I observed my new katana, while my father stood in front of me. It was sharp, long, and looked like it was made of tamahagane. Turning it around, I noticed the symbol of the samurai on the white hilt. (The symbol is in the media) "Where did you get this, Father?"

He crossed his arms."This katana is a precious family heirloom, it was used by your mother to defeat 500 members of one of the biggest mafias in Japan. For the first time in her life, she was defeated that day, but the Bushi Syndicate won the battle because of her great sacrifice."

I nodded, having understood my father's words. In our clan, being defeated by someone from another yakuza group, means being kicked out of the clan. But, instead of forcefully removing them from our clan, we hold a farewell ceremony for them, where they are showered with gifts and allowed to leave properly. The gifts they receive are practical things, like clothes, blankets and basic items. Usually, some people close to the person who is leaving give them items that hold memories, like a mat they once dueled on, or a vase they had heavily admired. The people that give the items must replace them, but it is all in good meaning. Lastly, the Master of the syndicate bestows upon them a necklace with the yakuza symbol on it. It isn't made of fine material, but it lasts long, and many ex-yakuza members keep their necklaces until they die."What happened at her farewell ceremony?"

He smiled."Akira was a very optimistic person, when she left, almost the entire clan cried at her farewell ceremony. I wasn't one of them, I was heartbroken when she left, but I knew that you could give me the happiness she had given me."

I let a small smile appear on my face."I remember I gave her a picture of you, me and her at the ceremony. What did she do after she left?"

"Three years after she left, I was sent a letter from her. It said that she had learnt the art of fencing and had become a fencing teacher. I told you about it when I received the letter, don't you remember?"

I thought about it."Yes, you told me a very long time ago. I think I was five then."

"Yes, you were. Changing the subject, promise me you'll take good care of her sword." He said.

I smiled."I promise to treat my mother's katana with care until the day it is given to my descendant."

My father smiled."Kanojo, there's a reason I gave you her sword. Today is your 15th birthday, you are now the true heir to the Bushi Syndicate. Now, it is time for the party."

"Party?"

"The men insisted on throwing a party for you. Of course, Amai didn't help, she cheered the men on like a cheerleader." He muttered.

I laughed."That sounds like Amai. Let's go to the party, Father."

He smiled and we walked to the door, where I opened it, only to jump back in surprise. The men were surrounding the open area and all held a firework in their hand. Except for Amai, she was running towards me, both hands holding fireworks. She handed one to me."Here you go. Let's get this party started!"

All of a sudden, all the fireworks shot into the sky and exploded. The sight was beautiful and it brought a smile onto my face. My blonde best friend took my hand and grinned."Come on! Let's go!"

She started to pull me somewhere, I looked back at the men, who were all smiling. I smiled back and ran with my best friend.

After running for a few minutes, we reached a hill full of beautiful black gladiolus flowers, my favorite. Her blue eyes glinted in the moonlight.

"These are beautiful."

She smiled."I knew you would love them. The men and I planted these a couple months ago."

We walked to the edge of the hill, where the moon was shining beautifully."Happy birthday."

"Thank you." I replied.

She handed me a necklace with a silver chain and a yin and yang locket."We're like yin and yang, right? I'm the yang and you're the yin!"

I smiled."It's beautiful. I love it, I love you Amai."

"I love you too Kanojo."

We sat there, holding hands until midnight. (In a best friend way)