Jin Arashi: The Storm Amongst the Mist

Chapter 2: One Hit

Command Resistance Camp, Mitsukejima Island, Land of Water, EN.

Summoning water from the ground beneath her hand, Ameyuri manipulated the clear fluid through the air until it merged with the cloth in her left hand. Letting the rest of the water drop to the ground, she watched it splash up before soaking back into the dirt.

Sighing quietly, Ameyuri expertly drew one of the twin-swords from her right hip and laid it across her leg. Running the cloth along the side of the blade, she was careful to prevent the fabric from being cut.

After a few moments, she flipped the weapon over and began cleaning the other side. She tried to convince herself that cleaning her swords was all she needed to do, but the nagging thought in her mind wouldn't leave her alone.

Shaking her head, Ameyuri sheathed the sword and finally focused on the real reason she'd sat down. Being one of the Legendary Swordsmen meant that she'd done unimaginable things in her life, but she'd never thought looking after two newly-orphaned children would be one of them.

She was nineteen, it was too early in her life for this. Yet, despite her logic, here they were. Jin and his younger sister Hikari, sleeping peacefully on a single cot together.

As soon as the information that Shikoku island had been attacked had reached her, she'd immediately tried to go and help. Her doctor wouldn't hear of it, suggesting instead that she send someone to go check for her.

She'd come ever so close to killing her doctor for the fourth time that day. However, Zabuza had prevented her from getting out of her sick-bed in the end.

It pained her pride and honor to admit that they were both right. She was in no condition to get into a fight. Ameyuri noticed her hand spasm and placed it on the handle of her sword. She was getting herself worked up.

There wasn't going to be a shoulder to cry on. She was dying, and she had to accept that.

But now I have a chance. I have an opportunity to repay the debt I owe Jin's parents. Ameyuri thought. It seemed she'd already made up her mind. She would train Jin to become a Shinobi. It was too early for Hikari to begin training, and Ameyuri doubted she would live long enough to teach Hikari anything. All she could do was hope Jin would survive the war after her death and be able to look after his sister.

Rolling her shoulders, Ameyuri winced. Her affliction, whatever it would be named after her death, was incurable, and it was destroying her heart and lungs. Stumbling slightly as she stood, she forced the pain down and walked over to the siblings' cot.

It was apparent Jin was still exhausted, and she regretted having to wake him up so early in the morning. However, time was ticking, and she didn't have any more to waste. The future of the war, and her ability to train him, was uncertain. She needed to prepare Jin as much as she was able.

"Jin... Jin..." She whispered lightly as she shook the boy's shoulder. Jin mumbled something but didn't wake. Sighing, she crouched down next to the cot and brushed Jin's long hair to the side.

"Jin, wake up."

Shaking his shoulder slightly harder, Jin's eyes cracked open.

"Wha..?"

She smiled, intentionally hiding her teeth. "Wake up, Jin. There are several things you and I need to do today."

Jin grumbled, pulling the blanket she'd given him last night tighter. "But, I'm tired..."

She couldn't resist the urge to smile, incidentally revealing her sharp teeth, "I know Jin, but it's time to get up."

Jin nodded reluctantly and pushed himself up off the cot, being careful not to wake Hikari. Seeing Hikari try to pull him back, he moved his pillow into her arms, finally breaking free. Ameyuri smiled as Hikari pulled the pillow close and fell back asleep. Standing, she backed up and let Jin rub his eyes.