Chapter 16: 

Back at the dojo, it was busier than usual. At least from Jae’s perspective. 

“They’re really serious about this mission, aren’t they…” He said, still watching ninjas walk past him. He still had on the rose bracelet that he kept from Katsuki, still wearing it to keep her alive in his heart. 

“Darling…What am I gonna do? They’re doing Yumi like they did to us…”  

He said as he looked up to the sky, tears starting to form in his eyes. He walked back to his headquarters to think. Once he arrived, he pulled out Katsuki’s only remaining kimono*, still clad with its bright white color and pink sakura petal designs. He threw it over his shoulders, something he always does to calm himself. 

“Why did Yumi have to find someone…she knew it was dangerous…” 

He said hopelessly. 

“I-I can't go through with this mission, she’s my cousin…and she doesn’t deserve to go through what I had to.” 

Thoughts of the clan's upcoming attack spilled all over his mind, still worried for the safety of Yumi. To him, she wasn't just another colleague at the dojo…She was his cousin, and more importantly, someone that meant more than any mission he had to do. 

“I’m gonna get you out of this mess, Yumi…I promise you, no one in this senseless clan will lay a finger on you two.” 

He thought for more, and finally thought of who to turn to. 

“I need to talk to Aunt Mao…she’ll be able to help me with this…”

Still in her quarters, Mao was fixing herself some of her homemade egg rolls. She was so used to having her daughter here with her, yet she was off to fight for what she believed in. From a specific window of her quarters, she was able to see the exact stand they went to. Her daughter couldn’t see her, but Mao could see her living her life with Yuji. From watching her wake up next to him, seeing her relax, and even seeing her laugh for once in her life. She knew that if her daughter was happy, that’s all she needed. 

“My daughter’s all grown up…Learning to live a normal life with someone she holds dear…” 

She said, tears falling down, yet a smile still remained on her face. After what felt like years, she finally pulled away from the window to continue cooking. To her, her quarters still stayed the same, but her heart, her heart knew that she didn’t have her daughter. Suddenly, every single part of her room was filled with old memories of her and Yumi. One of them formed the image of her daughter, clearly younger, trying to do a summersault for the first time. 

“Look Mom! I did a move! Come look!” 

She would shout, always wanting her mom’s attention. She started to interact with the image of her. 

“Really honey? That’s great! You know so many moves now…You got so skilled…” 

She thought, still looking at the image of younger Yumi. Another image formed in another spot in the room. It was at the screen dojo door that led outside. Younger Yumi tried to stick her hand out the window. 

“Mom! Look at all of these butterflies! Aren’t they so pretty?” 

“Yes they are, dear…did you catch one?” “Almost…they keep slipping away from me!” 

She kept watching her try and try again. 

“Oh god…I really miss you, Yumi. I know you’re happy with Yuji, but the two of you, be safe…” 

She mumbled, looking out of the window once more. 

Suddenly, she heard a knock at the door. 

“Aunt Mao…It’s me, Jae.” 

“Oh! Come in, please!” 

He quietly and shyly walked into her quarters. 

“What brings you to come see your Aunt Mao!” 

She said, already latched around him in a hug. 

“It’s about Yumi…I don’t know if I can go through with this mission. Not after what they did to my Katsuki…” 

“I remember it like it was yesterday…I still can’t believe they made you do that. I always supported you two’s marriage…” 

She said, trying to reassure him. 

“I can’t be the one that ruins Yumi's life like this…It already happened to me, and I can’t have it happen to her as well.” 

“I know that Yumi and Yuji can prevail…they won’t let this clan split them apart!” 

She said with enthusiasm. 

“I haven’t seen the clan prepare an attack like this in years…They must be really concerned about Yumi’s rebellion.” 

He said. 

“Sometimes, I don’t know why this clan won’t just ease up sometimes. It’s clearly terrible for all of the ninjas that wanna find love!” 

She said, which could only make Jae giggle. 

“Whatever it is…I hope that Yumi doesn’t turn out like me. This could really mess with her in the future…”

Finally, at the back of the dojo, Toshi was training his clan like there was no tomorrow. 

“Faster…FASTER! God, how do I put up with weaklings like you!?” 

He yelled, commanding every ninja. The sounds of swords clashing and powerful grunts filled the training room. He walked around the training room with a keen eye, and every time Toshi got near someone, they would fail out of tension. 

“Is this how you guys want to perform during the mission!? How about you start acting like it!?” 

He said, now holding a staff to intimidate the ninjas even more. One of the ninjas failed once more, and was lifted off of the ground by Toshi. 

“What…was…THAT!?” 

“I-I don’t know, sir! It w-was a slip up!” 

“A slip up…is this a slip up?” 

He slowly tightened his grip around his neck. 

“N-NO! P-Please sir…I-I’ll do better…” 

The ninja said, his breath coming and going. Toshi finally released him and stomped his staff on the ground. “Anyone else want to test their luck?” 

He said with a scowl. None of the ninjas answered, and just got back to training. Toshi went to the window and gazed outside. He saw the bustling crowd of the village, thought to himself. 

“Wherever you two are…You can’t escape your fate. This clan won’t stop until you atone for what you two did…” The drums went off once more, signalling for a break. All of the ninjas let out a sigh of relief and filed out quickly. “Don’t think I’m done with you guys!” 

He said, but quickly went back to the window. 

“Two more days…That’s all we need…That’s all you have.” 

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