Ninja Love: Saizo Kirigakure

Chapter 21

The first three days of my real training consisted of Tenmon, Chi-mon, and Chōhō. I was very proud of how well I did in my classes, and I even got a few nods of approval from Kuma herself. I noticed she was starting to warm up to me, even if it was happening slowly.

It was quite pleasant to study outside. It was really peaceful, despite the training grounds being used by other people. I learned how to utilize the weather for attacks and cover, how to use terrain to my advantage ad how to lure the enemy into a geographical trap, and effectively infiltrate an enemy base and gather information.

Saizo showed up at random during the first two days, but I was surprised to see him consistently at my lessons the third day. Even though espionage was part of his specialty, it was nice to see him other than passing by or just in the evening. Even though I would have been much more excited if my area of expertise was being taught, he remained stoical, giving a few pointers here and there, but he generally stayed silent.

Today, however, I was preparing myself for my horseback riding lesson. It would be nice to see how Sakura was doing. I felt bad that I hadn't been able to stop by the stables since my training began. Maybe Saizo would stop by with Mamoru...

I shook those thoughts from my head as I swept my hair behind and pulled it back with a silk ribbon. Saizo had already disappeared by the time I woke up, so it was just me walking through the halls towards the training grounds. It was odd, ever since we arrived at Iga, he seemed to be growing more distant from me all the time. It kind of hurt me, but I had no idea why. He was probably just stressed out over preparing for attacks.

I had donned my specially made suit, but carried the armor plates to the corral. Hanzo thought it would be a good idea for me to get used to riding and fighting in my suit, but I wasn't sure if he meant the armor, too.

I inhaled deeply as I set foot outside the temple walls. The sun was shining brightly, but there appeared to be some thunder clouds on the horizon. I wondered if we would get any rain soon, as I walked towards the corrals.

The corrals were in the same area as the training grounds, but farther along the outer wall. I arrived at the wooden gate of the grassy pasture, and was surprised to see Chiyo standing just inside the gate.

"Chiyo!" I smiled and waved at the quiet servant girl, shifting the small pile of armor in my arms.

"Good morning princess, you look well." She smiled softly. She took the stack of armored plates from me and set them on a small round table by the entrance to the corral. "You won't need these until after lunch. Are you ready for your lessons?"

"Definitely. I can't wait to see Sakura again! Although, if I may ask, why are you here?" I would have to admit, I was somewhat puzzled by her presence, and the fact that Kuma was nowhere in sight.

"I was instructed to give you your lesson today, as Kuma was called away for a meeting with Master Hanzo. I hope this does not inconvenience you, my liege, as it may happen quite a bit." Chiyo explained kindly.

"Of course not! This'll be fun." I responded as I looked around for the horses. Just then, another servant I didn't recognize walked up the path with Sakura and another horse in tow. He handed the reigns to Chiyo, bowed quickly, and disappeared.

---

All before lunch, I was mostly reviewing things I had already known, like equipment, techniques, and commands. Sakura handled amazingly, and I couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt at having to take her away from someone who was clearly a good horseman.

Lunch consisted of some rice balls and water, and then it was back to training. Chiyo showed me how to jump Sakura over hurdles, and how to maneuver in rough terrain. I practiced with and without my armor, and soon I was riding almost as well as Chiyo. As the sun got lower, we practiced timing me on my skill in putting on her saddle and reigns, in case a quick escape from any instance was needed.

"You are a quick learner, princess. It must be the Kusonoki Spirit in you." Chiyo complimented me as we led the two horses back to the stables. "Have you taken riding lessons before?"

"Not really, but Grandfather sometimes would let me take care of the temple horses, and the stable boys taught me the basics of riding." I smiled at the memories that came to mind. I was always partial to animals, and Grandfather knew this. Of course, it wouldn't be acceptable for a shrine maiden to be seen riding around the village, but he knew that taking care of them and feeding them on occasion was enough for me.

The stable boys, on the other hand, were always trying to impress me and the other maidens. I found it rather funny the lengths they would go to in order to get our attention. I used it to my advantage by getting to ride the horses, and I'm sure the other girls got their "perks" out of it.

I chuckled to myself as I closed the door to Sakura's stall, making sure to lock it as well.

"You go ahead to dinner, Chiyo, I'll just be a minute. I want to see how Mamoru is doing." It was getting darker and I figured the dinner bell would be rung soon.

"Alright. I believe his stall is down at the end of the building." Chiyo gave a small bow to me before vanishing down the path towards the dinner hall.

The large wooden stable had gotten rather dark as the sun sank below the horizon. I was reminded once again of the home I had left behind as I inhaled the musky scent of horses and straw.

As I approached the door at the other end of the stable, I noticed a dark figure outlined in the leftover light.

"Hello?" I called out to the person, and whoever it was straightened up immediately.

"Good evening princess." I was met with the unmistakable rumble of Saizo's voice. "Shouldn't you be at dinner?"

I chuckled. "I could ask the same thing of you. What are you doing out here?"

Was the light playing tricks on me or did his face turn a shade or two redder?

"I was just checking up on the horses. I was walking to dinner and I heard some commotion and decided to come see if everything was alright."

Our conversation was interrupted by an impatient whinny to my right. Looking over, I saw that this was indeed Mamoru's stall. He looked the same as when I had last seen him, but he seemed rather anxious as I stroked his soft muzzle. He kept prancing in place behind the door, as if he was trying to get past me.

"What's wrong with him?" My gaze never left Mamoru's eyes, but I directed the question at Saizo.

"I can't say that I know." He replied.

I grinned as a realization struck me. "Hold out your hands." I commanded, giving the ninja my full attention.

He sighed in resignation and held out his hands, revealing a fresh orange carrot.

I laughed and took it from him, finally relieving the antsy horse from its stress. "And you mocked me for naming the horses in the first place."

"Let's just go to dinner." Saizo's classic stony wall was back up, and he rolled his eyes at me. "You'll need your strength for tomorrow's lesson"

"Whatever you say, Master Saizo." I finished patting Mamoru and followed Saizo down the path to dinner.