A/N: Hello Hello Again! Apologies about thevery lateupload. I had some problems with my work that caused me to neglect this chapter for a bit. Fortunately, that's all been sorted out, so I should be able to upload another chapter soon! I already have Chapter III outlined! With all that out of the way, I hope you enjoy reading!

—Sorashima, Tsuya Province, Land of Iron—

The afternoon sun's warmth faded as it was gradually obscured by the dull, grey clouds above. The soft pitter-patter of rain began to fall against Sorashima, the provincial capital city of the Tsuya province. Strolling through the capital was the Sun Mandate, Mora Akagai, walking with a grace that befitted her status. Her step had a pep in it, her smile was wide despite the dreary rainfall. Unbeknownst to the rest of the townsfolk, the samurai actually loved the rain. Its smell and soft noise never failed to soothe her nerves.

The people near her stopped and bowed their heads in respect and admiration. Mora waved them off, a kind smile on her face. Her warm demeanor had earned her the favor of the citizens, who looked upon her during uncertain times. The presence of samurai discouraged criminals, and this effect was even more pronounced when the samurai was a Mandate.

Most of the shops are closing, but Kishi's shop should still be around the corner, she mused. She crossed the street, navigating through the crowd with ease. She spotted the shop tucked away in a corner of the plaza. As she grew closer, the pungent aroma of tea leaves and herbal infusions began to fill her nose.

A small chime noted her entrance as she entered through the door. Her eyes scanned the shop. The front shelves were filled with various colorful containers, their contents sorted by region and purpose. Some were dedicated to teas from all corners of the Land of Fire, while others held medicinal herbs from the Land of Lightning. Some were just simply beautiful flowers. She continued her search, scanning the items and containers before her.

Where would they be?she mused as she browsed through the labeled sections. Her brows furrowed as she kept looking. While she focused intently on her search, she didn't notice the figure walking behind her until they laid their hand on her shoulder. Mora spun on her heel, her hand hovering over the hilt of her katana. The figure raised their hands in a calming motion, their grin plastered over their face. Mora, upon realizing who it was, let out an exasperated sigh

.

"What's wrong with you, Kishi!?" Mora relaxed and dropped her hand from her katana, though her frown was still in place. "I could have killed you!"

Kishi laughed, her dark tresses swaying with her laughter. Her green eyes were filled with mirth and covered her mouth. "Oh, come now. We both know you wouldn't have gotten the rank of Mandate without knowing restraint and control. Though, the fact I was able to sneak up on you, it makes me wonder…" There was a teasing undertone in her voice. Mora huffed as she crossed her arms over her chest.

"Okay, Okay, enough teasing," Mora said as she rolled her eyes, unable to suppress her growing smile. "I was distracted, alright."

"Oh? And what would cause our illustrious Mora to drop her guard?"

"I can't find what I'm looking for." She admitted reluctantly.

Kishi's head tilted. "Really? But you always get the same tea; what else would you get?"

Mora shook her head. "I'm not here for tea this time. I'm here for three of the same flowers—the Luminary Lotus."

Kishi's brow raised quickly. The Luminary Lotus is a rare flower, with its white and gold petals only blooming on the summer solstice. It also needs high maintenance, as it needs 12 hours of sunlight, or it will start to wilt. It's only found in a few places, and the Land of Iron wasn't one of them.

"May I ask why you need three of them? They're difficult to maintain and cost you quite a bit, even for a Mandate."

Mora's smile became slightly strained as she looked at Kishi. "Later, okay? I just need them in four months."

Kishi's gaze became concerned. This was one of the few times she had seen her friend like this. She'd been friends with Mora for a long time, since before she was a samurai. She knew that when Mora requested you not to ask, you didn't ask. Even so, Kishi could hear the tone in Mora's voice and knew this was important to her.

"Alright," She relented. "I'll get them to you in four months."

"Thank you, Kishi," Mora gratefully smiled at her, relieved.

Kishi noticed her friend's relief and smiled at her, "Anything for you, Mora. Now that that's settled, you'll join me for tea."

Mora snorted, caught off guard by the request, "I appreciate the invitation, Kishi, but I don't think I have the ti—mmpf!"

Kishi's palm covered Mora's mouth, her green eyes stern. "Ah-ah, no excuses," she said with a shake of her head. She felt something warm slide against her palm, followed by a slimy feeling. She ripped her hand off Mora's mouth with her eyes filled with disgust.

"Ew! Mora, what are you? A child or a samurai!?"

Mora chuckled, wiping her spit off of Kishi's palm. "I am a samurai who was rudely interrupted!"

Kishi huffed but could not keep her smile from her lips. "All right, no more distractions; it's time to have some tea! Come on, Mora!" She grasped Mora's hand and hauled her to a small sitting area at the back of her shop.

"Wha- hey, I never agreed to tea!"

Kishi ignored Mora's protest while dragging her toward the back of the store and plopping her down on a cushion. "Stop being so stubborn," she said while preparing the tea leaves and hot water.

"Besides," she continued, not looking back, " you seem so stressed these days. Being a Mandate comes with heavy responsibilities, but surely you can afford to relax occasionally? And what better way to do that than with a soothing cup of tea?"

Mora pursed her lips but relented to Kishi's words. Her duties had her constantly traveling across the Land of Iron, meeting with other Mandates, meeting with the Shogun, and dealing with inter-clan disputes. On top of that, whenever she does come back to the Tsuya province, she needs to train Taiyo almost immediately, not that she minds training him. She just has very little time to pray, let alone relax. A warm cup was forced into her hands as Kishi sat down with her own.

Mora's eyes glanced from the tea to Kishi and back again. She sighed before letting out a small smile. "Okay, I give, you're right."

Kishi let out a playful smirk, "Of course I'm right. Always listen to your elders."

Mora laughed as she covered her mouth. "Elder? Kishi, you're twenty-five. You're barely three years older than me!"

"Three very wise years, my friend!" Kishi said with fake seriousness, causing Mora to chuckle again.

The two women basked in the warmth of the shop, the smell of tea leaves mixing with the herbs upfront. They settled into a comfortable silence. Mora welcomed the respite from the pressing weight of responsibility outside the walls. Although, even as they sat comfortably, Kishi kept herself busy by preparing a tray of treats and snacks. She set out a mix of dango and wagashi. Mora looked on amused, Kishi always went the extra distance.

"Here we go," She declared. "Now, are you going to tell me what has you so concerned?"

Mora's smile dimmed as she grabbed a skewer of dango. "One month ago, Lord Akagai was called into a meeting with the Shogun. Apparently, Shogun Yamada and the Third Hokage have been discussing how to foster good relations between The Land of Iron and the Land of Fire. The Third Hokage decided that the best method was to transfer a samurai to Konoha."

Kishi's eyebrows raised quickly at Mora's words. She looked down at her cup.

"I can see why that would cause some surprise," Kishi said in a tight voice. "The Twelve Samurai Clans have explicitly isolated themselves from the shinobi world and the other lands. Why would Konoha decide that now is the time to start building bridges between our two worlds?"

Mora shook her head and sipped her tea, "I'm not sure, but it looks like the Hokage thinks it's beneficial for both the Land of Iron and Konoha. As for Shogun Yamada, well, he has always wanted to break the Land of Iron's isolation."

Kishi set her cup on the table as she mentally ran through the potential risks and benefits. It's a risky proposition, as a change in our old ways would bring turmoil, especially amongst the northern clans. We've lived in peace and isolation for over four centuries; not many would be willing to give up that comfort.

Hell, she thought, the only reason why I'm able to import foreign teas and herbs are due to my personal connections.

"Kishi? Are you alright?" Mora's voice drew Kishi from her internal musings.

.

"Hmm? Oh yeah, I'm fine! I'm just concerned. Did the Hokage request anyone in particular?"

Mora's smile thinned. "No, the decision was at the Shogun's discretion." Kishi's nose scrunched up. Considering that Lord Akagai was the one who was called, it's a safe bet to assume that an Akagai samurai was selected.

Wait, don't tell me… "Mora, were you the one they selected to go?" Kishi watched in amusement as Mora sputtered on her tea.

"Oh, hell no! You know a Mandate's duties are homebound, Kishi!"

Kishi grinned, "Just making sure, Mora. So who's going then?"

"Taiyo."

Kishi's grin fell as she straightened. "Taiyo? As in your cousin, Taiyo Akagai?!"

Mora looked at Kishi deadpan. "Do you know any other Taiyo I'd be close to?"

Kishi glared at her lightly before sighing and tracing the rim of her cup. "He's barely thirteen; why would they send him? There are plenty of seasoned samurai that could have taken his place."

Mora looked her straight in the eyes as she responded, "It was decided that the best way to increase our ties was to have a young samurai sent to Konoha and join their genin teams. From there, the chosen samurai would create relationships with his teammates and fellow comrades. Taiyo was in the perfect time frame and status for this. Who else to send but a member of nobility amongst the samurai clans to maintain our culture. Taiyo's gentle and kind personality gives us the best bet to create bonds between samurai and shinobi."

Kishi stared at Mora, not knowing how Mora was so calm about this. "Mora, this is ridiculous! Taiyo is being used like a political pawn and you're okay with this?!"

"Enough Kishi!" Kishi flinched as Mora's firm tone set in, "Taiyo is going to finish his training in four months. Samurai are expected to follow the orders of our superiors and make sacrifices when we need to. Besides, Taiyo is going to become clan head of the Akagai one day, experiencing other cultures can only benefit him, wouldn't you say Kishi?

The shopkeeper frowned but couldn't deny her friend's words. "Does Taiyo know?"

"No, I was planning on telling him tonight."

Kishi sighed as she grabbed her cup and drank her tea; it was cold now. "Well, I hope he takes it well."

Mora snorted as she heard the statement. "Taiyo will take it like he always does, with grace and calmness. It's his sisters that I'm worried about. I've told you how attached they are to Taiyo; they'll be heartbroken."

Kishi winced, remembering the stories Mora told her. "Yeah, those two are going to raise hell once they get told. Well, actually, I imagine Reika is the one who's going to raise hell. Moni would likely give her patented heartbroken look. Ah, just imagining her sad face makes my heart churn. She's too precious."

Mora's eyes softened as she chuckled lightly, "Moni's sad face can make even hardened samurai crumble. But enough about the coming storm, let's enjoy this small moment, eh?"

Kishi smiled lightly before agreeing softly. The two of them sat in comfortable silence until Mora left about ten minutes later. Kishi moved to open the door for the samurai, commenting on the weather as Mora began to leave: "Well, at least the rain cleared up. You won't get drenched as you head back to the compound."

Mora sighed as she stared outside, "Too bad, I actually enjoyed the rain."

Kishi rolled her eyes as she motioned for Mora to leave. The two friends departed with smiles on their faces, glad to have seen each other once again.

—Main Manor, Akagai Estate, Tsuya Province—

Reika awoke to the sound of hissing, and a delicious aroma spread into her bedroom. She rubbed her eyes as the smell of miso soup and grilled fish coaxed her from the warmth of her bed. She yawned as she slipped on one of her red kimonos, tied her hair in a ponytail, and left her room. She heard a small giggle and an older female voice speak out softly.

"Moni, stop playing with that! You're going to burn yourself!" Reika quietly laughed as she heard their mother's familiar voice. As she descended the stairs, she could see Moni seated at the low kitchen table, trying to steal one of the grilled pieces of fish with her hand. At the other end of the kitchen, she saw her mother. Ayane Akagai, matriarch of the Akagai Clan, held a soft demeanor. Her hair was a stark black, but her eyes were a startling shade of yellow, almost golden. Yet those eyes held a deep warmth as she stared at her beloved daughters.

Reika stepped into the kitchen while not even bothering to hide her amusement. Moni waved widely when she saw Reika almost knocking over her rice bowl. Ayane laughed as she gently pulled Moni back before she could truly start causing chaos. Reika smiled before walking over to the table and setting herself down. Ayane gently patted her head as she walked over to prepare the food.

"Well, my starshine, did you enjoy your nap?" Ayane raised a brow as Reika flushed. It's not her fault that she needs to nap whenever it rains. She just gets really drowsy hearing the pitter-patter of the rain.

"Yes, mama!" She looked around and noticed there was a lack of two particular people.

"Where's papa and Taiyo?"

Ayane smiled as she served Reika her meal, "Well, your father is in a meeting with Lord Touka. As for Taiyo, well, Lord Touka brought his son with him—"

Reika snapped her head towards her mother, her eyes widening. "Kyo's here?" A slight blush lit up her cheeks. Ayane noticed and chuckled to herself. Reika has always had a crush on the young heir to the Touka Clan, even though he is four years older than her.

"Yes, and to answer your other question, Kyoma and Taiyo are currently training together in the southern training grounds." Reika's eyes lit up as she began to plan an adventure down to the southern training grounds. Seeing Taiyo and Kyoma training would be way too cool to miss. As she plotted, a hand landed softly on her head. She looked up and saw her mother smiling regretfully down at her.

"Reika, it's time to tend to the Hearth. You can go see them afterward. Moni, you're coming as well." Her voice was soft yet firm. Reika knew she couldn't argue against her mother, so she settled for pouting.

Ayane saw the pout and sighed, "I know, Reika. Tending to the Hearth is not as exciting as seeing those two train together. However, just because Taiyo is the clan heir doesn't mean you don't have your own responsibilities. As the next shrine priestess, it will fall upon your shoulders to maintain the spiritual well-being of our clan and our connection to the Sun Goddess."

Reika looked at her mother's eyes and saw that they were full of seriousness. She looked down at her food before nodding sullenly. Ayane's expression softened as she saw her daughter's look and gently rubbed her shoulders.

She whispered to Reika, "Finish your food, then we'll head up to the hearth, alright?"

"Yes, mama." Reika began eating her mother's cooking, savoring the taste. Ayane watched Reika for a moment longer before shifting her gaze to Moni, who was happily munching on a grilled fish she had stolen from Reika during their conversation. Seeing Moni so happy brought a smile back to her face; her youngest was always so oblivious and innocent.

It wasn't long before Reika had finally finished her meal and nodded to her mother. Ayane nodded back as Moni jumped from her seat and stared at her, ready to travel to the Hearth. Reika grinned at her sister, her earlier disappointment ebbing away. Ayane stood and motioned for her girls to follow her. She went to grab the surplus food she had made.

Ayane led her daughters through the outer layers of the Akagai Estate, heading to the eastern grounds. She looked behind her, watching as her girls talked avidly with each other, not paying attention to the path they took. She smiled lightly. Her children had all made this trip many times since they could learn to crawl. The servants around them bowed their heads and moved out of their way as they continued their trek to the Hearth.

The path to the Hearth's shrine twisted through the sacred gardens of the Akagai as they h. Soon, they arrived at the Matsui bridge, marked by a red torii gate. This bridge connected the main Akagai compound to the shrine, which sat on its own hill. She watched Moni race in front of her and looked down at the distant river below.

"Look, mama, the fishies are up!" Moni gleefully shouted, pointing at the brilliant, moving colors down below. Ayane looked over the railing and at the teaming life in the river.

"Yes, dear, the fishies enjoy the sunshine after the rain, but we must keep moving."

"Aww, okay." Moni obediently followed after her mother, but not before winking at the fish below.

She jogged to catch up to Reika, and the sisters began chatting in low voices as they crossed the bridge. Once they passed the gate, a sense of calm washed over them. It was as if they stepped into another world. The Akagai Compound had sacred gardens spread throughout it, but the gardens surrounding the shrine were special. Lush cherry blossoms encircled the area. A serene pond filled with ko fish of various colors lay slightly to the west as its water reflected the clear blue of the sky.

The small, white stone path led them to the shrine, where they gazed at it respectfully. The shrine was painted with vibrant red and soothing whites, while its design was simple. Ornate carvings of suns and valleys were carved into the wooden pillars. At the same time, depictions of the Sun goddess herself covered the entrance. The emblem of their clan, the rising sun, was set above everything else.

Ayane motioned for the girls to follow her to the nearby pond. They knelt at the stone edge of the pond. She turned to Reika, who was staring at the clear water. "Reika, do you remember why we kneel at the pond?"

Without looking at her mother, she responded, "To calm our minds, right, Mama?"

Ayane nodded, a smile on her face. "Correct. To truly connect with the sun goddess, we must approach her with a calm mind. Our prayers are tainted if we have doubts, anger, or sadness plaguing our hearts."

Reika frowned and voiced her concerns, "But Mama, what if we pray for guidance because we're sad? Does that mean she wouldn't respond to us?"

Ayane's eyes softened as she understood her daughter's question, "No, my starshine. If you pray for guidance while you're sad, that is different. It's about approaching her without losing sight of ourselves. If we pray to her while being guided by our anger or bitterness, we ask in selfishness."

Both girls paid rapt attention to their mother, captivated by the lesson.

"However," Ayane continued, "suppose we pray for guidance or comfort in sadness while maintaining a calm mind. In that case, we show our vulnerability to her. We show that we trust her, as the Sun Goddess can peer into our hearts as the sun's rays pierce the clouds."

Reika mulled over her mother's words. Shockingly, Moni answered first. "So we go to the water to make our hearts still. If we're sad, it's okay unless we get really mad and mean!" The girl's voice was adamant as if she had hit the nail on the head.

Ayane giggled at Moni's simple but accurate understanding. "Yes, Moni, eloquently put!"

Moni gave her mother a toothy smile, her eyes peering from under her crimson bangs. Reika grinned and patted Moni on her head, earning her a small squeal of joy from the younger girl. She looked to her mother and continued from where her sister left off. "And the Sun Goddess knows when we're actually calm and when we're just pretending?"

Ayane nodded with joy, glad her daughters were asking questions. "Yes, and as the Sun Goddess illuminates everything, so does she see into our hearts. It is why we, not just shrine priestesses but the Akagai clan, must remain truthful and earnest." She stroked Reika's cheek softly, pride gleaming in her eyes at her daughters' understanding.

Reika looked back at the water before an errant thought strolled through her mind. "Mama, what happens if we pray with anger guiding us?" Moni looked at their mother, also curious.

Ayane's smile fell slightly before turning to the pond. "Do you remember the fable of the angry farmer?"

Reika nodded cautiously. She does remember her mother telling her something like that a few years ago. Moni looked between the two, her brows furrowed in confusion.

Reika looked down at Moni before explaining, "He was angry at the Sun Goddess because she hadn't given him a good harvest. He pray- no, he demanded more from her with anger in his heart. In the end, he…" Reika's eyes widened as she looked to her mother before finishing the story, "he burned from the inside out."

Ayane nodded, her face having lost its seemingly perpetual smile. "Yes, my loves. His anger turned into a flame that devoured him from the inside out. We must not forget that passionate anger may fuel acts of great valor. Still, if left uncontrolled, it will consume the bearer himself."

Moni gulped audibly before crawling over to Reika and clutching onto her sleeve. "Mama," her high-pitched voice squeaked out, "I don't wanna burn."

Ayane smiled reassuringly at Moni, reaching out to gently smooth her hair. "You won't burn, Moni," she said softly. "As long as you keep your Inner Light pure and your intentions honest, the Sun Goddess's light will guide and protect you."

Moni let out a relieved sigh while Reika grinned at her baby sister. Reika mused over her mother's words before catching something. "Mama, isn't the Inner Light a part of our sword style? Did we take it from them?"

Ayane's eyes moved to Reika's, happy Reika caught that. "Incorrect Reika! While the Inner and Outer light may be more commonly known as the philosophy of the Eternal Sun Stance, in reality, the Inner Light was actually apart of our tenets first! Do you remember who invented the Eternal Sun Stance, Reika?"

Reika nodded; of course, she remembered. "It was Oku Akagai, the founder of the clan."

Ayane smiled beautifully at her, "Excellent, Reika! Indeed, Oku Akagai was revered for his prowess in battle, having mastered the physical aspects of swordsmanship! However, Oku did not invent the Eternal Sun Stance on his own! Reika, do you remember the name Matsui Akagai?"

Reika nodded; this was also an easy question, "Matsui was Oku's younger sister and the first shrine priestess. The Matsui bridge is also named after her."

"Clever girl!" Reika beamed under her mother's praise. "You see, Oku is famous for creating the Eternal Sun Stance. However, everyone thinks he did it on his own, when he didn't."

Ayane giggled mentally as her younger girls' eyes widened in shock. It wasn't really a surprise to their reactions. Oku Akagai is considered to be one of the greatest heroes and warriors in the Akagai Clan. Hearing that the founder of the Akagai Clan didn't fully invent the Eternal Sun Stance would be jarring to anyone. She still remembered how Taiyo reacted to the news. She had barely been able to stifle her laugh then.

"In reality, " She continued, "Oku created the physical philosophy of the sword stance, now known as the Outer Light! On the other hand, it's said that Matsui had such a strong spiritual connection that she could hear the voice of the Sun Goddess herself. She cultivated the first tenets of our clan's spiritual tenets, which we call the Inner Light."

Reika and Moni were entranced by the story. They had heard of the founding of their clan before, but this was the first time Matsui was this heavily involved.

"While Oku was creating our sword stance, he realized he lacked mental and spiritual discipline. Knowing his sister was a master of the spiritual and mental disciplines, he admitted he was struggling. Matsui, willing to help her brother, shared her teachings with him. The Inner Light, drawn from their family's faith, was about maintaining purity of intention and calmness of mind. Oku incorporated these teachings into his sword style."

Reika's eyes widened in realization. "So, it wasn't really just Oku's style. It was a collaboration between him and Matsui!"

Ayane nodded with a small smile on her face as she continued. "Yet, much to his sister's displeasure, he removed the religious aspects of her teachings and replaced them with more martial aspects. Instead, he asserted that the Inner Light represents the decisiveness of one mind in battle. One must be able to focus on only three things during combat: yourself, your Enemy, and the fight. Any other thoughts are considered wasteful and a detriment."

Reika bit her lip as she thought about what Oku did to his sister's teachings. "Did Matsui agree with him?"

Ayane paused as Moni climbed into her mother's lap, "A part of her did. She understood her brother wanted to lift their family into prestige and honor by strengthening our martial prowess. However, she also felt that his more practical interpretation of the Inner Light dimmed its essence."

Reika's eyes shifted to her mother's, "Did Matsui not like her brother after that?"

Ayane shook her head, a soft smile breaking out. "No, Matsui bore no ill will towards Oku. She understood that the two of them held different perspectives: Her brother was a warrior, and she was a priestess. Instead, she gathered a group of followers and continued cultivating her Inner Light. These would become the shrine priestesses who passed down her Inner Light. At the same time, the rising warriors of the Akagai followed under Oku's Inner Light, creating a small split."

Moni tilted her head, her mother's explanation confusing her. "So, we have two inside lights now?"

Her mother hummed as she thought of an explanation, "Not two, but one split into different meanings. Our samurai view it as the mental clarity in battle. At the same time, we priestesses perceive it as spiritual guidance from our goddess."

Her elder daughter shifted slightly, earning her mother's attention. "But both meanings serve the clan in their own ways, right? Our samurai protect us in battle while we protect them with our prayers?"

"Exactly!" Ayane exclaimed. "While there was a split long ago, it didn't sew chaos but strengthened us even further! Both interpretations of the Inner Light are crucial to our clan!"

"So, does that mean the Inner Light I have and the Inner Light Taiyo has are different?" Reika asked. Her older brother was being taught to be a samurai, so that meant he was learning Oku's Inner Light.

Yellow eyes flickered over to Reika, softening. "That's right, Reika. You and Taiyo are learning different aspects of the Inner Light. Still, neither of you is more important than the other. Just as Taiyo will use his mental discipline to guide his sword, you will use yours to guide our clan in the ways of the Sun goddess."

Moni raised her head from her mother's lap and stared at Reika.

"Does that mean Reika and I have the same inside light?" she asked wide-eyed.

Ayane hummed as she cradled Moni in her lap, "That depends on you, Moni. If you choose to become a shrine priestess, then yes, you will. But if you follow Taiyo's path, you will learn Oku's Inner Light instead."

Moni's small face scrunched up, working over her mother's words. Reika stared at the pond, trying to clear her thoughts. Silence settled over the trio, the only sound heard being the rustling of the leaves. Eventually, Ayane gently moved Moni off her lap and stood, much to the young girl's protests. Reika looked up and followed suit, who was then followed by Moni.

"Now that our minds are clear, it's time to tend to the Hearth. Come along now."

With grace, she turned towards the Hearth and began treading towards it. Reika moved to grab Moni's hand. The younger girl gave her a bright smile and grasped Reika's hand. Together, the three made their way to the Hearth, nestled within the shrine's center.

Ayane turned to her daughters, fixing them with a stern gaze, "This Hearth was first lit by Matsui as a way to maintain our clan's connection to the Sun Goddess. It's said that she could converse with the goddess through these flames, and for the past few centuries, this flame has never gone out. It has been the duty of each shrine priestess to tend to the Hearth, ensuring it remains lit. It remains the spirit of our clan, and for as long as the flame endures, the Akagai will as well."

She gestured for her daughters to bring forth their offerings to the shrine. The young girls moved to grab their plates of grilled fish and rice before settling in front of the flames with their mother. She moved towards the fire, her red kimono rustling against itself. She looked towards Reika and motioned for her to come closer. "And so," she continued," it is your responsibility to learn how to tend the Hearth yourself."

"Reika, since you are the older of the two, you will tend the hearth first tonight."

With a surge of anxiousness, Reika nodded at her mother's wishes. As she grew closer, the flames of Hearth cast a heat over her. Yet she didn't feel the harshness of the heat; instead, it ebbed away at her discomfort. Ayane guided Reika's hand, which was holding onto her offering. Gently, she set the plate next to the flame and began reciting the prayers her family had been taught since birth.

As Reika began muttering, Ayane motioned for Moni to follow her to the other side of the Hearth. Moni crept after her mother, not wanting to disrupt Reika's concentration. Her fingers were tightly clenched on her plate as Ayane positioned Moni directly across from Reika. Ayane placed her hand atop Moni's head and softly whispered in her ear, "Just watch Reika, Moni. Learn from her actions for now."

Moni stared as Reika finished her prayer, mesmerized by her sister's stillness. She had closed her eyes, Reika's young voice silenced after the last word was uttered. She saw her mother stand with a smile on her face.

"Well done, Reika," she praised gently. "Moni, you are still young so I will do the prayer for you. However, in the near future, you must learn how to do it on your own."

Moni nodded eagerly as she passed her plate to her mother. She watched as her mother performed the same prayer as Reika. As the words echoed against the Hearth, the flame flickered against Ayane's golden eyes. Moni watched as Ayane ended her prayer. When Ayane uttered the final word, a small gasp caught the trio's attention as Reika heard a small rustling sound from behind.

"My apologies, Lady Akagai. We didn't know you were in here." The trio turned to the newcomers. There were four of them, and their white kimonos paired with red hakama caused recognition to flare up in Reika's eyes.

The other shrine maidens, she thought.

Ayane stood, turning to the young ladies before her. "There's no need for apologies, girls. If I'm not mistaken, it's time for the sunset prayer."

Reika looked outside. Her mother was right; the sun was setting. How long had they spent praying?

The lead priestess, Sorano, nodded. "Yes, ma'am, we were heading here to perform the prayer, but we heard voices inside the shrine. We didn't realize you were teaching the young ones." Her red eyes flickered over to the sisters.

Ayane chuckled as she moved to rest her hands atop her daughters' heads. "Well, the future of the Akagai must learn about our traditions early on. We'll be on our way and allow you to perform the prayer. Come, my little lights."

The girls gave respectful bows to the elder priestesses as they scurried after their mother. Both moved onto either side of Ayane, clinging onto her hands. Yellow eyes drifted down to meet Reika's curious red eyes. Ayane could tell when her daughter wanted to ask her something, and she knew what it was about.

"You're wondering why I didn't think to let you observe the sunset prayer, yes?"

Reika nodded while Moni looked back up at them, her head tilted in confusion.

"One thing at a time, Reika. The two of you had just learned about Matsui's Inner Light and the path of our clan. Now, you must reflect and absorb what you have just learned. We don't want you overwhelmed now, do we? Besides, I'd rather you learn the sunrise prayer first."

Reika and Moni exchanged glances at each other; they underestimated the amount of dedication the priestesses had.

"Reika," her mother's soft voice broke Reika from her concentration," Taiyo and Kyoma should still be practicing by now. If you hurry, you could catch the tail end of their session." Reika's eyes widened as she sprinted towards the southern training grounds. Ayane giggled softly as Moni stared after her sister. "Well, my little light, what do you say we prepare dinner for the night. I imagine your brother will be hungry after his training session."

Moni laughed as she walked alongside her mother towards the main manor. Ayane's smile dimmed slightly as her thoughts drifted to her eldest. The idea of him going off to an unfamiliar land troubled her. She certainly voiced her opinion to both Mora and her husband.

That'll be a tongue-lashing, and neither of them will forget, she thought, golden eyes narrowed.

Oh, Taiyo…

Being a samurai was fine; she was certainly proud of him. However, at least he would still be near home and surrounded by his fellow Akagai. However, in Konoha, who knew what type of people were there, and he would be far away from his family. She closed her eyes and tensed. A small voice broke her from her thoughts.

"Mama, what's wrong?" Her eyes broke from her mindless stare and shifted to Moni. She had accidentally tightened her grip on Moni's hand.

Relax, she took in a few deep breaths.It's still four months away, and Mora promised me she would make sure he was ready. She's never let the clan down before, and she won't start now. Turning to her daughter, she gave Moni a small smile and gently squeezed her hand in reassurance.

"I'm fine, my little light. I'm just thinking about the next couple of months," Ayane knew she was going to despise telling Moni and Reika about Taiyo's departure. Still, they would have to accept that Taiyo would no longer be here.

"Oh, okay!"

The two walked through the compound, heading for the main manor's kitchen, Moni's hums accompanying their footsteps.

—-Southern Training Grounds, Akagai Estate—-

As Reika dashed through the estate, she could hear the faint sound of wood smacking and the sound of sandals scuffing on dirt. Her smile widened as she ran through the entrance, avoiding the overgrown weeds. It was likely that the boys had chosen this training ground on purpose. The southern grounds weren't as well kept as the others, so most people who wanted to train their skills tended to avoid it in favor of the others.

However, it still had all the equipment to train with. The perfect place to find privacy. Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she saw two figures sparring in the distance. Both were a recognizable sight to her. The two boys were both thirteen but were wildly different from each other. The maroon hair and matching eyes were as easy to see as ever.

Those features, paired with the calm expression and yellow kimono, she couldn't mistake her brother for anyone else, not even their father. The other figure was just as prominent. His blond hair was pulled into a high ponytail, and a wide smile plastered all over his face. His eyes were a vibrant shade of yellow. Not quite golden, like her mother's, but more like a smoldering flame. In contrast to her brother's yellow kimono, he wore a burnt orange kimono with yellow trimmings.

The two young koshi dashed in, engaging in a flurry of strikes as they attempted to outmaneuver the other. They were like a blur, and she couldn't fully see the movements, but that didn't stop the girl from enjoying the spar. Her eyes darted back and forth, trying to keep up with the boys' movement. Being able to see Taiyo spar was amazing, but against another clan heir? This was incredible!

Ignorant of his sister's attendance, Taiyo dropped to one knee in an attempt to deliver a strike against Kyoma's stomach. With a grin, Kyoma batted through Taiyo's strike before sending his own at Taiyo. His eyes widened as he jumped back to gain a bit of distance. Taiyo eyed Kyoma for a second before letting a small smile break through. Kyoma responded with his own grand smile.

"Amazing Taiyo, we've been dueling for hours, yet you're only starting to get winded." Kyoma's hearty laughter accompanied his words. It was true; he had only started to feel the strain on his body just now. Not one to simply accept a compliment without returning one in turn, Taiyo looked at Kyoma and spoke up.

"Well, I could say the same, Kyoma. Any strike you land feels like getting hit with a hammer. The amount of power you put into every strike is brutal," He grimaced as he felt the bruises along his body.

"Haha, well, that's just how my sister trained me! In any case, dinner time is soon, is it not? I would hate to be a terrible guest and keep your family waiting." Taiyo sighed fondly; Kyoma was always a gracious guest. Entering the First Form of the Eternal Sun Stance, Taiyo responded with a small smile.

"Let's finish this quickly then, Kyoma."

"Come at me!"

Kyoma shifted his stance, planting his left foot forward as he raised his bokken into a high guard with both hands.

Blooming Flame Stance, Fourth Form: Searing Onslaught!

Kyoma lunged forward at Taiyo with explosive strength, aiming for a downward slash. Taiyo felt the air next to him shift as he raised his bokken and redirected his friend's strike. Kyoma quickly whirled on his heel as his first strike was harmlessly deflected and arced his sword toward his opponent's chest.

Taiyo sucked in a breath as he narrowly avoided being slashed by his friend. He didn't even have time to think as Kyoma was already in the middle of launching another barrage of slashes. With fluid grace, Taiyo weaved around every strike, evading where he could and deflecting when he was forced to. The pattern continued with Taiyo refusing to block any of Kyoma's strikes, preferring to evade or deflect them.

Reika's eyes widened as she watched the two of them. They were like blurs dancing across the grounds. Her eyes darted back and forth, trying to keep up with the boys' movements. She knew Taiyo and Kyoma were both talented, but she didn't know they were at this level! As Reika was awestruck, she didn't notice the figure walking up.

"Quite the show, eh?"

She stifled a scream, not wanting to let the two boys know they had an audience. Turning around, her shoulders sagged in relief.

"Mora, why!?" Clasping her hands over her chest, the young girl let out a breath. Mora smiled apologetically, settling herself beside Reika.

"Sorry, Rei. Didn't mean to scare ya," the Sun Mandate patted Reika's head, much to the young girl's delight.

Reika mumbled that it was fine when a loud clack of wood caught both of their attention.

"Ah, looks like our young Touka finally managed to corner Tai." Mora's eyes twinkled with excitement as she pointed to the center of the grounds. Reika's gaze spotted Taiyo, finally being forced to block. His normally calm face was tinged with exertion. Kyoma had begun targeting. Unable to continue evading or redirecting blows, he was now being forced to block one of Kyoma's slashes completely. Reika's attention was drawn back to Mora as she continued.

"That's not good for Taiyo. Evading and deflecting were definitely the ideal moves there for this match." Reika tilted her head as her cousin's words flittered through her mind. Her eyes widened as she realized something.

"Wait, you can see them clearly?" Mora looked down at her with a grin on her face.

"Of course I can! I wouldn't be our clan's Mandate if I couldn't see two koshis duking it out!" She grinned as Reika flushed slightly in embarrassment. It made sense now that she thought about it. Her thoughts then ran back to her earlier statement.

"Hold on, what did you mean that brother's best bet was evading?"

Mora's lips curved up, "Ah, about that. You see, the Touka clan are strong believers that the best defense is an overwhelming offense, and their sword stance,The Blooming Flame Stance, is the personification of that ideology. It thrives on aggressive, overpowering attacks to shatter, tear, and sear their way through any defense. So much so that their sword stance doesn't have a single defensive form."

Reika looked back at the scene in front of them. Taiyo was still on the defensive and barely managed to weave around Kyoma's unrelenting offense.

"Each form is a different type of aggression,'' her cousin continued, "the current form Kyoma is using, the Fourth Form, is all about continuous and sustained heavy strikes, meant to smash through any defense. It's like a wildfire, ripping its way through everything in its path. Their sheer offensive capabilities are one of the reasons why the Touka samurai are held in such high regard by all the Twelve Clans."

"If Taiyo had chosen the stiff Second Form, this fight would have ended far sooner. Sure, Taiyo could block every strike flawlessly, but he'd tire himself out far sooner than if he evaded. So, by using the First Form's balanced footwork, Taiyo is able to dodge fluidly, while the smooth blade work is ideal for deflecting and redirecting Kyoma's powerful slashes, somewhat mitigating its advantage. But now…" she gestured back down to the grounds just in time to see Taiyo's bokken get batted to the side by Kyoma before gripping Taiyo's sword arm and slamming his hilt into Taiyo's chest.

"Oomph!" Taiyo grunted in pain.

He forced the air out of my lungs, he thought with clenched teeth. It was a smart move. After all, Samurai from the Twelve Clans draw strength from their breath skills. Forcing one to let go of the air in one's lungs is actually a smart tactic.

His eyes widened as he heard Kyoma's body move into position to deliver another series of strikes. Taiyo closed his eyes and focused on his opponent's body. His eyes flashed with recognition as he heard Kyoma's breath hitch slightly. Knowing he needed to take advantage, he quickly sucked in air through his teeth and felt that warm feeling in his lungs spread out through his body. He concentrated it on his arms and felt his blood start to flow faster as the muscles in his arms became more excited.

Second Form, Esoteric Art: Weaving Dragon Dance!

Exerting himself, Taiyo blocked Kyoma's hits as their wooden swords splintered against each other, sending wooden debris flying around them. The two broke apart and skidded away from each other.

Reika stood slack-jawed as she saw her brother's bokken fly and seamlessly block all of Kyoma's strikes. How in the world had he…?

"He listened."

The young girl turned to look at Mora, who was smirking down at the scene.

"What do you mean he 'listened,' Mora?" She knew Taiyo was born with sensitive ears, but how would that help?

"By listening carefully to the sound of Kyoma's breath and movement, Taiyo can predict where the next strike will land," Mora explained. She pointed back down to the grounds, bringing Reika's attention back to the two boys. They each settled into their respective stances as they mulled over their last series of blows.

Taiyo clenched his teeth in pain as the pain slowly started to settle in. His arms were pulsing in pain. Even though he managed to block all the strikes, the amount of intensity Kyoma was putting into his blows was ridiculous and made it a pain to block. If this is what a koshi is capable of doing, he wondered what a seasoned Touka samurai could do. Taiyo took a deep breath, once again feeling that warm sensation, and focused it on his arms. With each breath, the pain slowly dulled and ebbed away. Laughter filled his ears as he narrowly dodged a quick strike from Kyoma before rolling away from him.

Kyoma's eyes followed Taiyo's form, not losing visibility for a second, swinging his sword with a hearty laugh. Taiyo leaned his head to the side, narrowly avoiding Kyoma's strike. That wasn't enough, however…

Reika flinched at the smack that Kyoma delivered onto Taiyo. As Taiyo recovered from the blow, he quickly rolled out of Kyoma's reach, ready to defend himself if needed.

"First blood is mine, Tai!"

Taiyo grunted, his hand cradling his cheek where Kyoma had just managed to strike him. He winced as he rubbed it. Yeah, that's definitely leaving a bruise. His arm fell to his side as his eyes focused on his opponent, who stood ever-ready. However, his eyes narrowed as he heard a low whistling sound coming from Kyoma.

"Perhaps, but you'll land no more blows from here on forward." With a knowing glint in his eye, Taiyo shifted to a familiar stance; he moved his dominant foot forward and held the blade up to his face in a two-handed grip.

Eternal Sun Stance, Second Form: Standing Sun

"Oh ho! Are you certain, Tai? Then let's put it to the test!"

The Touka heir shifted his bokken into a high guard. If the Fourth Form was like an unrelenting wildfire that tore through everything in its path, then this form was like a prescribed fire that burned with precision.

Blooming Flame Stance, First Form: Ember's Edge!

Kyoma dashed in at full speed, his bokken already rearing up for a swift blow. The dust kicked up around them, obscuring the two observers from the view. Inside the dust cloud, yellow eyes were gleaming with joy while maroon maintained their focused glint. Kyoma tried pushing farther, but Taiyo refused to budge, digging his feet into the ground.

"Hell of a defense, Taiyo!" He said with a feral gleam in his eyes.

"Hell of a strike, Kyoma," came the calm yet teasing reply. With a burst of energy, Kyoma unleashed a flurry of concentrated strikes at Taiyo's chest.

A clattering of smacks echoes throughout the arena as Kyoma laughs. Taiyo stood unscathed as he controlled his breath, timing his exhales with every block and swing of his bokken.

Clack!

"What is Taiyo doing? I thought the Second Form was a bad idea against Kyoma?" Reika asked as her brow creased in concern.

Mora looked down, already knowing why Taiyo had switched. "Taiyo must have noticed a change in Kyoma. Perhaps a slight hitch in his breath, the straining of muscles, or a small shift in stance. He understood that Kyoma's strength lies in his powerful, direct attacks, but this approach exhausts him quicker. By switching to the Second Form, Taiyo plans to outlast Kyoma, forcing him to tire himself out."

Reika's brow scrunched, still confused. "How is that different from what Taiyo did earlier with the First Form?"

Mora's lips curved upwards at Reika's question; she was impressed. The young girl has been following the conversation remarkably well and asking great technical questions about the spar. Maybe she should also start mentoring Reika. There is no rule against a future shrine maiden also being a samurai, after all.

"Before, Taiyo was using the First Form to mitigate Kyoma's powerful strikes by dodging and redirecting. And while that did help him evade damage for a while, it still allowed Kyoma to maintain his momentum," Mora explained. "The Second Form is different. It's more about endurance and patience, waiting for the enemy to exhaust themselves while maintaining a solid defense. The idea is not just to avoid damage but also to drain your opponent's energy."

Just then, they saw Taiyo execute a swift parry. He shoved Kyoma's bokken aside with an aggressive counter-strike, sending Kyoma a step back. Kyoma's face glistened with sweat, and his breaths became heavier. He was aware of his predicament, but he continued attacking relentlessly, which only worked to Taiyo's advantage.

I'm on the edge of burning out! If I don't end this quickly, I'll black out from exhaustion! Kyoma stared back at his friend as he controlled his breathing. He had an idea, but his sister had warned him against it as she had barely begun teaching it.

Well, he thought with a smirk, no time like the present.

Taking a deep breath, he forced his lungs to expand. He could feel the air in his lungs begin to heat up as he funneled chakra into his lungs. It became hotter and hotter until it caused a searing sensation to build up in his lungs. Oddly enough, it felt comforting, like a warm hug encasing his lungs. Slowly, the burning shifted from his lungs to his arms and legs. Then, he exhaled. Taiyo's eyes widened in shock as small trails of fire blew from Kyoma's mouth. He could hear a faint hissing from Kyoma's breath as Reika's head snapped to Mora, her eyes asking the obvious question. Mora didn't even look back down at Reika as she answered.

"Well, it appears as though Kyoma has taken the next step. Instead of just coating his lungs with chakra, he's also funneling fire-natured chakra into his lungs." While learning to funnel natured chakra into one's lungs wasn't difficult in theory, it was far more dangerous in practice. If one doesn't balance the correct amount of chakra, you could end up with scorched lungs, accidentally drown yourself, or end up tearing your lungs to shreds.

The danger of this technique was why it's known to be taught near the end of a student's apprenticeship and why Mora planned on dedicating the entirety of the last month to teaching Taiyo how to balance the chakra.

"It looks like dinner time is soon, Taiyo! Let's end this now!" Grinning, he moved and entered a low stance, his bokken held at hip level and pointed away from Taiyo. A heat emanated from Kyoma. Yellow eyes that were wide with passion stared into wide maroon that were gleaming with shock. A heat haze settled over the area, slightly obscuring the vision of the two onlookers. Reika had covered her face with her sleeves, unable to endure the heat from Kyoma.

Kyoma… Taiyo stood silent in awe of his friend. Slowly, a small smile broke through his shocked exterior. He settled into the Sixth Form. Mora's eyes widened as she recognized that stance from their practice spar a month ago. She grinned, resting her chin in her palm as she watched the clash about to occur.

He took a deep breath before finally responding to Kyoma,

"Well, what are you waiting for, Kyoma?" A simple invitation, but one that Kyoma joyfully accepted. With blistering speed, he burst into a direct charge at Taiyo. Within mere moments, he was already in front of Taiyo, his bokken already swinging at his neck. At the same time, while Kyoma had already swung his bokken, Taiyo had also launched his counterattack, his wooden sword a blur as they lashed against each other.

First Form, Esoteric Art: Flashfire!

Sixth Form, Esoteric Art: Eclipse Counter!

The two wooden swords met for an instant before they completely splintered and broke to pieces. The deafening crack of their practice swords reverberated throughout the grounds. The two boys took deep breaths before both of them collapsed to their knees in exhaustion, taking deep breaths. As the two sat there, Mora and Reika watched, wondering how they'd react to such a spirited match ending in a draw.

Taiyo was the first to move. He shifted up to his feet as he clutched his left shoulder. It was numb. Taiyo looked at Kyoma, who was still trying to control his breathing. His gaze then shifted to the splintered remains of their bokkens. His brow furrowed as he picked up the faint sound of crackling. Turning to its source, Taiyo was hit with surprise as he saw what caused it. There were small, dying embers on some of the splinters.

Likely caused by Kyoma, he mused. Taiyo had realized something as he replayed the events of their final clash. The force behind Kyoma's Flashfire, empowered by fire-natured chakra funneled into his lungs, had been magnitudes higher than anything he could currently produce. If those bokkens hadn't shattered—if they had withstood one more swing—he would have lost. The realization was jarring but not entirely unwelcome. It confirmed a truth Taiyo had suspected: Kyoma's grasp on Esoteric Arts exceeded his own. Taiyo looked over at Kyoma, who was still trying to regain his breathing.

"You've definitely seen better days, Kyo." Taiyo's blunt statement brought a laugh from Kyoma; however, that was short-lived as he began to cough harshly. Taiyo grew concerned as he moved down to Kyoma's level, placing his palm on his back.

"I'm fi-cough-, fine, Tai. J-just giv-cough, cough- me a second," Kyoma tried to bring his breathing under control, but it was like his lungs were rejecting any air he brought in. Taiyo looked on in concern before remembering suffering a similar event when he first began training under Mora.

"Empty your lungs, Kyoma." Taiyo's calm voice drew Kyoma's eyes. Looking straight at him, Taiyo's eyes conveyed only concern for his well-being. Trusting in his friend, he coughed out what little air he had left. His lungs burned, and unlike earlier, it was decidedly unpleasant.

"Good, now focus the chakra around your lungs and draw in as much breath as you can. As much as you can in one breath, all right?"

Following Taiyo's instructions, he carefully coated his lungs in chakra and took a deep breath. Unlike last time, his lungs didn't immediately reject the air. It did feel uncomfortable, but the more breaths he drew in, the more natural it felt. Once Kyoma got his breathing under control again, Taiyo smiled and stepped back from Kyoma. His friend stood slowly before tossing a smile his way.

"Thank you, Tai. I owe you a debt for that. Although, I am wondering what that technique was?" Kyoma threw an inquisitive glance at Taiyo's way. His mouth opened, but it wasn't his voice that answered.

"Recovery Breathing." The two boys looked back towards the voice and found the Akagai's Mandate staring back with an amused grin on her face, with Reika following closely behind. Both boys immediately, although with strained movement, stood and bowed to her. She waved her hand, putting them at ease.

"There are moments in combat," she continued, "where we push well beyond the threshold of stress our lungs can take. Doing so can interrupt our Focused Breathing and cause our respiratory system to drop back to our regular oxygen intake. However, due to the fact our muscles are still in their excited state, they're still attempting to draw in the same amount of energy from the depleted oxygen in our bloodstream. Especially when we use our chakra nature," She gave him a pointed stare as he chuckled sheepishly.

"Recovery Breathing is a technique used to restore one's respiratory system when it's overexerted and restart Focused Breathing. It used to be considered a technique exclusive to the Akagai until Kura Akagai, the Second Sun Mandate, decided to share it with the rest of the Twelve Clans. It's not too difficult to learn, and I'm actually surprised that Akira hasn't taught it to you, Kyoma." She arched a brow at him, the question clear in her black eyes. Kyoma moved to defend his sister immediately.

"My older sister is a great teacher, Lady Mora. However, her duties as the Flame Mandate also have her incredibly busy. Especially in recent times," Kyoma stated these words with the utmost confidence.

Mora nodded in understanding. "True, the duties of a Mandate can be overwhelming. But never forget, training and learning should not be compromised for any reason." Her firm voice carried an undertone of warmth that put Kyoma at ease.

Kyoma let out a chuckle, responding with a lighthearted salute, "Yes, Ma'am, I'll certainly remember that! And Taiyo," he turned to face his friend, his eyes shining with something akin to admiration. "Thanks again."

Taiyo looked at him and nodded his head with a small smile on his face. Reika looked between the two for a moment. She walked up to Taiyo before pausing in front of him. He looked down and tilted his head to the side in confusion, but still, he gave her a warm smile. Encouraged by her brother's smiling face, she grasped him in a gentle embrace.

"You were amazing, Taiyo!"

Taiyo chuckled softly, placing a hand on her head and ruffling her hair affectionately. "I wasn't the only one, Reika. Kyoma did brilliantly too."

Reika straightened up and blushed at Taiyo's words before glancing at Kyoma. "Yeah…you were amazing too, Kyoma." She mumbled her compliment, shyly looking down.

Smiling brilliantly, he chuckled as he ruffled Reika's hair as well. "Thank you, Reika! Your praise always warms my heart."

Reika's face went even more red as she buried it in Taiyo's chest. A resounding clap drew their attention back to Mora.

"Alright, you two," she began. "You've fought hard and well. Now it's time for rest and food! Fortunately, Lady Ayane is preparing a hearty meal for us!"

Kyoma cheered, all his fatigue forgotten. "The mere thought of Lady Ayane's cooking makes me feel like I've already recovered half my stamina!" His jovial laughter echoed around the training grounds.

The group of three began to move towards the Akagai Manor when Mora put her hand on Taiyo's shoulder.

"Hold on, Taiyo, I need to speak to you about something." Taiyo paused and turned, curiosity flickering in his maroon eyes. He watched as Reika and Kyoma continued on without him, the latter waving a cheerful goodbye over his shoulder. Once they were out of earshot, Mora released a slow exhale, her usually carefree expression replaced by one of solemnity.

"What's wrong, Mora?" he asked, concern in his eyes.

She darted her sharp eyes at him, "I feel the need to warn you. Over the next four months, your training is going to be heavily intensified for Evaluation. This also means, in order to compensate for the increased training, you will start to join me on my duties over the Land of Iron."

Taiyo felt his eyes widen. While it wasn't rare for a pupil of a Mandate to join them on their journeys, this usually only happened after the pupil finished Evaluation and continued their apprenticeship.

"May I ask why there was a sudden change in our schedule?" Taiyo couldn't help but be curious. This was also one of the few times when Mora seemed more stressed than anything. He didn't really like that.

Mora pursed her lips before answering, " I promised your mother that I would make certain you were ready for Evaluation and after." She muttered the last few words to herself, but…

"What do you mean after?" She looked back at Taiyo, startled, before mentally chastising herself. Of course he heard that. She sighed before continuing.

"Well, I planned on telling you tonight anyway. You are aware that your father went to a meeting with the Shogun a month ago?"

He nodded; of course, he remembered. Father refused to answer any questions regarding the meeting's contents, simply stating, "You'll know when you need to."

"Well, as it turns out, it was actually a discussion regarding Konoha." Taiyo's brow lifted. Konoha? The Land of Iron had entered isolation for the last few centuries. The last time they broke from their isolation was thirty years ago during the Third Great War. Kumo shinobi ignored the Land of Iron's neutrality and traversed the Omawa province without permission. Needless to say, the samurai of the governing clan were livid and mobilized at the word of their clan head.

"And what exactly did Konoha want?" He was beginning to have a sinking feeling, and he felt he already knew he wouldn't like the answer based on everything he'd heard.

"Taiyo," Mora sighed, her gaze sharp. "The Shogun has decided that it's time for the Land of Iron to step out of isolation. The meeting was to discuss a transfer program with Konoha."

His brows furrowed, feeling the slight pit in his stomach grow ever slightly. "I was the one selected, wasn't I?" It really wasn't that hard to guess. His father had been his usual self after the meeting. Still, there had been something… an underlying concern that Taiyo had picked up on. And now, with how Mora was acting and the intensified training, everything had added up.

Mora nodded as she placed her arm on Taiyo's shoulder. Gently squeezing him, she continued. "This is part of human nature, Tai. Shogun Yamada decided that the Land of Iron couldn't remain isolated forever. There are broader horizons to explore, alliances to form." She paused, letting it sink in for him. "And you're the one that the Shogun selected."

"So that's why..." Taiyo trailed off. It was not that he feared traveling or facing new challenges, but leaving his family and his friends... it felt like a punch to the gut. And there was something else, a sense of unease he couldn't exactly place. He knew nothing about Konoha beyond school lessons and old stories. He could hear his heartbeat quicken. His stomach churned slightly. He'd have to leave home.

Mora nodded softly, her hand tightening on his shoulder. "You are a phenomenal student and a young man with an open mind and a gentle heart. You've been selected to represent us in Konoha."

"How long will I be expected to stay there?" It was really the only question he had. He already knew he had at least four months to finish his training with Mora and undergo Evaluation, adding that it takes around a month to journey down to Konoha at standard pacing, which increased it to five months. Mora opened her mouth to answer, but it wasn't her voice that spoke.

"Five years." The two turned in surprise to the new voice. Mora immediately knelt while Taiyo bowed upon recognizing the figure.

"Father/Lord Akagai."

Lord Akagai stood before them, his sharp face hardened by the trials of leading the clan. His hair was a shade lighter than Taiyo's, while his eyes were sharper and reflected a well of authority. His father was the only person that could avoid his keen hearing without trying. He didn't know how, but it's always been that way.

"Father..." Taiyo murmured, straightening himself after his greeting. "Is it true then?"

Lord Akagai nodded solemnly. "Yes, Taiyo. It is true. You will be spending five years in Konoha as part of a transfer program."

Taiyo couldn't speak for a moment, too much information was dropped on him so suddenly. He closed his eyes while he took a deep breath and focused on listening to his heart. Taking a few moments, he thought about his situation. He had been prepared for rigorous training and duties within the Land of Iron and his clan but...five years? In Konoha? Away from everyone and everything he knew?

Rin sighed softly as he watched his son internalize his future. "I know we dropped this so suddenly, Taiyo," he started, "But you must understand that Shogun Yamada did not make this decision lightly."

Taiyo felt a weight settle on him as his eyes darted between Mora and his father. "And… if I were to refuse?" Taiyo heard as his father's breath stilled.

His father's gaze softened slightly, but the steel underneath was unyielding. "That...is not an option," he said gently yet firmly.

There was a momentary silence as they waited for his response. Taiyo let out a small breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. His brow furrowed in a rare display of frustration, eyes downcast. This was an order in the guise of an opportunity, and he knew it. He was aware of the weight his words carried as the son of Lord Akagai and the role he would inevitably have to play for his clan.

The weight of that responsibility had been manageable thus far, with Mora and his family to support him. However, he wouldn't have that support in Konoha. Refusing wasn't an option, even if he wanted to. He would be bound by his duty as a representative of the Land of Iron. Five years...it felt like a lifetime to him.

"Alright," Taiyo finally said, "I understand, father. I am honored to represent our family and the Land of Iron."

The sense of relief was palpable. Mora let out a small sigh as a small smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. Lord Akagai gently squeezed Taiyo's shoulder in gratitude, a small smile on his otherwise stoic face. Taiyo nodded, appreciating their support. However, it was never lost on him the enormity of what he had agreed to undertake. The road before him was indeed full of unknown entities.

"Taiyo," Lord Akagai began an air of solemnity about him. "From now until departure day, your training with Mora will be supplemented by lessons on Konoha's customs, history, and culture to help you better assimilate into Konoha's practices. However, you are a samurai, first and foremost. Never forget who you are and where you come from," his father continued, voice imparting the gravity of his words.

"Yes, father," Taiyo replied, his chest tightening at the pride he heard in his father's voice. He lowered his gaze, not out of shame but respect. There was no room for fear now. The decision had been made, and Taiyo could not nor would not run from it. He had been training to be a samurai of the Akagai, a warrior of Iron, and now it seems he would have to be a shinobi of Konoha. He would do everything within his power to succeed in this new endeavor. Even if he still hadn't fully accepted the decision

Mora stayed silent as she watched her pupil regain himself after the grueling day. She knew how hard this must have been for Taiyo. Mora also knew that Taiyo would rise to this challenge as he had done with every other task given to him. His strength lay not in his fighting skills alone but also in his ability to adapt and persevere.

"So... what now?" Taiyo asked after a long silence, turning towards Mora

.

Mora gave him a soft smile, shaking her head slightly. "Now, Taiyo," she said with a teasing undertone, "we still have to let two certain young ladies know what's going on."

Taiyo already felt tired at even the thought of it. Much as he loved his sisters, he knew they wouldn't accept the situation as quickly as he had. As he pondered the situation, he became aware of some noises coming from nearby. He heard rapid, uneven breaths and the sound of grinding teeth. His eyes widened as he recognized the source of those noises

"Taiyo…" her shaking voice pained his heart, "You aren't really leaving, are you?"

Well, this is going to be pleasant, Mora sighed.

—

Chapter II Databook Entries

Databook Entry #1

Blooming Flame Stance

A sword stance cultivated by the Touka Clan. This Sword stance is personified by its unyielding aggression, and is rather famous for its lack of defensive techniques. All of the forms are varying degrees of aggression. However, if the swordsmen using the stance do not correctly pace themselves, then they will suffer from Burn-Out.

Burn-Out- A condition unique to the practitioners of the Blooming Flame Stance. Burn-Out is a term used to describe the state in which a samurai depletes their stamina at an accelerated rate due to the aggressive nature of the sword style. The situation can be dire if caught in this state during a prolonged battle, leaving the samurai vulnerable and potentially life-threatening. This is why it's important for practitioners to learn how to pace themselves appropriately when using the stance.

First Form: Embers Edge: The user initiates with an aggressive flurry of precise strikes. The idea is to overwhelm your opponent through sheer speed, taking the early initiative and stopping them from putting any fight in an instant. This is meant to catch enemies off guard. Speed is the key requirement of this form.

Techniques developed by Kyoma

First Form, Esoteric Art: Flash Fire

Fourth Form: Searing Onslaught: The opening posture of this form is a high guard stance. The sheer power behind this form tends to demoralize opponents and its purpose is to crush any stiff defense under an onslaught of brute strength.

Notes

-As noted by Mora, and experienced by Taiyo, blocking attacks from the Fourth Form still damages the one defending from the sheer power behind the attack.

-Taiyo had decided that the best way to mitigate the Fourth Form's advantage was to avoid stiff blocks. Instead, redirecting and evasion was the ideal solution.

—

Databook Entry #2

Esoteric Arts

First Form, Esoteric Art: Flash Fire: Kyoma darts at an enemy with tremendous speed, seeking to end the fight in a single, decisive slash. Generally meant to be a finishing blow.

Sixth Form, Esoteric Art: Eclipse Counter: Taiyo plants both his feet on the ground as he lowers his form to the ground, while he sheathed his blade, hand remaining on his hilt. The purpose of this technique is to defend against other Esoteric Arts. This form was developed from the Iaido stance that Taiyo used against Mora during their training one month ago.

Databook #3

Breath Skills

Focused Breathing- A technique of controlled breathing utilized by the samurai of the Land of Iron. It involves expanding one's lungs while simultaneously coating the lungs in chakra to maximize the amount of oxygen intake. This can accelerate blood flow and heart rate, causing the muscles to become more stimulated. At an advanced level, a user can funnel elemental natured chakra into their lungs, granting them even more strength than with regular Focused Breathing.

Recovery Breathing- In the event that a swordsmen overexerts their respiratory system, the Recovery Breathing technique is invaluable. Often taught to students during their training, it is expressed by most elite samurai that despite its simple nature, Recovery Breathing will save lives. Recovery Breathing is used to restore one's respiratory system when it passes its stress threshold and restart Focused Breathing.

—

Databook Entry #4

Current Known Mandates of the Present Era

The Sun Mandate: Mora Akagai

The Flame Mandate: Akira Touka