I'm trying to correct the many faults I had when I started and I'm getting faster at this. Hurray.

I'm still eagerly waiting for constructive criticism.

Things should slowly heat up after chapter 4.

Thanks for reading, guys!

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The following hours went by and Kira was completely mesmerized by the sight of the two women training together. Meanwhile, a few servants were working around the house and did not even glance at the scene, as if nothing unusual was happening.

The boy was looking at the fight, round-eyed. ‘What’s this?... Is this serious? That’s damn impossible!’

The swords whistled, sang and clashed. Hot gusts of wind were scattering fallen leaves and petals in the air. Sometimes, the two of them paused, looking at each other. After taking a few breaths, they carried on sparring.

When the women finally stopped, the sun had covered a huge part of its course. They wiped the sweat off their faces.

“We will go get ourselves cleaned up. Wait for us,” Ren said.

Eventually a servant brought drinks and food on a black tray. Then the swordmasters came back and kneeled on a wooden platform located in a corner of the garden. They had changed clothes and Ren was back in her black and silver kimono. Afterward, the servant put down the drinks on the stand and poured some tea into three cups. Ren glimpsed meaningfully at Kira so he went over and sat at his sister’s side.

The servant put small platters of fruits and delicacies on a table in the middle of the platform. She bowed.

“Do you need me for anything, Lady Ren?”

“It should be fine. Thank you,” Ren replied.

The servant bowed again and left.

Shizuru waited for the siblings to start eating before helping herself. They simply enjoyed the food and drank their tea in silence. Kira considered them. They seemed to be ordinary women, though beautiful, but the previous demonstration clearly taught him not to judge a book by its cover.

“So what do you think?” Ren asked him.

“How can you do this?”

“For most people, the body moves the soul. For us, it is the other way around.”

Hearing this, Kira frowned. “What do you mean?”

“I do not expect you to understand yet. However if you are a nice little rabbit, I might teach you when you are older,” Ren answered after she smirked.

“How old must I be?” Kira asked eagerly.

“When one is seven, one can start training his Will. However as a member of the Tsuchiya clan, you will have to be diligent. We cannot have one weak little rabbit in the main house.”

‘Tsuchiya? Oh that’s my family name. Those memories are a bit troubling but somewhat useful… So I’ll be able to learn that “Will” thing in two years, might not be too bad.’

Kira had a gleeful look on his face.

“Do not be too happy. It is not easy and you will have to endure much. It will be amusing to teach you,” Ren declared as her lips curved in a predatory smile.

“Cannot Shizuru teach me?” the boy asked with a worried look.

“Why would she? Unlike me, Shizuru is quite busy,” his sister answered.

“Besides, I am unworthy. I would not be allowed to teach you,” the maid added.

Kira’s hope was shattered.

**************

Afterward, the rest of the day was rather uneventful. They dined quietly and Kaguya did not talk much. His mother seemed absorbed in her thoughts. Then Ren left them to prepare herself for the next day.

During the evening, Kira was sitting on the border of the exterior hallway. The moon was reflected on the pound and fireflies were flying on top of the water. He simply enjoyed the cool night and listened to the sounds of nature. At some point, he heard rustling and Kaguya sat beside him.

“You should sleep early. Tomorrow will be a long day,” She said after hugging him.

Kira looked at his mother with a sad smile. He did not feel tired and he was thinking about the events of the day.

“What is bothering you?”

“I am lost.”

“What do you want to do?”

“I do not know.”

“Then find the answer.”

Hearing this, Kira chuckled. The answer was so simple. The boy had gone through the same phase in his previous life. As a teenager, he had wandered aimlessly in the streets of Selen before fate forced his hand and his early life was decided for him. This time he would find his purpose by himself.

Kaguya glanced at him curiously and then started humming a peaceful tune. They spent the evening enjoying each other’s company.

Eventually, Kaguya stood.

“It is time to rest, please come so I can give you a bath you before we sleep.”

His mother worlds struck him like a cold shower and he instantly sobered up.

“I can bath by myself, do not worry about me,” he pleaded.

“Is that so? I think not.”

A few minutes later, he found himself naked in the bathroom and his mother was pouring warm water on his head. The white yukata she was wearing enhanced her natural beauty. While Kaguya was scrubbing him with soap from a green brick, she hummed a playful melody.

Feeling awkward, Kira tried to ignore the situation and hoped it would end soon. He tried to resist at first and had wanted to show the woman he could do it by himself but to no avail.

**********

When his mother woke him up, the sun had yet to ascend and only a reddish light covered the garden behind the opened sliding doors.

“We will be going in an hour. Please rise,” she declared.

Kira felt her warm hand on his cheek and he slowly opened his eyes. Obviously, Kaguya had been up for quite some and had already prepared herself. She wore a red and black kimono with golden stylized birds and mountains. Under her bare forehead, red eyes were smiling at him.

“Good morning, Mother,” he said with sleepy eyes.

Hearing his words, her expression brightened.

“Good morning, Kira.”

‘That’s actually the first time I call her Mother?’ he thought.

Kira stood and his mother hugged him.

“Let us get you dressed.”

Kira had kinda resigned himself. He would never win against Kaguya. During his school days on Selen, the boy had mocked some of his comrades for complying with their mother demands but he now knew he had been simply ignorant.

‘You cannot win against Mom. Right.’

Then the boy let her dress him with a dark blue hakama and a carmine shirt. The design was simple but the materials were of good quality. She combed his hair and tied them with a strand of leather behind his neck. The fact that she obviously took pleasure grooming him accentuated his defeat.

‘Good bye, street urchin. Hello mommy’s boy,’ he thought, with a slightly bored face.

Afterward, they met with Ren. His sister wore a black and purple kimono with two fans slid inside her large golden obi. She was obviously worried.

“Did you sleep well, Mother?” the lady asked.

“Yes. It should be fine,” her mother answered.

“How about the little rabbit?” Ren asked him.

“Do not worry about me, Sister,” he replied with a smile.

“I would be a horrible sister if I did not.” She replied.

Then they ate breakfast together before leaving the house.

Outside, they were joined by Shizuru who was wearing a red hakama and white hakui, similar to a miko (priestess) outfit. Holding a katana at her side with one hand, she bowed.

“The preparations are mostly in time.” The maid declared.

“Very well, shall we go then?” Kaguya said after setting a red Japanese umbrella on her shoulder.

The four of them started walking and followed the stony path. They passed by a few other houses similar to their own and people respectfully saluted them. Eventually, they reached a tall stone wall and a huge wooden gate. The building was five meters tall and its roof was covered by blue tiles.

When they came close to it, six burly guards bowed to them.

“Lady Kaguya, Lady Ren. We humbly greet you.” One of the soldiers said.

The other men opened the door to allow them passage.

After the family and the maid went through the portal, they found themselves in the city. Their domain overlooked the town and Kira could see its whole size.

Close to him, Japanese wooden houses stood on both sides of the streets and were lit by small paper lanterns. The residents were already active and working, filling the area with a busy atmosphere. From some chimney and stalls, smoke was rising toward the orange sky. A river crossed the middle of the town and boats were already sailing on its waters. A huge wall surrounded the whole town and far away on the horizon, one could see tall peaks behind screens of mist.

The boy was amazed by the view.

“That is the city of Okachi.” Kaguya said to him.

“It’s beautiful.”

“Yes, w$e are working to keep it so.” Ren continued.

“So you are not just a violent bully.” The boy stated, rubbing his chin.

“Of course not….” His sister hit his head with a closed fan.

The boy put his hand on its head with a frown. Meanwhile their mother watched her children with a smile and Shizuru stood behind them, attentive to their surroundings. While they were walking through the city, people made way for them. Food stalls emitted appetizing smells.

As they drew away from the center, the districts changed. The townsfolk were visibly not as wealthy as before but the atmosphere was still cheerful. People greeted their group respectfully and offered them warm smiles, though they looked at Kira with curiosity. The boy’s eyes were avidly observing the town but he had to keep his enthusiasm in check for now.

Eventually, they arrived in front of a huge wooden building where several men were eating around tables. The building looked well-kept and clean. Sun had finally risen and darkness was fading away.

A stout and bald man went to meet them, a box in his hands.

“It’s been a very long time since we last saw you, Lady Kaguya. We’re all glad to see you’re doing well.” He bowed deeply.

“It has indeed, master Shojiro. I thank for you concern though I am sorry I do not have the time to enjoy your fare.” Kaguya replied with a smile.

“Please accept this gift as a token of our esteem.”

“I gladly accept.”

Shizuru took a step forward and took the box from the man’s hand. The man then tied his hands together and a worried look appeared on his face. Most of the customers paused in their meal and they focused their attention on the group. Many of the passersby also stopped to hear the conversation.

“A lot of peddlers and merchants from outside the city come to eat in my place and the news they bring really aren’t good.” The owner said.

“We are aware. The Elder is handling the matter and it should be taken care off soon.” The lady stated with a clear voice before facing the crowd. “Rest assured the Tsuchiya clan and the Empire will do anything in their power to put this matter to an end.”

“Thank you Lady Kaguya,” the bald man said.

He then bowed and took a few steps back.

After they left, they could hear the crowd talking loudly. Kira looked behind him and he could see the people getting somewhat rowdy.

“They probably know almost as much as us. We have tried keep the problem under silence but it is simply too huge,” Ren stated with a soft voice.

“Yes. It is quite possible,” her mother declared while slowly spinning her umbrella on her shoulder. She seemed pensive.

Kira was impressed by the power and influence of his mother on the people of the city.

‘So they really are nobles… Then what am I? Damn…’ the boy thought.

Then they reached the city gate. Up close, the wall was huge, both in height and thickness. It looked built to withstand sieges and battles. A long column of people were waiting for clearance. Farmers were carrying bags and peddlers pulled wooden carts to sell their goods.

Unlike them, Kira and his companions just walked through the portal and no one stopped them. Rather, the guards in station bowed to them.

Outside the city, they headed toward a convoy of a dozen of loaded wooden carts pulled by oxen. Many men at arms were guarding the group and bore the crest of the Tsuchiya clan, a fan with a stylized mountain engraved on it. A brown-haired man was giving instructions to the workers who were filling up the vehicles. After seeing the group, he swiftly came to meet them.

“Captain Iwamoto, we will be in your care.” Kaguya announced.

“I, Iwamoto Ryōma, humbly accept the honor.” The officer bowed deeply.

“How are the preparations going?”

“We should be ready in a moment, Lady Kaguya.”

“Very well.”

Afterward, the soldier left them to manage his men and finalize the loading. Nearby, a man wearing a grey priest outfit stood by a cart. He was sturdily built and towered most of the people in the area. A varnished black staff was resting on his elbow. As he noticed the group, he turned to face them and raised his head. Under his bamboo hat, you could see his shaved scalp and his brown eyes looking at their party. A smile appeared on his cheerful face and he bowed.

“Good day, sir Naizen,” Kaguya said.

“Good day, Naizen,” Ren continued.

“Lady Kaguya, Lady Ren, good morning,” the priest replied before he nodded at Shizuru. “I was just about to…”

Then the priest noticed Kira and looked at him with curiosity which was then replaced by astonishment.

“Good day,” Kira said.

“How is that?...” the man’s eyes opened wide.

With an excited look on his face, the man approached his hand to the boy. Kira stepped back but Naizen was stopped by a firm grasp.

“That is somewhat rude, Naizen,” Ren stated as she held the priest’s wrist.

“Ha-ha sorry I often forget myself when I see such unusual things,” he declared after the lady had released him. Then the priest crossed him arms and rubbed his chin.

“This is something that...” The man continued.

“There is nothing unusual.” Kaguya stated, cutting him short.

“But this is…”

“There is nothing unusual.” She repeated with a smile.

The man was obviously dubious but he complied with the implied order. He shrugged.

“I guess, it is fine. Do you have any guess on the origin of that new sickness?” the priest asked.

“Perhaps. However, it is only mere speculation,” Kaguya answered.

“I see.”

Kira was listening intently since the problem interested him as well. But the conversion did not go any further because a child joined them. The newcomer looked like a younger version of the priest. He was also wearing grey clerical clothes and wore a white bandanna on his shaved head. His eyes had a malicious shine.

“Pops, did we really take enough food?”

The priest lightly struck the boy’s head with his black staff.

“Why?” his son asked with a shocked expression.

“Sorry Lady Kaguya, I am trying to instill manners in this fool but the task is as hard as his head.”

“Kaguya…” the boy whispered. His eyes opened wide and he looked frightened. He swiftly bowed. “I am very sorry. My name’s Takeshi.”

“It is fine. Do not worry,” Kaguya declared softly.

“I understand the problem. I am going through the same ordeal with this one,” Ren added while looking at her brother.

“I never did anything…” Kira said before the fan hit him.

As the two boys were rubbing their head in pain, they both shared a glance in solidarity.

Then they smiled at each other and laughed.

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