Ninja Love: Saizo Kirigakure

Chapter 32

Hanzo had ordered me to stay in bed for the rest of that day and night, but I was up on my feet again first thing the next morning. Unfortunately for me, by enthusiasm was rewarded by disapproving looks from nearly all the temple staff, who would rather have had me still resting where I couldn't injure myself further.

After pleading with Hanzo and the elders, I wrangled up an agreement that allowed me to be up and about, as long as I had at least one servant or ninja with me at all times, and allowed the temple's medics to redress my wound twice a day; once in the morning and once at night.

Since I couldn't do any training for awhile, I was so lucky as to be able to sit in on one of the ninja council's war meetings.

I sat a little removed from the group, more or less out of the way so I could be watched over by my dear eagle-eyed guardian Saizo while sill having the option of being able to sneak in a small nap without seeming disrespectful.

I had just snuggled up in some strategically placed pillows when snippets of the council's conversation caught my attention. I had to objectively tune back in to the meeting, putting off my nap for some other time.

The council sat around a low round table not too far from where I sat. From where I was positioned, I could see the faces of Hanzo, Saizo, and Elder Chie. Hanzo had been speaking when I started paying attention.

"We have received word that Nobukatsu is attacking in both the eastern and western reaches, targeting villages that have been supporting our rebellion. The intel Sasuke gathered from his reconnaissance mission tells us that this is indeed just the beginning of this war. The platoon that attacked Kuma and Misaki was just a vanguard, and the real attack is sure to come."

At the mention of my name, Sasuke, who had previously been sitting with his back to me,tossed a worried look over his shoulder at me. I gave him a small, reassuring smile, hoping to convey that I really was okay.

He turned back to the group and spoke up. "Do you think Nobukatsu will continue to attack outlying villages and work his way towards us, or will he target Iga right away?"

Hanzo seemed to mull over this, but it was Elder Arashi that took everyone's attention. "With the way Nobukatsu has acted in the past, there's really no definite way of telling. Especially with his father guiding him, his attacks could be well planned out or sporadic, but we need to be ready for anything and everything that his army can throw at us. We should set up small recuperation squadrons to aid our supporting villages that have been under attack, but we should also keep a large force here on our home front, just in case Nobukatsu tries anything tricky." Arashi's weathered face was stoic, reinforcing my idea of just how serious this threat was. I subliminally touched my hand to the bandages over my chest, my very real reminder of the consequences this war could bring.

"We should also plan a preemptive strike. Waiting around for something to happen could possibly end in disaster, but if we start formulating an attack strategy, we could gain the upper hand." The usually quiet Kotaro peered out from behind silvery hair, giving everyone something to think about.

"These are all excellent points, but I have one more." Goemon spoke, glancing my way and flashing a suggestive smile. "What about the princess? She'll be out of training for a while, and is no form to protect herself. Hanzo, perhaps I could-"

I didn't even want to hear where Goemon's tangent was going, and I was more than happy when Saizo cut him off with a glare and a sharp tone.

"I will retain my charge over her, just as before." He turned to Hanzo. "I trust whatever duties you would have assigned me can be passed on to someone else?"