Okami awoke feeling stiff. Her body must not have been used to the rest she was acquiring for some reason. Her vision had been affected by the unnatural loss of blood and concussion she had suffered through, and now had returned after a week. She sat up, ignoring the tinge in her abdomen. She smiled at Ina. To Okami, Ina was beautiful and graceful.
"Okami, stay here and get dressed. I have something I must attend to, I will be back." Ina reassured, then left, gently shutting the door behind her.
Okami turned to the stand, pulling her headdress on first, feeling complete as she returned the warrior skirt and armor to her skin. As she reached for her kazusashi (weapons commonly disguised as hair pieces) she felt suddenly insecure.
Her eyes browsed around for any possible disturbances, but nothing came to her eyes. She squinted; something was off, but she couldn't pick up on it. She shook her head as if brushing away an insecurity. She barely noticed the shadow that seemed to shoot across the room. Narrowing her eyes, she tried to pinpoint the origin, but saw nothing.
A weight behind her caused her instincts to spin around with her kazusashi raised as if ready to slit someone's throat. To her surprise, there was nothing. She felt herself begin to panic. She closed her eyes, reassuring it was nothing. She placed the weapons at the top of her brown, waist-long ponytail.
Just as she took a step to the door, she felt a sharp pain in her arms. She screamed; startled by the pain. With a grunt, she somersaulted, well aware of the fact she might dislocate her shoulders. The force disappeared as she stood up and looked around.
"Coward!" She shouted. "Show yourself!" Her eyes glared around for any slightest movement.
In an instant, she found herself on the floor, pinioned in a position where her arms were completely useless. Her fury prevented her from seeing her attackers face. She pushed her feet towards the assaulter's stomach hoping to throw him off.
The man, who was in dark clothes, back flipped three times, easily avoiding the kick. Okami shot up and spun, attempting to knock him off his feet. The man grabbed her foot. Grunting, Okami used her arms to steady herself and kicked with her free leg. She felt contact.
The man grabbed her other foot and in a second Okami felt her face hit the ground. She spit out a swear word.
"Alright you win. What do you want from me?" She growled defiantly.
"You fail." A dark voice hissed in her ear.
The force on her back got up, allowing her to get back on her feet. She glowered. The man was fairly intimidating; though not as much as Tadakatsu.
"What do you mean, 'I fail'?" Okami shouted.
"You have much to learn." He stared; his expression unchanging.
"Who do you think you are? You snuck up on me and attacked me out of nowhere!" Okami glowered.
"In war, one must ALWAYS be on their guard, especially children of shadows." He snapped.
Okami bowed her head. "You must be…"
"Hanzo Hattori. I am your master now." He stared down at her. "You will follow my orders without question." He looked away. "Though you failed my test, you at least defended yourself. You will have to do."
"What's that supposed to mean!" Okami shouted, suddenly offended.
"Enough!" Hanzo ordered then looked back at Okami. "We will begin your training tonight. Be ready."
Okami continued to glare at the man indignantly. "Fine. I don't have a choice do I?"
"No."
Okami blinked and Hanzo was gone. She growled angrily as she pulled herself back to her feet.
Ina opened the door. "Are you okay, Lady Tsuki?"
"I'm fine." Okami snapped and crossed her arms.
Ina closed her eyes and walked in. "I'm sorry."
"Why there's nothing you can do about it." Okami replied monotonously. She stared at the spot where he had been.
"You're upset." Ina pointed out.
Okami nodded. "Just give me some time."
Ina sighed then left again. Okami closed her eyes and recalled the whole incident, feeling completely incompetent.