1 Chapter 1 (1/2)

The sword was dripping with blood. The metallic smell of blood surrounded her. Her ocean-blue eyes mirrors the unmoving and breathless body of her beloved father, the leader of their village. Her mind is blank, she simply stared at the corpse, not moving even an inch, as her tears flow endlessly. Her eyes dart to the shadow who is standing across them. Her eyes stared at those emerald eyes who had killed her father. The shadow was holding a huge sword that seems to devour a person.

Hanabi opens her eyes wide in shock. Her breathing is fast. She even has sweat dripping down her face. She breathes deeply before standing up, leaving her bed untidy.

”You've overslept,” a soft voice said behind her.

”I'm sorry,” Hanabi apologized to her mother.

”Were you having nightmares again?” her mother asked. Hanabi simply nodded in response. ”I'm fine, I will get ready.”

Hanabi did her morning routine and went to her practice ground. She tied her long, black hair with a red ribbon. She breathes in and out to calm herself down.

Her nightmares always reminds her of what had happened during her childhood. It always haunts her to no end.

10 years ago...

Hanabi just turned 10 that day and she and her father are currently at the village of the Shadow sect. She was told to play outside but instead of doing so, she is secretly eavesdropping on the meeting between the leaders of the village and her father.

”Hanabi,” her father suddenly called out to her. ”Eavesdropping is not good.”

”I'm sorry!” Hanabi turned red and went back to her own room.

She got her kunai set and started writing seals which will help her enhance her weaponry. Just then, a small knock came from her door. She stood up and slowly opened it.

”Come play with us. You might be bored staying here alone,” said Kagura. Her white hair seems to captivate the eyes of Hanabi. Kagura's friendly aura drawn her to do what she says.

”No,” Hanabi replied sternly. ”I need to pack my things.”

”Come!” Kagura insisted and grabbed Hanabi's hand.

They both ran out and went to the yard where the other kids are. Kagura introduced Hanabi to the others and while they were having fun, Hanabi noticed a young boy.

She ran towards him feeling excited.

”Hey! Are you also training like me?” she asked.

The young boy didn't reply, instead, he continued his training. Hanabi got irritated so when the young boy threw three shurikens, she went in front and blocked them from reaching the target.

She ran towards him and was about to give him a kick on the head but the boy blocked it. Hanabi immediately retreated before he could get ahold of her foot. Hanabi threw three shurikens towards him and took a lunge.

The boy successfully blocked the shurikens but Hanabi landed a jab on his stomach, making him fall on his butt.

Hanabi looked down on him and scoffed. ”Stop acting arrogant in front of me if you could not even defeat me. Hmph!”

Hanabi suddenly fell back when Kagura pushed her down.

”Don't you dare,” she paused, ”Don't you dare hurt Hayabusa!” she screamed with rage.

”Getting hurt is normal when training,” Hanabi said as she stands up. Kagura went towards Hayabusa, checking if he had some injuries.

”Hanabi!”

”I hope we'll see each other again, ugly Kagura,” Hanabi scoffed before going to her father.

”We're going to have a stroll around the village,” her father said. Hanabi simply nodded in agreement as she held her father's hand. She stuck out her tongue towards Kagura and Hayabusa who are watching her.

Hanabi and her father headed to the public market to buy souvenirs that they'd bring back to their village. Hanabi, being curious, wandered around, leaving her father by himself.