Mixed Feelings

Chapter 3: Mission

After weeks of training, Shichiro summoned Hanzo, Hayabusa, Kagura and Hanabi to his room. Haruto, Hanabi's father and also the Chief of the Scarlet Sect, was there too. 

"I have some serious news. The Scarlet Sect was attacked last night." Shichiro said. 

Hanabi turned pale. She immediately turned to leave the room as she felt panic creep over her. "Hanabi!" Haruto called. "Your mother is fine, don't worry."

Relieved, Hanabi said, "What do you want us to do, Chief?"

"The four of you will set off as soon as possible to find what information you can and use it to find the traitor. The traitor and the person who attacked the Scarlet Sect is likely to be one person only." Shichiro replied, getting straight to the point. 

The four of them left the room. "Oi, idiot, where did you go yesterday?" Hanabi asked, directing her question at Hanzo. 

Silence followed. "Damn you! I'm talking to you, brat!" Hanabi yelled, smacking the back of Hanzo's head. 

"Ow!" Hanzo complained, rubbing his head. "How would I know you're talking to me?"

Hanabi ignored him and said, "Answer my question!"

"Why are you so annoying? Are you my mother or something? Must I tell you what I do everyday?" Hanzo yelled. 

"Get ready. We're leaving in a few minutes." Hayabusa cuts them off. 

Minutes later, they were all ready. There were two horses, and Kagura and Hayabusa got on one together. 

"Wait! Don't tell me I'm gonna ride with this guy?" Hanabi yelled. "If you don't want to, then I'll go by myself. You can find your way to the village yourself." Hanzo jested, mounting the other horse. 

"Damn it!" Hanabi snapped, and she got on the horse behind him. However, she faced another problem - where should she put her hands? The thought of putting her hands around Hanzo made her blush like hell. 

"Hold on to me or you're gonna fall off, baby," Hanzo said. 

The way he just casually said it annoyed Hanabi. Rolling her eyes, she held on to Hanzo, trying not to think too much about it. 

"Mom!" Hanabi yelled excitedly as she hugged her mother. They had managed to reach the village before night and Hanzo and Hayabusa stabled the horses. 

Kagura and Hanabi entered the house and Hanabi was happy to see her mother safe. The other two came in too, and greeted Hanabi's mother politely. 

Aiko, Hanabi's mother, was temporarily in charge of the Scarlet clan as her husband had gone with Hanabi to the Shadow Sect village. 

She smiled at all of them and said, "I suppose you came to get information. I can help you, but it is almost night. I'll tell you what I know over dinner."