Chapter 16: Sakura in the Shadows (9)

Suddenly the foreign people moved a distance out of respect including Ogaki himself. All their expression serious and focused as they watched. Tsiyi's brother who was smiling a moment ago wasn't even making an expression

Tsiyi got into his stance full concentration. Something shimmered on his back, and then there was a black leather quiver there, the strap slung low.

"Shadow-weaving" Rachel whispered, 'I mean, I knew of the possibilities that others could do it but…I see so it could be used like this.' She thought

Of course, no one noticed, despite him doing this in public. Shadow-weaving was similiter to a using tricks with light.

Holding on to his bow with one hand, Tsiyi, used his other to pull a light kiss on his pendent. It had not yet bounced back before he quickly reached back grabbed and arrow.

Then with a high-pitched noise, the arrows where shot almost at the same time each hitting their targets in succession.

Thunk. Thunk. Thunk

'Amazing' Rachel said as she saw all of it and lifted her hand to imitate what Tsiyi had done, she weaved the light in a small space and watched it ripple. 'how cool' she thought before turning back to Jimbe and his friends who stood frozen. "See, you raised a flag" She mocked.

Ogaki and his people approached Tsiyi , in a friendly manner, hugging and punching for the people of this era it may seem awkward to it was actually normal for them and even in the modern world.

Tsiyi brother shrugged his shoulder "You hesitated on the third shot. If the target had been moving , you would have missed it."

"I don't want to hear that from the man who shot our uncle for lack of hesitation" Tsiyi rebutted back.

"I missed him! I missed him by a clear foot."

"More like and inch, Kayi. Ask him yourself."

"Enough, enough" said one of the other men in the group. "You are neglecting our host. Your must thank him for letting you practice today."

"Pfff" a little laugh escaped Rachel's mouth, as she reveled in joy at Jimbe's misery.

Tsiyi turned immediately, bowing to Jimbe " I thank you for the practice" he said "My bow was growing brittle with disuse.

"tsk" Rachel slightly turned her head as she heard the twin snuffle in the their room, they are going to start crying soon "Ran Out of time" and sighed 'time to go back'

"I wonder when I Might have the honor of meeting you daughter, Ise" Tsiyi said

And Rachel froze without turning around.

Jimbe's expression of genial inquiry did not change, but his throat worked before he replied, "Ise is my stepdaughter. My wife's child from her first marriage."

"Really ?" Tsiyi said his face innocent. "How strange. You did not make such distinctions where I am from. And you called her your daughter on the ship."

"I am very attached to her" Jimbe said "She is visiting a relative of her father's in the country now. She is much missed"

"I have certainly been very sorry to not see her again." Tsiyi said "I was looking forward to it."

"Of course, Ise was very beautiful" Jimbe said

Silence amassed for a moment before Tsiyi smiled dropped "Was?"

Jimbe's face twitched. A tiny betraying moment of unease. "She is not well. That is why she is resting in the country now."

"And when will she be back?" Tsiyi pressed

Before Jimbe could make up another lie the veranda door slid open. As Ise's mother slim figure appeared. "Nishio" his attention leaving Tsiyi

Rachel didn't realize what that for a moment killing intent came from her it was sharp and low, but, just as it came it disappeared. The twins where crying now, her attention drew back to them as she began to use her shadow-weaving. But, suddenly stopped as she felt someone's eyes.

Rachel turned for a split second her eyes ended meeting with someone, Tsiyi stared straight back at her his eyes blank. She shadow-weaved back to the twins room to sole them back to sleep her heart beating rapidly.

She wasn't just far away she more then 50 feet away from the household. She was impossible to see from their angle so how. So how did he see her?