Hakuouki: Demons Within

薄桜鬼4

薄桜鬼4
The rest of the day, up until night, I was somewhat sad. I wasn't sure what it was that made me feel like that though... The moon had risen, and as promised, I waited by the gate for Harada-kun and Nagakura-kun.
"Kaori-chan! Glad you're here." Nagakura exclaimed, cracking a wide grin. Harada held the same expression as they approached me.
"Before we go, do you have any training at all with a sword?"
"My father taught me a bit, yes."
"Care to let me test your skills?" Nagakura asked.
"Go ahead." I replied, taking a katana from Harada, who was handing me his.
"Wow...Thank you." I gave a short bow and readied my position. I looked Nagakura straight in the eye as he prepared his stance. Harada stepped between us and drew his hand quickly down in a line, signaling the match had started. Nagakura began the wag tail sword technique, but I had been taught to see through it and leaped at him. He was surprised, but his reaction was sharp. Our swords met, and the sound was heard throughout the courtyard. He took a swing at me and I quickly changed my sword's position, defending my side. I swiftly slid his blade up against mine until it was face front again. The noise was beginning to draw the others out from their rooms. I ignored the added pressure as the captains watched on and pushed Nagakura's blade back with as much force as I could summon. He stepped back, and with another swift movement my blade clashed on his. He was beginning to lose his ground and I would not let him regain it.
"You're really good!!" Nagakura yelled between blocks. I smirked and continued on, his sword beginning to resist harshly against my attacks. He was stronger than I was, and that was an obvious disadvantage. I kicked the thought out of my mind. His blade swung towards me, as I was in the middle of an attack. A well plotted counterattack. The flesh of my arm and the cloth of my kimono split open, but I didn't let it stop me. I quickened my movements until they were practically unreadable. His strength was not enough for my sheer speed. My blood splattered out of my arm and sprinkled the ground, until finally, Nagakura stepped back and put his katana in it's scabbard. We finished the match with a bow, and I turned to look at the crowd on the engawa. Hijikata, Okita, Heisuke, Kondou, Saito, and many others lined the perimeter of the courtyard. Their eyes were all relatively wide. I turned to glance at Harada.
"Damn, Kaori-chan. There's no doubt now, your definitely his daughter." He praised. I smiled as others approached me.
"You are no burden on the Shinsengumi, child. Stay as long as you like." Kondou announced and offered with a grin. I bounced a bit and clapped my hands together.
"Thank you very much!"
"My pleasure!" Kondou smiled.
"Those were extraordinary skills, Kaori-chan. Especially for a lady." Hijikata commented. I was shocked he had something to say to me.
"Thank you." I bowed. Heisuke pat my back heartily and with a wide grin on his face. Suddenly, a shadow cast over me, the dim lanterns illuminating the shadow just enough to scare the hell out of me. I turned to see it was Okita, looming over me with a smirk.
"Impressive. Well then little warrior woman, let's get that arm bandaged."
"No no, it's fine, really, Okita-san." He looked at me with curiosity.
"You sure?"
"Yes, thank you for your help and encouragement." I smiled. Saito passed by me and gave me a pat on the head before returning to his room. Many other men did the same as I discussed with Okita.
"So stubborn." He frowned. "Suit yourself." He said as he turned to leave. I took the bandages he had left behind and began to wrap my arm.
"Oh, and Kaori-chan? Don't be too reckless out there. Be sure to disinfect that arm or it'll hurt a lot worse." I was touched by his general concern for me, even though it meant nothing much.
"Ok...I will." I took his advice and cleaned my cut. Nagakura and Harada sat beside me.
"Hurry, we have to get to our posts." Harada reminded me.
"You really did great out there, Kaori-chan." Nagakura repeated.
"Haha! Yeah Shinpachi, you almost lost!"
"Shut up, Sano..." Nagakura laughed nervously. I finished tending to my gash and set off to accompany their patrols.