Shall We Date Ninja Love

Chapter Twenty Seven Welcome Home in the Setting Sun

Narrated by Aki  

I Sat outside in the garden, The wind was blowing though my hair calming my worried soul. I sighed and looked down to my hands. They were wrapped in cloth because I hurt myself in training with Munenori and Kuma.  

Goemon: Hey you know a Princess's hands shouldn't look like that. 

Goemon said as he slowly sat down on the patio. 

Aki: I am a ninja princess, and if there is any danger I need to be able to escape or find a safe place. In a worst case I need to be able to defend myself.  

Goemon: Kotaro is going to be pissed if he comes back and see's your hands like that. 

I suddenly blushed and stoop up and turned to Goemon.  

Aki: He will understand.... 

I watched as Goemon started to drink Sake.  

Aki: What are you doing?!? YOU CAN DRINK SAKE IN YOUR STATE! 

I began to yell as I ran over to him and tried to pull away his sake cup.  

Goemon: Hey now! If you wanted me so bad just say it Aki! 

Aki: Goemon give me your cup! 

Goemon: Ah! Not unless you give me a kiss! 

Aki: GOEMON! 

Rennoshin: My, my you two have become awful friendly! 

I looked down to the way Goemon and I were position. I was over his body, and his arm was wrapped around my body. 

Aki: I was trying to get Goemon Sake cup.  

Rennoshin: I believe you.  

He handed his hand out to me. I took it and he helped me up to my feet. 

Rennoshin: Now lets take a look at those hands. 

Rennoshin sat me down on the steps of the patio. He kneeled down to me and began to unwrap my hands.  

Rennoshin: Does it hurt? 

Aki: No not anymore. 

Rennoshin: Good. 

He finally exposed my hands and they looked good as new. 

Rennoshin: Oh dear... 

Aki: What is it... 

Rennoshin: You have a scar. 

I looked onto my right hand and below my thumb was an inch long scar. 

Goemon: Hanzo is going to be pissed, as well as Kotaro. 

I smiled then looked up. 

Aki: It's fine. They will understand when they see my hard work in my ninja training. 

Kuma came running though the garden with a smile upon her face. 

Kuma: HANZO AND THE OTHER ARE ON THEIR WAY BACK! THEY WILL BE IN IGA BY TOMARROW NIGHT!  

I stood up in excitement I began to run off. 

Goemon: HEY WHERE YOU GOING? 

Rennoshin: Let her go... 

I zoomed passed the guards and into the trees. I felt as if my heart was soaring within the wind. All the training had finally paid off as I jumped from branch to branch. When I finally stopped and looked back I was in a huge cliff looking over Iga and the hidden house within the woods. I sighed as I slowly sat down on a huge branch. The day was so beautiful, and the city seemed so close and yet so far away. I began to wonder how Jen Jen was doing, and if she was okay. I wonder if my letter even got to her. I rested my head onto the thick tree and closed my eyes. The wind was blowing through the trees making it nice and cool from the hot sun. I started to drift away hoping the tomorrow will come and I will be able to see everyone I love and care about once again. 

I heard a sudden snap behind me from a broken branch. I quickly opened my eyes. The sun was slowly setting making it hard to see within the dark woods.  

Aki: Who's there? 

Another snap from behind me but this time it was closer.  

Aki: Come any closer and I will injure you! 

I suddenly saw a shadow within the woods. I stood up and pulled out a Shuriken from my kimono and threw it at the shadow. I heard a thump. 

Aki: I have more where that came from speak or leave! 

The shadow came closer and closer to me. This time I threw three shuriken at the shadow. I knew I had the shadow this time because a piece of clothing came off of its arm. 

The shadow slowly came into the light and it was Kotaro!  

Aki: AH! Kotaro! 

Kotaro: Princess. 

He walked over to me from branch to branch. I looked at his mask and arm. I had cut his mask and cut the sleeve from his kimono.  

Aki: I'm so sorry! Are you hurt?! 

Kotaro: No I'm fine just a bit shocked.... 

Aki: Yeah...I had some training with Kuma and Munenori. 

I finally could tell Kotaro's breath was quick like he had been running.  

Aki: Kotaro...are you okay? 

Kotaro: We came back sooner than we thought, but you were nowhere in sight. The guards didn't even see you leave. 

Aki: I was so happy to know everyone was coming home I just wanted to find a quiet place and sleep till everyone was finally home. 

Kotaro suddenly put my hair up into a bun using a hair stick. 

Aki: Huh?! 

Kotaro:...I burned the ribbon I barrowed....please expect this.... 

I looked into Kotaro eyes and smiled. 

Aki: It's perfect! 

I could see Kotaro blush suddenly.  

Aki: Kotaro can you take me home? 

Kotaro: Yes princess. 

Kotaro picked me up and jumped down to the ground. He countied to walk as he held me into his arms. I think he was worried about me because as he held me his grip was super tight. I was so happy to be with Kotaro I began to get sleepy. I rested my head on Kotaro chest, It smelled of gun powder and sweat. His breathing was slowly becoming normal.  

Kotaro: Princess you can rest now. I will protect you as you sleep. 

Aki: Thanks Kotaro, and welcome home... 

Kotaro blushed as he countied to walk back to Iga.