7 Chapter 7 (1/2)

Hanabi admits it, Hanzo has better skills than her. Even though Hanzo weilds  a huge sword, he swings it lightly as if its heaviness does not bother or hinder him at all. His speed is faster compared to hers, his agility is better and both his defense and offense are well-balanced.

Hayabusa, who was watching the two, knew what will the outcome be. Hanabi's offense is excellent but her defense is weaker. Hanzo have been trained since he was a child just like Hanabi, but he was trained to be an assassin.

Hanzo suddenly disappeared from sight, Hanabi sharpened her senses. He could appear anywhere, a surprise attack is surely to come. She scanned the vicinity but Hanzo is nowhere to be seen. But then, she sensed him behind her, she immediately summoned her Higanbana but before she could move, she felt the sharp edge of Hanzo's sword on her neck.

”Game over,” he whispered with a smile.

Hanabi lets go of her Higanbana and it disappeared. Hanzo lets the tip of his sword rest on the ground. The two faced each other and bowed as a sign of acknowledgement and respect.

”I had fun,” Hanabi said. ”But more importantly, I need more training.”

”Exactly,” Hanzo agreed. He turned his back and starts to walk away.

”Can you help me?” Hanabi called out but Hanzo raised his hand as a sign of rejecting her.

”Nah,” he replied. ”Training someone ain't my forte. Asked Hayabusa instead.”

Hanzo left the training ground, Hanabi looked at Hayabusa as if asking the same question.

”I already have lot of things to do, don't add up,” Hayabusa replied.

Hanabi shrugged. ”Might as well ask Kagura. Or rather, I should ask the chief village for a cup of tea and it would be interesting if he finds out that his favorite student is keeping a secret from him.”

”Damn you,” Hayabusa cursed. ”Meet me here tomorrow at this hour. I'll help you.”

”You should have said it earlier,” Hanabi replied before leaving the training grounds.

The next days, Hanabi and Hayabusa are focused on their training. On the sideline, Hanzo and Kagura are watching the two from afar. Hanzo could feel the jealousy emitting from the lady beside him. Instead of feeling empathy, he feels entertained with the scenario.

”I wonder how it will turn out,” Hanzo spoke.

”What?” Kagura asked in confusion.

”Hayabusa and Hanabi. I wonder what future they'll face,” he replied which earned him a painful whack on the back of his head.

”Watch your mouth, you swine,” Kagura blurted out.

”Think of it, Kagura. The chiefs of the two factions are in agreement to make them a couple. If they spend time together, Hayabusa might really for Hanabi,” Hanzo explained which only made the lady grow more jealous.

”Hanabi will grow stronger with Hayabusa's help. She may not be the refined type of lady but her determination and indepence could make a guy fall for her,” Hanzo added.

”Determination and independence?” Kagura repeated, wanting more explanation from the redhead.

”You're beautiful, Kagura. I know that very well and if I must say, I would choose you over Hanabi when it comes to physical appearance. But my choice would be different if the personality is included. A matured guy like Hayabusa would choose a charismatic person over a refined lady,” the redhead said.

”You're not Hayabusa,” Kagura defended. ”So shut up.”