Snippet #2284347

Silence invaded the space between them. Tension took to the air before Akimoto and the stress of a duel already filled his shoulders with a mild ache. The muscle of his arms tightened, and nervousness remained concealed beneath a stoic face. He wasn’t the only one to share in the ambiguousness, and in a way it brought comfort. Already he could feel their match beginning. Observations, planning, all of it was being done even should nothing come of this meeting. They were always considering preparations; ninja were never caught without a plan.

Then when all the apprehension ebbed from his mind, Akimoto snapped to attention returning to the steps of the office. He nodded in acceptance toward Aoyama. He wasn’t sure if the Scarlet Slash would return such eagerness.

“I will not lie to you Miyazaki-san. I want muketsu not only for the right to the mission, but to prove that you are unworthy.”

Calmly and perhaps with great audacity, Akimoto began to unsling the great nodachi from his back. There was no sheath and the long blade was bound in thick cloth, wrapped with silken ties and fastened lastly by rope. It was a weapon of important ceremony to the armored-nin the blade that had drank of blood before he was born. He hefted it gingerly and laid it lovingly against the office building.

“I believe you are a child still. That your talents will fail you, and the lives of those in your care will be endangered by such indulgence.”

A deep breath heaved through his chest. The air was still crisp and smelled of the earth and surrounding forest. His fingertips flowed down his armor, masquerading as a check for weakness or loose ends. In truth he was adjusting the kunai stashed beneath his garments for easy access. Honor dictated he could not draw his nodachi unless against a foe. He would require other methods of defense, and it was important to be ready.

“You will prove me wrong, or admit your incompetence.”