blown away by the wind.
The aroma of sunny side eggs always made someone's morning good, as Konoka flipped the eggs on the frying pan she was holding. Not long after, the sound of footsteps coming into the dining room revealed it was Kagari in her Renpu uniform.
"Oh good morning, Onee-chan!" she greeted her sister, followed by the clinging sound of a toaster which indicated that the piece of bread she had put in it was ready.
"Good morning, Konoka," Kagari greeted her.
Konoka put another two eggs into the frying pan before making another sunny side egg, for herself. It didn't take a long time until everything was ready. They had a simple breakfast for each of them with two sunny side eggs, two sausages, two toasted slices of bread, some rice, and miso soup.
The sisters were having their breakfast in silence, until the older sister started a conversation.
"Konoka."
"What is it?" Konoka answered, while sipping her miso soup.
"Today, my team and I will go on a mission." Kagari told her, followed by a moment of silence.
"I understand..." Konoka replied, putting strawberry jam on her bread, before asking, "How long will you be gone?"
"I don't know, maybe around three to four days," Kagari answered, unsure.
"Can I-."
"Nope." Konoka was about to ask if she could also join their mission to help her, but her sister could already guess her question. The younger sister gave a small pout.
"Be patient. Wait until next year," Kagari told her, which was followed by nodding in submission to her sister.
They enjoyed breakfast, before leaving towards the Renpu Academy. Walking side by side on the edge of the road overlooking the rice fields, every time Konoka took a breath, fresh air entered her lungs. She could smell the fresh scent of the soil and the wet plants that grew in the agricultural fields of Nara.
They used a public train to get to Kanagawa prefecture. However, when they arrived in the town, Konoka noticed a granny across the side street where they were, who seemed to have difficulty crossing the road.
Konoka tugged her sister's sleeve, which was responded by her sister looking at her. "What is it, Konoka?"
"Nee-chan, look at that." She gestured with her left hand, before pointing towards the granny who was having a hard time. Her sister quickly understood what was happening, and what her sister would do. She gave Konoka a nod, before the little sister crossed the road and moved quickly to the granny side.
"Here Oba-san, let me help you." Konoka told her as she helped her walk to cross.
"Oh thank you, dear," the granny thankfully said, receiving Konoka's help.
They crossed the road carefully, thanks to Konoka giving signs with her hands toward to the left and to the right, making some drivers notice her and slow down their wheels, allowing them to move safely.
"Here, take this." After they managed to cross, the granny reached into something from her bag and gave it to Konoka. It was melon bread.
"Is it okay?" Konoka asked, not expecting anything in return at all for a sincere favor.
"Of course. Just keep being a good girl towards everyone," the granny insisted.
"Alright, thank you, then," Konoka answered.
"Take care," the granny said her farewell, before turning and slowly walking away.
Konoka stood there for a few seconds, watching her back, until a hand tapped at her shoulder. She took a look to her side to see Kagari who was waiting for her.
"C'mon sis," Kagari told her, followed by a nod from her younger sister. The two of them then continued walking together towards the academy. Unknown to them, a pair of sharp grey eyes just saw Konoka's action from inside a car with a dark window.
Classes proceeded as usual. There was nothing interesting, just normal daily lectures from their teachers. The day progressed slowly, which Konoka hoped could run faster, until lunch time finally arrived.
"Noka-chan! Let's have lunch together," Yukina offered her, raising a bento.
"Yeah, let's-" Konoka was also about to pull out her bento from her bag, until the sound of the intercom interrupted her.
"Hiiragi Konoka from Class 1-D, please report immediately to the president's office. Repeat, Hiiragi Konoka from class 1-D, please report immediately to the president's office. Thank you."
Yukina gave a confused look, before giving a small smile towards her best friend Konoka.
"Maybe next time?"
"Yes." Konoka put the bento back in her bag, before standing up and leaving the room with Yukina. They walked through the first-year hallway, until several student voices turned their attention to the window beside them.
"Look, the senpais have returned."
From the academy gate, they saw several Tojis from the third and second years descending from some armored vehicles. It seemed that they returned from their mission.
"Wow, look at them." However, there was something new this time. Konoka saw that some of them were injured quite badly. This had never happened before; perhaps the aradama in this year were quite strong? But, if there was a Toji who was injured in the mission, they would be placed in a clinical academy that had medical equipment, far more advanced than hospitals in general.
"Recently, this year's aradama are quite strong," a student beside her whispered.
Konoka and Yukina parted ways when they were on the stairs leading to the third years' classes. Konoka walked out and headed to the magnificent building next to the Toji's training hall.
This was the first time Konoka entered this building. All this time she could only see from the outside grandeur of this building. She took a deep breath before opening the entrance. The moment she opened the door, she saw a short gray haired woman with glasses. It appeared she was the secretary of the president.
"Hiiragi Konoka?" the secretary asked.
"That's me," Konoka responded.
"Please take a seat," the woman gestured to the chairs beside the stairs.
Konoka took a seat, before looking at the splendour of the place. This place was sparkling from the majestic chandelier illuminating the room with a golden light. The air was very fresh, yet so cold. Whatever air conditioner the place used, it reminded Konoka about her fridge at home. She then shifted her gaze to the wall paintings, however a certain picture took her attention.
It was a picture of another layer of reality. The land was covered with vines and had a rainbow color scheme, ranging from purple to green to teal. At the bottom of the silver picture frame was a sign that said: Jukai.
"Hiiragi-san." Konoka's attention immediately turned towards the secretary.
"Y-Yes?" Konoka stuttered in response.
"President Takishima is waiting," she said, gesturing towards the stairs.
Konoka then climbed the stairs and proceeded to search for the president's room. She stopped in front of a red door, which had a plate that read, 'President's Office'. She took a deep breath again before knocking.
"Who is it?" a sweet voice asked from behind the door.
"It's Hiiragi Konoka from Class 1-D," Konoka answered.
"Come in."
At that time, Konoka opened the door. Inside was Fushimi Yuzuki and a lady who appeared to be in her late twenties. She had shoulder-length red hair, tied with white and pink ribbons, along with a small ahoge. Her eyes were red, the same color as her hair. The president's uniform was a dark blue and light blue jacket and skirt. She wore a white shirt with a violet ribbon under the outfit.
"I've been waiting for you Hiiragi-san," President Takishima greeted her with a friendly smile.
"President Takishima." Konoka bowed towards her, along with Yuzuki, who was sitting on the black sofa on the right side of the table.
"Yuzuki-senpai," Konoka greeted her.
"Konoka," Yuzuki replied with a nod.
"How was your last mission?" Konoka asked.
"It's fine. But some members have to be off from duty for a while," Yuzuki responded.
"Sana-san, Iroha-san, need a break," President Takishima continued.
"I see." Konoka said.
"Please, take a seat." The red-haired lady gestured her right hand towards the similar sofa opposite Yuzuki. Konoka then moved to sit on the sofa. However, what was on the black table's glass surface in front of her, made her give a questioning look.
"Ano..." The little Hiiragi pointed her right forefinger at the sandwich and the bottle containing Oolong tea. They were still neatly wrapped in their packaging, but there was a label with Konoka's name on them.
"Oh that's for you," the President said to her.
"Eh?" A unexpected look appeared on Konoka's face
"I don't want to call my students to skip their lunch time right?" the red haired lady spoke with a grin.
"Thank you, then," Konoka responded with a joyful tone, before happily unwrapping the sandwich.
A small smile formed in the president's mouth. When she saw Konoka take her first bite on the bread, after a short moment, she then began to talk.
"Konoka-san, I have seen your battle in the arena at the Toji's training hall," President Takishima said to her, before praising, "And I have to say, it was a good fight."
Mixed feelings of honor and happiness appeared in Konoka's heart after hearing the praise. She swallowed the bread she was chewing before answering, "Thank you, president."
It was then the president picked up a remote, before pressing a button that turned on the monitor mounted on the wall across from her. "Here, take a look at this."
Konoka stopped her eating before seeing the image displayed on the monitor. "This is..."
"Aradama," Yuzuki said to her.
"This is a sighting of the aradama in the abandoned warehouse around Ofuna," the president explained to her, as Konoka opened the bottle which contained Oolong tea.
"My team has been assigned to take care of it," Yuzuki told her, making the young Hiiragi stop her drinking as she listened to her.
"Wait senpai, doesn't that mean the ones who will depart are only you and Ema-senpai?" Konoka questioned.
"That's correct," Yuzuki corrected.
"Isn't that too much, if just only you and Ema-senpai were sended to handle that mission?" Konoka asked worriedly.
"That's why I called you here, Hiiragi-san," President Takishima answered for Yuzuki. Her calm voice made Konoka stop talking as she shifted her gaze towards her.
"What do you mean?" Konoka asked in confusion.
The president took a sip of her tea before opening her eyes and looked at Konoka with a gentle expression. "You see Hiiragi-san, after seeing your fight in the arena, I had a feeling that you are more than ready for a first mission as Toji."
"I don't understand." Konoka furrowed her brows.
"Your movements, your skills, and how good your fighting arts are. It has already resembled your sister's," President Takishima explained. "Look, Hiiragi-san. All this time, I can only take the second and third years to take care of this aradama problem. Akane-san is special since she's from the Origami family. I never carelessly choose someone to do a mission that suits them. But we're still... short handed. "
That was correct; so far the Tojis, who were sended to carry out a mission, were students from the second and the third years. While Konoka was still only in her first year, it would be unfair for her if she was allowed to carry out a mission.
"That's why we want you to join the mission," Yuzuki said. "Of course, I won't force you if you don't want to."
"Will you help us?" President Takishima asked her.
At a moment like this, Konoka didn't know how to answer. If she agreed to go along, she was doubtful that she would be a help for Yuzuki and Ema. But if she disagreed, somehow, she knew she would regret it. She needed some time to think about this.
"When are you leaving?" Konoka asked.
"Soon," Yuzuki answered.
"Can you give me time to think about it?" Konoka asked.
A smile has formed on the president's lips. "I understand."
With that, Konoka went and walked away from the president's office. To be honest, Konoka was very pleased with the offer. She could take one more step to become the great Toji as she had dreamed. But what would her fellow first year students think if she accepted that, especially Yukina?
A bell that signaled the end of lunch time finally rang. Konoka released a sigh that sounded like fatigue and annoyance. Today lunch was not relaxing since she listened to their explanation while eating.
"That's not only it, is it?" Yuzuki asked while observing Konoka, walking away from the building where they are.
"Of course not," the red haired lady softly answered, before taking another sip of her tea. "She has something in her, which makes her always develop stronger."
"Doesn't she also have a weakness?" Yuzuki asked.
"Of course, she has," President Takishima answered, as she remembered the battle that occurred eight days ago. "Everyone has weaknesses." She felt such a thrill, when Konoka was kicked harshly in the stomach.
She looked at the tea in her teacup, before continuing, "But it's not forever."
"What do you mean?" Yuzuki asked, confused.
"Yuzuki-san, sometimes what we call someone's weakness...is what makes that individual stronger," the president explained, while moving her cup in a circular motion, making a small whirlpool in it. "If that person has the determination to move forward and change for the better, she must do what she can to cover up her weaknesses."
The moment when Konoka defeated Touko by just using her amazing speed repeated in President Takishima's mind.
"And I'm sure she can," she spoke confidently while she stroked Konoka's picture.
Classes were over; most students returned to their homes, but Konoka and Yukina were still at the school gate. They were saying their farewells before Yukari and her team left to carry out their mission. The vehicle they were going to ride in was a powerful black Humvee.
"Take care, alright?" Konoka held her sister's hand.
"I will." Kagari nodded, stroking her hair.
"Don't worry, Noka! I will look after your sister for you," Minato spoke from the side of her seat.
"Minato-senpai, you also take care of yourself!" Konoka told her.
"Of course, Noka! " She gestured to Konoka to move closer to her. Only for the younger girl to be pinched on her left cheek.
"Awawawa! Senpai, that hurts!" Minato laughed at Konoka's reaction.
"How cute..." said Akane gently looking at the scene.
"Minato, that's enough," aaid Kagari, releasing Minato's pinch from her sister's cheek.
"Next time we meet, let's have lunch together!" Minato said, as Konoka happily nodded while rubbing her afternoon cheeks.
"It would take four hours to get to Tsujido. Maybe we should take this route," Akane said to her sister, while showing some routes on the map with her.
"Yeah," Yukari agreed, before calling Kagari and Minato, "Minato, Kagari. It is time to leave." Kagari patted her sister's shoulder as a farewell before entering the vehicle.
"See you in three days, Noka!" Minato said to her, before entering the Humvee as well.
"Yeah," Konoka softly spoke.
Yukari turned on the engine and drove through the entrance to the academy of Renpu, leaving Yukina and Konoka at the gate. The two of them watched their vehicle leave while waving their hand, until the Humvees disappeared from their line of sight.
Walking home in the dusk around the city of Kamakura was always a pleasant thing for Konoka and Yukina. They usually walked home together with Kagari and Minato. Even during times when the two older girls were not with them, they could always fill their emptiness by happily chatting with each other.
However, Yukina realized something was off from Konoka this time. Every time she tried to talk about something, she didn't follow up the topic so well. She just looked down on the ground while walking home together.
"Minato-senpai and Yukina-senpai are so amazing, aren't they?" Yukina told her.
"Yeah..." Konoka meekly muttered.
"I envy Akane-chan. She can follow her sister since she is also strong like any other second year female student," Yukina said.
"Perhaps their mother trained her two daughters with a lot of effort. Until they both become commissioned that fast." Konoka's head was still facing the ground, not listening to Yukina talk.
"Hey, Noka-chan," Yukina called her.
"Eh-what?" Konoka started for a moment, before looking at her best friend.
"You're kinda gloomy. Is there something wrong?" Feeling something is off, Yukina tried getting directly to the point.
"Yuki-chan ..."
Most people were willing to lie to their friends for the sake of not hurting their feelings. Konoka couldn't help feeling that with her new achievement, there was now a large difference between her and Yukina. However, she also couldn't bear lying to her friends; she treasured their feelings. And, as long as Konoka hid the truth, she felt her chest almost being like it was suffocated.
They sat on swings in the public playground, watching the sun slowly set, as she explained the mission President Takishima offered to her. The look in her best friend's eyes, however, was more than surprised. Instead of envy and jealousy, it showed pride and also happiness for her as Yukina formed a wide smile on her face.
"I see, so that's how it is..." Yukina softly said.
"Sorry." Konoka bowed her head, not daring to look at Yukina.
"It's fine." Yukina moved her hand in front of her head, before starting to move her swing forward and back slowly.
Wasn't this unfair? She and Yukina were both still first years, but it was only Konoka who got the chance to advance earlier to carry out the Toji task. She didn't want to be the only one to get this opportunity; she wanted her friend to get the same chance as her.
"Don't you feel upset?" Konoka slightly raised her head to see Yukina jump from her swing and land perfectly on her feet.
"A bit," she said lightly, before standing with her back to her. She then turned to face her before smiling warmly, gesturing her index finger and thumb to form an 'a bit' pattern.
"Don't worry, Noka-chan." Yukina let out a soft laugh and patted Konoka's head.
"I just didn't try enough, that's all," Yukina said. "But still, don't look down on me just because you got a mission earlier than me, okay?" She puffed out her chest before smiling broadly. A feeling of relief had come to Konoka's heart when she got the answer. She was glad. Glad that her friend wasn't angry at her.
Konoka formed a grateful smile on her lips, before answering, "I won't."
It was night time and Konoka was supposed to be sleeping, but she was instead standing in front of her mother's door. She was now wearing her casual clothes, a green short sleeve shirt and black shorts.
Her mother was the other person that Konoka had to tell about the mission offered to her. However, from the sound of conversation she could hear from the outside of her room, it seemed like her mother was currently on the phone.
"So there are thirteen, Kawakaze?" Tsukuyomihime spoke into her phone.
"I understand."
A knock came from her shoji door, followed by her youngest daughter calling out to her.
"Mom, are you still awake?" Konoka called from the other side.
Hearing her daughter's voice, Tsukuyomihime spoke into the phone before turning off the call, "I'll call you again later."
"Come in, Konoka." Tsukuyomihime faced her door, giving her daughter permission to enter.
When her daughter entered, she gestured to her to sit beside her on the bed, before quickly asking, "What's wrong Konoka? Aren't you supposed to be sleeping at this hour?"
"Mom, you see..." Konoka explained as briefly as she could, and once she finished. Tsukuyomihime closed her eyes with her lips slightly curved.
"I understand," Tsukuyomihime finally said before finally opening her eyes and looking at her proudly. "Isn't it great? The president praised your skills."
"But Mom, what should I do?" Konoka asked about the mission offered to her.
Tsukuyomihime looked at her daughter's only left eye, before answering, "That's up to you, Konoka. If you go along, you will face many dangers from that mission." She put her right hand on her cheek before continuing, "And if you stay here, you will be safer and do your days as usual."
The room went silent, as Konoka felt the pressure to make her own decision. Actually, she was still hesitant to make her own choice, which was why she went to her mother.
A warm feeling spread in Konoka's heart through her body. Her mother's gentle gaze and kind smile were heartwarming. Those stormy grey eyes somehow made her feel like no matter what happened, she had a place to go back to.
"I…" Her voice came out as a small whisper, but she tried. She had to make her decision. "I will join the mission."
An amused smile appeared on her mother's face, before she put her right hand to her left cheek then lovingly kissed her daughter's forehead. "That's my little girl"
After a while, the mother let go of her kiss to look at her daughter's face. Giving a kind smile and a gentle tap on her right shoulder, Tsukuyomihime continued lightly, "Now sleep. Tomorrow morning, there will be a train that you'll need to take."
"Yes!" Konoka felt she had gained strength from the blessing given by her mother. She left her mother's room before quickly heading to her bedroom.
A happy feeling enveloped Tsukuyomihime's heart as she looked towards the shoji door of her room. The proud smile for her daughter was still on her face. To think of her daughter, who couldn't make her own decisions; always asking her what to do, finally succeeding in choosing her own decision to determine where her life will go. This was a step towards maturity.
She reached into her kimono to pull out her phone, before opening the contact log then searching a contact id with the name: "Kawakaze". She tapped her index finger on the call button to make another call. After a few beeps, the call was answered by the other person.
"Kawakaze?"
A/N: Finally, the Fourth chapter is finished! In the next chapter, Konoka will carry out her first mission in Ofuna along with Yuzuki and Ema. Who was the woman with the sharp grey eyes inside the car with black windows? Will Konoka be a help for the team? See you in the next chapter!
Remember!, that some of the OCs that I just appeared in this chapter are based on some certain characters from various anime.
President Takishima Yuuna – Takashima Yuuna(Yuuki Yuuna Wa Yuusha De Aru).
I made her a lady in her mid-twenties in this story.
Kawakaze – Kawakaze(Azur Lane).
I make her as Tsukuyomihime's Loyal servant.