A clouded late afternoon. The sky was blue, dotted by the white of fluffy clouds. The sun peeked in, shining its rays on the event that unfolded under its gaze. The earthly mountains of Mt. Ikkyu, generally known for its touristic resort, sprung up almost all around the remote village, sheltering it from unwanted visitors. The colour of the rocks here were slightly different than Kaminari no Kuni's usual colours, edging slightly towards the warmer tones of Iwagakure's stones to the point one might think this part of mount Ikkyu was nearing the borders of Tsuchi no kuni. The remote quietude that came with the purity of the mountain's fresh air had something serene, undisturbed by the presence of the buildings that had been raised to accommodate the people that lived here.

The buildings that made up the village were made from the very stones of the mount Ikkyo, thick slabs of natural stone placed layer upon layer in an old-fashioned construction style, reinforced with modern times cementing techniques to hold them in place. The cool tones of the stones set in the middle of the mountains gave off a stylish yet rustic flair. Solid and solemn, every of the buildings, no matter small or large, had something imposing like the castle of the daimyo due to the traditional oriental construction it sported. As her father, Raiu Kiyoshi, and Mizuki walked through the streets to attend the gathering that was taking place for another execution, the kunoichi thought about how she wouldn't mind living up here, far away of everything she knew as she'd enjoy the idyllic view it offered on the skies and the mountains.

Her father was of a different mind lately. Ever since the death of his wife, Mizuki's mother, he had not been the same. The passionate flame that burned in his heart had been snuffed out. He had retired as a shinobi on the day of her death, unable to focus any longer on his duties as a Kumo-nin. Though he had told Administration he would continue to teach students at the Raiu dojo, the truth had been quite different. He was still present, as the symbol of discipline he had always been, but it had not taken long for him to dictate that his daughter, Raiu Mizuki, now a proud special jounin of the Village would be conducting the lessons as a full-fledged sensei under his supervision. The announcement had come with quite a surprise during one of the training sessions, but bound duty the kunoichi had merely bowed and made the best of it. The promotion had not exactly come as a surprise, but she would have preferred if her father had at least told her when he would do so. Even then, starting as a teacher had proven far more difficult than expected even though she was well-taught in kenjutsu arts. She was often doubting herself, worried if she was doing a good job living up to his reputation, but had only found her father stare mindlessly in front of her.

Today it would not be different. Technically, her father was supposed to perform the execution of the delinquent in question, but much like the time before he would leave that to her. Now even more than ever, as his desire to live without his wife was slipping away with every new day, Mizuki would be the one executing the man as part of her training as the next Executioner in a long line of traditions. Knowing where the road would eventually end, Mizuki was loathe to do so but there was no escaping a fate already set in stone, unless she went the same way as her sister by dropping any and all responsibility and fleeing to meet the horizon instead. No, she had always been the dutiful daughter and that would not change on this day either.

As the group of villagers came to view, Mizuki could count about a dozen of them standing in one group, the delinquent kneeling with three men surrounding him. A samurai had attended as well, his face sour at the thought he would have to be present to witness and report this execution while he could be doing something far more interesting on a beautiful day as this. All of them awaited their arrival quietly, eyes fixated on the two latecomers.

"You made us wait.", the samurai spat even before any formal greetings had taken place.
"Our sincerest apologies. With the Chuunin Exams taking place, our duties have made it increasingly hard for us to travel with ease these days."
"Hrn! Excuses are not in order!"
"Please, please...", the village head tried, stepping in to sooth the discomfort. "Let us not ruin a beautiful day with unnecessary hostilities, shall we?"
"Beautiful? This day is already ruined with this execution."
"I understand, but we can not leave the culprit's execution unfinished, Asaburo-sama."

Seeing the truth in the words of the village head, the samurai sniffed haughtily but said otherwise nothing more, instead signing that the man had to be brought forth for execution. Two men dragged the bedraggled man forwards, forcing him to lower his head so the executioner could do his job properly. In the meantime, Mizuki took a look at her father who seemed to gaze out into the distance, mind elsewhere again.

"Father..."
"Hm? Oh. Go ahead, Mizuki. I'll be observing."

She nodded despite knowing that her father would not be observing at all. His mind would be with his lost wife, not with his duties. It was strange to see how a man once so stalwart, vibrant and full of life now suddenly looked so old and frail. He was halfway his fifties now, but could easily be misjudged for being ten years older where before he would have looked ten years younger. Lowering her eyes as she felt her father's pain, Mizuki could not allow her pain to burden her now. She had to remain strong for her father and herself, at least until this ceremony was over. Stepping forwards, she took place before the accused, at a distance where her katana was just slightly out of the man's reach.

"If you have any last words, please speak them now."
"I-I do. I know I have not been the best example in society, nor been the best husband or father... but even if this will not change anything to my execution, I would like to apologise for the wrongs I have done."

A moment of silence cloaked the gathering as the man's words sunk in, then Mizuki prepared her katana for a swift death.

"W-wait. I have one single request... I'd like to make amends, as far as that is possible. Please, allow my execution to take place at sunrise. I-it's all I ask!"
"Why would you like it to happen at sunrise?"
"Preposterous! This man should not be delaying his execution!", the samurai huffed, upon which Mizuki shot him a brief, angry glare, making it well known she did not appreciate the interruption.
"Though it not much... I hope that my death my release those i've done wrong from the burden that I am. As the sun rises, I want them to look upon a new day, filled with new hope for a better life without me."

The words seemed to touch everyone as even Kiyoshi took a moment to look at the man rather than his own sorrows. Though everyone remained quiet, leaving the decision to the executioner in charge, only the samurai's anger filled eyes seemed to have made a decision against the request.

"If the village head accepts your request, I am willing to delay the beheading until sunrise."

As the delinquent looked up with hopeful eyes at the village head, Mizuki lowered hers. She had not agreed because of his intentions, but because she hoped that her father and maybe even herself would come to realise life did not end with the loss of another. She had agreed in hopes to save her father from what seemed like a future filled with grief.

"I ah... Yes, yes. That's fine by me."
"I demand this execution be done NOW!", the samurai roared.
"The decision has been made, samurai. It would be dishonourable to deny an approved request of a dying man, would it not?"

With those words, the samurai's eyes glared at Mizuki with deadly intent, but rather than to draw his sword, he walked away towards his lodgings with full fury. As the people of the village broke up and took the prisoner back with them, Mizuki arranged accommodation for two for the night. Tomorrow would be an early morning.

---

1470

Late in the evening, as Kiyoshi and his daughter Mizuki stayed at the inn, a messenger walked in with firm step and moved straight to the two shinobi of the Kumogakure. Bowing briefly in respect, the two returned the bow, allowing the man to sit with them since he requested such. He had a message.

"My master Asaburo-dono has requested me to find you. He feels slighted for losing face in public and requests an honourable duel to regain his honour as samurai."
"We are not samurai.", Kiyoshi replied, not caring for the workings of a society where shinobi had no place. Though both worked for the Daimyo of the land in their own ways, shinobi and samurai had a very different approach of going about things.
"Father, please.", Mizuki interjected, wishing to understand more about the situation. "I can't deny that my father is right, but I would like to comprehend the situation better. What would happen if we denied his request?"
"To deny an honourable duel would allow them to seek justice in any means he'd desire. While I doubt Asaburo-dono would go so far... such denials have resulted in large scale skirmishes and wars before between two samurai families."
"What if I accept?"
"Should he be victorious, his honour would be restored."
"And if he loses?"
"Honour would dictate he accepts his defeat with grace."

Kiyoshi scoffed, but kept otherwise quiet. The man, being in his fifties, knew better than his much younger daughter what the truth behind the societal mask called 'honour' entailed. While he was not the kind to slay a man that had surrendered or clearly posed no threat, he didn't abide by the same sense of honour the samurai did. But his youngest was different. She wanted to be a diplomat. Understand the world and the people that made it turn, find solutions there where others saw none. Kiyoshi knew that's what she was already trying to achieve this right now by asking about the samurai's traditions. And since he knew her answer as well, he sighed.

"Tell him I accept."
"Mizuki."
"Dad, I have to do this. For myself. If all I do is fight you and the shinobi of our Village, how then do you expect me to understand the Way of the Sword and master the techniques you taught me?"

The man stared at her with cold eyes for several seconds, teeth clenched at the thought his daughter was talking back, but eventually he sighed and grinned.

"I so often forget you're no longer that young little girl I raised... I've never wanted to admit this, but you and your mother are so alike. Once you have something in your mind, no storm will get you of course. You two are truly the driving forces in our family."

Raising to his feet, he would press a kiss upon her front like he used to do so many years ago, hiding the lingering pain he felt with the loss of his cherished wife. Kiyoshi nodded a polite goodbye at the messenger, and left to go rest early. It felt good to hear her father say this for a first time in forever, the man too disciplined and busy to have time for much else than training and a some brief leisure time on the side, but with it the shimmer of an unmendable heartache revealed itself. Mizuki lowered her eyes. It hurt her seeing her father like this, a man that had otherwise seemed like a mountain dealing with everything in life as it came, wise and flexible he knew a solution to just about everything.

A couple of seconds later, Mizuki made up her mind. She had accepted a duel and the messenger was still sitting there. Raising her blue-green eyes towards the messenger, she stood up, grabbed her katana and mentally prepared herself as he guided her towards the samurai.

---

"I had not expected any of you to know honour. I guess I was wrong.", the samurai scoffed as he saw Mizuki approach. "Are you ready?"
"Please explain me the terms of this duel."
"Sword style against sword style, we clash until first blood is drawn. Does that sound acceptable?"
"It does."
"Then I will proudly show you the might of the Nen-ryū that has survived time and history until now. It may be old and archaic, but its resolution knows no equal."
"It wil be my honour to show you my father's Heaven Sword style. Though young in spirit, it cleaved the eldest oak in twain."

Quietude settled under the nightsky, the area illuminated by paper lanterns, as the two locked eyes and measured each other's strength of spirit. Both took the first steps as they slid into the basic stance of their sword style, instantly betraying the general approach of their spirit. Mizuki's opponent was older, more experienced. The resolution of the elderly, forged in the decade old fires of skirmishing and fighting was not to be taken lightly as the man showed no weaknesses. Mizuki had never heard of the Nen-ryū, but if the man's words were true the fighting style had to be pragmatic and efficient in approach to survive this long. That philosophy was also reflected in his opening stance, which was a simple balanced stance of the feet with the blade traditionally held in front of his torso, ready to be turned and shifted defensively at a moment's notice. In comparison, Mizuki was much younger, her ranton training having pushed her towards a precision few would be able to rival. Despite her young age, she had a calm demeanour about her, giving the impression she stood more solid in life than others of her age. Her opening stance showed a clear hint towards aggression as her body leaned forward, sword raised in horizontal motion, ready to stab, slash or strike with full force at the slightest movement.

"This battle is already concluded", the samurai said, breaking the tension. "I admire your resolution, girl, but you lack the experience of this old veteran."

Was it true? She had heard that a battle between powers was concluded in the first few seconds, but could she believe his words? Eyes of a hawk fixating the man before her, Mizuki didn't reply. She was a special jounin herself, meaning she was far from being inexperienced but could she measure up to a man whose every wrinkle was a tale on its own? There was but one way to discover the answer. Taking the initiative, the Raiu closed the gap between the them, pushing her blade forward to stab at his shoulder. Unmoving like a mountain, the man had expected the attack and parried it with the slightest of movement, pushing aside her katana and countering in an instant. Mizuki twisted her body, moving out of harm's way as she repositioned, pulling her katana back a notch before pressing it down. Once again, a slight step, a subtle twist, he parried. The two broke contact.

"Cleaving trees is the duty of lumberjacks, not of swordsmen.", the samurai grunted.
"Poor is the swordsman without wood to light his fires.", Mizuki retorted.

Next round. Mizuki took initiative again, opening with another stab. Anticipating an already known move, the samurai reacted faster by counter attacking with a stab of his own, forcing Mizuki on the defence. The ringing  of the blades clashing resonated through the air, sparks flying out as it was Mizuki's turn to push back the attack, allowing her blade to push through to the cling. There was a hint of worry in the eyes of the man, not so much for the fact she was pushing through his defences - this was intended - but the sparks were an unusual sight. As Mizuki's katana reached the cling, she pressed on, allowing the tip to change its direction to pierce his stomach, but with a subtle yet powerful nudge the samurai brought her attack of course, freeing himself from the clash of power and knocking her back by driving his shoulder against her chest. As she was pushed back, he swiftly followed up with a jab of his own but the kunoichi nimbly pivoted out of harm's way. Not giving up just yet, the samurai halted his jab, twisted his katana in his hand and combo'd into a curt slash. Mizuki parried and jumped back.

"Your youth may make you nimbler but your moves waste too much energy."
"The Heavens saw Man walk many paths, but which one was the right one?"
"The one that allows him to live."

Already understanding the weakness of the Heaven Sword style, it was the man's turn to engage Mizuki. With one big leap he drove his katana towards her chest, which she parried with intention to retaliate but the man had anticipated the counter attack as well, forcing Mizuki to backflip instead, kicking his katana out of harm's way in the process. Ending on her feet, the samurai didn't fail to follow up. Using a kiai to empower his own strike, Mizuki was once more forced into the defence. She channeled raiton in her own katana and as the two weapons clashed, the electricity snaked its way up to the samurai's hands. Numbed by the technique, he could no longer oppose the countering force of the kunoichi, feeling obliged to let go of his weapon. Seeing an opening formed, Mizuki pressed the advantage but the old man dropped on one knee and clasped the katana between his two bare hands as he moved his head out of harm's way. Her katana stuck between the hands of the man, a stand-still was created.

"Hrn. Persistent, aren't you?"

Locked in the stand-still, the battle of spirits took place once more. This time, the man was at a disadvantage as his old age didn't allow him to keep up with Mizuki's elegant movements, meaning that he could be hit before he regained his weapon and posture. His strength was certainly superior to the girls' allowing him to deny her withdraw or push her blade, but the katana Mizuki wielded was of astounding quality and refused to be broken so easily by sheer strength in return. Truly, the situation was not an easy one.

"Tell me girl, what was the name of this disarming technique?"
"That would be Heaven Yielding."
"I see. When hostilities are subdued, there is no need for retribution..."

Suddenly shifting his weight, the man pulled Mizuki closer through her katana. His opponent out of balance, he rammed a fist in her stomach to weaken her and forced her into a roll. As Mizuki gave in, he moved to pick up his katana from the ground, positioned himself as Mizuki stood back up and slashed vertically in the air with such force the kunoichi was forced to roll away lest she'd be cut in two by the wave. Standing back up once more, both moved into their kenjutsu opening stances again, tension rising as none succeeded at getting in a clean hit to conclude victory.

"Old yet standing strong, a sweep to shoo the youthful - the mountain rumbles."
"Ha! I'll show you a sweep!"

Switching her stance, Mizuki sheathed her katana, taking on a traditional iaijutsu stance, a quiet taunt to the samurai she was ready to receive said sweep. Understanding she was ready to accept his challenge, he charged in, blade saturated with his own samurai spirit and as he roared with the power of a lion, projecting his spirit in a kiai, Mizuki countered with a chakra-enhanced slash of her own. Her technique completely nullifying his kiai and cut his offensive intent, making the samurai slow down just a fraction of a second as his mind had to regain its grasp on his intended goal. With a vengeance, the samurai's blade clashed with Mizaki's with such force she could feel the shock of the clash demand the limits of her arms' strength just to hold on tight onto her weapon. Unleashing her own kiai, she pushed back the man's enhanced strength with great effort.

"Roaring Lion...", he declared as their eyes locked to measure each other's determination. Then, the samurai followed up with a sudden twist of his body and a sweep of his leg, kicking Mizuki's legs from under her. "... Sweeping Crane."

She was not out of danger yet. Knocked down and an easy target, the samurai grinned in victory as his blade came down to pin her shoulder, determined to finally draw the first blood and claim his victory so as to have his honour restored. Reflexively, Mizuki allowed raiton chakra to flow in her blade, recreating the same blinding effect as if the sun had been reflected in the shine of her blade. Forced to close his eyes, he narrowly missed Mizuki, who regained her posture as he used his own training to deal with the temporary blindness. When he regained his sight, Mizuki stood at the ready, panting from the effort and her illness slowly taking her over. He understood she'd finish it fast now, but was not about to give her his victory.

"I told you. You waste too much energy."
"If it allows me to keep up with my opponent, then I have succeeded in my duties."
"How foolish. You may be able to keep up, but it will not allow you to surpass me."
"Not everyone intents to surpass others. Some people seek to improve what they already have."

The samurai scoffed, this time more out of principle rather than pride, and prepared himself for what looked like it would be the last round of their battle. Though he showed no sign of exhaustion like the younger kunoichi, his age was catching up just as much. His muscles ached and he felt the need for a good night rest crawl up to him. He simply could hide it better than the girl, disciplined by the years and years of hardships in life and war. The man grunted. He was getting too old for this, promising himself that after this duel and this execution he would request his retirement from the Daimyo. It was all a matter of one last push.

Rising her blade until her hands were at the height of her front, Mizuki invoked the epitome of power the Heaven Sword style currently allowed her. This last technique, known as Heaven Torn Asunder, would conclude this duel and determine the victor. Her opponent would take on a more defensive stance, recognising the opening strike as being one aiming towards a powerful blow, an attack he had seen countless of times before in his life and that was thoroughly associated with the Executioner Arts used in the flawless decapitation of bodies. He knew that if he didn't block this strike, he would not see the sunrise tomorrow.

The wind blew softly in anticipation of the last round. Once more two warriors were locked in defiance of each others' spirit. Then, the kunoichi shot forward, taking the initiative. The moment she was within reach, her blade flashed in the low light of the paper lanterns as it came down as if it were lightning itself. It was clear she had put everything in this last strike. All of her speed, her precision, her determination. She aimed to cleave the old oak in twain.

As fast as her blade came down, so did the samurai's blade raise up to block her strike. The ring of metal resonated through the air as the two katana clashed with each other, sparks of lightning once more flying to all sides and lighting their faces as if they were mere wisps. The man grunted under the strength of the executioner's blow, needing all of his own determination to deny the blade's killing intent. Old. But his might was still superior to that of the girl he had defied. Old, yes. But his expertise still allowed him to twist his blade in retaliation. Old, indeed, but his blade was the first to taste the blood of her cheek as it cut it open ever so lightly.

His honour was restored.

The sound of thunder followed a brief few seconds later in the wake of the first strike. The shadow of Mizuki's execution came crashing down with equal power as her initial attack. An unexpected strike. Yet the samurai would not yield, bravely holding up his katana with the same determination and force he had done the first time. Bravely. For the last time. The second strike too harsh for the weapon to endure, the samurai's katana shattered in two, the tip flying a couple of meters away in the ground as Mizuki's katana - Seiun - finally ghosted through the defences of the old man.

And shattered his soul in the process.

Eyes wide despite his victory, the old man's eyes turned to see half of his trusted katana lying on the floor. Shocked, the remains of a once noble weapon clattered to the ground.

He was getting too old for this. It was great time he retired.

---

2893
Total: 4363

Early morning, a little before the sun was rising. Paper lanterns positioned on the ground threw long shadows as the flames within flickered in a way that seemed to imply an unwinnable struggle against the soon rising sun that would make their existence unnecessary. The village had gathered once more to watch the execution of a delinquent. Though most of the common people had not bothered to leave their beds, the village elder, the strong men and the samurai were present. Kneeling and facing the north-east, the criminal had accepted his faith and was now patiently waiting for his end despite the beating heart wishing to live on. Mizuki stepped forward, drawing Seiun as she positioned herself to separate his head from his body.

"May my death bring hope to those who remain.", the man spoke softly, closing his eyes and leaning forwards to bare his neck.

As the sun threw its first rays upon the lands, the man lifted his eyes one last time to see the newborn light, imprinting the image in his eyes and mind before his head rolled lifelessly on the floor, body dropping like a sack of potatoes. With a swift sweep, Mizuki removed the blood from her katana and sheathed her blade. Looking at the rising sun, she knew some lights in life would never be able to herald a newborn day.

---

229
Total: 4592

[EXIT]

Training: