Another chapter here guys.
Hope u enjoy.
Aannnd... START:
/////////
The old timer. Seated on a Tatami mat with a fancy tea set displayed on a short table in front of him.
With his katana on his side, he sat placed himself in the middle room.
Looking as serene as the moon outside and if Raito was being honest, he looked more like a peaceful old grandfather and nothing like the whirlwind of blades that he was at their last encounter.
*Fwoosh* a cold breeze blew in form the window as the moonlight reflected off the surface of the pond outside the window dimly lighting up the room just enough to see. However within the pond a pair of Koi freely swam. One Inky-black and the other Pearly-white. They swam in a circular motion each patiently chasing the tail of the other captivating in their circular beauty, their trails in the water causing the moonlight to glint off their scales bringing periodic flashes of light around the room.
The old man sipped and the tea and inhaled the fumes while watching the beauty of the pond outside of his room. A peaceful winter was fast approaching and he truly seemed to enjoy the warmth the tea brought his old bones as he poured himself another cup of green tea making sure to inhale the steam.
Raito noticed something peculiar though. It seemed there were two serving cups as well as another Mat on the other side of the table. Was the old samurai expecting a visitor this early?
Raito didn't move yet. Rather opting to stay undetected within the shadows. Eyes scanning the room for viable ambush points. However, the old man had unfortunately sat directly facing the window which would have been the most preferred escape point.
Raito didn't have the confidence of being able to soundlessly open the sliding door to the old mans left undetected. After all, who knows when last it has been oiled? at this peaceful hour, he was bound to be noticed should he make the attempt.
Fortunately by securing the exit that is the window, the old man sat with his unguarded back fully exposed. Creating an opportunity if he moved quietly enough.
'No escape? Assassination then...' Raito then prepared to make his move.
"I don't think you should be moving yet, young one." The mans voice carried a tone of amusement.
'Mission failed...'
"...Did you know I would be here?" Raito questioned while fully stepping out of the shadows. Seeing no point in hiding anymore, he fully focused on collecting information in order to hone his technique for next time.
"None of that now. I just make sure to do this every morning before waking hours. One of the few remaining pleasures of life you can say." He smiled and gestured to the opposite mat.
Raito complied and sat.
Legs crossed.
Back straight without a slouch.
Hands on each thigh.
Face firmly pointed forwards showing complete attention.
Snorting in approval, the man then picked up the teapot with practiced ease and slowly poured it into a cup.
The tea swished around in the cup as it was pushed towards his guest.
Taking care to avoid spilling, the man then asked
"I do hope you weren't too harsh on my grand daughter, she's the one who nursed you back to health after all..." he trailed off adjusting the cup in preparation for serving.
'So she's his grand daughter after all...'
I accept the cup and lift it closer with both hands.
"She's restrained but unharmed." I simply state.
I then begin inspecting the cup for toxins, hallucinogens, sedatives and the rest of the nasty stuff. Coming out clear, I perform a simple Diagnostic Jutsu...
Just in case that weird energy I saw earlier is mixed in.
This old man sighs in relief at my response.
His hand seems to inch away from his Katana to his left as he relaxes.
It seems his hand had subconsciously wandered there while he was awaiting a response to his question.
A wrong answer would likely have started a sequel of "My assault".
However, it seems that scenario has been avoided, violence isn't needed at the moment.
Besides...
'If I'm going to abduct someone, I prefer it not to be some child who doesn't know what they're doing. Not necessary in this case, and they make a lot of noise too.'
Plus even if we aren't honourable Samurai, every truly competent ninja I know has a line they will not cross.
Those that don't?
They often tend to "disappear" quite mysteriously. It's best to be smart.
The man watched impassively, obviously catching my ongoing scrutiny, he sighed at the lack of trust. He didn't seem offended however. A bit sad if not impressed.
Staring off a bit into empty space, he then said something that confused me.
"A cold world we live in eh? If only you were still here, Lord Hachiman..." he mumbled in a tone of slight melancholy while slightly shaking his head in regret.
I didn't understand that last part, so I tried to.
'"Hachiman", a Shinto "god of war" if I recall correctly. What does he have to do with anything?' I wonder
However his voice pulls me out of my thoughts.
"So," He begins "Where did you come from young one?"
A sip.
"The Forest." Is my response.
A frown.
"That is not what I was asking... Could you explain exactly where?" he inquired but no further explanation was forthcoming.
"Alright, no Origin then... I suppose you would not be willing to answer questions about your techniques...?"
"..." he is met with silence but he seems a bit more insistent here. Judging by how he continued:
"You are clearly Human. Of that I'm sure, but you were able to cast those interesting techniques. However I sensed no application of Mana or Qi being used."
I felt a bit of relief at his inability to detect Chakra. Small mercies.
However the last part then got my attention.
'Human? There are other beings wandering around who are not human?' It was a bit alarming. However, I took note to inquire about that later.
He continued. Taking a sip first than saying:
"The Shinobi I knew of used either of those as fuel for their techniques. What do you use?" he asks shifting a bit forward, voice tinged a tone of expectation, bewilderment and faint... [Hope]?
I gave him a blank look.
'He's basically asking for the source of my strength. Was I really supposed to answer that?' I'm in a bit of disbelief.
Recieving no answer, he slumps back to his fully seated position. It seemed even he didn't notice that he had half-risen from his seat.
He sips his tea and his agitation seemed to almost visibly flow out of him.
"At least you have no lack of caution young one. Whether that is a good thing or not is still yet to be seen. I will implore you however, to consider divulging some secrets in the future if ever you feel a bit more trusting?"
"..." A nod. But they seems good enough for him as he almost smiles.
"Wonderful! Now, what better way to begin building trust than an introduction. A tradition I know you Shinobi are familiar with." His smile is almost infectious. Almost.
"I'll start."
He then rose to his feet and bowed minutely indicating acknowledgment.
"I am Lian Yu. Yu is my given name. I have many likes. Some of which include Calligraphy, Reading, and Tea . My dislikes are war and violence. My aspirations for the future is to take in the view of a world without war or hate which is why I teach the way of "The [Tranquil Sword]". But enough about me, Now you introduce yourself."
I resist the urge to call out his "BS". There's nothing remotely "Tranquil" about this sword.
However seeing that he's still on his feet waiting for my response and pointedly ignoring my accusing gaze, I decide to throw him a bone. He's hospitable enough I suppose.
*Sigh*
'Here I go...' I rise to my feet.
"My name is Raito, Uchiha..." I tentatively start.
I glance at him and see no reaction at my name.
'This confirms it. No recognition of the Sharingan and no reaction to the Clan name.
I am outside the elemental nations. Not just somehow transported to the future. What is going on?'
"..." It seems he is still waiting for me to continue.
"I...I like... ummm..." I take a while to consider it. Which is fine as he takes it as a sign that I'm being honest and forthcoming.
"I like Training, Tomatoes and my Tree."
My mind wanders to my shelter in the woods.
'Ironic how they all start with T's huh?'
"... Anything else?"
"I also like the quiet moments when I'm sharpening my equipment. I don't dislike anything in particular."
I answer honestly however he still didn't seem satisfied.
"Dreams and aspirations?" he pressed on.
"To become the best at my craft. Which is the art of Warfare and Battle."
And now the old man is looking a bit concerned. Which surprised me.
I just announced my goals being the exact antithesis of his goals and this is all he did?
With a sigh and a shake of his head, he then continues:
"...Well Raito Uchiha, I can tell you that you are well on your way to fulfilling your aspirations. Violent as they are." He grumbled on that last part.
"Thank you Lian-dono." I say with a slight bow.
"However, you are still unpolished which is understandable due to your age, but you're having trouble with opponents that are stronger than you."
He is correct. This is one of the reasons I lost our bout.
Apart from lack of information on his techniques and abilities,
Overwhelming force in an opponent is quite the problem for me at this stage.
The more devastating Jutsu are all locked away under a heavy price tag and I could not steal more throughout without attracting attention of the unwanted kind.
I could also not possibly save more without risk of compromising health. I'm frugal enough as it is living in a tree even during winter.
During our bout, I would likely have had a chance at victory if I had landed one strong enough Jutsu.
For example, if I had somehow managed to land a targeted "[Limelight Jutsu]" instead of combining three low rank Jutsu intended for hunting and trapping I am willing to bet that I would have been able to escape at the very least.
'Wait, would [Limelight] be overkill...?
Doesn't matter anyway, I unfortunately spent all last year's stole- ah, I mean saved money on the [Shadow Clone Jutsu] instead.' I inwardly lament.
I don't regret it though. I value Versatility over Power. Power will come plenty in the future. It's best to learn how to adapt instead at the moment.
However, enough about that.
'He's leading up to something...'
I stay silent in order to see where he is going with this.
"Although you are not forthcoming with information, I can tell you have quite an amount of potential. Unhoned I must say, but it's still there."
He then pulls out some documents from his sleeve. It's rolled up like a scroll. He then hands it to me.
"Thus I am giving you this offer."
I took the scroll and carefully read it, making sure to keep perfect attention on the duration conditions and terms.
After my glance through it I was easily able to summarize it's terms.
'A modified [Escort Mission] For a prolonged period of a few years. The word "Bodyguard" here likely indicates the existence of opposition. Level unknown. Could range from common bandits to skilled monsters. The object of protection is Suzaku Himejima his Grand-daughter. The individual whom I restrained previously. However she seems to have confessed to being some sort of [Jinchuriki] which makes the situation a bit more dangerous.
I would classify it A to S rank. I am currently not capable enough to undertake this sort of task.' I inwardly grimace and then continue on to the second most attractive part.
The pay and the coaching offer.
'The contract indicates that a regular spar will be held against him in order to straighten out my imperfections. Plus lessons in swordsmanship. [Kenjustu] is easy to get wrong it's best to practice with supervision from a professional. I can't just copy the forms and call it a day after all.
Should bad habits occur, It is very difficult to change a fighting style after it is formed.
This is something that cannot be taken casually...'
I lift my eyes from the scroll and stare at him. I can instinctively tell that I stand to learn a lot.
'If I accept, it beats having to spend a million Ryo to redeem one scroll clone session with someone like [Mifune] each time I want to practice.'
All in all. Including the possible danger,
It was fair to be honest. After all, this line of work was always somewhat risky.
However it seemed a little Too Fair...
Which causes me to inquire.
"Are you certain that all the terms are listed here?"
"Certainly." he answers.
"None [Hidden]?" I emphasize staring straight at him. Eyes scanning the entrance of his soul for any sort of deceit.
The Old man first watches in surprise at the blatant suspicion, which then morphs into regret which is then schooled behind a mask of determination.
'There it is...' I inwardly comment
That's all I need to see...
Feeling a bit more relieved and (somehow unexplainably) a bit disappointed, I also school my expression and prepare to listen to his "less savory" demands.
Whether I accept them or not is another matter.
It seems he had decided to come clean after all because he reached for the document. Hand making contact with an empty section.
"(Sigh), look again." And with a flex of his unknown energy, an extra clause is revealed on the contact.
As you have probably noticed, I am quite a distrustful person. I try not to show it outwardly to avoid appearing like an Ingrate.
However,
Whenever someone approaches you with an offer that sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
In this world, nothing is for free. Even Air.
There's an exhalation for every inhalation. Unless you're of course... dead. However, my points still stands.
Here, the give and take is clearly highlighted.
I would rather know exactly what in giving and taking.
'It is best to err on the side of caution.'
Wise was the person who first said that.
This quote suits me perfectly.
It's something I'll be sure to follow to the letter.
My studies and growing interest in [Contracts] demanded so.
"Right after a speech about mutual trust... Hypocrisy is unbecoming of you..."
I drawl.
I hadn't known him for long and as such, I would normally ignore such a slight however, something about deceit coming from "him" of all people rubbed me the wrong way. I don't exactly know why.
He then explains
"I regret to deceive you young Raito, however I will not apologize." He shakes his head regretfully his visage then morphed into unwavering determination.
"For my Grand-daughter, I would happily cast aside Any. Semblance. Of. Honour." he emphasized each word with unwavering zeal and seriousness.
"...I see..." my eyes then return to the scroll.
I read through and summarize.
'After the contract Is fulfilled the Protégée "Suzuka Himejima" shall be allowed to engage the Bodyguard "Raito Uchiha" in a [Duel Of Servitude]...'
"You have such confidence in your Grand-daughter." I idly comment without lifting my gaze from the contract.
A proud smile.
"What sort of elder doesn't trust in this descendants?" he answered shamelessly.
"What benefit would enslaving me bring you? If I'm not mistaken, I am certain someone of your station could easily find a competent bodyguard for your Grand-daughter at any point in time." I inquire, this time raising my gaze form the contract and meeting his gaze.
He hesitates, then answers honestly.
"Something about you frankly alarms me. Your eyes... They bring me no small amount of trepidation and anxiety... I have no doubt that you will become quite the problem should you reach your potential. My instincts are rarely wrong." he confesses and I'm halfway to my feet, preparing for a fight I'm expecting to come.
Only stopped by his interjection.
"However, you also have quite the potential for good and I must confess that I am not one for "Bud-Nipping". If I was, I'd have done it in our previous encounter. However, It's best I cast my lots now and hope for the best." he waves in an attempt to reassure.
It fails.
"Lucky me then..." I comment and frown, then I calm down and return to my seated position.
'A [Duel Of Servitude]. A ritual in which two individuals engage in Mortal Combat. However instead of death, the loser is obliged to serve the Victor for a lifetime.
Make no mistake, the Victor could also kill the loser should they wish however that is rarely done or condoned without retaliation.
This is a method with which countless past Samurai gained their Shinobi attendants gaining servants, bodyguards and taste testers all in one package.
The Shinobi also usually agreed to monetary renumeration instead in the occasion that they emerged victorious.'
This was the case here. If I win, I stood to gain over a Billion yen.
"So what do you say?"he inquires about the agreement.
And I.
'Monthly allowance plus a billion yen at the end? Sign me up!'
"I agree." and my response triggers a relived smile. That is until I continue.
"However, I am adding one further clause on the contract." I say
[Should Suzaku Himejima fail in the subjugation, Raito Uchiha reserves the right to dictate her fate in exchange for the annulment of the one Billion Yen reimbursement.]
Showing it to him, his face turns bitter and vengeful and he almost snarls as he reaches for his sword.
However, my next question stops any violent reaction in its infancy.
"Where is your faith now? Lian Yu-dono..." I ask, carefully keeping the sneer out of my voice.
He stops dead in his tracks, and visibly composes himself. Albeit slowly.
"I agree to these terms." he states curtly.
I can tell he's liking me a bit less now, but his approval is not something I need.
'I am a bit surprised that he didn't back down... oh whatever, let's get on with it...'
"...I pray we have a fruitful cooperation Sensei." I remark
"(Sigh) Me too young Raito, me too..." His hands are clenched but I pay that no attention.
I sign my name at the relevant section and give back the document.
<<[Contact Enforcement: Lawful Captive]>>
His voice announces and the contact somehow splits in two identical copies and vanishes into the wind.
It is now enforced. I can feel it.
'No Chakra. Was that magic? interesting...'
"I am looking forward to your instruction Sensei."
I then give a respectful bow, carefully hiding my eagerness for the expected training and guidance.
He looks rather put off by the sudden change in demeanor, however he quickly composes himself.
"Well, young Raito I recommend you to rest here for the night. Tomorrow as you seemed to have mostly healed, we'll set you up in your new lodgings." He declared. A bit of exhaustion bleeding into his visage.
*Bam!*
At that moment, a door loudly slides open and someone storms right in.
Guess who's back?
'I am pretty certain I restrained her well...' I inwardly frown.
It's the "Vermilion Bird Girl" all disheveled and exhausted.
'Was that Sealing Tag too weak?... no it wasn't. I'm sure of this.
Rather, It seems like I need to fine-tune all my future tags for their weird brand of Chakra. Best do it soon before it becomes a true problem.'
Another task in added to my ever-growing list.
"Youuuuu!..." Oh yes, I almost forgot about her.
She storms up to me looking like she would want nothing more than to burn me to ashes.
I can already see faint wisps of smoke trailing off her.
Be that as it may, it seems she will not be performing any violent acts. At least not with Sensei around.
Speaking of Sensei...
"Ahh, Suzuka! just in time. I believe both of you are already acquainted."
"Yes. Yes we are Jii-sama." she forces out, sending a not so discreet glare in my direction. I remain silent.
"For the foreseeable future, Raito will be your bodyguard." he says with what was supposed to be a reassuring smile.
"Huh?"
Her visage shifts to one of surprise.
She looks like she's having trouble processing what she just heard.
Ignoring her, Sensei turns and addresses me.
"Raito, why don't you introduce yourself to Suzuka-hime?"
'Cute pet name.' I idly comment
"Hai." I get up from my seated position and face my client.
Since we're going to be working together for the near foreseeable future, it's best to be on at least neutral point to positive terms.
"This humble one is named Raito Uchiha. Uchiha is my family name. Despite our previous encounter, it is a pleasure to meet you. Please take care of me."
I say with a slight bow.
...
...
...
"Huh?" she only gapes as Sensei watches our interaction with a smile. He's clearly amused. No sign of the previous frustration.
/////// End chapter //////