Chapter 3- Ronin vs Manslayer
Shura burst into the bar room and scoped it out. Everyone turned to gaze at the scantily clad killer who looked so bold and domineering. At last, she spotted the ronin Kanbe. He was dressed in a samurai's garb, free of any armor. His hair was also free of the traditional topknot samurai so often possessed.
The raven-haired girl sat down at an empty table. She signaled an employee. He was rather flustered when he approached her and stuttered when asking her order. She interrupted, "A bottle of sake."
Shura placed several bloody coins on the table. The room remained eerily silent. Two killers, free of society's rules, were present and eager to fight. No one dared interrupt them.
The employee returned with her bottle. She snatched it and poured herself a glass. She tipped the small shot cup into her mouth, alcohol dribbling down her neck. After a few more glasses, she put the cup down. Kanbe's own cup had emptied and he mimicked her gesture. The sound of both glasses hitting their tables echoed through the room. The bar patrons watched as the aimless samurai and the serial killer vanished. They both reappeared in the center of the room with blades drawn and locked.
Time froze for a moment. The drinkers watched for the combatants to make their next move. Kanbe stirred. His eyes suddenly bulged and his mouth fell open. Shura's katana Fujin-Maru was blocking the man's katana, but his brother sword Raijin-Maru was already covered in blood. The ronin had never seen her first strike.
"No way…" he said before collapsing.
"Pathetic!"
Shura walked out of the bar. The ronin had been indeed fast, fast enough to make her at least work her leg muscles. But his reaction time was worthless when he couldn't follow her second sword. Then again… there were few who could, so few who could be called anything but trash.
She hated it… this inadequate world.
Shura looked to her left where the man from earlier was still leisurely reclined.
"So you defeated him?"
"I'm here aren't I?"
Shura tossed a bottle of sake onto the ground next to him. The man stirred and felt around the ground before picking it up. She saw a satisfied grin on his face. It was the smile she reserved for the warrior who could quench her bloodlust. She didn't envy his ability to wholeheartedly enjoy such minute things.
"Thank you." he said before taking a drink. He snapped his mouth and let out a mandatory sigh of satisfaction.
"High quality sake. Still so cold too." he rambled.
"He wasn't much of a challenge but maybe you can help me out. Tell me where this gang is. It might be fun to take them on all at once."
"Hmm, it's dangerous to go into such a place alone."
"I just went into a bar looking for a fight. You worry now?"
"Aye-yai. I was just small talking. Can't people stop and enjoy each other's company a little? Feel the cool breeze, smell the…"
"I'm losing patience old man."
"I'm not that old you know."
"Whatever you say. Just tell me what I want to know already."
"Very well. The gang is at the back of town near a sword shop. They own it so you can probably just go there."
"I see." She said and immediately turned away.
Shura suddenly stopped in her tracks. She tilted her head to the side, just enough so she could glimpse him from the corner of her eye.
"Even though I'm a killer you speak to me without any fear. Do you think I'm weak or are you just stupid?"
"Hopefully neither." he said before yawning. "I just don't think you're a mindless killer. You're like that ronin. You live to fight and kill. But you don't just go around killing anyone. Children, elderly,… the blind."
"You sure seem to know a lot about me."
"Warrior's intuition."
"Hmm." she said, gracing him with a smile, "I would have liked to fight you in your prime."
"I'm flattered… I think."
Author's Note: I'm sorry Shura-sama! I'll try to write you a better opponent next time!