Hanabi admits it, Hanzo has better skills than her. Even though Hanzo weilds a huge sword, he swings it lightly as if its heaviness does not bother or hinder him at all. His speed is faster compared to hers, his agility is better and both his defense and offense are well-balanced.
Hayabusa, who was watching the two, knew what will the outcome be. Hanabi's offense is excellent but her defense is weaker. Hanzo have been trained since he was a child just like Hanabi, but he was trained to be an assassin.
Hanzo suddenly disappeared from sight, Hanabi sharpened her senses. He could appear anywhere, a surprise attack is surely to come. She scanned the vicinity but Hanzo is nowhere to be seen. But then, she sensed him behind her, she immediately summoned her Higanbana but before she could move, she felt the sharp edge of Hanzo's sword on her neck.
"Game over," he whispered with a smile.
Hanabi lets go of her Higanbana and it disappeared. Hanzo lets the tip of his sword rest on the ground. The two faced each other and bowed as a sign of acknowledgement and respect.
"I had fun," Hanabi said. "But more importantly, I need more training."
"Exactly," Hanzo agreed. He turned his back and starts to walk away.
"Can you help me?" Hanabi called out but Hanzo raised his hand as a sign of rejecting her.
"Nah," he replied. "Training someone ain't my forte. Asked Hayabusa instead."
Hanzo left the training ground, Hanabi looked at Hayabusa as if asking the same question.
"I already have lot of things to do, don't add up," Hayabusa replied.
Hanabi shrugged. "Might as well ask Kagura. Or rather, I should ask the chief village for a cup of tea and it would be interesting if he finds out that his favorite student is keeping a secret from him."
"Damn you," Hayabusa cursed. "Meet me here tomorrow at this hour. I'll help you."
"You should have said it earlier," Hanabi replied before leaving the training grounds.
The next days, Hanabi and Hayabusa are focused on their training. On the sideline, Hanzo and Kagura are watching the two from afar. Hanzo could feel the jealousy emitting from the lady beside him. Instead of feeling empathy, he feels entertained with the scenario.
"I wonder how it will turn out," Hanzo spoke.
"What?" Kagura asked in confusion.
"Hayabusa and Hanabi. I wonder what future they'll face," he replied which earned him a painful whack on the back of his head.
"Watch your mouth, you swine," Kagura blurted out.
"Think of it, Kagura. The chiefs of the two factions are in agreement to make them a couple. If they spend time together, Hayabusa might really for Hanabi," Hanzo explained which only made the lady grow more jealous.
"Hanabi will grow stronger with Hayabusa's help. She may not be the refined type of lady but her determination and indepence could make a guy fall for her," Hanzo added.
"Determination and independence?" Kagura repeated, wanting more explanation from the redhead.
"You're beautiful, Kagura. I know that very well and if I must say, I would choose you over Hanabi when it comes to physical appearance. But my choice would be different if the personality is included. A matured guy like Hayabusa would choose a charismatic person over a refined lady," the redhead said.
"You're not Hayabusa," Kagura defended. "So shut up."
"Think about it and you'll see," Hanzo said before leaving her alone.
On the other hand, Hayabusa is losing his patience towards Hanabi.
"I told you many times, don't just sharpen your senses. You should keep your body in sync with your mind. If your defense is stronger, it would be no use if you cannot attack," Hayabusa said for like ten times.
Hanabi, who got tired from hearing those, rolled her eyes. Hayabusa saw it which made him snap, he charged towards her and pressed the kunai on her neck. Hanabi was caught in surprise that she simply stood there, frozen. She stared at Hayabusa's eyes for quite a long time.
"You've been on training the whole morning. Come and have some lunch first," chief Haruno said.
The two take their breaks and had lunch together with the heads of the two factions.
"I'm glad the two of you are getting along with each other. I think the wedding should be moved earlier, what do you think, Hyuuga?" Haruno asked which made Hanabi choke on her food.
Hayabusa gave her a cup of water which she gladly accepted.
"We should not rush such ceremony, Haruno. The wedding could wait and we must prepare for it so everything would be perfect. Plus, the threat has not been found yet. If the wedding is held before the traitor is found, he might attack during the ceremony," Hyuuga replied with utmost respect.
"Yeah, I agree with my grandfather. In addition, we are still on the getting to know each other stage so no need to rush," Hanabi added.
"I get your point, I just can't wait for the two factions to officially become one again," Haruno said.
"Where's Hanzo and Kagura, anyway?" Hanabi asked to change the topic.
"They are currently at the town to gather information about the attacker during the festival," Chief Haruno replied.
"Ah, about that, I know some informations about him especially the skills he has," Hanabi said.
"How did you acquire such information?" Haruno asked.
"Ten years ago, when the shadow ninja killed my father, I could vividly remember how his sword looks like. I have gathered information about it and came to know that the sword is called Ame no Habakiri. From my research, this sword contains a powerful demon called Hanekage who feeds on blood. The Ame no Habakiri gives the user a huge amount of power of offense while Hanekage himself would become one with the user and be the armor to protect the person whom he had a deal with. So, my prediction is that the person who killed my father and the intruder is only one person," Hanabi explained which left the three speechless.
The two chiefs was taken aback for the secret about the Ame no HAbakiri and the Hanekage should have been buried a long time ago.
"Hanabi, who told you all those information?" Hyuuga asked for as long as he remembers, he had never mentioned the sword and the demon to her.
"Actually I read father's diary," she replied which made Hyuuga speechless once again.
"Reading someone else's diary is disrespecting that person's privacy," Hayabusa said.
Hanabi rolled her eyes since she does not like being lectured. "Father gave me his permission to read it. He always told me to read his diary if ever I need something. Don't you lecture me, Hayabusa or else this fist shall find its way down your throat."
"Calm down, the two of you," Haruno said as he feels the tension builds up. "Hanabi, we'll talk some more after dinner."
"Okay," Hanabi replied.
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