《The Scarlet Shadow》 1 Chapter 1 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. On her way, a young boy bumped her but he did not apologize. This irrirated her so she grabbed the boy''s shoulder and hit his head. "Learn to apologize, brat," she said. The black-haired boy rolled his eyes and flicked Hanabi''s forehead. "Ow!" "Know your place, little girl," he said. Hanabi was about to fight back but she stopped when she realized that the guy was taller than her. She did not mind of their height difference is small but the fact that the boy is one feet taller than her, it pissed her off. She felt like she was looking down upon. "Don''t be arrogant, girl," the boy added before walking away. "The name''s Hanzo, come fight me if you''re strong enough." Hanabi stuck out her tongue before going back to where her father is. She got scolded for wandering without saying anything. "Hayabusa, Kagura and Hanzo, I will defeat you all when I finish my training." The next day, Hanabi and her father was scheduled to go back to their village. Their business has been settled so they no longer have anything to do in that place. After having her breakfast, Hanabi went to the small patio of the house and looked out the whole village. She suddenly spotted Hayabusa and Kagura playing near the pond. Kagura saw her as well but she simply rolled her eyes out of irritation. Hanabi did the same and raised her middle finger at her while making a funny face. "Hanabi," her father called out. "Go get your baggage and head to the carriage. We''ll be leaving in 10 minutes." Hanabi obediently obliged and ran to her assigned room. She grabbed her baggage and ran out of the hallway. "Passing through!" she yelled as she met the two other kids. She passed by between them swiftly. "Suckers!" she blurted out before taking her exit. Outside, she saw her father waiting for her. She smiled happily before going inside the carriage. It takes one day of travel to reach the Scarlet Sect village by carriage. Hanabi sang songs that her mother had taught her as they pass through the rough road. She was trying to entertain her father. "You got the lyrics wrong," her father commented. Hanabi pouted but then, she immediately lit up, "Let us sing together." Her father laughed at her suggestion but they did sing together until Hanabi got tired and has fallen asleep. Hanabi suddenly awoke upon hearing noises. She rubs her eyes to clear up her vision but what she saw shocked her. Even though the light illuminated by the moon isn''t that bright, Hanabi could still recognize her father. He was lying down on the ground. The top of their carriage was gone and the horseman with them is clearly dead. She looked up, and saw a guy holding a sword. She could see blood dripping down from it. She couldn''t move at all. She wanted to scream but she couldn''t find her voice. The guy left like nothing happened. Hanabi forced herself to move, she wriggled her fingers as tears fall down her cheeks. Then, she lets out a sob. Her energy came rushing back and she jumps off from the carriage and sat down beside her dead father. End of flashback.. "Hanabi." She stopped upon hearing her grandmother''s voice. "Breakfast is served. Go wash up before going to the dinner hall." "I will be there," she simply replied before wiping off her sweat. Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click www.novelhall.com for visiting. 2 Chapter 2 Hanabi entered the dining hall and felt the heavy tension inside the room. Her grandfather is sitting down on his usual seat, where he could see everyone. Her grandmother is sitting beside him. An empty seat is reserved for her beside her mother. She simply sat down and got the grasp of the situation. She cleared her throat and spoke. "What is there to be discussed?" she asked. No one spoke, everyone simply ate their meal. She thought hard to know what is really going on. She knows that it isn''t the death anniversary of her father. It is not also the time for war since their place has been peaceful. "Is it about the festival at the Shadow Sect village?" she asked as she takes a spoonful of food. Her mother flinched which confirmed that she is right. She let out a sigh before holding her mother''s hand. "Don''t worry, everything will be fine," she assured her. "Grandpa will be there as well as my cousins. It will go well, we will come home safe and sound." "Easy said than done," her mother retorted. "Your father said that as well ten years ago." "Mom, I am already 20 , not ten," she said. "Plus, there has been no chaotic news coming from the Shadow Sect for the past years. Grandfather had come back and forth for 5 years but there has not been assassination." "Even if I protest or not, you''d still go anyway," her mom said with a soft voice. "Don''t worry," Haru butted in, Hanabi''s cousin. "We will escort her and make sure not a single scratch will mark her." "Ok, ok," Hanabi''s mother said. The family ate in silence after that. The heavy tension is still around the room but Hanabi simply ignored it. Her nightmare is still outweighing her worries. She is not so sure if she could be fine if she goes back to the place where her father had been assassinated. Hanabi finished her meal and went in her room to pack her things. She grabbed some of her clothes and squeezed it into her baggage. She is trembling. She couldn''t stop thinking of the her father''s dead body. She couldn''t forget the smell of blood. It agitates her. She grabbed her kunais and headed to the training hall. She breathes in before lunging towards the straw dummy and hits it with 3 kunais. One landed on the neck, one on the chest and one on the forehead. She draws another kunai and slashed the straw hand of the dummy. She did this over and over again until she felt tired. She was heaving after destroying all the dummies. "Want to try your Higanbana?" Haru asked who was watching her. The Higanbana is the forbidden weapon that the Scarlet sect has been passing down to their descendants. It will be owned by the chosen Scarlet who will seek the Shadow ninja who had killed the Scarlet sect''s leader. "Not now," Hanabi replied, almost our of breath. "I have to prepare for our travel tomorrow." Haru pats his cousin''s head which made Hanabi feel safe and made her believe that everything will go fine. "Thanks, Haru," she said before leaving the training hall. Haru watched her until she disappeared from his sight. "She is spreading a dreadful vibe," he said before heading to his own room. Hanabi laid down on her bed and tried to relax but failed to do so. She couldn''t stay still. The memory of her father''s death still continues to haunt her and she has no idea how to move on from it. She could only think of revenge but where would she find that ninja who had killed her father? She got back to her senses when a soft knock was heard on her door. She turned her head to see who had opened her sliding door and saw her mother who looks gloomy. "Hanabi," she called out as she sits beside her. "You don''t really have to go to the Shadow sect village," her mother started. "I know it has been a tradition to go and meet with them every year of this day but you don''t have to go. "Mom, if I keep on avoiding this, when will I be able to forget these nightmares?" she replied. "And I want to seek the ninja who had killed father." "But if you do that, it might be also the end of you," her mother retorted. "I can''t let them take you away from me permanently. I don''t want you to take the path that your father had taken. It''s too dangerous." Hanabi replied, "Mom, who will take over the clan if I reject my duties?" Her mother couldn''t give a response to that. She knew very well that her daughter will soon inherit that job of her father being the chief village. "You won''t be able to take over the clan unless you''re married," her mom said which made Hanabi felt disgusted. "Ew," she blurted out. "I can do my duties without a husband." "It would be hard to go against the tradition, Hanabi," her mother reminded her. "It may be hard but it ain''t impossible," Hanabi insisted. She shifted her position and faced her mother. "You know what, mom? I ain''t going to marry anyone unless I am on the verge of death," she said which made her mother smile weakly. "But it would also mean that our clan is on the verge of extinction," her mom commented which hit her hard. "I was once from the Shadow sect and I got to marry your father who is from the Scarlet sect. It was not a bad combination. And marriage between the two sects ensures the peace of the two villages." "I know, mom," Hanabi replied. "But I get the feeling that I would be in a loveless marriage. It''s kind of worrying." Their conversation was interrupted by Hanabi''s grandfather. "Get your things. We are going earlier to the Shadow Sect village," he announced. "A sudden notice had come." Hanabi simply nodded in response. She kissed her mom on the forehead and gave her a confident smile. "I will come back home. Safe and sound," she gave her a tight hug before grabbing her things and heads to the door. "I will be waiting," her mom said. "The wait won''t be long," she said before running out of the house and seeing her grandfather and her cousins all set up. "Let''s go," Haru called out, giving Hanabi the sign that they''ll be in the same carriage. Hanabi puts her baggage at the back and hops in. "What''s up with the hurry?" she asked her grandfather. "The Shadow sect will present their best ninja as well," her grandfather replied. "They suggested to plan the marriage ahead of time." Hanabi''s brow raised in a what-the-fuck-did-he-just-say manner. Her face twitched in disgust and Haru noticed her messed up state. "You look like a pig," he blurted out. "Shut up," Hanabi retorted. "Grandfather, Haru is more suitable to become the next chief of the sect, he should be the one getting a fiancee." "The Shadow sect will surely present a male ninja so you are the one who will be married off, not the other way around," her grandfather explained calmly. "So I have the chance of becoming a part of the Shadow sect?" Hanabi asked in disbelief. She scoffed which made Haru pinch her so she would behave. "Exaclty," her grandfather simply replied. Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click www.novelhall.com for visiting. "The world must be fucked up. I should probably become a traveller rather than be married to a guy I do not even know about." 4 Chapter 4 "So, what is your plan?" Hanabi asked as she stands up to face the white-haired woman. "I lend you my hand in hunting down the traitor," Kagura started. "We''ll take him down together and I shall have the credit of ending his life." Hanabi scoffed in disbelief. "What a selfish request, young lady," she commented. "If I take the credit, I will hold the power to stop your wedding and be Hayabusa''s wife. It is a win-win situation," Kagura explained further. "You won''t be forced into the marriage." "Yes, that would happen," Hanabi replied, "But the mere fact that you''d take the life of the traitor defeats the purpose of this alliance." "Ah, I get it," Kagura said as she took a step foward closer to Hanabi. "You want revenge. You want to avenge your father. What matters to you more? Tie the knot with a man you do not know or avenge your father?" "I want vengeance," Hanabi replied without any hesitance. "Haru, let''s go." The two left Kagura by herself. She clenched her teeth in annoyance. "What is mine is mine," she whispered to the cold wind that swifts through her hair. Hanabi and Haru has gone back to their own quarters. Their absence are not noticed by their grandfather. Hanabi, who couldn''t sit still, decided to go out for a little walk. "It''s almost midnight, where are you going?" asked her grandfather who stood at the patio. "I''ll stroll for a bit around town," Hanabi replied before leaving. As she reach the busy street, the townspeople are still busy preparing for the festival. What caught her attention was the uproar at the center of the town. She couldn''t see what was really going on for the people have crowded around. She pushed her way in so she could get at the center of attention. She stood and saw two guys fighting with their kunais drawn out. The dark-haired guy has bruises all over his body and has coughed blood. While the other one seems to be enjoying the fight. Not a single bruise is seen in any part of his body. Hanabi watched in awe as she observed the movements of the scarlet-haired guy. He is going easy and surely, he is not showing his full strength which made her want to join the fight. The crowd is going rowdier and one of them pushed Hanabi in surprise causing her to jump into the fighting scene. She is able to compose herself immediately and sensed that someone is attacking her. She shifted to her right and immediately took her kunai and blocked the sudden lunge of the redhead. The crowd went quiet. Hanabi jumped backward to widen the space between her and the red-haired guy. "Nice reflex," he commented. "Hm," Hanabi simply responded. She kept her kunai and held out her hand for a handshake. "Do you have time tomorrow for a little sparring?" she offered. Hanzo, the guy with a scarlet hair, raised his brow. He smirked in amusement. "Sorry but girls should just learn how to become a proper lady," he replied. He turned his back towards her and was about to leave but Hanabi runs towards him with a kunai on both of her hands. She jumped and locked her legs around Hanzo''s shoulder. She arched and held the two kunais on both sides of Hanzo''s neck. She looked at him eye to eye. "A lady is only proper if she could do this," she said. The expectators starts shouting once again, expecting another fight to come. "What do you think you are doing?" a familiar voice was heard from behind. Hanabi got her feet back to the ground and sees Hayabusa and Kagura staring at her. "Hanzo, you''re still causing a ruckus," Kagura stated. Hanabi looked at the guy she just attacked and was annoyed by his demeanor. "Hanzo?" she blurted out. Hanzo simply shrugged before patting Hanabi''s head. "Just having a little fun with this little girl," he said before leaving. Hayabusa walked passed Hanabi without looking at her. "Don''t get yourself in trouble," he said. "Stop acting like an unrefined lady. It''s irritating." Kagura and Hayabusa left the scene leaving Hanabi. She scoffed in disbelief. She stuck her tongue out at the couple whom she hates. An idea suddenly came into her mind. "A small revenge won''t hurt you. Might as well have some fun," Hanabi said to herself. The next day, Hanabi woke up early to prepare for the festival. While doing her make up, a woman the same as her age came knocking on her door. "Come in," she said while looking at the mirror. "Hayabusa will come and escort you in 30 minutes," she said. Hanabi simply said ok and continued fixing her hair. After a few moments, she''s ready. Her hair was let loose while other strands of her hair was tied into a bun. She used few pins to secure them in place. She, then, used the hairpin that she got from her mother. After some time, a soft knock was heard. She smirked. "Shall we?" she said as she opens the sliding door. She held Hayabusa''s arm before they walk through the hallway. Outside the house, Chief Haruno and Hyuuga are waiting for their arrival. Upon seeing the two taking their exit from the house, Chief Haruno felt ecstatic. "I can already imagine what their offspring would look like," Chief HAruno commented. "They look perfect together." "I agree with you. They are also skilled and are still training so I see no reason for them to not be together," replied Hyuuga. As the two youngsters approach them, they both bowed in respect. They started the parade with the chief village and Hyuuga leading while Hanabi and Hayabusa are just behind him. Kagura follows after the two and she''s staring intently at Hanabi who seems to be enjoying being clingy towards her lover. "Your lover is staring daggers at me," Hanabi said as she waves back to the audience. "Well, she fully knows that your place should be hers," Hayabusa replied. "Well, if she wants this position, you two should make ways to be legally together," Hanabi said. "Hiding your relationship will make you guys a cheater and a mistress if ever we get married." Hayabusa clenched his fist to contain his anger. He already thought of telling the chief village that Kagura is his lover but going against him would put Kagura''s and his situation in a bad one. He doesn''t want that scenario to happen. "I could help," Hanabi said after a while. "I could take the cheating blame. Let us say that I am the one who cheated." "And how will you do that?" Hayabusa asked, his curiosity got over him. "I will do my part as long as you help me kill the shadow traitor," Hanabi replied. "Then, I must take the credit and have the title of Scarlet Shadow Grandmaster." Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click www.novelhall.com for visiting. Hayabusa scoffed in exasperation. "That is contradicting the cheating part. If you took the credit, we''ll be forced in marriage even if you cheat." "Let us discuss the details after the festival," Hanabi said. "Let me enjoy this grand fest first." Kagura, who has been watching the two, wanted to run towards them and give them a kick. She''s been misunderstanding the situation. She doesn''t like the way Hanabi clings onto Hayabusa. She hates the way they whisper something to each other. "Just go and make a ruckus," Hanzo said who has been observing her. Kagura glared at him. "Why the hell are you here?" "I''m the son of the chief village," Hanzo replied. "Ain''t that obvious?" "Hayabusa seems to be more like the son than you," Kagura said with a sly smile. "That isn''t surprising," Hanzo replied. "I''m not talented." "Ohhhh, poor you," Kagura teased as she patted his head. "You should pity yourself," Hanzo said with a smile. "Your lover is being taken away." Hanzo walked faster, leaving Kagura annoyed with his statement. 5 Chapter 5 On the long dining hall, sat the important guests of the festival. Hanabi and Hayabusa sat beside each other while Kagura and Hanzo sat across them. Hanabi could still feel the glare of Kagura. It doesn''t make her feel uncomfortable, instead, she feels ecstatic. She wanted to annoy her as much as she could. Hanabi was about to get some teriyaki but Kagura''s and her chopsticks met. Kagura gave her a smile. Hanabi smiled back and got some takoyaki instead. "Ahhh," she initiated as she tries to feed Hayabusa which made Kagura break her chopsticks into two. Everyone was staring at Hayabusa so he was forced to be fed. Hanabi smile at him, then to Kagura. With everyone''s surprise, Hanzo stretched out his hand with teriyaki on his chopsticks and offered it to Hanabi. Hanabi accepted it but has secretly flicked a small ball of rice right on his forehead. She giggled when it has landed on his forehead. She winked at him before flicking another ball of rice towards Kagura and it has hit her nose. Hanzo snorted while he tried to keep his laughter. Hayabusa covered his mouth to keep himself from laughing. Hanabi simply smiled elegantly. Kagura, annoyed, hits her under the table. Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click www.novelhall.com for visiting. Hanabi yelped in pain and everyone looked at her. "I forgot the food is hot," she excused while covering her mouth, acting like her tongue was burned. Everyone simply giggled and went on with their own conversations. After lunch, the grand showdown had started. Hyuuga and Haruno together with the soon-to-be couple are seated at the balcony where they could have a great view of the show. Kagura is simply behind them, in case they need something. "Wow!" Hanabi exclaimed out of excitement. "I know that dance!" "Of course you do," Hyuuga, her grandfather agreed. "That was the dance you had been learning." "Are you a good dancer?" asked Chief Haruno. "Not really," Hanabi replied honestly. "Can I join for a bit?" "Of course, you can," replied Chief Haruno. Hanabi got up on her feet and dragged Kagura towards the stage. She smiled at her. "Don''t you want to impress him?" Hanabi whispered before stepping in to dance with the beat. Kagura looked at the balcony and had eye contact with her lover. She gave him a sweet smile before dancing with the rythm. Hanabi and Kagura are in sync as if they had practiced day and night for that presentation. The crowd was pleased with the situation. Some of the audience also joined in with the dance. But the excitement suddenly changed into worry when Hanabi felt something strange and dangerous. Kagura felt it as well. "Everyone, spread out!!" they both yelled which made the crowd go quiet. Without any questions, everyone started to empty the stage. Hayabusa stood from his seat and was about to jump onto the stage when a strange, dark circle surrounded the two girls. Hanabi pushed Kagura out of the circle and she felt something slicing through her skin. Blood dripped down her body but she ignored it when she saw a person behind her. She immediately draw out her kunais. Kagura and Hayabusa ran to her side, their weapons drawn out. They couldn''t see the face of the intruder for half of his face was covered. Only his glowing emerald eyes could be seen. The three spreads out when the intruder was about to perform his jutsu. He suddenly lunged towards the location of Hanabi and suddenly disappeared. That didn''t save Hanabi at all, she saw the dark circle once again and was about to escape but another invisible weapon has sliced her skin, making her whimper in pain. Hanabi immediately got up on her feet when she felt someone charge towards her. With her injuries, she wasn''t able to move out from her place. She could see the person with his sword lunge towards her. But before the intruder could land a blow towards her, Hayabusa immediately carried Hanabi while Kagura released her Seimei Umbrella open, taking the damage from the unwanted guest. Kagura, being the shield of the two, got her Seimei umbrella back and released it once more towards the intruder. With her jutsu instilled on her umbrella, the intruder was slowed down. Hayabusa, who already brought Hanabi to safety, lunged towards the enemy with his three shurikens, the intruder blocked the three shurikens easily with his huge sword. He also blocked the kick of Hayabusa, then, swings his towards him. Hayabusa summoned back his three shurikens which helped him escape from the hit of his enemy. The intruder suddenly stepped back and vanished in thin air. Hayabusa and Kagura scanned the vicinity but there is no sign of the intruder. Hanabi, who had seen the fight from afar, was in a daze. Not because she was about to die that afternoon but because she has finally seen the akuma ninja who killed her father. "Found you," she smirked. "Hanabi, you should enter the room. The medic should attend to your wounds," Hyuuga said with his stern voice. He doesn''t want to lose Hanabi, he couldn''t imagine how terrible would her mother be if they lost her. "I''ll go in," she simply replied. When she entered, she saw Hayabusa and Kagura. "Thank you for saving my life back there," she said. " I owe you two my life." "Who would have thought that you''re weak?" Hayabusa blatantly said. "You''re right," Hanabi agreed. "It''s hard for a marksman like me to counter that Soul Reap ninjutsu." "Soul reap ninjutsu?" Kagura asked in confusion for she had never heard such thing. "The akuma ninja is the only person who could do such ninjutsu. That dark circle you saw a while back is actually the soul portal. Whoever is inside the soul portal will be obviously hurt physically in order to accumulate blood. With that blood, the user will use it to become stronger," Hanabi explained. "How''d you know that?" Hayabusa asked. "I''ve done my research, of course. He had killed my father way back years ago. I had to do something about it," Hanabi replied. "Spill all of his skills so we could find ways to counter attack him," Kagura demanded but Hanabi brushed them away. "That will be discussed in the future. I want some time to rest. Now, shoo," Hanabi said as she pushes them out of the room. On the other hand, Chief Haruno and Hyuuga are assisting the townspeople to fix the place. The grand fest has been cut short due to the unexpected chaos. Hayabusa and Kagura spent their time together in one of the restaurants. While Hanabi was looking at the horizon, she heard the sliding doors opened. "What brought you here?" she asked Hanzo. "My father told me to guard you this night," Hanzo replied as he sar on the sofa right across the bed. "Hey," Hanabi said as she shifted her position so she could face him. "Want some sparring tomorrow?" she asked. "You''re good, I must say." "I don''t want to fight a woman who is injured," Hanzo replied as he lays down comfortably on the sofa. "Let''s just give it a try," Hanabi insisted. "Yeah, yeah. I''m resting, now go to sleep," he replied. 6 Chapter 6 "Who do you think is the akuma ninja?" Kagura asked. "I don''t know either," Hayabusa replied. Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click www.novelhall.com for visiting. The two of them finished dinner and are on their way back to where Hanabi was confined. They wanted more information from the girl in order to track down the shadow ninja who betrayed their clan. "Don''t you think we can access the chief''s library to have some clue about the ninjutsu that the traitor used?" Kagura suggested. "If we could access that library, I''m sure we will have a clue where to track down the traitor." "Your idea is great," Hayabusa agreed. He held her hand and pulled her nearer. "But only the chief could access the library. That library contains all the documents of the village so outsiders aren''t allowed." "I see," Kagura responded. She held hee chin, thinking of another way. "Hayabusa," Chief Haruno called out. Hayabusa immediately lets go of Kagura''s hand. "Yes, chief," he responded. "Your fiancee is injured and yet you don''t make time to guard her? When did you become irresponsible?" Chief Haruno asked with his stern voice. Kagura felt invisible. She felt a painful pang on her chest. Hearing that her lover is engaged with another woman makes her mad yet weak at the same time. She clenched her fist in frustration and pain. "Kagura," the chief said. "You must be the one guiding Hayabusa especially when he is going the wrong way. You are the heir of well-known and most powerful Onmyouji of the village so you must know that." "I apologize for my shortcomings, chief," Kagura said with her head low. "Go to her quarters and be on guard," the chief said. "Kagura, go back home and have some rest." The chuef turned his back and went back on his office. When he was out of sight, Kagura embraced her lover tightly. "Please, don''t get married," she said as her voice break. "I can''t bear to see you tie the knot with Hanabi." "Don''t worry," Hayabusa caressed her hair. "I will do something about it. Hanabi is also against the marriage, she can be of help." Kagura lets him go and gave him a peck on the lips. She smiled at him. "We''ll get through this," she said. "Good night." Kagura waved goodbye and went on her way home. Hayabusa, who couldn''t go with her, went to where Hanabi is. Upon arriving, he saw Hanabi writing something on paper that was tied on her kunai. Her bed was a mess and she didn''t give it a notice. On the other hand, Hanzo is sound asleep on the couch. He is always the carefree type of person who doesn''t give a care about the things happening around him. "What are you doing instead of resting?" he asked. Hanabi looked at his direction and rolled her eyes. "Ain''t it obvious?" she said sarcastically. "I''m preparing my Soul Scroll ninjutsu." Hayabusa sat beside her and watch her do it. He stared at her serious face and wondered what could be running in her mind. "What is it?" Hanabi asked after feeling uncomfortable of being stared at. "What do you plan on doing about the marriage?" Hayabusa asked. Hanabi stopped. She held her chin and acted like she was seriously thinking about it. She turns her head towards him and smiled. "That depends on your behavior," she replied slyly. Hayabusa''s brows seem to meet at the middle of his forehead in confusion and annoyance. "What do you mean by that?" Hayabusa asked. "Well, you see, I''m a simple person. If you and Kagura behave well and won''t bring me any kind of trouble, I will break off the marriage myself. But if you two won''t behave, then, we''ll push through with the marriage.", Hanabi replied. "Is this some kind of joke?" Hayabusa asked. "Cause ot is definitely not funny." "I ain''t joking," Hanabi said. "You see, I need your help in going against the akuma ninja. If I''m able to get my revenge, then the two of you will have your happy ending." Hanabi fixed the mess on her bed and kept her kunais. She suddenly stretched out her hand and brushed Hayabusa''s cheek down to his chin and lifted it a bit. She leans in closer and smirked. "Having you as my lifetime partner ain''t so bad," she said before laying down on her bed. "Go to sleep, honey," she teased before drifting off to sleep. Hayabusa glared at her but she didn''t care about it at all. Hanzo, who had been listening to their conversation, went back to sleep. The next morning, Hanabi got off from bed and wore her gears. She disinfected her wounds and covered it with bandage. Though it still pains her, she is eager to train once more. She was about to wake Hanzo from his slumber but he wasn''t on the couch when she entered the room. "Why are you dressed like that?" Hayabusa asked in disbelief. "For training of course," she replied. "I''m having some sparring with Hanzo, have you seen him?" "Get some good rest first," Hayabusa said instead of answering her question. "I already have enough rest," Hanabi insisted. "If you keep on acting on your own, I will be held responsible if something bad happens. So be considerate," Hayabusa said. Hanabi simply shrugged it off and ignored him. She turns her back and takes her exit. "You can come and watch our sparring," Hanabi said before closing the sliding doors. Hayabusa lets out a sigh before leaving the room through the window. He went to the house of Kagura where he saw her doing the laundry. He admired her beautiful face. Her white, silky hair is going with the flow with the wind. He smiled as he watches her. Kagura felt his presence and looked at his direction. She gave him her sweetest smile as Hayabusa walks nearer. "What brought you here?" Kagura asked. "I came to inform you that I''ll be guarding Hanabi for the whole day," he replied. Kagura''s smile disappeared. "Is that so?" she simply said. "I will be on my usual training grounds if ever you want to see me." Hayabusa saw the sadness in her eyes and felt it with her words. He grabbed her arm and wrapped his arms around her petite body. "Don''t feel sad or jealous," he whispered on her ear. "I have to do it and I''m sorry you''re not comfortable with it. I have to also know the things she knew about the akuma ninja. If we track down the traitor, we''ll use him so we could be together." Kagura simply nodded, feeling assured that everything will be alright. She hugged him back and felt the warmth and assurance. "You have to go before the chief notices your absence," Kagura said. "I''m leaving," Hayabusa said. He gave her a kiss on the forehead before taking his leave. As he reaches the training grounds of Hanzo, dusts are scattered on the air which only means that the sparring has already started. "Is that only what you''ve got?" Hanzo teased as he pushed Hanabi away. "I heard you''ve been training for years but it seems you''ve only trained for a month." "Stop blabbering and fight me," Hanabi said excitedly. As the two charged towards each other again, dusts has wandered through the air once more. 7 Chapter 7 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." "Think about it and you''ll see," Hanzo said before leaving her alone. On the other hand, Hayabusa is losing his patience towards Hanabi. "I told you many times, don''t just sharpen your senses. You should keep your body in sync with your mind. If your defense is stronger, it would be no use if you cannot attack," Hayabusa said for like ten times. Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click www.novelhall.com for visiting. Hanabi, who got tired from hearing those, rolled her eyes. Hayabusa saw it which made him snap, he charged towards her and pressed the kunai on her neck. Hanabi was caught in surprise that she simply stood there, frozen. She stared at Hayabusa''s eyes for quite a long time. "You''ve been on training the whole morning. Come and have some lunch first," chief Haruno said. The two take their breaks and had lunch together with the heads of the two factions. "I''m glad the two of you are getting along with each other. I think the wedding should be moved earlier, what do you think, Hyuuga?" Haruno asked which made Hanabi choke on her food. Hayabusa gave her a cup of water which she gladly accepted. "We should not rush such ceremony, Haruno. The wedding could wait and we must prepare for it so everything would be perfect. Plus, the threat has not been found yet. If the wedding is held before the traitor is found, he might attack during the ceremony," Hyuuga replied with utmost respect. "Yeah, I agree with my grandfather. In addition, we are still on the getting to know each other stage so no need to rush," Hanabi added. "I get your point, I just can''t wait for the two factions to officially become one again," Haruno said. "Where''s Hanzo and Kagura, anyway?" Hanabi asked to change the topic. "They are currently at the town to gather information about the attacker during the festival," Chief Haruno replied. "Ah, about that, I know some informations about him especially the skills he has," Hanabi said. "How did you acquire such information?" Haruno asked. "Ten years ago, when the shadow ninja killed my father, I could vividly remember how his sword looks like. I have gathered information about it and came to know that the sword is called Ame no Habakiri. From my research, this sword contains a powerful demon called Hanekage who feeds on blood. The Ame no Habakiri gives the user a huge amount of power of offense while Hanekage himself would become one with the user and be the armor to protect the person whom he had a deal with. So, my prediction is that the person who killed my father and the intruder is only one person," Hanabi explained which left the three speechless. The two chiefs was taken aback for the secret about the Ame no HAbakiri and the Hanekage should have been buried a long time ago. "Hanabi, who told you all those information?" Hyuuga asked for as long as he remembers, he had never mentioned the sword and the demon to her. "Actually read father''s diary," she replied which made Hyuuga speechless once again. "Reading someone else''s diary is disrespecting that person''s privacy," Hayabusa said. Hanabi rolled her eyes sincr she does not like being lectured. "Father gave me his permission to read it. He always told me to read his diary if ever I need something. Don''t you lecture me, Hayabusa or else this fist shall find its way down your throat." "Calm down, the two of you," Haruno said as he feels the tension builds up. "Hanabi, we''ll talk some more after dinner." "Okay," Hanabi replied. 8 Chapter 8 The sky was clear that night, the moon shines brightly. The cold wind blows, rustling the leaves as it passes by. The town of the Shadow faction was quiet, and it seems not a single soul lives. At the house of the chief village, representatives from the two factions have gathered. Hanabi, Hyuuga, Haruno, Kagura, Hayabusa and Hanzo are all gathered in the place. Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click www.novelhall.com for visiting. "Whoah, whoah, whoah! What''s with this crowd?" Hanabi asked. "I thought it would be just us three?" she added as she points at the two leaders. "Hanabi," Hyuuga said to behave his granddaughter. "They also need to know the information since the four of you are responsible for capturing the traitor," Haruno explained. "Ok?" Hanabi replied, feeling unsure. Her eyes met Hayabusa''s, then Kagura''s then to Hanzo. She stared at Hanzo for a while as if reading him. "What?" Hanzo asked. "Am I too handsome now for you?" "I guess," Hanabi jested which made the two leaders look at Hayabusa who seem to not care about it at all. "Back to the original discussion," Hyuuga said before Hanabi could say something else. "Hanabi, could you tell us more about the traitor?" Haruno asked. Hanabi cleared her throat and started. "Just like what I''ve said before, the traitor has this powerful sword, Ame no Habakiri, and he also has the blessing of the demon named Hanekage. Also, the sword and the demon feed on blood so the more blood it consumes, the more powerful the user becomes. According to my father, the sword and the demon was sealed in a mountain where no one could find it," Hanabi was interrupted when Kagura raised a question. "If it was sealed in an unknown place, then how did the traitor find it?" she asked. "That still remain a mystery to me as well, father did not mention anything about it. But something must have happened, my hypothesis is that the seal must have gone weak through the years and the traitor must have sensed the energy of that demon," Hanabi answered. "Then, he must not just be an ordinary person," Hayabusa commented. "What do you mean?" Kagura asked. "An ordinary person would not be able to sense the energy of a demon unless he has received special training. And the death of Hanabi''s father happened 10 years ago, the possible age range of the traitor by that time would be around 10 to 15 years old so he is around 20 to 25 years old by now," Hayabusa said. "Exactly. In addition, he wields the sword excellently and I could still remember how fast he was back then so I agree that he must have received a special training," Hanabi added. The room was filled with silence until Haruno spoke. "The traitor must have received the blessing of Amaterasu as well," he said. (Amaterasu is the central deity of Shinto who is personifying the sun and the ancestress of the rulers of Japan.) "Amaterasu?" Kagura asked. "She could not possibly do that. She would not do anything to harm her people." "I disagree with that, young lady," Hyuuga said. "You must have learned about the yin and yang for you are an excellent onmyouji. Amaterasu must have thought that there would be imbalance in the world if Hanekage is sealed. She must have given the traitor a special gift in order to find the location of Hanekage." While the discussion goes on, Kagura noticed the silence of Hanzo. Hehad never spoken ever since they''ve started. Kagura thought for a while, spacing out, and she immediately figured something out. She was about to speak, but someone opened the sliding door, interrupting her. "I apologize for the intrusion and my disrespectfulness," Haru said as he knelt down in front of his grandfather. "What is it?" Hyuuga asked. "Someone came from our village with a letter from Hanabi''s mother," Haru replied as he presented the letter. "It''s an emergency." Hyuuga got the letter and Hanabi immediately poked her head into it and immediately read the last sentence. "Our village will be in trouble" "We''ve got to hurry back home," Hanabi said as she stood up and swiftly moves out from the room before her grandfather could stop her. "I apologize as well, Haruno, but we have to go back to the village before something worse arise," Hyuuga said. "I shall send some troops to go with you," Haruno said but Hyuuga refused. "We shall handle this on our own. It would be at your disadvantage if you get involved," he said. Hanabi, together with the Scarlet faction members, readied themselves. Haruno provided the horses so they could get back to their village faster. "What were you about to say back then?" Hayabusa asked his lover as they watch Hanabi and the others disappear from the dark night. "I forgot about it," Kagura replied. Hayabusa simply held her hand as they leave the chief''s house. Kagura felt like she has forgotten something really important so she cracked her brain to remember it once more. "Are you okay?" Hayabusa asked when he noticed the silence of his lover. "Shhhh," Kagura hushed him. "I''m trying to remember something important." When they reached the onmyouji''s house, Hayabusa gave her a kiss on the forehead, then on her nose, then on her lips. "Good night," he said to her with a smile. Kagura smiled happily. "Good night." The two parted ways. Kagura went in for a shower, she couldn''t stop thinking the matter that she had forgotten. Her instinct tells her that she has buried something really important in her mind. She changed into her sleeping clothes but she haven''t remembered it yet. She simply shook her head and laid down. "I''ll come to remember it someday," she told herself as she closes her eyes to sleep. She counted in her mind. One...Two...Three...Four...Five...Six...Seven...Eight...Nine...Ten... Kagura remembered it. She immediately threw her blanket down her bed and rushed out of the window. She jumped from roof to roof even though she is running out of breath. Finally, she reached Hayabusa''s quarters. She knocked on his window and it was opened by her very own lover. "Kagura, what''s the matter?" he asked as he looked at her from head to toe. "Hanzo," Kagura said, running out of air. "What about Hanzo?" Hayabusa asked as he helped her come in his room. "He is the traitor," Kagura replied. 9 Chapter 9 Two galloping horses left the Shadow faction village in a rush. "What made you think Hanzo is the traitor?" Hayabusa asked. "Back in the discussion we had, I''ve put all the pieces together and Hanzo is the only one who fits the description. You said the traitor is around 20 to 25 by now, Hanzo is already 22. He is the only son of the chief village so he is the only one who received special training from Oda Nobunaga before he passed away. Also, Hanzo is the best swordsman here in our village. As for the assassination of the Scarlet faction leader, Hanzo and his team was on a hunt that night but he came home alone," Kagura replied. (Oda Nobunaga was a powerful daimy¨­ ( feudal lord) of Japan in the late 16th century who attempted to unify Japan.) Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click www.novelhall.com for visiting. Hayabusa thought for a while. Kagura''s explanation makes sense but why would he seek the power of a demon when he is already powerful? Just then, he came to realize that Hanzo''s skills weren''t strong enough for his father. And Hayabusa became his favorite student. "Do you think Chief Haruno would receive your letter?" Kagura asked. "We couldn''t possibly just fight against Hanzo with just us. He might have other people with him." "Don''t worry about it. He''ll get the letter in no time," Hayabusa replied. On the other hand, in the Scarlet Village, the Kira group has already made their move, killing every person they see. They''ve assassinated as many people as they could. Along with them was Hanzo who is already on the verge of rampage for the Hanekage and Ame no Habakiri are devouring more blood. ( Kira means killer in english. ) Hanabi and her grandfather are almost at the village. The black haired girl saw the black, thick smoke above their village. Her heart beats faster for she could not forgive herself if she loses her mother. The nightmare of losing her father came haunting her back. Her vision starts to become blurry but she persevered and had her horse ran faster. Hanzo, on the other hand, wanted more blood and he thought of going to the main house of the village. Hanabi''s family is in there and it gives more Hanzo the urge to kill. Upon stepping on the house, another assassin came to sight. He points his sword towards Hanzo and asked, "Who are you?" "Who are you?" Hanzo asked instead. "We''re from the Kira group," the assassin replied. Hanzo simply nodded as a signal for the assassin to continue talking but the assassin came charging towards him. Hanzo just swings his Ame no Habakiri and the assassin was cut into half, his blood is devoured by the sword. Hanzo opened every room and found dead bodies, he was late. Just then, he heard some noises coming from the farthest north room. He went inside and saw a familiar aged woman being threatened by one of the Kira. "Tell me, where is the Higanbana?" the assassin asked. The woman who looked like Hanabi spits blood right on the assassin''s face. "You''ll never find it," she hissed. A loud slap landed on the woman''s left cheek, bursting her lower lip. "Just tell me where it is and you''ll live," said the assassin, he threatened the woman by tempting to cut her throat. Hanzo summoned two kunais and threw it right at the back of the assassin''s neck but at the same time, the Kira plunged his kunai at the woman''s throat. The sliding door banged opened. "Mother!!!" Hanabi yelled and what she saw shocked her. Her mother coughed out blood as she went near her. A small smile formed on her lips before she lost her life. Hanabi summoned her special kunais and threw them at Hanzo''s direction. She summoned her petal blades and continuously attacked him. Hanzo blocked her petal blades with his sword. He flipped his sword and swings it, hitting Hanabi right on her abdomen, letting her fly out from the fifth floor of the main house. Hyuuga saw his granddaughter and the shadow who was about to kill her. He jumped off from his horse and caught Hanabi. He saw her crying, which makes her unsuitable to fight at the time. "Haru, you take care of her," he said before going to Hanzo. Upon stepping in the room, he did not feel the presence of the soul portal underneath him. He was about to step out from it but it was too late. Hanzo appeared at the center of the portal and struck the chief of the Scarlet faction right at his left chest. The Ame no Habakiri devoured his blood until he breathed his last breath. The Kira assassins has already assassinated the entire clan, except for Haru and Hanabi who are in a safe place. Kagura and Hayabusa has reached the village and fought with the assassins. But what caught Hayabusa''s attention was Hanzo jumping off from the fifth floor. He was about to follow him but Kagura is in a pinch situation that he could not leave her alone. On the other hand, Hanabi finally regained her consciousness and was relieved to see Haru, ignorant of the fact that even her grandfather is dead. "Don''t force yourself to stand," Haru said. "What happened?" "The traitor killed mother," Hanabi replied in between her sobs. She started to have her panic attack once more, she''s having short breathes, her body starts to feel cold and numb. Her red lips starts to turn pale. Her fingers starts to turn white. Haru laid her down, and made sure that she is having enough air to breathe. Just then, he heard the voices of Hayabusa and Kagura. Haru immediately carried his cousin and went out from their hiding place. "Haru!" Hayabusa said when he saw the two. "We have to leave. There are assassins around, it is too dangerous to go around carelessly." Hanabi''s vision has gone blurry when Kagura had her arm around her. She looked at her cousin and could not make out what Haru is saying. Just then, he suddenly stopped speaking and he coughed out blood. Hanabi''s adrenaline rush made her entire body move in sync with her mind. She summoned her Higanbana but she first threw her kunai sealed with a demonic flower energy. The kunai slowed down the assassin who killed Haru, Hanabi took this chance to seal him with her Higanbana which bloomed and immobilized and poisoned her enemy. Hanabi lunged towards him with a kunai on her hand and cut off his throat. That was the very first time that Kagura and Hayabusa saw the beauty yet deadly bloom of the Higanbana. Hayabusa came to his senses when he saw Hanabi drop on the ground. He carried her which made Kagura a bit jealous for she does not want to see any other girl being treated kindly by her lover. When Haruno and his troops reached the Scarlet faction village, everything is finished. The Kira has retreated, Hanzo is nowhere to be found, and the entire village has burned into ashes. Only Hanabi, who has lost her consciousness, is left of the Scarlet faction. 10 Chapter 10 Hanabi was there, on that bed, unconscious. Though her mind is fully aware of what has happened. She could still vividly remember how her mother was killed, how her throat was plunged with a kunai, how she spitted blood. Hanabi could vividly remember how Hanzo looked like, his auburn hair that seems to be on fire that night, his golden mask that covers his mouth, his sword that seems to have a mouth of its own, his dark aura that surrounds him. She felt regretful for not using the Higanbana that time to kill Hanzo. How stupid had she become? "When do you think will she wake up?" Kagura asked while looking down at the sleeping Hanabi. "Who knows?" Hayabusa simoly replied. "I wonder what she''ll become upon knowing that her whole clan is slaughtered," Kagura said, feeling sympathetic. Hayabusa stared at Hanabi as well, thinking of her reaction as well. "We have to keep her here for her own safety. The Kira organization is looking for the Higanbana and for sure, they''re looking for her," Chief Haruno said as he enters the room. He felt pity towards the young ninja. At a young age, she lost her father and now, she lost all her family. "Hayabusa, I am assigning you and Kagura to keep your eyes on her. Do not let her leave the main house," the chief added. "Yes, chief," the two replied. After some time, what the chief announced shocked the two. "Hayabusa," he stated. "You shall be wed to Hanabi as soon as possible." Kagura''s heart skipped a beat upon hearing those words. She looked ay the man she loves with sadness in her eyes, pleading him to not leave her. "Why so sudden, chief?" Hayabusa asked. Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click www.novelhall.com for visiting. "We could only gain protection from Amaterasu if we fully pledge that the Scarlet and Shadow sects have become one. She shall give us her blessing and help us fend off our enemies. I am sure that the Kira''s next target is our village," the chief replied. "But why?" Kagura asked. "We have nothing to do with the Higanbana." "The Higanbana is one reason," the chief responded. "The other one is the scrolls of the secret shadow techniques that only our faction know." The two looked confused with what the chief had said so he explained further, "The Shadow faction and Scarlet faction are once one. Our ancestors were known as the strongest existing faction. Due to the difference in fighting style, the two factions were divided in two. This also helped to secure the safety of both factions. There have been lots of threats from different organizations to steal the Seimei umbrella, scroll of the Quad Shadow technique, Higanbana and the Ame no Habakiri. Our faction has been stable in securing the village and keeping the god-given gifts. But ever since the death of Hanabi''s father, their faction has gone weak, thus, the Kira chose to attack them first. The division of the once called Scarlet Shadow faction has made Amaterasu mad that she swore she''ll never grant us her blessing and protection until we become one once again." Kagura was speechless. She wanted to be selfish, she wanted Hayabusa for herself but how is that even possible if the whole village is at risk? The only thing she could was keep her eyes from crying and let out sobs. Hayabusa could not bear to see her like that. He does not want her to be like that. Thus, he decided to reveal what they both had hidden for a long time. "Chief, I cannot marry Hanabi," he said. Kagura looked at him as if asking what he is planning. "And why is that?" chief Haruno asked. "I already have someone else," Hayabusa replied which made the chief look at him with curiosity. "Kagura and I are together." The chief looked at the two of them,not saying a word. He lets out a sigh. "I see," he said. "I apologize but I have to choose the path that is for the good of all our people. I''m sorry, Kagura, but you have to stop seeing Hayabusa. The two of you had stepped beyond the boundaries. You two are not meant to be lovers but only partners in protecting the village and the people." Kagura had gathered all her courage and stood up to defend their relationship. "Why can''t we be lovers? There had been no rules on whoever we shall want to be with," she said. "We can''t just separate after years of being together. I shall have him tie the knot with me and not with another woman." The chief village understands what Kagura is defending but he could not just ignore the Kira. Their troops are not fully prepared to fight against such threat. He is the chief and he is to choose the good for all not only for the few. "Have you forgotten what I told you before the two of you are assigned to be trainees and protectors of the main house?" the chief asked. He looked at them, disregarding their feelings, and sternly said, "I have told you to just stay within your boundaries as shadow ninja and onmyouji. The two of you are meant to just fight alongside each other, not to become lovers. Hayabusa is a gifted ninja for he has mastered the Quad Shadow technique at a young age. Such is a sign that he shall be the one to join the two factions together with Hanabi to appease the anger and regain the protection of Amaterasu." Kagura knew the tone of Chief Haruno and she knew too well that his mind won''t be changed. But she is hoping, even if it''s too little, that she could change his decision. She knelt down on her knees and begged. "Please, chief, do not separate us! I will do everything, in exchange, do not wed him to Hanabi. Please, chief. I beg you," she said as her tears continuously fall down her cheeks. The chief has no plan to grant her wish so he finally said, "You shall become the onmyouji who shall guide the future couple." Chief Haruno left after saying those. Even if he felt sorry for the young lady, he has to contain his emotions and decide rationally. Hayabusa hurriedly went near his lover and helped her stand up on her feet. Kagura sobbed as her lover wraps his arms around her. She wanted that moment to last forever. She never wanted to let him go. She has no plan on letting him marry another woman. He is hers and she is his. "Don''t flirt in front of me, you freakin'' couple," Hanabi said faintly which made the two separate from each other. Kagura wiped off her tears immediately for she does not want Hanabi to see her in such vulnerable state. Hanabi slowly opened her eyes and blinked a few times to adjust her vision. She could feel pain all over her body and she dare not sit down for she feels like her spine would break in two. "Why the hell are you crying, old lady?" she asked as if she was okay. Kagura shook her head with a smile as a response. "Why am I crying as well?" Hanabi asked herself as the memories of her beloved''s death came rushing over her. Her silent cry turned into sobs. She was crying inconsolably as she covers herself with the blanket. That made the two realize that Hanabi wanted to be left alone so they gave her that. Hanabi was left in that room, crying her heart out in pain and in regret. 11 Chapter 11 Kagura is currently in her room, crying her heart out. Her mother heard her sobs so she went inside to console her. "Is it about the wedding?" she asked. Kagura simply nodded while still burrowing her face on her blue and fluffy pillow. She felt her mother sit at the edge of her bed and started to caress her hair. "Kagura, there are things in this world that we can not force to have. Hayabusa and Hanabi''s wedding had been long planned 10 years ago. It was only postponed after the death of the head of the Scarlet sect. I apologize for not telling you this a long time ago. I thought chief Haruno had cancelled it but I was wrong," her mother confessed. "But mom, I knew him first, I loved him first. I was there for him, I was always there whenever he is in need. I deserve to be his wife," Kagura defended. "But that is not always the main point, Kagura. As early as now, you should break up witj Hayabusa. It will only hurt you more if you push through," her mother advised but she is totally against it. "I won''t give up, there has to be a way," Kagura said. On the other hand, Hayabusa is currently on duty to take care of Hanabi. "Take it slowly, dumbass! My back will break if you are so careless!" Hanabi yelled while Hayabusa was helping her sit down on the bed. "You better watch your mouth, you pig!" Hayabusa yelled back. Hanabi simply glared at him for she could not hit him because of her injury. Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click www.novelhall.com for visiting. Hanabi calmed herself and asked, "Do you know where Hanzo has gone to?" The man shook his head in response as he prepares her food. "You should focus on recovering first before worrying about that." "Shut up," Hanabi said. She stared at the guy while eating and it made Hayabusa feel uncomfortable. He raised his brow as if asking what she wants. "How is it going with you and Kagura?" she asked. "We''re fine," Hayabusa lied for he does not want other people prying on his private life. Hanabi smirked. "We''re about to be wed and you''re just fine? Great!" she said as she wiped off her mouth with a clean cloth. "So, will she become your favorite concubine instead of me, your wife?" This time, it is Hayabusa''s turn to glare at the dark-haired woman. "What kind of brain do you have? Or are you even thinking?" "What?" Hanabi asked. "Those kinds of scenarios happens in real life and ,of course, even in literature. A man marrying a woman he does not love and had a concubine whom he will pour his love to her making the wife jealous. Then, the wife threatens the concubine but the man defends her. He, then, ditches her wife and the two of them have a happy ending. Usual thing in books and real life." Hayabusa stared at her in disbelief. "Why did they let you read such indecent books when you''re supposed to read scriptures that are way more important than that." "No one knows that I read love stories, well, except the person whom I secretly buy those ones. And excuse me, Mr. Perfectionist, I do my part as the daughter of the Scarlet sect but I also have my leisure time. I ain''t a dweeb like you who spends hours and days reading boring scriptures." Hayabusa knew that their argument would only lead to nothing but stupidity so he stopped talking back. He just waited for her to finish her lunch. "But honestly, what will happen to you and Kagura?" Hanabi finally asked. "None of your business," Hayabusa tries to shut her down. "Stop prying on our business." Hanabi hits the small table with her chopsticks and shot it right towards him. Hayabusa, though, was fast enough to catch the chopsticks in between his fingers. "Can''t you see I am trying to help you? I am also involved for we are being forced to get married, you stupid jerk. If you keep being narrow-minded, the two of you will surely separate and maybe I''d be laughing my ass off if you didn''t listen to me," Hanabi said as she catches back the chopsticks. While in the Shadow sect village is still in peace, Hanzo is travelling to look for the Kira organization. He wanted to lend them a hand on their missions to feed the Ame no Habakiri with blood. On his way, Hanekage showed himself by taking the form of a crow. "If you want more power, we should also finish the Shadow sect village. The blood of your father and Hayabusa would quench the Ame no Habakiri''s thirst for blood," it said. "We''ll come to that sooner or later. Be more patient, demon. I want to enjoy slaughtering before doing that. The joy of killing would end if we kill them. Save the best for the last to make things more exciting and interesting," Hanzo replied. "Stop wasting time, Hanzo. They will surely be prepared if you keep on dilly dallying," the demon insisted but Hanzo just ignored him. In his mind, he could not forget Hanabi''s reaction upon seeing her mother''s death. He somehow feel the same as her for he had also witnessed his mother''s last moments before passing away. "Why did you not kill the dark-haired woman who has the Higanbana? Her blood would have been the best if you cut her with Ame no habakiri," the demon pried. "Like what I have said before, we''ll come to that soon. Don''t be in a rash for the best is to come for those who wait," Hanzo replied. Just then, he saw a nearby village. It is peaceful and it seems that it is a trade center for lots of merchants are going around the streets advertising their products. But Hanzo could feel something different. He could feel dark auras lurking around. "Assassins," Hanekage hissed which confirmed Hanzo''s hypothesis. This village is not only a trading center for ordinary goods but it is also a black market for dark organizations. "We''re on the right place, we''ve got to only find the Kira''s headquarters," Hanzo said as he choked the crow which turned into dark smoke. 13 Chapter 13 After Hanabi''s visit, the two have already agreed to execute their plan which made their meet ups more often. During Hayabusa''s training, Hanabi would be with him which made the chief feel at ease for the two are getting along very well. Chief Haruno even suspended Kagura from attending her regular work in the main house in order to keep her away from the two. "So, first, let''s pretend to be in good terms to the extent of as if becoming lovers. I''ll be informing Kagura about our plan so she could not do anything rash. Anyway, the chief would be glad to see the two of us happy together. We''ll be able to go around town but Kagura would be on standby so the two of you could have some alone time together. You get me?" Hanabi explained during their break. "I get it, ok? You''ve said that countless times," Hayabusa replied feeling a bit annoyed. Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click www.novelhall.com for visiting. The two of them decided to go around town for the execution of their plan. When they saw the chief, Hanabi grabbed Hayabusa and makes their way to the town. When the dark-haired girl sensed that the chief is looking at them, she gently took off Hayabusa''s mask and flashed him a smile. She even wrapped her arms around him as if hugging him with a smile. "The chief is looking," she said which forced Hayabusa to hold her hand. Chief Haruno smiled at the view and thought that if this kind of scenario would continue, there would be no problem in their wedding. "Let''s meet up with Kagura," Hanabi said. "Where does she live?" "She is not at home during this hour," Hayabusa replied. He led the way while Hanabi followed by. After 10 minutes, they''ve reached the woods which seems to have never been passed by the villagers. Hanabi wants to complain but she knew that Hayabusa knows what he is doing. After a while, she heard the sounds of falling water. They walked a bit further and Hanabi was in awe upon seeing a huge and wonderful view of a waterfall. Just then, she saw Kagura that seems to dance above water. She is barefoot and dances gracefully with her Seimei umbrella which she could control with ease. "She ain''t dancing, she''s performing a ritual to calm the demons inside her Seimei umbrella," Hayabusa said. He stared at her with longing eyes and Hanabi noticed it. "I know you dearly miss her but for now, let us talk to her about the plan. After that, you could do what lovers do after a fight, ok?" she said. "But damn, she''s cute." Hayabusa glared at her but she simply stuck her tongue out and rolled her eyes. Hanabi admired the graceful movement of the onmyouji and once again, it is confirmed that men like cute girls. Though that fact make her cringe. Kagura finished her ritual, she got her Seimei back and closed it. She lets out a sigh upon remembering that during this time, Hayabusa and Hanabi would be together. But to her surprise, she saw Hanabi waving at her while Hayabusa is behind her. Her blood starts to boil thinking that Hanabi came to tease her. But she calmed herself down and decided to run towards Hayabusa and give him a hug for she missed him so much. She was about to jump onto him but Hanabi got in between them. "I know you wanted to give each other a sweet, tight hug but please, do it later after I leave," Hanabi said. She cleared her throat and explained," We have a plan to make the chief approve of your relationship. So first, I want you to understand that we''ll be pretending to be lovers to please the chief. After that, the chief would surely rush the wedding date. If that happens, during the day of the wedding, you''ll be replacing me. That''s a good plan, I know, so I''ll excuse myself for the two of you could...errrr... Act lovers like usual." Hanabi gave Kagura a smile before leaving. She smirked for her plan is going on smoothly. It would only take days for her plan to fully work. She only needs the chief''s approval of her wedding with Hayabusa. The next day, Hayabusa was sent to a mission to go and investigate at Kyoto where the assassins of Kira are residing. On the other hand, Hanabi is on her way to the Chief''s office. She was immediately entertained by the chief who is in a great mood that day. "What brought you here?" the chief asked. They are both at the gazebo of the office''s garden. Hanabi liked the ambiance for it reminds her the relaxing atmosphere of her village. "I came to inform you that Hayabusa and I have already decided to be wed as early as possible which you have said before," Hanabi replied. The chief flashed a wide smile at her and said, "You''ve made the right decision. I shall have the townspeople informed so they shall prepare for the wedding." "We thank you for your support, chief. Kagura also gave her approval of the wedding so that there would be no commotion to happen," the dark-haired girl added. "That is perfect, then. I am glad she was able to agree. After the wedding, we shall wait for Amaterasu''s blessing and we''ll be ready to fight the Kira organization," chief Haruno said. "I shall take my leave first, chief," Hanabi excused herself. "I shall send an expert tailor to you to get you ready with your wedding kimono," the chief said before Hanabi left his office. Kagura saw Hanabi who just left the chief''s office so she ran after her to ask something. "What are you up to?" she asked as she held Hanabi''s arm. "I just convinced chief Haruno to hold the wedding as early as possible so you better be ready. I shall inform Hayabusa of the progress of our plan," Hanabi replied. Kagura blushed upon seeing herself to be wed to her long-time lover. Hanabi smiled at her reaction and said, "You two owe me a lot." "We''ll pay you back for sure," Kagura said. "Of course that''s a must," the dark-haired girl responded. "Anyway, Hayabusa won''t be around for a few days, want to have some meal together?" Kagura flashed her a sweet smile and replied," Sure! My treat." 14 Chapter 14 Four days had passed and Hanabi is lying low, wanting Hayabusa to come back to the village so she could execute her plan. Their wedding will be held a day after Hayabusa''s arrival for Hanabi pleaded the Chief to make haste in their wedding plan. "Why are you rushing things, Hanabi?" Kagura asked who is with the dark-haired girl in her room. "We do not know what will happen if we do not follow through with the plan. We have to be one step ahead before another crisis comes," Hanabi replied which made sense so the white-haired girl did not ask anymore questions. "Hayabusa will surely arrive at any minute now. He''ll be reporting to the chief first and surely, he''ll come here," Kagura said. The two waited with patience. Hanabi cannot be still for she is itching just by thinking of her plan. When she heard a knock on the door, she immediately stood and opened it. Hayabusa, wearing his combat clothes and his mask, was dragged inside the room. "So, what did you find out?" Hanabi asked as she push the shadow ninja on the chair. "Haya, I''m glad you came back," Kagura greeted as she gives him a hug. Hanabi, with her hand on her hip, rolled her eyes in annoyance. "Stop being lovey-dovey in front of me, it''s making me cringe, seriously. Hayabusa, what information do you have about Hanzo?" the dark-haired girl interrupted. Kagura lets her lover go and rolled her eyes as well in annoyance for their reunion was interrupted by someone who does not understand the language of love. "Hanzo is currently in Kyoto, searching for the headquarters of the Kira organization. For sure, he''ll join their group. He also has his guard up, we could not get near him for he might sense our presence," Hayabusa replied.eiie "I see, so he was with them," Hanabi simply responded. "You two better prepare for tomorrow. The final ceremony must be attended by Kagura." After saying such, Hanabi left without excusing herself. She heads to the stables and found good horses. The Shadow sect has been known for their best choice of horses from which they trade from other countries. At the far end of the stables, she saw a hazelnut-colored horse which is more well-kept compared to the others. A smile formed on her lips as she caresses the horse''s mane. The morning came, Hanabi and Hayabusa are already set for their wedding while Kagura is wearing the same wedding kimono and headdress like that of Hanabi. She feels nervous for they will be doing something dangerous but excited as well for she will be wed to her Hayabusa. Hayabusa knew that Hanabi is not in love with him but he feels like something is off that day. He felt that something bad is going to happen but he chose to ignore his gut feeling. Their grandeur wedding is attended by all the villagers, all joyous for the Scarlet and Shadow sects shall merge into one after so many years. Hanabi, wearing her white wedding kimono and bearing the weight of her headdress, is now being carried to the venue of their wedding. She lets out a long exhale to calm herself before she steps out of the carriage and a wave of cheering crowd greeted her. She flashed them a smile as she waits for Hayabusa. He is wearing a black kimono, on his back is the embroidered symbol of the Shadow Village. Hanabi and Hayabusa bowed at each other before the bride took her groom''s hand and they both walked the isle towards the altar where the leading priest is waiting for them. The Chief village is also there to witness the joining of their factions. Each step Hanabi takes is a count down for her final plan. She can''t help but wear a smile for in a short minute, she''ll be away from this. As she and Hayabusa bowed down at the priest, Kagura is ready for her shift. The ceremony was going well and only the final stage is yet to happen, the exchange of the bride''s and groom''s sake. The two golden cups of sake are on the table, waiting to be drunk by the groom and bride. But in all of a sudden, countless of fireworks shot up right to the sky from behind the wedding ceremony. During this time, all attention are distracted giving Kagura and Hanabi to switch positions. The chief believes that the fireworks is a sign of good luck but at this very moment, he senses something bad. They all turned their attention back to the couple who is now holding the cup of sake. They only have little time and they''ll be announced as husband and wife but when the two of them is about to drink, the chief interrupted them. Kagura and Hayabusa could not keep still. The groom suddenly felt that tje gut feeling that has been bothering him since the moment he woke up is now happening. "Stop the ceremony!" the chief yelled which made a commotion. "Take off the headdress of the bride!" No one dared did his order for it is a disrespect if the woman''s headdress is removed by another man. "You dare fool me and people! This is a shameful act!" Chief Haruno announced as he takes off the headdress of Kagura which revealed her silver-coloured hair. "Do you think you could fool me?" the chief asked. "Hanabi is much taller than you are. She also have dark hair. Do you know the consequences of your actions?" The chief looked at Hayabusa and Kagura who held each other''s hand for support. "Imprison them! Soldiers, search for Hanabi." Kagura''s mother came running to her and stopped the ninjas who are straining her daughter but a pair of soldiers came to restrict her. On the other hand, Hanabi is riding the hazelnut-coloured horse going out of the Shadow sect village and is heading back to her town. "Where is Hanabi?" Kagura impatiently scoffed while inside the prison while Hayabusa is imprisoned across her cell. "I should have known," he said with gritted teeth. "Known what?" the woman asked. Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click www.novelhall.com for visiting. "Hanabi made us her escape goat, she took advantage of our situation and left us," he replied. "From the very beginning, she is actually planning to leave the village. It all makes sense now as to why she wanted to rush the wedding." "It is not good for her as well to leave the village. She''ll be devastated upon seeing the current Scarlet village. It''ll be her karma," Kagura said. After some time, footsteps echoed through the hallway, and the two guessed that the chief is now on his way. Hayabusa regretted in taking their plan into action. He should have considered that their plan would fail. He should have considered the fact that Hanabi is only using them to escape. Now that everything happened, they''d have to face the wrath of Chief Haruno. Will Kagura be able to take the pain of their punishment? That is his most concern. 16 Chapter 16 Chief Haruno came in the prison with his soldiers behind him. "Take him," he ordered and the clanking of heavy locks echoed in the cell. Kagura stood up as she watches the soldiers take Hayabusa away and she does not have any idea what they''re going to do with him. Before Hayabusa was taken away, he mouthed ''I love you'' to his lover which Kagura replied with a soundless ''I love you,too.'' Hayabusa was brought into an old and unused cavern. His hands are still tied behind him with the soldiers holding him still. The chief raised his arm at a fast speed, then, a wave of strong wind cleared the dust off the ground. Hayabusa saw the engraved patterns, a large circle envelopes a huge star pattern wherein old scriptures are written on it. At the very middle of the circle is a symbol of yin only, the yang is absent. His prediction was right, the chief is going to perform the ceremony of forgetfulness. "Chief," he called out. "I know I have made a grave sin against you and our village. But I beg for your pardon, I swear I will do everything you ask me to." The heavy sigh of the chief could be heard inside the cavern. He looked at Hayabusa who is on his knees, with his forehead touching the ground, asking for forgiveness. "You already made moves on your own without me knowing, I no longer trust you," the chief replied. "Raise your head and face the consequence of your actions." With the chief''s signal, the soldiers forced Hayabusa to stay at the middle of cavern. He was about to fight back but the chief had already started, the wind surrounded Hayabusa at a fast speed that if he forces his way out, he''d be torn into pieces. The wind circled around him and he suddenly felt heavy. His body fell down on the floor, unmoving, and he could only see the rocky ceiling of the cavern. He could hear the ancient chants of the chief. He said sorry to Kagura countless times in his head. A tear fell down from his eye as he felt his energy being sucked. It was as if his soul is being forced to separate from his body. Little by little, he started to forget. His childhood memories, every moment he was with Kagura, every date, every holding hands and hugs and kisses they''ve exchanged start to fade away. The wind grew stronger, his chest feels painful and he does not know why. His eyes had shed tears and he has no idea why. He felt the gust of wind came closer to him and he wanted to avoid yet he has lost control over his body. He couldn''t move at all. The wind came closer, sucking away his breathe, making it hard for him to draw in the air he needs. His head starts to hurt as if it was being cracked in two. He wanted to shout in pain but no voice came out from his mouth. At that very moment, he seems to be in a deep coma. His mind is very much alive but his body is as good as dead. Little by little, he could see himself as someone new from which the old Hayabusa is nothing compared to the Hayabusa in his memories. His childhood memories turned into nothing but training until he grew older. No sign of Kagura, no hint of any romantic feelings for the onmyouji. All Hayabusa knows is he is trained to lead the soldiers and assassins of the Shadow village. As the ceremony ended, Chief Haruno is panting with exhaustion. He fell on his knees and coughed out blood. He used almost of his energy to totally change Hayabusa''s memory but to the chief, this is the most suitable punishment for him and Kagura. The chief motioned his soldiers to take the unconscious Hayabusa to his quarters. He also released Kagura from imprisonment. "Chief, please let me see Hayabusa," Kagura pleaded while begging on her knees. Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click www.novelhall.com for visiting. "You''ll have to wait. I shall summon you later," the chief responded before leaving. Kagura was ordered to go back home and shall only return if the chief said so. Hayabusa, on the other hand, regained his consciousness an hour later. He woke up as if he just came from a deep slumber and he has no recollection of what had happened previously. The soldier who is in charge to instruct him explained that he shall get ready for the chief needed him. He immediately prepared and heads to the office of their leader, he knelt down in respect with his head looking down. "Rise," Chief Haruno remarked so he stood and gazed at him. "Hanabi just made her escape and we have to find her before she is caught into trouble. You shall lead a small group and search for her," the chief instructed which the assassin obliged to. "An onmyouji shall escort you for she is knowledgeable and she would be of great help." Kagura came from behind and bowed to the chief. She is trying her best not to jump into her lover and give him a tight hug. She is relieved to see Hayabusa unscathed. She flashed a smile to him which made the assassin look at her with an eyebrow raised. "You two shall depart at this moment before Hanabi could get any further," the chief said before dismissing them. Upon their exit from the office, Kagura wasn''t able to contain herself so she immediately hugged Hayabusa. "I''m so happy you''re unhurt," she said as she snuggle into his arms. Hayabusa, who is trully confused at the sudden charge of the woman, slowly makes his distance from her. "I do not know why you''ve said that but I kind of appreciate it. Though, I apologize for I do not want to be intimate with anyone when I am on duty," he said which made Kagura dumbfounded. She stood there, with her feet planted on the ground and her eyes following the assassin who is headed to the stables. "What just happened?" she whispered to herself. "Is he ignoring me?" Kagura did not back down so she collected herself once more and ran after Hayabusa. She grabbed his arm and forced him to face her. "Are you ignoring me?" Kagura asked. "What did the chief tell you?" With total confusion, the assassin asked,"The chief told me to go find Hanabi who is probably headed back to the Scarlet village. And young lady, I am not ignoring you." "Then, why are you pretending to not know me? Didn''t you tell me that we''ll keep no secrets from each other? Come on, Haya, tell me everything and I''ll compromise. Just please, don''t ignore me, it''s making me feel hurt," Kagura stated who is in the verge of crying. "I apologize but I have no idea on what you''re talking about. We have to prepare now for our task so please do not idle around. We''ll meet at the center town before the sun sets." With that, Hayabusa took his leave and Kagura finally gets what the situation is. The chief had erased his memories and replaced it with a new one. Her chest hurts like she''s been stabbed countless times. Never had she imagined or expected that time would come that Hayabusa, her long time lover, would forget and treat her the same like the others. Tears fell down from her now red eyes as she stares at the horizon. After an hour, Hayabusa''s group together with Kagura left the Shadow village. On their way, the strong rain poured which forced them to have shelter from the rain. The lightnings and thunder occur very often which is very unusual. Kagura felt like the thunderstorm is not just any ordinary one but instead, it seems to be a respond coming from the gods. "Whoever had his prayers answered by the gods, he must be powerful enough to convince and ask for the immediate blessing," Hayabusa said to particularly no one. "What could he have sacrificed?" Kagura asked as she stares at the raindrops. "Maybe his life," Hayabusa replied. Without their knowledge, they''ll soon be facing the person whose prayer was answered by Amaterasu herself. 17 Chapter 17 A day had passed, Hanabi, who has been asleep ever since she finished her ritual ,finally woke up. Her lips are dry, her stomach growled and her wound on her palm starts to hurt. Hanabi slowly stood up and made her way out of the cave. She felt very weak but she still persevered to head to a spring to have some water and quench her thirst. After a long agonal walk, she heard the flowing water. Upon reaching the edge, she immediately dipped her face and drank as many water as she could. Upon filling her satisfaction, she washed her face to fully awaken herself. After doing so, she noticed her reflection on the water which shocked her. Her once dark hair turned into dark purple. Her usual black armor turned into golden one. Her lips curved into a grin for Amaterasu had granted her blessing on her. She summoned her Higanbana and its physical appearance also changed. It became a shape of two vipers which seem to crave for vengeance. Her alone time was suddenly interrupted when Hanabi heard some faint neighing sounds of horses from afar. She immediately hid and waited for the arrival of the intruders. She was right, it is the people from the Shadow village with Hayabusa on the lead and Kagura behind him. Hanabi''s eyebrows almost meet at the center of her forehead, wondering if the wedding of the two has been successful. But why are they here near their village? She knew Hayabusa has keen senses so she didn''t dare move an inch in order to conceal her presence. Everything was going smoothly until Hanabi''s stomach betrayed her. It growled, craving for food. She almost cursed loudly but she jumped from one branch to another instead so she could escape. "Don''t lose her!" Hanabi heard Hayabusa''s order so she quickened her movement. "I helped the two of you to get married and yet you come here to capture me? Such ungrateful brats," Hanabi thought and her stomach growled for the second time. "Damn it, shut up! Now''s not the time to eat." While tailing Hanabi, Kagura summoned her Seimei umbrella. "Semei umbrella open!" she exclaimed which made her demonic umbrella move towards Hanabi, slowing down her movement. Hanabi, on the other hand, raised her three fingers and folded her ring and pinky fingers and said, "Equinox activate." Upon doing so, she regained shield from any attempted harm pointed at her. The Seimei umbrella which slowed her down has no longer effect on her, making her escape successful. Hanabi made a detour before going back to the spring where she was before. She is sure that Hayabusa won''t even think of going back there. "Are you sure that was Hanabi?" Kagura asked while they are still searching the vicinity where they''ve lost track of the scarlet ninja. "I''m sure of it. She may have changed appearance but her aura is still the same. The chief said you''d be of help but it''s the exact opposite," Hayabusa remarked. "It would be better for a kid like you to go back home and play house." "Don''t you dare talk to me like that!" Kagura exclaimed for she has been insulted three times in a rownand she cannot tolerate it even if it is Hayabusa. "If only you remember me, you''ll regret saying those!" Kagura yelled while pointing her index finger on him. Hayabusa got confused for he could not remember a thing about Kagura yet she claims that he knows him. "Young lady, you''ve been acting weird ever since we met. You''re creeping me out," he said which offended the silver-haired girl. "If only the chief did not meddle with your memories, we could still be a couple until now," she whispered so low that the assassin did not clearly hear it. He simply ignored her gibberish act and joined with the soldiers in searching for Hanabi. Kagura couldn''t do anything but stare at his back. She tightened her grip on the whip to keep her emotions in control. She summoned two demons that are sealed in her umbrella. The demons both have shackles on their necks wgich signifies the control of Kagura over them. "Go find Hanabi," she intructed. "When you locate her, inform me." Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click www.novelhall.com for visiting. Upon saying her orders, the two demons are free to roam around but in any time, Kagura would still be able to gain control over them. Hanzo is currently moping around for he couldn''t do anything else. He is strolling around the thick forest beyond Kyoto, hoping he''d find something fun to play with. He has his large sword at his back, aching to be used for slaughtering. Hanekage, once again, revealed himself in a crow form. "Your nemesis will come at any moment," he whispered. "You''ve got to be prepared for she has the blessing of Amaterasu." Hanzo did not believe him at all so he said, "There is no guarantee she''s the one blessed by the goddess. Let her come to me and I shall kill her in 20 seconds." Hanekage lets out a hoarse laugh and remarked, "Without the help of Izanami, I wouldn''t be able to get out from the seal your ancestors had used to trap me in. Without her help, you wouldn''t be able to acquire the Ame no Habakiri. If you offer an important thing to her, she shall grant you her blessing as well." "Are you getting scared, Hanekage?" Hanzo chuckled, feeling amused on how the demon chatter continuously as if he fears something. "That is not what I want to impart to you, foolish man," Hanekage replied. "I am suggesting you should sacrifice Hanabi to Izanami to gain much more power." Hanzo raised a brow as he asks, "Hanabi?" Hanekage''s hoarse laugh irritated the assassin. "Do you think I am blind not to notice how you''ve been considerate towards that scarlet ninja? A man could act like he does not care about a woman but a man''s eyes couldn''t lie." Hanzo snapped that he gripped the crow on its neck and strangled it as he replied, "Stop spouting nonsense, you dumb demon." He lets the demon go as he continues his meditation. Hanekage turned into his original form, a huge black dragon whose nostrils could blow fire. The assassin opened one eye to see it, then closes it once more. "Why are you on that form?" he asked without shifting his position. "If you keep being soft towards that scarlet ninja, she will become your downfall. As early as possible, you should use her," Hanekage replied. The demon was about to blow a huge fire on its mouth but Hanzo raised his hand and with his jutsu, he managed to restrain the power of Hanekage. The demon slowly turned back into a crow and Hanzo tightly held his neck. "You better not make any trouble, you fat ass demon," he growled before Hanekage disappeared. He went back to gis meditation posture yet he could not concentrate at all for the words of the demon keep on ringing inside his head. Though he was only able to be with the scarlet ninja for a short period of time, he couldn''t help himself but keep on thinking about her despite the fact that she is his nemesis. "Damn you, Hanekage," he cursed before grabbing the Ame no Habakiri and rushed into the woods to clear his head. 18 Chapter 18 Hayabusa''s team decided to return back to the Shadow village after two days of combing the mountains in search for Hanabi. While going down the Ame no Yama (mountain of rain), a strong storm stopped them on their track. Unfortunately, the mountain is rocky and no shelter is safe for them to stay in. Hayabusa commanded them to go down as fast as possible for it is their only choice. The vehement rain and strong wind slowed their pace for if they are not careful enough, they''ll fall to their deaths. The rain grew stronger and the wind blew harder, Hayabusa, who was at the back of the whole team, saw the rocks above them that are about to fall and would hit them. He told the others to move faster and when it was his turn to walk past the almost falling rocks, the rain and wind caused them to fall, hitting Hayabusa''s way. His horse fell down with him which made Kagura hysterical. Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click www.novelhall.com for visiting. With shock, she screamed at the top of her lungs, "Hayabusa!" Kagura summoned her Seimei umbrella and tried to jump off the cliff but a soldier stopped her. She started crying and calling out Hayabusa''s name while trying to get out from the soldier''s grip. But the soldier hit the back of her neck making her lose consciousness. "Let''s get down as fast as we can! Let'' s search for Hayabusa! Hurry!" one of the soldiers shouted. Hanabi, who was staying at the cave of Amaterasu felt the shaking of the ground and heard the rumble of falling rocks above. What caught her attention is the neighing of a horse and she immediately stood on her feet for she somehow feel that Hayabusa''s group may be in trouble. She got one torch and made her way out. Upon reaching the entrance of the cave, the sound of the wind and rain greeted her. She spreads the vines that are covering the entrance and saw the horse, dead. She looked around and was expecting more horses that must have fallen but only one is there. Hanabi lets the rain soak her as she looks around for she is sure someone has fallen along with the horse. To her horror, she covered her mouth upon seeing the familiar armour of the man lying down being drenched and is covered in crimson liquid. She immediately went near him, got his hand and wrapped his arm around her shoulder. She stood up with all her strength as she carried Hayabusa towards the cave. After successfully bringing him in, Hanabi got some dry blankets from the secret room inside the cave. She took off his wet clothes, except for the lower ones, of course. Hayabusa''s six pack abs greeted her once more which entices Hanabi to touch them but she shook off her head and focused on getting him warm first. She wiped off the blood on his body and what worries her the most is that the wound on his head. Hanabi ran to the secret room and hurriedly looked for anything that would stop the blood from coming out. She grabbed the long, white piece of cloth and tends to Hayabusa. She carefully bandaged his head and covered the small wounds on his arms and chest. Luckily, Hayabusa was not seriously hurt on his lower extremity. Hanabi knew that they must have been searching for her and this happened, she does not know if she''ll feel happy for Hayabusa''s team would be looking for their leader instead of her or feel pity to the injured assassin. She stared at the young assassin, waiting for him to open his eyes, but she drifted off to sleep without her knowing. Hanzo, on the other hand, was looking for shelter from the pouring rain. He has gone too far from Kyoto and it would be dangerous for him to return especially that the storm is not becoming weaker. While scanning around, he spotted vines that seem to cover an entrance of a cave. He immediately entered and the cave is larger than he had imagined. He went in deeper but when he noticed that it is somehow like a maze, he stopped on his tracks and decided to wait for the storm to calm down. "This cave," Hanekage hissed. "What?" Hanzo asked, uninterested. "This is no ordinary cave," the demon replied. "I could feel fragments of Amaterasu''s powers in there." Hanzo''s interest grew so he stood up. There must be something more inside the cave that is why it seemed to be a maze. "Stop!" Hanekage cried out in pain. "Shut up, demon. There is something inside, I''m sure of it," Hanzo snarled. "I know something is inside but I will surely perish if we continued further. Amaterasu''s power is weakening me," the demon replied. Just then, Hanzo felt the weakening of his power so despite his curiosity, he decided not to go in further. When he is on his way back to the entrance, he heard voices so he hid from sight. He peeked and saw the familiar armours of the soldiers and the silver hair of a woman. He smirked for he thinks he is lucky to have some food for his sword. He got out from his hiding place and his footsteps are heard by the group but it was too late to respond for Hanzo had taken down three soldiers with one swing of the Ame no Habakiri. The living sword sucked their blood as the others watch in horror. "Retreat!" Kagura commanded so the remaining of them tried to escape but Hanzo is fast enough, hindering them to get away. One soldier told Kagura to leave them and send the news to the chief village. Even if it is against her will, Kagura is forced to leave them die at the hands of the traitor. Hanzo have had quite a long fight with the well-trained soldiers of his father but he was able to take them all down. "Too bad ,the silver-haired girl escaped. Her head would be the perfect gift for Hayabusa," he commented. Hanzo immediately shifted position when he felt someone from behind. He swings his sword to block the attack of a dark-haired and petite girl. While they had their sword fight, Hanzo knew that this stranger he is fighting is a skilled swordsman. Her swift yet precise movements show how she is well trained. The way she tries to hit him in critical areas shows how knowledgeable she is about human anatomy. Hanzo opened the soul portal which made the stranger grow weak. He used this time to swing his sword and force the girl to let go of her double-blade katana. He sat down for the stranger would remain weak as long as she is inside the soul portal. "Tell me, who are you?" Hanzo demanded. "As if I''d tell you, weakling," the girl replied. He is reminded of Hanabi with the girl''s attitude. "The longer you stay in that soul portal, the more you''ll grow weaker and become food for my sword," Hanzo informed her. Just then, Hanzo felt someone else''s presence so he quickly jumped out from his original spot before a kunai with a seal hits him. Hanabi jumped and saved the girl from the soul portal, and slowly she is regaining back her energy. "Hanabi?" the girl blurted out. Hanabi did not look at her for she is focused on Hanzo. "No time for chitchat," Hanabi replied and lunged towards the traitor but she felt kunais digging inside her back which made her fall. "Finally," the girl said as she picks up her katana. Hanzo did not expect these things to happen so he sat down and watch how the two would fight. Hanabi got up and reached for the kunais. Her scarlet blood flowed on her hands as she faces the girl. "What''s wrong with you, Shizuka?" she asked. "I should be the rightful owner of the Higanbana," she claimed which amused the assassin who is watching them. "I have guarded it since I was young until you came and claimed it just because you''re the daughter of the chief village. You do not even know how to hold a katana and yet you get to use the Higanbana?" Hanabi, who thought she has found an ally, felt mad for the person she expected to help her is going against her instead. 19 Chapter 19 Shizuka lets out bitter laugh as she circles Hanabi who is getting weaker due to her wound. The kunais have poison on them and if not healed, she''ll have the chance to die. "You see, your family has always been the reason why my clan is always at the second rank. Just because your great grandmother has been gifted with the Higanbana, your family had always thought that only your bloodline have the right to use it. Without even considering the skills, the talent and wisdom, your rotten family thought they''re the most powerful," she remarked as she drags her katana behind her which makes a screeching sound. Hanzo is very well-entertained for he is witnessing the inside rivalry of the Scarlet faction. "In addition, your father!" Shizuka exclaimed as she points her katana towards Hanabi''s face. "He killed my father accusing him of treason which he never committed! My family has always been loyal to yours but what did we get? Pure accusations! Your grandfather even casted us out from the village! It is only right for them to be lying on their cold graves." Hanabi gritted her teeth for such false accusations. She glares at Shizuka and stares at her emerald eyes. "It is only your grandfather who remained loyal! Your father secretly gathered his own troops to rebel against the whole faction! Don''t you go around spitting lies right in front of me who knows the whole truth!" Hanabi replied. With the poison continually spreading inside her body, her fair skin grew paler. "You do not know the whole truth for you are only fed with white lies ever since you were born!" Shizuka insisted. She tightly holds her katana and swiftly swings it towards the neck of Hanabi. Hanzo flinched for he is taken by surprise. He is about to interrupt Shizuka but her katana froze in place before it touches Hanabi. The Higanbana which is composed of two vipers came into life. With their mouth wide open, revealing their fangs, they are about to lunged at the dark-haired lady but Hanzo swings his sword in time and shot the two bronze vipers at the back of the cave. Hanabi is lying down on the ground, pale and unconscious. Hanzo looked away from her and took Shizuka by her waist and left. "Let go of me!" Shizuka struggled but Hanzo is way stronger than her that she could not get away from his grasp. Despite being soaked due to the storm, Hanzo laid Shizuka down and sucked on the nape of her neck. Shizuka blushed like hell and froze in place for the sudden direct contact from the assassin. After a while, Hanzo stops and spits the venom he sucked out. "You''d be safe for now. We gave to go back to Kyoto and give you proper medication. You''re insensitive of your surroundings and haven''t noticed one of the viper had bitten you," he said as he puts his mask on. Shizuka may have seen his face only for a slight moment but she is sure had that sharp, sexy jawline. She is still stunned after what Hanzo did so the assassin yanked her up, bringing her back to her senses. Both of them are all wet yet they continued to walk further ignoring the storm. On the other hand, Kagura was able to reach the Shadow sect village before losing her consciousness. The ninjas guarding the gates spotted her and brought her to the infirmary. Upon hearing the news of Kagura''s arrival, the chief village immediately heads to her whereabout. Chief Haruno stared at the silver-haired lady, her lips are cracked, dry and dehydrated. Her skin is pale which almost became as white as her hair. She must have fainted due to hunger and exhaustion. He wants her to wake up as early as possible to ask why is she alone? Back at the Amaterasu cave, Hayabusa slowly opens his eyes. Upon regaining back his full consciousness, he felt a sharp pain at the back of his head and other parts of his body. He notices the blankets wrapped around him and the bandages on his wounds. He looked around, hoping he''d see gis saviour and properly thank him for his kindness. But he saw no one, only flickering torches and an empty cave are the ones in sight. Hayabusa stood on his feet and observed the fluttering fire in order to locate where the wind is coming from. He went south and he could feel the wind which helped him get out from the cave. Upon reaching the entrance, Hayabusa saw the purple-haired lady he is hunting, lying on the cold, hard ground, unmoving. He saw her wounds at her back which is already turning blue, signifying the presence of poison. He shifted Hanabi''s position so he could have access on her wounds. Hayabusa tore some of his clothes so he could wipe off the blood. He, then, brought out a potion he always bring with him and poured it onto Hanabi''s wounds. It is cold at the entrance of the cave but Hayabusa has no choice but to guard and wait for Hanabi to wake up. He could not carry Hanabi back in the cave for his wound are too painful to bear. As the time ticks by, Hanabi''s pale skin slowly turned back to being fair. The bluish marks on her back slowly disappears. Hayabusa waited for her to open her eyes but there is no sign of her waking up. It was as if she is in a deep sleep. Hayabusa stared at her and just then, he notices how good she looks. From her naturally shaped eyebrows to her long eyelashes to her perfectly shaped nose down to her luscious lips. Just by staring at her unconscious, he felt as if he is captivated. He suddenly came back to his senses and shakes his head. He has to keep in mind that he is tasked to capture Hanabi and bring her back to their village. A couple of hours had passed and finally, Hanabi regains her consciousness. She suddenly jolts up upon seeing Hayabusa staring down at her but winced at the same time for her wounds opened once more. "You must be the one who treated my injuries so I only returned the favor," Hayabusa said. "I bet you are thinking of bringing me back to the Shadow sect village," Hanabi guessed with a bitter smile. "If you are grateful enough, you should let me go." "Personal affairs must be set aside. My job is to bring you back no matter what," the assassin replied. "I already helped you and Kagura get married so why come back for me?" Hanabi asked which caused confusion. "What nonsensical things are you spouting?" Hayabusa replied. "I never married Kagura, not even dated her nor interested in her." Now, Hanabi is confused for something feels off. Hayabusa would never say something like that for she knew too well how affectionate he is towards Kagura. Just then, a realization hits her. Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click www.novelhall.com for visiting. "He must have temporary memory loss due to the fall and wound on his head," she thought and shook her head. "Poor Kagura." 20 Chapter 20 Hanzo and Shizuka finally reached Kyoto and the storm has already calmed. The akuma ninja notices the purplish mark on Shizuka''s nape which means that the venom of the viper is starting to spread. "You better go to the infirmary and let the bite mark be checked," Hanzo said. "B-Bite mark?" Shizuka stuttered with a blushing face. Ignorant as to why she looks red, Hanzo cleared out, "The viper''s bite." "A-Ah yes, yes, the viper''s bite," Shizuka replied with an awkward laugh. She goes north even though she doesn''t have any idea where the infirmary is for Kyoto is a new place for her. "That''s not where the infirmary is," Hanzo remarked as he dragged her hand and heads east. Shizuka, who had never been interested in men, is feeling butterflies in her stomach. It is a new feeling and she does like it, a little. Back at the Shadow village, Kagura woke up with her full strength. The chief village immediately lends his ears when she reported every detail of their journey in finding Hanabi as well as their encounter with Hanzo. "You shall rest and I shall summon you back in any moment. I shall send out some troops to search for Hayabusa," Chief Haruno said before taking his leave. Kagura clenched her fist for she could not just do nothing now that her Hayabusa is missing. She is not assured if he is alive or dead. She rises from her bed and heads to the temple hidden behind the waterfalls she is training on. Upon reaching the temple, Kagura dressed into her ritual clothes and summoned her Seimei umbrella. With the Semei Umbrella opened in front of the temple and with the bells she is holding, she started the ritual to call for help from the kami. (deities in Japan.) She rings the bells ten times simultaneously as she performs the ritual dance. She is very careful on every move, every turn, every wave of her hand in order to please the kami. She danced for thirty minutes straight that her legs and arms are starting to cramp, still she persevered as she remembers the scene of Hayabusa falling off the cliff. When she is almost over, the water from the waterfalls rises up and enters the temple. Kagura stopped for she has finally finished and to her surprise, the kami had taken form. It is water in form of a dragon and it circled around her. She smiled for her hard work paid off. "Your wish has been granted," the kami said before it disappeared in thin air. Kagura felt the surge of power inside her. Her Seimei Umbrella had taken another form and she could sense stronger power from it. Kagura notices her hair which was once silver but now, it is beautiful black. She couldn''t wait, she couldn''t wait to meet Hayabusa and be with him again. But first, she has to know where Hanabi is. She closes her eyes and sharpens her senses. On the east, she could sense the presence of the two demons she released to look for Hanabi. From there, Kagura could sense Hanabi''s aura. She started her journey back to the Amaterasu village. As the horse gallops towards the Scarlet Village, Hanabi''s presence becomes stronger. But Kagura felt a sharp pang on her chest upon feeling a familiar aura, Hayabusa. She does not want to cry for she knew that Hayabusa wouldn''t easily fall for a lady within a short span of time. But her tears betrayed her, they escaped from her eyes and flowed down her cheeks. "No, Hayabusa would not fall in love with the person he is tasked to capture. He would not dare go against the words of Chief Haruno. He will come to love me once more even if he lost his memory," Kagura convinced herself as she wipes off her tears. Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click www.novelhall.com for visiting. Back at the Amaterasu cave, Hanabi and Hayabusa decide to leave and search for food especially Hayabusa for he has not eaten for a day. "About what you said before about me marrying Kagura, why''d you say such?" Hayabusa asked while following Hanabi''s lead for she is familiar with the place. "Well, since you lost your memory temporarily, I have to explain it," Hanabi responded. "You see, you and Kagura have been in a long term relationship which you kept to yourselves due to the chief''s expectation of you. Then, I came in the picture as your wife-to-be but during our wedding, Kagura and I switched places and what happened next between the two of you is unknown to me." Hanabi''s story does make sense as to why Kagura has been acting weird towards him but he has stronger resolution that his memories are the real ones. "I do not know how you came up with such story but as far as I could remember, I have never been in an intimate relationship with anyone," Hayabusa responded. Hanabi suddenly turned around and faced the assassin with their faces only inches away from each other. She tiptoed, trying to be on the same level as him. Hayabusa was caught off guard that he froze in place. "Kagura would be hurt if she heard what you just said. If I were you, I''d believe her words before she gives up on you. She has been tolerating your relationship being hidden for like years maybe? If a lady like her gets hurt painfully, at some point, she''ll give up for her emotional health is trully affected, you hear me?" Hanabi reiterated while pointing her index finger on his chest. Hayabusa is not actually focused on what she''s been saying but he is gazing at her passionate-looking eyes. He snaps out from his trance when Hanabi slapped his shoulder so hard that he felt as if his wounds reopened. "Oops, too strong, didn''t mean that," the scarlet ninja apologized sarcastically before going back on her way. Just then, the two of them heard the faint sound of a horse. Hayabusa sensed Kagura''s aura so he immediately hit Hanabi''s nape causing her to have blurry vision and eventually, she lost her consciousness. Before she could hit the ground, Hayabusa caught her and carried her like a bride. Kagura appeared in time and the assassin gave her a nod before he puts Hanabi behind her. Hayabusa tied the scarlet ninja''s hands behind her back as well as her feet so she could not escape if ever she wakes up. "We have to go back as soon as possible,'''' he said upon finishing tying up. "But it''s more important if you bring that woman back to the village. Go as fast as you can and I''ll catch up." Kagura, who felt relieved that her Hayabusa is not doing something romantic with Hanabi, simply smiled and gave him a nod before she whipped the horse. Hayabusa gazed at the horse as it slowly disappear from sight. He remembers what Hanabi had said about him and Kagura but he refuses to accept it. As long as he could remember, he has dedicated himself to training in order to become the best assassin and be trustworthy enough for Chief Haruno. Having a secret relationship would be the last thing he could do. He has the trust of the chief and he does not dare ruin it. 23 Chapter 23 A black smoke circled Hanabi and she had sensed the presence of death. The black smoke has gone to Hanzo''s side and it has shown its original form. Hanabi watched as the god of death, Izanami, appears behind her nemesis. He is holding a scythe with its deadly blade being held together by a sharp, osteal bone. The god''s presence emits the strong sense of death itself. "It''s been a while, scarlet ninja," the god said. "You''ve grown into such a beautiful lady that even my akuma ninja could not resist. Ah, Amaterasu does really have her way to ruin my plans. If only I knew you''d be such a nuisance, I could have made Hanzo kill you with your father." Hanabi tightens her grip on her Higanbana. She is aching to attack him but she is just a mere human and a god is way too strong for her to kill. And that god, right in front of her, is the god of death himself. "You see, the death of your father has done great thing to me. More bloodshed had occurred, ah, what a beautiful sight that is. But I do sympathize with the death of your whole clan. It wasn''t my intention to leave you all alone," said the god calmly as if he is just having a break from the world''s cruelness. While he is conversing with Hanabi, Hanzo''s wounds healed and the demonic energy inside him was removed by the death god. He regains his strength back and watched how the death god circles around the scarlet ninja. "You see, Hanabi, my only plan is to have Hanzo go around the world and spread bloodshed for me. That is the reason why I have some remains of myself implanted inside the very core of him. But Amaterasu and you are becoming a big nuisance and it''s very annoying," the death god remarked. "Human lives are not something you could play with, Izanami," Hanabi bluntly replied. "Oh what a terrible term for you to call my job as only a play. Hanabi, as the death god, it is my responsibility to balance the power of Amaterasu who creates and maintains life. Her existence and my existence are both important for we maintain the proper equilibrium of this world." Izanami turned back into his original form, a god with silver hair, with shadowy extra hands surrounding him. "Hanabi, you''re the only person who hinders my akuma ninja to do his job. I give you my respect but you have disrespected me in return. Now, for my akuma ninja to perform his mission perfectly, all I have to do is have you stay with me... Forever." Izanami lets out a chuckle while he grips his scythe. Hanabi stanced readily. She knew Amaterasu would never leave her side and she would be alright even if she is against the god of death. "I do admire you, Hanabi, but letting you live would cause imbalance." Izanami tightens his grip on his life-taking scythe. With his dark power, he blinded Hanabi effortlessly. The god of death swings his scythe yet before it cuts through the scarlet ninja, Hanzo had his Ame no Habakiri drawn out and holds his weapon in place. "Oh my," Izanami chuckled. He withdraws his scythe and reduced his size into that of a human. "Are you betraying me now, Hanzo?" Hanzo did not respond. He suddenly felt an excruciating pain on his nape which made him kneel down on his knees right in front of the death god. "That is the consequence if you go against me, my dearest ninja," Izanami said as he walks towards him. "Hanzo, you were the perfect medium for me to reside in yet you became imperfect when you have set your eyes on that scarlet ninja." Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click www.novelhall.com for visiting. "I do not work for you, dumbass," Hanzo sneered. "You''ve got the attitude to curse at me. But do not forget that I have granted you so much power. I have given you the skills of a deadly assassin and yet you''re not using it wisely. You are letting your emotions work rather than your intellect. Do you think I do not have the power to get those back? Those power, that Ame no Habakiri, and even Hanekage. I could retrieve them back right now if you do not kill that woman." Hanabi could hear every word of their conversation but she could not see what they are up to for she sees nothing but pure darkness. She walks backwards as she hears footsteps coming towards her direction. She had her Higanbana ready for at any time, she could be assaulted. She senses the sudden occurence of a strong force on her right side so she used her Higanbana as a shield from the death god''s scythe. Hanzo summoned Hanekage on his original form which distracted the god from killing the scarlet ninja. The huge form of Hanekage collapsed the ground they''re standing on. Hanabi ran forward but it was too late, the next step she made had her fall down into the abyss. Izanami returned back to his original form which is as large as that of Hanekage. Hanzo, on the other hand, caught Hanabi and went to higher ground. But the scarlet ninja attempted to pierce him with her soul scroll which made the akuma ninja throw her off his shoulder. "Stay right there!" Hanabi warned which made him scoff. "Right, stupid woman," he cursed. "If you want to die here, then suit yourself, blockhead." Hanabi gritted her teeth for she is going to lower her pride and give her trust to the person she is meant to kill. "Wait!" she yelled, making Hanzo stop on his tracks. He looks back and is confused as he watches her walk carefully. "Stop dilly dallying," he snarled as he grabs her by the hand and lead the way. "Be careful on your tracks, you freaking dumbass!" Hanabi cursed. "I cannot see here in the darkness!" Hanzo stops and waves his hand in front of Hanabi''s eyes. The pupils of her eyes which turned back into ocean blue ones did not follow his moving hand, confirming that she is indeed blind. He once again tugged her arm and lead the way out of Izanami''s lair. "Tell me, just how stupid are you to not realize that you are blind?" Hanzo asked. Hanabi did not respond for a while as she processes in mind what Hanzo had said. A flush of embarassment ran through her. Her cheeks, her ears turned red and she wished and hoped so hard that they are still in a dark place for never, ever, does she want Hanzo to see her like a well-riped tomato. "No need to hide your embarassment," Hanzo teased. "You look good enough to be considered as one of the tomatoes out there." Hanabi is so abashed that she cannot say or do anything else but to just follow Hanzo''s lead. "Why are you helping me anyway?" she asked to lead their conversation away from the fact that she''s so red at the moment. It is now Hanzo''s turn to turn red but luckily for him, Hanabi has lost her eyesight temporarily. He did not answer her which made Hanabi remember what the god of death had said. "You''ve grown into such a beautiful lady that even my akuma ninja could not resist," Hanabi repeats the words of Izanami which made Hanzo mad in no time. Hanabi smirked for it is her turn to tease the assassin. "What a beautiful statement that is to my ears," Hanabi jested which made Hanzo let her hand go and walk ahead of her. Hanabi could still hear his footsteps so she could follow him still. In all of a sudden, a huge roar echoed which made Hanzo turn back and carry Hanabi like a bag of rice. Hanekage came flying through, Hanzo jumped on his back for a ride. "What happened to Izanami?" Hanzo asks. "For a reason I do not know, he lets us off the hook and went back to his throne room," Hanekage replied. "What are we riding on?" Hanabi asks as she taps her foot on the hard scale of Hanekage. Before Hanabi could ask another question, a loud scream escape from her mouth as Hanekage went on full speed and flew upward. Hanzo has Hanabi on his arms as they reach the surface where Hanekage turned back into black smoke and returned into Hanzo''s body. "Hanzo!" Shizuka called out upon seeing him. But her face turned sour when she saw Hanabi with him. "Shizuka," Hanabi whispered as she summons her Higanbana. She looks at her side for that is where she heard Shizuka''s voice. "Why is she with you?" Shizuka asks bitterly. "Calm your nerves," Hanzo said. "She''s somewhat a hostage, I guess." Hanzo waves his hand once more in front of the scarlet ninja to show Shizuka that she is blind. "If she''s blind then, it''s the perfect time to kill her!" the assassin said as she lunged towards her but Hanabi''s spider-like limbs appeared once more and breaks her katana. The other spider limbs almost pierced through Shizuka only if Hanzo did not block them. "Careful, she''s venomous even if she cannot see," Hanzo warned. 24 Chapter 24 Hayabusa is currently in the city of Kyoto together with Kagura. The chief had once again sent them on a mission from which he thinks is easier than capturing Hanabi and letting her escape in the end. "Is she the Soryu Maiden?" "With the printings on her clothes, she does resemble the Soryu Maiden." "You''re quite known in the city," Hayabusa commented as he mounts his horse. "N-not really," Kagura denied. "It is my great grandmother they know of being the legendary Soryu Maiden." "I see," is only Hayabusa''s response. "We have to be careful not to catch unnecessary attention. Our top mission for today is catch Shizuka who came from the Scarlet village," he added. "Copy," Kagura responded before they started investigating. She lets one of her demons roam around in order to make their search easier. "Why are you bringing her with us?" Shizuka complained as she pushes Hanabi forward, making her bump her head on the lamp. "Ow! If I have my eyesight back, I''ll make sure you regret treating me like this," Hanabi sneered. "Shut up! You look pathetic making some death threats when you cannot even see," Shizuka responded. She was about to wipe off the dirts from Hanabi''s face but the scarlet ninja snatched the cloth from her. "I can do it myself," she growled. "Suit yourself, weakling," Shizuka spits. After a while, Hanzo came near the scarlet ninja and handcuffed her with Izanami''s power, limiting Hanabi''s power to summon her Higanbana. "That would keep you still," he said as he wipes off the dirt on Hanabi''s nose with the back of his hand. "Don''t even try to break free for this handcuff would tighten the moment you try to break it." "Damn you," Hanabi cursed. "You still have guts despite the fact that you lost your eyesight. You know what? I could bring your vision back only if you follow through with my commands," Hanzo responded. "In your dreams," Hanabi hissed. "Okay, have some fun seeing the darkness," he said as he steps away from her. "I''ll go out for a while," Shizuka said before stomping out from the house. "What''s her problem?" Hanabi asks as she helps herself with the food served on the table. "How''d you get there anyway?" Hanzo asks in return. Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click www.novelhall.com for visiting. "Food must not be ignored for it is considered a taboo," the scarlet ninja replied, taking another mochi. "So, let me ask you, is Shizuka your lover?" Hanzo''s expression turned dim but he chose to ignore it to reserve some energy for he could feel that if he goes against her, a nonsensical conversation would arise. "Your father told me that he had already noticed that you are under Izanami''s power, why did he not capture you before? Like when you killed my father or when you attacked during the village festival." Hanzo scoffed. "I''m his son, of course, he couldn''t bear to see me killed right in front of him so he is sending Hayabusa to kill me." "You''re right, a father would protect his son in the dark," Hanabi said, her eyes turned red, her voice became hollow. Hanzo just sat in front of her as if it was just nothing. "Hanabi, I told you just now, if you try to break free, that handcuff tightens and consumes your energy," he informed. The scarlet ninja turned back into her old self. She grits her teeth and grabs more food with anger for she failed to frighten the akuma ninja. "Curse you," she mumbled. "You''re still as hard-headed as before. If you want to really kill me and avenge your whole clan, then, you better plan a strategy to corner me. Do not come after me unprepared ''cause it would be like going to a war naked," Hanzo advised as he flicks a piece of rice cake towards Hanabi. The scarlet ninja was about to swallow her food but suddenly, an unwanted piece of rice cake is shot to her mouth causing her to swallow her food and cough at the same time. She heard Hanzo snicker in triumph. She got her kunai from her lap and with both hands, she lunges towards him but she halted upon realizing she is in front of the table full with food. She clicks her tongue in annoyance as she takes her seat. Hanzo smirked at her actions. But he got confused when Hanabi seems to have smelled something at the corner of the room. She stood and carefully followed the smell as she heads towards the cabinet. "Found you!" she exclaimed as she opens the two mini doors. A white fluffy bunny jumps out which Hanabi immediately caught in her arms. She snuggled it closer to her. She ran her hands on his fluffy fur as she kisses it on the head. "What?" Hanzo blurted out. "You know, this cute little bunny deserve a lady like me as its cute caretaker," Hanabi replied with a wide smile. "Who said you''re cute?" Hanzo scoffed. "I remember Izanami saying that his akuma ninja cannot resist this scarlet ninja''s beauty. I could vividly remember how he told me that I am a nuisance in his plans and that his akuma ninja was perfect until I came in the picture. Now, who said I''m cute?" Hanabi mocked. Hanzo covered half of his face with embarassment and stood quiet without looking at his love interest. After a while, Hanzo decided to go out for a while and check on Shizuka for she might have done something stupid. As he strolls in the city, no sign of Shizuka appeared. As he asks around, a man told him, "I saw her together with a ninja and a Soryu Maiden. An hour ago, they left the city." Hanzo hurried back to his place and saw Hanabi, still handcuffed, hugging the bunny happily. "What does my father want with Shizuka?" he asks as he snatch away the bunny and tightly held Hanabi''s jawline. The scarlet ninja kicked him right on the belly causing him to hit the wall so hard with his back. "How am I suppose to know?" she hissed. "Maybe they needed her for some information. Or hold her as a hostage to lure you in. Don''t you dare come at me and be angry just because your lover is taken away. It makes me so mad." Hanzo stood on his feet and saw Hanabi grab the bunny, now stained with scarlet liquid. The scarlet ninja smelled the metallic scent of blood. She hugs the little fluffy one, her eyes turned red once again, her spider-like limbs appeared and she destroyed the handcuff limiting her power. Hanzo held his Ame no Habakiri and lunges towards her but the spider limbs prevents the sword from touching her. "You freaking dumbass, what an unforgivable sin you committed. You have hurt my innocent fluff," Hanabi said with her hollow voice. "I no longer have the time to play with you," Hanzo replied as he reaches out his hand towards her and black smoke came out from his arm and surrounded Hanabi. She screamed out as her power is being drained. She tried to move but the black smoke gripped her bodice, not giving her a chance to attack. The spider-like limbs froze in place as the black smoke gripped them in place. Hanzo brought Hanabi in the headquarters of the Kira organization who had been searching for her in such a long time. "Who are you?" one assassin asks as they pointed their weapons on Hanzo while they surrounded him. "I''m no threat," Hanzo replied. "I actually brought a gift for your leader." Hanzo tugged the black chains on his arm and Hanabi came into view. She is still tied and could not move at all. "I heard you''ve been looking for her in ages. I shall leave her here and you shall take care of her," Hanzo added. "What a pleasurable gift you brought," a man with a hoarse voice said as he claps his hands in triumph. "Say, young man, what do you want in return?" "I just want you to take good care of her," Hanzo replied as he pats Hanabi''s head. "You see, she''s quite stubborn so I advise you keep an eye on her. I shall leave her here and you can do whatever you want with her." "I shall gladly do so," Shio, the leader of the Kira organization, replied. Hanzo whispered to the scarlet ninja, "I wish you all the fun." He left afterwards without untying her. "It''s been quite a long time, Hana," Shio greeted. "Shio?" Hanabi guessed for she could remember that voice and only one person calls her Hana. "It is an honor that you still remember me, Hana," the leader responded as he ran a finger on Hanabi''s cheek down to her jaw. 25 Chapter 25 "Shio, what the hell are you up to?" Hanabi asks with gritted teeth for he is also a traitor of their clan. "I want the Higanbana, Hana. If you let me have it, I wouldn''t have to hurt you," Shio replied as he came closer towards the scarlet ninja until their foreheads touched. "You won''t ever lay a hand on it," Hanabi replied. "Never." Shio smirked as he distances himself and had his hand slap Hanabi''s face. The scarlet ninja winced in pain and she even tasted her own metallic blood from her lower lip. "I could still remember the old days. The times you always come to me when you''re in trouble, Hana, I would always help you. Remember the time you let me borrow the Higanbana? It was the time I realized that it should belong to me, not you," Shio recalled. "But there is this one thing that I could only vividly remember up until now. The time your father announced that only you can have the Higanbana, I started to have hatred against your clan, especially to your family. So I decided to join Shizuka''s father in his rebellion. But it was a failure so I decided to form my own organization and now look, Hana. I have been a successful leader for my organization grew so wide that even the richest men come for us. It is actually a shame that the Scarlet faction perished in my hands." "What do you mean?" Hanabi asks in confusion. "Don''t you know? It is I who ordered the best assassins of my group to go get the Higanbana. I also predicted that they might not be able to get it easily so I gave the command to just kill everyone and burn the village into ashes. And just as I expected, only you survived, my dearest Hana," Shio replied. "It is you who killed them and not Hanzo?" Hanabi asks with clenched fists. "Hanzo?" Shio chuckled. "He just got involved and only your grandfather was the person he only killed and now he bears the weight of being a traitor for not just killing your father but also killing the entire clan of the Scarlet faction. Hana, come to my side and become my other half. I could give you the best life, the wealth, the fame and leadership. I could give you all that, simply hand over the Higanbana. We don''t have to hurt each other, Hana." He once again touched Hanabi, this time, he wiped off the blood on her lip. Shio moves closer and attempted to kiss her. At this time, Hanzo released his power, untying Hanabi. Hanabi attempted to pierce Shio with her kunai but he blocked it and hit her on the stomach. Hanabi is sent flying in midair and hits the wall hard. Rubbles fell down from where Hanabi landed. Shio thought she is already injured but to his surprise, Hanabi is perfectly fine with her spider limbs clinging onto the wall. Her scarlet eyes could locate every assassin in that place. Despite being blind, she could sense the warm presence of her enemies. She summoned her Higanbana and with her hollow and shrill voice, she questioned, "Is this what you want?" Shio smirked for the Higanbana emits more power than the last time he saw it. "Yes, Hana, hand it over like a good girl." And with a painful and deafening shriek, Hanabi proclaimed, "Catch it, then!" She threw her Higanbana on her right side and it cuts through each assassin it passes by. Hanabi vanished from sight and had snuck behind an assassin to another as she stabs them with her soul scroll kunai, letting them suffer a painful death with the demonic energy slowly poisoning them. Arrows rained down on her but not a single one shot right through her for her spider limbs are fast enough to repel them. "Petal barrage," Hanabi activated her ninjutsu as she clings on the ceiling with her spider limbs and shot countless of petal blades which helped her kill more of her enemies. She starts to go down to be able to stand on both feet. But she was caught off guard by Shio who has his katana and had cut one of her spider-like limbs. Hanabi screamed in pain as Shio smiles for her cries sound like a beautiful melody in his ears. Just then, he heard her cries turn into a hollow and earsplitting laughter. Hanabi summons back her Higanbana which is now covered with blood. She turns behind her to face the person whom she once trusted but now a person she must end. The spider-like limb that Shio had cut is now regenerating back. "I may be blind but I could feel your warm presence, Shio," she mused. "I feel heavy-hearted that I must end your life to avenge the whole Scarlet faction." "Do you think you could do such? I have countless assassins with me," Shio smirked but Hanabi laughed which echoed through the hallways. Her hollow voice sent chills to Shio. "Look around you, Shio. All I could sense is fading warmth and I could clearly smell the scent of blood. It is only you and I in this bloody hall," she snickered. Shio did look around and he saw his colleagues, all lying on the ground and sufferring the unbearable pain from the demonic energy that Hanabi had spread with her Higanbana, soul scroll and petal barrage. "You said you''ve always wanted the Higanbana," Hanabi reiterated as she walks forward. "Here, just like before, I shall let you borrow it." The scarlet ninja hands it over like it was just a toy that could be borrowed. Shio hesitated for he knew she would not give it to him that easily. He reached out his hand and pointed his katana towards her. Hanabi smirked and slid the Higanbana on his sword. It slides down to the hilt but Shio never took off his sight from the scarlet ninja for she might do some trick. He hesitated to touch the Higanbana but Hanabi simply raised her both arms in surrender. He slowly reached out to the Higanbana which made the scarlet ninja smirk. "Gotcha," she purred as she waves her hand forward and the Higanbana thrusted into Shio. He held the Higanbana and forces it off from his body but Hanabi presses it forward, cutting him deeper. "Have a taste of its demonic energy, Shio, and I am sure you shall be satisfied," she mused before summoning back her Higanbana. "The Kira organization have their weapons stained with every villager in the Scarlet village. How ironic it is that at this very moment, my Higanbana is stained with all of your filthy blood." Shio drops on his knees as he looks up to the woman he once loved. He spits out blood and he could now feel the pain crawling from his abdomen. It felt like he is being devoured from the inside and he could not do anything to stop it. Hanabi turns her back on him and walks away for he deserves to suffer a slow yet painful death. "So long, my first love," she muttered before Shio has been fully consumed by the demonic energy. Before Hanabi could make her way out of their headquarters, her energy was all drained in all of a sudden that she fell down on the solid ground and could not move. Her eyesight still did not come back. She crawled but the more she moved, the more she loses her energy. Against her will, she slowly lost consciousness. She reaches out to the exit but she blacked out. On the other hand, Hanzo finally reached the Shadow village by night. He sneaks into the office of his father, hoping Shizuka is brought there. "Tell me, Shizuka," he hears his father''s hoarse voice. "Tell me everything you know about Hanzo." "You won''t get anything from me," Shizuka blatantly replied. "What is your relationship with him? Why are you so eager to protect him?" the chief asked as he narrows his eyes on her. "It is only right to protect the person who once saved me," Shizuka replied. Hayabusa who is about to enter the chief''s office sensed the presence of the akuma ninja. Thus, he appeared before him and attacked him with his shurikens before lunging towards him for a close combat. Hanzo protected himself from the shurikens by using his sword as a shield. The two of them fighting broke into the chief''s office, interrupting Chief Haruno''s questioning. Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click www.novelhall.com for visiting. "Hanzo!" Shizuka screamed out. "Behind you!" Hanzo looks behind him and the Seimei Umbrella hits him and it is too late to evade it. His movements slowed down due to the power of Kagura''s umbrella. Hanzo shot a kunai towards Shizuka and the lady stretches her hand so the kunai cuts the rope tying her up. She stood and draws out two daggers from her back and stood behind Hanzo. "Thank you," Shizuka said. "Surrender," Hayabusa proclaimed, "The two of you are surrounded." 26 Chapter 26 "Where is Hanabi?" Shizuka whispered. "She''s your hostage, right? She could be of help right now." "I brought her to the Kira organization," Hanzo whispered back. "Even if she''s here, she wouldn''t dare help us. We''re not allies." "Are you insane?!" Shizuka snarled. "She could be dead by now. Urgh, sometimes, you look cool yet a certified blockhead." "Well, if she''s lucky enough, she could be alive," the assassin replied. "Instead of worrying about her, you better focus now for we are under their mercy. You know what? I slightly regretted that I came here to save you." Shizuka clicked her tongue in annoyance of her partner''s idiocy. Kagura summons her Seimei Umbrella and moves it towards their direction. The demons inside it emerged, attacking and slowing down their movements. But when they thought they succeeded on trapping them, Hanzo summons Hanekage who just woke up from his slumber. "You, demon," it cursed at its master so Hanzo tugged at the black chains on its neck to force him in returning back to his original form. Hanekage has no other choice but to follow his orders. "Don''t growl at your master, demon," Hanzo smirked. A loud roar echoed throughout the village as the office of the leaders is destroyed by the huge size of Hanekage. Its pointy body made the troops step back. Its purplish eyes, it seems beautiful but dangerous. The archers start shooting it with raining arrows but it did not leave any serious wound on it. Hanekage roared once more, shaking the ground. Hanzo and Shizuka got on top of its head before it flew away, making their escape. Hayabusa and Kagura attempted to run after them but the chief stopped them. "Hanekage is way too dangerous for you to go against with," Chief Haruno said. "If he is angered, he could destroy the village." "Then, is there no other way to defeat Hanzo? He could summon the demon at his own will, is it possible to defeat him?" Kagura asks. "We have to find a way," the chief replied. "Can Hanabi be of help?" Hayabusa asked. "She knows more about Hanzo, maybe she has an idea of his weakness." Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click www.novelhall.com for visiting. "She can help, yes, that''s true but she''s running away from us. From your marriage," Kagura commented. As the Shadow faction set things back after Hanekage''s uproar, meanwhile... "Okay, we got away from them quite easily. Thanks to this monstrous pet of yours," Shizuka spoke. She felt relieved for they are more than safe. "I thought we''re done for." "Hey, stupid girl. I''m not a monster, I''m a demon," Hanekage wheezed. "We better get down now," Hanzo stated as he grabbed Shizuka by the arm and jumped off from Hanekage. He tugged the chains once more and there puffs the dragon form of the demon. He turned back into a dark smoke and it surrounded Hanzo until they reached the ground safely before it vanished. "That was a great ride," Shizuka cheered. "Can we do that again?" "This ain''t the time to play," Hanzo said seriously. "Let''s hurry back to the Kira organization." "Whoah," Shizuka said with a pained heart. "You do look grim. I bet you''re worried about Hanabi." Hanzo did not respond to her which confirmed that her guess is right. The two heads back to Kyoto while the dark covered the sky. They travelled for days in silence until the assassin girl spoke. "Hanzo, do you think Hanabi is still alive?" she asks. Hanzo shrugged his shoulders and replied, "I do not know either." Shizuka narrowed her eyes as she stares at the akuma ninja. "For what reason did you bring her to the Kira headquarters?" "She said she wants to avenge her clan so being the nicest person around, I brought her there. She no longer need to waste time and effort in finding them," Hanzo pointed out. "If she''s got the best luck, she could be alive but if it is the opposite, then she would be at Amaterasu''s side right at this moment." "How could she fight if she cannot see?" the girl pondered. "Let us just say that it is part of her training. If she''s smart enough to trick her enemies, then lucky for her," the akuma ninja replied. "And stop asking about her already." "You know what, you bring her to trouble yet you worry about her the most. Can''t you decide which is which? Wait," Shizuka retaliated as she stops on her tracks. "Now, what? You keep on blabbering about her," Hanzo sneered as he takes off his mask due to annoyance. He wipes off the sweat from his forehead, trying his hardest to lengthen his patience. Too much talking has never been his forte and he hates too much questions. "Have you met the Kira''s leader? Do you know his name?" the girl asks. "Shio, that is what he told me before," the assassin replied. "What about him?" "Shio?" Shizuka repeated as she tries to remember who that is. She suddenly slapped Hanzo''s back with all her might. "OW!" he yelped, "What was that for, you stupid girl?!" "You just became a bridge to a grand reunion," the girl mused. "Grand what?" Hanzo asks in confusion. "Okay, let me tell you something about Hanabi that nobody else know," Shizuka stated as she clears her throat. "You see, Hanabi had been training ever since she was young so she had been trained along with other young men. Shio was one of the best ninja in the Scarlet faction," Shizuka started but Hanzo butted in. "Shio is from the Scarlet faction?" he asks to make things clear. Shizuka nodded in response and continued her story, "As I was saying, Shio was trained along with Hanabi that they became sparring partners. Well, in the eyes of the others, they seem to be just sparring partners but secretly, the two of them grew fond of each other and actually had mutual feelings. But Hanabi''s father has other plans about Hanabi''s marriage so he encouraged her to avoid romantic relationship. Hanabi lied to her father of course, and went out on dates with Shio. But Shio''s thirst for power ruined their relationship." "I do get the point why they hid their relationship but why do you know about it?" Hanzo teased with a smirk plastered on his face. Shizuka turned red as she stares at Hanzo''s bare face. His emerald eyes seems to shine and his perfectly shaped jawline became more visible as he smirked. She looks at his finely chiseled nose down on his lips but she got back to her senses when Hanzo snapped his fingers right in front of her. "Ha- Hanabi and I used to be best of friends so she told me everything," Shizuka stuttered as she looks away to hide her beet red face. "I see," Hanzo responded, "What does it have to do with Hanabi being in the Kira''s?" "Can''t you get it?" Shizuka wheezed in disbelief. "Hanabi once again meets her first love. Her first love, Hanzo. First love. To us, women, our first love matters the most. And I am guessing, Hanabi and Shio must have forgiven each other and reconciled." Hanzo did not say anything afterwards. He grits his teeth and clenched his fist in anger. "F**k that first love," he thought. "Are you listening to me?!" Shizuka screamed and she only got a nod in response from the akuma ninja. Upon reaching Kyoto, Hanzo and Shizuka immediately head to the Kira''s headquarters. Upon opening the huge doors, the two saw an unmoving body on the ground. Hanzo immediately knew it is Hanabi so he ran towards her and held her wrist to check her pulse. "Go check what happened inside," he commanded Shizuka which she obliged to. Hanzo felt a soft pulse so he tried waking Hanabi up. He saw how pale she had become. Her hands and some part of her face are tainted by dried blood, her lips became pale and dry as well. Her breathing is only faint and her temperature dropped. "The main hall are full of ashes, no sign of life," Shizuka reported. "What actually happened?" "Let''s talk about this after we bring Hanabi at the rent house," Hanzo replied as he carries her. Upon reaching the house they''ve been renting, Hanzo laid Hanabi on the bed and let Shizuka clean her up. A physician checked up on her and gave the proper medications. "When she wakes up, make sure she eats food and drink more water. It''ll take time before she fully recovers." "Thank you," Shizuka said as she gives the payment to the physician before he left. Hanzo entered the room and Shizuka starts questioning him. "So, can you tell me what could have possibly occurred back there?" she asks. "What''s with the huge amount of ashes scattered around? Plus, I could sense something different in that place." "Hanabi must have killed them all," Hanzo replied. "But how come they turned into ashes? A dead body decays for a long time, it''s impossible for a human body to decay within 4 days," the girl remarked. "Don''t you know about the demonic energy that the Higanbana possesses? If that demonic energy consumes a human body, it''ll decay at a fast speed. It explains all the ashes you saw," the akuma ninja explained. "That makes sense," the girl responded. "Did Hanabi got her eyesight back? It seems impossible to kill all those assassins if she''s still blind." "Who knows? She might have received help from Amaterasu again," Hanzo replied. Shizuka looks at him with an eyebrow raised and with confusion plastered on her face. "Amaterasu had been helping her ever since. When we were at Izanami''s lair, I could have killed her if Amaterasu did not butt in." "I see. I feel so envious of her," Shizuka blurted out unintentionally. "Why so?" Hanzo asks. "She was born in a known family. She received love from the clan, and she could get married to a promising husband. She even received the Higanbana. And now, she is under Amaterasu''s care. Plus, her physique is much better than mine. And even her beauty is above the average type," the girl murmured. "But you have something she doesn''t have," Hanzo remarked. "You could excellently fight on both close combat and on distant one. Hanabi''s weakness is that she couldn''t put up a decent fight in close combat. Her Higanbana and her ninjutsu are for distant fight." "Well, she could train more and become better. But as for me, I could not do anything with this small build body of mine," Shizuka protested which earned her a snicker from the assassin. "Just put all of what you have into your own advantage and you''ll be fine," he said. "You think so?" Shizuka asks, Hanzo nodded which made the girl smile happily. Her face turned red so she looks away for the assassin not to notice. "Furthermore, you''ve got a better life than her actually," Hanzo added which made Shizuka look at him. "Huh?" she muttered. "She''s got the wealth and had grown up with a silver spoon. What makes me living a better life than her?" "She''s an only child and bears all the weight of her clan''s expectation. She''s not actually free for her own family had decided her fate before she was even born. Being a ninja wasn''t really her choice, they made her do it. Her marriage is even arranged," Hanzo replied as he gazed at the unconscious woman. "Well, you''ve got a point," the girl pointed out. "Plus, lucky for you to be sitting there and not lying on that bed while being on the verge of death," the akuma ninja snickered. "But she''s luckier to have your affections," Shizuka mumbled. Hanzo shifted and looked at her,wanting to repeat and clearly state what she said but Shizuka shook her head and said, "Never mind." 31 Chapter 31 The very next day, Hanabi went to see Chief Haruno first thing in the morning. She took a deep breathe and wore a smile before entering in his office. "I apologize, Hanabi, but we have lost Hanzo and Shizuka as they escaped last night," the chief said upon seeing her enter. Even if it pains her, Hanabi shook her head and smiled, "Thank you for letting me know, chief. We should let him be for now since we managed to retrieve the Ame no Habakiri. But there is something else I want to ask for." The chief puts down his brush and looks at the scarlet ninja, "What is it?" "Now that the Ame no Habakiri and Hanekage are all in their rightful place, don''t you think it''s about time to bring back Hayabusa''s memories?" Hanabi replied. "There is no need for us to be wed so I was thinking if you could give him and Kagura the chance to be happy together, without hiding anything from you." The chief sighed, then, smiled at the scarlet ninja, "Since you requested for it, I shall do so." "Thank you!" Hanabi exclaimed in delight. She ran to Kagura''s house and banged on the door like a child, "Kagura! Kagura!" The onmyouji opens the door and asks, "Hanabi, you should really learn proper etiquette from me personally." Hanabi yanked the silver-haired girl out the door and led her to the office of the chief. "What are we doing here exactly?" Kagura asked. A loud cry startled the two of them that came from the chief''s office. Kagura got worried for she recognized that voice. It belonged to Hayabusa. She turned her back and ran inside as fast as she could. Upon entering, she saw Hayabusa, kneeling down on the floor as he holds his aching head. "What happened?" Kagura worriedly asked as she holds his shoulder. "Tell me, maybe I could be of help." "Kagura," Hayabusa mumbled. He lifted his head and grabbed her into a tight hug. "I missed you." The silver-haired girl sniffed as she tried to stop her tears from falling. She lifted her hands and hugged him back as she lets out a cry. "You''re back," she sobs and Hanabi, who is waiting outside, could hear her. A smile forms on her lips for the two of them finally reconciled. "I''m sorry," Hayabusa apologized but Kagura shook her head. "Don''t be," she said, "It''s not your fault, as long as you''re back, everything''s fine." Hanabi stood on her feet upon hearing the door open. She greets the couple with a smile. Kagura, who just finished crying, came running towards her and gave her a hug. "Thank you so much, Hanabi," she whispered. "Okay, no hugging," the scarlet ninja said, thus, Kagura backed away with a giggle. Hayabusa, who remembered what he had said back at the lake, could not look at Hanabi straight in the eyes. This made the dark-haired girl chuckle in amusement. "Now, I no longer owe you two," Hanabi said as she crossed her arms with a smirk. "Yeah," Hayabusa muttered. "Thanks for talking to the chief." "Then, see you around," Hanabi replied as she turns around and walks away. "She is kind of sweet, you know," Kagura said as she held Hayabusa''s hand. "She still made a way for us to be together despite the fact that she is hurt deep inside." The two stared at the scarlet ninja as she continues to walk away, slowly disappearing from sight. Hanabi went around town to keep herself preoccupied but still, her mind kept on thinking, why did Hanzo and Shizuka leave together? Has there been something between them from the very beginning? Has there been something between them that she failed to notice? "Do you think Hanzo is as powerful as before?" Kagura asked as they have their breakfast at Hayabusa''s place. "What do you mean?" the assassin asked. "Well, he no longer have the Ame no Habakiri and Hanekage is taken by the god of death, do you think he could still put up a fight?" Kagura explained. "Of course," Hayabusa replied. "He is a skilled swordsman and he''s got the best ninjutsu actually. Plus, he still could do his unusual technique." "Unusual technique?" Kagura asks with her brows raised. "You have your YinYang Overturn, I have my Quad Shadow, Hanabi has her Higanbana and as for Hanzo, he has his Pinnacle Ninja," Hayabusa cleared out. "I''ve never heard that one before, what can he do with that?" the silver-haired girl asks. "When he activates his kinjutsu, Hanzo''s will takes form into a shadow and could deal great damage to the enemy. I thought that his jutsu could be learned but now I came to know that only him can do such," the assassin replied as he served their breakfast. "Why so?" "It''s because it is only him whom Izanami chose to give fragments of his power ever since he was young." "Still, for me, you''re the greatest ninja ever," Kagura smiled at him which earned her a smile back. 5 years later... Hanabi got down on her horse with a bouquet of flowers on her hand. She walks straight to her mother''s grave and laid the them on the graves of her closest family members. She sat beside her mother and smiled. "It''s my 25th birthday, mom," she said in a soft voice. "I remember you told me that when you were 25, you got married to father. How I wish it is the same with me." Hanabi looks at the horizon where the rising sun starts to shine brightly. Just then, she saw a man walking towards her. She could recognize his scarlet hair, the way he walks, and she recognized that rhino-like mask he wears. She stood on her feet and ran towards him as fast as she could. When she is already one meter away from him, she lifted her foot and gave him a roundhouse kick right on the head. His mask flew away from his face and the scarlet ninja could see every angle of his face. His emerald eyes, his nose, his lips and down to his chin. "What did you do that for?" he asks. His voice rings in her mind for it has been a long time since she last heard it. But the one in front of her is not the person she has fallen for. "What did you come here for?" she asks as she sits down comfortably on the grassy ground. "Aren''t you happy to see me?" he asks in return. "Aren''t you going to hug and kiss me?" "No freaking way," Hanabi growled. "Why the hell are you in the form of rhino head, Izanami. And why the hell are you here in that form on the day of my birthday?" The death god smiled awkwardly as he sits down beside the scarlet ninja who continued to watch the sunrise. "How''d you know it was me?" Izanami asks who is still having Hanzo''s form. "I could sense death around you," Hanabi chuckled for the death god failed to trick her. "You''re remarkable, eh, even after 5 years, you could still recognize the great me," Izanami remarked. Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click www.novelhall.com for visiting. There was silence after that. Hanabi hugged her knees and without gazing on the god beside her, she asked, "You said I should suffer a bit more, then 5 years already passed but why am I still suffering? Is 5 years not yet enough?" Izanami was startled, not because of her question, but she suddenly bursts into tears. "Why are you crying, little flower?" he teased as he pats her shoulder. "Turn back into your original form," she snarled. "Why?" Izanami retorted. "It would be more comforting for you if I have the looks of Hanzo." Hanabi''s tears drop continuously as she buries her face on her arms. "It''s not comforting," she said between her sobs. "It''s making me miss him even more." This time, Izanami really pitied her so he turns back into his original form. He caresses her hair as she cries. "Don''t be sad, scarlet flower," Izanami said. "Everything''s going to be okay." "Then, tell me where rhino head is," Hanabi cried. "It is your job to find him, scarlet flower," the god replied. "I searched for him for the past years but there''s no sign of him everywhere," Hanabi replied. "We really cannot find something that does not want to be found." "So, are you giving up now?" Izanami asked. "After 5 years?" "Maybe," Hanabi muttered as she wiped off her tears. "I am tired of crying, of waiting, of searching. I am tired of this pain in my chest. Maybe it is already the time to give up?" Izanami smiled at her and said, "Sometimes giving up is the best choice but it''s up to you. My time''s up, I enjoyed your company, scarlet flower." The god of death pats her head before he completely vanished. Hanabi stood up and rides on her horse. Upon reaching the Shadow sect village, the chief greets the scarlet ninja by the gate. "Chief, is something the matter?" she asks as she got off from her ride. "Hanabi, I''d like to ask for a favor," the chief replied. "What is it?" The chief brought out a scented paper and hands it over to her. "I cannot personally go to this festival so I am asking if you could go to Osaka in my stead," the chief replied. Hanabi got the invitation and smiled, "Sure thing. I could go there for a break." "You sure are free to do so," the chief agreed. "Hayabusa shall escort you there." "Hayabusa?" Hanabi questioned with a brow raised. "I won''t be able to attend since I have a lot of work to do," Kagura replied who isnjust beside Chief Haruno. Hanabi smirked and gave the Soryu Maiden a sly look, "A long date with Hayabusa, not bad, not bad." Kagura glared at her and mouthed, "Don''t try me." Hanabi giggled at her cute reaction. She once again looked at the invitation and smiled. 32 Chapter 32 Hanabi and Hayabusa travelled for 3 long days before they could reach the borders of Osaka. Hanabi has been to a lot of places but Osaka is different. It gives off a relaxing vibe and somehow, it reminds her of the Scarlet village. Upon entering the humungous gates, a joyous and jovial music greeted the two of them. The people danced along with the music. Hanabi smiled for it truly reminds her of the old days in her hometown. Since they are new in that place, Hayabusa asked one of the guards where they could greet the head of the village. Just then, they were led to the known Osaka castle. They were both in awe for they had never expected to be able to enter in that castle. Hanabi got back to her senses when the guards opened the two wooden doors carved with gold. A long isle greeted them. On its end, the leader sat with women serving him. They were motioned to enter so Hanabi took a deep breath as she hands Hayabusa the red box from their village. They walked on the isle and met the village chief. "Chief Haruno from the Shadow sect village gives you this gift. And he told me to extend his gratitude for your kindness and asks for pardon for he cannot attend the festival personally," Hanabi said as the two of them bowed, and Hayabusa had his arms stretched to show their gift. "What a shame!" the chief exclaimed. "Youngsters, may I know thy name?" A young apprentice came and took the gift from Hayabusa so they knelt on their knees and face the chief. "I am Hayabusa," the assassin replied. Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click www.novelhall.com for visiting. "I am Hanabi," the scarlet ninja added with a soft voice. The chief stopped drinking his sake, he puts down his cup and leaned forward to carefully check on the two visitors. "You are that rumored ninja who is left of the Scarlet faction. Hmmm," the chief mumbled. "And Hayabusa is that legendary shadow ninja. Interesting.Say, young lady, how old are you?" "I just turned 25, chief," Hanabi replied with a smile. "I bet you two are newly weds," the chief chuckled as he continued to drink. "We''re not a couple," Hanabi replied with a delightful smile plastered on her face. The chief choked and spits out the sake he just drank. Thankfully, Hanabi is far enough from him so she wasn''t able to be showered by that sake from his mouth. "Don''t you think it is already time for the two of you to get married?" the chief managed to say. "You better go out there and dance. Show off your beauty and be married, yound lady. Young lad, you better not keep her waiting for time is gold. Oh, I also prepared rooms for your stay. If you want to rest, simply come back in the castle and present your invitation card to the guards." "Thank you for your kindness. We shall take our leave," Hanabi said as they stood. They left the castle and managed to breathe freely. Hanabi leaned on the wall as if she has been tired of a fight. "That chief is kind of scary," she wheezed. "Okay, let us relax and enjoy the festival." "Sure. So where do we go first?" Hayabusa asked as he looks at the crowd. Hanabi grabbed the assassin and ran into the street of food stalls. Upon setting her foot on that street, a lot of sweet and mouth-watering aroma greets her. She goes around like a kid and checked out the food. She is enjoying herself that she had forgotten to look at the time. On the other hand, Hayabusa is so tired of being dragged around and no matter how hard he tried to keep Hanabi in control, he could not keep her still. Hanabi only became aware of the time when the sun had set. "It''s already night time?" she mumbled to herself. "But I just got here!" "You really need to be aware of your surroundings. No matter where you are, you are still a ninja," Hayabusa mumbled. Hanabi dragged him once more and rushed out from the stall and head to the castle. They did present their invitation and were led to two grand rooms. Hanabi and Hayabusa entered in their designated room. The scarlet ninja entered and was pleased on her own room. It has a queen-sized bed and when she opened the closet, beautiful kimonos greeted her. She looked out her window and saw the festival that it is still on its peak. A smile curled on her lips and she rushes to the bathroom with a red kimono with her. After washing up and dressing up, she went in front of the mirror and arranged her hair. She got her red ribbon and a few strands of her long, dark hair and tied it. She left her room and knocked on Hayabusa''s door. "Why are you all dressed up?" the assassin asked who is now drowsy. "Let''s go out and have some fun," Hanabi replied excitedly. "I''m going to pass. I have to sleep," Hayabusa replied with a yawn. "Okay, suit yourself," she said before leaving. She went around the town and enjoyed the show. "Young lady, want some candy apple?" a young girl asked as she shows the scarlet ninja the candies she is selling. She bought one, but not for herself, but for the girl. She is already full and she cannot say no to such a beautiful young girl. "Ack!" Hanabi exclaimed when a woman of her age came and yanked her from the audience. "Your beauty would be a waste if you won''t show it off," the lady told her as they stood at the dancing area. Hanabi saw the eyes of the spectators, they are all set on her. The music started and all she could hear is her heart beating fast. The young lady bumped her hip with hers as she dances along with the rythm. She is wearing a purple kimono, she dances gracefully that the crowd cheered for her. "C''mon, dance with me," she whispered to her. Hanabi flipped her hair and took on the challenge. She danced alongside the young lady and they are both in sync which earned a louder cheer from the spectators. She was actually having fun and during the middle of their dance, Hanabi saw a woman and when their gazes met, she turned her back and starts to make her way out of the crowd. Hanabi knew her, she knew that dark-haired girl, she left the stage and rushed towards the woman leaving. "Shizuka, wait!" she yelled as she tries to reach out to her. "Shizuka!" When they finally got out of the crowd, Shizuka ran as fast as she could. Hanabi made a detour in order to stop her. She took off her footwear and ran and when she turned right, Shizuka bumped into her. She is wearing a dark blue kimono and she had her hair decorated with beautiful pins. Her once petite body has grown into a body of a woman. Her soft features before sharpened that it made her prettier. Hanabi helped her stand up before she asked,"Shizuka, where is rhino head?" The woman looks away from her and replied, "I do not know." Shizuka took Hanabi''s hands from her shoulders and walked away. Hanabi went after her and held her hand tightly. "Please, Shizuka, tell me where he is. Please, let me talk to him," she begged. "I can''t, Hanabi. I really can''t," Shizuka insisted as she brushed her off once more. "Just 5 minutes is enough, Shizuka," Hanabi desperately begged but she was just ignored. "Okay, three minutes is okay. Please." "Hanabi, it''s better for you to stop," the assassin reiterated. "Hanzo does not want to see you. He is already having a peaceful life. " Hanabi felt a sharp pang of pain right on her chest as she heard her say it. But she didn''t back down. She knelt down and had her head hang low right in front of Shizuka. "Please, let me talk to him. Just this once, after this, I won''t ever talk to him. Please, Shizuka, I''m begging you. I searched for him for 5 long years so please, just give me 3 minutes to talk to him," Hanabi pleaded. Shizuka sat down and apologized, "I''m sorry, Hanabi, I cannot help you. If you''re worried about him, he''s doing better than ever. Please, Hanabi, don''t ruin his now peaceful life." Shizuka left after that, leaving Hanabi all alone. The scarlet ninja stood up and went to a deserted and quiet place. She sat down on the grassy ground and cried once more. Her tears could not just stop from falling. She sobbed for who knows how long, until she felt someone patting her head. "Izanami," she managed to say between her sobs. "Shhhh," the death god hushed. "Just cry and we''ll talk after." The scarlet ninja forced herself to calm down, wiped off her tears from her puffy red eyes and looks at the death god who has taken Hayabusa''s form this time. "What?" Izanami retorted as Hanabi glares at her. "Hayabusa, really?" she scoffed. "Don''t glare at me with those puffed eyes of yours, you look like a big mochi with two red bean paste," Izanami teased. "Plus, Hayabusa used to like you when his memories are altered." Hanabi chuckled as she remembered those times when Hayabusa confessed to her. But she suddenly turned gloomy upon remembering what just happened. "He does not want to see me," Hanabi finally said as she buried her face on her folded knees. "Who? Hayabusa?" the god of death jested. Hanabi shook her head for she cannot reply because her tears began falling. Her hiccups stops her from speaking. "Scarlet flower, you always shed tears whenever I come visit you, can''t you atleast smile?" Izanami jested, wanting to comfort the crying woman. "Shut up, I''m crying," Hanabi tried to go along with the god but her sobs are stopping her. "You already know that Hanzo is here in Osaka, are you still giving up?" he asked. A nod came from Hanabi as a response. "I''m giving up, Izanami. I cannot bear the pain anymore, it''s too much," she sobbed as she bangs her chest in pain. "He does not even want to see me. I cannot extend my hopes anymore. I no longer have the strength to go on. I''m tired. Tired of hoping, tired of searching, tired of waiting. I no longer want to suffer so much." Izanami dragged her closer to his chest and let her cry her heart out. Hanabi felt warmth around her but it didn''t come from the god of death. But instead, it is from Amaterasu herself. She was hugging her and whispered, "You''ve suffered enough, my dearest scarlet flower. Thou shalt not suffer anymore from this love you have been running after." The sun goddess ran her fingers on Hanabi''s crying eyes and puts her into a deep slumber. "You really come at the most unexpected moment, Amaterasu," Izanami retaliated. "But at least she''s calmed down." 33 Chapter 33 Hanabi woke up in her room in the Osaka castle. She rubbed her eyes to clear her vision. She could still hear the music outside. She sat on her bed and lets out a heavy sigh. "Okay, let''s have some real fun this time," she told to herself and jumped off her bed. After washing up, she wore another scarlet kimono trimmed with gold. She got her red ribbon and tied her long, black hair in a ponytail. She left a note on Hayabusa''s door, informing him that she''ll be around town. Upon her exit from the Osaka castle, her stomach growled so she decided to go to the street of food stalls. While having her breakfast, she sensed a familiar aura. She knew it well, it is Hanzo''s. He is just around but instead of standing up and search for him, Hanabi continued eating. She ignored what she had felt for she decided to leave him be. When she roamed around, the woman whom she danced with last night appeared before her. "We met again!" she exclaimed. "Nice meeting you," Hanabi greeted as she made a bow. "You flatter me," the lady chuckled. "I am Kirin, you are?" "Hanabi," the scarlet ninja replied with a smile. "Hanabi, the only scarlet flower left," Kirin remarked. "Whoah," Hanabi awed with a smile. "I''m quite famous, I must say." "Well, you are," Kirin chuckled. "I hope you enjoy your stay here. For I shall go my way." "What do you do?" Hanabi asks, tailing the girl. "I help my mom with her restaurant," Kirin replied which earned her a nod from the scarlet ninja. "Since you are a ninja, you probably enjoy martial arts as an entertainment, correct me if I''m wrong," Kirin added. "I do love it," Hanabi replied. "Great!" the girl exclaimed. "You see, there is a pair of martial artists that are known here in our place. It is rumoured that they work under the chief of the village. And as an entertainment, they are currently holding a competition outside my mom''s restaurant." Kirin yanked Hanabi down so she could whisper on her ear, "The guy looks so damn hot. I assure you, you''d fall for him at the very first sight." Hanabi chuckled at her remarks, "Let''s see if it happens." The two ladies head to the said restaurant and just as Kirin said, beside their restaurant, the crowd gathered around. "Hanabi!" Hayabusa called out, waving his hand. When he finally reached her, he mumbled," You left by yourself without inviting me. Do you want to have the fun all by yourself?" "Who is he?" Kirin asked without looking away from the young lad. "He is Hayabusa," Hanabi introduced. "And this is Kirin whom I danced with last night." Kirin smiled at the assassin and said, "You didn''t tell me you have a boyfriend." "Anyways, let us watch the competition. We can have a good look at them on the second floor," Kirin said as she grabbed Hanabi by the hand and ran to the second floor of the resto. Hayabusa followed through. Kirin opened the window and they could see the whole stage. Hanabi saw Shizuka parring with someone. She seems to be having fun. Hanabi looks at the far side of the stage, she saw him sitting, watching the fight with a smile plastered on his face. Hanzo looked at their direction, his smile disappeared as he looks away when his gaze met hers. Hanabi felt hurt for he doesn''t look happy at all that they''ve met each other once again but she chose to ignore it. She chose not to make a big deal out of it. "Whoah, Shizuka and Hanzo?" Hayabusa mused. "You know them?" Kirin asked. "Of course, they came from our village," the assassin replied. "Wah," Kirin mused as she stared at the scarlet-head man on the stage, "He really is the man. It would be great if he becomes mine." Hanabi simply smiled at her while Hayabusa decided to put his arm around Hanabi''s shoulder upon noticing the stare of Hanzo. The scarlet ninja gave him a bad look but she lets him be. "You see, the two of them have been together and are rumoured to be married when they first came here. How lucky Shizuka is to be with him. Hey, Hanabi, what do you think of that guy, Hanzo?" Kirin asked as she pointed at Hanzo. "Hmmm," Hanabi mumbled and pretended to be thinking. "He''s the worst." Kirin gasped as she covers her mouth, "How could you say that?" The scarlet ninja is amused by her reaction that she wanted to tease her. "My boyfriend here is way more good looking," she jested as she shows Kirin the face of Hayabusa. The assassin smiled and gave Hanabi a kiss on the forehead which made their spectator, Hanzo, glare at him. "Hanabi, you dare tell me that. Now, I dare you to go on that stage and fight him. If you win, then, okay, he is the worst," Kirin challenged but Hanabi shook her head. "I''m wearing a kimono so it''s a no," she reasoned out which made the girl pout. "Hayabusa, why are you acting weird?" the scarlet ninja whispered. "Don''t you want your boyfriend being intimate with you?" Hayabusa responded as he leans forward and had their foreheads touching. Hanabi giggled at his acts and she could imagine how Kagura would be enraged if she saw them being sweet at each other. On the other hand, Hanzo, who has been watching the two, grips his katana tightly out of jealousy. Hanabi and Hayabusa, then, decided to leave and stroll around. Kirin waved goodbye as they part ways. The scarlet ninja lets out a long exhale to control her emotions. She clenched her fists and is determined to move on. "Why are we leaving? Don''t you want to talk to him?" Hayabusa asked but Hanabi simply shook her head. As she walks away, some men grab her by the hands and carried her. With her kimono limiting her movements, she could not struggle free from their grasp. Hayabusa tried to stop them but he was carried away by the crowd and was sent to the back corner. Just then, Hanabi''s eyes widen as she was brought to the stage and Hanzo was there as well, facing her. "Do you think I''d let you off so easily?" Kirin grinned. "Let us watch you fight, Hanabi." The scarlet ninja looks away from Hanzo and turns away her back, "I can''t do that, Kirin." She was about to step down but she raised her hand and caught the shurikens shot at her. She glares at the man who threw it right at her. "Did you turn into a scaredy cat, Hana?" Hanzo smirked who is currently holding a katana. "Or have you gone soft after Hayabusa had you as his girl?" "Hana?" the scarlet ninja muttered with gritted teeth. She turns around and steps forward. She reached her kunai hidden under her sleeves and ripped her kimono from her lap down to her feet. She pointed her kunai at Hanzo and proclaimed, "Don''t call me that way!" The spectators has gone quiet, waiting how things would unfold. They watched the scarlet ninja draws out her kunais from her sleeves and shot them towards the scarlet-head man. Hanzo blocked them all with just one swing of his katana. He lunges towards her but the scarlet ninja slides on the floor on her knees, stood up behind him and was about to plunge her kunai behind him but with his good reflexes, he blocked it. "You''ve gone slow, rhino head," Hanabi whispered for unknown to Hanzo, the Higanbana blossomed underneath him and immobilized him. The scarlet ninja snatched the katana away from him and laid it across his neck. The spectators cheered but then, Hanzo appeared behind her. Hanabi realized that it was his shadow she fought with just a moment ago. "Did I?" he smirked as he knocked her back and because of her kimono, she fell back on her butt. Hanabi was about to stand but when she lifted her head, Hanzo''s sword is pointed right at her. "Even after 5 years, the result is still the same," Hanzo said as he reaches out his hand to help her stand. Hanabi slapped his hand away and stood by herself. "After 5 years, I get to see the coward who ran away," she scoffed. She glared at him, turned away and was about to leave but another pair of kunais is shot at her. Hayabusa managed to reach the stage and saw the two fighting. Instead of stopping them, he decided to watch how the two would fight. Maybe, in this way, Hanabi could vent out her emotions to the person who made her suffer emotionally for years. And maybe, this fight could be a better communication for the two. Hanabi raised her hand and had her long sleeves catch the kunais. With gritted teeth, she lunged forward and with her open palms, she swings it down forcing Hanzo to let go of his katana. Without giving him a chance to counterattack, she lifted her leg and gave him a roundhouse kick. She stood on her feet and elbowed him on the abdomen. Hanzo knelt down as he is knocked back. As he raises his head to prepare for his counterattack, he got surprised when Hanabi already lunged towards him and knocked him down. "Don''t mock me, you freak! " she yelled as she attempted to pierce his throat with her kunai while on top of him. But then, she stopped when the tip of her weapon is just millimeters away from him. "Go on, stab me like what you did before," Hanzo jested. Hanabi got off from him and kept her kunai. Her breathing became fast and her tears start to well up once again. "My win, rhino head," she proclaimed before taking her leave. As she makes her way out of the crowd with her head low, a hand yanked her backwards. "Are you just going to leave?" Hanzo asked. Hanabi held back her tears as she brushed him off. "Leave me alone," she said as she walks away but the scarlet haired man grabbed her yet again. "Is this how you say hi after all those years?" he teased. Hanabi slapped his hand away and hits him on the chest. "You should have never showed up!" she sneered. "You should continue hiding away, running away, you coward." Hanzo noticed her watery-eyes so he draws her close and hugged her. The scarlet ninja couldn''t help but break down. Her sobs once again has got the better of her that she could not stop her tears from falling. "I hate you, rhino head," she cried as she hits him on the chest. "I hate you. I hate you." "I know," Hanzo replied as he brushed his hand on her black hair. Eventually, Hanabi gave in and hugged him back tightly. Shizuka, despite seeing the person she loves reunited with the woman he has always dreamt of, smiled for the days of seeing Hanzo cry for Hanabi are finally over. She has been watching him shed tears for her. She has witnessed how desperate he was to see her but he couldn''t do so. She knew from the start that her love would not be reciprocated but she chose to stay to witness how the two would reconcile. Kind of a masochist, ain''t she? This made her realize that no matter how she separates them, they''d end up on each other''s arms. "How long do you plan on doing this?" Hanzo asked as he smiles at the crowd. "Until I''m satisfied," Hanabi sniffed who was just finished crying. "When the night falls, I''d be dead," the redhead remarked as he adjusted Hanabi on his arms. "I''d die for the second time if Hayabusa finds out about this absurdity. You''re his girl, right?" They are currently at the center plaza, standing at the highest stage. Hanzo is carrying Hanabi on his arms, bridal style, as a consequence of losing to her. "You haven''t died when I stabbed you, you won''t die just by standing," Hanabi mused as she wipes off his sweat with her sleeves. She completely ignored Hanzo believing that she and Hayabusa are together. "And I''d be happy to watch Hayabusa kill you." "Of all things, why''d you want to do this?" Hanzo asked. "You''re heavy as a bull." "So you could physically bear the weight of leaving me for years and for fooling the people here in Osaka," Hanabi replied with a smile as she waves at Kirin who is currently looking up to them. "What do you even mean by that?" Hanzo asked in confusion. "Haven''t the rumours reached your ears, rhino head?" the scarlet ninja questioned as she wraps her hands around his neck. "They said that you and Shizuka were married. What a great gossip, right?" "So, having me standing here at the middle of the day carrying you is your way of getting back at me?" Hanzo sneered,"What are you? A child?" "You keep on complaining, what are you? A boy?" Hanabi mocked. "Anyways, a news got to me that you almost died crying for me," the akuma ninja teased with a smirk on his lips. Hanabi narrowed her eyes on him and asked, "How''d you know that?" "Hayabusa told me when we bumped into each other during one of my missions," the assassin replied. "But the question is, why the hell did he become your boyfriend when you''re in love me?" "Why''d you run away?" Hanabi asked seriously, ignoring Hanzo''s question. "To atone for my actions. I killed your family and caused such unimaginable chaos. The biggest irony I haven''t expected is that I have fallen to the daughter of the family I killed," he replied. "Kagura helped me when you almost killed me. You all could forgive me but I couldn''t forgive myself so I decided to come here and serve the chief and help him get rid of the black marketeers and the rebels in his territory." "Then, why''d you bring Shizuka with you?" Hanabi pouted without looking at him. "And falling for me is surely a lifetime atonement for your sins." "Shizuka helped me escape, plus, she has a connection with the chief," he replied. "Furthermore, she''s lightweight, easy to bring anywhere. She''s quite handy," Hanzo jested as he notices the jealousy coming from the scarlet ninja. "Then, go and marry her, you rhino headed jerk!" she snapped which amused the akuma ninja. "Should I?" he teased even more. "You should. You two look good together anyway," someone replied. He is currently sitting on the roof across the two. He is wearing his smirk which immediately annoyed the akuma ninja. "Hanabi and I could have a happy ending." "Hayabusa?" Hanzo said as Hanabi stood on her feet. What even annoyed him is that the scarlet ninja jumped off and hugged him. Hayabusa smirked as he ran his finger on Hanabi''s nose down to her lips. "Miss me already?" he asks the woman. Hanabi smiled and nodded, "Definitely." Hayabusa caressed her face and held her chin up, attempting to kiss her but this time, Hanzo could no longer tolerate seeing Hanabi being intimate with another man. This made the akuma ninja jump towards them with his katana drawn out. Hayabusa had his kunai block his attack and smirked at him. Hanabi laughed which confused the akuma ninja. Hayabusa laughed with her and a realization hits him. He, then, heard Kagura''s voice down below and she''s waving at them with a smile plastered on her face. "Is that funny?" he scoffed. "Yes, it is," Hayabusa replied. "Hanabi never fails to amuse me at how fast she grasps the situation is." "What brought you here?" Hanzo asked. "To watch the two of you have a happy ending after 5 agonizing years of waiting and crying," the assassin replied. "I''m tired of seeing Hanabi cry. Glad to see her shining brightly now." Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click www.webnovel.com for visiting. "Has he been visiting you?" Hanzo questioned the scarlet ninja who sat beside him. "Yeah," Hanabi replied, "He comforted me when I needed it the most. Especially Kagura." "Now that you finally caught him, no need for me to comfort you," Hayabusa remarked before he jumped off the roof and went beside Kagura who managed to follow them earlier. "So how does it feel to see the one you like being intimate with another person, huh?" Hanabi teased but Hanzo simply changed the topic. "Don''t you have any plan on changing your kimono? That slit you made is way too high," Hanzo commented as he looks down at the crowd. "I still don''t want to leave," she whispered. "I''m afraid that if I take my eyes off of you, you''d be gone again." Hanzo chuckled at her response as he pinched her cheeks, "When did you become so clingy, Hana?" "I just want to be sure, rhino head. I hate having regrets," the scarlet ninja replied as she held his hands. "There''s nothing you couldn''t do anyway." Hanzo smirked and said, "I won''t let you slip away ever again." He leaned close until their forehead touched, Hanabi closed her eyes as he leans closer. She enwrapped her arms around him, assured that he will no longer leave her side. The long wait, the painful days, the melancholic moments and hopeless times are now finally sealed with a kiss. "The scarlet flower has finally found her happiness," Izanami remarked as he watches them. "She could not have gone with all those painful and sorrowful days if it weren''t for your schemes, Izanami," Amaterasu corrected. "If it weren''t for me, they wouldn''t fall for each other. It''s because of me that scarlet flower searched for Hanzo for vengeance but slowly, it blossomed into love," the god of death defended himself. "You really have your ways with your words, death god," Amaterasu remarked. "But with or without you, because of vengeance or not, even if they''re enemies or friends, even if they''re far or near from each other, one way or another, they''d still find each other and be together for they are bounded by the red string of fate." "The so-called Scarlet Shadow, huh," Izanami added. "An unexpected yet perfect pair." "Indeed," Amaterasu agreed.