Chapter 15 Iron

Growing up in the Leaf Village, known for only having two seasons (warm and hot); Maiha had never experienced severe cold weather before. So upon arrival to the Land of Iron, she experienced a culture shock. The Land of Iron was a cold and mundane place. The people did not seem unhappy but there seemed to be a narrow emotional range. Maiha had been granted 12 months of training for her act of valor. The training proved to be extremely challenging but the atmosphere of the village made it easy to be serious and focused.

As an agreement with the General, Maiha had to adapt to the samurai fighting style during training and was not allowed to use any ninjutsu during that training. Understanding the opportunity that was presented to her, she respectfully agreed, under the condition that she would be allowed to continue to practice her jutsu's outside of samurai training.

Katsuro worked directly with Maiha and regularly accompanied her when she practiced her ninjutsu.

Slowly, Maiha began to be accepted by not only the military but the villagers as well. Though she had good rapport with all the samurai, Maiha developed a closer relationship with Katsuro. She had helped save his life, and in the samurai world, that was one of the noblest deeds that could be done. Maiha, however, never thought that much of it as she would try to help anyone if she could.

He made it a point to make sure all of her needs were taken care of and that she had the best of everything. The women of the village envied the treatment Maiha received from the general's son and it wasn't long before she was given glances with barely concealed resentment lacing them. The Samurai treated her like a comrade and Katsuro treated her like his queen.

"Katsuro-san you really don't need to make so much of a fuss over me I am fine with just the basics."

"But I do Maiha-san, I owe you my life."

"Katsuro-san, you don't owe me anything. If I know that I can help someone I will, it's just my way," she said with a smile.

He didn't understand why she couldn't grasp the concept, but before her training had concluded he was determined that she would.

Maiha trained hard in kenjutsu and then in ninjutsu after that every day. It was exhausting and it left her with little energy to do much else. She would drag herself out of the shower and flop down on her bed, disappearing under the covers and be out like a light in no time. "One of these days I need to start listening to Kakashi's words of advice and take a break once in a while." Hmm, Kakashi, I wonder how you are doing, well I hope. I can't believe it's been so long since I've seen you. I've learned so much since I've been gone. I miss our little talks at the lake and how I would tell you about what I learned and what I could about my missions and... you. It's not a full moon but I still think I'll go for a walk at least the stars are bright here in this land.

The fresh air was cold and it nipped at her cheeks as the snow crunched under her fur lined boots with each footstep while she walked around the streets of the village. She eventually made her way down through the center of town, where the life of the village seemed to reside. Men and women stumbled down the streets out of the bars toward their homes after a night of drinking. It seemed quite lively but not the scene for her this evening. She quickened her pace to be rid of the action in order to move back into the peaceful surroundings a bit before returning home. Unfortunately she was stopped just before she turned the corner by a heavily slurred voice calling her name.

"Maiha-san...Maiha-san... wait."

Maiha knew by the sound of his voice that it was Katsuro. "Hey Katsuro-san, you look like you're having a good time," she forced a smile.

"Yesss, I did and now on on my way home," he said stumbling over to her

By the sound of his sentences he had quite a bit to drink. "Uh, okay. Do you need help getting home?"

"You gonna take me home?" he grinned.

"I'll help you get home Katsuro-san."

"Mmm 'kay."

Maiha guided Katsuro to his door and into his house. She helped him into his bedroom where he stumbled around removing articles of clothing like she wasn't in the room. Her eyes were fixated on him, he was extremely muscular, with every article removed she could see more skin, and with every movement she could see his muscles flex. She couldn't pull her eyes away, her heart began to beat faster and she felt herself wanting to walk toward him. Not only was this man gorgeous he had the body of a god.

He noticed her caught in a stare. She was paralyzed where she stood, and he advanced slowly stopping just in front of her. She couldn't control her body, her hands raised and she ran them over the surface of his skin. If felt so warm, his muscles so defined, his chest his abs, she looked up at him. His large frame towered over her, he exhaled into her ear sending ripples of desire through her body. "Oh Kami, I uh, need to get some sleep we have a lot of training tomorrow." She broke free of her trance and quickly maneuvered towards the door, "Good night Katsuro-san see you for training tomorrow."

Maiha rushed home still on fire from what had just happened. "Thank Kami he was so drunk I hope he won't remember."

The next day of training he acted normal like nothing had happened. Good, he doesn't remember, but I don't know if it's fortunate or unfortunate that I do, she exhaled knowing exactly what lie under all that armor.

While Maiha resided in their land, the samurai not only treated her like a comrade they introduced her to their way of life as well as the way they unwound. Like Konoha, the village had their fair share of bars. When she finally joined them in their outings she had a rude awakening of how a group of men acted. Training was serious but so was play. Maiha made an appearance as it was requested by Katsuro but tried her best to blend in without being noticed. She quickly learned how the men treated women by observing them as they drank. Though it wasn't necessary disrespectful, their primal needs were sought after a little more aggressively than the men in Konoha and the women obliged, it was just their way.

Out of sight out of mind, Maiha would usually curl up in the corner with her stein of beer, hoping to be forgotten. Which worked until Katsuro started paying more attention to her. She didn't mind it at first, he was so attractive and a little attention was nice. He respected her space but yet subtly advanced his interests. Maiha started drinking more, with the help of Katsuro, and there were many nights she found herself stumbling out of the bar. Being with men all the time, Maiha had picked up self-confidence from the samurai but a touch of aggression had started to tinge her attitude, leading into a night that brought her own desires into the light.

It was a regular evening like any other, the samurai were out and about drinking heavily as usual, stumbling out of the bar and Maiha was no different. She and Katsuro left together often but parted ways as their residences were on the opposite sides of town. Lately he had been more and more attentive to her, taking more time to be in close proximity with her while training and she let him as she knew no different. However, it turned out to be just another advancement of interest.

"Maiha-san you will be leaving soon, how do you feel about your training?"

Maiha gave an appreciative nod, "I have a ton of new attacks for short distance combat and some long with the chakra blade techniques. I never knew I could learn so much in just two years."

They continued on with their conversation until they ended up just outside her door. "Oh, well looks like I'm home," she giggled, "Thanks for walking with me."

"You're welcome."

There was a pause.

He closed the space in between them stopping just inches from her face. His movement was swift and aggressive but Maiha was able to block his advance.

However, his weight and close proximity did not allow her to avoid it completely. It was then she realized that this was not an attack but a rough form of foreplay, and to her surprise, she found it rather arousing.

Katsuro was hungry and forceful, and she let him. Since that night on the dock with Kakashi her body was starved for the touch of a man and it seemed with the effect of the alcohol her mind was giving in to the urge for gratification. He devoured her, kissing her fiercely almost stealing the air from her lungs. Katsuro was aggressive and demanding but still they both fought for control.

Maiha opened the door and he pushed her inside slamming and locking it behind them. They groped and pulled at each other as they moved toward the bedroom bumping into walls finally finding the bed crashing down on it, him pinning her underneath claiming dominance.

Katsuro was ravenous, his hands were everywhere. The act was so animalistic the gripping, pawing and pulling, the lack of control. All Maiha could think about was how good it felt to have any attention paid to her body. It was wild and exhilarating. The friction between their bodies pushing her away from the edge of reason as her pent up sexual tension threatened to release. This absolutely gorgeous man who many women would have killed to be with and he wanted her. In all of this, she had nearly forgotten about her feelings for another.

"I've wanted this for a long time," he growled as he ripped her shirt down the middle.

It's not... not him. Her moment of clarity struck as she heard his voice.

"Katsuro-san! … Katsuro-san... I can't do hmm..."

Her eyes rolled back in her head as he pushed her head to the side and he licked and nipped at the exposed flesh of her neck. "I can't," she panted, her body wanted him to continue but her heart prevailed. "There is someone."

He stopped reluctantly and exhaled forcefully, frustrated.

"I'm sorry, I just can't."

He moved off her and sat on the edge of the bed. "He's not here, has not come for you, why are you alone after all this time. If you are his, you would not be here." He paused, "I would not let you go." He ran his fingers backward through his hair and then pulled his hand forward quickly. Katsuro was confused why she remained alone.

Maiha got up and sat next to him. "We come from two different countries, two different cultures Katsuro. I am here because I chose to be. He is home and that is where he should be, protecting the village. I am here to become a better warrior. I'm sorry if I mislead you."

Katsuro stayed silent for a moment before asking, " May I ask the name of this man you speak of?"

"His name is Hatake Kakashi," her heart sang when she said his name. "He is a very strong shinobi of our village and I care for him."

"Well this Kakashi, he is a lucky man." Katsuro got up and replaced as much clothing as he could. "This changes things between us then."

"No Katsuro-san. I will still be as determined as ever and will complete my training time here in the village. We are just two people that gave into our desires, we are human."

"Humph," he smirked. "I would not have let you go," he repeated. "A woman as rare as you deserves to be treasured. Have a good evening Maiha-san," And with that he was gone.

With his departure she exhaled pressed her back up against the wall and pulled her knees into her chest, "Why do I keep doing this to myself?"

With the tumultuous evening behind them, Maiha pushed forward with her training. The relationship between her and Katsuro became more brotherly and she had become an accomplished kenjutsu user.

"You have become strong Maiha-san. You are dedicated to your training and are willing to push your body to its physical limits as a true samurai. I have never met a woman like you before."

"Well let's think about this, how many female samurai do you have? I am just different than what you are used to that's all. But thank you for the compliment. I planned on making the most out of my time in your village," Maiha pointed out, "and I believe that I have. I'm very appreciative of the training opportunity the General has given me and I thank you as well Katsuro. Without your assistance I would not be where I am today."

He smirked, "We should be heading back to the village. It's going to get dark soon."

"Okay, I'm ready when you are."

On their way back through town they passed by the craftsmen shop where there was a huge commotion. It seemed there was an explosion in the flue used to make weaponry. "We should see if we can help," Maiha said rushing forward toward the crowd of people. The smell of burnt flesh tainted the air and as Maiha and Katsuro pushed through the people they stumbled on a rather horrifying site.

The craftsman's young son was badly burned in the accident and he was kneeling at his son's side. Maiha rushed forward and knelt down next to the boy and looked at the father with tears in her eyes. "Someone please call for medical assistance," she yelled. Maiha then turned her attention to the father "Please let me begin the healing process." He sat in silence and nodded. She put her hands over the child, closed her eyes and her hands began to glow green.

She took a deep breath and put more chakra into the healing since the boy was so badly burned causing her hands to glow brighter. As time went by, the burnt skin was replaced by new cells and the burns had begun to recede slightly. The medical staff had arrived to take over just in time, Maiha was sweating and the light from her hands began to flicker signaling that she had expended her limit.

She sat back on her heals and put her hands behind her propping herself up. "I am sorry I have expended all the chakra that I can." She had used a large amount of her chakra during her training that day so had little left to expend on the boy. Maiha attempted to stand but was quite woozy as the healing process had sapped her energy and her legs threatened to crumple beneath her. Katsuro quickly moved in, scooped her up in his arms and carried her back to the residence at which she was staying. He called for some available nursing staff to look over her as she recovered.

Katsuro made his way to Mifune and informed him as to what had transpired that day. "This kunoichi, she is interesting. Not only has she shown dedication to her training and developed the skills required to be a formidable warrior, she has shown us that she is willing to sacrifice self for those in need proving her loyalty. This kunoichi is very admirable indeed. You should keep her in mind my son. She would be a good fit for you as well as the family."

Maiha was within one month of her return date to Konoha and she grew more and more excited as it drew closer. Not only had she become more skilled and stronger but she had matured as well finally ready to return and face the past. She understood that things would be different upon her return, as time waits for no one, but Konoha was her home and she missed it dearly.

Maiha made it a point to stop in the craftsman's shop to check on his son when she could. During the last week of her stay in the village she paid one more visit to the craftsman and informed him that she was returning to Konoha soon. He moved forward and took her hands in his, "I cannot tell you enough how much I appreciate you saving the life of my only son. I have a gift for you."

"Oh no, I couldn't accept anything for that. I will never refuse to help someone if I know that I can."

"You have a kind heart, please I must offer these to you they will help you on your journey." He presented to her a long rectangular box. Not wanting to offend him, she opened it revealing two fans just like the ones from Suna. However, these were hand crafted from metal, and etched with Konoha's insignia and had scrolling surrounding it. In the place where she would hold the fan was a button that when pushed produced or retracted kunai like blades out of each partition.

"I hope you don't mind but I asked the young master a bit about you. He told me where you were from and about your abilities. I knew that I could combine the use of the kunai and the fan, it is the only of its kind"

"They're beautiful," Maiha breathed, memorized by the fans.

"They are formidable combination for a weapon."

"May I?" she asked as she reached to pick one up.

"Please."

She picked up one fan and spread it out. She then pushed the button at the handle and the kunai extended outward. Maiha stared at them in awe. "What an amazing weapon, but really I can't it wouldn't be right of me to accept them," she said as she put it back in the box and closed it handing it back to him.

"Young kunoichi, have you found the path you were seeking?"

"Yes, I believe I have."

"Then let these accompany you on your journey as a shinobi," he pushed it into her hands.

"Thank you," she pulled the box in close to her and gave him a hug.

"Have a safe journey home."

"Thanks."

Another curve. Let me know how I'm doing, I hope it's getting more interesting for you. Again thanks to all who are following along!