Sunshine

Wolf in sheep clothing

He had been right. There were some who seemed impressed by me and other's who gave me dirty looks in a disapproving way. But most of the boy's my age looked at me like I was easy competition.

I wouldn't lie; I was looking forward to showing them not to doubt a girl. I was yet to see any female's competing; I did see older ones that had already passed. They looked at me with kinder eyes.

There was a decent amount of people in the capital, most onlookers coming to watch the event's. There were many tent-like cabins set up around the farmland's outside of the main city. I guess for all the traveling Samurai but I was surprised when we headed into the inner city. I thought we would be with the others, but I guess looking at Master Ren, it was hard to imagine him camping it out.

I stuck to his side like glue; every now and again he would pull me in front of him, guiding me with a hand on my shoulder. As we walked into the inner city, there were fewer people, and I was able to walk at his side and take in the views. This was more elegant than the outer city; you could tell this was for higher-up people.

We reached a row of buildings, all identical but still very nice. There was a maid standing outside of each door's perfectly still and waiting. While he barely seemed to notice them, I couldn't help but think I could have turned out to be one of them. Kidnapped and sold to work here until I died or Kakashi saved me. I shivered at the thought. How lifeless they looked—like dolls.

"You are okay to wander around here, but don't go to the outer city without me. I like to think there are plenty of good people there, but there are quite a few bad ones as well. Not to say there aren't bad people here; they are just made to act better in public." He said the last part with a darker look to his face.

Sometimes the way Master Ren spoke made me think that he too was more aware of the world than others. But he never mentioned vampires or werewolves; he just mentioned creatures or those with evil. He had that same look now. He was looking around as if aware of something I was not.

"Where should I run in the mornings?" I asked.

He chuckled, "We will... not be running while we are here. But you can practice in the forested area next to the training facility. I will show you that in a few day's. For now, enjoy yourself and explore; the event is next week. It is a tiring event so make sure you rest." He said it, then he walked up to the last building in the row. "This is where we will be staying." He gestured to the door.

The maid stepped forward, bowing deeply. "Master Ren, we have been expecting you. My name is Xian; please call me if you need anything." Then she turned to me, bowing to me as well, "May I ask your name, my lady?" She glanced at the wooden katana that was at my side.

I smiled at her, "Mori Hatake." I nodded to her.

"Lady Hatake, pleased to meet you." She said, bowing again. Then she opened the door for us.

We went inside and sat at the floor table. He waved the girl over and gestured toward the door behind him. She bowed and went to it, opening it to let air in.

"I shall go get you some tea; your journey must have been long." She excused herself.

Master Ren pulled his pipe out after she was gone; he loaded the end with tobacco. I was getting curious about it at this point. I shook my head and leaned away from him, maybe another time. I looked at the ceiling. I couldn't stop thinking about the tingle in my arm. Or the giddy feeling I got from the maid calling me Lady Hatake. 

"Let us play a game of shogi to pass the evening." He said, nodding to the chest behind him.

I got up going to the chest by the door; just as I was kneeling, movement outside taught my attention. I saw a boy walking into a building across from our building. I shivered. He closed the door behind him. I swear, did he have silver hair?