Hours after Jin and Yuri’s departure…
Kuyagu sat on her front porch looking out to the sun setting sky. The older woman blew smoke from her plush lips, holding her pipe in her right hand as she did. The pale blonde gave a lazy look to the distance ahead of her and sighed.
Kuyagu: *Siiiiigh* I really hope she doesn’t do anything stupid out there. That child can be such an airhead at times.
Suddenly, the hermit paused, feeling a cold sweat run down her cheek as a buzzing feeling tingled along every inch of her body. Kuyagu simply sat there, narrowing her eyes. To her left was a man bathed in shadow. His long, flowing black hair blew in the winds of the distant home a ways from the village. Two glowing red eyes peered from the darkness, glaring upon Kuyagu as he stood menacingly. The woman didn’t look the man’s way yet acknowledged his presence with caution and coldness.
Kuyagu:..... What do you want?... I thought I told you I don’t ever want you coming back here…
“It couldn’t be helped, Kuyagu.”
Kuyagu paused for a moment, closing her eyes in a rather annoyed manner.
Kuyagu: What do you want?... You insufferable brat.
“I came here to ask about the boy. What was he like to you?”
Kuyagu gazed at the man from the corner of her eye, her blue gaze curiously looking into his red one.
Kuyagu: You mean Jin?
The man held out his hand elated.
“Yes, Jin. What is it that you saw in his eyes?”
Kuyagu thought back to the conversation they had the previous evening. Particularly his melancholic face. That image was burned into her mind, remembering the sincerity the young man displayed.
Kuyagu: What I saw in his eyes..? All I could see was…
The woman closed her eyes, uttering one word with pure honesty.
Kuyagu:.....Pain….
The man’s eyes softened slightly in realization.
“I see… Not what I expected, but maybe such pain will drive him to grow stronger.”
Kuyagu’s eyes snapped open, and she immediately turned her head to look at the man. Her eyes were widened, struggling to believe what he was saying. Then, she had a hunch.
Kuyagu: Don’t tell me…. Don’t you tell me… You had somethin’ to do with that boy’s pain?!
The man narrows his gaze at the woman.
“I did.”
Kuyagu furrowed her brow in disgust.
Kuyagu: Damn it boy!.. Why?!
The man turned away from her, only to speak as he gazed at the sky.
“To test my blade.”
Kuyagu: Wh-What???
The man simply responded with the deep, mature voice as he had been. His waist length hair blew in the breeze as his crimson gaze ventured to the great beyond that was the sky. A lone sword rested on his hip, a katana, which was bathed in shadow as well.
“That man will become my strongest opponent yet. His blade and mine will clash again, and I will truly test reality against it.”
The man gazed at Kuyagu over his shoulder, speaking in a serious tone.
“My blade will know no equal. Defeating my strongest foe shall be proof of that.”
Kuyagu:.... You truly are lost…
“No… I am merely still on my path. I cannot be lost if I know where I stand, and where I’m going.”
Kuyagu smirks to herself, closing her eyes in response.
Kuyagu: Is that it now? You’re still on your path eh? Sounds like an excuse to me.
The man turned to the woman slightly, giving her deathly eyes and a murderous stare.
“Then I suppose… you wouldn’t be opposed to proving your claim, right?”
Kuyagu: You mean fight you? Pffft, no way. I’m way too old for that. You wouldn’t get any fun out of fighting me boy.
The man narrowed his gaze, as the closed eyed woman opened one up as her expression shifted from sly confidence, to one of scolding.
Kuyagu: Now run along, my show is gonna start any minute. I don’t want any idiots disturbin’ me.
The mysterious man’s eyes relaxed as he faced away from her.
“Fine, until next time, Kuyagu Ichihana…”
After a few steps away, the man fades away like a shadow extinguished with light. Kuyagu stood there on her own, reopening both of her eyes. The woman let out a deep sigh, looking up at the clouds once more.
Kuyagu:...Such a fool…
__________________________________________________________
Meanwhile, somewhere on the road to the eastern village… Jin and Yuri stumble upon a small enclosed village. It was smaller than Yuri’s hometown, but was sizable enough to hold a few buildings, assuming they were eateries and inns.
Yuri: Hm? Look ahead!
Jin: It looks like a small village…
Yuri: That’s perfect! Maybe they’ll have an inn! And food!!
Jin: Yeah, maybe…
Yuri giggles and walks in front of him, standing in his path with a smile on her face and her hands behind her back wholesomely.
Yuri: We should head into town! See if we can get some good food and rest!
Jin didn’t even consider such a thing and walked around her.
Jin: No.
Yuri: H-Huh???
Jin: We don’t have the luxury to dawdle. Getting to Tokoya is our top priority.
Yuri narrows her eyes before jogging to get ahead of him. The girl stands in his way again, this time with her hands up in front of her, and her cheeks puffed up in defiance.
Yuri: We also wanna be ready for anything right??
Jin paused his movement, allowing Yuri to speak her piece.
Jin:..?
Yuri: We can’t do that if we’re exhausted! We need to rest and regroup to be more efficient. Right???
Jin looks into the girl’s blue eyes calmly. She stared into his own eyes with intent and intensity, forcing the young man to inevitably concede to her point.
Jin: Well, you’re not wrong… Alright.
Yuri’s expression immediately brightened up from pouty defiance to elated happiness.
Yuri: Really????! Yesssss!!! What’re we waiting for??? Let’s go!
In a turned around motion, Yuri begins skipping down the path at a pace that didn’t just leave Jin in the dust. However, it did illustrate her high energy.
Jin however, let out a gentle sigh and rubbed the back of his neck with his left hand.
Jin: *sigh* Good grief… Why’d she have to make her point with a face like that..???
__________________________________________________________
Standing at the village entrance, Jin and Yuri look around at the very appearance of this place. Yuri’s eyes were filled with innocent wonder, while Jin merely observed the area.
Yuri: Wooooooowww!
It was a comfy little village, where houses and taverns rested right beside each other. Where ramen stands rested across the street from an inn or two. The people seemed to be more relaxed and calm, especially due to the hour in the day.
Yuri: It’s so coooozyyyyy!
Jin: Rather relaxing town… There aren’t many people around either…
Observing the town even more, Jin notices that some people were looking behind them as they walked past the newcomers. This prompted Jin to look over to his right to see one of the pubs that were lit up on the inside. The two toned swordsman could see people leaving and entering the tavern which sparked some curiosity within him. Soon, Yuri looked at the same building after noticing where Jin’s gaze had gone.
Yuri: Hm??? What’s going on over there????
After crossing the street and walking through the front doors of the tavern, Jin and Yuri stumbled upon a situation. One where a man was on his hands and knees begging to another who sat before the beggar with condescending posture.
Yuri: Wha-What’s going on???
Jin stood and watched this all play out, listening close for context. From there, he began to hear what was being said.
Begging Man: P-Please, great samurai! That’s all I have! Just please, slay that monster! I beg of you! At this rate, it’ll devour the entire village!!!
Yuri raised an eyebrow in confusion and concern.
Yuri: A…. monster???
Jin’s eyes sharpened, acknowledging the man’s request from afar.
The samurai, clothed in more casual, less militant clothes, looked at the few coins and gold currency bar in his hand. The samurai’s face was cold, unfeeling. Immediately it turned into disgust as he threw the change at the bowing man.
Leader Samurai: You dare give me this pocket change, and then proceed to request something of me?!
The begging man cowered in fear, covering his head to shield himself from the rejected money. As the man covered his face to protect himself, the samurai stood up, turning his anger into a cocky smirk.
Leader Samurai: If you can’t truly afford a samurai’s help, don’t request a goddamn thing from them. But a broke ass like yourself probably can’t tell the difference between pocket change and a decent commission, now can you?
As the man struggled, Yuri grew more and more concerned and angry about the situation. Jin himself narrowed his eyes at the samurai from afar. However, another individual was seemingly listening in as well. An individual clad in a red kimono, who wore a straw hat to shroud his identity. Next to him was a large cloth wrapped object, tied together with a red rope.
As the samurai laughed at the poor man, their leader took a step toward the man with his sheathed sword slung over his shoulder.
Leader Samurai: Go on, what were you gonna say???
The begging man paused for a moment before beginning to open his mouth.
Begging Man: I just-
Leader Samurai: Shaddup!!!
WHACK!!!
The leader of the small group of samurai kicked the middle aged man in the face, causing him to be sent rolling down the tavern hardwood floor.
Yuri:!!
Jin: Tch… bastards….
Leader Samurai: Hahahahahahaha!!!
As the leader began to laugh, his group began to laugh as well, mocking the man.
Leader Samurai: What’s wrong??? I thought you had something to say! Hahahaha!!
“Enough!”
Leader Samurai: Hm???
Strawhatted Man: …?
Jin: ….Hm????
*blink blink*
After blinking a few times, Jin looked where Yuri was supposed to be standing. However the young swordsman noticed that she was no longer there. Instead, she walked through the crowd before ending up face to face with the taller man. This caused Jin’s jaw to drop comically upon seeing her.
Jin: (Yuri!!)
The leading samurai narrowed his eyes at the blonde and furrowed his brow.
Leader Samurai: Who in the hell are you supposed to be???!
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Yuri ignores his question, speaking her mind.
Yuri: How could you do such a thing to this innocent man?!
The samurai yelled out in comedic anger.
Leader Samurai: HEY! I ASKED YOU A QUESTION FIRST!
Jin, however, facepalmed in response.
Jin: Good grief…..
Yuri narrowed her usually welcoming gaze, questioning the samurai in front of her. The young blonde spoke bravely, standing in between the man who was kicked, and the man who kicked him.
Yuri: You’re a samurai, you’re supposed to help people in need. So why are you hurting those people instead?!
The man sharpened his gaze at the girl, walking a few steps forward. Now eye to eye with her and in her space, the samurai spoke with a matter of fact attitude.
Leader Samurai: Because I can.
Yuri: Wh-What???!
Leader Samurai: I’ve trained for years on end to achieve the title of samurai. I’ve been through more battles than anyone here in this bar. So in the end, doesn’t it make sense that I get to react how I please, and do as I please???
The man smirked, tilting his head at the girl. Yuri however, didn’t budge, looking him dead in the eye.
Leader Samurai: In a way, I guess you all could say that because of my services, I’ve saved all of your lives. Isn’t that right??? So show some respect girly.
Yuri: No….
The leader of the samurai furrowed his brow and stepped back a bit from her response.
Leader Samurai: No????
Yuri: If you’re being a samurai so that you can use that excuse to hurt people, then you’ll get no respect from me.
As the crowd watched in awe and fear, the leader felt anger bubble up in his blood. He sneered at Yuri until his eyes landed on her large chest. This caused the man to grin slightly.
Leader Samurai: Heheh…. Perhaps I've been a bit too harsh. I shouldn’t be talking that way to a stunning little gem like you…
Yuri:Huh???
Lost by his change of demeanor, Yuri raised an eyebrow, giving a face of confusion. The leader of the samurai on the other hand, took a few steps toward her.
Leader Samurai: Maybe if you just…. Let me take care of you tonight…
The man reached his hand out to grope Yuri… However…
Leader Samurai:..I can forgive you for stepping out of-
SLAP!!!!
Causing each and every person’s eyes to widen, Yuri slapped the samurai in the face, stopping his hand in its tracks. Yuri had a firm look on her face. Her thick eyebrows furrowed with discontent.
Yuri: You should be ashamed of yourself..! You degenerate!
As the man stood there in shock from being slapped by the young woman, Yuri turned her back to the man and walked over to the begging man who looked up at her in awe. His bloodied face gazed at Yuri as if she was something he had never seen before, and the young woman who stood up for him crouched down and smiled warmly.
Yuri: Are you alright mister??? You’re not too hurt, are you???
Begging Man: N-No, I’m alright.
Yuri: Tee-hee~! That’s a relief!
Jin watched this scene play out, causing him to relax his awestruck gaze as he realized something.
Jin: (She really is a good person…) Hm?
Noticing something from the corner of his eye, Jin saw that the samurai leader had pulled his sword from off of his shoulders and placed a hand on its scabbard. In a slow motion, the samurai began to draw the katana, walking towards Yuri and the middle aged man.
Jin: Tch! Shit..!
Leader Samurai: You little bitch…you just slapped me…
The moment his katana was fully drawn, Yuri noticed that the samurai was standing behind her with his sword over his head, ready to strike.
Yuri:!!!
Leader Samurai: You’re gonna pay for that!!!!
SHHK!!!
The warrior swung his blade down at the girl, aiming to slice her back. However…
CHNK!!!
Leader Samurai:!!!
Yuri: J-Jin!
Interfering with the weapon’s strike path, Jin effectively caught the sword with his left hand, stopping the weapon from getting any closer to Yuri. Jin gazed at Yuri, his eyes looking tired and comically deadpan.
Jin: Good grief, you seriously have a knack for pissing off samurai, dontcha?…
Yuri giggled nervously as a bead of sweat comically rolled down her cheek.
Yuri: Hehehehe……
Jin felt his hardened gaze soften, while at the same time, feeling the samurai struggle to pull his sword from the cursed swordsman’s clutches. Feeling the tugging, Jin turned his gaze to the leading samurai, his eyes gazing into the irritated and embarrassed warrior.
Leader Samurai: Ngh! Let go, you son of a bitch!
Jin: Like hell… Although…
Jin reached over, grabbing his sword with his right hand on the left side of his hip. As he did, he gave the samurai a death glare, his red eye gleaming and glowing demonically.
Jin: …I think cutting that arm off is a good enough punishment for you acting like a jackass…
Leader Samurai: Tch! Y-You son of a-
Jin: Or maybe… I should just cut you down right now…
The samurai froze up, feeling his adversary’s gaze pierce his soul. It was discomforting, almost as if his lungs were paralyzed. The man began to shake, the clicketing and clacking of the metal from his katana adding to the terror that came from the samurai. His subordinates start to slowly draw their swords, fanning out and beginning to circle Jin with slightly less fear in their hearts. But this didn’t come from any real bravery. Instead, their lack of fear came from the fact that they couldn’t see the look in Jin’s eye like their leader could.
Jin’s eyes darted back and forth, counting the various armed men who pointed their blades at him. His two colored gaze narrowed, growing more relaxed as the grip on the first samurai’s blade got tighter.
Jin: Your friends must have a death wish as well….
Leader Samurai: Tch, like hell! Quit bluffin’! You’re outnumbered, Six to one! Just give it up!
Jin: Tch.. What a pain…
However, before Jin could draw his sword, a familiar voice called out to him, causing his sword hand to freeze steady.
“No, Jin!”
Jin looked over his shoulder to see that the place where such a voice came from belonged to Yuri. The girl was firm, but rather worried.
Jin: Y-Yuri????
Yuri gulps and looks at the young man right in the eyes.
Yuri: Don’t kill them…
Jin: Wha???
Yuri: I know they’re bad men! I know that…. But not here…
Jin furrowed his brow in confusion, only to look past her, spotting something on the outside of the tavern. Looking into the pub from a window, were a group of kids, all curious about this confrontation. Jin’s eyes widened slightly more in understanding, dipping his head and hiding his eyes behind his monochromatic hair…
Seeing this change in posture, the leader samurai smirked, mocking the rurouni with a rather harsh and ignorant tone.
Leader Samurai: What’s wrong?! Got cold feet???
Jin: Fine…
Leader Samurai: Hm??
Jin: I won’t kill em… But just stand back, alright???
Yuri exhaled in relief. The blue gazed girl closed her eyes and smiled at him in response, nodding her head in affirmation.
Yuri: Mhm~! I will~!
The leader of the samurai however, was irritated, confused by the exchange.
Leader Samurai: Huh??! The hell are you goin on about?!
Jin: Today’s your lucky day fellas. I’m not gonna kill you…
The samurai around him were bewildered, scoffing at this man’s arrogance.
Leader Samurai: Huh??? Heheh, you’re not gonna kill us??? You see the position you’re in??? I don’t think you have the luxury to-
CHNK!!! WHAM!!!!
In a fluid two motion, Jin used his left hand to snap the samurai’s sword in half before bringing the back of his fist straight into the samurai’s jaw. The blow knocked a tooth or two out of the samurai’s mouth and sent him flying back across the tavern floor. The crowd gasped in response, while the other samurai stood stunned at the sight of their commander being knocked onto his hands and knees after a rough tumble. Jin however, spoke in a calm voice, dropping the end of the sword he had broken off.
Jin: You didn’t let me finish. Shut up and listen…
The leader of the samurai group slowly looked up at Jin, gazing at the dark clothed man standing a yard from where he currently was. Jin had removed his hand from the hilt of his sword, talking once more.
Jin: I’m not gonna kill you scum… that would be more of a hassle than this needs to be… so…
Jin looked upon the other surrounding six who stood in shock. His eyes were cold, but not like before Yuri spoke up. They were eyes that lacked any empathy for the antagonistic group.
Jin: I’m just gonna beat the dogshit out of each one of you…
As the entire bar stood in silence, the different samurai who stood to fight grew fearful. This feeling didn’t last however, instead, it was circumvented by the voice of their commanding officer, whose voice was laced with malice.
Leader Samurai: Don’t just stand there!!! Kill the bastard!!!
Upon command, the samurai began to regain their confidence. Each one was ready for this fight, prepared to kill the man in navy blue. Jin however stood tall, unflinching as he waited for one of them to make a move. In that one breath, a samurai attacked him from his right, causing Jin to wait until the last second before weaving underneath the horizontal head slash. As the samurai whiffed and was forced to follow through, Jin rose up from his ducking position. And with his fist at the ready-
POW!!!
Samurai 1: AGHH!!
Jin landed a gut punch that caused a ring of dust to blow out from the samurai’s position on the ground. The man was unconscious before he even hit the ground. With his eyes whitened out, the samurai dropped his katana and fell to the ground motionless.
The other swordsmen stood flabbergasted, but a second one gritted his teeth, letting out a scream as he rushed the taller man. The brown skinned swordsman looked to his left to see the second samurai rush him.
Jin: Tch…
As the samurai readied his next attack, Jin stepped forward quickly, using his left arm to stop the samurai before he could swing.
Samurai 2: Ngh! H-Huh??!
Jin had grabbed hold of the samurai’s sword hand, stopping him from going for a backhanded slash. In response to the warrior’s shaken state, Jin struck the samurai in the chin with a rising palm strike, causing the samurai’s face to be forced upwards. This blow left the samurai standing, however, Jin wasn't finished yet.
Jin:..!!
WHACK!! THWK!!
Jin landed two more palm strikes to the man’s face with both of his hands after letting go of the samurai’s sword hand. Jin then stepped forward, spinning on one foot before-
THWACK!!!
Landing a powerful spinning hook kick to the man’s temple, sending him flying through the air, crashing through a table as he came down.
After the second samurai had fallen, two more rushed the wandering swordsman, brandishing their swords. Both had attacked using a dual formation, slashing in a downward overhead motion. But before their blades could cut into Jin’s head and shoulder, the young man raised his bandaged left arm over his head, effectively blocking both blades. Much to the surprise of the men in question, Jin stood there without struggle. Using his own strength, Jin pushes his left arm up to knock the samurai duo off guard. As the two samurai stumbled helplessly against the man, and in the blink of an eye-
SHHMM..!!
BAM WHACK POW BAM BRAK!!!!
Jin had dashed between the two of them, resulting in a delayed effect of strikes gatling against them like some sort of machine gun until they eventually dropped. However, a third warrior came from his blind spot, causing Jin to barely evade the attack, getting cut on the torso about an inch deep. Jin himself grunted in pain before moving forward after the initial dodge to grab the samurai’s sword arm. In a single brutal motion, Jin raised his arm in a bent fashion, before-
KRACK!!!
Slamming his elbow into the poor samurai’s sword arm, breaking it.
Samurai 5: AAAAAGHHHH!!!!
Upon dropping his sword, the noble warrior cried out in pain. But Jin had to finish him. In his next movement, Jin brought the broken arm over his shoulder before slinging it. And with a strong tug and a use of momentum…
SLAMMM!!!
Jin had shoulder flipped the samurai, slamming him to the ground and knocking him unconscious as well. This left just one samurai subordinate left, causing him to cower in fear. The moment Jin looked into the young warrior’s eyes. Upon their eyes meeting, the samurai took a step back, before running away, exiting the bar in a terrified panic.
Samurai 6: A-AAHHH! H-He’s A MONSTERRR!!!
Leader Samurai: NNNGH! Get back here you coward!!!!
Jin: Seems he was the smart one out of your squad.
Leader Samurai: Nhh??!
Jin looked down at the samurai with annoyed eyes.
Jin: Maybe you should follow his lead…
This had set the commanding samurai off, causing him to stand up quickly with his broken sword still in hand. In an angry roar, the man rushed at Jin, aiming to cut him down. But before he could reach the monochromatic man, a giant hand made of roots and wood burst out of the ground, formed into a fist and came right for the samurai.
Yuri: That’s enough!!!!
WHAM!!!
Leader Samurai: AAAAAAGHHH!!!!
CRASH!!!
Upon contact, the samurai was sent flying out of the bar through the roof, causing the man to fly so far that he disappeared from sight. Jin stood comically wide eyed, looking at the massive hole in the roof. The swordsman looked toward Yuri in a shocked manner, surprised that she had used her tao to send him flying that far.
Jin: I thought you said not to kill anybody….
Yuri felt a sweatdrop comically slide down her cheek as she responded.
Yuri: He’s a samurai, so he’ll be okay…….. I hope…
Jin: *sweatdrop* You’re kidding me….
Yuri turned her gaze over to the man who begged prior, smiling at him wholesomely.
Yuri: Are you alright sir???
Begging Man: Er, yes. Thank you child…
The man looks up at Jin who simply gazes from the corner of his eye.
Begging Man: Thank you, young man…
Jin was taken off guard by the man’s thanks, causing him to look away from the man and speak in a relaxed tone.
Jin:... It’s no problem.
Hearing Jin’s response, the girl continued to smile at the old man and giggle.
Yuri: He means “you’re welcome”~!
“Hey!!”
Catching the attention of Yuri, Jin and the middle aged man, the bartender of the tavern yelled out in anger from behind the bar.
Bartender: That’s nice and all that you took those jackasses out, but who’s gonna pay for my ceiling?! My floor too!
Jin and Yuri comically stare at the man, not really thinking about that themselves.
Jin: Uhhhh….
Yuri: Hmmmm….
Bartender: Don’t “Uhhhhh” “Hmmmm” me! One of you hooligans better pay for it goddamn it!
“ Relax pops…”
Chnk….
A bag of coins tapped against the bar surface as the individual in the straw hat stepped forward with his cloth carrying bag slung over his shoulder.
“Use that to pay for it.”
Jin narrowed his eyes at the newcomer. He was about two to three inches taller than Jin, but the man had a more athletic build than a bulky one. The red kimono wearing man walked toward him, but in a flash of movement, the man had left the bag he carried still in the air with the contents emptied. As the man appeared in front of Jin, he brandished a massive weapon.
Yuri: Jin, look out!!!
Upon swinging it down on Jin, the monochromatic swordsman drew his black blade and clashed with the man, clashing swords and locking eyes. Upon doing so, Jin felt his intense gaze soften. After closing them, the swordsman moved to the side, jumping away from the man who wielded the massive weapon. A katana with a giant red and orange blade, a flaming torrent design along the side of it gave it a distinct look.
Jin sighed in response, opening his eyes again to address his opponent.
Jin: I didn’t expect to see you again… what’re you doin’ here… Enryu?
Smiling, the man who attacked Jin takes off the straw hat to reveal himself. He was a tall young man, around the same age as Jin, who had tan skin and long, deep red, spiky hair that gave off the look of flames. He wore his long hair in a low ponytail, while his right eye was covered by an eyepatch. Enryu sported a scar over his nose, while his golden eyes beamed just like his smile.
Enryu: Oh ya know, just travelin’. It’s been a while, buddy!
To be continued in chapter 4…