Arc I Chapter 4

Arc I Chapter 4

I

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Arc I Chapter 4

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Asami woke up early, rubbing her tired eyes. Today was Asami day. Today was her birthday, which was of course a very special day. Thus, she was excited to see what presents she would receive this year. Samako, her personal maid and confidant, helped her to get dressed in her favourite kimono. It might seem strange, but it was only natural that she possessed a maid. After all, she was a young and rich ojou-sama hailing from a wealthy family. A maid clearly befitted a girl of her standing.

After getting dressed, Asami navigated towards the living room with Samako accompanying her. Samako opened the door, allowing her to enter. Okaa-san was already awaiting her with a big smile on her face. Even her grandparents were present.

It was of course Okaa-san that handed her the first present of many to come. It was a golden hairpin made of pure gold.

“Oh ...” Asami marvelled. The hairpin was love on first sight, and she put it on immediately. It made her feel like a princess. At least, Okaa-san and grandmother said so. They must be right.

The second present was a porcelain doll. The doll was dressed in the same kimono just as she. Visitt novelbin(.)co/m for the latest updates

“...” Asami hugged her doll. It was her doll now. She had now one friend more, which made one friend in total. Regardless of how cheerful Samako was, she was her maid. And Okaa-san didn't count.

The third present was from her grandmother. It was a calligraphy set, consisting of brushes and ink. A reminder that an ojou-sama should never neglect her studies.

The fourth present was a box of delicious confectioneries wrapped in paper. Unfortunately and much to her disappointed, their existence was rather short lived as they were quickly consumed by her, Okaa-san, her grandparents, and Samako in a united effort.

The last present was once again from Okaa-san. It was another exquisite kimono.

“Oh ...” Asami was awed. Not that she needed another one, but you could never have enough of them. It was always better to have two kimonos rather than one kimono.

The presents satisfied Asami. They were good presents. Especially, the doll. And the kimono. And the hairpin. And the calligraphy set. And the box of confectioneries. But something was sorely missing, something important. Something she had long desired, but never received. A proper princess also needed a proper sword. She didn't. It was a circumstance that must be remedied forthwith!

Asami tugged at her mother's sleeves. “Okaa-san~... Okaa-san~... Okaa-san~...”

“Tch, if you think so, then prove your worth. Show me that you are capable of wielding a blade, and I might consider your request.” Mitsuzuka clicked his tongue, crossing his arms. He didn't believe in her, at all. In his eyes, she was nothing but a little girl, nothing but a spoiled and pampered little rich ojou-san. Admittedly, it was true that Okaa-san spoiled and pampered her all day, but that was beside point.

Asami grabbed one of the swords from the table. They were lying there in front of her, only waiting for her. The grip was sturdy. The blade well balanced. The steel didn't show any signs of impurities. The durability and hardness were adequate. The elasticity satisfactory.

Her hand swung her blade. It wasn't perfect, but it was good enough. And good enough sufficed.

“Asami-chan ...” Okaa-san held her hands, looking worried.

Mitsuzuka observed her. “Seems like you know at least how to swing a sword without hurting yourself.”

Asami tightened her grip on her blade, her gaze drawn to a nearby metal bar. It was lying around unused in the corner. “I guess that means that a little demonstration is in order ...”

Mitsuzuka raised an eyebrow. “Such as?”

Asami went and took the metal bar, ramming it directly into the ground. The bar dug into the soft earth. Unbeknownst to everyone, traces of purple chakra coated the edge of her blade.

Mitsuzuka didn't look convinced. “What are you trying to do there? Do you really think a metal bar will convince me ...”

Asami struck right in front of everyone. Her strike was swift and fast. In a single strike and in the blink of an eye, her blade sliced the metal bar apart. Imbued with chakra, her sword cut hardened steel like it was nothing. It was a diagonal upward cut. Her cut was clean.

...

...

...

Okaa-san clapped her hands, applauding. “Amazing, Asami-chan, you must be a natural talent.”

“... ... ...” Mitsuzuka fell silent, his eyes inspecting the sliced metal bar. He had seen many swordsmen come and go in his life. He all found them lacking in skill and dedication. They were nothing but a disappointment, wasting his time and blades alike ... To think that he would witness a girl this skilled in this day and age ... “I think that I can make an exception in your case ...”

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