As Netto stands around the people of the village are none the wiser believing him to be just as normal as average human being within their village save for his unusual hair color which many of the individuals in the village begin to gossip about, as they watch him whispering under their breath. “What a peculiar looking man. Is that what people from the big cities look like?” Whispers one girl on a small bench. “And what’s with those clothes, is a martial artist or a savage?” says another girl sitting beside her. As the gentleman stands around he may notice the rather old-fashioned if not outdated forms of clothing that the people of the town wear. And if he were to keep looking provided he stood at the entrance to the village he may even notice a large red “Torii” that sits atop a large hill in the center of the village A very sacred structure to the people of the Shinto worshipping land known as “Shura Village.” A small but quiet town hidden within a forest famed for its shrine, which is visited by countless pilgrims of the Shinto faith and is run by a small theocratic council known as the “Shuran Guard.” Comprised of shamans known as Miko or shrine maidens as they are called by the outside world along with their male counterparts known as the Geki.

“Welcome to our village, Sir.” Says a young girl in a shrine maidens uniform consisting of a white dogi and red hakama both pieces of her uniform looking very pristine in nature she would bow only to hastily run off as if she were in a rush the young girl holding a potted plant in her hand. But as she runs off she is scolded by an older gentleman in a green and khaki cloth uniform, his clothes muddy and torn as if he’d just completed some sort of grueling physical task “Easy now! Watch where you’re walking girl!” this man who is accompanied by three other men who clothes are equally as filthy as his if not worse make their way past Netto without batting an eye. With each individual wielding some type of tool in their hands, a telescope, a map, and one carrying what seems to be a knife. These three are most likely the members of the Town Scouts also known as the Teisatsu a small reconnaissance team comprised of male and female citizens whose job it is to travel outside of the walls to survey the land and alert the head Maiden if there’s any trouble, and are yet another component of the “Shuran Guard.” and as they walk past they can be overheard talking amongst themselves.


“No threats today, thank goodness…Lady Izumi and the Champion don’t need to worry.”


“I only wish every day were like this.”


“You can say that again.”

This Champion the scout speaks of is the town guardian who’s job is to protect the village and its people. A young woman named Asuka Atsuki who was anointed as Champion after saving the village from an evil witch. However, after the most recent attack on the village, there has been some derision between the townsfolk and the current champion. Which could be evident by some of their ramblings as well as the water damage that could be spotted on the nearby buildings with debris being cleaned up by other members of the village.

“Let us hope no misfortune befalls us today, may the Kai’s help us should the day prove otherwise.” Says an older village gentleman under his breath as he walks past with his son, a respectable Geki dressed in male Shaman garb. “Have you no faith in the champion?” says the young man to his father “I have more faith in Izumi keeping us safe then I do our so-called “Champion.” The older gentleman retorts.
 
The distrust of the villagers aside, These structures of power keep the village running smoothly, with each member of the “Shuran Guard” having a specific role to play. The Miko and Geki Shamans oversee the internal affairs of Shura village while The Teisatsu are responsible for traversing outside the walls to keep watch on its surroundings and in the event of danger, call upon and/or alert their leader the Champion. Which In doing so allows the head priestess Maiden Izumi to attend to keep a level head in order to better attend to the needs of the citizens together these 4, The Shamans, Teisatsu, Champion Asuka and Maiden Izumi together make up the theocratic political council known as "The Shuran Guard." And together see to the safety of Shura village. And with the looming threat of a potential beast on the horizon, Netto should seek them out as soon as possible. However, he must tread carefully and try his best not to cause a scene for the villagers have a tendency to be a bit jumpy given their recent turmoils lately.

But now being presented with three different options of individuals to speak too who would he choose, sure only of them must know.

 The two young girls, surely if they had enough time to gossip about Netto surely they might know where their village leaders are?

The hard-working if not fatigued members of the Teisatsu?

The Old man and the young Shaman who argue over their opinions on the safety of the village being provided by the Champion and Lady Izumi.

Hopefully, Netto can receive the information that he seeks.

[WC = 927] 

As the young girl sees Netto approach her she looks to him with a degree of amusement trying to hold back a laugh. “Oh yeah…?” She says with a giggle. “And what’s the bad news? Your outfit.” She says stifling her laughter, however after a moment she and her friend could no longer hold it in and just began laughing at him hysterically. “The homeless dress better than this guy.” One of them says as they gasp in between their fit of laughing hysteria. “Hey have some respect would ya!” says the darkest haired member of Teisatsu who watches their utter disrespect from afar with his commandeering attitude he must be the leader of the squad. The two girls then stick their tongues out at the man. He then directs his attention to Netto “Listen, stranger, I’m Ozu, leader of this team if you’re looking to warn us of danger we’d be more than happy to take you to see the Champion. If she believes you then we can move forward but until then we can’t simply take you on your word.” As he says this one of the other members begins to speak. “Just follow us.” The quartet then departs, with the two girls returning to their laughing fit as Netto and the Scout troops walk away. “How shameful.” Says the young male Shaman. “Youth these days.” Remarks his father.


As the group head away and the day begins to turn to dusk with the sunset quickly descending upon them, they arrive at the steps to a large shrine in front of it a massive red gate known as a “Torii.” The cornerstone of the village. But before they begin their ascent Ozu stops and looks towards one of his teammates. “Here take this back to the Barracks to let them know our work is done. We can take it from here.” Ozu says handing him a sheet of paper, with a recon report attached. Ozu then looks towards the red holy gate and begins his ascent. “Come along.” He says to Netto As he begins to head up the stairs, careful to walk up its sides rather than the center. as this would be seen as an insult to the gods. Upon reaching the top Ozu and his last accompanying Teisatsu member stop to cleanse themselves in front of a small fountain in front of the gate washing their hands, eyes, and mouth’s before each ringing a small bell on the end of the fountain and observing a moment of silence to mentally recite a prayer, both members holding a set of beads in their hands. As the final member finishes, they turn around and look towards Netto. “Your turn.” They say as they await for Netto to perform the rite. One of them even goes as far to hand him their beads for Netto to recite a prayer. However, he is in no way obligated to do so. But at the same time, it’d be rude to decline the offer without providing an explanation. With all eyes on him now what will be his response?


Should he take them and recite the ritual?


Or should he respectfully decline?



[WC= 538 words.]



[WC Total: 1,465]

After the prayer had been completed the men Walked in alongside Netto beside the shrine there was a small building beside it, that read office of the head priestess. However upon entering inside Ozu found no one, her office was vacated and on her desk a note read. “Out from office.” Ozu then exited the room with a sigh. “Well, it would appear Lady Izumi is unavailable.” Ozu says with a disgruntled sigh. “I think I know where she is, probably with—” as he says this a young woman dawning a dark-colored martial arts uniform with white tape wrapped tightly around her hands and feet. and a white headband rings the prayer bell and finishes the entrance ritual she seems quite young not even 20 years old but at least 18 years of age and carry’s a very strong presence about her. “Champion Asuka!” The two Teisatsu bow before her as she walks inside and looks to everyone the tails of the headband wrapped around her head blowing in the wind. “Hey, what’re you guys doing here is something wrong…?” she says still not used to how she gets treated by some of the villagers.

“Where’s Izumi?” Ozu and his subordinate look up to her dumbfounded. “We thought she was with you?” they say. Asuka seems a tad confused “No? Why would she be with me?” “She left a sign that said she was out of her office at the moment and we know how close you two are…” She then gives a knowing look and places a hand on her hip. “Wait a minute, Let me guess she has a sign in her office that says “Not in right now.” right.” Asuka says. The two Scouts nod still not having lifted their heads up “Well, Yes actually…” Ozu replies with his subordinate nodding in affirmation. Asuka laughs to herself. “I thought so…I know where she is see you guys.” She says making an about-face turning to head back down the stairs. But as she turns to leave Ozu calls out to her “Wait, Champion Asuka, before you go there’s a man who has come to see you.” Ozu says looking to Netto. Asuka looks behind her spotting Netto who she failed to notice initially “Oh Hello! I’m sorry I didn’t see you there. Gomen-nasai!” She says as she apologizes and politely bows to him. “Would you like to join me in my search for the Head Maiden? I’m certain she’d want to hear from you. If Ozu had to go through all the trouble of bringing you here it must be important.” She says in a respectful tone. “Pleased to meet you I’m Asuka by the way. Asuka Atsuki.”

[WC = 460]



[WC Total = 1,925]

As the two walk through the streets, Asuka listens intently. “I see…some sort of demon creature, huh. That does sound serious. Izumi sure did pick a good time to go for a walk. She’s usually not supposed to leave her office without a bodyguard, but I guess she got a bit angsty. I honestly don’t blame her that office is so cramped and this isn’t the first time she’s done this either. Normally we meet up three times a day, once in the morning so I can escort her to her office, occasionally once in the afternoon should she choose to go out and get lunch, and once at night to get her home." As she walks along she puts her hands on her hips thinking back to some of Izumi's personality traits somewhat rambling on. "I don’t always like to be super formal about it so we choose to walk instead of carrying her around in a palanquin like a lot of other royals in small villages like ours. Izumi is a very down to Earth girl I’m sure you’ll like her and she’ll definitely want to hear about this. Sorry, I'm rambling that's not like me.” She says looking to Netto.


Meanwhile


Out towards the entrance to the village, a young woman walks through a forest in a very formal set of purple robes this woman is the missing head maiden Izumi who walks amongst the trees in the forest looking about at all the scenery she never gets a chance to experience holed up in her office.  As she takes her steps admiring nature and it’s many surroundings suddenly two members of the Teisatsu dawning camouflage appear before her as if they’d come from thin air. “We’re sorry Lady Izumi, but we cannot allow you to progress any further. It’s dangerous for you to be out here alone, where’s the Champion shouldn't she be guarding you?” Izumi tried to speak however just before she could do so Asuka’s voice could be heard in the distance. “Izumi there you are!” Izumi turns about spotting her and her new found friend. “I can take it from here you two.” Asuka says placing her hand on Izumi’s shoulder. One of the scouts looks to her with disdain and scoffs."You should've already been here, Champion." one of the members says chastising her. He then continues  “Suppose lady Izumi had gotten hurt what then—” “Enough!” Izumi interjects. “I left the village of my own accord, the Champion is not at fault. I will not have you criticize her for an action I chose to make!” The two scouts immediately go silent. “She lays down her lives for you every day, and I will not see her disrespected. Apologize and return to your duties you should be ashamed.” The two scouts humbled bow to their maiden embarrassed by having been reprimanded by their villages most respected leader. “Our apologies, Champion Asuka.” The two young men say in unison,  and afterward, the two perform a quick hand sign and vanishing from sight returning to their work. Asuka herself blushed out of embarrassment herself. "Geez, she didn't have to go that far...thanks Izumi." Asuka thinks to herself. After they depart, Izumi takes a moment to compose herself wiping the indignant scowl of her face she then turns to face Asuka and Netto “Sorry about that, It’s good to see you Asuka. My apologies for leaving my office ahead of schedule I needed some fresh air who's your companion here?”  “Don’t worry about it, Izumi this is Netto, he’s come a long way to meet you." She scans Netto up and down, getting an odd vibe from him. “There’s something foreboding about this man.”  Izumi thinks to herself. "I figured I’d bring him out here to meet you he brings us a warning.” Izumi’s face then turns to a more serious expression trying her best not to look worrisome. “Nice to meet you, Netto what news do you bring? Are we in some sort of danger…?”


(695 words.)

(WC Total = 2,620)

Upon witnessing the tremendous power of the Snake first hand, Asuka could immediately sense the danger's that came with keeping Izumi in it's presence and so she heeded Netto's warning and takes Izumi to the safety of the Shuran gate where she is then guarded by two members of the Teisatsu high above safe from the Snake. But just before the champion can speak she hears a crash and sharply turns her head back only to bear witness to Netto getting violently slammed into the wall by the menacing serpent causing debris to break off and shatter against the ground below. “Izumi, stay here, look after her you two.” The youth says in a stern tone. The two men nod in affirmation, and with them now having their orders. Asuka then sets out to aid Netto leaving her priestess in the care of the Teisatsu. But right after leaving Izumi would then feel a tug on her bracelet, this then prompts Izumi to walk towards the edge of the ledge and look down at her surroundings in order to see what could be causing the disturbance. Upon looking the first that she sees is the Snake who appears to have his fangs firmly planted in Netto's flesh. And Netto himself who is covered in dust, debris, and blood and has his ankle benk at an uncomfortably awkward angle. A sight that would only serve to leave Asuka somewhat astonished that he survived and upon arriving at the scene now able to see the damage up close Asuka is speechless at the sight of  his grisly wound particularly the odd contortion of his ankle as it sticks out of the side of the mouth of the serpent the teeth with it's teeth leaving a sizeable hole in his flesh. “Netto…by the kai.” She cries out kneeling down toward him. There is a pause and after a moment the young man begins to speak.

"I need some serious help" "I know this is gonna sound weird, I have supernatural powers, but they are tied to eating raw meat. If you can find something for me to eat my boosted strength and yours may be able to get this thing off me before It wakes up and starts throwing me around more. I really don't think the two of us alone can do it as I was already in a weakened state before I entered the village and now with these injuries, I'll be lucky to even lift a teacup let alone this damn things jaw."

Initially, she didn’t understand at first but ran into town anyway to fulfill the bizarre request and as she fled the scene Izumi witnessed Asuka leave and seemed rather confused by Netto’s words. “Raw meat?” she thought “What would he need that for, and why is Asuka following through with it if she can’t face him the serpent must be even tougher than I thought, perhaps it’s demonic! Yes of course!”

Meanwhile back in town, Asuka scans the village bazaar only to spot a peddler in the street with a large cart filled with raw meat, approaching it in haste as the man struggled to carry it into town “Excuse me sir that's a large haul you have there, allow me to take that off your hands!” Asuka simply hands the man a small golden coin, which may seem paltry at first but is actually a rather rare form of currency given out within the village as evidenced by the mans enthralled reaction upon realizing what he had been given for a simple cart of raw meat. He shook his head in disbelief. "But champion this is a..." "Please it's no trouble take it." the older gentlemen seemed to be on the verge of tears he then merrily headed on his way. After waving him off, Asuka raised up the cart from off of the ground and proceeded to make her way over to Netto. “I brought what you asked, I don’t fully understand what you want with it, however, wouldn’t getting you a medic be more beneficial?” She takes a piece of meat and feeds it to her downed ally placing it near his mouth. Izumi watches the exchange from afar and she and the Teisatsu members all collectively cringe as she stuffs the uncooked food into his mouth. “What is she doing…” says one of the men. “How disgusting.” Says the second.

As she feeds him the uncooked meat Asuka, would occasionally glance to the Snake cautiously hoping it wouldn’t twitch or convulse at any moment. During this Izumi’s bracelet then began to tug in the direction of Netto as he slowly consumed his food. Izumi would gasp and the member of the Teisatsu would notice her demeanor as well. “Lady Izumi?” they would say. “There is a grand evil down there…but I’m not sure if it’s just that devilish serpent…” she’d think to herself. “Lady Izumi what’s wrong?” The men would look to her even more worriedly. “Asuka!” she’d cry, as a means of warning her of her discovery of Netto's dark energies, but it was it had already begun and while Asuka was not able to feel the rise in power level she was aware that something was changing and in her mind not for the better as she looked to Netto horrified at the startling rise in power. "What's going on...I've never felt anything like this, this is insane!."

(WC 923 words.)

(WC Total: 3,543)

Upon seeing Netto’s transformation Asuka seemed mortified by his startling change in power. And as he easily dispatched the Snake she didn’t know what to think. “You’re a demon…” She seemed meek uncertain of what to think unable to find the words. She’d never encountered such a presence before it was like witnessing a fairy tale come to life. “But you prayed at the shrine, you should be burned or marred or purified! You’re lying!” she cries out. “I let you into out village…! I…” As Asuka continues to suffer from her mental breakdown Izumi begins walking behind her. “Asuka it’s alright…” Asuka looks back at Izumi. “Izumi…” two of the Teisatsu stand guard as she approaches the two. “While I am startled by the prospect of a demon it is quite evident that thought the power within his body is demonic the will of the man holding it back is pure. It is for this reason that he was not purified by the power of the shrine. For the demons inside have not overtaken him. Besides, there was no way you could've known” Asuka then turns to Izumi. “But still I…” Izumi raises her palm and shoots her a reassuring gaze. “Enough. You did your duty well Champion.” Asuka then looks back at Netto. “He’s so strong he dispatched that Snake without issue…and just think…this is what I’m expected to keep them all safe from…” after a moment she looks away and there’s a pause and Asuka prepares to speak “I--” just then she is interrupted by one of the members of the Teisatsu. “Lady Izumi it could still be potentially dangerous out here, I suggest we regroup towards the wall to further strategize.” Izumi nods. “Come along everyone, Enma is right it is not safe.” She and her two guards begin departing. “Come along, Champion you as well Netto.” Izumi says. Asuka remains silent as she walks with Netto clearly perturbed by the days' events. Upon arriving to the top of the wall the duo sits in a circle with Ozu the leading member of the Teisatsu on one side, Asuka off to the left side, and Netto off to the right. "So the two of you have seen this beast first hand, would either of you happen to have a strategy on how to deal with it. At this rate a second attack feels inevitable, what could it want? Any ideas?" Asuka opens her mouth to speak but seems less than hopeful in her words. "As far a motive maybe it's hungry? And well as far as strategy goes... maybe we could try to restrain it and then see if we could find the source of its power Netto had...mentioned something about a demonic artifact within the beast Right?" She says look to Netto along with Ozu both of them waiting for an answer. As this goes on, however, Izumi who is in the third seat looks to Asuka noticing something was off about her. "Asuka's usual can-do attitude seems to have faded. I wonder what's wrong. This isn't like her."  Asuka looks over to her matching her gaze and did her best to look strong in front of her as not allow Izumi to notice any signs of doubt within her, even though deep down she was feeling rather unoptimistic. 

(WC: 566)



(WC Total: 4,109)

As the group looked to Netto, and Netto looked to Izumi. Izumi looked to the Teisatsu leader Ozu. “We cannot risk the villagers, Ozu can you gather some men and Asuka, can you lead them.” The two of them nodded. “Yes, Lady Izumi.” The duo both say nodding to her.


Some time later, Asuka, Ozu, and about a dozen Teisatsu members stand by the gate awaiting the arrival of the Snake. Asuka and Ozu stand in the front line, after a moment the Snake arrives Asuka witnesses Netto’s movements. “What power!” she says to herself as she witnesses him effortlessly smash the snake to the ground.


“Tie it down now!” Netto calls out


Upon hearing Netto’s call out, Asuka, Ozu, and the Teisatsu charge the snake to ensnare the beast with a set of ropes. “On me everyone! Pull!” They all tug at the cords of the rope in order to restrain the Snake that wails as the tight binds create a burning sensation of friction against its reptilian skin. As the snake is held in place. Asuka watches as the Snake begins to shrink in size as Netto absorbs it’s energy As it shrinks and the rope loosens up the snake slowly becomes nothing but a brown husk as the energy is drained from its body. After it’s reduced to near nothing, Asuka looks to it before Ozu asks “Is it deceased?” he asks. Meanwhile back atop the wall Izumi looks down and can no longer sense dark energy emitting from the creature. “So…its finished then…” she says to herself. “Good job men!” Ozu calls out turning to the Teisatsu members who rejoice alongside her. “Hurrah!” they all shout.”


After a few moments.


Asuka notices the men flocking around Netto. “What strength how did you perform such feats!” says one. “We are grateful for your assistance!” says another. Looking on from a distance Asuka was glad to see that the village was safe now however, she couldn’t help but feel as though she had still let everyone down. Saving the village was supposed to be her job and there was no way she could stack up to someone as powerful as Netto. He was leagues above her in strength and as a result the gap in their skill had caused the champion to question herself could she really keep this village safe, when are enemies that are so much stronger than her out in the world? but as her doubts came to a head she felt someone tugging on her shoulder. “You did well, Champion.” Asuka turned about to see Izumi standing beside her. Her self-doubt somewhat washed away by her presence. She responded with a smile and a quiet sigh of relief. “Everyone!” Ozu calls out, getting the attention of the remaining members of the Teisatsu. “I believe a celebration is in order. Netto, your contributions to our village have been greatly appreciated and should not go without reward!” Izumi walks over to Netto along with Asuka and the two bow their heads to him out of respect. “I agree, your actions have made you a valuable ally to our village. How can we ever repay you?” Izumi asks.


(WC: 539 words)

(WC Total: 4,648)

As Asuka is pulled away with Netto into a secluded part of the forest. She seems a tad silent. “I’m not sure what questions I have but if there is one thing I’m curious about it’s well…what are you…? I’ve never seen anything like you before.” Asuka examined him up and down. “I’m not used to people with massive strength just coasting around. I’ve only read about guys like you in books. How’d you get so strong? You have strength I could only dream of.” She says these words half of it with enthusiasm, however, the last sentence seems to be a tad melancholy. “I want to be able to protect these people but until I’m as strong as you I’m just a burden." Asuka then hangs her head. "I would’ve died if you hadn’t shown up and on top of that the people are beginning to lose their faith in me. Maybe having someone stronger here might make everyone feel safer and take the pressure off of me, I want to help them but I don’t know if that’s a promise I can keep...and if I stay here I’ll never be able to get stronger, I’ll only become a burden to these people." she then balls her fist out of frustration "Truth be told I never wanted this job in the first place it just sort of happened and now I’m just running away from it. Some champion I am.” As Asuka says these words, in the trees Izumi happens to overhear them as she passes by in search of her. Asuka's platitudes cutting deep within the priestess. Izumi, feeling a pain in her chest upon hearing the prospect that her champion may be leaving the village and possibly leaving her as well.

(WC: 312)

(WC Total: 4,960) 

As Asuka reflects on Netto’s words she stops to think but then recognizes a name “Atreus.” her eyes perk up. “Wait you know Atreus? Whoa!? He's my hero!” She grabs Netto's gloves. “Wait did you train with him!?” a sparkle in Asuka's eyes can be seen as she recalls her memories of watching him fight when she and her orphanage friends would see him in tournaments. “Wait, I might get to train with him! And I can be strong like you! That’d be amazing I…” as she continues to speak she overhears the sound of a piece of wood snapping. Behind the trees, Izumi stands anxiously behind a tree, as the sandal on her foot splits a twig in two as she prepared to leave. Asuka knew only one person would come looking for her in a situation like this and as such. Asuka hung her head once again. “Listen if you’re serious I’d love to join you but I have a few things I need to take care of first. I’ve got a few goodbyes’s to give and bags to pack. Can I meet you here tomorrow morning?” She looks up at Netto a somber tone in her voice. Izumi gulped and ran off. Asuka turned her head following the sounds of her footsteps.



Later that night, Asuka can be seen packing a small rucksack with the robes she arrived in. And blew out the candle to the room where she had been staying for almost a month. As she shuts the door at the crack of dawn to leave out she feels a palm on her shoulder, she looks back only to see Ozu and the other members of the Teisatsu before her. “Ozu…?”



“We had heard you were leaving, we wanted to say good-bye.”



Ozu bows to her along with the rest of the members of the Teisatsu division who kneel before her.



“In the short time we have come to know you the men and I have been very inspired by your courage and combat aptitude. We will do our best to fill your shoes.”



Asuka stunned silently acknowledges him with a bow of her own.



“Thank you men it was an honor working with you guys.”



“Thank you Champion Asuka!” the men and Ozu say in unison.



Asuka nods to them trying not to tear up. Suddenly the silent scuffle of footsteps can be heard as Izumi arrives. The Teisatsu then turn their heads and acknowledge her with the same level of enthusiasm.



“Good morning! Lady Izumi!” each of the men say.



“Good morning Ozu, good morning men.” Izumi says, she then looks to Asuka.



“Asuka, do you mind if I we take one last walk around the village before you depart?” Izumi’s eyes meet Asuka’s a bittersweet moment for both of them knowing that they may never see each other again after today. Asuka spots her gaze and nods She looks to Asuka, Asuka has trouble looking back but nods.



“Of course, I’d like that...” Asuka says cracking a small smile.



As the duo walk down the streets many of the townsfolk who see Asuka are aware that it is her last day and they greet her accordingly all tossing good-bye’s at her and waving her off. While Asuka acknowledges them with smiles and bashful thank you’s. Izumi gives Asuka a long hard look out of the corner of her eye. “If only you could stay...what will we do without you...what will I do without you...” As the two embark on a final tour of the village leading them to the gate the two stop and look out at the forest in front of it.



“He should be here any moment now.” Asuka says, as the wind blows by and Asuka reflects on her time in the village she turns her head to Izumi


“Izumi...thank you...had you not saved my life during that battle I fought earlier, I might not be able to be standing here right now. I greatly appreciate all you’ve done for me, and in this short month you’ve really made Shura village feel like a home for me.”

.

“Thank you Asuka, you’re contributions to our village will not be forgotten. It pains me to see you leave, promise you’ll return to us the village will feel quite empty without you.”



Asuka’s nods to her and smiles.



“Of course! Thank you Izumi...thought it wasn't my destiny to stay here forever. I’m glad I got the chance. I’ll be sure to return and pay the gods my respects.”



Izumi seems rather heartbroken grasping Asuka’s hand her face holding back a levy of tears, as she rubs the whites of Asuka’s taped hands.



“Be sure that you do...safe travels.” Izumi says shutting her eyes to recite a small prayer for her friend.



"Always, don't worry I'll be back. You were a good friend." Asuka nods and her hand slips from Izumi’s grip. As Izumi watches Asuka’s back turn to leave the village, unable to hold out on her emotions any longer the priestess lets out a few tears.



“Good-bye my love...come back safe.” Izumi thinks to herself



“Good-bye Izumi...I’m sorry I couldn’t return your feelings…”



Meanwhile, as Asuka walks away her face crumples as she too lets out a few tears, crestfallen that she had to leave Izumi behind with her unrequited feelings.



After a moment she bumps into Netto who stands by a tree in the forest, she wipes the tears from her eyes and bows to him.



“I’m ready when you are Netto Sensei…”



She then lifts her head and remembers something.



“Although I do have somewhere to stop off first, mind if we make a quick stop on the way to meet the rest of the team?”



And so with Shura village now tearfully behind her, Asuka continues on her journey of self-improvement having learned that no matter how mighty someone is there will always be someone better, and that sometimes it never hurts to have a little help.
With these lessons at heart, Asuka sets out with her new master in order to embark on a new chapter in her life.

As she heads off, Izumi can be seen waving Asuka off as daybreak sets in with Ozu coming behind her to reassure her that everything will be just fine.

(WC: 1084)

(WC Total: 6,044)