One week later

“Where do you think you’re going?” Paige said.

“I’ve finished my chores and schoolwork already.”

Auntie Paige’s stone-faced gaze sent shivers across Aiko’s back.

“Alright then, go train. But remember,” she added as Aiko turned to leave the room, “respect those around you and your surroundings.”

Aiko halted, turning around to face Paige, a smug smirk on her lips. “I will... Auntie Paige,” she said with a respectful nod before making her way toward the dojo. She rode hard toward the dojo, and a flash of anger overcame her as she recalled the extra and unnecessary scrubbing she had to endure. She vowed to be rid of her imposter aunt one way or another. Aiko knew that the woman was hiding something; she just had to find out what.

Could uncle help? No—I won’t burden him with my worries.

She was panting as she arrived at the dojo, and as if on cue, her uncle opened the door the moment she parked her cycle.

“I didn’t think she would let you train.”

“I didn’t either,” Aiko admitted as she dismounted her bike and secured her helmet over the handlebars. Her eyes flickered to the dojo and then back to her uncle. “But I’ve done everything she asked.”

Hiroto’s eyes softened for a moment, and he beckoned her inside. The interior of the dojo was as serene as ever, with the dying light casting long shadows across the tatami mats. Aiko felt an instant sense of calm wash over her. Once inside, Hiroto motioned towards the katana that stood proudly on its stand.

“Today,” he began, his voice echoing off the wooden beams, “We start with the basics of kenjutsu.”

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Aiko’s heart pounded in her chest as she looked at the katana. This was it; this was her chance to claim what was rightfully hers - not just the physical weapon, but the legacy it carried.

She grasped the sword’s hilt, feeling its weight settle familiarly into her grip. Hiroto’s look told her this would not be easy, but she also knew she had to push through. Hiroto taught Aiko the fundamental stances and strikes of kenjutsu for three grueling hours. Sweat poured down her face, but she didn’t complain, welcoming the physical strain as a distraction from her complicated thoughts.

After what seemed like an eternity, Hiroto finally called for a break. “Come, Aiko,” he said, leading her to their small kitchen. As she sat at the worn table, sipping the green tea Hiroto had prepared for her, she lost herself in the swirling steam dancing above the cup.

“You’re a quick learner,” Hiroto noted, breaking the silence between them. His calm voice brought her back to reality. She looked up to find him watching her with an inscrutable expression.

“I have a good teacher,” she responded with a small smile. Hiroto chuckled at that and began clearing away the dishes.

Flooded by exhaustion but not wanting to end the training session, she wished it could last forever.

“Uncle, can I ask you something?”

“Anything, child.”

“Do you think Auntie Paige had anything to do with my parent’s death?”

Hiroto froze. He looked surprised, not an expression that she recognized on his face.

After a moment, he set the cup he’d been holding down on the table with a decisive thud. “Aiko, that is a grave accusation to make,” he said. His gaze seemed to penetrate her mask of pain and anguish, and it burrowed deep within her soul.

“I know...” she whispered, dropping her eyes to her teacup. Tracing the rim with her finger, she gathered the courage to say what she really thought. “But things don’t add up, Uncle. Doesn’t it seem odd that she just appeared after they... after they died? And Paige taking control over my inheritance.”

Hiroto was silent for a long moment. When he finally spoke, his voice had hardened slightly. “In times of grief and confusion, our minds can lead us down paths that aren’t always helpful or true.”

“But what if?”

“Aiko.” Hiroto’s sharp tone cut her off. He sighed, rubbing at his temples, before looking back at her. His gaze was softer now, filled with concern. “I know you miss your parents. So do I. But seeking shadows where there aren’t any won’t bring them back.”

With that, Hiroto rose from the table and washed the dishes. His conversation-ending move left Aiko alone with her swirling thoughts.

Dismissed again! I will bring you proof, uncle, if it’s the last thing I do!