Possible Tiggering Content - None!

It was a warm morning; the sun shyly peeked over the horizon, its shine glimmered through smooth edges of the mountains behind; the residual mist from last night’s rain, scattering across the landscape, causing the fog-coated flower to face the blue conquered sky. Birds chirped in unison while they flew overhead, whose warm rhythms woke the wildlife from their slumber to roam the beautiful landscape around the tranquil village of the Hirata Clan, home to the courageous warriors of this ancient war clan, situated at the foot of the Rugui mountain range.

COCK-A-DOODLE-DOO! Roosters woke the children up, who immediately ran outside to experience the eye-catching scenery. The fog in the air seeped into their soft immature skin, with temperature sending chills through their bodies. The silent village suddenly rang with the chuckles of the children, acting almost like a compass for the oncoming men of the village, back to home after a grueling overnight hunting session with prized hunt that was enough to feed their families for the next week. Their arrival sparked the markets alive, while the neighborhoods were still as quiet as outer space. Clamorous, yet peaceful.

Within these neighbourhoods, a man rushed with a frown. He wore a white kimono robe with red borders. He was a tall, fairly well built man with broad shoulders. A cold monsoon wind swept his smooth white hair. His face was lean and grumpy, and his hazel-brown eyes fumed with frustration. He stomped into puddles of dirty water, staining his robe, yet his focus was on one thing.

A weather-beaten, old creaky porch at the end of the sand path. His eyes widened with relief. He was there. “She can’t be skipping anymore classes. I have to teach her a lesson,” he grunted under his breath, storming to the doorstep and clearing his throat to give her student the lecture she deserved.

Before he could bang on the door, it creaked open. Revealing a middle-aged lady behind it. Her entire body was pale; her bright blue eyes sunken into her fatigued face. She bowed down with a faint smile to greet him.

The man bowed. “Pleasant morning, Mrs Seechii. Is Mika awake yet?”

“She said she was going to practice, Sensei,” she added, her face darkening as she flashed a fleeting smile. The man squeaked, gritting his teeth.

“Practice? Is she hiding that she’s skipping classes to Akemi?” Sensei whispered to himself.

“Is everything okay, Sensei?” The woman hesitated, wringing her hands and tilting her head to the side slightly.

“Mrs Seechii, needn’t worry. I’ll look after your daughter. She has recently skipped her martial arts training,” he assured her, noticing she was wearing all black and the warm, sweet scent of incense sticks burning inside her house. His frown of frustration disappeared into thin air.

“It's the day. Isn't it?” asked Sensei in a melancholy tone, his eyes turning gloomy, reflecting his hopeless state of unable to console her.

“It's been nine long years since he passed away, and I still can't get over him,” she choked, struggling to speak of her traumatizing, bittersweet memories of her husband.

“He worked day and night in the rough terrain for us. It’s a misery that he couldn’t even see her. Not even once,” she added, her face grew sour and her lips trembled. She lowered her head. Don’t want to show the pain, yet her eyes watered.

“He was my only ally. He wanted you to thrive until his last breath. I'm proud of him.” His smile and charm ceased, his vision slowly blurred.

“Have you been recovering well lately? Is she taking good care of you?” He swiftly wiped his nose and snorted quietly.

“I've been doing alright, Sensei. She's been taking good care of me. Don't worry about me,” she said in a quavering tone, flashing a faint smile.

“Okay, I may take my leave. I'll find her and take her to class. I’ve said this all these nine years and you still think twice. If you want any help, I’m here. If I didn’t do at least this for him, I’m no human. Take good care of yourself, Akemi,” he replied and patted her shoulder friendly and walked away—slouched and mumbling incoherently.