Wolf without further hesitation began to make his way towards the tower where his master was being held. He would save him and give his life for him, his master was not only divine, but also his dearest friend. He was the only thing Wolf left and cared for after what happened at Hirata Estate.
He carried onward, lightly trotting on the ground as he made his way from Ashina Reservoir. As Wolf advanced, there was a cliff he had to shimmy along to get towards his destination. He arched his back against the rugged rock, shimmying on top of the cliff. Little pebbles and small streams of dust fell as Wolf hugged the cliff, being careful not to stumble. After crossing the cliff, there was a large patch of foliage that he crouched into.
Wolf lightly trotted in the foliage, not making a sound. He stopped his movements when he heard two Ashina soldiers speak. He peered at them through the bamboo railing, listening intensively, concentrating his senses.
"That shinobi at the bottom of the well...We didn't shackle him, restraint him, or nothing. That doesn't worry anybody...?"
"Not at all. Not only is he unarmed, but he's also completely lost his will to live. Nothing but a coward, unworthy of our concern."
With a clenched jaw, Wolf continued to eavesdrop on the conversation between the Ashina soldiers. His body trembled ever so slightly, a mixture of anger and determination coursing through his veins. Unarmed? Lost his will to live? Coward? None of those words defined the shinobi known as Wolf.
He opted to kill the soldiers as soon as he got his hands on a weapon, right now, he had to rescue Lord Kuro. From the foliage, he slipped into the opening of a unit for Ashina soldiers. He was right under them, hearing them speak and walk under the floorboards. As they were about to speak, he peered through the broken floorboards, listening intensely and attentively. He closed his eyes.
"The moonlight shines strongly on the Moon-view Tower tonight, The Divine Heir is probably using this light for his reading again."
"Probably."
"But imprisoning a mere child...I feel sorry for the boy." The soldier mumbled, full of concern.
"Agreed, but I'm pretty sure Lord Genichiro has his reasons..." The second solider agreed.
Wolf listened intently as the soldiers' whispers faded away, his heart aching for his master Lord Kuro. His resolve only grew stronger as he felt the gravity of the situation. He knew he had to be quick and precise if he wanted to succeed. He went out from the unit, going into foliage yet against to remain hidden. He saw another two Ashina soldiers and the Moon view tower.
The Moon-view Tower rises high, its top barely visible against the dark sky. Its walls are made of wood, decorated with intricate carvings and symbols. The moonlight reflects off its surface, giving the tower an ethereal glow. At the top, a balcony overlooks the surrounding landscape, providing a perfect view of the moon above. The tower itself is surrounded by dense foliage, making it difficult to approach undetected.
The Moon-view Tower stood tall and majestic, its wooden walls gleaming in the moonlight. The door was adorned with intricate designs and symbols, hinting at the importance of its contents. It seemed almost impenetrable with its fortified structure, guarded by soldiers at every corner. Wolf could see a faint glow of light coming from inside, signifying that this was a place of great significance and activity. The tower itself seemed to hold secrets and mysteries waiting to be uncovered.
He decided to use his hearing once more and eavesdrop on the soldiers conversation. He closed his eyes.
"The Moon-view Tower door...you checked that it's locked right?"
"It's certainly locked but...nobody fixed that hole in the wall."
"That? Don't worry about it. The hole faces the edge of a cliff, no one could pass through it."
"True," the first soldier agreed. "But what if a shinobi managed to climb the cliff and entered through that hole?"
"A foolish shinobi wouldn't be able to climb the cliff and pass through the hole. I sealed off any other ways into the tower. We have nothing to worry about," the second soldier reassured his comrade.
Wolf smirked inwardly at their naivety. He knew he could defeat them if he had to, but his mission was to save the Divine Heir, not to engage in a battle with them. He continued to observe the soldiers from the foliage before continuing onward. From the foliage, he arched his back against the wall, shimmying along another cliff. After that, he had to do some parkour, hanging from ledging to get to his destination. He entered the hole, where he saw Lord Kuro reading his book in the moonlight.
Lord Kuro looked to his left, startled before realizing it was Wolf. He immediately put his book down, strolling towards him. "You did well to come here." Kuro acknowledged. "It's been too long, Wolf." Kuro announced, extending his hand.
"I've come to free you, my lord." Wolf bowed, showing reverence and respect for the divine child he swore to protect.
"Well then-raise your head." Wolf raised his head and Lord Kuro held Wolf's katana, Kusabimaru. "Kusabimaru-your sword. My shinobi, in accordance with the bond of lord and retainer-you will pledge your life in my service."
Kuro gestured Kusabimaru to Wolf, Wolf slightly bowed his head, receiving his lost weapon. "As you command."
Wolf held the weapon lovingly, feeling a surge of energy and purpose coursing through him. He knew that it was his duty and honor to serve his lord and master, and he would do everything in his power to ensure Lord Kuro's safety and freedom.
"A katana given by Kuro, the Divine Heir. An heirloom of the Hirata family, a cadet branch descended from Ashina. Once thought lost, it has found its way back into the hands of the Wolf. The name Kusabimaru beseeches, "A shinobi's role is to kill, but even a shinobi must not forget mercy." A mantra the blade itself may manifest." - Kusabimaru
"Loyal Wolf, I see you are wounded. I have something that may help. It is a special gourd of medicinal water, use it to heal your wounds." Kuro handed Wolf a Healing Gourd.
"A gourd filled with Vitality-restoring medicine. Resting refills the Gourd.
Made by an apprentice of the extraordinary doctor, Dogen. Though it is strange that the gourd's medicinal waters refill automatically, the seeds within may hold the secret to how it works." - Healing Gourd
Wolf examined the Healing Gourd, it was brown and had some kind of weird patterns etched into it. He took a sip, and almost immediately felt the sting of the medicine as it filled the wounds he had sustained from his journey. It was a remarkable invention, and he couldn't help but be grateful to the apprentice of Dogen who created it.
Kuro sighed, "I know it's been difficult, but you must be strong. We'll return and escape together. We have much to do and change that is long overdue." He said with newfound determination in his voice.
Wolf nodded firmly, sheathing Kusabimaru. "My Lord."
"Now then...you gravely injured afterward, prior to how we got here?"
"After what?"
"Do you not remember that night, Wolf?"
"I do not, My Lord. My memory is...unclear." Wolf stated with a mixture of apathy and fatigue.
Although the most important task at the moment was rescuing Lord Kuro, Wolf couldn't remember how they got here, prior to when he got throw into Ashina Reservoir. Wolf had a turbulent expression on his face as he tried to recall the past events that led him here, but couldn't. Had he hit his head or something?
"If that's the case, we'll talk about it later, Wolf. Right now, we must escape Ashina Castle." Kuro hasted. "As you say."
"Wolf, there's a secret passage beneath the moat bridge that will take us out of the castle. Lord Isshin told me about it once. I ask you to find that secret passage. Once you find it, signal me with the reed whistle. Y'know, like you used to, long ago." Kuro mentioned.
Wolf nodded, understanding the task at hand. "I will join you as soon as I hear it. Also, take this Wolf. This is a Pellet, it will also help you heal." Kuro handed Wolf a pellet.
"Medicinal Pellets that slowly restore Vitality.
A secret treatment passed down for generations in these lands, records say it has been used in battles since times long gone, and lent to the famed resilience of Ashina warriors.
A pill case full of these pellets would also serve as a battle charm." - Pellet
Wolf took the pellet and medicinal gourd, proceeding onward with the mission. Before unlocking the small door out of the Moon-view Tower, he tasted the Healing Gourd Lord Kuro gave him. Wolf grabbed it from his inventory and poured the water into his maw, drinking it. It tasted rejuvenating, and left him feeling refreshed and ready for action. He also swallowed the medicinal pellet, which began to work its magic, slowly restoring his Vitality.
As he continued on, Wolf began to ponder the symbols etched into the Healing Gourd, wondering if they held some hidden significance. It was clear that the apprentice of Dogen had put a great deal of thought and care into its creation. He also couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude towards Kuro for providing him with such a valuable tool.
With newfound determination and purpose, Wolf set out to find the secret passage beneath the Ashina moat. As he prepared to exit, Wolf couldn't help but wonder how he had come to this place, and what had happened to cause such a drastic change in his life. He pushed those thoughts away for now, knowing that there were more important matters to attend to.
He moved the wooden bar and exited out the door as he made his way throughout Ashina Castle. He stepped out of the Moon-view tower, trotting silently until he spotted an Ashina soldier. The soldiers back was turned as he was vigilant, tending to other matters, unaware of the prey he was about to become.
"Time for a Deathblow." Wolf thought, as he crouched. He locked onto the soldier, unsheathing his katana, Kusabimaru, ready for the kill. He then clinched the soldier from behind, the soldier was about to scream before Wolf plunged his blade into the soldier's neck. Blood sprayed on Wolf as he pulled it out, the soldier's dead corpse falling towards the ground. He kept on moving, a hungry wolf on the prowl for its prey.
As he walked down the stairs, he alerted another soldier which spotted him and the dead corpse. He had to take care of this immediately. "Hey! You're that shinobi that we threw in the well! I'll kill you and bring your head to Lord Genichiro!" The soldier rushed at him, charging with his katana. Wolf charged as well, spinning his body to perform a right slash, the soldier blocked and his posture was breaking.
Wolf executed another slash going left, which broke the soldier's posture as he fell to the ground, panic stricken. He didn't have time to scream as Wolf jabbed his blade into the soldiers throat, blood gushing as he pulled it out, the soldier fell to the ground, still alive moments before dying.
He carried onwards, seeing yet another Ashina soldier with a hat on, and some armor spotting him. The soldier unsheathed his blade and shouted at him, moving towards to perform a descending slash. As the attack bared on Wolf, he deflected it, instantly breaking the soldier's posture as the soldier dropped to his knees, wheezing for breath.
Wolf took advantage of the opening and delivered a swift, decisive strike to the soldier's exposed neck, silencing him permanently. The soldier's comrades, now alerted to the commotion, charged towards him, their blades glinting ominously in the dim light.
"There are two of them." Wolf stated as he saw two Ashina soldier that didn't have any armor on, standing by a door that led to another passageway. These were the soldiers that mocked him and called him a coward. They were in for a bloody awakening.
"Get him, we mustn't let the coward, escape!" The first soldier yelled, brandishing his katana with a snarl. The second soldier, not to be outdone, joined the charge with his own weapon drawn. Wolf stared at them with cold determination, his eyes glinting with the same steely resolve that forged him into the warrior he had become.
The first soldier lunged at Wolf, his katana slicing through the air in a deadly arc. Wolf effortlessly ducked beneath the blow, his katana flashing up and slashing across the soldier's exposed throat. The man fell to his knees, gurgling as blood poured from the gruesome wound.
The second soldier was lunged towards him, Wolf leaped gracefully over the blade and used the momentum to deliver a swift kick to the soldier's stomach. The impact sent the soldier flying back, crashing into the ground and momentarily stunning him.
Seizing the opportunity, Wolf unsheathed his katana and slashed down at him in quick succession, finishing his opponent with a deadly thrust to the heart. Blood and gore painted the floor as the two soldiers fell to the ground, their lifeless eyes staring upwards at Wolf.
"You were wrong, I am a shinobi, but never a coward." Wolf growled as he retracted his blade, the soldiers lifeless corpse on the ground. He continued where he left off, trotting forward up the stairs. There were two more Ashina soldiers which he easily dispatched.
As he went up the steps, he saw a tall Ashina soldier, judging based on his appearance, Wolf concluded that he was of high ranking. This tall man's name was Leader Shigenori Yamauchi of the Ashina soldiers. His job was to protect the castle at all costs, lead the charge against any intruders in the castle, and he took this responsibility seriously. He was wary of Wolf, for he could sense that the shinobi was a formidable foe.
Leader Shigenori Yamuchi has short, dark hair pulled back into a tight bun. He wears traditional Japanese sandals and a placeholder, likely a belt or sash, for his tachi. The tachi itself is long, with a sleek and menacing black blade. It rests comfortably in its holder, ready to be drawn at any moment. Shigenori himself stands tall and proud, exuding an air of authority and dedication to his duties. He can be also seen wearing some thick clothing along with shoulder pads and knees pads.
He was wary of the intruder that had made it this far into the castle, and he was prepared to take the intruder down if necessary.
As Wolf approached him, the leader cautiously measured him up, his katana held in a ready stance. "You have proven yourself to be a formidable opponent," he said, respect evident in his voice. "But you will not make it out of this castle alive."
Wolf just smirked in response, his eyes never leaving the leader's. "Time for another Deathblow," he grumbled.
Yamauchi lunged forward, his katana slicing through the air in a deadly arc of slashes and Wolf evaded them by moving to the side. Since Yamauchi was a strong enemy, Wolf decided that he would have to deliver more than one Deathblow to him, two to be exact.
As Yamauchi's katana swung through the air, Wolf stepped back and prepared to deliver his own attacks. The two of them danced around each other, their movements precise and deadly. Each strike aimed to kill.
He charged forward, his katana glinting in the dim light. Yamauchi met Wolf's attack head-on, their blades clashing in a shower of sparks. The leader of the Ashina soldiers fought with a skill and determination that was matched only by Wolf's own resolve.
As their blades continued to collide, Wolf could sense an opening. He feinted to follows left with a swift, graceful motion, and then suddenly spun around to strike at Yamauchi's exposed right side. The leader tried to parry, but it was too late. Wolf's blade sliced cleanly through him. Blood seeped into Yamauchi's thick clothing but he wasn't done yet.
"One." Wolf stated to himself, keeping track of the number of Deathblows he delivered. All he had to do was one more. Yamauchi then went on the offense, slashing from both left and right, leaving Wolf with no time to rest. Wolf parried and deflected his strikes, breaking his posture bit by bit.
Then, Yamauchi tried to kick Wolf which Wolf responding by ducking into a barrel roll, ready to gut his blade through Yamauchi's side to deliver another deathblow. But Yamauchi swiftly turned his body left, evading the strike. Yamauchi retaliated by kneeing Wolf in his stomach. Wolf groaned in pain as the impact sent him reeling.
Yamauchi took the opportunity to launch a barrage of attacks, his katana spinning around him in a flurry of deadly strikes. Wolf dodged and parried, but the constant pressure was taking its toll. His eyes met Yamauchi's, and in that moment, he saw a glimmer of respect. As the leader's katana swung down for the final blow, Wolf made a critical mistake because he didn't move out of the way in time.
The blade descended through his shoulder, and then through his spine as Wolf bled out, his journey seemingly over. "You were a respectful adversary; you gave me a good fight, but none would dare even make it this far. Rest in peace, rogue shinobi. Your master is in good hands." Yamauchi said as he sheathed his blade, turning his back.
As Yamauchi walked away, Wolf bled out on the ground, cold as his journey had come to an end. Then, he began to smirk as he was surrounded in darkness. For Yamauchi had made a grave mistake, Wolf was immortal because of Lord Kuro, he couldn't die due to bleeding out, regular injuries or any sicknesses.
"Loyal Wolf, take my blood and live again." Kuro announced.
Wolf's injuries healed and closed, and he stopped bleeding at he rose from the ground, resurrected. Due to Lord Kuro giving him the gift of immortality, he could never truly be defeated.
Wolf was now a permanent thorn in the side of the Ashina soldiers. His journey was far from over, for as long as Lord Kuro's blood flowed through his veins, he would continue to strike fear into the hearts of his enemies and stand as a symbol of defiance against tyranny.
He got up, grabbing Kusabimaru as Yamauchi had back turned. Wolf then leaped a great distance towards Yamauchi, screaming. Yamauchi horrified, turned around towards a resurrected Wolf, out for blood. He tried to unsheathe his tachi, but it was too late. Wolf delivered another Deathblow, this time, towards Yamauchi's chest through his ribcage.
Yamauchi fell to the ground as Wolf stabbed him, thrusting his blade deeply into his chest. "W-What!? But how..." He hoarsely moaned, on the verge of death. Wolf answered, coldly saying, "For I am immortal, Yamauchi. Lord Kuro's blood runs through my veins, and it gives me the strength to never truly be defeated."
"I am immortal, and I am forever relentless." And with that, Wolf stabbed Yamauchi once more, delivering the final Deathblow. The leader of the Ashina soldiers fell to the ground, lifeless, his katana clattering onto the stone floor. Wolf stood over him, his breath coming in ragged gasps, his heart pounding wildly in his chest.
Yamauchi lay there, his lifeless eyes staring up at the night sky, a twisted smile of respect and awe on his face. Wolf got off of his and dusted the blood off his shinobi garb. He continued forward, ready to rescue his master. Being immortal sure had its advantages, but Wolf knew that with great power came great responsibility. He would continue to fight for the freedom and justice for his master, and he would never stop until Lord Kuro was safe and the tyranny of the Ashina regime was brought to an end. The journey had only just begun for the legendary rogue shinobi, and there were many more sparks to be scattered in the night.
As Wolf continued, he sees two strays Pellets along with a Fistful Of Ash on the ground which he picked up and stored in his inventory. He consumed one of them, gradually restoring his Vitality.
"Ash gripped into a hardened clump. Throw it at an enemy to temporarily distract them.
In Ashina, the snow falls thick and thus the hearth runs with ash." - Fistful Of Ash
He saw the bridge in the distance, making his way across a broken pathway as he hugged the wall, careful not to slip. This bridge connected Ashina towards another section of their castle and Wolf was going to go under it. He scaled the bridge, using the skills he learned as a shinobi to hang from the ledge and move towards the right.
He then heard footsteps and chatter above the bridge, two Ashina soldiers speaking. He closed his eyes and concentrated his senses.
"You know the secret passage at the bottom of the moat, under the bridge?"
"Yeah and what about it? We just got orders to guard it."
There was silence for a while, before the first soldier spoke again.
"Security's getting tight...Kuto. War will be upon us and Ashina very soon."
Wolf clung to the stone face of the bridge, his fingers aching with strain. He let out a slow breath as he listened to the soldiers' chatter. His mission was clear now - the secret passage under the moat. That must be where Lord Kuro told him to use the reed whistle.
"Let it come," Kuto replied, his voice shaking slightly. "We'll show 'em what Ashina's made of."
Wolf scoffed and continued making his way under the bridge, heading towards the spot where the secret passage was supposed to be. The soldiers' talk of war didn't scare him. After all, he had faced death and came back alive, for he was immortal. He couldn't die.
As he traversed under the bridge, there was this short enemy with a large hat on his head which Wolf quickly took care of. One slash took care of him. He arrived at the secret passage and signaled Lord Kuro with a reed whistle, a loud whistle echoing through the air.
Lord Kuro dropped where Wolf was, getting up. Wolf bowed in reverence. "Wolf, you found it." His voice full of glee and joy. "Yes, my Lord." Wolf smiled a bit, it brought him so joy seeing his master happy. He then got up.
"Now, let us leave this place." Lord Kuro said, opening the secret passage out of Ashina Castle. "To think that is the only way - to run from the fated bloodline is the only answer." Kuro brought up, as they were in the secret passage, ready to escape Ashina.
They walked in the passage, up the stairs as it had cobwebs and looks like it hadn't been used in decades or even centuries. "Where shall we go once, we're away from the castle?" Wolf questioned, concerned.
"I suppose the first thing we should do is cross the Ashina border...or perhaps we should hide somewhere, being that I'm a divine child with godly powers in me." Kuro detailed.
"What do you think?"
"Whatever you desire."
"Whatever I desire? That's the Wolf I know."
"My lord?"
"Oh, nothing I was just reminiscing." Kuro chuckled. "Onward, then." They carried on, going up the steps, halfway out of the secret passage.
"My lord, if you could, could you describe what exactly your divine gift is and what does it allow you to do?" Wolf asked, wanting more understanding. "Sure thing, Wolf."
"We have the Dragon's Blood, Wolf. The power belongs to a dragon deity not native to Japan by the name of Shinryu Amatsuryu. He blessed me because I was the most pure back when Hirata Estate had a sickness pandemic. Our gift, the Dragon's Blood allows us to be immortal, meaning we can't die."
"We also have minor to moderate regeneration, meaning that we cannot succumb to sicknesses and diseases and wounds such easily. Although, the Dragon's Blood cannot heal lost limbs or amputated parts of the body. Lastly, we have been blessed with heightened senses, enhanced speed and strength which explains how I lifted those flaming pillars off of you. The last thing about the Dragon's Blood is that we are resistant to mental manipulation and attacks to a certain degree." Lord Kuro said, finishing it as they walked up the stairs.
"My lord, you have just described a godly gift indeed. It is a rare and powerful ability, one that we must use wisely. We should use our abilities to our advantage and avoid situations that might put our power to waste." Wolf nodded in agreement. "Indeed, my lord. We must use our abilities to protect ourselves and those around us. And who knows, perhaps one day we may even be able to find a way to use our power for good and help others."
"That is the hope, Wolf. The divine gift was not just given to me for my personal benefit, but also for the good of others. Our power must used for good, even if the deity is indifferent to mortals somewhat. And Wolf, don't forget, this power can also be stolen from us, which is why we must escape Ashina once and for all." Kuro hasted, urgently.
They were nearly out of the secret passage and stepped into a field full of reeds, with a brown path that led to a bridge to Ashina Capital, away from Ashina Castle and a major city Ashina had. However, the bridge was already closed and a man was standing in the field of reed.
Wolf and Kuro were together, looking at the man. He had some royal armor on, along with with a Yumi on his back, a Japanese longbow with the symbol of Ashina on his back with a sword of his right. This many was also very tall, standing at a height of 6'6. This man's name was Genichiro Ashina, Lord Isshin's adopted grandson, a lord, and a daimyo in Ashina. He turned his head, his long hair dropped down his chin.
"The Divine Heir...last time we stood together was at your uncles funeral." he turned around, facing them in the moonlight.
Kuro backed away. "Lord Genichiro...I-" Wolf put his arm in front of Lord Kuro, he wouldn't allow this man to take his master. He grabbed his blade, Kusabimaru, ready to fight again. It had been a while, he was bit rusty since he last fought an opponent that could give Wolf a run for his money.
"Wolf...thank you." Kuro retreated into the field, hiding behind a rock.
"Leave it to me."
Wolf unsheathed his katana, looking at Genichiro with a fierce expression, seething. Genichiro did same, although he was calm and methodical. The moonlight fell on the two men in the field of reeds as they prepared for the dramatic showdown that could change their lives forever.
"So, the noble shinobi stands in my way...You face, Genichiro Ashina, Lord & Daimyo of the Ashina Force."
Genchiro sprinted towards Wolf and Wolf did the same, they clashed, swords making sparks as they struck each other. The moon illuminated the scene, casting long shadows on the ground. The cool night air filled their lungs as they exchanged blows with swift precision.
Wolf was quick to adapt, using his speed and agility to dodge Genichiro's strikes. He countered with powerful slashes that shook the air around them. Genichiro, however, was not one to be underestimated. He too was a master of the sword, his movements fluid and graceful, each strike echoing through the reeds.
As the fight progressed, it became clear that even though Wolf was rusty since he hadn't faced a skilled opponent. He was slowly trying to pierce Genchiro's posture, trying to make him break. He ducked as he parried another slash from Genichiro, he would at least deliver 2 Deathblows to finish this.
He parried Genchiro once more, and he saw Genichiro retract his blade and prepare for a thrust attack after Wolf deflected his furry of lacerations. Wolf saw this and immediately evaded to the side, Genichiro thrusted into nothing as Wolf slashed him from the side.
Their battle continued for a great minute, with Wolf trying to break Genchiro's posture and Genichiro fighting back with everything he had, their swords clashing in a dance of steel on steel. Wolf was quick to adapt, slipping between Genichiro's attacks and striking when he could. But each time, Genichiro's defenses seemed just slightly stronger, making it harder for Wolf to land a decisive blow.
The moonlight above cast long shadows on the field of reeds, creating a hauntingly beautiful scene of death and destruction between the two warriors. Wolf could sense the tension in the air, as if this battle was not only a fight for their lives, but for the fate of his master.
Genichiro twirled his body, about to perform a Sweep Attack. Sweep Attacks are meant to make the opponent falter and break posture and due to Wolf's Danger Sense, he saw it coming. Genchiro went low, aiming for Wolf's legs as he striked downwards. Wolf leapt into the air and kicked Genichiro in the face, breaking his posture by a great amount as he rebounded, ready to continue fighting.
After Wolf parried, he successfully broke Genchiro's posture and delivered the first Deathblow. Wolf hastily plunged his blade into Genchiro's chest, thrusting it as blood sprayed on him and Genichiro. However, Genichiro wasn't done yet as he gained distance and pushed Wolf back.
As Genichiro recovered, Wolf quickly drank his Healing Gourd, restoring the vitality he lost.
"I will not be defeated...I cannot!" Genichiro roared, as he prepared to strike again. His eyes burned with determination, and he lunged forward with renewed vigor.
"You think you can best me? You underestimate my skills! You will not defeat me, Wolf! I am a Lord and a Daimyo of the Ashina Force, and I will not falter!"
Wolf snarled, his eyes blazing with determination. "Then let us continue, Lord Genichiro. The fate of your master and your entire lineage depends on this battle."
With renewed vigor, Wolf and Genichiro continued their fight, their swords flashing in the moonlight as they exchanged blow after devastating blow. The battle raged on, each man determined to emerge victorious over the other.
Wolf matched Genichiro's intensity with his own, meeting his attacks head-on. The moonlight danced across their blades as they continued their deadly duel, each strike bringing them closer to victory. Wolf knew that he couldn't afford to let his guard down even for a moment, for Genichiro was a formidable opponent.
Genichiro then leapt into the air, performing a downward slash that would break Wolf's deflections and parrying tactics. Wolf evaded to the left as Genichiro crashed into the ground, not having enough time to recover. He realized it too late as Wolf slashed him from the left, slightly slicing his ribcage through his armor as he broke Genchiro's posture.
Wolf then, took this opportunity to deliver another Deathblow to Genichiro, thrusting his blade into his ribcage once more. After those two Deathblows, Genichiro fell to the ground, defeated and exhausted. Genichiro was technically kneeling with his sword implanted into the earth below them.
"Bastard..." He grumbled. Genichiro couldn't believe it, he, a Lord and Daimyo of Ashina had been bested by a rusty shinobi. A rusty, fucking, shinobi. He gritted his teeth as Wolf held his sword to his neck.
"No more...Lord Genichiro." Wolf hissed, warning him. He was about to finish the job and kill this Lord before he heard Kuro loudly yelp. He turned around and a large shuriken was twirling at him, he quickly deflected it.
With Wolf's back turned, Genichiro took his chance and did a dirty move. He sprinted rushing towards Wolf, preparing for a great slash. Wolf turned around but it was too late. Time seemed to slow down as Genichiro's sword neared closer to Wolf, it happened in the instant, Wolf's right arm being cleaved from him.
The arm was launched into the air from the sheer momentum from Genichiro attack, leaving a trail of blood behind it. The moonlight shined on the two warriors as Genichiro finished his slash, with Wolf's amputated arm, bleeding a ferocious stream of blood as he stood there, screaming.
His arm was cleaved apart from him, although he was immortal with the Dragon's Blood, it couldn't regenerate or heal lost limbs.
"MY ARM!" cried Wolf, clutching his stump in shock and pain. Genichiro, victorious but cruel, grinned at him. as he stood over, asserting his dominance.
Wolf fell to his knees, clutching his severed arm as pain coursed through his body. Genichiro stood triumphantly over him, breathing heavily from the exertion of his dirty move. The field of reeds swayed in the gentle breeze, the moonlight casting eerie shadows on the scene. He was losing blood and he felt himself losing consciousness.
"You'll have to find a new way to fight, Wolf... your arm was your advantage, but now it's gone. And so is your chance at victory." With a vicious laugh, Genichiro turned his back on Wolf, brandishing his katana. Wolf fell to ground, clutching his severed arm as he fumed with rage.
Wolf stared after him, his anger and despair threatening to consume him. He took a deep breath and tried to steady his thoughts. This was not the end; he still had a purpose to fulfill! He grunted in agony, trying to stand but he couldn't. He was losing consciousness by the minute...
"A shinobi would know the difference between honor and victory." Genchiro commanded. He motioned for the Nightjar Ninja to come over, carrying a limp Lord Kuro over his shoulder. "The Divine Heir is coming with me." Genichiro announced, walking away from the moonlit field of reeds as he took Lord Kuro with the Nightjar Ninja.
As Wolf layed in the field, bleeding out and losing consciousness, he fumed with bloodlust and rage as his vision began to blur. Despite his pain and impending "death", one thought consumed him: he would not let Genichiro take the Divine Heir. With his last ounce of strength, Wolf summoned the furies of the night, vowing to avenge his severed arm and his master's capture. His eyes flared with determination as he whispered a chilling vow: "I will rise again, stronger and more vengeful than ever before. You may have defeated me this time, Lord Genichiro, but you have sealed your fate and that of your entire bloodline." With that, Wolf closed his eyes as he lost consciousness.
Sometime had passed, as Wolf lost consciousness in the field of reeds. His body was disposed of and instead of being eaten by Wolf, a lone stranger by named of Orangutan took him into his temple, in the Ashina Outskirts as he nursed Wolf backed to health. Wolf was beginning to awaken from his temporary death and slumber.
[At the Temple In Ashina Outskirts...]
Wolf slowly opened his eyes, noticing that he was in a warm place, contrary to where he thought he would be. He rose up, slightly mocing the blanket off of him and the first thing Wolf felt was that his severed arm had some weight to it. Had it regenerated back when he was in slumber?
He looked at, instead of finding a newly grown arm, he found a prosthetic arm. He examined his prosthetic arm, it was sleek and well-crafted, with intricate gears and mechanisms. He marveled at its design and realized that he had been given a new weapon in his fight against Lord Genichiro and his clan.
With renewed determination, Wolf rose from his bed, his prosthetic arm weighing heavily on his shoulder. He knew he had to avenge himself and his master, and he was confident that with this new limb, he would be even more deadly and formidable than before.
"...What is this." He muttered, feeling his prosthetic arm. His arm felt like a powerful weapon in his grasp, and he couldn't wait to test its capabilities in battle.
"So, you're awake." Wolf turned his head and saw two people, and one animal. The first person was Orangutan, Orangutan, the strange caretaker who had found Wolf in such a state, he was an ugly old man that was balding with gray hair around his head, pale eyes along with a severed left arm and orange robe as he looked at the campfire.
The other person was a small woman, her facial features were quite soft and delicate as she wore a reddish-purple robe, along with her hair wrapped into a bun with part of it near her face. The lady's name was Lady Emma, she was the one sent by Lord Isshin to tell Wolf that his master was in the moonlit tower. He was a short woman, standing at 5'2 with a blooming personality and grace.
The third person, an animal was unique to Wolf. Never in his life had he seen a monkey with tan skin and red fur. The monkey stood at Emma's legs, and it had orange eyes as it made grimaces and chittered noises. The monkey was named Mochi, and it was Emma's pet and guardian. This monkey had been with her ever since she was a little child. Wolf didn't know much about the monkey, but it seemed to know him.
"Looks like death is not your fate, just yet." The man announced, looking at the campfire. "Emma, I'll take it from here. You take Mochi and go outside." Emma didn't say a word and bowed, following orders. She instructed Mochi to come and follow her by whistling which he happily agreed to, making inciteful noises.
As Wolf attempted to sit up, getting a better look of his surroundings. He noticed that the temple he was in had mostly failed, wooden Buddha statues along with some other things such as a campfire, bed, bath and many other necessities for a person living there.
Finally, Wolf towards Orangutan and asked, "Where am I?"
Orangutan dryly opened his mouth, his voice raspy from years of experience and wisdom. "You find yourself in my humble abode, a temple hidden in the Ashina Outskirts," he said, gesturing around the room. "I am Orangutan, a lone stranger who took you in when your body was discarded. I am not a part of any clan, but rather a simple caretaker of knowledge and the lost. I didn't even know if I was carrying a corpse, couldn't let you get eaten by a pack of wild dogs. So, I saved you and nursed you back to health with the help of Lady Emma and her guardian, Mochi."
"I found you in the field of reeds, close to death after your battle with Lord Genichiro. I could not bear to see you suffer, so I brought you here and tended to your wounds."
Wolf's eyes widened as he realized the gravity of the situation. He had been saved by a stranger, someone he didn't know, and it left him feeling both grateful and uneasy. "You have my thanks." he announced, grateful but he had mission to complete and he swore vengeance on Genichiro as he would rightfully end him and take back his master which was rightfully his.
Alright, that is the of this chapter guys. Please leave some feedback and let me know what you think as I progress onward with the story! I have lots of ideas and I can't wait to share them all when the story is full fleshed out. Until next time, goodbye!