It was still morning when a summons order for her arrived unexpectedly. A messenger found Malenia in the outer training yard, where she had been practising footwork drills. She wiped the dust from her hands and followed him without asking questions.
The clan hall was quiet. Her father stood at the head of the room, flanked by three shinobi—two men and one woman, all experienced, their posture relaxed yet alert.
Malenia stopped several steps away and bowed. "You called for me, Father," she said.
Her father nodded. "Yes. Stand here." She moved forward and waited.
He said. "This will be your first mission."
She lifted her head slightly but said nothing.
"There has been increased movement near our outer shipping routes," her father said. "Small groups, likely smugglers or bandits. Nothing that you can't handle with your skills, but it's your first time, so..."
He gestured toward the three shinobi. "They are being sent to investigate and, if necessary, clear the area. You will accompany them."
One of the shinobi glanced at her, then averted his gaze. Malenia's expression remained unchanged.
"You will follow the team leader's orders," her father said firmly.
"I understand," she replied.
He then said. "This mission will be your first real experience in shinobi life."
He paused for a moment, then said, "Make me proud, Malenia."
"Yes, Father."
He studied her for a moment longer, then turned to the others. "She is under your authority during this mission."
The jonin in charge inclined his head. "Understood, clan head."
The ship left the harbour before noon, moving smoothly across the water. Malenia stood near the side, watching Uzushio disappear behind them. The village looked more peaceful from a distance.
After some time, the jonin approached her and said "For your safety, princess, please follow my instructions. If I tell you to fall back, you do so immediately."
She nodded. "I will."
They reached the island several hours later. The shoreline was quiet, but signs of recent activity were clear.
The jonin raised a hand. "From here on, stay close," he instructed. They moved inland.
The first contact came without warning. A man rushed from behind a rock formation, blade raised. Then her team member intercepted him, steel clashing sharply. Another attacker slipped through, moving rapidly towards her.
"Princess," the jonin said calmly. "Now."
She stepped forward. Her stance settled naturally, and the sword came up in defence.
The bandit struck first. She blocked the blow, feeling a dull vibration through her arm. He pressed forward, trying to overpower her. She adjusted her footing, let the pressure slide, then moved inside his reach and sliced through his waist.
He died immediately.
It was a brief encounter, but for Malenia, this first kill brought no disturbance. With a fluid motion, she sliced through the man as if she had done it many times before. It felt instinctual, almost effortless, and she experienced a sharp clarity rather than horror or regret.
Standing over him, there was no shudder of guilt—only an acceptance of her power. Returning to her team, she carried a newfound understanding: she was ready to confront the harsh realities of her world, and it felt undeniably right.
The remaining threats were handled quickly. When it was over, the jonin looked at her. "Princess, are you alright?"
She wiped her blade clean and nodded.
On the return trip, Malenia remained quiet, replaying the fight—not the victory, but the moment she felt the weight of another person trying to break through her guard. This was rather addictive, she thought.
Finally, they reached Uzushio. Malenia and her team reported on their mission, and afterwards, she went to meet her father to inform him of her mission
The day passed like that...