The Beauty of the West: The Gold Route

Chapter Thirteen: New Mission

After the briefing with Sensei I was able to take some time off from any missions or training. I had been through quite a bit so I deserved it, as Sensei told me.

I spent some time in my room, alone, and quiet. I needed some sleep. Sure I had gotten some rest in the mines, but now I was at home on my bed and I couldn't help but fall asleep.
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Not long after I had collapsed on my bed, I heard a crash come from the kitchen. Was Sensei trying to cook? I stood up and stretched, then made my way there,  following the scent of steamed fish.

"Not like that!" I heard the Captain's voice scold someone as I got closer. "You can't steam the fish without hot water! Make haste and start the damn fire!"

I entered the room and saw Sensei sitting at the table and watching three guys trying to make their way around the kitchen.

"Oh. Raven. I'm not surprised to see you awake after such racket. Sit next to me. Watch the show." She smirked.

"Look we don't really cook in the mines." Kanbe stated, trying to start a fire. "So how 'bout not yelling? You're going to wake--" he turned around. "(Y/N). You're up."

"Good morning, My Lady." Ieyasu looked at me with a bowl in his arms and he was mixing something. Wearing...my apron.

"Good morning guys." I smiled. "Smells good in here. What's cookin?"

"It is supposed to be steamed fish, vegetables and rice. But 'tis the codfish ball, apparently, no men are present!"

I covered my face to try and hide my urge to snicker.

"Hey! Whadaya MEAN no men are present??" Kanbe shot back.

"Yes, Motochika there is no reason to be so...mean." Ieyasu was definitely hurt by his best friend's harsh words.

"You know I can help if you want..." I stood up.

"SIT! You have done enough. This was supposed to be a thank you." Motochika explained. I smiled and sat back down.

I just watched as chaos broke loose in the kitchen. About an hour later, it was done. There was a little more than fish and rice though.

In front of me was steamed fish, steamed mountain vegetables, rice, some kind of omelette, some squid, lobster and crab.

Ieyasu sat next to me, triumphant.

"What do you think, My Lady?" He asked with the sweetest smile.

"It looks delicious." I returned the smile.

"Taste the omelette! I made it." He picked up a pair of chopsticks and fed it to me. It looked so good, I couldn't wait!

The initial taste and texture of the egg was wonderful. It was light, fluffy and creamy. Upon further chewing, however, I heard a crunch. There was nothing in the omelette, it had to be a shell. And then, there was a powerful hint of salt. He added way too much!!

"It's good." I lied. But really I didn't want to hurt his feelings. He did, after all, make that food for me..

The rest of the food wasn't bad. The rice was a little crunchy....
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After breakfast, I returned to Sensei's gauntlet. She wanted to keep my skills sharp, even though I had just been on the toughest mission,  holding my own against two of the country's foul men. I proved myself once again to Sensei and was given a new mission. It was only a scouting mission though, that wouldn't have to fight anyone in. Unless I was caught.

"You are to journey to Osaka and see if they have a plan yet to attack the east. If they do, you are to report back here and waste no time. Not that we don't have the firepower,  but it would be an advantage to have a counter plan."

"Yes, Sensei." I bowed and readied my nerves for the mission. I was to leave in just a few hours so I had to pack any supplies I may have needed.  And I was to go alone.

Yes, it sounded lonely. Really lonely. But I could do it. I wanted to see Osaka castle anyway, and I felt that if I was with someone I would be held back from the stealth I needed to have.

I only really needed to get a few guns together. I got the ammo too and made sure I had plenty.

"(Y/N)? So you're leaving again huh?" Lord Ieyasu sat next to me as I relaxed a little before the mission.

"Mmhmm...but for good reason. It's to make sure you have the upper hand in this fight, My Lord. I will do anything to make sure that you have the advantage."

"I see...words cannot express my gratitude. But please...travel safe and come back to us unharmed."

"Of course." I smiled.