Ikujinashi no Samurai Ryunosuke [ IC / Started / Not Accepting ]

[.:Blu:.]

Hearing Shizuka's response to him having Masaru's legendary shirasaya and being his apprentice only made Ryunosuke felt more discouraged. "Jeez, you don't have to put it that way. Just because I didn't fought these guys..." Ryunosuke replied. Suddenly, the young man from before awoke and began talking about the situation. "(I don't even think he fell asleep... Did he?)" Ryunosuke thought as he stood there and listen to what the young man had to say. The young man's statement felt much more positive than what Shizuka said which helped Ryunosuke regain some confidence. "Well thank you for believing in me. You sure are a nice guy." Ryunosuke smiled. However, the young man then mentioned that Ryunosuke is probably pretending to not be cowardly in order to not accidentally kill the samurais and bandits, but once the young man rook another look at Ryunosuke, he recanted his earlier statement, causing Ryunosuke to comically fall to the ground.

"Yeah thanks a lot... You sure are a nice guy..." Ryunosuke sarcastically commented with a bit of comical dread in his statement. Getting back up to his feet, Ryunosuke looked to Shizuka. "I am in fact the Apprentice of Masaru Yamamoto, and my mission is to recollect the scrolls that Masaru has once given to the other nine Myozamurai clans. I arrived in this town hearing that there was suppose to be a Myozamurai clan nearby and now I've found the Apprentice of a Myozamurai clan. Ms. Shizuka, please take me to your clan!" Ryunosuke stated. "This is my duty as the Apprentice of the Yamamoto clan and as future Head of that clan and so I have to learn all of the Sword Arts created by my sensei through the ten scrolls. I'm sure an honorable clan such as yourself will understand that I need to follow through on my duties as a samurai or die trying!" Ryunosuke proclaimed, the background suddenly changing to a waving flag with the picture of the Yamamoto dragon on it in order to fit the motivational atmosphere that Ryunosuke was trying to create.

"Umm, though I rather not die..." Ryunosuke suddenly added, destroying the motivational atmosphere. "Also," Ryunosuke began as he turned to the young man. "This brave samurai has helped me so maybe he can come with me to your clan. Since it's a Myozamurai clan, they probably have some comfy futons for you to rest ehh?" Ryunosuke said, directing that last part secretly to the young man.

-Meanwhile-

Seeing Hikaru walking away, Tamotsu wanted to call her back but she did not wanted to listen to him. "(I guess I should tell her what I know... Hopefully I won't regret what I'm doing...)" Tamotsu thought to himself. "Hikaru!" Tamotsu called for her as she continued to become a small figure in the distance. "I do not have much knowledge on the yokai who caused the disappearances but I heard whenever it snatches someone away, it leaves behind pink-tipped petals so it may be a yokai associated with a plant! The disappearances are also said to occur between midnight to early dawn! Be careful in your pursuit of that yokai!" Tamotsu yelled out to her. After which, he simply stood there for a few moments more, looking at Hikaru. "I do not seem to understand this world anymore. I only wish the flowers and crops that grow in this town will once again bloom. I just wish this town can go back to the way it was..." Tamotsu said to himself.

After awhile, Tamotsu left towards his house. Soon, the humble farmer arrived at his home composed almost entirely of straw and wood. His house resides of a small raised field overlooking a large expanse of cultivated land but alas, there were no crops to show for. The land is an empty paper awaiting the ink from the brush of the artist. As the days go by, the fertile, cultivated land diminishes in quality and may soon become useless to the humble farmer. Giving a sigh, Tamotsu headed into his fields to walk around and clear his mind. As he walked, he suddenly noticed something on the cultivated soil of his field. Walking over and crouching down to take a better look, he noticed several surprisingly objects, pink-tipped petals. Suddenly, Tamotsu's eyes widened. A large root then shot out from the earth and wrapped itself around Tamotsu's arm, dragging him towards the soil. "Ahhh! Let go of me!" Tamotsu yelled.

Another root then launched up from behind Tamotsu and wrapped itself around his feet. More and more roots appeared, wrapping around Tamotsu's body. "Ahhh! Let go of me! Arrgh!" Tamotsu struggled as best as he could to escape but the roots prove to be more powerful than he is.

-Meanwhile-

Still continuing with his charge, Seiichi knew that Tetsuo would dodge his Sword Art with relative ease. "(And once you dodge, the hawk will deliver its real strike.)" Seiichi thought to himself with a confident smile on his face. However, Seiichi never expected what happened next. Suddenly, Tetsuo, using his toes, pushed himself in a manner that allowed his right hand katana to intercept Seiichi's Sword Art while still allowing him to focus on Seiichi rather than dodging Seiichi's Sword Art altogether but leaving a window of opportunity for Seiichi to deliver his real strike. "(Incredible! When did Tetsuo developed this new way of dodging?!)" Seiichi thought to himself, a drop of sweat running down his face as his plan took a huge step in a different direction. "(Surely he is getting more powerful everyday. Can I- Can I really win?!)" Seiichi began doubting himself.

Watching the battle attentively, Hideki kept a calm and composed expression but was also pleasantly surprised by Tetsuo's intuitiveness in his new dodging technique. Hideki then turn to glance at the worried Seiichi who was now doubting that he would be able to win as his original plan was to finish the battle with his secret strike. Seiichi then suddenly glanced at his father and seeing the look in his father's eyes, Seiichi snapped out of his worried state. "(What is there to worry about? I am too concentrated on winning that I am betting all of my power in one strike. A foolish mistake that I will not make again. Very well, even a hawk can sometimes miss its mark but it charges on!)" Seiichi thought to himself.

"Sword Art: Piercing Beak of the Hawk King!" Seiichi called out as the tip of his left-hand katana was covered in a blue energy. Seiichi then thrust his sword forward towards Tetsuo, the aura surrounding the tip of his sword expanding and creating a hawk-like silhouette.

[Hotaru987]

Shizuka's hand flew to her forhead when Kiyoshi plucked her shouting, "Hey!" Listening to what he said made her look down in a mixture of shame and embarressment. While it was the logical thing to believe Ryunosuke was Masuru's apprentice, or at least someone close to him, she didn't want to believe it. To be truthful she was jealous of him. Her father had asked Masuru to accept her as his apprentice but he refused, which of course led to her father yelling at her because he believed Masuru said no because she wasn't a male. "Whatever.." She mumbled quietly.

Ryunosuke then asked her to take him to her clan, saying it was Masuru's last request that he collect all of the scrolls entrusted to the 9 Myozamuri clans and learn their secrets. Hearing this Shizuka looked off to he side. She may not have liked him but he was acting out the last wishes of his master. Who was she to hinder that. Shizuka turned around, "Fine...And I dont care if the other comes along...But I wouldnt keep my hopes up that my father would hand it over to you...."

She said and started leading them to her clan.

ooc: you can control the dad...I really dont want to...

[Ghoulish]

Tetsuo smirked as Seiichi seemed to be impressed by his new although simple, very effective style of dodging. The only problem was that Seiichi had also been practicing hard and had added a new addition to his sword art. Tetsuo just aout to land had another thrust headed towards him via Seiichi's left katana and Sword Art. Luckily Tetsuo had just landed on his toes allowing for his force push type of running movement, however the attack although not a direct hit still carved across tetsuo's back causing prat of his shirt to be ripped.

As tetsuo landed about 1 metre away he did a one arm hand stand and pushed himself another metre back landing on 1 knee. Tetsuo observed the damage briefly. [i]"Seiichi definatly had that planned from the start, he knew I would dodge thatt attck thereby landing me vulnerable for his second strike..."[/i]

Tetsuo stood up and faced Seiichi front on. Tetsuo's sword art's all involved the outdoor wind, without it he would struggle to much, however he still did have some aces up his sleeve, his flexibility and acrobatics. Tetsuo suddenly threw his left hand wooden katana forward but so that the point would head for the ground, the katana looked as if it was about to land a metre in front of Seiichi. Tetsuo smirked as he ran forward and just as the tip of the katana touched the ground, Tetsuo used it for leverage, holding the hilt of the wooden katana and throwing a flying type of back flip kick.

[Desu the Blue Nerd]

After Ryunosuke had sarcastically talkerd about how good of a a guy he was Kiyoshi fell back to go back to sleep. "No prob." He closed his eyes only to open one of his eyes very slightly when Ryu started telling them about his goal to obtain the scrolls containing the skills Masaru had made himself. "[i]I wonder...eh...dealing with Myozaumari might be a hassle. Especially if my identity is figured out.[/i]" Ryu had then mentioned comfy futons being at the clan's home. He opened both eyes and jumped to his feet. "I'm in." He began to follow Shizuka and Ryu.

[Tourmaline]

Hikaru continued on her way, not taking back to him as if she'd had an incredulous feeling towards what he said. She certainly did, however, hear him as shown when she'd very slightly turn her head, clearly hearing him due to her superior hearing. 

She more intently listened to his information he had to offer on the yokai. What she finally knew was the when and what parameters to the yokai. Or, rather, what the yokai is potentially associated with. It definitely seemed plausible, considering crops are plants, as well. What Hikaru had as a hypothesis was that, while the yokai would not directly appear in a distinguishable form, it would be more of a parasite living in the plants or soil, attacking at a time when it tends to be the least efficient; when there is no solar presence. She thought that she should quickly verify the entire night in a few hours with rapidity.

Several hours later during that night, she had been walking around the small town, watching over what she could see or hear with a quiet but subliminally caring appearance. She was specifically around where that familiar farmer from before claimed to live. Hikaru decided to visit him to see how his crops were doing. More specifically, she didn't care for him but for his harvesting. 

It didn't seem to be such a big place, though it was rather cozy. What instantly caught her eye, which still belonged to Hikaru's waifish and child form, was a figure off that seemed to be enveloped in vines. The hidden kitsune, who was then walking towards the house, changed her destination and coldly began on her way to the figure. As she'd been approaching him, she inhaled and exhaled heavily, preparing her lungs.

With a similarly barren, unforgiving look as the soil Tamotsu had eventually been cursed with, Hikaru looked down at him from less than a single meter to his body and the yokai. She did realize that she would have rather come sooner, but there really is no such thing as perfection. Hikaru didn't make much reaction to the plant that was practically enthralling him, deciding to, in a snakelike manner, lie around the vines and pet them, looking at Tamotsu with a slightly glad look.

"Despite this plant's alliance, it still does look fine, no? They're rather elegant, too. Especially when they attempt to kill you. They specifically leave petals behind in your honor. Unless you were lying to me. Now..." Hikaru finished, unsheathing her katana and quickly attempting to hit his head, hopefully knocking him unconscious while she slid out of the vines and in front of them, caressing them.
 

[.:Blu:.]

Hearing Shizuka's answer, Ryunosuke wanted to jump in the air out of excitement, but he didn't need to look like a fool, at least not more so than he probably appear in the eyes of Shizuka. "Thank you..." Ryunosuke calmly said. In his mind though it was much more different than a simple "thank you". "(Hell yes! I didn't think she would say yes right away, but I guess today's my lucky day! Just you watch Masaru, I'll make you proud!)" Ryunosuke thought to himself. The three then left with Shizuka leading them to her clan. After some time, the trio finally arrived at their destination, the Hitomaru Clan Manor. Seeing the massive compound and the huge gate doors guarding it, Ryunosuke's jaw fell to the ground. "I-I-I never seen such a big manor..." Ryunosuke muttered. "Masaru's manor is a small shack compared to this..." Ryunosuke added. The large gate doors is made from the finest wood, painting burgundy and proudly display the symbol of the Hitomaru clan.

As the three approached the gate doors, well at least Shizuka and the young samurai did while Ryunosuke stood in the background with his jaw still on the floor. Suddenly, Ryunosuke noticed them heading towards the door and quickly snapped out of his amazed state and ran over to the other two. Approaching the doors, Ryunosuke noticed two samurai guards standing outside at the opposite ends on the doors. The guards then suddenly noticed Shizuka. "Lady Shizuka! You're finally home. Master Hitomaru is very upset with your sudden disappearance, please go see the Master at once Lady Shizuka." one of the guard told Shizuka. "Umm, we're friends of Shizuka here on official business with Master Hitomaru." Ryunosuke stated. "I see, very well, you two can come in. After all, if you aren't friends of Lady Shizuka and both of you are stalking her, both of you would've died by now." the guard replied, causing Ryunosuke to be a bit unnerved.

"(That wasn't the 'hello' I was expecting at all...)" Ryunosuke thought. The guards then proceeded to open up the gate doors, showing the interior of the manor, and my, was it quite the beautiful manor. Sakura trees and other beautiful trees can be seen lining the interior of the manor. Elaborate and beautiful buildings made this manor comparable to the manor of the capital city where the emperor resides. Walking inside, Ryunosuke couldn't help but take in the sights. As a child, Ryunosuke lived his life within one town and so seeing this marvelous manor made Ryunosuke awed like looking at a dragon itself flying towards the heavens. Soon, Shizuka brought the two to her father's meeting room, one of the largest buildings in the entire manor.

"How dare you sneak off like that without my consent Shizuka! That is not the way a proper lady should act! How do you expect to become a good housewife if you continue to sneak away from home?!" Shizuka's father scolded her fiercely, all the while Ryunosuke and the young man sat in the background with different expressions on their faces. Ryunosuke's expression was one of fear mixed with nervousness. Soon, the storm that is Master Hitomaru's scolding subsided. "Now, you two, state your names and business!" Hitomaru bellowed. "W-Well, my name is Ryunosuke Hasegawa and this guy here is... umm... Well anyways, as for my business, you see, I am Masaru Yamamoto's Apprentice-" Hearing those last few words, Master Hitomaru's eyes widened with utter shock. "Apprentice... Impossible! Yamamoto was a very stubborn man, I tried many times to get him to accept Shizuka as his Apprentice but every single time he refused, no matter what I offered him!" Hitomaru stated.

"I really am his Apprentice though, look." Ryunosuke proclaimed before revealing to Hitomaru the legendary shirasaya who's sheathe is engraved with the dragon symbol of the Yamamoto clan, one that is impossible to replicate. "T-That is... the legendary shirasaya used by Yamamoto himself... This is the sword that is the tool of my defeat, and you are in possession of it. That means the rumors are true, Yamamoto really did have an Apprentice." Hitomaru said. "Yes, and that's why I'm here to fulfill my late sensei's request. He wants me to carry on his legacy by collecting all ten scrolls, nine of which are in the possession of the nine Myozamurai. So that means I'm here to collect the first scroll. So if you'd be kind enough to give it back to me then I'll be on my way." Ryunosuke said. "Ahh that infuriating scroll that will never open. It's practically useless to me. I have tried and tried, but no one can unlock the box pertaining that scroll." Hitomaru stated. "So that means, you'll give it back to me right?" Ryunosuke asked excitedly. "No." Hitomaru bluntly replied which caused Ryunosuke to comically hit the floor. "W-Why not?! You say it's practically useless to you right? He did say that right?!" Ryunosuke asked the young man sitting besides him.

"First you must agree to one condition before I can hand over that prize possession." Hitomaru then said. "(Oh no, don't tell me he wants me to fight him. I'll be done for in a second...)" Ryunosuke thought to himself. "W-What is this condition I must agree to?" Ryunosuke asked hesitantly. "[b]You are to marry my daughter Shizuka.[/b]" Hitomaru stated.

-Meanwhile-

"H-Help! Somebody help me please!" Tamotsu shouted but to no effect. Tamotsu's home is far off from the main town of Tabara, and what's more is that due to the yokai who kidnaps people during the dark hours of the night, it is almost a guarantee that no one would be out this late. "(Is this really it for me...?)" Tamotsu thought to himself. Suddenly, he noticed a figure standing near him. Tilting his head, Tamotsu saw a calm and composed Hikaru standing there. "(H-Hikaru...?)" Tamotsu thought, unable to speak. As the vines continued to drag him into the ground, Hikaru, unafraid of the vines, lie around the vines and pet them while giving Tamotsu a look. Tamotsu couldn't believe his eyes. "(What is this girl...? Is she too a yokai...? She's petting the plants as if it were a dog or a cat... I was foolish to trust this girl and know I will have to pay with my life...)" Tamotsu thought to himself.

After talking for just a little bit, Hikaru then drew her sword. "(I see...)" Tamotsu thought as he closed his eyes, believing that Hikaru was going to kill him. However, Hikaru simply knocked Tamotsu unconscious. With Tamotsu knocked out cold, the vines found their jobs to be much more easier, and soon, they had Tamotsu almost entirely underground. Suddenly, a large flower arose from the ground. It's large pink-tipped petals bloomed to reveal a surprising figure, a young girl around the age of eight or nine, wrapped around garments seemingly made from the petals. Her long pink-tipped white hair and her impassive red eyes gazed deeply into Hikaru's eyes. "Why are you helping me...?" the little girl asked in an impassive voice.

-Meanwhile-

Seiichi's attack completely failed its original purpose but Seiichi was still pleasantly surprised that he was able to tore a piece of fabric from the back of Tetsuo's kimono. "(As I expected... If only Tetsuo weren't so unpredictable in his movements...)" Seiichi thought before tilting his body into the position that had him facing Tetsuo. Looking Tetsuo directly in the eyes, Seiichi smiled, telling Tetsuo that he was quite surprised by that new dodging style that Tetsuo had developed. Suddenly, Tetsuo threw left-katana towards Seiichi which surprised Seiichi only for a brief second. "(Just what is Tetsuo planning now? That throw is way too low that it will just hit the ground.)" Seiichi thought to himself, unaware that Tetsuo's real intention wasn't for the thrown sword to hit Seiichi. Suddenly, the unpredictable Tetsuo launched a flying, back kick flip at Seiichi who was fixated on the sword instead of Tetsuo himself.

Quickly looking up, Seiichi placed his katana in front of his chest with his free hand pressed against the blade face not facing Tetsuo. Tetsuo's kick landed directly on the katana, forcing Seiichi quite a distance back. "(Damn, I should've never taken my eyes off of him!)" Seiichi thought as his feet slid across the straw mat. Suddenly, Seiichi's back bumped into the wall, and incidentally, that wall had a window which was then opened due to the force of Seiichi's collision with the wall.

[Ghoulish]

Tetsuo landed on his feet squated down, his katana lay on the ground in front of him. He grabbed the katana and stood in his side-on stance and on the toes of his left foot. "Wow Seiichi, I totally didn't see that last attack coming. Looks like you've been keeping techniques from me." Tetsuo smiled then bgan thinking. "Hmm, but technically I did the same thing? or did I?" Tetsuo shook his head and began focusing again. Tetsuo changed his stance to facing forward and pointed both his arms straight behind himself. Tetsuo then appeared to be slightly squatting on his left foot, his right leg was bent and off the ground.

Tetsuo appeared to be putting alot of concentrated force on his left leg. "Get ready Seiichi." Tetsuo said calmly as he then focused intensly. "I won't hold back!" Noticably the floorboards were starting to crack, then tetsuo felt a light breeze sweep the room and reverted to standing still. Tetsuo looked around the room to find the source of the wind and found an open window, tetsuo closed his eyes for a second and pointed his 2 wooden blades back.

"Sword Art! Earosurais (Aero Slice)!" Tetsuo called, suddenly the edge of the katanas glowed white, a small layer of wind circulled the katana as Tetsuo pushed them forward, the blades released a thin wave of concentrated piercing wind that aimed for Seiichi's blades rather then Seiichi himself.

[Tourmaline]

She continued looking at the vines envelope him, no longer caressing the dark vines and stepping back, watching Tamotsu seemingly accept his “fate” with little resistance, if at all. Hikaru didn’t really care for how he may have been scared. To her, his large presence of fear or regret in trusting her meant little, considering what her intentions actually were. Though, if Tamotsu really was this kind of person, who already felt regret, she would have to leave Tabara for as long as she could. Particularly to avoid attention that could be a thorn in her freedom and job. She finished watching him, then looking back up to the yokai who unveiled itself.

Hikaru found she actually looked very nice, despite her infamously negative reputation. Add to how she’d taken form of a little girl, similarly to Hikaru, and Hikaru found potential worth in the yokai. Perhaps, as the rest of the ecosystem, she was only doing this to survive. Hikaru still marveled in her appearance, stepping forward once again to caress the vines and, eventually, finish by lightly trying to caress the yokai’s hair.
“I find you look very nice, yokai. It may be irrelevant, but you truly are amazing to one’s eyes. I came to ask why you were feeding off these poor people’s crops. Are you malevolent or mischievous? I would like to refrain from redundant violence, so I’d rather we could speak before doing anything else, if you understand my intentions. I am one of Inari Okami’s kitsune, so I am sure you comprehend said intentions,” Hikaru explained, her calm, uncaring expression remaining as the yokai looked into her eyes.

Of course, this problem could easily be solved with a discussion. While Hikaru was not in favor of a conflict, she was fully willing to aid this yokai on her way to another area where she could be nurtured without hurting anything else. To prove her status as one of Inari Okami's kitsune, though, she, without a word, transformed back into her more adult form, now looking down to the yokai. She kneeled to equalize their height, continuing to look into the beautiful spirit’s eyes with an actual smile.

[Hotaru987]

Shizuka didn't say a word to the others as she led them to her clan. Though she did speed up when she saw the symbol of her clan. It was fairly simple; the blade of a sword with the drawing of sound waves around it in three rings. It was a depiction of the Man'yogana, the clan's most prized possession, currently on Shizuka's waist. The sword itself represented power, while the waves were supposed to repesent their power covering all around them. Some people saw it as their power spreading as protection, and others destruction. Shizuka didn't know how she was supposed to interpet it, but the current interpertation just didn't seem right. Over the years each Head had interperted it different, so the true meaning of the symbol - when it was first created - was unknown.

Before long the trio entered her father's meeting room, only for her to have to sit through the inevitable sclolding of sneaking off. Shizuka had to fight the urge to roll her eyes, and luckily she won that battle otherwise her scolding would have lasted longer than it did. He then turned to the wo in the back wanting to know what they wanted. Ryunosuke told her father that he was Masaru's apprentice, to which he didn't believe but after Ryunosuke showed him the sword there was no more debate. Even so he didn't hand over their prized scroll and instead gave Ryunosuke a condition. Shizuka thought he was goign to have him fight her or even the Head himself, but what he said literally left Shizuka speechless.

"..Wha....Wait....What?..." She muttered her eyes wide. Suddenly she stood up and pointed at Ryunosuke while glaring at her father, "There is no way in hell that I would ever even consider marrying let alone being friends with such a cowerdly, weak samurai!"

[.:Blu:.]

((Hotaru, does Shizuka's father have a first name?))

Hearing those words coming out from the Head's mouth, Ryunosuke's face turned pale and white and his jaw fell to the floor. "(W-W-W-WHAT???!!!)" Ryunosuke shouted in his mind but he was physically speechless for a moment there. Then, Shizuka suddenly stood up and began yelling about how she would never consider marrying, let alone being friends with a "cowardly, weak samurai" that is Ryunosuke. Suddenly, Ryunosuke snapped out of his speechless state and pointed to Shizuka while staring intently at her father as well. "And like hell I would marry such a loud and obnoxious girl like- W-Wait a minute, cowardly and weak?! Hey, I take offense to that, I'm the Apprentice of Masaru Yamamoto, you can't say I'm cowardly or weak!" Ryunosuke shouted. "Anyways, like I was saying. There's no way I'm marrying her!" Ryunosuke reinstated his position on the subject.

"So are you saying that my beloved daughter will make a horrible wife?" Hitomaru asked, a bit of anger and irritation can be heard in his voice from hearing Ryunosuke calling her loud and obnoxious. Feeling a bit of animosity radiating off of Hitomaru, Ryunosuke quickly recanted his earlier statement about Shizuka. "I-I-I-I mean it's not like being loud is a bad thing right? I mean being loud and proud is a good thing right? A-Anyways, what I'm trying to see is I don't think me and your daughter would make a good couple. We barely met each other about an hour or so ago." Ryunosuke explained. "Very well then, I was only joking anyways." Hitomaru replied. "Oh, so you were only joking ehh hehe (That's your idea of a joke?! Are you trying to destroy my future?!)" Ryunosuke said but thought another thing.

"Even if you aren't going to marry my daughter, there are always more and more samurais dying to marry such a lovely young lady. In fact, a young samurai from a pretty well-known clan is coming here today to meet with Shizuka and hopefully arrange a date for marriage. Be sure to behave on your best behavior Shizuka." Hitomaru said. "[size=2]That guy sure has bad luck...[/size]" Ryunosuke muttered. "What was that?" Hitomaru asked. "I said, will there be roast duck... you know, for the wedding hehe." Ryunosuke quickly responded, putting his hand behind his head and giving off a nervous smile. "Well the wedding date has yet to be decided. Anyways, I would like to know who this young man is. He seems to be a samurai by his attire and katana. What is your name? Surely you must be quite the accomplished warrior if you're travelling with Yamamoto's Apprentice." Hitomaru said.

Ryunosuke then gave a glare at Shizuka while also grinning. The glare seems to say, "Have fun planning your marriage."

-Meanwhile-

The yokai stared at Hikaru with impassive eyes, motionless, the yokai awaited an answer to the question she had asked Hikaru. Then, Hikaru went closer to her, first caressing the vines surrounding the yokai, and then proceeding to an attempt to caress the yokai's hair. Seeing Hikaru's hand, the yokai hesitated and moved her head away from Hikaru's hand. Next, the yokai then leaped back, getting a few feet away from Hikaru. The yokai was weary of this strange girl and by her scent, the yokai had deduced that she isn't a human. Hikaru then began asking the yokai a series of questions before revealing herself to be one of Inari Okami's kitsune to which the yokai's eyes widened from surprise. "(Can this yokai really be...)" Her train of thought seemed to stop as her widened eyes narrowed back to normal.

For a moment there, the yokai simply stood there, not saying anything but continuing to look at Hikaru. The next thing that happened surprised the yokai greatly. Hikaru had reverted back to her adult form. "(Transforming into another human shape... Could this yokai really be...)" Once again, the yokai's train of thought stopped, this time due to Hikaru kneeling down to equalize her height with the smaller yokai's height and then giving the small yokai a genuine smile. "Very well... I shall answer your questions..." the yokai finally said. "First, allow me to introduce myself. Though I do not know my real name, those who have cared for me have given me the name 'Hanako'. As for your questions, I do not know if I am malevolent or mischievous but I do know my reason for taking these people hostage." Hanako stated.

"It is because they have lost my trust..." Hanako answered bluntly.

-Meanwhile-

After recovering from his bump to the wall, Seiichi once again took his battle stance. After hearing Tetsuo telling Seiichi to get ready as he isn't going to hold back, Seiichi smiled. "Thank you Tetsuo..." Seiichi muttered, not loud enough for anyone to hear except for Seiichi himself. Hideki then closed his eyes, sensing that the battle is nearing its end. "(I see...)" Hideki thought to himself, the cool breeze gently blowing his hair tied in a ponytail. Then, Tetsuo unleashed his Sword Art called "Sword Art: Aero Slice". With that technique, the edge of Tetsuo's katana glowed white with a small layer of wind encircling his blade. Tetsuo then unleashed a thin wave of concentrated wind towards Seiichi. Seiichi closed his eyes and as the wave impacted, it quickly sliced Seiichi's wooden katanas in half and also knocking Seiichi onto his butt.

"Oof!" Seiichi uttered as he fell down. "You can be more gentler next time you know?" Seiichi joked. A smile then form of Seiichi's face as he stood up and looked proudly at his cousin. "You did an incredible job Tetsuo. I humbly accept defeat." Seiichi said before bowing respectfully. Suddenly, clapping can be heard. The clapping came from Hideki who had a joyous expression his face. "Well done, both of you. I see that both of you improve quite a lot. Not saying that both of you don't need to improve more but I am proud at how far both of you have grown as warriors." Hideki stated. "Now..." Hideki's voice suddenly shifted to become a bit more serious. Hideki then rose to his feet and looked at Tetsuo. "You shall be facing me." Hideki stated.

[Tourmaline]

Her jumping back to avoid Hikaru's act of kindness really didn't alter how she felt in any way. She still felt nothing towards the yokai, though smiled as a manner of giving the yokai a sense of security. After all, Hikaru's job was to ward off any negative spirits, not exorcise or kill anything. Warding off meant pushing away, in a sense. Even then, this yokai in specific didn't make any violent actions, giving off an actually neutral demeanor towards the town. 

Hikaru's look went from a smile to further apathy after the yokai showed shock at Hikaru's position as one of Inari Okami's kitsune. It didn't surprise her that this pretty yokai felt such a way; a celestial entity of any form, especially one associated with a god, was probably a very rare sight in a world of mortality paired with the intensity of traditional and religious presence. Continuing to kneel despite the yokai's current position, Hikaru lightly run her right hand through her silver hair, practically shimmering in response to the moonlight. This was prior to the yokai's introducing herself as Hanako, which Hikaru also thought was a very pretty name. What really touched her most, if at all, was how this was being done because of Hanako's loss of trust in these people. They seemed diligent and honest, so she thought there should have been a misunderstanding.

"I understand. I find you have a very nice name, as well. Additionally, I would be glad if you could tell me what has been done by the farmers and people here to lose your trust. If anything, I want to help you rekindle or improve your current relationship to instill harmony among you, the people and the crops. Would you be willing to cooperate, Hanako?" Hikaru asked, standing up again and asking with a static, sincere expression in her voice and face. 

Another step closer to Hanako was taken, Hikaru being sure to sheath her katana and leave her hands open to allow Hanako to acknowledge that Hikaru had no weaponry nor intention to hurt her unless it was necessary. Even then, it was with a modest elegance that she kept herself in, especially her expression. It let her appear to be somebody who would rather put in submission than in termination.

[Hotaru987]

Ooc: Sanzo Hitomaru

Hearing that her father was simply joking Shizuka blushed and exclaimed, "Don't joke about things like that! Are you trying to ruin my future?!" She said only to be further embarressed as her father contiunued to talk about her and marrage. To make matters worse some idiot was on his way here to hopefully - as her father puts it - set a date for their marrage. If someone up there could hear me, please strike me down with lightening. Anything would be better than marrage. Luckily Sanzo turned his attentions to the other samurai who had yet to say anything, causing Shizuka to sigh in relief. She noticed Ryunosuke's look, and returned his mocking glare with a glare of her own.

However, hers simply said, 'Die'

Shizuka then turned to the other samurai waiting to hear his name like her father was.

[Ghoulish]

Tetsuo's intention worked, he didn't want to hit Seiichi but rather hs katana leaving him defenceless. Tetsuo smiled and bowed forward. "Great work Seiichi, thankyou!" [i]"Seiichi...Together we will be the Heads of this clan, we'll lead it to the future.." [/i]Tetsuo thought to himself as he then stood straight up hearing the applaude of the Head of the clan Hideki. tetsuo had completly forgotten that he was to now face the head of the clan, he had only dreamed of this fight for years now, however he was a little nervous lukily his excitment would overwhelm it.

"Uncle Hideki, I'll do my best." Tetsuo then stepped back a bit and stood in a prepared stance.

[Desu the Blue Nerd]

Kiyoshi opened his eyes as everybody began staring at him. Before the conversation had completely changed the subject to what their names were to Ryu being the apprentice of Masaru and all the marriage stuff. He looked at them for a little bit with drowsy eyes. "[i]Why are they looking at me? Oh yeah. He asked what me and...uhhh...Ryunosuke's name was. Before I answered I fell asleep...I must have been asleep for only a few seconds then.[/i]" He quickly wiped some drool of the drool off of his face with his sleeve. "My name is Kiyoshi Iriye. I was told that there'd be comfortable futons to sleep on so I came along with them."

[.:Blu:.]

Seeing the return glare from Shizuka unnerved Ryunosuke once again. "(Jeez, I felt chill coming down my spine just now when she gave me that glare.)" Ryunosuke thought. As the three turned to the young man to await his name, they discovered the young man to have been asleep the whole time. "(WHAT?! How the heck did he fall asleep that fast? This guy seriously got some skills!)" Ryunosuke thought to himself. The young, after looking at them for a moment with his drowsy eyes, quickly wiped the drool from his face and proceeded to tell them that his name is Kiyoshi Iriye. "Kiyoshi of the Iriye clan is it? Pleasure to meet you though you should learn some proper etiquette and not wiped your drool with your kimono's sleeve." Sanzo told Kiyoshi. "Kiyoshi huh? Nice name, though I've never heard of the Iriye clan before and I'm quite knowledgeable about samurai clans." Ryunosuke said.

"In any case-" Sanzo was suddenly interrupted as a samurai of the Hitomaru clan arrived into the room. "Master Hitomaru, Daisuke Shimoto of the Shimoto clan has arrived and he bears gifts with him." the samurai reported to Sanzo. "(The Shimoto clan? They're a pretty well-known clan that are said to be able to manipulate ice with their Sword Arts. They also are a branch family to one of the Myozamurai clans. Wow, I've never actually met a member of the Shimoto clan in person before.)" Ryunosuke thought to himself, becoming quite excited at the chance of being able to meet someone from the Shimoto clan. Hearing the news, Sanzo's eyes suddenly lit up. "They're here? Wonderful. Bring them in right away!" Sanzo told the samurai. "Yes Master Hitomaru." the samurai replied before running off.

"Excellent news Shizuka, your future husband awaits. However, first I will need you to escort our two guests to the guest quarters and then return here. You know the rooms, they're just a few buildings down from this building." Sanzo told Shizuka. "Also, you better not think of running away. I trust that Master Ryunosuke and Master Kiyoshi will be expecting proper etiquette from the daughter of the Head Samurai of the great Hitomaru clan." Sanzo added. "Yeah, right, proper etiquette hehe." Ryunosuke replied with a nervous smile. "(Master Hitomaru doesn't know much about his daughter does he? And it's kind strange being called Master Ryunosuke, but I kinda like it hehe.)" Ryunosuke thought to himself. "I was actually hoping to meet the samurais of the Shimoto clan. I heard that they're pretty powerful." Ryunosuke said.

"I'm afraid you'll have to meet them at a later time. For now, please rest yourselves. The guest rooms have some of the comfiest futons you will ever sleep in in this life. You should take this opportunity." Sanzo replied. "Really? Hmm, well I can always meet them later, and I am kinda tired. Alright, then we can discuss about the scroll later right?" Ryunosuke asked. "Of course, I give you my word as Head Samurai of the Hitomaru clan." Sanzo replied. "Well now Shizuka, make haste." Sanzo told his daughter.

-Meanwhile-

Hanako still was weary of Hikaru, but her weariness soon gradually lessened as Hikaru sheathed her katana and showed that she can be trusted. The fact that Hikaru is a yokai also helped Hanako to be more trustworthy of her. "I have a nice name...?" Hanako asked with her impassive tone of voice. "That is what humans used to say to me..." Hanako added. "I once was a simple yokai appearing as a single flower upon a tree covered by leaves. I sought to live out a peaceful existence. One day, a young boy saw me upon my tree and told me that I was beautiful, and since then, everyday that boy would come and talk to me. I felt... happy..." Hanako said before pausing. Hanako's expression then changed to become rather sad. "One day, I awaited the boy's arrival for hours, and when he finally came, he had brought a group of people with him."

"They were also about the boy's age. The boy had then left and the group of people tore me from my home and left me bruised and damaged on the ground. The boy led them there so they could humiliate me and hurt me in such a manner, and for that I have lost trust in humans. Now I'll show these horrible humans what it is like to be plucked from your home. If only I can find that boy and show him my pain..." Hanako explained. Hanako then looked up at Hikaru. "You can't help me, I've lost trust of humans, and you shouldn't trust them either. They call us yokai evil but they are the evil ones and so they must be punished." Hanako proclaimed.

-Meanwhile-

"I know you will Tetsuo." Hideki replied to Tetsuo saying that he will do his best. "You've already begun to transcend passed the level of Apprentice Samurai in terms of your fighting skills. However, you've still have a long way to go in personal growth before you are ready to take my place Tetsuo, but there will be time for personal growth in the future. For now, I want to see how you'll fare against me." Hideki stated. "Come, we shall go to the open training area where you can utilize the wind to your full potential, and the large space with many pillars and platforms will also allow you to remind me again of your title as 'Saru no Ou'." Hideki said. "Seiichi, you come along too." Hideki added before going outside. "Yes Father." Seiichi responded. Before Tetsuo left, Seiichi placed his hand onto Tetsuo's shoulder and smiled. "Now comes the real test Tetsuo." Seiichi proclaimed.

After awhile of walking, the three arrived at an incredibly large and spacious outside training area. The area stood upon a high hill overlooking a beautiful valley down below. The surroundings were painted with beautiful mountain scenery lined with trees and boulders. At the training area itself, high pillars and platforms stood tall, made for utilizing mobility at its top form. Seiichi took a seat upon a boulder carved into a cube-like shape for more comfortable sitting. Hideki took two wooden swords from a straw basket nearby and turned to face Tetsuo. "How does this environment suit you Tetsuo?" Hideki asked.

[Hotaru987]

Hearing that the guy fell asleep Shizuka only glared. How on earth did that guy every become a samurai! However, that wasn't the worst part. Everything went downhill the second a messenger samurai came into the room to report that Daisuke Shimoto was here. The second Shizuka heard that she was already mapping out her possible escape routes in her head. Sadly her father seemed to know her better than she gave him credit for, because he commented that she shouldn't attempt to sneak out again. "Hehe, of course not father. What makes you think that?" She replied with a nervous chuckle.

[i]'Crap...Don't tell me I'll actually be stuck talking to that Shimoto guy!!'[/i]

To ad insult to injury her father bestowed upon her the task of showing the two males to their temporary rooms. She sighed and gave a short bow. "Yes, sir. Let's go you two." She said, standing then leading the two towards the door. She was completely ignoring the two behind her and instead was trying to think of a way of getting out without being caught. After walking for about 3 minutes she suddenly said, "Oh yeah, I'm supposed to be taking you two losers to the rooms. They're over here." She said turning down the left walkway.

"Let's get this straight now, I don't like like neither of you, the coward more so than the lazy one. In fact I would go so far as to say I dispise you, but my father wants me to be on my best behavior. So as long as you're here just stay out of my way."

[Desu the Blue Nerd]

After Sanzo had told Kiyshi to work on his etiquette he bowed down. "I apologize. It's been a long journey and I haven't gotten much sleep. So please excuse my lack of sleep. To the drool thing it was embarrassing to have drool on my face any longer so I wiped it off with the only thing I had to." He hadn't really cared to much but he didn't want to get on the guy's bad side.

He sat back up to hear Ryunosuke comment on his last name and that he's never heard of the clan he claimed to be in. "Our clan lives high up in the mountains a long way from here. My clan is rather seclusive so it's only natural to not have heard of us. Since I'm the next head samurai in line I have to travel all around Japan as a rite of passage." That of course wasn't a lie he made up on the spot. He's been using it for a while and he found it to be quite effective.

A messenger then walked in and alerted everybody of a man from another of the Myozamurai clans was coming. [i]"I wonder if my location is known...ether way this might be a bit of a hassle..."[/i] He was a bit relieved to hear that the man coming was just a candidate to be Shizuka's future husband. Then Sanzo had told them about the futons and that Shizuka would show them to their rooms. Kiyoshi jumped up onto his feet and did a quick bow. "Thank you sir. I hope to find a way to pay you back someday." He soon followed Shizuka out of there and for the three minute walk until she remembered and just took them to their rooms. She then gave a little speech that only insulted them but Kiyoshi had a light smile through all of it. "As long as my nap isn't interrupted that dream will be made a reality." He opened a door to a nearby guest room and began to walk in.

[Ghoulish]

Hideki's words to Tetsuo were taken in as if they were spoken by an iconic figure for Tetsuo. So many emotions were running through tetsuo, excitement, to battle the Head Samurai his master, nerves, he had only seen hideki fight a few times and was overwhelmed by his strength, and a little disheartened that Seiichi merely had to watch, however 1v1 was the only way to test to see if Tetsuo had improved enough to stand toe-to-toe with a Head Samurai.

Tetsuo was proude to be names Saro no Ou, he believed that being known is the one of the few ways to prove your existance and he liked being remembered. Tetsuo nodded to Seiichi. "Seiichi, do you think I stand a chance?" Tetsuo was normally to confident, however whenever in the presence of Hideki he would do a complete 180 and he would trust Seiichi's response over any other. As soon as the 3 walked onto the area, tetsuo took a deep breath, the wind around him was of a cool temperature he loved climb and hang and so the pillars were a welcome to his eyes.

"Uncle Hideki" Tetsuo began as he twirled his wooden katana. he then looked focused and stood in a ready stance. "I can breathe now." tetsuo was 100% concentrated, he wanted to prove his worth to the Kazetaka clan, this would be the Monkey vs something superior to a Hawk.

[Tourmaline]

Hikaru nodded to Hanako’s asking if she really did have a nice name. Because of other factors, Hikaru has little care in whether or not one was honest, morally or ethically well. Those same factors cause a lack of deviance or sinister intention unless it would be required of her, which it currently wasn’t. As Hanako explained her history, Hikaru attempted to imagine and construct what her life must have been like; a feeble yet beautiful flower who would receive attention from a sole other person. That same attention had also caused her happiness, considering how she’d been covered by leaves and ignored by the large amount of oblivious bystanders there probably were. She revert to a stone-like expression, already intending to stop Hanako with force if it was necessary.

“They call us evil because they can be ignorant. That boy was clearly ignorant and inconsiderate of your existence and sentience. While humans may not be fully reliable or benevolent, fine proportions have done nothing to render death a reasonable punishment, in your case. Revenge is a worthless ulterior motive because it only doubles the overall pain faced. While that boy and his group may have been a portion of that ignorance, you should not lower yourself to that same level. Perhaps you should allow yourself to dispatch your negative memories and live in freedom among other plant and natural life besides humans. Were I not bound by Inari Okami, I would not be obliged to stop you if you attempt to harm anybody else. Or you can stay with me. I’m fully willing to take care of you.” Hikaru glanced to the distance for an instant, indoctrinating her own words and intentions with genuine sincerity.

For Hikaru, the best possible scenario would be Hanako’s moving on and living as a harmless entity to all but what she was required to consume for sustenance. Hikaru would also be completely glad and willing to take her in as a younger sibling or child of sorts, but also completely willing to destroy her if needs be. Either way, it didn’t matter besides efficiency.