Within Toyoka village, the young woman known as Maki sat a neatly folded orange yukita on the front counter of her shop. She smiled warmly, speaking with a genuine tone.
Maki: Alrighty! Your order's ready Mrs. Fuyume!
The middle aged woman on the other side of the counter smiled with elation as she held the folded article of clothing in her hands.
Fuyume: Oh my, this is incredible quality! And it's so soft! Smooth too!
Maki pridefully smiles, placing a hand on her hip.
Maki: I do the best I can for my customers!
Fuyume: Yes, that's absolutely clear! Hehe, how much do I owe you sweetie???
Maki: Thirty-five silvs and five brohn.
Fuyume: Hehe, absolutely reasonable.
The woman pulled out a coin purse from her sleeve, opening it up and retrieving four silver coins from it. The woman set the money on the counter, along with five smaller bronze coins that rested alongside the larger silver coins. After receiving the money, Maki smiled warmly at her customer, clutching the coins firmly in her hand.
Maki: Pleasure doing business with you, ma'am!
Fuyume: Hehe, the pleasure is all mine!
Just as Fuyume was about to walk out the door-
SLLSHT!!
"Maki!!"
Sliding open, a tan skinned boy with a chipped tooth ran into Maki's shop frantically.
Maki: Huh??? Taro???
Taro: You've gotta hide me! They're after me!
Maki: Who?!
Taro: The Seiryu!
Fuyume: S-Seiryu??!
Maki's eyes narrowed and eyebrows furrowed harshly.
Maki: Come in..! And close the door!
Taro immediately followed directions, shutting the door quickly while Maki lifted the cloth curtain to the back room in the shop.
Maki: In here! Hurry!
Taro quickly followed her commands, running into the back room as quickly as he could.
Maki: And don't make any noise!
As Maki let go of the doorway curtain, she stood behind the transaction counter as if nothing happened. Fuyume looked terrified, looking over to Maki with shock on her face.
Fuyume: Maki, are you really about to-
Maki: Shh! I can hear them…
The sound of footsteps approached the sliding front door of Maki's shop. Without hesitation, the doors opened up, the ones sliding them open were men in icy blue clothing with white trim. The leader of the three men was one with dirty blonde hair in a topknot inspired style.
Seiryu Member A: Where is he???!
Maki: A "good morning" would be nice fellas. Welcome to Ishida Thread and Shears, how can I help you goons?...
Fuyume had a terrified look on her face upon spotting Maki's. She gave a vicious, deathly stare to the Yakuza who entered her shop. A shade was casted over her face, exemplifying the seemingly bloodlusted hatred in her amber gaze.
The Yakuza noticed, seemingly off put by her glare.
Seiryu Member B: Huh??? What's with that face??!
Maki: What face?...
Seiryu Member A: The face you're making right now!
Maki doesn't stop glaring at the men, causing an uncomfortable silence that allowed Mrs. Fuyume to leave the shop in a hurry. As the door shut behind her, the leader of the group stepped forward.
Seiryu Member A: Look, we don't have time for your nonsense! Where's that kid at?! That little brat stole from me! We saw him come in here!
Maki: Well you might wanna get your eyes checked, cuz I didn't see anyone run in here.
The Seiryu gang member tilted his head in annoyance as he stepped to the side, ready to cause issues for the shop owner. His scarred face added to his intimidation, causing Maki to get ready with a hand already under the counter creeping up on some sort of pole.
Seiryu Member A: You wanna lie to me again, girl???
Maki noticed that he was stepping towards the space behind the counter, making her narrow her eyes as she grew more aggressive.
Maki: You wanna back up??? Employees only behind the counter, asshole.
The Yakuza narrowed his eyes as he stepped towards her.
Seiryu Member A: Hey… I know you.
Maki: ???
Seiryu Member A: You're that girl who's got some strange hate towards samurai, right?
Maki:....
The member of the gang tilts his head, jeering at the young lady with a taunting grin.
Seiryu Member A: I heard you make faces at samurai because of that… I wonder what made you hate the soldiers of your own country this much.
Maki: That's none of your business, scum..! Now back off.
Seiryu Member A: Heh, make me.
The member of the Seiryu gang did the opposite. He gets closer, reaching for his sword. The moment he grabbed hold of his weapon's hilt, Maki grabbed onto the polearm under the front desk. But before the two could draw weapons-
Sssshhlllskt!
The shop door slid open, causing the two individuals along with the rest of the Seiryu members to look in its direction. Standing there was a man who stood at 6'3, with a slender body type and slicked back onyx hair. He had sharp orange eyes, and wore a rather militant uniform with white gloves and a sword at his side.
Maki stopped her threatening glare, resuming with her usual gaze.
Maki: Mr. Suzuko!
Suzuko: That's enough, all of you…
The Yakuza members all grew hesitant as the tall man walked into the tailory. Their threatening demeanor shifts into one of slight fear.
Seiryu Member B: Shit… it's Suzuko..!
Seiryu Member C: Ngh…!
The group's leader gritted his teeth as he took his hand off of his sword. The gangster stepped away from Maki, facing Suzuko as he backed towards the door with the other two Yakuza.
Seiryu Member A: Tch, what's the big deal? This is Seiryu Clan business, it's got nothin' to do with you..!
Suzuko: You're threatening Miss Ishida…
The man narrowed his eyes.
Suzuko: …. That means it has everything to do with me…
As the men hesitated to even move, their leader spoke in a rattled voice as he tried to stand firm.
Seiryu Member A: T-The boss is gonna hear about this!
Suzuko: That's fine… I'm gonna speak with your kumicho today anyway.
Placing a hand on his own sword, Suzuko spoke firmly.
Suzuko: Now beat it.
Seiryu Member A: Ngh! C-C'mon, let's get outta here boys!
As the three men tripped over themselves to exit the tailory, Maki blinked in surprise.
Maki: W-Woah, they left just like that???
Suzuko: A very smart decision on their part…
Maki: Hehe yup!
Looking in the girls direction, Suzuko saw Maki give a generous smile.
Maki: Thank you Suzuko.
Suzuko smiled back at the girl, but just as the situation settled down…
"Is the coast clear??"
Taro stuck his head out from behind the curtain, causing Maki to furrow her brow comically.
Maki: Yeah… the coast is perfectly….
CLUTCH!!
Maki:... CLEAR!
Maki had grabbed the boy, placing him in a rear chokehold. She comically raved as the kid's eyes bulged from his head in the same fashion.
Taro: Gaggh! M-Mahkeee! I can't -
Maki: The hell's your problem you little punk???! Why do you always have to make issues with those Seiryu bastards huh?!
Taro: Maaaahhkeeeee!
Releasing the boy, Maki places her hands on her hips with a raised eyebrow and a look of annoyance on her face.
Maki: Well?! Start talking!
Taro: I-It was.. well…
Suzuko narrowed his gaze, causing the boy to sigh aloud.
Taro: Th-They were calling my family poor… making fun of us because of our money problems! Problems that they caused! So I snatched their coin purse, so they knew how it felt to have their money stolen from them!
Maki gave a worried face to the boy, concerned for his wrathful outburst.
Maki: Taro….
Suzuko softened his features, closing his eyes and speaking in a firm yet understanding manner.
Suzuko: Even then, you shouldn't be doing that… it's dangerous, on top of that, illegal.
Taro grunts in anger, balling up his fists and yelling at the man in front of him.
Taro: W-Why don't you get off your butt and do something then?!
Maki: Taro!
Taro: I heard you were some big shot police force captain! You took on criminals all on your own and brought them to justice! So why dontcha do us all a favor and bring those Seiryu bastards to justice?! Huh?!
Suzuko shook his head, looking at the young man with calm eyes.
Suzuko: Because I'm no longer an officer of the force. Vigilante justice only goes so far… it'd merely cut the blades off of the weeds, not uproot it. I do not aim to kill, so defeating them will mean nothing. Do you wish for death to be on your conscience Taro? Because that's the only way these men will stop in the short run.
Suzuko narrowed his eyes questioningly.
Suzuko: Do you have the strength to even take them out in the first place?.. If not, you shouldn't be picking fights with them.
Taro clenched his fists tighter, gritting his teeth as he seethed with anger.
Taro: I… I don't care…! I just want those guys to pay! It's just not…
Taro looked up at Suzuko in anger and angst.
Taro: It's just not fair!!!
Maki keeps her eyes on Taro, causing that feeling she had when the Seiryu men confronted her to bubble up once more.
Maki:.. Nngh…….
Suzuko closed his eyes once more, receiving Taro's pain. He then spoke in a low tone.
Suzuko: I know… it's unjust. That's why I'm going to speak with their boss.
Maki: Huh???
Taro: Y-You are????
Suzuko nods.
Suzuko: Yes. I'll make him an offer he can't refuse. Justice shall prevail, and things will be better…
Maki felt herself smile, placing a hand on Taro's shoulder.
Taro: Huh???
Maki: Suzuko's a man of his word. Don't worry, things will get better soon.
Taro's eyes began to glisten as they welled up tears. However, before he could cry completely, he hid his face behind his sleeve, using his forearm to wipe his tears as he spoke up as strongly as he could.
Taro: Th-Thank you… Suzuko!
Suzuko smiled, turning away from the two of them.
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Suzuko: I'm going now. You two take care of yourselves. And stay out of trouble.
Taro: We will, sir!!!
Maki: Best of luck Suzuko!
As the lanky man exited the shop, Maki took a few seconds before realizing something and dashed after him. Upon sliding the shop door open, she stopped, calling out to Suzuko as he walked onwards.
Maki: Oi! Suzuko! Make sure to come back when you stick it to em! I've got an awesome kimono that you'll look AMAZING in!
Suzuko turned around slightly and waved with a smile.
Suzuko: I'll be back for it then!
As the man turned the corner, leaving Maki on her own, the shop owning tailor began to think to herself.
Maki: (Can he really pull this off??? The Seiryu are a bunch of crooked ronin… can he really convince them to stop???)
____________________________
A bit later in the day…
The dual haired swordswoman and his companions arrive in the distance of the open gated town.
Jin kept his eyes forward, while Yuri looked around in awe of the large and more spread out village. Enryu took in the sights as well, although in a more laid back fashion.
Yuri: Woooooooaaaaahhh! So cooool!
Enryu: Toyoka huh?... Pretty big village to be honest.
Jin: Right…
The Bachijin focused his gaze.
Jin: The tip explained that there's a monk here who had visions of Amahara… if we find him, we find our next move.
Yuri: Right! One step closer!
Enryu: Hell yeah!
Yuri then raised an eyebrow, tilting her head.
Yuri: Hmmm. Enryu, I didn't get to ask… but why are you so excited to find Amahara too???
Enryu pauses for a moment before responding in a serious tone.
Enryu:... Isn't it obvious…?
Jin and Yuri: ?????
Enryu then breaks this facade of seriousness by opening both arms, and closing his eye while making a goofy face.
Enryu: I'm going to see what all of the beautiful ladies there are like there~!
His two compatriots gave different reactions. Jin shot Enryu with an annoyed glare while Yuri looked somewhat confused.
Jin: Tch… Ggrrrhh…
Yuri: There are people at Amahara????
Meanwhile, a woman and her child walked through the market, with bags of food in the mother's arms.
Little Boy: Mama! Do you think daddy will like the present we got for him???
The woman smiled, giggling at her son with warmth in her voice.
Woman: Yes Aketchi, your father is going to love it~.
Aketchi: Hehe yaaay! Hehehe!
As the woman walked with a smile on her face, immediately the sound of voices caught her attention.
"Make way! Seiryu Captain comin' through!"
Hearing such a name, the woman grabbed hold of Aketchi's hand and pulled him towards her.
Woman: Over here Aketchi!
However, because the boy was taken by surprise, he dropped the bag full of food. Rolling out of it and into the middle of the street was a pomegranate fruit. Aketchi's eyes widened as he reached out towards the fruit that tumbled away.
Aketchi: Oh no! Daddy's present!
In desperation, the little boy released his mother's hand, causing her to cry out to him.
Woman: Aketchi!!! Aketchi come back!!!
But the young boy didn't listen. He was too fixated on the fruit that was a gift to his father. The citizens gasped in shock as they saw the child break away from the crowd and into the clear road. Kneeling down to pick up the fruit, Aketchi smiles once it was recovered. But as he smiled, a shadow loomed over the boy, being casted upon him.
Aketchi: H-Huh???
Upon looking up at the ones casting the shadow, Aketchi's eyes landed on a group of Seiryu Yakuza. The one leading them was tall and intimidating, staring the boy down with his strong, furrowed brow.
Seiryu Captain: What in the hell are you doin' in my way, kid?...
Aketchi: U-U-Uhmm…!
Seiryu Captain: Huh???
As the man began to get aggressive, Aketchi's mother ran out of the crowd and into the street, where she would meet the man who threatened her child.
Villager: A-Ah, Misao!
She knelt down, clutching her child in her arms. Misao then gazed up at the Yakuza before her, pleading with him.
Misao: P-Please, don't hurt my boy! He just dropped his pomegranate! We mean no disrespect!
However, the gangster wasn't having it.
Seiryu Captain: No disrespect? You just crossed my path after I just told everyone to make way. How can I interpret that as anything but disrespect, woman?
Misao: Ngh!
As the confrontation began, Jin and the others arrived at the street that it took place on.
Enryu: What the…
Yuri: What's going on???
Jin looked upon the situation with more narrowed eyes.
Jin: I dunno… but it doesn't seem to be good…
Meanwhile, the mother and child stood up from kneeling, as Misao bowed slightly to the Seiryu Clan captain.
Misao: P-Please, show mercy… he's just a boy..!
Seiryu Captain: Yes, and you're an adult. What's your excuse???
The woman was at a loss for words, along with the rest of the villagers.
Misao: W-Well I…-
WHACK!
Seiryu Captain: Shut up!
The man backhanded Misao hard enough to send her crashing to the ground. Aketchi followed suit, being cradled in his mother's arms, albeit weakly.
Aketchi: M-Mama!
Misao: Ggnnh… A..ketchi…
The leader barked loudly, calling out to the citizens who witnessed this.
Gamogetchi: Let this be a lesson to you weaklings! I, the Mighty Gamogetchi, will not tolerate any disrespect! Least of all from the likes of you! Are we clear?!
Yuri gazed at Jin.
Yuri: Shouldn't we do something???
Jin: Without assessing the situation or learning about a possible enemy? Nah…
Yuri: B-But Jin…!
Jin: First step of any battle is to observe your opponent. If you don't do that, you might as well fight blindfolded…
Yuri: Ngh!
Enryu: As much as I hate seeing this shit… Jin has a point. We don't know the details, so jumping in half cocked can put us at a disadvantage…
Yuri gulped before clenching her fists.
Yuri: I don't care…
Jin and Enryu: Hm???
Yuri: I don't care if we don't know who they are… What matters is stopping them. That's all.
She gave Jin a look of sternness. One with a furrowed brow and eyes of determination. Jin gazed back at her with his usual gaze.
Yuri: If you don't go help them, I will.
Jin:...
After a few seconds, Jin placed his left hand on her shoulder to stop her from turning around.
Jin: Just… have my back alright?
With his words washing over her, the tense girl relaxed herself.
Yuri: I gotcha.
The villagers mumbled in fear, bowing their heads slightly so as to not make conflict for themselves. Because of this, the Yakuza members chuckled amongst themselves. However, that joy of suffering was cut short, as a familiar voice.
"OI! THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?!"
Before Jin could move forward to confront the men, he and his group spotted Maki who stormed past the other villagers to face the thugs.
Jin: The hell???
Yuri: Who's that???
Enryu: A girl???
Maki knelt down to help Misao and Aketchi to a sitting position.
Maki: Mrs. Yugumi… Aketchi…
Misao: Ah, Maki… we're fine dear…
Maki clenched her fists before standing up and facing Gamogetchi.
Maki: They're innocent! Why?!
Gamogetchi tilts his head, annoyed by Maki's defiant attitude. The gang member took a step closer, getting in Maki's face.
Gamogetchi: Who in the hell do you think you are?? Questioning me like that… Do you know who I am???
Maki then involuntarily turned her face into the murderous scowl she was known for, responding with an angered tone.
Maki: A samurai that lives off of being a cowardly piece of shit… you're all the same…
Gamogetchi tilts his head, speaking in a more aggressive tone.
Gamogetchi: Huuhh?! The hell did you just say-
SHHHM! THWACK!!!
Maki had just uppercut the man in the chin, causing him to stumble back and land on his ass.
Maki: FUCK YOU! That's what I just said!
Before Gamogetchi could utter an order, Maki jumped on top of him to mount him. When she did, she began pummeling the grown man ferociously.
WHAP! WHAP!
Maki: I'll make you pay goddamn it! You scum!
As their leader was being punched over and over, the other members took independent action and stopped her fists. The moment that happened, Maki looked around, only to be met with a blow to the face with a sword pommel.
Maki: Nnhhgh!
The unexpected hit dazed the tailor as she was soon dragged off of the Yakuza captain and thrown onto the ground. From there, Maki recognized the position she was in, and immediately curled up into a ball. The three to five Yakuza members began to kick and stomp on the girl, all the while Gamogetchi rubbed his jaw. The villagers could only watch as Maki was getting beat up, all except for Aketchi who cried out in fear.
Aketchi: Mama! Help Miss Maki, they're hurting her!
Misao: Ngh.. Aketchi…
Aketchi: Stooooop! Stop hurting herrr!
Gamogetchi slowly stood up, holding onto his jaw as he grinded his teeth a few times.
Gamogetchi: Ngh, that's enough. Pin the bitch down.
Seiryu Member D: Yessir.
Three of the five had Maki pinned to the ground face down. One had his knee on her back, while the other two handled her shoulders and sides. Gamogetchi knelt down, looking into Maki's angry amber eyes with his dark brown ones.
Gamogetchi: Huh… those eyes… you must really hate me huh???
Maki: Tch, don't get the wrong idea, asshole. I don't hate you, I hate your kind!
Gamogetchi: My kind???
Maki: Yeah.. Samurai!
Gamogetchi finally put two and two together, his eyes softening in realization.
Gamogetchi: Ahhh I see now… I've heard about you. You're that tailor girl that hates samurai. A few of my boys told me about you this morning.
Maki: Good! They should!
Gamogetchi: They honestly had me curious. How could someone hate samurai so vehemently? Especially if they stopped working as one a long time ago. Seems to me that you've got a grudge with anyone who's ever taken on the title itself. I mean, we're not samurai anymore after all.
Maki growls, glaring at Gamogetchi with malice in her eyes.
Maki: That doesn't mean anything! Whether you're one now or not, you chose to be a goddamn samurai! N you choose to use that to hurt the people of this village instead of helping them! It makes me sick!
Gamogetchi: Well little missy, you're gonna be sick for an awfully long time. None of your pissin' and whinin' is gonna just make us leave.
His eyes narrowed slightly.
Gamogetchi: But…
The Yakuza drew his wakizashi, holding the short katana in a normal forward grip.
Gamogetchi: What matters to me more than that at the moment, is how yer gonna pay me back for the sucker punch you dished out.
The ex samurai held the blade tip to the girl's forehead. Maki gulped, not showing any crippling fear to the weapon that was centimeters from her forehead.
Maki: Ngh… I.. I'm not scared of your threats.
Gamogetchi: Oh I'm not so sure of that.
Maki: Huh???
Gamogetchi nodded his head to one of his goons, signaling the man to forcefully extend Maki's right arm. This caught Maki by surprise, rendering her somewhat confused.
Maki: H-Huh???!
Gamogetchi: I heard that tailory is all in the wrist…
Maki:!!!
Gamogetchi smirked, getting the reaction he desired.
Gamogetchi: I think your hand'll do.
Maki: N-No!
Chuckling, Gamogetchi turns to face the crowd.
Gamogetchi: Watch closely! This is what happens when you cross the Seiryu Family!!!
However, before he could fully turn around to look down at Maki and aim his strike, a flash of red caught Maki's attention, matched with the sound of a loud and powerful impact.
WHAM!!!!
Gamogetchi: BRRRGH!!!
Enryu:...
Maki: Ngh!
Enryu had just ran up and front kicked the Yakuza in the face, sending Gamogetchi tumbling down the road. The two Yakuza standing were caught by surprise by Enryu's sudden assault. However, they'd be simultaneously grabbed by the ankles by wooden roots.
Seiryu Member E: What the?!
Seiryu Member F: Roots???
WHSH!!
Seiryu Members E&F: UUUWOOOAAH!!!!
The two good for nothings were lifted off of the ground and hung upside down by their ankles. Yuri had her fingers laced as her palms clasped together, creating a hand sign that activated the wood technique.
Yuri: You two need a time out!
As the three that pinned Maki down looked back to see their comrades hanging like fruit, they eventually sensed a presence that loomed right in their path of vision.
Seiryu Member D: Ngh!
Jin: Oi… get off of her.
WHAM! WHAP! THWACK!!
In the span of a second, the three Yakuza were stricken by a single blow each. The attacks sent the men sprawling to the ground, while Maki laid there in shock and confusion.
Maki: What the…
Jin sighed, rubbing the back of his neck.
Jin: This is a drag. The only info we get is their group's name? Talk about disappointing.
Enryu: Yeah… sorry about that. I couldn't just sit by n watch any longer...
Jin: Don't be, if you'd have waited any longer, she'd have lost a hand.
Maki gazed up at the two who helped her out, standing in between her and Gamogetchi.
Maki: (W-Who are these guys???)
Spotting the massive sword on Enryu's back and the black sword on Jin's hip, she began to think to herself even more.
Maki: (Are these guys…)
Enryu: Ey, you good???
Maki: Huh??? Er yeah, I'm fine. Thank you.
Enryu smiled at her, giving her his usual charismatic grin.
Enryu: It's no problem. There was no way in hell I was gonna let him disfigure such a cutie right in front of me. I'd lose sleep.
Jin: …. For real?... C'mon man…
Enryu: Whaaaat? I'm just tryina lighten up the mood a bit!
Maki: 💧(I don't even know his name and already don't like the guy…)
"Ngh… you bastard…"
Jin & Enryu: Hm??
Gamogetchi began to stand back up, using his thumb to wipe his now bloodied nose.
Gamogetchi: That was a cheap shot you punk!
Enryu: Cheap? That's rich comin' from a woman hittin' loser like you!
Jin: Good grief…
Gamogetchi noticed Yuri who was helping Maki up from her position.
Yuri: You alright???
Maki: Er yeah… I'm fine.
Gazing at his men who were caught by wooden roots, Gamogetchi began to think to himself.
Gamogetchi: (Plants sprouting out of the ground like that… do they have the same kind of powers as the boss???)
Gamogetchi: Tch… who in the hell are you people???
Enryu: Who are we???
Jin: That's pretty simple…
The two of them stood ready, gazing at the Seiryu captain with eyes ready for a fight.
Jin & Enryu: We're the ones who are gonna kick your ass!
End of chapter 7
To be continued in chapter 8