Arc VIII Chapter 8
<strong>VIII</strong>
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<strong>Arc VIII Chapter 8
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Senpai smiled. Her mood was superb. Every day was a goodday. Every day was a happy day with hercute little radiant sunshine at her side.Asami was less gloomy, less grumpy, and less abusive than usual, which Tobi approvedof.
His mistressstopped hitting himas shehad found a new victim for her affection, anew victim for her bottomless love, her cuddles, her huggles. It wasn''t Tobi.
Tobi witnessed a friendlier Asami, lesstyrannical, lessdespotic.Asami was a cruel mistress. Sheruledwith an iron fistovermon peasants like him, but her treatment of himimproved.She even mumbled ''thank you''when ordering him around, a definite improvement.
Yesterday,senpaieven praised Tobi.Hisprincess promoted his morning coffee from a hideous attempt on her life tobarelypotable.
Her lips smiled, and her smile was warm, dazzling, radiant. The ice in her heart finally thawed as the dawn of spring arrived. Her world turned bright again and sparse memories, fragments of her past returned.
Yuki had changed senpai. Asami doted on the girl. Their appearance was simr. Their behaviour was simr. Their way of speaking was simr. As if Yukiwasher longlost little sister, the sister she never had.
Asami hugged her plenty when asleep. Her arms enveloped the helpless girl and resistance proved futile, but the girl still refused to cooperate.Yuki continued to y thelittle obstinate princess. The girl sulked,puffedher cheeks, and crossedher arms indignantly.
The girl insistedthat she was taken hostage against her will bywless brigands like them, but she never tried to escape.Yuki obediently followed Asami, stalking senpai like a newborn kitten her mother.
The girl jumped, smiled, took senpai''shand whenever possible. The girleven reciprocated senpai''s hugs. Curious.
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Together they were marched across the snowy ins. The scenery changed little for days. Snow, snow, and more snow awaited them with no end in sight. The Land of Iron was a truly ghastly experience.
Asamiled the way, apanied by a certain girl. Yuki was wrapped in a fluffy woolenscarf to keep her warm.Tobi alreadyined that she never shared her scarf with him.
“...” Yuki tugged athersleeves.
Asami smiled. “Yes?”
Yuki asked, “Where are we going?”
Asami looked hurt. Her smile diminished. “Yuki-chan, whatdid I tell you that you should call me?”
Yuki realised her mistake and sighed in defeat. “Where are we going, ... Nee-san?”
Asami''s smile returned. Her handspinchedYuki''s cheeks with childish glee. “Good girl.”
Yuki didn''t fight back. It was useless. “Nee-schan, that hurtsh! Ssstop it.”
“...” Asami didn''t listen. Her smile broadened. Yuki was such an adorable child. Her cheeks were simply too soft and fluffy.
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Eventually, they arrived at their destination. Yuki slowed them down, but the loss of time was negligible.A castle of ice and stone roseat the horizon, situated on a hibove Shibayama, surrounded by icy wastnds.They passedthe gates and entered Shibayama.
The entire city was dead. The streets were empty and daily life had ceased. Winter reigned supreme and maintained an iron grip on the Land of Iron. No sane person challenged the frigid cold.
The castle was nothing spectacr, quite modest even for a local Daimyo, but thends were never known for their prosperity and wealth.
Yukimasked hergrowing anxiety, but her unease didn''t escape Asami. The ominous presence of the castleunsettled her. The ck walls terrified her.The girlgripped herhand. Her pulse raced.
Asami looked concerned. “Yuki-chan, is something bothering you?”
Yuki lowered her head, ignoring her innocuous question. “Nothing, nee-san. I just don''t feel well. That''s all.” Yuki lied, but Asami didn''t press matters further.
“Are you sure, Yuki-chan?Because Nee-sanis worried about her cute little sister.”
“Don''t worry, I am fine”,Yuki reassured her, but her griptightened.Yuki clenched her hand.
Asami epted her lie. “If you say so...”
“Halt!”Aguard halted them, pointing his spear in theirdirection.“Who are you? And what are you doing?”
The guard gave her an icy stare, amon urrence in the cold north. Her friend wasn''t alone. More guards joined, more samurai. Trained warriors, the Land of Iron''s finest, they honed their skills, their spirits for years,
Asami removedthe spear from her faceand deflected with a gentle smile. “No need to act rashly. Our intentions are peaceful. We don''t want to hurt anyone.”
The guard didn''t budge, his eyesnarrowed. “You didn''t answer my question, who are you? What do you want?”
Asami inspectedher nailsand feigned disinterest. “Your gracious lord and master requested ourpresence. Hesummoned us and here we are.”
The guard expression softened, but doubts lingered. “So you are theseelite ninja?”
Asami nodded. “Correct.”
The guard didn''t lookconvinced. “I find that hard to believe.One guy andtwo little girls... I expected more when I heard elite.”
Asami deployed her charming smile.“Indeed, but appearances and age can be deceptive in this line of work.I assure you, wearethe real deal, and we have work awaitingus.”
The guard grumbled, “True.” Her wordsdidn''t convince him, but her words persuaded him.
He stepped aside, and the guards allowed her to pass. “You may pass.”
“Excellent,I appreciate your cooperation.”Asami was delightedand took Yuki''s hand.“Come, Yuki-chan. We don''t want to make our clientwait.”
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