After All This Time

Ch.13 The Once in a Lifetime Event

The training ground in question was behind the manor rather than in the town with the shops and the people. Since the Furukawa Samurai Clan had a long lineage of working directly under the Fujimura Daimyo, the Kobudo or the place where samurai trained was connected to the manor. It was only a mile long trip and the pathway led up to the main gates of the Kobudo. It was very unheard of that a Samurai clan would establish itself so heavily with the Daimyos, lords, or chieftains of the land. This was another thing that made the Fujimura Province so powerful and unique.

———

The leader's room door slammed open alarming the men passing by. Lord Furukawa seemed to beam with joy making his way towards the main ground. The samurai passing by could see his grin from a mile away. All in the Kobudo knew that the only thing to make their leader that happy was if he was meeting with Daimyo Fujimura.

As soon as he reached the main grounds he gathered all their attention. His hands on his hips proudly and with great eagerness yelled. "Our Daimyo will be arriving soon! Let's welcome them properly!"

All throughout the Kobudo, the samurai scurried around organizing, cleaning, and setting up the place. And all moved without delay.

Being a samurai meant you were part of a respected upper class. People bow and acknowledge you as you walk down the street, the honor that comes with being a samurai was great and yet here they are, rushing around like servants for the daimyo. This was a common scene anytime Lord Fujimura came around. Each of them knew the job they were assigned and did it well. With all that practice over the years of course they did well and if it was any other lord they wouldn't have bothered, but because it was Lord Fujimura they did as told.

Besides, there would be a once in an lifetime event today.

The Daimyo Hashigawa and Daimyo Fujimura were going to have a spar! You would be a fool to miss such an event.

This was a great motivator for all the samurai.

———

As soon as the five arrived they made their way to the training ground. It was unexpectedly barren. Only a few men scattered here and there and the practice equipment placed in their spots without dents and scratches as if it was brand new.

The only reason the new equipment was out was because Lord Fujimura would be using it. To others the new equipment might make them think the men don't do any training. That definitely was a misunderstanding he would need to clear up.

"Busy day, is it?" Lord Hashigawa asked looking around.

Inuyahsa nodded feeling the embarrassment catching up to him. " I guess it is."

He could tell that the samurai were hiding and secretly watching the grounds. If he were to be honest a fight between two powerful people like themselves would be show worth watching so he wasn't particularly mad at them.

"Even so, treating it as a spectacle doesn't sit right with me." Inuyasha mumbled under his breathe.

"Hm?" Kouga chimed in.

As soon as Inuyasha turned to the side, he saw Kouga, he smiled and he patted his head. "It's nothing."

Inuyasha began to walk away leaving him speechless once again.

"Damn it." He cursed. It doesn't matter how many times Inuyasha pats his head or make physical contact with him, his heart still races each time.

Walking towards Lord Hashigawa, Inuyasha picked up a fake wooden sword, a bokken. A bokken is a practice sword used for well, practice.