Chapter 10

Hanabi was there, on that bed, unconscious. Though her mind is fully aware of what has happened. She could still vividly remember how her mother was killed, how her throat was plunged with a kunai, how she spitted blood.

Hanabi could vividly remember how Hanzo looked like, his auburn hair that seems to be on fire that night, his golden mask that covers his mouth, his sword that seems to have a mouth of its own, his dark aura that surrounds him.

She felt regretful for not using the Higanbana that time to kill Hanzo. How stupid had she become?

"When do you think will she wake up?" Kagura asked while looking down at the sleeping Hanabi.

"Who knows?" Hayabusa simoly replied.

"I wonder what she'll become upon knowing that her whole clan is slaughtered," Kagura said, feeling sympathetic.

Hayabusa stared at Hanabi as well, thinking of her reaction as well.

"We have to keep her here for her own safety. The Kira organization is looking for the Higanbana and for sure, they're looking for her," Chief Haruno said as he enters the room.

He felt pity towards the young ninja. At a young age, she lost her father and now, she lost all her family.

"Hayabusa, I am assigning you and Kagura to keep your eyes on her. Do not let her leave the main house," the chief added.

"Yes, chief," the two replied.

After some time, what the chief announced shocked the two.

"Hayabusa," he stated. "You shall be wed to Hanabi as soon as possible."

Kagura's heart skipped a beat upon hearing those words. She looked ay the man she loves with sadness in her eyes, pleading him to not leave her.

"Why so sudden, chief?" Hayabusa asked.

"We could only gain protection from Amaterasu if we fully pledge that the Scarlet and Shadow sects have become one. She shall give us her blessing and help us fend off our enemies. I am sure that the Kira's next target is our village," the chief replied.

"But why?" Kagura asked. "We have nothing to do with the Higanbana."

"The Higanbana is one reason," the chief responded. "The other one is the scrolls of the secret shadow techniques that only our faction know."

The two looked confused with what the chief had said so he explained further, "The Shadow faction and Scarlet faction are once one. Our ancestors were known as the strongest existing faction. Due to the difference in fighting style, the two factions were divided in two. This also helped to secure the safety of both factions. There have been lots of threats from different organizations to steal the Seimei umbrella, scroll of the Quad Shadow technique, Higanbana and the Ame no Habakiri. Our faction has been stable in securing the village and keeping the god-given gifts. But ever since the death of Hanabi's father, their faction has gone weak, thus, the Kira chose to attack them first. The division of the once called Scarlet Shadow faction has made Amaterasu mad that she swore she'll never grant us her blessing and protection until we become one once again."

Kagura was speechless. She wanted to be selfish, she wanted Hayabusa for herself but how is that even possible if the whole village is at risk?

The only thing she could was keep her eyes from crying and let out sobs. Hayabusa could not bear to see her like that. He does not want her to be like that. Thus, he decided to reveal what they both had hidden for a long time.

"Chief, I cannot marry Hanabi," he said. Kagura looked at him as if asking what he is planning.

"And why is that?" chief Haruno asked.

"I already have someone else," Hayabusa replied which made the chief look at him with curiosity. "Kagura and I are together."

The chief looked at the two of them,not saying a word. He lets out a sigh.

"I see," he said. "I apologize but I have to choose the path that is for the good of all our people. I'm sorry, Kagura, but you have to stop seeing Hayabusa. The two of you had stepped beyond the boundaries. You two are not meant to be lovers but only partners in protecting the village and the people."

Kagura had gathered all her courage and stood up to defend their relationship.

"Why can't we be lovers? There had been no rules on whoever we shall want to be with," she said. "We can't just separate after years of being together. I shall have him tie the knot with me and not with another woman."

The chief village understands what Kagura is defending but he could not just ignore the Kira. Their troops are not fully prepared to fight against such threat. He is the chief and he is to choose the good for all not only for the few.

"Have you forgotten what I told you before the two of you are assigned to be trainees and protectors of the main house?" the chief asked. He looked at them, disregarding their feelings, and sternly said, "I have told you to just stay within your boundaries as shadow ninja and onmyouji. The two of you are meant to just fight alongside each other, not to become lovers. Hayabusa is a gifted ninja for he has mastered the Quad Shadow technique at a young age. Such is a sign that he shall be the one to join the two factions together with Hanabi to appease the anger and regain the protection of Amaterasu."

Kagura knew the tone of Chief Haruno and she knew too well that his mind won't be changed. But she is hoping, even if it's too little, that she could change his decision. She knelt down on her knees and begged.

"Please, chief, do not separate us! I will do everything, in exchange, do not wed him to Hanabi. Please, chief. I beg you," she said as her tears continuously fall down her cheeks.

The chief has no plan to grant her wish so he finally said, "You shall become the onmyouji who shall guide the future couple."

Chief Haruno left after saying those. Even if he felt sorry for the young lady, he has to contain his emotions and decide rationally.

Hayabusa hurriedly went near his lover and helped her stand up on her feet. Kagura sobbed as her lover wraps his arms around her. She wanted that moment to last forever. She never wanted to let him go. She has no plan on letting him marry another woman. He is hers and she is his.

"Don't flirt in front of me, you freakin' couple," Hanabi said faintly which made the two separate from each other. Kagura wiped off her tears immediately for she does not want Hanabi to see her in such vulnerable state.

Hanabi slowly opened her eyes and blinked a few times to adjust her vision. She could feel pain all over her body and she dare not sit down for she feels like her spine would break in two.

"Why the hell are you crying, old lady?" she asked as if she was okay. Kagura shook her head with a smile as a response.

"Why am I crying as well?" Hanabi asked herself as the memories of her beloved's death came rushing over her. Her silent cry turned into sobs. She was crying inconsolably as she covers herself with the blanket. That made the two realize that Hanabi wanted to be left alone so they gave her that.

Hanabi was left in that room, crying her heart out in pain and in regret.