One Sword School

Natsume observed Daichi for a while. Her skill in genjutsu was not good enough to completely trap mid-rank warriors. So, pulling Daichi into a genjutsu was the final test. If she wanted, she could take his life at any moment. Natsume focused on the genjutsu and guided her chakra with sharingan. She needed to gather some intelligence first. "Daichi, what do you think will happen once we arrive at the mountain?"

"Since a traitor was discovered, this team would be put under investigation."

"Doesn't that mean everyone will be in danger?" Natsume frowned.

"In the past, a leader usually reports the traitor as dying during the mission as a samurai. But Yori is too honest and won't hide the truth. If the Shogun is in a foul mood, he may punish everyone on the team."

"What a fickle Shogun…"

"There has been some dissatisfaction with the Shogun. Rumors say that the three dojos are planning to replace him."

Natsume sifted through her memories about the Land of Iron in the future and confirmed that there was no figure such as the Shogun. Instead, the Land of Iron was run by a council of elders. Perhaps the turning point in their history was around this time. Regardless, this was an opportunity.

"Which skills have you mastered?"

"Only the Shinto-ryu. It has some overlap with shurikenjutsu taught in the Fuma clan."

"Okay. Your mission will be to instigate the rebellion." Natsume gave him a difficult task and dispersed her chakra. Once Daichi woke up from the Genjutsu, he continued their idle chit-chat before returning to his tent. Natsume started to consider her options. If the revolt was successful, then she could stay longer. However, if they failed, she already had a plan in mind.

The next morning, everyone was packed up and ready to go. They would arrive at the mountain gate that day. Yori unexpectedly approached Natsume before they set off. She applied a noticeably nervous expression, "Suzume-chan, the situation is complicated. I'm afraid that the situation is too dangerous. Since I accepted you, I feel responsible for the circumstances. You should go back."

"Sensei, I won't leave. I trust you." Natsume looked up at his eyes. Internally, she was celebrating. Natsume wouldn't pass up the opportunity to easily win him over. Seeing her expression made Yori think of her as a child trying to be an adult. He sighed and unconsciously patted her head.

"Alright! Since you are willing, why wouldn't I be? My grandmaster is the head of the Itto-ryu dojo. I will ask him to shelter you through this coming storm!"

"Yes, Sensei!" Natsume was thankful. However, she was also surprised. From his words, Yori obviously understood what would happen. She suddenly started to get paranoid. 'Is he pretending to be simple and honest?'

The snow was heavily falling this morning as well. Although it was already spring, the conditions in the mountains were the same nearly all year. Natsume wondered what the weather in the summer would be like. Thinking about the summer made her think of home. She missed her last birthday, and her next birthday was coming up soon. Kono was probably having a hard time raising little Madara and feeding him 'Uchiha are the best' propaganda. Natsume smirked at the thought. Then a bittersweet feeling enveloped her.

Midst her thoughts, she sensed several powerful figures ahead of them. Looking forward through the thick snow, she could vaguely make out the silhouette of a mountain entrance. Two heavily armed guards eventually became clear to the party. Many samurai heaved a sigh of relief to be home. Others were not so excited because they knew what would come next. Seeing the group approach, the samurai at the gate blocked them.

The samurai bowed while Yori passed the guards a token. After inspecting it, the guards stepped aside and let everyone proceed. Natsume stuck closely to the center and followed the group up. So far, she hadn't seen anything resembling a samurai training ground. However, that abruptly changed once they reached the top of the winding stairs. A large flat area halfway up the mountain housed several buildings. "We have returned. Everyone, disperse for now. I will report to the Shogun."

The samurai nodded and went their separate ways. Yori led Natsume to one of the bigger buildings. The large plaque above the entrance had a single character on it: 'Sword.' "This is the Itto-ryu dojo. The techniques I taught you are the elementary moves of the One Sword technique." Yori explained as they entered the courtyard. There were many apprentice samurai training on wooden or stone dummies practicing the same moves she did on the beach.

"This is the message left behind by the founder of the Itto-ryu dojo. 'In one cut, know ten thousand cuts.'" Yori looked at the message with pride. Natsume read it and appreciated the thoughts of the founder. The door suddenly slid open.

"Yori, you have returned."

"Greetings, Sensei!" Yori cupped his fist and bowed. "Suzume, greet your Grandmaster."

Natsume nodded and repeated his actions, "Greetings, Grandmaster."

"Good potential!" He nodded his head as he inspected Natsume. She had nearly forgotten that she was still wearing the training armor. Her movements were silent and graceful after trekking through snow for so long. Hearing the praise, Yori couldn't help but be proud.

"Sensei, this is the apprentice I took in. There was an incident on this mission… I hope Grandmaster could shelter her." Natsume didn't understand the subtle undertones in his words, but her Grandmaster had a change of expression. He looked at Natsume once more, but then turned back to Yori with a puzzled expression.

"You've decided?"

"Yes, Sensei."

"Haha, good! Hikari-chan, you've been listening so long, come out now." A young girl around the same age as Natsume stepped out from behind the support column. Natsume blinked her eyes in surprise, as if an illusory radiance was emanating from the girls body. Her skin was pale, with bright blond hair and red eyes. At first, Natsume mistakenly thought she had Sharingan, but realized that it was her natural eye color.

"Hello, Father. Hello, Yori-san." The girl's pretty voice matched her appearance very well. The image of a fluffy white bunny was overlapping with Hikari and it gave Natsume the urge to squish her cheeks.

"Greet Yori's new apprentice, Suzume." The old man encouraged her. The girl squinted her eyes and looked over at Natsume. Hikari had to step forward to see her face clearly. After getting a good look, she smiled brightly.

"Hello, Big sister."