Summary:

She hadn't reached that stage yet. But time and tide waits for no one.

Especially for those have lives like them, it's a real luxury.

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Aoi loves to throw herself into the wild where there is not even a single human appreared.

Many years ago, it had been just a strange hobby of an active, freedom-loving girl, who had been excessively curious about everything in the world. But, over time, especially after the losses in family she'd experienced at such a young age, it'd changed, to become a strange desire, a need, or a wish, to isolate herself from the troubles between people, from unnecessary ties or relationships in society. In short, she was almost on the verge of becoming an antisocial.

And over the years, aspects of the concept of "freedom" in her thinking have also gradually changed. Now, what Aoi considered "being free", has become... a lot more open than before, to a degree so wild, and terrifyingly naked, in any sense that anyone who knows about this side of her can even imagine.

From just running, climbing, breathing quickly while surfing across the grasslands, Aoi began to think of free-falling, from the sky-high old trees, with the posture looked not really safe for a eight years old young lady.

After realizing that luxuriant foliage and branches were still too many unnecessary protections, she began to aim for other goals. After a while, the choice this time was the cliffs, where nothing can hold her, right below was the fast flowing stream, since she didn't want to be in unharmed situation anymore.

And then, throwing herself from the sheer cliff into the cold water so hard, to the point it felt like enough to tear apart the flesh of an adult, that was not enough, because she no longer trusted in any material object, or any other clothing on the body. And... yes, in the end, that 10-year-old girl, with a grand desire to feel as much pain, coldness, and excitement as possible, something was too much to make an adult passed out, threw herself for the first time down below, with a thin, naked body, and almost felt Death touch the back of her neck as soon as she was successfully drifted ashore a moment later.

Since then, Aoi has considered it the most enjoyable game of her life. And started to tweak it a little bit, to be a unique kind of practice, that no kid her age had the guts to do.

Still have to throw herself with the same conditions as the original, but before each jump, she must always wait until at least one fish, or any school of fish, swim over, then rushed down to hunt them with a wooden spear prepared in advance.

As soon as it hit the surface of the water and shattered the direction of everyone's movement, wiping away the pain from the impact, the waves blocking the view, and the feeling of suffocation when surrounded by the cool, slanting currents of water. As many of them as possible, bring them ashore for dinner, and repeat the process until the day's quota is fulfilled.

...Yes, it was something that sounded really like an idiot and lacking of sense. But to Aoi, that thing attracted her like the way honey kills flies.

Because she didn't like to rely on her own advantages, or mere skills, to hunt creatures that were clearly below her. That feeling when she herself was at a disadvantage in the cold, as they struggled in the air after the two sides met, made the confrontation much more fair, and those efforts would be much more meaningful.

Come to think of it, maybe it was partly due to being involved in that game as just a child, Aoi was really used to facing enemies that could single-handedly stir up the great ocean just by waving. Waves slapping or suffocating on the battlefield is no longer a problem for this ninja girl, because after hundreds of times dropping herself into the unknown, unless they cut off her head, if there were still teeth to bite weapons and take them up, Aoi would not stop crossing the sea to move forward.

So, sometimes on days when she wants to get away from everyone, for whatever reason she might get caught up in: Airi doesn't come to the house to play due to work, Airi gets injured from fights she's careless , Airi is too close to a certain scowl... (yes, Aoi likes Airi), the young ninja girl just keep do the same thing like that, letting go of all attachments both mind and on body, plunge straight into that fast-flowing stream, enjoy the water and the unbearable slap of mother nature for her. She used to spend hours immersed in the hunt like a roam, like a wild animal that couldn't belong anywhere else but the deep, secluded forests.

*

But then, in recent days, that indescribable boiling feeling gradually left her, too.

"Damned..."

Aoi whispered, while drifting aimlessly on the stream where there weren't any fish swimming anymore. Looking up at the sky, where the sun had not yet reached its peak, she let out a sneeze that didn't sound feminine at all, wondering when she had become so weak, about to feel cold just from being naked in the water, after falling at least twenty times from the top of that cliff.

...Or maybe someone is talking about me. Aoi thought to herself, but quickly dismissed that speculation. Now the whole island was in a messier than her house, exactly when Airi was still struggling to keep her from bathing, how could anyone have time to take care of her? That little jungle girl?

Unless, it's the kind of mindless person who only knows his own sense of self, and an absolute disregard when it comes to his place in the eyes of others...

In other words, a super-stubborn person, exactly like her.

Him.

The image of the person she wanted to avoid meeting the most right now suddenly flashed in Aoi's mind, causing her to suddenly startle with memories that were not very pleasant, and almost lost it, then sink into the cold water...

After a few seconds of struggling to ignore what she was reminded of, she slowly raised her right hand to the sky, watching the skin on it flushed red from the impact in silence.

"Absolutely not the same."

...The moment she had been thrown into the distance by that familiar hand, she knew completely well, that the thing that had been trying to stop her from going any further, was no longer the person she once knew.

It was not the first time in her life she witnessed Sorrow's Edge fight. In fact, about four or five times, they've been on the same front (let's say, because even liking him or not, they're still all islanders) facing off against the enemy on a distant battlefield. And strangely, she could always see his every moves, every actions, no matter how far he went or how many enemies surrounded.

But that day, everything was completely different.

That dry chicken tree, is no longer there. The only thing that takes its place, is a missing part, or an extra part, of something much larger. (1)

Next, it's him. No more sound, no more afterimages. The whole thing seemed to become a mist, dissolving into the air and disappearing without a trace.

All Aoi could see after that, was unimaginable...

The distant ocean opened its huge mouth again and again, surging up and devouring each and every one of her tumultuous seas of enemies, then spitting out cold, dying bodies that had not resistance, before continuing to swallow them into the deep darkness of below. (2)

And it dawned on Aoi, that in a sense, she was right.

All this time, he had never really fought.

No one can fight anything, with no fighting spirit, or killing intent.

He was just trying to protect them. Or rather, try to keep them from being killed. And the only way to do that, like a joke, is to kill the enemy.

No, it's even worse...

Those beasts, he does not look them as his enemies.

They are, accidentally or not, still just rocks on his way, so he's kicked them. And that's all.

*

...After listening to Sorrow's Edge reciting a poem that even she did not understand, and waiting for the wine having completely disappeared beneath the calm sea, they brought Yuichi back, and he insisted that she go first at all costs.

Of course, she had no reason to refuse, or rather, she didn't have the mind or energy to do so. Enough crazy things have happened that day. And, even though she was only a child, she understood that there was no need for this chaos to continue, and just obediently took each step with her friend's cold body in her arms.

Behind her, was him, following her every step, at an almost constant speed and distance all the way.

At first, she still couldn't understand the reason for this strange request. But after realizing the distance between the two hadn't changed with their every step, she almost held her breath at that conclusion.

Two meters and four.

It was the most effective swing he could make with that blade, the distance at which the speed and power of the attack would be maximized upon impact.

He was still keeping her within range. Or rather, the place where he would be able to immediately protect her, even though there were no more enemies in this place now.

...They kept walking, until the figures in the distance began to approach from the island. It's Airi and the others.

When their eyes met, Aoi immediately averted her gaze in the other direction. Partly because she didn't want to hear any more reprimands, partly because she knew full well that she wouldn't be able to bear to see the worry in her sister's eyes.

But, instead, all she got in return...

"Airi?"

...was a sudden hug, squeezing her small body, to the point of making her feel like she wanted to suffocate.

Even without knowing what she needed to do, her lips began to move something. Not excuses, blunt arguments, but something else...

"I'm fine, Airi. I'm fine. You don't have to..."

"Never do that again."

"But..."

"Never."

Words like a cold blade were uttered, from the lips next to her ear, and the tight hug, making Aoi shiver, but also so relieved and warm. She knew, that Airi was the type of hen that would do anything to protect her chicks, but it had been a long time since she'd been cared for by her sister in such a... fierce, and strict way, like today.

And then, as if hypnotized, she too slowly hugged her sister.

"Ok..."

Those hands that could only hold weapons, began to gently caress the small back of the person who was trembling tightly holding her. Partly to comfort, partly to apologize.

...Suddenly, a series of footsteps as light as the wind, swept past the two of them, and headed towards the person standing behind her. It's Hayate.

Due to getting too deep into the embrace with Airi, Aoi was unable to keep up with the movements, as well as the subsequent exchange of words between the two of them. Everything is just fleeting, vague and confusing sounds.

"You opened the Spellbound."

Apparently, Hayate was extremely nervous. Don't know for what reason.

"They won't be happy to hear about this. Neither Sir Hanzo nor Senior."

"I know. So I'll take the initiative to tell them first..."

...A moment of silence passed between the two of them.

"And, I will take responsible for this entire massacre."

And, perhaps it was just his imagination, but for just a moment, Aoi could hear Hayate's click of his tongue, along with a heavy sigh. She could even feel that he was looking at her suspiciously, and Airi was hugging her.

"It will happen again, won't it?"

"Right."

"It's only been two months since the last time. You think you can handle it?"

"I'll be fine."

"Then, I'll take Sir Hanzo. You take the Senior. Explain everything clearly to them."

Hayate stepped forward, patting his comrade on the shoulder, before uttering those last words.

"And... listen. This isn't your fault, nor the brat. None of us are responsible. So don't make it hard for yourself."

*

After soaking in the cool water for nearly an hour, Aoi finally accepted to leave, donned a dark ninja obi and sprinted through the forest.

She didn't need to wipe her body or brush her hair. After all, she had left her mother's hairpin at home before coming here, and dashing through this forest must have been more than enough for her to dry her whole body before she was even halfway back. And... no matter how messy her hair is, no one will be at home to scold her for grooming. So it's best to just go home, bake all this for lunch and dinner, and then take a nap until tomorrow morning...

...Sounds really lonely. But honestly, she was used to it by now. Living alone was never a problem for an Aoi so eccentric and different from everyone else. In fact, it was being alone like that that was the best way for her to find peace of mind.

Because if she had to accidentally witness a family coming home together, or have a warm meal, gather together on the island, she would probably jump into the stream on the other side of the cliff again. And this time, not for fun.

The only problem she had right now, was the empty feeling she had right now. Or rather, a mixture of mixed emotions, to the point where they couldn't be separated clearly, and left her unable to feel anything, or do anything at all.

Is Aoi feeling jealous?

Yes.

... Because deep inside, no matter how many times she witnessed crazy things in the battlefield outside there, she never once thought that the ocean also had a mouth.

And she also never thought that a human could make it do such unrealistic things, and still be able to keep her composure.

Like the way a farmer washes away the dirt, after a day's work in the field. Relax, and take it easy. Feeling... so peaceful.

Not a single ninja on the island fought the way he did, as he had shown her that day. Even the Hanzos, who had honed their skills beyond the master level, and were able to brawl with even the fiercest of Sea Monsters, still have more limits waiting for them. He is not.

And most importantly, what he did, or could do, he didn't love it at all, but also saw it as an already too normal part of everyday life, even though that was always a part of it negating his own beliefs. It was as if to him, killing was no longer just like eating three meals a day, but to the point of being like breathing.

The immutable arrogance that resists all arguments and conflicts with everything around, hiding under the guise of a seemingly innocuous person with violence, with that crazy power, has far surpassed from any of her basic notions of "the strong".

"Do you still think, that any acts of taking life should all be presumed as immoral, if there is no meaning to them?"

"Yes."

What did he have to go through, and what did he have to give up, to be able to achieve it?

And what should she do, to overcome him?

Does Aoi feel fear?

Yes, again.

For his existence, somehow, as a stern suggestion, reminded her to think once more about her desires right now.

Aoi had always wanted to become stronger and stronger. Every second of every minute that passed in her life, she was focused on that goal alone. But she never stopped to wonder, what would happen to her next?

Once she reached that level, would she become... inhuman like that?

Would she one day wear that stupid hairstyle, hold a weird gourd, and soak in things that sounded like they would haunt the children's dreams every night?

She doesn't know. And that, is what scared her.

Like the way all children are afraid of ghosts or darkness, the current Aoi, is afraid of the person she once hated, even though she didn't want to admit it.

She feared an existence beyond her common sense, even though ghosts and darkness were nothing compared to what she faced every day on the battlefield. And she was afraid of the fact that it was waiting for her at the end of this quest for power.

How can we both grieve for someone and hurt them, without even realizing the contradiction? Sounds like the thoughts of a hypocrite, or... a true madman.

What would mom and dad think, if one day, they saw her become someone like that?

Does Aoi feel... respect?

...Yes.

Even she herself wasn't aware of that feeling right now.

It's really hard to put into words, but sometimes, in vague moments, her chest tightens when she remembers those words.

"...I will take responsibility for this entire massacre."

If she had to give the most accurate description, the clearest thing she could say...

That was because, he reminded her of her father.

Although Yinya has always been a very quiet and stubborn person, she has a great attachment to protecting the lives of those around her, to the point of attaching little importance to her own worth above all else. For him, everyone should always be prioritized above all else, whether it is a comrade who was born and died together, or just met yesterday. He was always the first in every war, as well as the last to return when the end was over.

For him, the greatest failure in a warrior's life is not when they lose a battle, but when they can't walk on their own shinobi way.

He was very much like her father, from his stubbornness, to the confusing feeling of being around them. Like the way Yinya is less open-minded and afraid to communicate with people, the meaningless lyrics and strange feeling in that senseless guardian's actions make two of them all look like they are living in another realms, separated from the rest of the humanity world, their own worlds. Some strange place, where neither Aoi nor anyone else can reach, but can only stand outside, vaguely guessing about what is in their minds, even though there was really nothing to prove it.

But when there is an incident, not a word is uttered, like an instinct that has been ingrained in the blood, they will always hold their swords and rush ahead of everyone, and only return when the ones surviving all had a moment of reunion.

...For children, especially boys, what could make them prouder than having a father like that. Of course, that will be a model for them to follow, and someone they will forever respect. No matter how many tragedies, no matter what kind of pain comes to them, as long as that person remains intact with those good qualities, even though they are angry with the person, they will never deny the admiration.

The same thing happened to Aoi. It was even a little... more intense, when he was even a stranger, and one who was revered by countless people on this island. Even if it was in a way she didn't want at all.

Sometimes she wondered...

If he wasn't seen as a God by everyone, if they hadn't called him Sorrow's Edge...

Can they... become friends, or comrades, or something like that?

Will she be able to like him? Like the way she had always loved her father?

*

"This is not going anywhere..."

After returning home and piling up the last branches and dried leaves into a pile to prepare for the fire to grill fish, the forest ninja girl mumbled those words. Her heart still undaunted with the troubles that were difficult to explain by words.

Actually, there's a very simple way for Aoi to put an end to this whole mess right now: Have a decent talk with Tachi.

No matter how different their world views are, to him, she was always his comrade. And it wouldn't matter, if she contacted him once or twice, to clarify the above unanswerable questions, and end this empty chain of boredom once and for all.

But with Aoi, things were not so easy. She hates Tachi, and that hasn't changed. No matter how many questions were raised in his mind right now, for Aoi, access was completely impossible, let alone interaction.

...Besides, she didn't know what to say when they met.

[Long time no see]?

Absurdity. It's only been 17 days since they last saw each other.

[Aren't you dead yet]?

All right. But what will happen after that, while the previous sentence sounds like wanting to kick him off a cliff.

[Hi]?

It's too simple, and it doesn't suit their current situation at all.

...Okay, this is getting weird. Why does she have to bother with this like some teenage girls are choosing clothes for a date?

Annoyed, Aoi suddenly kicked across the pile of dead leaves on the ground, sat down, and buried her head in the pillow, silent for a long time.

"What the hell is going on with me anyway..."

She whispered.

"Well... that's consequences of not eating vegetables and often skipping meals for the past month."

"!!!"

...Suddenly, someone's familiar voice whispered through Aoi's ear, with the same feeling as if something heavy had just pressed on the top of her head.

The girl didn't turn to look, but that was clearly unnecessary.

After all, there was only one person on this island who cared enough to make it to this place, and to disturb her dreary solitude.

"Airi?"

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Notes:

(1): Aoi's reason at that time couldn't explain Song of Fang's inconsistent and monstrous form when it was unsealed, so she used the surrounding large objects (ocean and Tachi) to compare and reshape the true nature of the sword. It is the "missing part" of the oceans, due to the similarity in how the energy within them moves like an endless stream. At the same time, it is also the "extra part" of the wielder of this blade. It clearly does not belong to him, but it is in his hand and is always swept along with the pace as if they are one.

(2): How the waves accompanied and fought alongside Tachi. To Aoi, the ocean was then more than just an inanimate surface water tank, but like a massive beast baring its mouth (swirls) full of teeth (silver fringes) to swallow everything in its sight.