It took Michi three full years to finally learn the way of the samurai. Kiyoshi had stayed at the village for the same amount of time, teaching and working as if she was born and raised in the village. She had managed to ward and keep any Nobuseri away from the settlement. She herself became stronger over the years as she advanced through her own training. But she knew she had to leave soon. She couldn't live here forever, knowing Kyuzo was still out there. Kiyoshi knew she would have to leave in the upcoming morning. She couldn't stay.
It was a lovely summer morning when Kiyoshi planned her leave. She had memorized many maps and locations and decided to set out for the city of Kogakyo. She could probably find a job and live there… maybe even find Kyuzo along the way. Kiyoshi picked up her old sword and tucked it under her arm. She slipped a newly crafted sword into her belt and swung her backpack over. She looked at the room of three years and it brought back many memories of her life here. Not to sound cliché, but all good things must come to an end.
Kiyoshi wound her way outside and called for the Kato family. "Kiyoshi, where are you going?" Hana asked the curly haired warrior. The samurai gave a small smile and patted Hana's head. "I have to leave, little one. I cannot stay here anymore." She softly replied. "But… weren't you happy? I thought you could stay f-forever…" Hana began to cry and her hands fled to her eyes. Kiyoshi gave the little child an embrace and patted her head soothingly. "I shall do my best to visit, Hana. Don't worry." Kiyoshi said comfortingly. Hana sniffled and tightly hugged back. Kiyoshi had become like her older sister over the years.
When Hana pulled herself together, she let go and smiled weakly. "Here," Kiyoshi placed one of her hair bows into Hana's palm. "Now you'll have something to remember me by. Take care of it, okay?" Hana nodded fiercely and clutched the bow close to her chest. Kiyoshi smiled and rose to her feet. She looked at her three year pupil Michi in the eye. He flinched a little at her piercing gaze but retained his sturdy posture. "I am very proud of you, Michi. You have been an excellent student and companion. As your sensei, I shall pass down my sword to you for your own. Use it well, and maybe you shall someday have a student of your own." Kiyoshi raised her old sword and presented it to her student. He shakily took it and swiftly unsheathed the silver blade. It still shone with invisible strength and radiance after the years of war. Michi bowed deeply and said, "Thank you, Sensei. I will, without a doubt, take your most generous words and live by the code of the samurai. Thank you." Kiyoshi smiled softly and respectfully bowed herself.
She then turned to Mari and Ryuu. "I owe my life to both you and your family and I am forever in your debt. No words can express my deepest gratitude for saving me those years ago. All I can say is thank you." She said, bowing. Mari dabbed at her eyes and bowed as well. "Please do visit us, darling." She said, her voice slightly breaking. "I will. I promise."
With a wave, gentle smile, and promise, the samurai left. Her tattered black cape fluttered in the wind behind her as she left for Kogakyo. Kiyoshi was soon lost amongst the path and the woods.
Hana looked at the flowery bow in her little hands and sniffed it. Her eyes began tearing up when she smelled Kiyoshi's familiar aroma. The samurai always smelled of roses. Hana tied her hair with the bow and suddenly remembered something that Kiyoshi had told her. "You mustn't forget the ones who made a good difference in your life. They're important because they changed something that made your life better. It shows they cared for you." She had said. Hana took her mother's hand and clung to her. Michi on the other hand, was gazing at the sword that he had seen so many times in his master's nimble hand. He couldn't believe that she actually passed down the sword she had used in the Great War. Only she knew how much blood the sword was soaked in. But it had served her purpose well whilst it lasted. Michi rested his hand against the hilt and stared back at the forest. It seemed only yesterday when he had saved his sensei from the clutches of death.
Kyuzo was practicing once more like he always did. It had been three years since he was hired. He had cut himself off from Hyogo and Tessai and kept only an acquaintanceship with them, though he and Hyogo had become more like rivals. He knew he had to leave soon if he wanted to live. There should be a way for him to escape… and never return.