A/N: Wow it's actually amazing how fast you can put out a chapter once you're organized, who woulda thought! Welp, here we have the next installation of The Akagai's Rising Sun. You need not worry people. Taiyo will be in Konoha and our main cast in two more chapters! And in the next chapter, we see a little peak into Konoha. In this chapter, however, we see Taiyo's growth over the last four months as well as how his sisters have adjusted to news after these four months! Without further adieu, chapter III: Preparation, starts now!
As the four months passed, Taiyo had worked more intensely than he ever had in his life. His days were filled with rigorous training while traveling with Mora. During the few times he was at home, he spent time being tutored by his father on Konoha's customs and the history of the Land of Fire. His mother had begun to tutor him on proper etiquette and mannerisms. These lessons were already taught to him as a clan heir, but now they covered such a depth he didn't know they had. His fingers ached from gripping his sword while his brain throbbed with the effort of retaining all the cultural nuances.
To his surprise, not only Mora but also Moni was at his side during this time. Despite her initial shock and sadness, his sister proved to be his pillar of strength. She became his sounding board, listening to him recite historical dates, quizzing him on etiquette, and comforting him when he failed.
As for Reika, well… His eyes fell to the dirt path he was pacing over. Taiyo still remembered how his sisters reacted to the news on that day…
-Four months ago-
"...why didn't you tell us? Why did we have to hear it like this?"
Reika and Moni stood before them, their faces pale and full of confusion. Taiyo… was leaving? Their pillar of warmth and comfort was leaving. And now, they were learning of his impending departure not from their brother's own mouth but from eavesdropping on a conversation.
"Reika, I'm sorry," Taiyo meant it, truly. His gaze shifted between the two heartbroken girls, struggling to swallow the lump in his throat. It was hard enough to accept his fate without seeing the pain mirrored in their eyes. Worst of all, he could hear Reika's angry, pounding heart and Moni's quiet sobbing, all of it with extreme ease. He hated it. The fact he's the cause of their pain, the situation, and the circumstances surrounding it. He hated all of it.
Lord Akagai stepped forward, seeking to calm the situation. "Girls…" He began in a gentle tone, a stark contrast to his usual commanding one. However, Reika interrupted him before he could continue.
"No!" She shouted at their father, her maroon eyes filled with defiance and hurt. "No, papa! You and the Shogun can't just decide brother's fate like that!"
Moni stood still, tears running down her cheeks as she looked at Taiyo. Her hand clenched around the hem of her clothing so tightly that her knuckles turned white.
"Reika," Mora interjected softly, trying to calm the brewing storm.
But Reika was not having it. Her gaze shot towards Mora in a challenging glare. "You! You trained him for this! Is this why you were always so hard on him? To prepare him to be sent away?"
Mora maintained her composure, though she couldn't deny that the pain in Reika's voice hurt. She had known all three siblings since they were born and loved them deeply. The idea of any of them being angry at her was a bitter pill for her to swallow. Calming herself, she stared the girls straight in the eyes as she carefully chose her words.
"Yes, I was training Taiyo to be the best he could be," Reika opened her mouth to lash out at Mora, but Mora was quicker.
"However," her voice was firm, cutting off Reika, "I didn't train him for this specifically. I didn't know Taiyo was chosen until one month ago. And you know that Taiyo barely learned about it today, so he couldn't have told you earlier." To be honest, defending Taiyo was the priority. He hadn't done anything to deserve the amount of anger being thrown at him.
Reika's eyes clenched tightly. She couldn't just accept this decision so quickly. She knew the authority of the Shogun was absolute, and even her father could do nothing as a clan head… but Taiyo was her big brother, damn it! If Taiyo had been asked and not pressured to make this decision alone, then maybe she could handle it. But the only reason he made it was because Mora and father had ambushed him. She was sure of it.
She looked between Mora and Taiyo, her lips trembling as she struggled to accept the truth. Moni also sniffled, looking at Taiyo with wide eyes full of hurt.
"I... I don't want you to leave, Taiyo," Moni said, her voice barely above a whisper. Her statement hung heavy in the air, her confession further deepening the already tense atmosphere.
Taiyo walked over to his younger sister, dropping to his knees so he could look into her eyes. "I know, Moni. I don't want to leave either," he admitted quietly. He glanced briefly at Reika standing rigidly nearby before turning back to his younger sister.
He gave her a small smile and gently squeezed her shoulders. "Hey," Moni drew her watery eyes back to Taiyo, "it's not like it's forever. You'll see. Five years will pass in no time, right?"
Moni nodded, her small form shaking as she tried to compose herself as she hugged Taiyo tightly. Reika looked on, her face pale and her mouth set in a hard line.
"Promise?" Moni's voice was small but firm. It demanded assurance from her older brother.
"I promise." The words felt heavy in his mouth, but Taiyo knew they carried his love and devotion for his sisters. Moni seemed better off, at least. Reika however…
"Five years?" Reika echoed, her voice hollow. "You expect us to just... wait for five years? Without knowing what could happen to you out there?"
Her voice rang out sharply, slicing through Taiyo like a swift blade. "What about us, Taiyo? Did you think about how we would feel?" Her voice wavered, but she refused to let her tears fall.
"I did," Taiyo was firm. He knew the words that were about to leave his mouth would do little to soothe her anger and disappointment, but she needed to know these decisions aren't made lightly. Not by the Shogun, not by their father, and not by him.
"I did, Reika. I know it's not fair to you or Moni, but it wasn't my decision to make. The Shogun has called upon me; it's my responsibility to answer." He paused, swallowing back the tears that threatened to fall as he gazed at his sisters. His heart ached at the sight of their pain.
"But it's also your job to take care of us!" Reika was getting desperate. She didn't want him to leave them, to leave her… "You've always been there! You've kept us safe and always made us happy!"
Taiyo felt his heart churn with every word she spoke. Just as he was about to speak further, a soft yet firm voice cut in.
"That's enough, Reika."
The group turned to the source of the voice. Upon recognizing the figure, Reika broke into a sprint and tackled her, sobbing into her kimono.
"Mama!"
Ayane embraced her daughter in a tight embrace and spoke whispers of comfort into Reika's ears. Her golden eyes held a soft sadness and understanding. It was a look that carried a sense of pain and acceptance. It was the look of a woman who felt the pain of farewell.
After a moment, Ayane gently released herself from her daughter's grip. She looked at Reika and then at the rest of her family gathered in the room. Her eyes met Taiyo's gaze, and her heart hurt. He was her eldest, and it was never easy seeing your child venture into the uncertainty alone.
"Taiyo," she said, her voice steady yet filled with emotion, "it is not your fault. The Shogun has chosen, and it is our duty to obey."
Her words were directed towards Taiyo but meant for her daughters as well. They had to understand why things were unfolding as they were.
Reika's sobs silenced momentarily as she looked at their mother with red-rimmed eyes, but Ayane was not done. She turned to address Mora and Lord Akagai.
"Mora, Rin," Ayane's voice was firm yet comforting, "No one can know what lies in a person's path. We can only prepare them for the journey and support them in every step they take."
Ayane looked back at Taiyo. She stepped forward, brushing soft curls away from his forehead in a tender gesture. "Taiyo...It will be hard. There will be times when you might want to give up or wish to come back. But remember this: we are always here with you. Distance does not weaken bonds of love." She paused momentarily before giving him a small smile.
"The man you become out there may not be the same boy who walks out of our home, but that is how life works," Ayane said, placing a hand on Taiyo's cheek. "Grow, learn, and remember that your place is always here with us no matter where you go. And while the Shogun may command your service, your heart... your heart belongs to you alone."
Taiyo nodded, tears glistening in his eyes as he attempted a weak smile. Ayane's words brought comfort, yet they also underscored the reality of his departure. The room fell into a contemplative silence.
Ayane stood, still comforting Reika. She glanced at Mora, who flinched in response. Mora may be the Sun Mandate and the most skilled samurai in the clan, but Lady Akagai was undeniably the soul of the Akagai Clan. Her strength and wisdom had guided them through countless trials, better shown now as she held her sobbing daughter while still radiating an air of calmness and tranquility. It was clear Taiyo had inherited his gentleness from her.
"Mora, please take the girls back to their rooms to freshen up. We still have guests, and our dinner will cool soon." The glint in her eyes made it clear that this was not a request; it was a demand.
Mora nodded, shooting a sympathetic glance at Taiyo. She gently guided Moni and Reika out of the room, their soft sobs echoing in the silence they left behind. Taiyo stared after them, their quiet sniffles still wrenching his heart…
-Present-
Taiyo was grateful that his mother had appeared. As much as he hated to admit it, it was clear that he wouldn't have been able to calm them down. Moni had slowly but surely become accustomed to the news as time passed and grew back into her former self, albeit a bit more withdrawn.
Reika, however, still hadn't fully forgiven Taiyo. The times he's back in the estate, she's either not around or rarely speaks to him.
She grew quiet, however she still had her angry outbursts. Recently, she started to spend more time in the hearth and has thrown herself entirely into her future position as a shrine maiden. As of right now, he still wasn't sure if she was throwing herself into prayer just to ignore him. He closed his eyes and let out a breath as he tried to refocus.
"Tai, are you alright?" Taiyo looked up, startled. Mora was looking at him, concerned. He must have zoned out as he was walking.
"I'm fine, Mora. How long until we reach the eastern fields?" He needed to think about the present. The past is in the past, and he can't change it, no matter how much he wants to.
Mora hummed as she answered, "We're nearby. It should only take ten more minutes, maybe more."
"Well, looks like the mission is about to get underway," he sighed as he spoke. The sun had barely begun to tint the horizon in hues of pink and gold when they set out for the eastern fields. It was the same as Taiyo had seen the others, barren and empty.
Their weapons were secured tightly to their bodies, and their eyes were sharp as they searched their surroundings. Taiyo felt a chill run down his spine, but he kept his face impassive. Mora, however, wore an expression of determination and excitement.
The hour had passed, and still nothing had happened. Mora had begun to wonder if they were going to show up. She was starting to grow bored. As she opened her mouth to ask Taiyo, she heard his breath hitch. Turning to him quickly, she asked one question.
"How many?"
"It sounds like twelve, including the brute. His footsteps are certainly heavy."
"Good," Mora said, her lips curling into a fox-like grin. "Then they're barely on time."
The two of them moved to the center of the field, directly in the path of the bandits.
"The plan is still the same," Mora added calmly. "I will engage their leader and his right-hand man. You will focus on taking out as many of them as possible."
He nodded as he remembered the plan.
Bandits, he thought. The task, in particular, was requested by Kishima, or Kishi, as Mora called her. The task was simple. Oshana was a small village in the far north of the Tsuya province with herbs and teas as their primary export. Kishima usually gets orders for local tea from Oshana; however, her shipments seem to have stopped recently. After investigating, she learned that a small group of bandits had been stealing any exports from Oshana, harming both her shop and the villagers of Oshana.
It took a while, but once the two of them had arrived, they immediately noticed something was wrong with the village. Their fields were barren, and the village folk moved with exhaustion. They searched for the headman and found him sitting at the river's edge. The aged man had a deep sorrow etched into his face, one that reflected the hardships of his village.
Upon recognizing Mora as the Sun Mandate, his eyes lit up, and he quickly introduced himself as Tatsumi. He quickly invited them to his house, where he relayed their situation. Once they were caught up to speed on the problem, they planned a simple strategy, but one that should work regardless.
As the bandits drew nearer, they seemed surprised to find anyone in their path, let alone two figures standing in front of what they considered for weeks to be easy pickings. There was a pause from both sides, a ripple in time where uncertainty and surprise tangled with steely determination. Mora noted that out of all of them, there were two of them that stood out. One was a brute of a man. He stood at an intimidating height of 6'6''. His main weapon appeared to be a hammer, a heavy-looking one. The other was smaller but had a more lean body. He had black hair with icy blue eyes. He wielded a spear, a naginata.
Looks like Tatsumi was right, she thought as she remembered the conversation from last night.
"Are there any people of note among the bandits? A leader, perhaps?" she had asked. That would certainly make some things more manageable.
Tatsumi nodded as he closed his eyes. He specifically remembered two of them, both terrifying. "There were two, both men. One was fearsome; he wielded a naginata with extreme prowess and had pale blue eyes and black hair. He was their leader, I'm certain of it."
"And the other," Taiyo asked, his eyes glimmering with subtle intrigue and anger.
"Ah, yes, the other," Tatsumi stuttered, swallowing a quick gulp of his tea. "He was a brute, towering over the tallest of the villagers. I would estimate… Six feet and six inches. He used a hammer as a weapon. He had green eyes and black hair."
Taiyo's brow rose quickly. 6'6'', that was certainly taller than anyone he'd ever met.
"If you could guess how many bandits there were, what weapons did they have?" Mora needed a general idea of how many. While she was definitely sure she could take care of them on her own, this could be a learning experience for Tai.
"Ehm, if I had to guess, around ten to fifteen," he hesitated, not entirely sure of himself, "as for weapons, well, there were varying types. Some had katanas, others had knives and even blunt objects."
Interesting, she thought with a grin.
The leader stared down at Mora. His eye twitched.
"Hey," his voice was deceptively gentle, catching Taiyo off guard. You might want to move out of the way. It's rude to block someone's path. Trust me, everyone will appreciate it."
"Ah, my apologies," she said, her tone dripping with false courtesy, " I didn't think we'd be such an inconvenience. You see, I thought we could have a nice discussion about manners."
The bandit's eyes narrowed at her words, his grip on his naginata slightly tightening.
"Namely," she continued, "how rude stealing can be." The steel of her katana hissed as she unsheathed it while her grin widened.
The sheer audacity of Mora's challenge seemed to stun the bandits momentarily, their leader even more so. But what caught his attention was her blood-red sword.
She's certainly not a regular samurai, he thought. He took a wary step back, assessing the situation anew with a dangerous gleam in his eyes.
"There's only two of you, and he's a child," he said as he changed his grip on the shaft, "my men will be more than enough to take both of you on."
"Nah," the casualness of the statement threw him off guard, "Let the kid take on all ten of your guys, I'll handle the two of you."
He stared at her, taken aback. "You're joking," his tone was flat as he looked over the boy.
Mora simply shrugged nonchalantly, her grin never wavering. "We'll see."
His eyes narrowed. What is she planning, he wondered. He's not stupid enough to think that they didn't have a plan, but to throw a kid against ten hardened criminals? Interesting.
He looked over at his men and motioned for them to charge forward. They looked at each other for a moment, wondering if they were really going to charge a child with ten grown men. It seemed slightly unfair…
Meh, they've done worse.
With a loud raucous, all ten charged, bearing their miscellaneous weapons. As they started moving toward him, Taiyo closed his eyes for a moment and listened to the sound of their movement, relying on his keen sense of hearing. He could discern each individual amongst the raucous group, a soft rustling here, a heavy footfall there.
To the surprise of the bandits, he immediately turned and sprinted away.
"Aww, look, he's scared," they jeered as they laughed. "Come back, kid! We don't bite!"
Hearing their laughter and taunts caused a small smile to tug at his lips.
Well, Mora was right; they really aren't that smart.
"Make sure to have fun with your new friends, Tai!" He heard Mora's shout as he ran and stifled a slight chuckle.
"Poor kid," the brute said with a deep chuckle, "He chose a bad day to play hero." He turned towards Mora with a glint of malice in his eyes.
Mora didn't really care for his words; she was done pretending to listen. She stood straight and took a casual pose, one hand on her hip while the other dangled with her katana in hand. She didn't even bother assuming one of the six forms; she wouldn't need to.
"Well," she called out, that grin still playing on her lips, "make your move."
The brute grabbed his hammer and charged forward with a roar, a sadistic smile on his face. He reared his arm to strike, intent on ending it with one blow. As he brought the hammer down, he hit… the ground? He didn't even feel the hammer hit her. He looked around the field but was unable to find her.
Where did she…?
A cry of pain caught his attention. Turning around, he let out a grunt as something heavy was thrown into his gut with enough force to push him back. Looking down at the object in his arms, his eyes widened as he saw the object was actually his boss.
"Come on now," her voice called out to him, "gotta be faster than that!"
His eyes widened as she stood where his boss once was, lazily sheathing her katana. She wouldn't need it this early, after all.
"What… how did you…?"
"Oh, that. Don't worry about it, after all," her voice, while still having that teasing tone, became sharper. "It's your turn."
The leader squirmed his way out of the brute's arms, his blue eyes raging with fury, "Is this some kind of joke to you?!"
He could feel his fury rise even higher as Mora seemed to ponder, placing her chin on her hand in thought.
"It depends, really."
"On what!?" This time, it was the brute who asked the question. Both of them were clearly angry, much to her amusement.
"If you're asking whether I think you stealing from villagers is a joke, then no," her grin fell slightly as her eyes showed a slight amount of anger, "but if you're asking whether I think you're a joke, well~" her voice trailed off in a high pitched tone.
With an annoyed roar, the brute ran at her, intent on smashing her head into a paste. He swung with all his strength; his veins bulged due to the sheer force. He would get her this time.
So slow, she mused as she leisurely dodged the blow.
As his hammer passed by, she ducked under a quick thrust from the naginata wielder. If she were a typical samurai, that could have caught her off guard… nah, even novice samurai weren't that incompetent. Either way, though…
He actually has some skill, she thought as she studied the thrust. It was clean and had intent behind it. As her smile grew, she wondered if Taiyo was having as much fun as she was.
-With Taiyo-
The bandit fell back, clutching his throat while gurgling. It made sense; Taiyo had just slammed his scabbard into the bandit's throat. He took a glance around and noted how many of them were left. Six were unconscious, while the remaining four were bruised and injured. He hadn't killed anyone yet; he didn't want to. Though he knew he'd have to eventually, either as a samurai of Iron or a genin of the leaf.
He ducked under a thrust from a knife-wielding bandit before gripping the bandit's arm and sweeping his legs out from under him, slamming him into the ground. The bandit landed with a heavy thud and passed out. Taiyo thought they'd be far more challenging to manage, but it looks like these guys weren't actually too much of a threat. Undisciplined, emotional, and lacking any actual skills. All they knew was how to wave sharp objects and yell in an attempt to intimidate.
So the actual threats were the other two, he thought.
That must've been why Mora had him run away and separate the two from their fodder. She could deal cleanly with those two without distractions, though he was confident she could win against all of them anyway.
One of the bandits stood shocked, staring at the scene before him.
How the hell did a kid stop ten of us? It was clear that the sentiment was shared by the other two. They shared a knowing glance between them, already deciding on a plan.
Three left, he thought with a sigh. He settled into the Sixth Form as he planned on taking all three of them out quickly. They nodded at each other as their legs tensed, preparing for his attack. Just as he was about to launch his attack…
They turned and ran.
…
They turned and ran?
They were running away?
From him?
Taiyo's mind lagged for a second as he stared at them.
…
"Wait, I can't just let you leave! At least surrender!" He quickly sprinted after them, intent on not letting them escape.
I wonder how Mora is doing, he thought as she chased after the three.
-With Mora-
Bored. Mora was bored. The fun only lasted about five minutes. Ultimately, she knew that she heavily outclassed them. Her mastery of the Third Form had earned her the title of Sun Mandate and the best duelist in Akagai history. Still, she had hoped these guys would prove more than fodder. She had high hopes when she saw the way he used the naginata. He definitely had potential but little actual skill.
If anything, he was more like a peacock, twirling his spear with extra showmanship. She understood why Tatsumi would have considered it terrifying. He was an administrator, not a fighter. So the flashy moves, in combination with the leader being somewhat competent, would definitely give off the vibe of "extreme prowess." To actual fighters, however…
"Stand still, you bitch!" She rolled her eyes as she lazily dodged the thrust.
"Wow," she drawled, "haven't heard that one before."
Growling, the leader dashed to her right side as the brute moved to the front of her. Once again, they hit nothing but air as she blurred out of their vision. Mora supposed it was time to finish this. She gained some distance before assuming her preferred fighting stance, the Third Form. She drew in a breath as she prepared to strike.
The leader tensed, feeling a shift. While he may not have been a warrior on the samurai level, he'd been in enough scraps to know something terrible is happening. He settled into a defensive posture as his companion lifted his ham—
He flinched as he felt something warm splash onto his face. He heard a thud as his brute dropped his hammer.
"The hell are you doing!? Pick up your damn—" his words died in his throat the moment he glanced over at him. Red. There was a lot of red pouring from his brute's neck. Slowly, he raised his hand to his face and wiped off that warm feeling from earlier. He looked at his hand; it was red as well.
"I'd say it was fun, but," her voice echoed from behind him, "it really wasn't." That was the last thing he heard before feeling something warm tear through his throat. Then, blackness.
Mora stood over the dead bodies of the two bandits. Her gaze shifted from bored to impassive.
"Anti-climactic," she muttered. She couldn't stop the disappointment from bubbling but squashed it immediately. Aside from obeying their lord, samurai of any skill level or rank must follow one directive above all in the Land of Iron.
Bring order to chaos.
She shook her head in disappointment; she needed to check on Taiyo. She ran over toward where he had led the other ten. As she grew closer, she noted seven bodies on the ground. She paused and checked all of them. Zero dead, all unconscious.
There were ten, seven are down. Three are unaccounted for, and Taiyo is missing. Did the last three manage to…? She struggled for a moment as her grip around her katana tightened slightly. She closed her eyes.
Inhale
Her grip loosened as she relaxed. She needed to be calm. Considering the lack of blood, the chances of Taiyo being severely injured are low. Reopening her eyes, she scanned her surroundings and noticed scuffed marks on the ground.
They must have run, and he gave chase. She sighed in relief and, after quickly tying up the unconscious group, began tracking the others down.
You'd better not be injured, Tai… she thought as she followed the prints.
-With Taiyo-
A bandit yelped as he felt a firm grip on his arm. Turning around, he became momentarily mesmerized by the boy's maroon eyes. It was the first time he'd seen them so up close.
Wait, he thought, up close?
His eyes widened, Oh shi— his head slammed into the ground, sending him into a stunned daze.
Taiyo knelt over the body, making sure he was still alive. The search became much more complicated once they scattered.
That's two, so there's only one left; straining his ears, he focused on trying to find any trace of him.
Where…?
He searched through the layered sounds of the area in search of the bandit.
Rushing water…
A gust of wind…
A bird suddenly taking flight…
The rustling of leaves…
".. keep running, don't stop…"
Taiyo's eyes snapped open as he focused on the last murmur. Glancing toward the sounds he heard, he took off towards it. As he closed in on it, he heard more.
Wheezing pants, a sign of someone who had long outrun their stamina. It was accompanied by uneven footfalls, he was too tired to even run correctly.
Are they that out of shape? He wondered idly.
Breaking from the underbrush, Taiyo spotted the lone figure trying to escape. The bandit, exhausted and gasping for breath, stubbornly pushed himself forward. Taiyo sighed as he noted the desperation. He drew his katana from its scabbard but did not intend to use it. Instead, he threw the scabbard into the exhausted man's legs. It whirled through the air before finally becoming entangled with its target. He yelped as he fell into the dirt and lay sprawled out.
Taiyo could hear the whine in the man's breath as he struggled to gasp for air. As he approached the downed bandit, Taiyo slowed to a walk. The man began to crawl away, but his movements were sluggish and weak. Taiyo felt pity for him. The man was exhausted. Taiyo closed in, stopping momentarily to grab his scabbard.
Keep going… the man thought, desperately trying to escape. He could hear the footsteps grow closer. He held back a sigh of relief as he heard the kid sheathe his katana again. So he wasn't going to kill him, good.
"That's enough," the man winced, not at the words but at the soft tone they were spoken in. The man stopped; he knew the kid was right. He could already tell he had found the others, and if his master was as good as she portrayed, then the boss and his lieutenant were done as well.
"I surrender." The words brought Taiyo a sigh of relief.
"Nicely done, Tai!'' The bandit flinched, surprised at the woman's entrance. He didn't even hear her.
Taiyo just looked over, having already heard her make her way over to him. Mora had a distinct walk that rang out strong and sure, like a waterfall crashing down onto rocks. Taiyo had memorized it over the years, a necessary measure given his inability to see her clearly most of the time.
"That's all of them, then," he said.
Mora nodded, giving Taiyo an approving look. The briefest smile crossed Taiyo's face at her praise, but like always, he remained composed. The young boy had grown so much quickly, making Mora proud.
They returned to the village with their unconscious captives in tow, and their return was greeted with relief and gratitude. Tatsumi weaved through the crowds and came directly to them.
"You have our thanks," he bowed deeply to the two. "Please, if there is anything you need, let us know."
Taiyo smiled gently while Mora gave an apologetic smile.
"Much as we appreciate the sentiment," she said gently, "we actually have to leave now if we want to reach the capital by the end of the week."
Tatsumi's face fell as he heard the news, but he quickly regained his composure and nodded in understanding. "Of course, the capital is quite a way away. Please be safe."
Taiyo gave the man a reassuring smile. "We will. Be safe as well, Tatsumi."
The old man laughed as he nodded, waving them goodbye.
Taiyo and Mora left the village amidst waves of goodbyes. The villagers came to see them off, their faces filled with gratitude for what they had done. Among them was a young girl with short brown hair. She clutched a small satchel in her hands.
"Wait!" she called out, running after them. She handed Taiyo the satchel filled with food provisions. "For your journey," she explained, shyly looking to the side.
"Thank you, Kaori," Taiyo said with his usual gentle smile, accepting the gift. A blush bloomed on her cheeks as she returned to her mother's side.
With that final goodbye, they continued on their way, though Taiyo had grown noticeably silent. Mora knew why. Kaori had likely reminded him of his sisters, and his thoughts had wandered back to them.
Taiyo felt a pang of guilt every time he thought about how Reika reacted; her teary eyes and desperate pleas echoed in his mind, frequently causing him discomfort.
"Taiyo," Mora's voice broke through his thoughts again, "You need to talk to her."
"I've tried Mora," he confessed with a sigh, "But every time I try to approach Reika, she avoids me."
"Then you have to try harder," Mora said firmly. Her eyes were stern yet compassionate. She understood his struggle but knew that running away would solve nothing.
"I will..." he answered reluctantly. He knew Mora was right, but the thought of facing Reika's bitterness again made him hesitate. They continued their journey in silence as Taiyo thought about his last four months of training to get his mind off Reika.
Mora's intensified training schedule had been hell to deal with. Entire months were dedicated to a single training lesson to properly pound it in.
The first month was dedicated to the more offensive stances of the Eternal Sun Stance. Third Form: Blazing Hue, Fourth Form: Rising Sun, Fifth Form: Sunlit Dance and the Sixth Form: Flashing Sunrise, are all forms he focused on during that month. He struggled; he was more of a defensive fighter than an offensive, after all. Mora gave him a stern lecture about his preferences.
So you know how to block, what of it? A strong defense will only get you so far without an offense to match! Even if the Eternal Sun Stance allows you to conserve your stamina, any defense can be worn down over time.
Mora's words played back through Taiyo's mind like a mantra. Over the following months, he had honed his offensive technique, and while he preferred defense, he knew he had become a much more balanced fighter. Surprisingly, he found that he really enjoyed the Sixth Form's fighting style. Its quick-draw techniques and utilization of the scabbard in offense really intrigued him. Using those in combination with the Second Form, Standing Sun gave him a lot of ideas to test out in combat. However, the training in more offensive forms had indirectly displayed a flaw of his, one that would take the focus for next month.
The second month was based on balance. It turns out that while attempting to use the highly agile Fifth Form, he couldn't quite figure out the footwork as quickly as he did the First and Second forms. It was a harsh month of pivots, steps, and stances as he was prodded the entire time by a bokken that Mora had. By the end, Taiyo found that he could move with an ease that surprised himself. His movements weren't as stiff as before. They were far more natural.
The third month was dedicated to bare survival training.
"Survive for a month," she'd told him. "Hunt your own food, find your own shelter."
That was all she had said before leaving him in the Nata Forest. To be fair, there are definitely worse places to leave a thirteen-year-old. Unsurprisingly, it took a while to get used to. Taiyo was a noble, after all. He had been raised in the Akagai Estate for most of his life. Sure, he'd gone on trips with his father to the many different provinces, but that wasn't quite the same as being left alone in a forest. Fortunately, he had his razor-sharp hearing to carry him through.
At first, the noise overwhelmed him. The rustling of leaves and the echoing caws of distant birds made his ears ring. But as the sun lowered and darkness wrapped its veil around the forest, Taiyo began to discern patterns in the noise. He could track the swift scurrying of field mice, pinpoint the distant hoot of an owl, and trace the source of a stream that flowed far off.
Food was not easy to come by. Even with his keen hearing, to catch a creature stealthily was another challenge entirely. He came back empty-handed many times, his stomach grumbling loudly in complaint. But he learned, slowly but surely. Every nighttime hunt provided new insights into survival in this wilderness.
At first, he was unable to sleep, startled awake by the smallest rustle near him. But as days turned into weeks, Taiyo became familiar with the forest's nocturnal rhythm and let it lull him into sleep instead. He could distinguish between the harmless shuffle of nocturnal critters and the dangerous prowl of predators that roamed the forest floor.
As he adapted to surviving alone in this vast forest, Taiyo found that it wasn't just about honing his skills with a blade or physically training his body; it was also about learning to listen. The winds carried messages; they told tales about changes in weather or gave warnings about approaching danger. The chittering creatures had their own language, too, their own rhythm to life. When the month finally ended, Taiyo felt a new appreciation for his sense of hearing.
The last month was dedicated to Elemental Focused Breathing. It was difficult, that was for sure. First, they had to figure out what Taiyo's affinity was. Mora already had a good idea, but just to be sure…
"So all I have to do is channel chakra into this paper?" He asked while Mora held a square piece of paper in her hands.
"Yep," She said with a grin on her face, "you see, if you have a fire affinity, like the Touka do, then the paper will burn. But the paper will get wet if you have a water affinity, like the Tokahara. Or suppose you have an earth affinity, like the Mitsukami. In that case, it will crumble into dust, and if you have a wind affinity, like the Tatsuhiden, it will split into two pieces. Finally, the paper will shrivel up if you have a lightning affinity like the Shinkari."
"But wait," he said, scrunching his brows together, "If the Touka use the Blooming Flame Stance and have fire affinities, and the Tokahara use the Shifting Tide Stance and have water affinities, then what do we have with the Eternal Sun Stance? Is there a sun affinity?"
Somehow, Mora's grin grew wilder. "Pour your chakra into this paper and find out."
With narrowed eyes, Taiyo took the paper tentatively. She was up to something; he knew it. Slowly, he felt the warmth of his chakra pour into the paper. For a moment, nothing happened. Just as he was about to turn to Mora, he felt a warmth near his hand. He stared at it, shocked.
On the paper, there was a flame, but it was different. It wasn't quite the same as the flames Kyoma had produced during their spar. Instead of those angry, wild flames, this one was gentle. Its color was different, too. Where Kyoma's flames were yellow and orange, this one had more of a red hue surrounding it while it had a white-hot center.
"Mora… what is this?" He was too captivated by it.
"Well, have you ever heard of yang release, Tai?"
To be honest, while he had heard of it, he didn't really know much. The way Mora had described it makes it seem that yang release was entirely about augmentation. Reinforcing, enhancing, or revitalizing something that already existed. According to Mora, after having read the Akagai Chronicles, she learned that the main reason for the Akagai's endurance was due to more than just the Eternal Sun Stance's properties.
Theorized by Kura Akagai, the Second Sun Mandate, the Akagai clan have an affinity for yang release. This is why Tenka Akagai, the First Sun Mandate, was the one who developed Focused Breathing. Due to its augmenting nature, Focused Breathing is itself a yang release ability. Although all Twelve Clans can utilize that technique, they couldn't quite compare it to the efficiency of the Akagai. The high affinity for yang release meant that when Taiyo or another Akagai samurai used Focused Breathing, their chakra would stimulate their cells far more efficiently than those of the other clans.
Sun release is actually a utilization of fire and yang release, which are used in conjunction with one another. Due to the revitalizing nature of yang chakra, when sun release is used in combination with Focused Breathing, it increases the user's strength and vitality far more efficiently than with just yang release! Using that skill with the Eternal Sun Stance's economy of motion is why the Akagai were famous for their endurance in battle! On top of that, the red flames that they produced were capable of causing far more damage than those with just fire affinities.
With this revelation, Taiyo threw himself into his training with even more passion. Under Mora's instruction, he began learning the proper amount of chakra to funnel into his lungs. He had to be careful, however; otherwise, he'd end up annihilating his lungs. He had to find the balance between yang and fire. It took days of meditation and constant funneling into his lungs before he found even a semblance of balance. To be honest, Taiyo didn't even know lungs could be sore until now. His previous breath training hadn't been this intensive!
Over the four months, his wardrobe had changed as well. He couldn't afford to wear his formal dress kimono he usually wore around the estate. Instead, he decided to change it to a yellow kimono that was more in line for battle, with a similar black umanori-styled hakama that Mora wore. When asked by Mora why he specified the type of hakama, he simply stated that the divided legs of the clothing feels far easier to move around in than the skirt-like kimono of the andon-style.
The kimono had the Akagai clan's symbol emblazoned on the back. His footwear had changed little. He had always worn zori sandals, but now wears yellow tabi socks underneath them. And now that he's journeying with Mora, he'll be put into situations where his life would be in danger. To assist with that, Taiyo would no longer train with bokken. Mora had commissioned a chakra steel katana for him from one of the local swordsmiths. Held up by a red obi sash, it was simple, and there was nothing special about it, but he would rely on it in the coming months.
His hair had grown as well. Now, he had wavy bangs that descended onto his forehead and stopped right before his eyes, while two larger bangs framed his face and stopped right at the height of his jaw. The rest of his fair was still pulled into a ponytail that reached just a bit two inches further down than before.
He smiled faintly, remembering the lessons and how much he'd miss them. He felt a sense of anxiousness and nostalgia. Nostal—nostalgia past and an anxiousness for the future. His life would change the moment he entered the Akagai Estate again. It would change when he entered Evaluation.
Maybe he could… he shook his head, getting rid of the thought. He sighed as his gaze dropped slightly. Even though four months had passed and all the growth he had gained, he still hadn't fully come to terms with the Shogun's decision. He still felt the pang of sadness every now and then. He flinched as he felt Mora lay her hand on his shoulder. Looking up into her black eyes, he saw a warmth in them. He knew that while he had no choice, he had everyone's support. Sighing, he nodded. They continued on their trek, heading towards their home.
-Main Manor, Akagai Estate-
The servants moved throughout the main hall, carrying out their daily duties. Everything seemed to flow smoothly, like any other day, until a sudden intrusion to the usual rhythm became known. Rin Akagai emerged from his study, a glimmer in his eyes. It seemed as though the usually dignified Lord Akagai was happy. He moved through the main hall with measured steps, the soft rustling of his attire accompanying his footfalls.
He had just received a letter from Mora; she and Taiyo were one week out from arriving at the estate. His skills were improving at a steady rate, and she said he should be ready for Evaluation. Knowing his wife would be upset at not being the first to be notified, he moved to his first destination.
Ayane was a creature of habit, and she always read in the courtyard at this time. It took only a few more steps before he found the entrance. He saw two samurai standing guard outside. Even though it was a private courtyard, Ayane always wanted to make sure no one would interrupt her moments of relaxation.
"Lord Akagai."
The two bowed as he walked passed them, intent on finding Ayane. Upon entering, he immediately spotted her nestled among her favorite flowering shrubs with a book delicately balanced on her lap. A smile lit up his stern features. It had been long since such genuine joy had graced his face. Hearing her husband's approach, Ayane looked up from her reading and met his gaze. Rin could say he was a man of composure, and very few things could cause him to break from it.
And yet, even with years of marriage between them, Rin found his heart quickening every time he laid his eyes on Ayane. Those golden eyes were rare and beautiful, windows to her soul that had captivated him the first time they met. The corners of her eyes crinkled as she offered him a soft smile, closing her book to give him her full attention. Her dark tresses swayed slightly, contrasting against her pale skin. Her blue, floral-patterned kimono clung to her soft curves.
The sound of her clearing her throat caught his attention. Her lips were curled into a teasing smile.
"A letter, I presume?" Ayane's voice was smooth and gentle. He looked down and realized she had plucked it from his hands. Looking back up at her, he let the amused smile tug at his lips as he saw her already delving into its contents, reading over Mora's neat handwriting. As she read onward, Rin noticed her impish grin turned into a soft and gentle smile.
Placing the letter over her book, she turned to him. Her eyes portrayed many things. Pride, warmth, and sadness.
"Taiyo," she said with a heartwarming whisper, "Such is what we expected from our Taiyo," she said softly, her gaze drifting towards the azure sky above them.
Rin noticed her words, and with his wife's comforting presence, he decided to let his insecurities show momentarily.
"Ayane?" She hummed as she drew her eyes back to him.
"Do you think that," he started hesitantly, "that we're asking too much of Taiyo?" It was an odd feeling, expressing himself like this. It was his duty to remain resolute in the face of uncertain futures, but there were doubts that began to plague ever since that night at the Shogun's Palace. Perhaps he should have been more assertive with the Shogun. That he should have refused the Shogun's request to transfer Taiyo to Konoha…
Ayane looked back, glimpses of sadness flashing through her eyes. Rin was a stern man; his time as clan head had hardened him, but beneath that exterior, he was still a father—a father concerned for his son.
She reached out and gently cradled his hand. She squeezed it slightly and offered him a smile before glancing at the clouds.
"Taiyo is stronger than we think," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "We have raised him to be kind and considerate. To value life. Yes, we are asking much of him... but remember who we are asking this of."
She turned her gaze back on Rin. In her eyes, he saw the strength and wisdom that had allowed him to succeed his father as head of the clan. It was this very spirit in Ayane that had drawn him to her once upon a time, a steel-clad determination masquerading as grace.
"Our son is not just any boy. He is our son. He is sensible. He is a warrior," Ayane continued, her tone striking confidence in Rin. "Yes, there will be sacrifices... sacrifices that may cut him deeply."
"However," she looked deep into his eyes, gold peering into maroon, "Taiyo will rise above them. I know he will."
With each word Ayane said, Rin felt more resolute in this path. She was right; Taiyo wasn't stupid. Taiyo would know when a situation was hopeless and when to walk away. When to stand his ground and fight when necessary.
After all, wasn't that the true essence of a warrior? To know when to raise your sword and when to lower it.
Rin's eyes softened as he nodded at her words. He tightened his grip on her hand and felt her squeeze back.
"We'll have to trust him," she said quietly, her voice barely audible against the chirping of the birds and the rustle of leaves on trees. "We've given him all we could; now it's his turn."
"Thank you, Ayane." His voice was filled with appreciation.
Ayane's grin turned coy, "That's what I'm here for, isn't it?" Her playfulness contrasted with his serious tone.
Just then, a servant appeared at the entrance.
"My apologies for interrupting your time together, Lord Akagai," he bowed low in apology, "but the Shogun's representative has arrived for the monthly report. He is waiting in your study."
Rin sighed as he gave his wife's hand one final squeeze.
"Duty calls," he said quietly. He turned to the servant, "I leave telling the girls about Taiyo's return to you, Ayane."
"Oh," she said with a playful smile, "giving me the dirty work, are you?"
"I trust that they won't lash out at you like they would at me," he returned the playful with his own as he left for his study.
She carefully folded the letter with a sigh before placing it back into the envelope. She already knew she had to tell Moni first. With Reika throwing herself into her spiritual studies, Moni had been left alone. Oh, Ayane had spent plenty of time with Moni, comforting her whenever she needed it, but there was a type of love and comfort that only a sibling could give. However, with Taiyo taking extended training trips and Reika isolating herself, Moni couldn't gather that comfort. She tried to hide it behind her adoring smile, but as the saying goes, "a mother knows."
Her destination in mind, she stood with disciplined grace and marched to Moni's room. Knocking on the sliding door, she gently called out to her youngest.
"Moni, may I come in?"
Ayane could hear slight shuffling and movements in the room. She smiled lightly to herself. Moni was always messy, and she was no doubt doing some last-minute cleaning. After a moment of shuffling, the room fell silent as the door opened.
"You can come in, mama!" Ayane's smile widened. Moni's energy was always so damn infectious.
Stepping inside, she observed the room around her. A variety of colorful paper figures were scattered throughout the room.
Oh, Moni, she thought lovingly. The girl had always loved origami. It was her favorite hobby these days, and it provided her with a distraction from all the family drama. The girl herself sat in the middle, her hands already folding another creation. She had tied her hair back into a loose ponytail; however, she had two stray bangs that refused to be pulled back. Her eyes held a light that Ayane loved so much.
She took a seat beside Moni on her bed and gave Moni a gentle look.
"I have news about Taiyo, my little light," she began softly.
Moni paused her hands over the folded paper, and she looked at her mother, her eyes full of shock.
"Is Taiyo… coming back?" she started softly. Ayane had noticed a small glimmer of hope building in Moni's eyes. Giving her a small smile, she grasped onto Moni's tiny hands.
"He is," she said, the glimmer in Moni's eyes turning into a full-blown beacon of joy.
"Really, mama?" she had asked. Ayane nodded and gently pulled Moni into a tight hug,
"Yes, my adoring little light," she said into Moni's neck. She could feel the energy off Moni's small frame, which brought her joy. Pulling away, she looked into Moni's brilliant smile.
"He'll be home in one week," she added with a gentle smile. Moni's eyes grew as wide as her new smile. She tackled her mother like she would Taiyo and peppered her with kisses. Ayane found herself swept up in her daughter's excitement and laughed as she felt Moni lay a flurry of kisses on her cheeks.
"Thank you, mama!" she squealed. Taiyo was coming home! That meant that she and Reika would have…
Reika, she thought. She lost a small amount of her joy as she thought about her absent sister.
Ayane had noticed and became slightly concerned.
"What's wrong, Moni?"
"Mama, did you tell Reika yet?"
Realizing what had caused Moni to simmer down, she sighed softly as she let Moni free from her embrace. Her eyes fell upon one, a red origami bird perched on a shelf.
"Reika, well… you know your sister," she admitted slowly. She's still upset about Taiyo, and I'm not entirely certain how she'll react to him being home so soon…"
Moni looked down, saddened by her mother's thoughts.
"Do… Do you want me to tell her?" she offered.
Ayane glanced back at her daughter in surprise before a warm smile bloomed on her face. Seeing her willingness to shoulder responsibility made her heart swell with pride. She gently shook her head in refusal before embracing Moni in one last hug.
"No, Moni. This is something I must do," she said gently, stroking her hair lovingly.
"Okay, mama," Moni said, pulling away from Ayane with a smile. The young girl quickly resumed her folding, reinvigorated by the news of Taiyo's return.
Ayane watched with a fond smile for only a minute longer before moving to leave. Already knowing where Reika was, she took large strides with clear intent. She clenched her fist as her heart trembled slightly at the thought of her middle child. When Reika had first begun to throw herself into her spiritual studies, Ayane knew it was about distracting herself from Taiyo's departure. She had allowed it at first; everyone had their own coping mechanism.
However, as time dragged on and the dust began to settle, Ayane noted that Reika showed no improvement in moving past it. Perhaps it was her fault. Maybe she should have forced her to talk through it with Taiyo.
As she approached the hearth, she could hear that the soft crackling of the flame was accompanied by mutters.
Reika… she thought. She took a deep breath, her hand raising to the shoji screen that separated her from Reika. She took a deep breath and slid it open. Inside, surrounded by lit incense, sat Reika.
The girl was clad in a deep red yukata, her eyes closed in what seemed like deep meditation. She sat still by the hearth, her eyes clenched shut as she murmured to herself.
She's praying, she realized. But this wasn't a ritual prayer; it was a prayer of petition. Reika was asking the Sun Goddess for something. Unfortunately, Ayane believed she already knew what she was asking for.
"Reika," she asked softly, not wanting to startle her. It didn't seem to have worked as the younger girl jumped in her seat and turned, her maroon eyes wide with shock.
"M-mama, what are you doing here?"
Ayane took a moment to collect herself as she prepared for the ensuing argument this would give rise to.
"Reika," she said, her eyes firm and resolute, "we need to talk about Taiyo."
At the sound of Taiyo's name, Reika's eyes snapped back to the hearth, refusing to meet her mother's eyes.
"No, we don't, mama." Reika's voice was barely a whisper. It hurt Ayane to hear her typically outspoken daughter so… defeated. She looked down and saw Reika's clenched fist. There were prayer beads that were being tightly held in her palms. Ayane sighed quietly to herself.
"Reika," she said softly, seating herself beside the girl. "You've been praying to the Sun Goddess, haven't you? You've been praying for her to keep Taiyo in Tsuya, right?"
The girl had flinched as her head snapped back to her mother's face in surprise.
"H-how did you…?" Her voice grew quieter as her maroon eyes stared at her mother's figure.
Ayane reached out, softly grasping the beads from Reika's tight grip. She gave them a look over, examining the orbs Reika had managed to weave together.
"It's alright to want your brother to stay, "she said, her voice gentle, ''it's alright to be scared for him."
Reika's sight fell to her lap, her hands clenching her yukata tightly.
"Nobody understands, mama!" Ayane gazed at her daughter calmly, taking the outburst in stride. This is what she wanted, for Reika to finally stop holding everything in.
"Then help me understand, Reika," she pleaded softly, "Moni has already accepted the decision; why can't you?"
"Because Moni still has me!" she saw her mother's eyes widen in understanding. "Moni was able to accept it because she still had me, but who do I have?"
It wasn't the same, she thought to herself. Reika's first memories were those of her brother. He had always been her pillar of strength. Whenever her mother wasn't around, she knew she could go to Taiyo, and he would drop everything he was doing to help her. And now, he was leaving
Ayane noted Reika's expression, a mix of anger, sadness, and spite.
Ayane gently took her daughter's hands into her own. "You have me, Reika." Ayane's voice was gentle, "You have me, your father, your sister, and your entire clan. We are all here for you."
"However," Reika flinched slightly; her mother's tone had become sharper. "If you truly believe that, then why has Moni been wondering where her older sister has been? "
Reika looked up, meeting her mother's. They still held their previous warmth, but now they had a stern glint to them.
"You've spent your entire time in the hearth, praying for Taiyo to never leave," her mother's voice was soft, "and during that time, did you ever wonder how Moni felt about it?"
"I-I…" she tried but couldn't answer. She hadn't even realized.
"Moni has been trying to cope with her brother's departure just as you have," she said. "I concede that you're right, Reika. Moni was able to accept that Taiyo was leaving far easier than you… because she thought she'd still have you."
Reika looked away, unable to face her mother. She was certain her mother held disappointment in her eyes. Silence filled the room for a few moments, the only sound being the soft crackling of the hearth. Ayane's grip on Reika's hands tighten slightly.
"You've missed family meals," she continued, her voice softer yet still maintaining that stern tone. "you've missed family gatherings; you've missed so much, Reika."
Ayane could feel the trembling from Reika's hands. The younger girl was so close to letting go of her hold on her feelings. Just a little bit more.
"And most importantly, you've missed precious time with your brother. You chose to sacrifice these moments with him, hoping he'd stay if you prayed hard enough. Yet, the more you prayed, the further you distanced yourself from him."
"I really didn't mean to…"
"I understand how you feel, Reika. Truly, I do," she said, allowing a small sigh to escape her lips. She reached over and placed a comforting hand on Reika's cheek. "But we cannot let our fear control our actions nor cloud our judgment. Fear can be a protection, but it can also be a cage."
That was it; she couldn't take it anymore. Reika shoved her face into Ayane's clothing and let out a gut-wrenching sob.
Ayane gently wiped away Reika's tears with the pads of her fingers. "It's okay to grieve," she said kindly. "But don't let your grief consume you. Your life doesn't end here... and neither does Taiyo's."
With her piece said, they settled into a comfortable silence. Ayane kept her embrace tight and warm, attempting to comfort her daughter as much as she could. Soft whimpers kept escaping from Reika, accompanied by the hearth's soft crackling. They stayed like this until Reika had finally calmed down.
"Reika," the girl lifted her bleary red eyes to her mother, "Before Taiyo leaves, I want you to resolve this, alright. I don't care how, only that this is finally buried, understood?"
"Yes, mama," her voice tired as she nodded weakly. A fragile grin tugged at the corners of her lips. Ayane nodded with an approving smile and leaned
"Good girl," she whispered while pulling away. "Taiyo is arriving here in a week, and he will have a week before he departs once he passes Evaluation. That one-week window is the only chance you'll have, understood?"
The girl nodded, clutching her mother tightly. The two lay there for the rest of the evening, eventually lulled to sleep by the hearth. They were fast asleep when Lord Akagai had found them. Gently, he carried them all the way back to their respective rooms before going to sleep himself.
-With Taiyo and Mora-
The week passed with no real events. Taiyo had kept attempting to funnel sun release chakra into his lungs. He could maintain a constant stream while focusing on it. The only issue now was that Mora wanted him to maintain it while moving. While coating your lungs with chakra wasn't easy, it was far more manageable than maintaining a stream of elemental chakra running through them. So, as they walked, he kept his eyes closed, focusing on his breathing while he relied on his hearing to maintain an awareness of his surroundings. Exposure was the key. The longer he kept the state, the more his body and lungs would acclimate to it.
The final leg of their journey ended as they pushed forward. The Akagai Fortress Compound lay in front of them as it always had, unyielding and steadfast. First, they had to pass the Gates of Tenka, named after the First Sun Mandate of the Akagai Clan. It was the first checkpoint of the outlying walls. He took a deep breath and moved in. It had been a whole month since he was last home, and he was hit with a sense of warmth as he recognized the various and familiar sounds of the fortress.
The clacking of wood from the training grounds…
The faint chatter of the servants going about their chores…
The soft rustle of leaves from the cherry blossoms…
He let out a breath as the tension on his shoulders eased slightly. Mora watched as the familiar sight set him at ease. She was grateful. She disliked seeing Taiyo so stressed, but unfortunately, that had become the norm for their training outside of the compound. Smiling at him, she looked at the scene in front of them. The entrance to the main manor stood before them. She placed her on Taiyo's shoulder and gave him an encouraging grin. He sent one back, albeit with less energy.
Together, they pushed past the doors and entered the manor. Mora bellowed out a laugh as Taiyo managed to get all of about four steps in before feeling something barrel into his gut.
"TAIYO!"
Giving a small smile, he quickly reciprocated the tight embrace.
"I missed you, Moni." Moni's arms tightened as she laughed into his chest.
"You're home, you're really home!" He tightened his arms even further as he heard her sniffling.
Mora's heart warmed at the sight and took a few steps back, giving the siblings some space. However, it looked as though the siblings were sucked into their own world as their parents stared at the scene, amused. Ayane had covered her mouth with her hand, stifling a small giggle at the sight of their children. Lord Akagai stood beside her and was the first to interrupt their hug.
"Taiyo," he called, his voice echoing through the main hall.
The two siblings broke apart as Taiyo bowed towards his father. Well, slightly. Moni refused to let go of Taiyo's hand .
"Father," he acknowledged with a hint of happiness in his voice.
Rin stared at Taiyo for a moment, studying his form. A smile broke out as he clasped a hand onto Taiyo's shoulder.
"You look stronger, Taiyo. Your training with Mora seems to have paid off well." A smile bloomed on Taiyo's face as he felt his chest swell with pride. He could hear his father's heartbeat; he was telling the truth.
"Thank you, Father."
Taiyo felt soft hands on his cheeks as his face was turned towards his mother. Her golden eyes peered into his maroon eyes, filled with pride.
"My little rising sun, you've grown so much," Ayane murmured. Taiyo's body stilled as her sharp eyes raked over his body. His mother was as kind as they come, always loving and adoring her children. However, due to his status as both the eldest and clan heir, she was always more strict with him. Making sure he held to his lessons with Mora, instilling the Akagai clan's morals into him, and making certain he was ready for the status of clan head. It was a tricky balance, but one she did with vigor and love.
"I'm not little anymore, Mother," he said with a blush on his face.
Her smile turned playful as she tightened her grip on his cheeks, "As long as you're shorter, you will always be little, Taiyo."
Taiyo felt a little put-off. He wasn't short, he was 5'0''.
She noticed his slight pout and smothered away a laugh. Ayane parted his bangs and placed a kiss on his forehead.
"Look at you," she said softly, pride tinging her voice, "I'm proud of you, Taiyo."
His heart swelled with pride. His mother's approval meant everything to him, and it drove him to be better every day.
With a satisfied nod, she released her son's face. "You are ready for the Evaluation," she pronounced solemnly. The words rang in Taiyo's ears. The reassurance from his mother was more valuable to him than any medal or accolade.
She turned to Mora, who had taken more steps back to give her lord family some space. She stiffened under the sight of the Akagai matriarch.
"Thank you, Mora," she said gratefully, "for training Taiyo and bringing him back in one piece."
Mora bowed deeply, "Of course, Lady Ayane. It was an honor to guide Taiyo through his training." She straightened up, a look of respect evident on her face.
His mother turned back to address him, her voice now stern. "Rest tonight, Taiyo. In one week, your Evaluation begins, and we will not take it lightly."
"Yes, Mother," Taiyo bowed deeply in response. He understood the severity of the situation too well.
Moni tugged at his hand again, pulling him away from their parents and Mora. "Come on, Taiyo! I have so much to show you!" Her mouth was wide, and she had a grin full of excitement. Taiyo couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm.
Taiyo allowed his younger sister to drag him to her room with a smile on his face, but he couldn't help but wonder about the family member who hadn't shown up.
Reika… he thought with a slight pain in his chest.
-With Reika-
She couldn't face Taiyo right now. She couldn't. She wasn't afraid that Taiyo would be mad at her and wouldn't forgive her. No, she knew Taiyo would forgive her instantly. If anything, he would insist it was his fault. And that is exactly what made her feel worse about it.
No, she was going to give Taiyo a gift before he left—one that would show how sorry she was. She just needed time to make it. Taiyo would start the Evaluation in one week.
That week was more than enough time.
-With Mora-
She had been summoned to Lord Akagai's study, no doubt regarding Taiyo's Evaluation. However, it seemed like the servant was very stressed as if it was an urgent request. As she stepped into the room, she noticed that both the Lord and Lady were in. However, she took note of the look on their faces. They seemed more… pale than usual. Interesting.
She knelt in front of them.
"My Lord, My Lady," she said in a respectful tone.
"Rise, Mora," Lord Akagai said, stoic and stern, yet there was a hint of shakiness. Slowly, she rose to her feet. Lady Ayane spoke next, her voice just as stern yet far more softer.
"Mora, you have trained Taiyo for the vast majority of his life," she said, pausing slightly. "You know his tendencies, his strengths, his weaknesses. You know the Akagai tradition regarding Evaluation. The mentor usually chooses the opponent. Of course, this means that you would normally have the honor of choosing who he will face in his Evaluation."
Normally? she wondered. Does that mean that she wouldn't have the opportunity? She felt a slight sense of irritation bubble up. Why? It's tradition for the mentor of a koshi to choose their opponent, so why change it now?
"As much as we want you to choose for him," Rin said, noticing her frustration, " I'm afraid that Lord Yamada has already chosen Taiyo's opponent."
Mora's eyes widened, and she looked up in surprise as her body stilled with shock. Lord Yamada, the Shogun, had chosen Taiyo's opponent? Silence reigned in the room as Mora internalized what she just heard.
"May I ask who it is?" She finally managed to say. " Who does the Shogun wish for Taiyo to face?"
The couple looked at each other tentatively before Rin handed Ayane a folded letter. Grasping, she walked to Mora and held it for her. Mora raised a brow at the indirectness; they could have just told her. Unfolding the letter, her black eyes ran down its contents. The standard political talk: apologies about overstepping, stating that this was necessary, blah, blah, blah.
However, her eyes landed on the final words. Her jaw clenched tightly as she read the name:
Azumi Miyani, heiress to the Miyani Clan.
She uttered the only word she could think of, "Shit."
-With Taiyo-
Taiyo was buried under a mountain of paper figures. Moni was excitedly showing off when she made each figure and what each one meant to her. It was the iridescent butterfly she had folded to signify her feeling of joy or the crimson bird that took birth from a paper to depict her anger. Each one held an emotion, like a secret language between her and these inanimate beings. As she chattered away happily, Taiyo couldn't help but marvel at his sister's ability to turn simple paper into something extraordinary.
"…And this one," Moni said, holding up an intricate phoenix rising from a pile of tiny figures, "I made it when you were chosen by the Shogun for Konoha. I was so...so…" She seemed to struggle with finding the right word.
"Overwhelmed?" Taiyo suggested gently, watching his sister's face light up with recognition.
"Yes! Overwhelmed!" Moni exclaimed, "I was sad because you were leaving and happy because it was such an honor." As much as he tried to put on a brave face, Taiyo couldn't help but feel guilt gnawing at him for having to leave his little sister behind.
He only hoped that the coming days won't be too difficult…
-Miyani Fortress Castle, Nawashine Province-
Overlooking the bleak city of Yushina, the Miyani fortress lay bathed in a perpetual obscuring cloud. The walls, once a beacon of prosperity, now lay shrouded in a mist that reflected the mood of its few inhabitants. Once bristling with many clan members, now the halls lay empty, eerie. The silence was disrupted by the sounds of footfalls echoing throughout the halls. A man with black hair and a face aged terribly walked with purpose in his steps. He wore a blackish-blue kimono with turquoise sandals. His cyan eyes were tight with firmness.
Stepping in front of a door, he entered without knocking. Looking inside, he found who he was looking for standing on her balcony. She wore a kimono similar to his, her eyes just as colorful as his. Her black hair was free as it flowed down to her waist in straight strands. The balcony had barely passed the top of the clouds obscuring the fortress, allowing her to gaze at the high-altitude clouds above them.
"Azumi," he said with no gentleness in his voice. The fourteen-year-old girl seemed to be lost in her own world, her cyan eyes staring at the sky above them. Growing irritated, he repeated her name again, only far louder.
This snapped the girl from her daze. She turned, her eyes staring him, yet they seemed to remain clouded as if obstructed by a haze.
"…Oh… hello, father," she said impassively. Her father sighed. His daughter had always been air-headed. Her inability to focus on a task and always chase a wandering thought was just something he had needed to acclimate to.
"We need to talk, Azumi." Her father's voice had taken on a serious tone, his brows furrowed in concern.
"We always seem to need to 'talk', don't we?" She turned back towards the balcony, her nimble fingers gripping the cold stone railing. She was tired of these talks, these bleak discussions about duty and honor. Why couldn't they have a conversation about the flowers blooming in their garden or how the clouds drift across the skies. Why did it always have to be about clan responsibilities?
"Azumi, you can't just brush this aside," He began again, more sternly this time, "especially considering your status."
Azumi tensed as she felt an anger bubble up inside of her. Acting quickly, she took a deep breath and smothered it. Her "status" as he called it… what a joke. Not only is she the heiress to the Miyani Clan, but she's also the last surviving practitioner of the Drifting Cloud Stance. Considering that one of the values that the clans have is their military strength, this put the Miyani in a pinched situation. If anything happened to her, the Drifting Cloud Stance would become extinct, and their already decaying clan would lose any significance.
That cloud looks like a groundhog, she thought, attempting to distract herself.
Noticing her thoughts drift away, visible irritation appeared on his face, "Azumi! This is important!"
The girl sighed as she kept cloud gazing, "When is it not, father?"
The man took deep breaths to calm himself. The girl's eyes moved to stare from the corner of her eyes. She noticed his breaths. She scoffed lightly.
Clumsy and inconsistent, she thought.
"This regards your evaluation, Azumi." Now, that caught her attention, but not for the right reasons. Azumi never had a passion for swordsmanship or the clan. She'd much rather do literally anything else.
He paused, waiting for Azumi to show some sign that she cared. Sighing to himself in irritation, he continued, "The Shogun has chosen you and one other to face each other in combat to complete both of your evaluations together." He smiled when he saw her lips twitch.
"Who?" Her usually distant voice seemed interested.
"Who you will face is hidden to both of you. Your opponent doesn't know who they are facing, and you don't know who you're facing."
Azumi turned, her far-off gaze flickering with curiosity. She moved from the balcony, walking slowly into the room proper. Her oversized and baggy kimono rustled as it trailed against the floor. Her father stared at her, his eyes focused. He felt a surge of relief as he had finally caught her attention. Or so he thought.
She wandered past him, not even acknowledging he was there. His body trembled with anger as he turned around.
"Where are you going?" He practically growled, anger twisting his features.
She didn't even bother to glance back as she spoke, her voice as calm and detached as ever.
"To practice."
Her answer shocked him into silence. Practice? He couldn't believe what he was hearing. Azumi had never taken her training seriously; this was a new development.
But one he didn't question for too long. If the news about the Evaluation stirred an interest in her towards training, then that was good enough for him. He watched her retreating figure until she disappeared around the corridor.
-Third Upper Training Ground, Nawashine Province-
The training ground was an open field on the outskirts of the fortress. It was a vast expanse of green populated by carefully crafted wooden dummies and targets designed to toughen up even the most unyielding. With the cloud acting like a fog, it gave the grounds an eerie feel to it. Not that Azumi minded.
Her steps were light, barely being heard. She moved towards one of the wooden dummies at the far side of the field, while pulling out her sword from its scabbard.
Her eyes met those of the dummy; they were lifeless and rigid. Tilting her head slightly to one side, she let out an odd chuckle, her imagination assigning it a personality, a character.
"Alright then, wooden sensei," she muttered to herself. "Let's see what I've got."
After beginning some basic forms, her mind drifted away as soon as she moved. She was imagining her unknown opponent. A tall, lean figure. No...a short and stout one. Maybe they had a sense of humor? Perhaps they, too, wished for nothing more than to be free from the constraints of duty and honor.
I wonder if they like cloud gazing, she wondered idly. Lost in her mind, she hadn't even noticed she had begun performing more advanced forms of the Drifting Cloud Stance. Each form felt airy and light as they blended seamlessly.
I hope they aren't like Father, she thought. She wanted her opponent to be someone like her: dreamy and lighthearted, someone who could appreciate a quiet day or spend hours staring at the clouds. As she continued her sparring against an imaginary opponent, she didn't notice she had begun slipping into the gaze of actual combat. Her forms became sharper as her footwork became swifter. As she dwelled within her mind, she didn't notice a figure staring from the entrance.
Lord Miyani stood there, watching her in astounded silence. He always knew that she had a wealth of natural talent. It was such a shame she had no desire for it. If she did, she could easily become the most powerful samurai of the current generation of heirs.
As he continued to watch her, he noticed her movements seemed odd. They weren't just the well-practiced forms, but they were dynamic. Subtle differentiations that correlate to specific actions the enemy took.
Image Training, he thought to himself. She was actually imagining herself fighting her opponent. Each dodge, strike, and block was in response to the imagined actions of her opponent. It was a technique only known to the very skilled and involved deep mental concentration. Seeing her do it so effortlessly, he couldn't help but feel a sense of pride.
Azumi continued her practice as her opponent's shape and style constantly changed. All the while, she maintained a distant and aloof look on her face.
Lord Miyani sighed. The Akagai won't know what hit them, he thought.
Chapter III Databook Entries
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Drifting Cloud Stance
The Drifting Cloud Stance is inspired by the light and airy nature of clouds drifting across the sky. It emphasizes freedom of movement, adaptability, and the ability to transform and flow like the shifting winds. Practitioners of the Drifting Cloud Stance seek to be as elusive as a wisp of cloud, always changing and difficult to grasp. The stance values lightness, agility, and the use of ever-changing speed against them'
The Drifting Cloud Stance is currently endangered, as the last user of the Drifting Cloud Stance is the 13 year old, Azumi Miyani.
—
Eternal Sun Stance Forms
Third Form: Blazing Hue: The user moves their dominant foot forward and hold their katana at their side, pointed to the ground in a two handed grip. Their legs widen with the user staying on the balls of their, ready to move at any point. This form relies on precise footwork and elaborate bladework, with encouraged precision and efficiency over power, using jabs, parries and light cuts rather than slashes, blocks, and chops. Most often used by Akagai members when in duels.
Notes
-Mora's Mastery over the Third Form is why she became the Sun Mandate and is considered the best duelist in Akagai history.
Fourth Form: Rising Sun: The user keeps their stance wide and hold their blade at a high angle above them. The typical opening of this form relies on the brute strength of the user, with the opening act being a powerful downward slash meant to either pummel or disarm the opponent. The sheer strength of this form forgoes any of the elaborate footwork of the other forms in exchange for the simple strength this form allows. Despite how crude it may seem, the Fourth Form is no different from the rest, its footwork and bladework simply being simplified, meant to conserve energy in order to either wear the enemy out or launch a single, powerful counter attack.
Fifth Form: Sunlit Dance: The User holds their blade vertically with a balanced two handed grip on the dominant side of their body. Their legs are bent and tensed, as if preparing to jump. The opening of this form relies on sheer speed and agility, meant to take out the enemy in a flurry of fast paced thrusts and slashes. Instead of simply viewing the sword as the weapon, the whole body is the weapon, jumping, flipping, sliding, using every movement their body is capable of to win the fight.
Sixth Form: Flashing Sunrise: The User enters a wide stance while keeping their blade sheathed. Heavily based off the old sword art of Iaijitsu, the Sixth Form relies on quick drawing sword techniques and incredibly fast counters. A unique feature of the Sixth Form is the utilization of the scabbard as a blunt weapon to work in conjunction with the blade.
—
Chakra Skills
Sun Release- a kekkai genkai unique to the Akagai. It is based on the utilization of fire and yang release used in conjunction with one another. The restorative powers of the yang aspect of sun release allows its users far more stamina and allows them to take far more damage than anyone else. Most often, this is paired with Focused Breathing that the Twelve Clans use in conjunction with their sword stances. The offensive nature of sun release is most often paired with the Akagai sword arts, most often being infused into their blades, manifesting flames with a reddish hue and white hot center. The temperature of the flames are unknown, though legends say they are the literal flames of the sun.