Chapter 9: The Return of the Past

Standing amongst a battlefield of corpses, Jin remained still as he held onto his sword. Blood dripped from its edge as the cold, rancid smell of death lingered in the air. Ravens cawed, picking at the deceased bodies that littered the ground around him. Jin, spattered with the blood of his opponents, and covered in wounds, kept his eyes forward.

However, these eyes were different, these eyes were filled with bitterness and hatred. Anger and emptiness filled these eyes, lacking the mercy and compassion needed to hold back.

Within this moment in time, Jin didn't say a word. However the coughing of a man broke the symphony of death that the blackbirds harmonized with.

" *Cough cough*.... Damn you…"

Looking from the corner of his eye, the swordsman gazed upon the lingering beacon of life within this hell. It belonged to a Shinobi, who was leaned up against a rock, bleeding profusely as a blade wound was gashed into his torso. His mint green eyes stared angrily at Jin.

Jin:....

Shinobi: You… you'll pay for this… you'll meet your end at the hands of the Kazegure Clan! I swear it!!

Jin: Swear it?...

Shinobi: Ngh?!

Jin: You shouldn't swear something you know you can't control. Especially when you're about to die… at that point, you're just assuming things.

The shinobi narrowed his eyes.

Shinobi: Ggrrrhh… they will avenge us and our deaths! The spirit of our clan will blaze and engulf you in its flames Bachijin! Just you wait!

Jin: I don't care….

Shinobi: Ngh!!!

Jin spoke in a cold and almost emotionless tone. A tinge of anger and a hint of sadness existed, but it was quickly layered with a malice that sent a shiver down the assassin's spine.

Jin: Send the fires of hell towards me if you want to… until I do what I've set out to…. I will not die. If your clan, your flame crosses me…. I'll snuff it out.

The blood covered swordsman turned towards the injured shinobi and began to walk towards him. The ninja felt sweat roll down his cheek as the man before him spoke.

Jin: Be it man woman or child… frankly…. I don't care.

The shinobi pressed his back to the rock as much as he could to create some kind of distance between him and Jin. But it was seemingly futile.

Shinobi: Ngh… What the hell are you?!

Jin gave the ninja his usually lifeless gaze. Tilting his head slightly, Jin responded in a very blunt manner, one that came off as cold and heartless, like he lacked any humanity.

Jin: What am I?.... That's a good question…. To be completely honest with you…….

Slowly but surely, Jin raised his sword to finish the man off. But before he did, Jin answered the shinobi's question.

"......I don't know…."

__________________________

As the memory of his past faded, Jin stood face to face with a fragment of it in the form of Kagura. She gave the Bachijin a cold look, while his eyes widened in realization. The moment she saw his face change, Kagura smiled slyly.

Kagura: Ahhh, it seems you do remember that battle… I wasn't there of course, but even then, I could never forget the conflict that got my dad killed. And it was all caused by you, the Bachijin.

Jin:......

Kagura: Why so silent??? Shouldn't a warrior like you be proud of your skills??? It's not easy to kill a Kazegure shinobi, you know???

Jin:.... Why should I be proud of it?....

Kagura: Hm???

Jin looked up from the ground and looked her in the eye. His melancholy gaze caused her eyes to open up in a more shocked manner, rather than a koy one.

Jin: To tell you the truth… I regret killing them all in that way…. I should've tried more to reason with them.

Kagura felt her guard slip slightly before shaking her head. Raising her weapon once more, the kunoichi angrily cried out at the swordsman with a look of resolve on her face.

Kagura: Tch! Shut up! You can't trick me! I know the kind of man you are! I know WHO you are!

Kagura immediately dashed forward, raising her weapon to slash at Jin. The young woman started with a barrage of slashes, all being blocked and dodged at the last second by Jin. The young man clearly was focused, doing his best to keep up with her speed.

Kagura: You're the Bachijin! And I'll be the one to kill you!!!

SHHHM! CLTCH!

Kagura: Ngh!

Using his left hand, Jin caught her sword arm and kept Kagura in place. The kunoichi struggled to wriggle away, but she clearly wasn't able to get out of his grasp.

Jin:....Your thirst for revenge…. Trust me, I get it…

Gazing into her eyes, the Bachijin spoke with calmness in his heart and certainty in his soul.

Jin:.... But…. I can't let you kill me.

Kagura:!!

As their eyes locked, Kagura noticed the seriousness in his gaze, while seeing the hint of sadness in his eyes as well. She smiled wholeheartedly, giving a flirty nature to her voice as she spoke.

Kagura: Awww c'mon… don't cut me off….

With a flick of her fingers, Kagura somehow drew a kunai and readied it into her hand.

Jin:!!!

Kagura: Things are just getting fun~!

Bringing down the dagger, the kunoichi aimed for the young man's neck. But before it could pierce his skin, the young man pivoted out of the way, dropping his weight down into a crouching position. Once he did that, he used the hand that held her sword hand to whip her over his shoulder, tossing her like a judo fighter.

WHOOSH!!!

Kagura: Ngh!

Using her acrobatics, Kagura recovered mid air and flipped right side up to eventually land on her feet. Avoiding any damage, the young woman giggled as she licked her lips, revealing her tongue piercing as she readied her two weapons.

Kagura: Hehe, awww c'mon. You can be rougher than that…!

SHOOM!!!

In an immediate dash, Kagura raced towards Jin with blinding speeds. The young man immediately got ready, parrying one of her blows in that instant.

CHNK!!

Jin: Ngh! (She's fast as hell…!)

Kagura: Hehe, if you don't fight me, you'll die~!

Upon stepping into her first attack, Kagura struck with multiple piercing thrusts with her kunai. Even though she missed a handful of attacks, she still nicked Jin a few times. Flipping her grip into a reverse one, the kunoichi began to swipe at Jin. Her first going at his throat, in which he partied with his left hand and stepped back.

The moment her second one came out, it went for his gut, this prompted Jin to use his sword to block. After said defense, Kagura built up to her next attack which was a windmill kick aimed at the back of his neck, going for the brainstem. At the last second, Jin blocked with his forearm, stopping her incoming attack. This took Kagura by surprise, allowing Jin to take advantage and make his own move.

SWHH! BAM!!!

Swiftly, Jin spun clockwise before lifting his right foot. As he did, he pushed outward, planting a nasty back kick on Kagura's chest.

Kagura: Gaugh!!!

Flying back as blood flew from her mouth, the assailant fell onto her back with a thud. Using the momentum and force from her landing, she promptly rolled back and got into a crouching stance. With her weapons up to guard her, Kagura took a breath to recenter herself.

Kagura: Nghhh… that one hurt…!

Jin brought his kicking leg down, now standing up straight with his sword drawn.

Jin: Stop this… I don't wanna do anything drastic…

Kagura playfully giggled as she stood up.

Kagura: Awwww, how sweet..! I appreciate the sentiment, but I'm gonna hafta tell you to choke on it.

Jin furrowed his brow in response, the lone woman lowered her guard as she entered an idle stance.

Kagura: I don't need mercy, least of all from you.

She grinned, giving the swordsman a mischievous stare as she lifted her head a bit higher.

Kagura: Anyway, how about we kick things up a notch???

The playful ninja began to radiate a magenta shaded aura as her tattoo began to glow. One that brought a tingling sensation to Jin and his surroundings.

Jin: Is that…

Before Jin could finish his thought, Kagura ended up behind him as a dust cloud blew by from her original position.

Jin:!!!

Kagura: This time… I've gotcha!

But then…

"HYYYAAAAH!!!"

WHAM!!!

Kagura: Kkahhgh!!!

Jin:?!!

Much to both fighters' surprise, a third person entered the confrontation. This newcomer had struck Kagura in the gut with a powerful kick, causing the kunoichi to cough up spit before she was sent tumbling down the alleyway.

Jin: Huh??...

"I told you Jin…"

Looking over his left shoulder, Jin spotted the blonde girl he thought he had left at Misao's. She had her leg lifted, being the clear one responsible for that solid attack.

Yuri: I've got your back!

Jin: Yuri…

*Cough! Cough!*

Facing forward again, this time with Yuri with him, Jin gazed upon the now crouching femme fatale. She was catching her breath, seeing Yuri had knocked the wind out of her.

Kagura: Gahhghhh… damn it, that was a cheap hit! A sucker punch?! Really?!

Yuri: First off, that was a kick. Second, you're one to talk! Aiming for his back in a fight like that!

Jin: 💧…. (She does realize I've used similar tactics…. Right???)

Kagura grins with nervousness.

Kagura: Self righteous ey?.... Just my luck…

Eventually the girl stood back up, sheathing her ninjato and kunai knife. Holding her stomach, Kagura felt a bead of sweat roll down her cheek.

Kagura: I dunno what your deal is, but you sure know how to throw a kick… if I didn't know any better, I'd say I'm at a disadvantage.

Removing her hand from where Yuri had kicked her, Kagura continued talking.

Kagura: N with that, I'll take my leave…

Jin: Hm??? You're done???

Kagura shrugs her shoulders, closing her eyes as her head dips to the side slightly.

Kagura: I might as well. It's not smart to fight a battle you know you can't win.

Opening her red eyes, she sharply stared at him with a gentle look.

Kagura: Don't get me wrong, I'm still gonna kill you… just think of this as a strategic withdrawal.

Pulling out some sort of nut from her jean pocket, Kagura playfully waved with her free hand.

Kagura: Don't miss me too much, Bachijin! I'll be back to slit your throat before you know it!

Before Jin or Yuri could say another word, Kagura threw the nut in her hand to the ground, resulting in a flash of light that blinded both of them. Upon lowering their arms that shielded them from the sudden flash of light, Jin and Yuri noticed that they were the only ones in that alleyway.

Yuri: She's…. Gone!

Jin: Sure looks that way…

Blinking a few times, Yuri turned her head to look towards her traveling companion. The young man wore a face of comical irritation, catching Yuri off guard.

Yuri: Waaah?! What's with that face?!

Jin: I told you to stay behind… what're you doing here???

Yuri faced the tall man and gave him an adorably serious glare.

Yuri: What does it look like??? I'm helping!

Jin: But that's not the point! I told you to protect Misao n her kid!

Yuri: And leave you in danger?! No way!

If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

The blonde folds her arms and puffs out her cheeks even more.

Yuri: Besides, Mr. Enryu's a strong fighter! He can protect them without fail! I believe in him!

Jin: 💧…. (I… can't really blame her for having faith in that skirt chaser…)

Jin turns away from her, looking down at the ground.

Jin: Still… I should go at this alone. It's not safe out here… as you can see.

Yuri: Huh???

Jin: Traveling with me is like walking around with a target on your back… Honestly, it's a wonder to me why you still travel with me… I just don't…

After Jin's sentence trailed off, Yuri responded herself in a completely empathetic manner.

Yuri: I get it…

Jin: Nh?

Looking over his shoulder, Jin sees the young woman smiling at him warmly. Her deep blue eyes looked into his own gaze with understanding and gentleness.

Yuri: You want to protect me, I understand.

Jin:....

The young lady walked towards Jin, the gravel beneath her feet crunching as the soothing sound of her voice seemingly out the Bachijin in a trance of some sort. Not a malicious one. Rather one that calmed him down.

Yuri: You're a caring person. You don't wanna see the people you hold dear get hurt. And that's something I really like about you Jin. But remember….

She held her pinky finger out to him, causing the monochromatic swordsman to remember their conversation on the rooftop.

Yuri: ….We protect each other. Which means I'm not going to let you face these dangers on your own. So let's do this together. Okay???

Hearing her words, they never failed to reach him. His eyes closed, thinking back to their pinky promise, an action that could be considered insignificant. But to Yuri, he knew it meant far more.

As if affirming her proposal again, Jin brought his bandaged arm up from his side, and wrapped his pinky finger around hers.

Jin:... Alright.

This caused Yuri to smile big, grinning ear to ear as she tilted her head cutely and let out her iconic giggle.

Yuri: Tee-hee~!

______________________

Meanwhile, near the edge of the village, there was a graveyard that rested up on tile memorial ground. However, the one sign of life within that resting place belonged to a familiar blue haired tailor, Maki…

The graves she stood in front of seemed to be kept well, maintaining their shape and not being subjected to the elements as if someone continuously provided maintenance.

Kneeling before the graves in front of her, Maki became eye level with the names engraved in the stone monuments. They belonged to "Anko Ishida" and "Hinataro Ishida", people who made the usually hard headed girl soften up.

Maki: Hey, it's me again… mom… dad….

As the wind blew her deep dark blue hair, the young woman spoke in a joking, yet tender tone.

Maki: I hope you guys like the flowers I'm bringing y'all. Don't wanna get cursed for bringing the wrong ones haha…

Pausing for a moment, she allowed the wind to stop blowing, bringing her a sense of clarity as she cut to the chase.

Maki: I'm… I'm gonna take them down… the Seiryu. People like them need to pay.

"And how do you plan to make them do that?"

Whipping her head around in surprise at the sudden masculine voice, Maki's eyes landed on Jin and Yuri, who walked towards her.

Maki: It's… you two..!

Jin: 💧 We do have names you know?

Yuri: Ehehehe~... It's fine, really.

Maki furrowed her brow a bit aggressively, seeing the sword on Jin's hip.

Maki: What do you want, samurai?

Jin: Samurai????

Yuri: Where???? *She asked looking back at forth comically*

Maki grunts, standing up and pointing at Jin.

Maki: The one right next to you..! The bastard with the sword..!

Jin: Bastard?????? (Jeez lady….)

Yuri looks over at Jin before giggling.

Yuri: Who? Jin??? Nahhhh he's just a swordsman~! Tee-hee ~!

Jin: (Why do I feel insulted?....)

Maki clenched her fist and gritted her teeth, speaking in a low and upset tone.

Maki: How can you laugh with someone like him here?...

Yuri stopped her giggling to gaze at Maki with curiosity. Her eyes were full of confusion and a want for understanding.

Yuri: H-Huh??

Maki lifted her head, glaring at Yuri as her voice raised in anger.

Maki: How can you be so cheerful around someone responsible for so much death?! He's a samurai, he was made to kill!

Jin fell silent, letting the young woman in front of him let off her feelings.

Maki: It's people like him that are responsible for places like these! People like him that are responsible for…

As her voice trailed off, Jin let out a sigh, remembering the look she gave him back at Misao's house. The way she looked at his sword. There had to be something about the warrior caste of samurai that really upset her.

Jin: I hate to break it to you, but I'm not a samurai. That hatred of yours is misplaced…

Maki: Tch!

Jin eventually folds his arms in curiosity.

Jin: Second, you didn't answer my question earlier…

Maki: Huh???

Jin tilts his head, the dreaded warrior gives her a curious look.

Jin: How do you plan to make the Seiryu pay for what they've done?...

Maki: Huh?! What kinda question is that?! By beating them down of course!

Jin: Do you have the power to do so?

Maki: Ngh??

Yuri: Huh??

As the girls looked at the cursed swordsman, Jin spoke with wisdom and hard logic.

Jin: In order to exact revenge or justice, you must have the strength to enact that revenge or justice. Without it, you won't get very far. So I'll ask you again, realistically do you think you can handle this gang all on your own? Or is it your stubborn anger that's ignoring that fact?

Maki felt somewhat attacked. Taken aback by that, she gazed into his two colored eyes with a look of wavering conviction. Her heart sank when she saw that he was however unwavering. The tailor looked down at the ground, unable to answer to spare her pride.

Jin however sighed, taking his eyes off of Maki and responding curtly.

Jin: With that being said, I suggest you find another method…

Maki:.... Like what???

Jin tilted his head slightly as he answered.

Jin: Let us help.

Maki felt her eyes widen, followed by Yuri gazing up at Jin in response.

Maki: W-what??

Yuri: J-Jin???

Jin: Taking them on with numbers will make things easier. And besides, if we didn't help you, this one right here would never let me hear the end of it.

Knowing that he was referring to her, Yuri's surprised face melted into a warm and gentle smile.

Maki: You… you guys will really help me???

Jin looked directly at Maki, unfolding his arms and softening his eyes.

Jin: Yes. But only if you head back to Misao's house.

Maki blinked in surprise at his request. The swordsman continued.

Jin: The way you left made her incredibly worried. And besides, you don't need to be out in the open after what just happened earlier. So head back, we can discuss a strategy after I handle what I gotta handle. Alright???

Maki froze, hearing his words made things feel like they were too good to be true. In response, the girl closed her eyes, nodding her head in response.

Maki: Yeah… alright…. Also… sorry for the rude introduction. I'm Maki.

Yuri: Hehe, I'm Yuri! Yuri Ichihana!

Jin: ..Jin.

Maki, taking note of those names, nodded her head gently.

Maki: Yuri… Jin. Got it. Well then, I'll see you two later…. Thanks.

As Maki began to walk past Jin and Yuri, she stopped before leaving the cemetery completely. She gazed back at Jin, seeing that he and Yuri were talking about something, but the girl merely got lost in her own thoughts.

Maki: (He fights like one… but he doesn't feel like a samurai…. Who is he really…?)

_________________________

Meanwhile, within an estate deep within the town, a man dressed in a black checkered haori and maroon kimono sipped from a cup of sake on the tatami floor of an esteemed residence. As the green matted floor gave a very regal and feudal vibe to the environment, tapestries of dragons and calligraphy lined themselves on the walls of the large room. However, this man wasn't alone.

Down from the steps to the tatami matted floor, a group of men knelt on cushions in two parallel lines that created a path towards the individual who sipped alcohol. At the end of that path, facing the man was a familiar face.

Suzuko: Thank you for taking time out of your day to see me… Kumicho Renma.

The kumicho, head of the Seiryu family, Renma Seiryu, simply looked at Suzuko with amusement. He was a somewhat heavyset man with a goatee and mustache with dark black hair and a scar on his forehead. He had rather pronounced lips, and was a big fellow, even when sitting. The Yakuza leader wore shades, but had them tipped down enough to make his pale green eyes visible.

Renma: It's no problem, anything for an old friend. How can I help you, Suzuko?

Suzuko: I need you and your men to stop terrorizing the town.

Renma raised his head slightly as the many Yakuza began to murmur and speak amongst themselves. A few of them shouted out at Suzuko who stood unbothered.

Seiryu Member H: Oi! The hell do you mean?!

Seiryu Member F: You got a problem with how we run things?!

Renma: It seems so… why should I govern them, Suzuko? I mean, the Seiryu Family is Toyoka's only form of security. So what if there are a few bad apples? Doesn't their comfortability help defend the very village you love?

Suzuko clenched his fist in anger, clutching his sword as he responded.

Suzuko: Not if they're the reason my home is in constant danger!

The man began to tremble in rage.

Suzuko: I'm sorry Renma, but I can't just turn a blind eye to this! You said you and your men would protect us from bandits, not be worse than them!

Renma remained silent as Suzuko began to calm down.

Suzuko: Please… understand that I just need my people to be safe… and if that means dissolving your services or standing against you, then so be it!

The many Seiryu gangsters begin to stare daggers into Suzuko. Growing more and more aggressive.

Seiryu Member S: You've got balls… comin' here by yourself making demands like that.

Seiryu Member I: More like a death wish….

Renma: All of you remain seated.

The yakuza members looked to their boss in confusion.

Seiryu Member F: Huh? B-But boss..!

Renma: Even with you all as a collective, you wouldn't be able to take this man down.

Seiryu Members: ???

Renma: This is Suzuko Orikisuke… a swordsman and ex samurai of Kamui.

Seiryu Members:!!!

Renma: He's seen more battle than you grunts trust me. And his powers are beyond your own. Fighting him would be foolish.

The group of men began to settle down, lowering any weapons they began to pick up. As the men began to cower before Suzuko. Renma, however, smirked.

Renma: I will honor your request… but only under the yakuza way my friend.

Suzuko: Hm?

Renma: We bet on it…

Suzuko narrowed his eyes, irritated at the suggestion. However, the man reluctantly sighed, looking into his old friend's corrupted, criminal gaze.

Suzuko: What is it?.... This… bet.

Renma smiles even wider, snapping his fingers in response. When he did, a figure appeared from the shadows, catching everyone's attention in the room.

Seiryu Member F: Is that…

Seiryu Member I: Big Brother Gyutoh..!

Gyutoh, a man who stood tall, around 6'7 approached Renma's side. He was muscular, built like the ideal warrior. He wore the robes of the Seiryu, and had dark skin, with his curly hair pinned back into a bun. His light brown eyes looked over Shuzuko, lacking any surprise or intrigue in the man as he eventually arrived at his boss's side.

Suzuko furrowed his brow, unable to really understand Renma's motives. But then, the man spoke.

Renma: Gyutoh here is one of my best swordsmen, one of my best men at that. Face him in a duel.

Suzuko: Ngh, what?!

Renma: If you win, we'll leave. But if Gyutoh wins…

Renma coldly grins at Suzuko.

Renma:... You die…

Suzuko narrowed his eyes at Renma.

Suzuko: You suck bastard…

Renma: What? I think it's a very fair gamble. I mean, after all, it's better you than your son, right?

Suzuko growls in anger, causing Renma to snap his fingers. In response, Gyutoh walked forward, facing the ex samurai.

Suzuko: How do I know you'll keep your word??...

Renma leaned on his elbow, being propped up by some sort of cushion.

Renma: I'm here in front of my men. The Seiryu code is to always hold themselves by their word. If I even think about breaking that code, I'll kill myself.

Suzuko furrowed his brow before letting out a sigh, closing his eyes. The tall swordsman reached for his sword and spoke begrudgingly.

Suzuko: If this is the only way…

SHNG!!

Suzuko drew his sword, entering a stance where his blade was overhead, pointing at Gyutoh as if he aimed to skewer the large man. His free hand was out in front, like a reticle, aiming down its target.

Suzuko: Then so be it!!!

Gyutoh drew his own sword, sharpening his gaze in response.

Gyutoh: C'mon…!

FWSH!!! SHN! CHNK!!

The two swordsmen dashed at one another, clashing blades the moment they came face to face. The warriors stared one another down, Suzuko being determined while Gyutoh was cold and relaxed.

The moment their gazed began to linger, Suzuko pushed his blade forward before spinning around-

WHAM!!

Gyutoh: Ghhhh!

-Landing a powerful back kick to the man's gut. The attack forced Gyutoh to slide back, catching the other Yakuza off guard.

Seiryu Member M: H-He landed a solid hit on Gyutoh!

Seiryu Member E: No way!

Gyutoh: Tch.. lucky shot…

Suzuko: We just started and you're making excuses? Pathetic!

As Suzuko rushed Gyutoh, the black haired swordsman aimed a deadly thrust towards Gyutoh's neck. In a swift fashion, Gyutoh sidestepped the attack, raising his sword for a vertical slice. The attack was aimed at Suzuko's arm, but in quick response, Suzuko turned his blade, spinning it into a reverse grip to block the incoming attack.

CLSH!!

The clashing of blades and rattling of metal cried out, as the sword fighters connected blades once more. In a counterclockwise motion, the two warriors circled one another with their swords connected. But from the third step, the combatants released the pressure between their clash and jumped apart, giving them some space between each other to return to neutral.

Suzuko: Ngh..!

Gyutoh: Tch…

As Suzuko returned to normal grip and dashed in again, he this time went for a slash to the neck. Gyutoh quickly partied, resulting in Suzuko pulling his sword arm back and immediately going for a thrust attack. Gyutoh took note of this and barely reacted, getting a slight slice on his neck as he dodged left.

Gyutoh:!!!

Suzuko: I'm not done yet!

The village man went for a few more strikes. A thrust, a horizontal slash toward the chest and a stab toward the thigh. Each attack was barely blocked, all except for the last one where Gyutoh parried, knocking Suzuko off balance.

Suzuko: !!!

Gyutoh: Gggrrrrh!

Gyutoh aimed for a diagonal upward slash, somewhat concealing his arm with his body's leaned over position.

Suzuko: Ngh! (Shōgeki Hashira!!)

Gyutoh: HRRRM!!

Swinging his sword, Gyutoh quickly aimed his blade at Suzuko's torso. In a last second move, Suzuko turned his body and raised his blade.

CLANK!!

Due to the powerful force of the strike, Suzuko was sent flying despite his block attempt being successful.

Suzuko: Ngh! Oof!

Tumbling on the ground a bit, Suzuko began to slide, using his free hand as a way to slow himself down the moment he got back to his feet. In this crouching position, Suzuko looked up at his opponent who stayed in his follow through stance.

Suzuko: Ngh…. Crashing Pillars Style… I didn't figure you for a samurai yourself.

Gyutoh: And I didn't think I'd get to face off against Okami Kinkiba style today… Yet here we are.

Suzuko began to slowly stand up.

Suzuko: Your talents are being wasted fighting for Renma. Fight for justice! It's not too late!

Gyutoh narrowed his eyes at the ex samurai, getting back into a fighting stance.

Gyutoh: Who said I wasn't fighting for my own justice? You're rather arrogant for thinking otherwise, Suzuko the Swift Fang.

Suzuko closed his eyes, letting out a sigh himself as he got into his own stance.

Suzuko: I suppose I am…

_____________________

Meanwhile, on the back roads of the town…

Jin and Yuri traveled northeast to find the monk they originally seeked…

Yuri: Jin…

Jin: Yeah?

Yuri gave a curious look to her companion, curious about something.

Yuri: When we find this Shuhen guy… Do you think he'll be able to tell us where Amahara is???

Jin strokes his chin, as if he was thinking as he answers.

Jin: The rumors say that he gets "visions" of Amahara… I doubt it'll be exact, but those visions might be helpful.

Yuri nods and pats her cheeks a few times cutely.

Yuri: (Right! I should have more faith in Jin!)

Jin: I think this is it…

Yuri: Huh???

Eventually the two stopped walking. Breaking from her thoughts, Yuri noticed that they stood at the bottom of a large case of steps that went up towards an elevated area. These gray steps made of concrete added to what felt like an ancient atmosphere.

Yuri: Woaaah…

Jin:... Let's go.

Without any further words, Jin began to ascend up the stairs. Yuri followed behind him quickly, catching up within moments. As the two climbed, they were eventually greeted with a red torii gate. A gate that separated the mundane town from the seemingly sacred temple within. As Jin passed through without a second glance and stepped into the temple grounds, Yuri looked around in awe, taking in the scenery around her.

Yuri: Wooooahhhh…. This is the temple???

Jin: Sure looks like it… stay close.

Yuri nods as she jogged to catch up with Jin.

Yuri: O-Okay!

As the duo traversed the grounds, they eventually found the entrance to the meditation hall. The temple building was huge, fitted with only two large circular windows and a red exterior along with a red tile roof.

crrrrrrrrreeeeakkk!!

As Jin slowly opened the doors to the building, he and Yuri peeked within. It was dim, with wooden floors and walls. Beams and pillars that held up the structure was made of the same wood as the floor and walls. Candle light flickered as the smoke of burning incense filled the air.

Yuri: This is a meditation hall??? I thought there would be more monks here.

Jin: Yeah… that is strange. This temple almost feels…. Empty.

However, after he says such things, a presence catches Jin's attention.

Jin:!!

Turning his head to the right, Jin's eyes landed upon a man who meditated in silence. A single man, whose head was shaved and had an emerald dragon tattoo on the back of his head.

Jin: (I didn't sense him when we stepped in here..! )

Yuri: H-Huh??? What is it Jin??

"Welcome.."

Yuri: Eek!

The blonde was taken off guard, screaming her little heart out as Jin gave her a confused and bewildered look. However, as if it ignored her scream, the voice continued and it came from directly in front of them. The man that meditated.

Shuhen: I am Shuhen. Welcome to my temple. I've been expecting you…

Jin:!!!

Looking over his shoulder, the monk seemed about middle aged in the face. He smiled at the duo calmly.

Shuhen: Now… How many I help you, traveler touched by Karma?

______________________

Meanwhile, at the Seiryu Family Estate….

The two swordsmen fought back and forth, slash after slash. Cut after cut, the two warriors were seemingly evenly matched.

Suzuko: *huff huff* (This guy has unparalleled stamina. He's like a machine!)

Gyutoh: (He's fast… I need to be careful about my next few moves.. or it's over for me.)

CHNK! CLANK!!

As Suzuko went in for a single handed slash, Gyutoh deflected the attack with a backhand parry. This looked like Suzuko was on the backfoot. Gyutoh took advantage of it.

Gyutoh: Gotcha!

Rushing after Suzuko, Gyutoh raised his sword, ready to land a strike. However-

Suzuko: (I won't let it end here!)

Suzuko thought about those who were most important to him. His wife. His son. These gave Suzuko a newfound strength. A newfound power.

SPLSSH!

Gyutoh: !!!

Appearing in the path of Gyutoh's blade, a large ball of water slowed the yakuzas movements the moment he made contact.

Renma sat up surprised.

Renma: Is that….?

In response, Suzuko executed his next move.

Suzuko: Hrrah!

As if it became an amorphous blob, the water began to slowly swallow Gyutoh within it. The man struggled, actively trying to push away from the water but to no avail. Soon, Gyutoh was fully encapsulated within the water, giving Suzuko free control of Gyutoh's next destination.

Suzuko: IIIIIIIT'S OVERR!!!

SHMMM!!

Swinging his sword towards the direction of a wall nearby, the water ball, and in turn, Gyutoh, raced towards the surface.

SPLSH!!! BOOM!!

With a powerful explosion from the water impacting the wall, Suzuko breathed heavily as the water began to lose its shape. As it did, his opponent laid unconscious, slumped up against the wall.

Seiryu Member G: N-No way!

Seiryu Member U: H-He took out Big Bro Gyutoh?!

Suzuko: *huff huff huff*....

Renma tilted his head in interest.

Renma: (He also has "magic powers"?)

Suzuko turned to face Renma and began to walk towards him. After reaching the bottom step of Renma's seating place, the retired samurai spoke tiredly.

Suzuko: It's… *huff huff huff* It's over… I beat him..! Now evacuate your men from my village… immediately!

Renma chuckled, confusing Suzuko.

Renma: You see… I would do that, but you see… *snaps fingers*

SHHHHNK!!!!

Suzuko: Hhngh!!!

The sound of a blade piercing flesh overtook the ears of everyone in that room. However, only Suzuko felt a piercing pain in his chest. Looking down toward his torso, Suzuko saw what looked like a red blade tip sticking out from his chest, impaling him through the heart. Slowly turning his head, he saw behind him that Gyutoh held his sword out, which was extended by a blood red blade to reach the defenseless man.

Suzuko: Y-You….. cow…ard… the fight was… o..ver…

Gyutoh: *huff huff* Cowards run… I finish my fights… a battle isn't finished until one is dead…

Starting to stand back up, Gyutoh wipes the blood from his mouth.

Suzuko: You have… no… honor….!

Gyutoh: Tch… honor, if you still believe in that crap during a death match like this, you're a fool…

Suzuko: Gghnnhh!

Using his thumb to plug one of his nostrils, Gyutoh blew blood out of the other one to clear it. The yakuza and ex-samurai spoke directly, harshly and sincerely.

Gyutoh: Survival. Whatever it takes. That is my justice, Suzuko.

The hardened blood blade that extended his sword liquefied, releasing Suzuko from its painful, bladed grip. As it did, Suzuko began to stumble, looking towards Renma who simply smirked at him. His vision began to waver, hazing up into waves instead of solid figures. The swordsman began to feel gravity capture his body as he began to fall forward. His thoughts pervaded time, as his mind raced at that moment. Gently, a tear welled up from one of his eyes, fluttering in the air as he fell forward.

Suzuko: (Misao…. Aketchi…. I'm sorry… I won't… be home…..)

Thdd…

Suzuko had die

d before he hit the ground, resulting in Renma losing his smile. It turned into a face of cold indifference as he stared at his old friend's corpse.

Renma: Goodbye… old friend. Hopefully you find a better life the next time around…

Gyutoh sheathed his sword, but as he did, Renma spoke to him directly.

Renma: Gyutoh.

Gyutoh: Hm? Yes boss????

Renma waved his hand in a carefree manner.

Renma: You n a few men, take his body into town tonight and display it.

Gyutoh narrowed his eyes, wondering why. But Renma, as if reading his mind, answered just that.

Renma: I want the villagers to know never to cross me again. We'll use their strongest asset as an example, never to raise their blades to the dragon again.

End of chapter 9

To be continued in chapter 10…