Hey guys HinataUchiha101 here. So I hope that everyone enjoyed the first chapter of Towards the Future. I'm really excited to see how far I can take this story. The next chapter will be a couple of months after Kaoru arrived at the Aoiya. But I figured I could give you guys one more chapter of her just arriving. So anyway enjoy chapter two.
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Chapter Two
The light from the sun streamed through the open window into Kaoru's room. The light woke her as it hit her eyes. Looking around the room she suddenly remembered that she was no longer in Tokyo, in her room at her family's dojo. Instead she was at the Aoiya. The thought made her slightly depressed but then she also remembered the promise she made herself. She would not dwell on the past.
Sighing she got out of her warm futon and went over to her closet. She looked through her kimonos and settled on a dark purple kimono with a dark blue and purple stripped obi. She brushed her long midnight locks into a high ponytail and secured it with her favorite indigo ribbon. Deciding she looked good enough to leave her room she headed downstairs.
As she reached the base of the stairs she could here the noise coming from the busy restaurant through the wall that separated her from the restaurant. The door opened to reveal Okon in a waitress uniform. Seeing the young girl standing near the steps she smiled at her.
"Good morning Kaoru-chan. Did you sleep well?"
"Good morning to you as well.", she answered, "I slept very well thank you for asking. Where is everyone?"
"Well Omasu is in the restaurant serving the customers. Okina is in the main room, and Aoshi and the others are in the training hall. They should be finishing up, they've been in there since the crack of dawn.", Okon said grabbing more serving trays.
"Wow that's a long time."
"Yeah Aoshi goes a little crazy when it comes to training. He definitely doesn't cut anyone slack. Oh by the way Okina wanted to see you when you woke up."
"Oh, alright thank you for telling me.", Kaoru smiled.
Okon nodded back heading back out to the restaurant to finish her shift. Sighing Kaoru headed to the main room to talk to Okina. Entering the room she saw Okina sitting at the table enjoying a cup of warm tea.
"Ah Kaoru good morning."
"Good morning Okina-san."
"Oh please just call me Okina, your family!", he laughed as she took a seat.
"Alright, Okina it is then.", she laughed back, "You wanted to talk to me?"
"Oh yes.", he said putting down his cup, "Its about your stay here." Kaoru nodded her head paying attention to what he was saying.
"Everyone who stays here helps out by working at the restaurant or working at the inn. We run a business here and everyone helps out in any way they can. You will be expected to help as well now that you're apart of our little family. You have access to everything here and can do what you please, so long as its reasonable. Do you understand?"
Kaoru nodded. Everything he said was reasonable. She didn't mind helping out, in fact she was going to ask if she could. It didn't feel right to live under his roof and not help out in anyway she could. Back at home she practically ran the place herself.
"I understand that you study the kendo style your father created."
"Yes that's right."
"Well we have a training hall that you can practice in. The others use it frequently, but I'm sure they wouldn't mind if you used it as well."
"That would be wonderful. Thank you Okina. And thank you for taking me in, I really appreciate it."
"Not a problem Kaoru. Like I said you're family."
"So was that all Okina?", she asked.
"No actually there was something else I wanted to talk to you about."
"What would that be?"
"There are some things that you should know Kaoru if your going to be staying with us. Do you remember what Misao said to you last night about being the future leader of the Oniwabanshu?" Kaoru nodded her head remembering the incident.
"Isn't the Oniwabanshu a ninja group?"
"Ah so you've heard of us then."
"My father would tell me stories. Wait heard of you? So you guys are the Oniwabanshu?"
"Yes we are."
"So wait Aoshi is the leader of the Oniwabanshu?", Okina nodded, "But I thought that he was just leader of the restaurant or inn. I never thought he was the leader of a whole ban of ninja!" She was definitely shocked to say the least. Okina just laughed at her reaction.
"So then everyone who stays here is a ninja also?"
"Yes. Everyone you met last night is a member of the Oniwabanshu. Even little Misao is training to be a ninja."
"Misao, a ninja? Wow that's a lot to take in."
Okina's humorous mood turned serious.
"However Kaoru, you can not tell anyone out side of this place what everyone is. If people were to find out that we were the Oniwabanshu there would be assassins and others trying to kill us or recruit us to join the war. No longer would we be able to have some semblance of peace in these times of war and destruction. None us would be safe any longer. Do you understand Kaoru?"
"Yes don't worry Okina I won't tell a soul.", Kaoru smiled, "Do the others know I know?"
"Yes I told them I was telling you today." Kaoru nodded, "So then how about a cup of tea."
"That sounds nice Okina."
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Aoshi walked towards the main room after training to enjoy some peace and quiet away from the other members of the Oniwabanshu. Practice had been good today even though everyone complained at how long it was taking. Aoshi shook his head at their complaints as he entered the main room. Looking in he saw Kaoru and Okina sitting together drinking tea.
"Good afternoon Aoshi-san.", Kaoru smiled.
"Good afternoon Kaoru-san.", he replied back.
"Come sit and have some tea with us Aoshi.", Okina said waving him over. Aoshi nodded walking over and taking a seat opposite the two on the other side of the table.
"So how was training Aoshi-san?"
"It went very well" Kaoru nodded taking a sip of her tea. Aoshi grabbed the tea pot and poured himself a cup of tea.
"Aoshi I was just telling Kaoru here how she should go explore the city and see all the sights. Isn't that a good idea."
"Yes it is."
"Only problem is poor Kaoru doesn't know her way around and I don't want her to end up lost. What would I tell her poor father if I lost her? Oh I shudder at the thought!", Okina said dramatically. Aoshi just rolled his eyes use to Okina's odd behavior.
"So then why don't you escort her then?", Aoshi asked calmly as he sipped at his tea.
Okina grabbed his back as if it was in pain and started to moan, "Oh if only I could. But my poor back is acting up again and I don't think it will survive the journey."
Once again Aoshi rolled his eyes.
"I have an idea.", Okina said, a light bulb going off over his head, "You can take Kaoru out today."
Aoshi nearly choked on his tea but caught himself. He really should have seen that one coming.
"If you don't want to Aoshi-san its perfectly alright. I'm sure I'll manage on my own.", Kaoru smiled. Aoshi looked at her lips, watching the way they curved into a smile.
"No I'll take you around the city. I have no prior engagements to attend to."
"Are you sure? I don't want to be any trouble for you."
"It's no trouble at all Kaoru-san." How in the world could he ever say no to her when she smiled like that.
"Thank you."
"Shall we go now Kaoru-san." Kaoru nodded and stood as Aoshi rose from his seated position.
"See you later Okina."
"Good bye Kaoru. And Aoshi don't do anything I wouldn't do." Aoshi rolled his eyes at Okina's teasing.
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"So where are we going first Aoshi-san?"
"I figured we could go to the market place first. Also please just call me Aoshi."
"Alright so long as you call me Kaoru."
Reaching the market place Kaoru saw all of the stands and people. Every place was selling different merchandise. Some places sold food, others clothing, jewelry, paintings, and antiques. It was bustling with people and business. They walked through the throng of people and goods stopping occasionally at a shop. It reminded her of the market place in Tokyo, so full of life. There were soldiers walking through the market place as well, swords strapped to their sides. Kaoru tried not to pay them any attention.
Kaoru stopped at a booth that sold weapons and Aoshi stopped along side her. She looked through all of the weapons and picked up a kunai. She played with the little dagger turning it from side to side, studying the blade. Putting it down she moved on to the bokken rack and lifted one. She placed her hands on the base of the bokken and tested how it fit in her hands.
"So you like weapons Kaoru?"
Kaoru looked up and nodded, "Yes. I've been studying kendo since I could walk. I love the feel of a bokken in my hand. If I couldn't practice kendo anymore I don't know what I'd do."
"The same goes for me. I don't think I could imagine a life without my swords."
"You use real sword then Aoshi?"
"Yes, I use a pair of kodaichi. I've had them since I began my training."
"So how long have you been the leader of the Oniwabanshu?", she asked curiously.
"For almost a year now. My birthday marks the full year of me being leader."
"So do you know how to fight with any other weapons? Or do you only use your kodaichi?"
"I can fight with a multitude of weapons from daggers, staffs, scythes, or regular swords. What about you?"
"I mainly only fight with a bokken. My father's style is based on the sword that gives life not takes life. Though if I'm without a bokken I can use hand to hand combat."
"Maybe you should train with us. I could teach you how to use other weapons. Well that is if you want to.", Aoshi slightly blushed. It was so light you could barely tell, but he felt like his face was on fire. He really didn't understand what he was blushing about. He had only asked her to train him.
"Sure that'd be great.", Kaoru smiled and he could tell that smile would end up getting him into a lot of trouble one day.
"Well then shall we proceed."
"Lead the way."
Leaving the stand they continued walking through the market. Occasionally they would stop at a stand and comment on an item. The more they walked the more they talked and got to know one another. They found that they had things in common and Kaoru found that she enjoyed spending time with him. Aoshi found himself smiling more they he usually did. The only one they normally got him to laugh like that was Misao when she did or said something silly. They stopped at a lake and sat by the water's edge.
"There's something you should know Kaoru."
"What's that Aoshi?", Kaoru turned her head to look at him.
"Okon and Omasu are going to try to play match maker with us."
Kaoru blushed bright red, "But they told me they wouldn't do that."
"They figured if you didn't know they were doing it, it would be ok." Kaoru shook her head at the two.
"Well this isn't the least bit embarrassing.", Kaoru blushed more, "Well thanks for telling me."
"I figured I could give you a heads up so you know what's going on."
"I don't know if I should confront them or let them try."
"I say let them try. It should be rather funny."
"So your ok with this?"
"Not really, but they're not causing any harm."
"Hm, true.", Kaoru nodded and placed her hand down to support her wait as she leaned to the side. Her hand accidentally touched Aoshi's and she pulled it back blushing again.
"Sorry."
"It's alright. Your rather cute when you blush.", Aoshi said taking her hand.
He looked out at the water acting as if he didn't have her hand. Kaoru sat awkwardly looking toward the ground while trying to hide her blush. She was very unsuccessful. She'd never held hands with a boy. All of the boys back home were either intimidated by her or thought she wasn't girly enough to talk to in a romantic way. They were all usually just her friends or sparring partners.
Kaoru looked over at him and studied his face. He was very handsome and looked older than his fifteen years. His black hair looked smooth and she felt the sudden urge to run her hands through his short locks. Wait what was that. Looking closer she noticed that his hair was tied at the base of his neck and seemed to continue on pass the hair tie.
"You have long hair?" He turned to look at her.
"Excuse me?"
"Your hair. I didn't know that it was long. I thought it was short."
"Oh, yeah. I usually place it inside of my gi so that it won't get in the way during practices.", he said pulling his ponytail out of hi gi. It wasn't as long as her hair but it was long enough that if he pulled it into a high ponytail like her own it would brush the top of his shoulder blades.
"Its really pretty.", Kaoru blushed again, "I-I mean. I like it, um… yeah."
"Well thank you.", Aoshi laughed, "We should be heading back now." Looking up at the sky Kaoru could see that the night was coming in.
"Alright." They stood up and started walking back to the inn.
"Thank you for taking me around today Aoshi. I really like Kyoto."
"No problem Kaoru it was my pleasure.", Aoshi said squeezing her hand. Kaoru looked down to their joined hands and smiled. Yeah she really did like Kyoto.
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Okay so there's chapter two. I know that this is starting off pretty slow but don't worry it will get better. I felt the need to say that Aoshi's hair was long because back then he sis have long hair, so if your wondering why I put that in that's why. The next chapter will be a couple of months later like I said at the beginning. Well I hope you enjoyed, please send a review to let me know what you think about the story so far. Anything helps! Thanks for reading!
-HinataUchiha101