Ninja Love: Saizo Kirigakure

Chapter 12

We reached our camp in the pouring rain. Gathering up our things as quickly as possible, we found shelter in a cave not far from the hot springs.

A little after we settled down, we built a fire and roasted some fish Saizo had caught in the river near the hot springs. We ate in silence, listening to the cracks of thunder and the rain hitting the forest. Saizo spoke up.

"What is it like? To know that the future of the ninja rests on your shoulders?"

His question took me by surprise and I turned to face him. He was gazing intently at the rain.

"Well, it's pretty scary. But... I think that I can fulfill my duties and be a good leader. If not for the ninja, then for my parents and grandpa. Besides, I have you and Hanzo and everyone else backing me up." I answered as best I could before returning to my roast fish.

"But don't you miss being normal?" Apparently, he wasn't done with his questions.

I sighed and replied, "Of course. What has it been... Only three days since I left the temple, and I already miss everyone very dearly. Ochi, grandfather, the other shrine maidens..." I trail off as tears begin to form in the corners of my eyes.

"I always imagined that I would become one of the head priestesses of the temple and fulfill my grandfather's expectations of me. He has always been like a father to me. I don't remember much about the attack on my village or my early childhood because I hit my head while trying to run away, but after my village was destroyed, I searched desperately for my parents.... Then grandpa's servant found me and brought me to him. It was then I found out about my parents... I cried for days..." I couldn't take it anymore. I swiftly stood up and walked closer to the entrance of the cave, where I knelt down and cried softly at the harsh memories I had tried so desperately to forget. Even though the rain splattered my kimono with mud, I was too busy quietly sobbing to care.

I cried for my parents. I cried for the village Nobunaga had destroyed. I cried at the thought that I would never see my grandfather again.

My body shook as I felt a large, warm hand rest on my shoulder. I wiped my puffy eyes hastily and turned towards Saizo.

He showed little emotion as he helped me up. "I am sorry for upsetting you, princess." He led me towards the small futon.

"You should probably save your strength."

I nodded and climbed underneath the blanket, already feeling drowsy.

Inexplicably, I was suddenly very curious. I yawned and mumbled to the towering frame above me, "Saizo... you know all about me... but what were you like as a child?"

I barely caught a glimpse of what appeared to be a surprised expression through my drooping eyelids.

Saizo spoke softly, "You mean you don't remember?"

But I was too close to sleep to begin to fathom what he meant.