One year later,

Yuuta was becoming very worried. He needed to decide on an heir and fast. His sons were growing older each day and though he has his youngest son as a backup plan, it didn't help. Traditions say that the eldest must lead and though that is Yoshi, Yuuta just doesn't think he is fit to lead. Saki shows signs of a great leader but for some reason, Yuuta is hesitant to pick him. He knows he has to make a decision soon, though. Even his mother, who came for Yoshi's birthday, said that he has waited too long and voiced that she is worried that a rivalry would start between the boys if he doesn't pick soon.

Yuuta just can not decide. He has no idea who would be a better leader to his clan. That's when an idea struck him. Does it really only have to be his decision? Maybe he could ask the members of the clan and see what they have to say. After all, they are the ones who are going to follow the next leader, shouldn't they have a say on who that leader should be?

So, the next day, Yuuta gathered his clan and asked them who they thought was more worthy of the title. All of them were surprised that their master was asking them this before voicing out their thoughts. Some say that Yoshi was too much trouble to be Leader, then there were some who said that Yoshi might be a troublemaker, but he did show promise. This did not help Yuuta with his decision at all so instead he decided to ask Yoshi's followers and of course the first one he goes to is Saki.

Yuuta knocked on his sons' door and Saki quickly came out. "Yes, Father?"

"Is Yoshi here?" Yuuta asked while looking over his son's shoulder, making sure Yoshi was nowhere in sight. "No. He went out. Why? Is he in trouble?"

"No. I was just wondering...if I choose Yoshi as head of the clan...do you think he will make a good leader?" Saki was stunned. He thought he still had time to make Yoshi look unworthy but clearly, his father was trying to make a decision as soon as possible! Saki, desperate, began yelling his thoughts, "Yoshi will be a terrible leader! He is too irresponsible and too weak to lead!"

Yuuta blinked in surprise at the aggressiveness in his son's tone but nodded. "Thank you, Saki. I will think on that." Yuuta then turned to leave, not seeing the dark glare in Saki's eyes.

The second person was Tang Shen, who he called from Fukuoka. "I think Yoshi will make a good leader. He cares a lot about the clan and is always there to help when someone needs him."

The third person Yuuta went to was Usagi. "Honestly, I think Yoshi is more worthy of being head than Saki. He has a good heart, he works and studies hard. He is also fearless and very strong."

The fourth person, Kitsune. "I think my darling Saki would be a wonderful leader, he may be Yoyo's youngest brother but when has age ever mattered?"

Then Chung I. "Yoshi has already proven to be a worthy leader. If it was not for his plan, I would have never been able to trap the Dragon Lord."

Finally, Yuuta asked the members of his family. His mother Yumi voiced that though Saki shows potential, he just doesn't seem fitted to lead the clan and his brother Tadashi, as much as he couldn't stand Yoshi had to agree with her. Atsuko said Saki just doesn't have the same passion as Yoshi and Masato thinks that Yoshi is more talented than Saki.

Yuuta meditated long and hard, thinking about everyone's opinions until finally...he came to a decision.

...

The next day in the dojo,

Yoshi, Saki, Shen (Who Yuuta had requested to be here for this), Kitsune, Usagi, and Chung I were all summoned by Master Yuuta. He stood before the teens. "Before I start, I would like to introduce you all to someone." On cue, a young girl who wore a black ninja grab came into the room. Usagi's eyes widened at the sight of her. "This is Akemi, she is Atsuko's top student in her class, and she will be joining you for now on."

Yoshi noticed the look on Usagi's face and elbowed him with a grin while raising his eyebrows teasingly. Usagi rolled his eyes at him and looked away as Akemi sat next to him. Shen grinned. "It is good to see you again, Akemi." Akemi looked at her, smiling slightly and offering her a little wave.

"Now, I have gathered you all here because...I decided it is about time I decided on a leader...and who I will train as my heir." All the teens but Saki blinked in surprise before looking at each other. Yoshi looked at Saki, but Saki didn't look back at him, he just stared at his father, anxious to hear who will be leader. "This decision was not easy but after some thought I have decided that...you, Yoshi, will take the role as leader."

Both Yoshi and Saki stared in shock before Yoshi burst out laughing. "You're joking, right?!" Yuuta gave Yoshi a serious look that made him drop his smile. "What?! Me?! Are you serious?!"

"Do you not want to be?" Yuuta asked and Saki whipped his head at his brother who looked uncertain. "W-Well, I-I..."

"Come on, Yoshi! You'll be a great leader!" Usagi said while grinning at his friend. "Yes. You have already proven to be a good leader when you helped me trap the Dragon Lord." Chung I said.

"And helped me save my mother!" Usagi added and Shen grabbed Yoshi's hand while smiling at him. "And always looking out for me. I know you can do this Yoshi, you are passionate and fearless, no one is more worthy of it more than you."

Yoshi blushed a little and looked at all his friends who were smiling at him in encouragement. "Well, Yoshi?" Yuuta said and with some hesitation, Yoshi slowly nodded. "Ok...I'll do it..."

"Yay!" All his friends cheered. Yuuta nodded. "Now, I would like to present to you your weapons." Yuuta then handed Yoshi a sword with a red handle and a red fabric on top of it. "The Red Katana, for a fiery and fearless leader." Yoshi stared at his weapon in amazement as Yuuta moved on to Usagi handing him another sword with a light blue fabric. "The ninjato for a strong and faithful warrior." Usagi bowed his head respectfully. "Thank you, Sensei."

Then Yuuta went over to Chung I, giving him two wooden weapons with brown fabric. "The Tonfa for those who hold wisdom and a peaceful spirit." Chung I smiled. "Thank you, Master Yuuta." Then Kitsune. "Your mother tells me this was her weapon, called the Hypno Stone. For a witty and cunning kunoichi" Kitsune grinned at the weapon before quickly taking it from Yuuta. Yuuta then moved on to the newest member, Akemi and gave her a long weapon that looked like a hook on the end and with violet fabric. "The Naginata for those who hold power." Akemi simply bowed.

Finally, Saki who was given two weapons and a black fabric. "The razor gauntlets for a ruthless warrior." Saki couldn't help but care less about the weapons and glare at Yoshi from the corner of his eye. He thought Yoshi would deny the role as leader, but he took it. Why?

Shen smiled proudly at her friends but to her surprise, Yuuta came to her and held out a pink fabric. "Shen my dear, for you I give you this pink fabric, for a compassionate and independent young woman."

Shen looked at the fabric then at him in confusion. "Is this why you asked me to be here?" Yuuta nodded. "B-But I am not a ninja." Yuuta couldn't help but smile at her. "No but you are a member of this clan. You have always been one of us, Tang Shen."

"Take the fabric Shen!" Yoshi encouraged and with a small smile Shen took the fabric, feeling the nice silk before looking at Yuuta. "Thank you, Master Yuuta. I will treasure this always." Yuuta chuckled. "Thank Atsuko, it was her idea."

Shen nodded. "I will!" Yoshi, Usagi, Kitsune, and Chung I all went to congratulate her, but Saki hung back. Akemi looked at him. "You are not going to join them?" Saki ignored her and just stared at his friends with a scowl. "Are you upset that you did not get chosen?" She asked.

"Upset?" Saki couldn't help but scoff. "That is an understatement."

...

The next day, the children were given their first mission,

Yoshi was a bit nervous but led his new team to the marketplace. Yoshi was dressed in a black ninja garb, same as Saki, Usagi, and Chung I. Yoshi had his red fabric made into a bandana, Saki had his tied to his upper arm, Usagi was wearing his over his eyes, and Chung I was wearing his as a belt.

They were all standing on top of a house as they looked at the people down below. Their first mission was to capture an annoying thief that has been on the wanting posters for months. Down below, Tang Shen and Akemi were looking for the thief from the grounds, Shen was wearing her fabric as a headband and Akemi was wearing hers as a bracelet.

"Why did we have to bring Shen?" Saki asked and Yoshi sighed. "She wanted to help, Saki."

"She could get hurt, Yoshi. She has no ninja training, and you know how naive she can be." Yoshi glared slightly at his brother. "You underestimate Shen too much. She may not have any training, but she is still strong and smart. Besides, she has Akemi with her."

"Does anyone else feel like Akemi is too stuck-up? She never says a word to us. She only talks when she voiced her opinions over your plan. Kind of rude." Usagi said. "Master Yuuta told me she lost a friend not too long ago. I think she is still grieving." Chung I explained and Usagi blinked a few times before looking down. "Now I feel guilty."

"Master Yuuta also said she is a very talented kunoichi. So we should trust that she will protect Shen if the worst were to happen." Chung I added. "By the way, where is Kitsune?"

"She got grounded again." Saki answered as Usagi stared at Akemi from above. Yoshi noticed. "Oh, you are wishing you were down there with her instead of Shen right now, aren't you?" He teased and Usagi glared at him.

Chung I raised a curious brow at them. "What is this now?" Yoshi smirked. "Oh, nothing, just that Usagi is experiencing his first crush with a certain kunoichi."

"You like Akemi?"

"N-No! I just met her yesterday!" Usagi shouted. "Sometimes that is all it takes. I do not blame you. She is beautiful." Chung I said with a smile and Saki rolled his eyes. "Can we focus on the mission?!"

Yoshi ignored Saki and continued talking to his friends. "Chung I is right, Usagi. Sometimes just looking at a girl can make you fall for her." Usagi laughed at that. "You would know, wouldn't you, Yo?"

Yoshi looked at him confused. "What do you mean?" Usagi rolled his eyes. "Come on. You and Tang Shen." Saki immediately turned to the conversation as Yoshi blushed. "Wha-! No! I don't have a crush on Shen!!"

"No but you do love her!" Usagi said while batting his eyes. "I do not!"

"Oh, yeah right! We all see how you look at her!"

"And how she looks at you." Chung I added. Yoshi growled in frustration. "Shen and I are only friends, you hear?! Friends! Nothing more!" Usagi leaned back with a smug smile. "Whatever you say, Yo, whatever you say."

Yoshi rolled his eyes as he looked back at the villagers, not noticing the dark and angry look on Saki's face.

Down below,

Shen and Akemi were acting to buy something as they watched the people from the corners of their eyes. "So...when did you join the clan?" Shen asked, trying to start a conversation. Akemi frowned at her. "You realize we are on a mission, right? Now is not the time to talk."

"Right. I am sorry." Shen apologized, looking a bit sheepish and Akemi immediately grew remorseful. "No, I am sorry. I just get really serious on missions. I do not want to make any mistakes."

"I understand. Do not worry, I will not get in your way or distract you." Shen said with a kind smile. Akemi blushed slightly but smiled in return. "I suppose we could talk for a moment. This is just a thief after all, and I do want to ask you something."

Tang Shen crocked her head. "Oh? What?"

"Why do you want to help on missions if you do not want to be a kunoichi?" Akemi asked. Shen looked a bit startled by the question. "I...I just like to help, is all. I would never go on a real serious mission since I know I would be useless but this I can definitely help with...I can never tell my grandparents about this though."

"Wait. So, they do not even know you are here?"

"No, they allowed me to stay in Japan for a week since Master Yuuta really wanted me here for Yoshi's graduation, but they do not know that I am on a mission with you guys right now. " Shen said, guilt in her tone and face. Akemi looked at Shen with an unreadable expression before something caught her eye, Shen followed it and her eyes narrowed when she caught sight of a man wearing a cloak. "Do you think that is him?"

"Hard to say but he does look suspicious. Let's follow him." Akemi said before walking quickly but cautiously after the man, Shen following her lead. From above, Yoshi saw Shen and Akemi strangely moving faster and he looked around until he saw a man wearing a cloak. "I think that's him."

"Who?" Usagi asked. "The thief! Akemi and Shen seem to be following him."

"What do we do?" Chung I asked. "Let's follow him as well. Make sure to not let him see you." The others nodded as they jumped from rooftop to rooftop, following the cloak man. So far, all seemed well until an old woman passed the figure and he snatched her purse, making a run for it. "AH! My purse!"

Akemi glared. "It's him!" She then ran, jumping over people on the way as Shen ran to help the old woman on her feet. "Are you alright, Ma'am?"

"Yes, thank you but he took my bag!" She cried. Shen put on a determined face. "Do not worry! We will catch him for you!" She vowed before quickly running after Akemi. Yoshi looked at his brother and friends. "Saki you go right! Usagi you go left! Chung I!.." He gave him a wicked grin. "You know what to do."

They all nodded before doing as they were told as Yoshi went to follow Akemi and Shen.

...

The man ran as fast as he could into the woods as Akemi and Shen kept chasing him. "Stupid girls! Leave me alone!" Shen growled. "No! You are not getting away!" Akemi was surprised at the anger in Shen's tone, never hearing it before but kept her focus on capturing the thief. The thief kept running until suddenly he was pulled up in a net. "Wha-!" Chung I then came out from behind the tree and tied the rope on the trunk before approaching him. Yoshi and the others then showed up and smiled. "Nice work guys!" Shen stomped over to the man, glaring at him and snatching the bag he dropped on the ground. "What is wrong with you?! Stealing from a poor old woman like that, you should be ashamed!"

Yoshi put a hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry Shen, he is going to get what he deserves. This was pretty fun though."

"FUN?!" Shaki snapped. "Do you think this is a game, Yoshi?!" He shouted and Yoshi waved him off much to his annoyance. "It's just a thief. It isn't that big of a deal."

"Proving to Father that you are unqualified for leadership because you treat everything like it is a game is not a big deal to you?" Saki said in a dark tone and Yoshi's eyes widened slightly. "W-Well-"

"Will you brats cut me down!" The thief demanded. Yoshi sighed, all the fun and pride drained from him. "Come on, Shen. Let's go turn this guy in." He said while cutting him down with his katana and dragging him back towards the village, ignoring his protest. "I will come too!" Chung I said, worried for his friend and wanting to make sure he was ok as Shen threw a disappointed look at Saki.

Once they were gone, Saki let out a disapproving snort before turning to Usagi and Akemi who looked angry. "What?"

"You are an ass." Akemi said bluntly as Usagi shoved Saki's shoulder. "Why did you say that?! I get that you're hurt that your father chose him instead of you but get over it! Let Yoshi have this, Saki! You have had everything else!"

"What are you talking about?! What have I had?!" Saki yelled back and Usagi narrowed his eyes. "Oh come on, Saki! It's no secret that Yuuta spoils you rotten! You can get away with murder while Yoshi could be picking flowers and still get in trouble! The only reason he even picked Yoshi as leader is because we all convinced him he would make a better leader than you!"

Saki's eyes widened. "You...what?!" Usagi cringed at the look of betrayal on Saki's face before he chuckled darkly. "Why am I not surprised? That is just typical! Yoshi is always getting the stuff I always wanted!"

"What are you talking about?" Saki started to realize what he was saying and rolled his eyes. "Nothing. I must go now."

"Saki-!" Usagi tried but Saki ran off, not giving him a chance to speak. Akemi went next to Usagi and put a hand on his shoulder. "You did your best. You should probably tell his father about this, though." Usagi looked at her confused. "Why?"

"I have seen something like this before and trust me, it never turns out well." That did nothing to help Usagi's confusion. "What do you mean?"

"I had a friend who I was supposed to protect with my life, but he died, and do you want to know who killed him?" She asked though she wasn't really asking and Usagi looked at her curiously. "His own brother." Usagi gasped as she continued. "He was jealous of his brother for years because he believed he stole everything he ever wanted from him."

Usagi knew what she was implying, and he didn't like it one bit. "N-No. Come on. Saki may be a little jealous, but he would never hurt anyone, especially his brother. They have always been close. Saki rarely ever even gets mad!...that's more Yoshi's thing."

Akemi narrowed her eyes. "Jealousy can be a dangerous thing, Usagi. Best to attack it now while it's still small." She said while walking away, leaving Usagi alone with his thoughts.

...

In the end, Usagi decided to tell Master Yuuta about Saki. Unfortunately, Yuuta was in a meeting with his mother and brother. Usagi tried to ask if they could speak privately but Yuuta said that whatever he had to say he could say it in front of them. With a little hesitation, Usagi told him about Saki's jealousy and asked if they should do something about it. Yuuta brushed it off, though, refusing to believe that his son would be jealous, but Yumi listened, and she grew worried. So, the next day, she took Saki out for a walk.

"Why are we here, grandmother?" Saki asked a bit bitterly and Yumi frowned slightly. "I wanted to talk to you. Usagi...Usagi told us what happened yesterday. He said that you have been feeling jealous of Yoshi because your father picked him as his heir."

"He told you what?!" Saki said, panicked. "Do not be upset with him, Saki. He was only worried for you." Yumi then stopped walking and faced Saki. "I know that you are hurting but you must understand that no one chose Yoshi because we love him more than you. It has nothing to do with you, Saki, so please do not take it personally. It is tradition after all, the eldest is always chosen to be the next heir unless proven unworthy."

"But I am just as talented as Yoshi!" Saki snapped and Yumi was kind of taken aback, she had never seen Saki act like this before. "Talent has nothing to do with it. You could be more successful and talented as Yoshi, and he would still have been chosen."

"Why?!"

"That, grandson, is why you are not ready for any kind of leadership." Saki scowled. "That is not the reason I did not get chosen! It is because everyone likes him more! They all care about Yoshi but not me!"

"Do not be foolish, Saki. Usagi and Chung I have always been there to help you when needed, Shen is always making sure that you are alright, Kitsune is always trying to make you smile, and Yoshi has always been there for you since you were small. Do not let your jealousy make you forget that. We all love you. Your parents, Tadashi, Yoshi, Masato, your friends, and I all love you."

Saki stayed silent for a moment, seeming to be considering it before scowling. "But that still does not change the fact that I have no future in the clan! I do not want to be a soldier who blindly follows Yoshi!"

"Well...there is always a second in command," Yumi said and Saki looked at her with interest. "Second in command?" Yumi smiled. "Yes. It would be Yoshi's choice of course but maybe, if you ask, you can become his second in command."

Saki seemed to perk up slightly at this. "You think he will let me?"

"I know he will. Like I said before, he loves you and trusts you most." Saki smiled. "I wish you could visit more grandmother. You are the only one who ever truly listens to me."

Yumi chuckled. "I am always here when you need me, Saki. I will never abandon you."

...

That night, in the boys bedroom,

Saki was thinking about what his grandmother said while Yoshi was doing pushups with Masato on his back who was reading a book. "Why do you make me do this?" He asked. "You used to love this." Yoshi said between push-ups and Masato pouted. "Not anymore. If you have not noticed Yoshi, I'm not a little kid anymore." Saki sighed at his brothers then looked at Yoshi. "Yoshi? Can I ask you something?" Yoshi stopped in his pushups but stayed in position as he looked at his brother. "What?"

"When you become head of the Hamato Clan...will you make me your second in command?" Yoshi paused. "That's a thing?" Saki shrugged. "Apparently so. Grandmother told me about it this morning, she said I could become second in command if...you let me?"

Yoshi stared at Saki for a moment before smiling in relief. "Oh thank God!" He said while quickly standing up, causing Masato to fall off his back. "OW!" He cried and glared at his brother before quickly snatching his book and leaving. "Honesty, having you by my side will make leading the clan so much easier!"

"So yes?" Saki asked and Yoshi grinned. "Hell yeah! It will be great!" Saki couldn't help but smile at Yoshi's excitement as he sat next to him. "I wonder why Pop chose me as leader, though...I was so sure he was going to pick you since, you know, you're his favorite son." Saki scowled slightly when they suddenly heard a crashing sound.

"MOTHER!" They heard both Yuuta and Tadashi yell before running downstairs to see what was going on. Both boys' eyes widened when they saw their grandmother collapsed on the floor with Yuuta and Tadashi by her side. Masato came down soon after and his eyes widened in shock and fear.

Atsuko noticed the boys. "Yoshi, go call the hospital!" Yoshi nodded and ran in the kitchen while Saki stayed staring at their grandmother in full shock. 30 minutes later, the ambulance came and took Hamato Yumi away with Yuuta and Tadashi, leaving Atsuko home to comfort her children.

When Yuuta and Tadashi came back, Tadashi was wiping tears from his eyes and Yuuta well...he kept his composter and told his children that their grandmother died of a heart attack.

"No! Why?! I loved, Gran!" Masato cried and Atsuko hugged him. "We all loved her."

Tears fell from Yoshi's eyes which Yuuta caught. "Wipe those tears. Your grandmother would want us to be strong." Yoshi nodded and did as he was told as Saki just stared off into space, full of shock and grief.

Days passed and everyone was dealing with their loss in different ways. Yuuta has buried himself in more work than he has ever done before, nearly training his students to death. Tadashi was always caught drinking himself, drunk. Now that his mother was gone, he felt completely lost. Atsuko was lashing out contently, having a hard time adjusting to the loss of the woman who she had loved as her second mother. Yoshi's temper has also gotten more out of control. Masato followed his father's lead and buried herself in his studies to distract his aching heart. As for Saki,...he began to distance himself from the family...

Not only is the only person who ever listened and cared for him gone but his family had completely abandoned him! Yoshi had Atsuko, Masato and Tadashi had each other, and Atsuko had Yuuta, but nobody cared about Saki! They did not even notice that he has been locked in his room and hasn't spoken a word to them!

That night was probably the first time Saki ever allowed himself to sob.

...

The day of the funeral,

The Hamato family all went to say their goodbyes to one of their most beloved members of their family, all except Saki. Atsuko had tried to make him go but Yuuta allowed him to stay. He had figured his father would try to make him go to his own mother's funeral too but turns out that Yoshi and Masato both convinced him to let him stay.

Saki tried to train to get his mind off of it but he could not. Instead, he sat on the porch and stared up at the dripping gray sky. It seemed to be appropriate weather for this day. "Saki?"

Saki jumped slightly and looked to his right to see Tang Shen, wearing a black dress and holding an umbrella. "Shen? What are you doing here? Weren't you supposed to be going back home?"

"I was but my grandparents allowed me to stay for one more day so I can pay my respects." Shen replied sadly. "Then why are you not at the funeral?" She gave him a sympathetic look. "I wanted to check on you first. Yoshi told me that you did not want to go to the funeral." Saki scoffed. "What is the point? She is dead and there is nothing anyone can do to change it."

"There is always something you can do." Shen said as she went to sit next to him. "I mean, no, you can not bring her back from the dead but there is always something you can do to honor or remember her by. Like, every year on my parents' anniversary, my grandparents and I make a big dinner and we go on a picnic. Chung I also does something for his father and sensei on their anniversary. Maybe there is something you could do for your grandmother too."

"Like what?" Saki asked.

"I do not know. Something that comes from your most memorable memory of her. Is there anything you used to do together that you cherished the most?" Saki looked deep in thought then he looked up at the sky. "Rain."

"Rain?" Saki looked at her. "Grandmother and I used to watch the rain together. I do not know why but...it always seemed to calm me." Shen smiled. "Then whenever it rains you think of your grandmother and remember the times you shared."

Saki stared at Shen with an unreadable expression then she stood. "I should probably go now. Are you sure you do not want to come? It will be the last time you will get to see her." Saki looked down. "I would rather remember her the way I saw her."

"Why?" Shen asked in curiosity. "I just feel it is better that way." Shen looked like she did not understand but nodded. "If you are sure. Oh! Kitsune wanted me to tell you that she would like to see you tomorrow. She promised no games. She just wants to give you something."

The last thing Saki wanted was to see Kitsune, but he was curious, what she had for him. "Alright...I will see her." Tang Shen smiled, then left for the funeral to say goodbye to Yumi and comfort Yoshi.

...

Next day, at Kuzunoha's temple,

Saki walked into the temple, stopping when he saw Kitsune in the middle of the room. "Kitsune." Kitsune was sitting on a chair, petting her red pet fox then smiled at Saki. "Hello, Saki. This is Mo." She introduced her pet, then gave a sly smile. "But you two have already met."

"What is it you want?" Saki asked, getting straight to the point and Kitsune sighed. She set Mo on the floor then stood up, slowly walking over to Saki with her head down. "I am sorry about your grandmother." Saki narrowed his eyes. "If you are trying to use my grandmother's death to try and be with me-"

"I am not." Kitsune promised. "I know I play with you a lot, but I really mean it. I...I actually lost a family member just days ago..." Saki looked skeptical. "Really? You are not telling lies?"

Kitsune glared at that. "Alright, I know I am not a saint, but I am not cruel! I am really trying to be nice, but you are making that kind of hard, Young Master!" Saki sighed. "I am sorry. Now, what is it that you wanted to show me?"

Kitsune forgave him instantly then showed him a scroll, with a spell. "This is one of the many forbidding spells in the dark arts. It is a way to contact with the dead." Saki's eyes widened. He does not know much of the dark arts; he knew it was full of trickery and weirdness, but he never thought it could do something like this. "I have been studying it since I learned of my own loss, and I finally perfected it. I can cast it if you want, and you can talk to your grandmother?"

Saki looked interested but then a thought crossed his mind. "So, if you can do this...can you bring her back from the dead?" Kitsune's eyes widened at that, and she hesitated to respond for a while. "...Perhaps but-"

"Then why can you not do that instead of this?! Bring out the spell and cast it!" Saki demanded. Kitsune looked down at the table. "I can't."

Saki growled at her furiously. "What do you mean you can't?! You just said that you are sorry for my grandmother's death, but you will not bring her back for me?!"

"Saki, it is a forbidding spell-!"

"So is this!"

"This is different!" Kitsune said firmly and it honestly surprised Saki how serious she was since Kitsune was never serious about anything. "This spell will not bring any harm, but a resurrection spell will. Besides, your grandmother was a frail old woman Saki, if I bring her back now then she will only die again sooner rather than later. There is no point."

"Then can you not make her younger?!" Saki suggested but Kitsune lowered her head and sighed. "Saki...I can not perform that spell."

Saki's fists cracked as he gripped them. "Since when are you against performing sinister magic?" He asked in an icy tone and Kitsune snapped her head up to glare at him. "You have no idea what you are asking, do you?! I may love creating chaos and wild magic but this, you are asking me to mess with the ways of life Saki and that is a line even I can not cross! The spell you ask for, comes with a heavy sacrifice."

Saki's face suddenly turned cold. "So...you are saying in order to save a life, I will have to take one?" Kitsune's tone turned dark. "It could be worse than that, it could be anything but no matter what, the end result is not worth it. Only a Shinto can perform the spell without any consequences, and I do not know one."

Saki's body began to shake. Once again, he has been denied the only thing he wanted, and it filled his belly with cold-blooded rage. "YOU ARE COMPLETELY USELESS!!!" He roared at the top of his lungs, startling Kitsune. Saki then stormed out and Kitsune tried to call out to him, but he was already gone.

Suddenly, Kuzunoha came out and walked up to her daughter, smiling at her. "I am proud of you, Kitsune. You did not cast a spell that could bring you or anyone else harm."

"Did you expect me to?" Kitsune could not help but to say, annoyed. "Well, whenever Saki asks something from you, you usually do it in a heartbeat. No matter what it is."

Kitsune frowned. "I know you think I have no self-control when it comes to my power, mother but even I have limits and casting spells that could harm others is one of them...I am not you." She said the last thing coldly and Kuzunoha flinched, a hurt expression on her face that made Kitsune feel immediate remorse.

Why did she say that? Was she still bitter about the fight she had with her mother or...was it something else? Though Kitsune felt guilty, she did not say anything as she walked out the room, locking herself in her bedroom and thinking about Saki.