Kidnapping

"How could Grandmaster do this? I promised we would teach and protect her!" Yori had just received the news a month after Natsume was given an ultimatum. As someone who wore his emotions on his sleeve, his anger was obvious. Hiroshi sighed and rubbed his temples. His father's decision was too abrupt. Not too long ago he was complimenting the talented Suzume. Also, as a father, he was happy to see his daughter finding someone her age to befriend.

"Yori, this problem is more complicated than you can imagine. The Master wouldn't overturn his own decision so easily. Besides, he has given her an option to stay. Based on his attitude, it looks like he's willing to give the Itto-ryu dojo to her." Hiroshi tried to quell Yori's anger, but it had the opposite effect.

"Do you really think she would accept such an arrangement?" He rebuked.

"Well, she probably never intended to stay long in the first place."

"Regardless of her wanting to stay, the act of forcing her to make a decision to give up her old life is driving her away forever. Instead of bringing honor to us outside, everything she has learned will no longer be associated with the Samurai! Why must we burn bridges with those from the main continent?"

Hiroshi didn't have a response to Yori's argument. It was true that Natsume might feel betrayed by the dojo's decision to choose between two extremes. Although she had a hidden identity, she was still willing to stay and learn. As for burning bridges with shinobi, Hiroshi knew best as to why the old master made such a decision. He could not advance in his sword technique because of this long grudge buried deep in his heart.

"Yori… this matter is related to Hikari's mother. The truth is she did not die from birthing." Feeling that Yori might do something regrettable, he revealed some information. Hiroshi's words caused Yori to lose his momentum. His mouth was agape as he began to process the implications of those words. The little lies that his Grandmaster told Hikari began to align with the new truth, and Yori had a revelation.

"I see." He whispered softly.

"The fact that Master did not kill her outright is a testament to his promise and favor toward Suzume. If we are fated with her, we will meet again in the future."

…

An old man knelt quietly in a memorial hall. Beside an incense burner were two similar portraits. One of an older woman, and the other younger. They were obviously related based on their physical features. The man finished the rites in his head and looked up at the two women's portraits. A single tear drop fell down his cheek. His wrinkled face seemed to age even more from the grief.

"I'm sorry, I still haven't completely let go of this grudge."

…

Natsume sipped tea while she sat in the spacious study. Counting the time, she had taken fifty-two days to read and memorize all five-hundred scrolls. Not all were comprehensive sword techniques. Some were a single move, or a series of moves. There were even sword dances for performances, and other parlor tricks. Among the fighting techniques were spear, bow, axe, knife, and hidden weapon techniques. This could be the most comprehensive collection in the world.

Once again, she became confused at the dojo master's decision. Surely, he knew that Natsume planned to leave even before the confrontation. She wondered if there was a deeper meaning to giving her access to this knowledge. Her train of thought was interrupted by Daichi knocking on the door.

Natsume stood up and walked toward the door. She gave one final glance at the room as she left. Daichi was already geared up and ready to go. In these last two months, Daichi did not slack off either. Since he had left the shinobi world for a long time, he was a bit rusty in ninjutsu. Although she couldn't do any nature transformation herself, she could still guide Daichi.

Apparently, he had never discovered what his chakra nature was and just learned any random ninjutsu the clan had for him. After trying a few things, they discovered his chakra nature was lightning. Since then, she had him focus on various lightning jutsu she had memorized. His chakra reserves were at the mid-rank so he couldn't do the stronger techniques, but two months were enough to familiarize himself with the basics.

The two of them left the courtyard like thieves in the night. The majority of the samurai were still searching for the remnants of the Shogun's faction, so there were few guards on watch. Although the old master had said to leave once they were cleared out, she decided to leave earlier. They ran along the roofs and quickly reached the main entrance. Natsume turned toward the east wing with a lingering gaze. After a moment of consideration, she signaled Daichi to stand watch while she dashed toward the east wing.

Natsume wanted to say goodbye to Hikari, it was a childish and unnecessary thing, but she felt that she would regret it if not. As she landed on the roof of her room, she heard some familiar voices coming from below. Natsume quietly dropped down to the side and peered around the corner. There she saw two of the Samurai that had once been in a unit with Daichi speaking in a hushed tone. Natsume waited a long time after she couldn't detect their presence before approaching the room.

'Something's wrong.' Natsume immediately thought as she opened the sliding door. Once she saw the state of the room, she confirmed her suspicion. The wooden tub was knocked over, the bedding was destroyed, and the paper screen had a large hole in it. As for Hikari, she was nowhere to be found. Natsume put her hand on the bedding and felt the remnants of body heat.

Natsume turned toward the door and narrowed her eyes. She activated her Sharingan and chased after the Samurai from earlier. Once she reached the end of the walkway, she discovered some scuff marks on the wall. The direction they were heading was east, directly to the coast. Although they could have turned around, her intuition told her that they wouldn't.