Shall We Date Ninja Love

Chapter forty one - Kotaro's Rifle

Narrated by Aki 

I could hear Goemon's and Hanzo's voice I slowly opened my eyes and they were in my room looking over me. 

Goemon: Shit! If only I had gotten there sooner... 

Hanzo: It couldn't be helped Goemon, you had to take on Hana... 

Hanzo realizes I'm awake and looks over tome. 

Hanzo: I'm very sorry... 

He then bows deeply to me. 

I stood up and wrapped my arms around Hanzo. I started to cry without even thinking it. 

Aki: I ...(Hick) .... I should have trained more... (Hick ) 

Goemon: You have trained so hard Aki...You did everything you could have done. 

Aki: No I could have done more if I was training....  

I knew I was making Hanzo uncomfortable by hugging him and crying into his chest, but I couldn't help it. Hanzo sighed and wraps his arms around me hugging me back. 

Hanzo: Because of my bad judgment...Kotaro...and Kuma... 

I should feel Hanzo's shoulders shaking. Was he trying to hold back from crying. 

I pulled myself away from him. His eyes were getting a bit red as he stood there shaking. 

Aki: Hanzo...Kuma wanted me to tell you something. That she was happy to have worked with you. 

Hanzo: ... 

Aki: And that if she dies, you shouldn't blame yourself. 

Hanzo: Damn it! 

Hanzo slams his fists against the ground! 

Goemon: Hanzo, Kuma could still be alive. If she is then they will try to torture her. Kuma would never give up information.  

Hanzo: Get everyone together. Let's find Kuma. 

Hanzo runs out of my room leaving Goemon and I alone. 

Goemon: Aki... 

Aki: Goemon... 

He places his hand on my shoulder. 

Goemon: I don't think we will find his body, not after falling from there. 

Aki: ... 

I started to cry again. 

Goemon: I know it's hard but you have to be strong... 

Aki: (Hick) I know... 

Goemon: Aki... 

Aki: I know I am the ninja princess.  

Goemon looks at me with sorrow filled eyes. 

Aki: I am the ninja princess, and I will take revenge against Nobunaga for taking away the people I loved... 

Goemon: What are you going to do? 

Aki: I am going to train myself to be able to shoot Nobunaga myself. 

Goemon: That's crazy talk! Aki you just need to calm down and relax. 

Aki: No Goemon! You would do the same if I or Jen would have fallen or been taken away! You wouldn't be calming down and relaxing!  

Goemon looked away and smirked.  

Goemon: Your right...your always right... 

He pulls out Kotaro's gun and hands it to me. 

Goemon: If you're going to shoot Nobunaga do it with this. 

I looked at Kotaro's gun and whipped the tears from my eyes. 

Aki: From this moment on I won't cry anymore...not till Nobunaga has died and my friends and family are safe from his wrath. 

Goemon: I'm going to help Hanzo and the other's look for Kuma...Don't do anything wild while I'm gone. 

He gives me a quick hug and walks out of my room. 

I look to the window and decide to open the sliding door to the garden. I sat down on the steps looking up to the moon and stars. As I held Kotaro's gun I realized it was much lighter than any gun I've held before. I stood up and pointed it out. It was super light! I didn't have a problem holding it up. Suddenly someone grabbed my arm. 

Munenori: What are you going to do with that? 

Aki: I'm going to use it to shoot Nobunaga.  

Munenori: Do you want to follow your boyfriend to death? 

I look into his eyes. I knew then for the first time what Munenori was thinking. He was worried about me...and I could see it through his cold eyes. 

Aki: I'm going to get revenge. 

Munenori: You're quite the fire cracker! 

He smiled and looked up to the sky. 

Munenori: I thought you were a spoiled girl...but you look smart enough. You can probably could use that gun. I don't mind strong-willed women! May I? 

He grabs the rifle from me and points it then turns to me. 

Munenori: This rifle was made so that a woman could use it.  

Aki: How can you tell.  

Munenori: It's lighter than most rifles I've held. Plus the barrels aren't as big. 

Aki: When Kotaro and I went to the craft worker Kotaro gave him a note. 

Munenori: Kotaro most likely got the craft worker to make this gun in hopes of teaching you to use it. 

Munenori gives me the rifle as I looked up to him. 

Munenori: Alright then. I'll teach you how to use it.