One Shots (Based on Pictures)

The Bonds of Warriors

Also fairly lengthy but please enjoy ~

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"Clear the mind, rest with confidence, fight without limit. Remember the codes of the Samurai"
The words echoed in his head, in every warrior's head, ever since their first day of training.

That was the brighter, more hopeful side, but in a world where every single person was born to fight for their kingdom, there were bound to be some that strayed to the darkness. What could be darker than a world of warriors? The assassins that reside within, lurking in the shadows and waiting for the moment to strike. Cold and devoid of emotions, limitless in a much harsher way than that of a samurai. Yet misunderstood in every sense of the word.

-

"Ishimaru, Ritsu," his master called him forward in front of the class. "Demonstrate a spar with your katana,"

Ritsu walked across the tatami mat to face his master, a tall, muscular man, his otherwise handsome features covered in battle scars accumulated over several decades. As for himself, he was lean and average heighted, his jet black hair always covering some part of his face. Ritsu glanced up at his master before drawing his katana. They bowed and began to spar, their metal blades bouncing off each other quicker than the other students could follow. As one slashed to strike, the other dodged and countered, the pattern only breaking when one decided on a different tactic. The students watched in awe as the spar continued for quite some time, all of them wishing and hoping they would become as skilled as Ritsu, the top of their class. Alas, their master would show little mercy. The spar concluded as Ritsu was knocked across his shoulder, stumbling backwards and dropping his sword.

"Learn from your classmate, my students. You must be agile and quick to react," Master explained as he turned towards Ritsu, slashing his sword through the air as his arm swung. "And one more thing: never drop your sword during a battle," he picked up Ritsu's katana and handed it to him with a rather gentle smile. "Class dismissed,"

"Thank you, Master," Ritsu bowed deeply as his classmates left the training room. Ritsu stood up and met his master's calm yet hardened brown eyes.

"You're doing well, Ishimaru. I can see that you will be an exceptional Samurai, helps me rest easy knowing there are ones like you that can protect the village when I'm gone," his rough voice echoed in the empty room.

Ritsu felt an air of sadness coming from his master and suddenly couldn't bring himself to look into his eyes.
"Thank you, Master," he felt obligated to bow again but was instead jolted forward by his master's slap on the back.

"I'm proud of you already. The war is brewing, so we must all be ready,"

"Yes, Master,"

"Now get home. Your sister must be waiting," Master pushed him out the Shoji doors and watched Ritsu run off into the setting sun, his white uniform waving behind him.

-

Ritsu rushed through the crowded streets of Kunai village, stopping only to buy ingredients for that night's dinner. His master's words lingered in his head, reminding him of the war that was coming. For the longest time, Ritsu had chosen to ignore it but the signs became more striking: weapon shops filled to the brim with samurai, people stocking up on supplies from the local market, training grounds crammed with students and warriors alike. It was only a matter of time before he had to prepare as well.

"Ritsu! You're back early," he heard his sister call from somewhere in the house as he entered.

"Training ended early I guess," he replied and brought the groceries to the kitchen, smiling when he heard footsteps coming towards him.