lady-inahime

[lady-inahime]

Book - The Princess and the Shadow

Chapter 19: Real shinobi

Ina walked ahead, Yukimura and Ryouma right behind her. Yukimura had requested four servant to help with the things, they walked right behind their lord, with some distance.

Ina was thoughtful, one hand on her lips. Her violet eyes looked around, she could see the happy people on the street, the children playing, some women talking, they didn't know about the war yet, but they needed to know, they needed to get out so they wouldn't get hurt.

She looked back toward Yukimura and Ryouma. They both looked at her. Ryouma saw her worried eyes, but he thought she was worried about leaving Masayasu alone with Masayuki.

Yukimura realized that Ina was worried about the war. She should be worried about the consequences of that. Maybe too many injuries and deaths. He didn't want anything bad to happen to her, but he had no right to forbid her from being part of this war.

Ryouma approached Ina and looked at her face with a wry smile. Ina looked at him and saw his smile and knew he would say something wry at that moment.

"Don't worry about the handsome one, Milady, he's a strong guy."

He spoke and Ina ignored his sentence, he still wasted time wanting to talk about it, she knew Masayasu was strong, but she wasn't worried about leaving him alone with Masayuki, that was not a problem, she knew her lover was experienced enough to deal with it.

Yukimura quickly approached Ina as they crossed the ryokan entrance and he looked into her face.

"We'll wait until tomorrow and we'll warn everyone to leave city." Yukimura stated.

"By then it may be late, they need some time to get away, but I'll follow your father's orders, if so he wishes then I'll wait for it."

Ina spoke walking to the engawa and taking off her sandals and up the stairs. Yukimura kept looking at her, she was right it was risky, but if his father had not yet asked to warn about the war it was because he was confident that he could solve it with just a conversation.

Ryouma caught Yukimura's gaze and smiled at him, nodding at Ina who had entered her own room and started packing things in her trunk.

"She looks sweet, but has a strong personality, so don't worry, she's fine."

He winked at Yukimura and climbed the stairs after taking off his sandals and went to his room. The men Yukimura took were standing in the ryokan courtyard for some distance, while Yukimura looked at Ina inside her own room carefully saving everything.

Yukimura took off his own sandals and climbed out of the engawa and entered Ina's room and looked around and saw that the room was very beautiful and organized, but they had stored the clothes in the closet. She took everything and put it in the trunk carefully. He saw that they were two trunks and there was a bag.

"Do you want help, Chie-san?" he asked.

Ina looked at Yukimura and smiled a little and shook her head negatively and knelt in front of a trunk while hiding her maps under her clothes and medicine box.

"It's fine, we didn't bring many things. So there's not much to store."

She spoke as she folded her comforter and put it in Masayasu's bag, as she preferred to put his clothes along with her clothes in the trunk. She closed one trunk pulled the other, where there were other clothes and extra arrows, she organized everything. Yukimura saw the quiver and bow against the wall.

"Is that your husband's bow?"

He asked approaching the bow and touching it, he thought it was beautiful and different than anything he had ever seen since its blades were cut. Ina looked at the bow and then at Yukimura's face and smiled.

"No, I'm archer. I decided to bring it because I heard there are a lot of looters out there, I didn't want to have to rely on my husband to defend me."

She spoke closing the other trunk and looked at it intently.

"But I didn't expect to find war here..."

She spoke in a low voice and then got up quickly and went to the door to call the men Yukimura brought to carry both trunks. The men entered the room and grabbed the two trunks and walked toward the castle.

Ina took Masayasu's bag and threw it in the back, along with her quiver and took her bow. She looked at Yukimura and smiled sympathetically.

"We need to get our horses, come on."

She made her way out of the room and then stopped at the shoji door and looked around a little, that's where her romance with Masayasu began, she would never forget that room. Her violet eyes brightened a little at the thought of it, so she smiled again, turned and walked down the stairs and put on her sandals. Yukimura came after her.

"Let me take the bag, Chie-san." Yukimura spoke following her.

"No need, it's fine."

Ina spoke as Yukimura approached her quickly, she glanced quickly into Ryouma's room, the doors were closed, she then headed toward the exit and saw Ryouma holding the horses' reins. Yukimura ran to help and held the reins of two horses.

Kirisu appeared at the door of the ryokan and looked confused at Ina, Ryouma and Yukimura. Ina looked at her and bowed.

"Sorry, Kirisu-san. I'm going to the castle, we had a problem that needs to be resolved, but I appreciate your hospitality and the care you have taken to welcoming us to your ryokan. Thank you."

She bowed again. Kirisu looked at Yukimura still confused and approached Ina with serious expression, she did not see Masayasu nearby and then frowned.

"Alright, dear. Just be careful, you can be misunderstood if you walk around with other men being a married woman. And try not to make noise with your husband in the castle."

Kirisu spoke and Ina's cheeks flushed. She and Masayasu had always been as quiet as possible and Kirisu was criticizing them both. Sometimes she thought that Kirisu simply liked to just cause discomfort, that her ideas were laws to her.

Ina then tried to disguise with a smile and nodded as if agreeing with her words, then walked towards Yukimura and Ryouma. Both noticed a slight discomfort in her eyes.

Ryouma smiled at Kirisu and then started walking ahead, but still looked at Ina a few times before looking ahead, his bag on his shoulder, he held a spear in one hand and Silver's reins in the other. He looked at Yukimura and Ina and smiled.

"Hey, Yukimura. That beautiful kunoichi, Chiyome, does she live here with you?" he asked.

Yukimura looked at Ryouma and met his crimson eyes looking curiously at him. He didn't know if Ryouma was simply wishing to change the subject or was in his real interest.

"No. She only comes here when my father requests her presence. But sometimes she comes to visit us. She has known our family since serving the Takeda clan. My father and she have known each other since the time of Shingen-sama."

Yukimura replied and Ryouma sighed in disappointment at the answer, so he couldn't meet her often, especially now that they would have war. But he expected to talk to her before the war began.

Ina looked at Ryouma and sighed a little. As he always attached to the idea that there was a beautiful woman around, he should worry about war not about women. She could not understand that in Ryouma, that was a very striking weakness in him.

"Do you think Ieyasu-sama will help us?"

Yukimura asked trying to change the conversation as he realized that Ina had been bothered by Ryouma's question.

Ina looked at Yukimura walking beside her, holding the reins of Mako and Haku. She met his eyes and thought of his question. Maybe her father would help, maybe not. She still did not fully understand the reason for this war. If he sent the Hojo clan to attack the Sanada clan it is because he knows of some betrayal.

"I'm not sure. I hope so. But I hope the Sanada clan hasn't betrayed the Tokugawa clan, or that can be a complicating factor. As far as I know Ieyasu-dono doesn't accept treason."

Ina spoke as they walked through the first gate of the castle watching the path with concern. Her father never accepted allied betrayal, for him that is the worst thing that can happen. If Masayuki betrayed his confidence, maybe he didn't send an army.

Ina noticed a certain concern in Yukimura's eyes, he knew something. Had his father really cheated on Ieyasu? If this happened it was certainly terrible, she did not expect it from the Sanada clan.

"My father tried to ally himself with the Hojo clan, but then Ieyasu-sama requested our clan's alliance to put an end to the misunderstandings of the past. My father even accepted unwillingly. Then, after that, the Hojo clan no longer came into contact. But we have learned that the Hojo clan has allied with the Tokugawa clan, but even though both are allies of the same clan, Hojo and Sanada are not allies."

Yukimura spoke as he walked through the second gate with Ina and Ryouma. She looked into his face. So there was something related to this alliance attempt. What was there for his father to be angry at? Maybe some letter? But did the Hojo clan then betray the Sanada clan and show the letters to Ieyasu?

Ina was surprised to think about it. If this is what happened then the Sanada clan is probably being attacked to test the Hojo clan, their loyalty in particular against the Sanada clan, which was the clan they were trying to ally. She looked at Yukimura and continued to see concern in his eyes.

"I hope Ieyasu-dono is a generous man and not angry about it. It would be an opportunity for him to show that he can forgive and give both clans a new chance, I think."

Ina spoke and Yukimura nodded as he looked at the castle, quickly guards took the horses' reins and led the three horses to the castle stable.

Ina saw Masayasu on the engawa in front of a room, he quickly went downstairs and came to meet her, grabbing her bag, bow and quiver. Yukimura saw his gesture, although he seemed to be a very serious man with her he showed kindness.

"Come on, I'll show you the room we're staying in, we need to talk for a while. Maybe think a bit about how to help the clan."

Masayasu spoke to Ina and then looked at Yukimura and Ryouma.

"You come with us, Ryouma." he said.

"I'll let you settle down first. I'll talk to my father and then I'll come and see if you need anything."

Yukimura spoke with a soft smile as he looked at Ina and then Masayasu and Ryouma. Ryouma smiled widely.

"Thanks, a little sake later will fall right in the stomach!"

He spoke and Yukimura laughed a little.

"Ok, I'll arrange for you." he stated and he bowed a little to Masayasu who did the same and then walked away.

Ryouma watched Yukimura walk away while Ina followed Masayasu into the room.

"You'll be in the room next to ours, Ryouma. I asked that to be so, although I may regret that decision."

He looked at Ryouma over his shoulder and helped Ina up the stairs. She looked up at him, after he got better Masayasu was kinder to her, she was enjoying his gestures, then a warm smile appeared on her lips and she entered the room with him. Ryouma left his things in his room and entered Ina and Masayasu's room.

"Wow! Are you already eating and drinking without me?"

Ryouma saw a tray with some onigiri and sake. Masayasu did not reply, he placed the bag on the tatami and the bow and quiver against the wall beside the two trunks.

Ina knelt by the tray and Masayasu sat beside her while she poured sake for him. Ryouma noticed the gesture, they already acted like a true synchronic couple, that was admirable. He smiled a little as he noticed this sync between them and then sat facing Masayasu and Ina. Ina poured sake for him and handed him a musu.

"You said you wanted to talk about helping the clan, did you find out anything?"

Ryouma asked lifting the musu to his lips and taking a sip of sake as he looked into Masayasu's serious face.

Masayasu looked at Ina and waited for her to ask a question about her conversations with Masayuki.

"Did you talk to Masayuki-sama about the Hojo clan? What did he say?"

She asked looking into Masayasu's blue eyes and touched his hands resting on his thigh, fitting her fingers between his. Ryouma looked at her gesture, it was an intimate and caring gesture, so he smiled.

Masayasu looked straight into Ina's violet eyes and felt her fingers touching his, even before Ryouma she didn't mind being affectionate with him, he liked that.

"He told me that he tried to ally with the Hojo clan, but that after the clan allied with Ieyasu-dono he lost contact. But the worst is not that, Masayuki-sama exchanged letters with Ujimasa-sama. He thinks Ieyasu-dono saw the letters, that Ujimasa-sama took the letters to gain his loyalty and trust."

Masayasu spoke and Ina took a hand sounding lips showing surprise. Ryouma noticed her wide eyes and then decided to join the conversation.

"Is that bad? I thought Ieyasu could summon Masayuki and settle it between them, not involve the whole clan and Ueda." Ryouma spoke.

Ina shook her head negatively, looking into Ryouma's face, her eyes showing heavy concern.

"No. He has the advantage, he knows that the Sanada clan has cheated on him, so he will want Masayuki-sama to ask him for forgiveness and pledge allegiance to him. So this war is really his game, sending Chiyome with a letter can bring problems for Masayuki-sama. Ieyasu-dono can send an army, but not to war, but to negotiate with Masayuki-sama, if he does not accept the conditions the clan will be massacred by the two clans."

Ina spoke and Ryouma was surprised. He knew Ieyasu could be a tough man sometimes, but he didn't expect it, he really didn't know enough about that nice tanuki.

"If I reveal this to Masayuki he will know who I am..."

Ina spoke in a low voice, Ryouma took his sake and filled his masu again looking at Ina.

"What do you think will happen?" Ryouma asked.

"This war will happen. Ieyasu-dono will send an army, but I don't think it will help, after all Hojo is already his ally, he will not attack an ally, but he can attack the Sanada clan as they betray his confidence."

Ina looked at Masayasu who sighed a little thinking about a plan.

"So let's go to this war. We need a plan with Masayuki-sama. I had a plan, but to realize that plan I'll have to reveal myself to him, unfortunately."

Masayasu looked straight into Ina's eyes. She pressed her fingers against his, revealing that he is a shinobi will give Masayuki a chance to distrust them, but depending on his plan was the only way to handle such a large army.

She thought about it, feeling her heart tighten, she didn't want to see Masayasu hurt again, she didn't want anything bad to happen to him. Her heart was pounding at his words, but she tried to calm down and nodded to him.

"So let's talk to him now."

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Nadeshiko ran through Ueda camp, she was never on a mission like this, usually her missions were always basic like watching who goes in and out of Ueda, getting simple information, but this time she was involved in a war and needed to take this letter to the Hojo clan.

She was dressed in a black shozoku that she took from Chiyome, her heart pounding, just like the wind on her face. Although part of her face was hidden with the black mask. She rarely wore a shozoku and that was a big bother to tell the truth.

She needed to use all her skills to get to the army as fast as possible, she never thought she would run so much, at least those clothes gave her the comfort to run. Her eyes went all the way and looking around, using a horse would be more practical, but she would be seen from afar, better to run anyway.

Her legs seemed to hurt from running so much, she never thought she'd ever get through this, she just needed to run that much in training, she never used it in practice, the lack of custom was making her realize that she was a little slow and out of shape, maybe she should go back to training, but where would she do that?

She can then see a tent, and a circle building made of wood and flags with the Hojo clan symbol everywhere. She was close, but instead of being happy she felt a grief in her chest, what if the Hojo clan didn't want to negotiate?

She stopped running and began to approach cautiously, some soldiers appeared and pointed spears at Nadeshiko. She stood and looked at them. She tried to keep calm, she didn't want to look scared even though her heart was pounding.

"Sorry, I work for the Sanada clan, I have a letter for your lord."

She spoke and the soldiers suspected, after all she was a kunoichi, could have been sent to kill their lord. She took the letter from the shozoku and showed it to the soldiers. From inside the tent came a handsome young man with a serious face. He looked at Nadeshiko and called her with his hand.

The soldiers took their spears out of her and allowed her to pass. Nadeshiko watched the young man with his hand resting on the katana strapped to his waist. He was wearing a moss green armor with black and gold accents. His eyes were light blue like a sunny sky. Nadeshiko followed him into the tent and knelt before him holding the letter.

Ujinao turned to her and saw that the girl was shaking a little, maybe she was tired because she came running from the castle there. He took the letter and smiled a little at her.

"Get some rest, I see you came as fast as you can."

He spoke and Nadeshiko looked at him. He was handsome and young, must have been about her age, but very handsome. Then she saw in the corner of the tent a crouched kunoichi, wearing a shozoku, her face covered, but Nadeshiko could see her emerald green eyes, she must have been Ujinao's bodyguard. She deduced and then looked at the young lord who was now reading the letter.

"So your lord wants to talk before the war, for me it's ok, I'll answer him and you take the letter back to Masayuki-sama. But tell him he has a day to get here, and let's see what he wants to tell me."

Ujinao looked at Nadeshiko and turned to go to a low table where he sat on a red pillow and with the brush he began to write a letter to Masayuki. Nadeshiko was silent, any words at that moment unnecessary. She just knelt, one knee flat on the floor watching him write, the emerald green eyes kept watching her.

Ujinao looked at Nadeshiko and then stood and walked over to her folding the letter and putting it in an envelope, he looked into her gray blue eyes and smiled softly.

"What's your name? May I know?"

He asked in a soft voice and crouched before her. Nadeshiko's eyes looked discreetly at Kunoichi's green eyes at the bottom of the tent and then at Ujinao's eyes.

"Suki, my lord."

She spoke and bowed her head in respect. Ujinao smiled again and took her hand and placed the letter in her hand. Nadeshiko looked at him in surprise, he was a kind man, how was he wishing this war?

"If this war ends badly for the Sanada clan you can come to work for me, Suki. You'll be welcome, keep that in mind."

He spoke and Nadeshiko cannot hide the amazement. She knew that the shinobi who worked for the Hojo clan were from the Fuuma clan, that girl in the background must have been from the Fuuma clan, they were known for their cunning and dark abilities. She had no idea what it was, but it must be strong.

"Thank you my Lord." Nadeshiko bowed to him. "But now I need to go."

She walked back and then stood up and looked at Ujinao getting up.

"Tell Masayuki-sama he has until tomorrow as soon as the sunset is over, or else I will attack."

Ujinao spoke and Nadeshiko nodded and quickly left the tent. She felt her heart beating fast, her eyes full of sadness, she needed to return quickly, it was already night she should not be long. She then began to run away from the guards looking at her and then disappeared into the darkness of the night.

She had not yet recovered from the previous race, but no matter, in pain or not she needed to run as hard as she could, Masayuki depended on that letter, depended on her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sasuke was approaching Shinano, a province next to Ueda. Both Shinano and Ueda belonged to the Takeda clan domain, but after Katsuyori Takeda's death, the Sanada clan retained both provinces and became their domain.

Shinano was larger than Ueda and had a large war fort. It was a place often fought in war because from this fort you could see for miles away and Shinano had mountains that protected that place, so many warlords always wanted that place. Putting their army there would be a great political strategy.

Sasuke was running as he realized that Shinano had more farms and houses, and looked richer, perhaps because of the region was suitable for cultivation. Not that Masayuki didn't take care of his people, but the Shinano region was richer for cultivation and spacious for many animals. All of Ueda's horses came from Shinano. And Nobutsuna Sanada always sent Masayuki some food they didn't have in Ueda.

Nobutsuna was older than Masayuki, but he gave the clan leadership to his brother because he considered him more capable, capable enough to keep the clan always safe and alive. Nobutsuna was faithful to the Takeda clan for many years and was leader of the Sanada clan for many years as well, but he had decided to stay away from wars, so he decided to give the clan leadership to his brother Masayuki.

Sasuke had been running all afternoon and by early evening he was already used to missions this way so his body was used to running and jumping. He stopped a few times, just to drink some water and then immediately ran again.

On entering Shinano he ran straight for the castle, the building was larger, splendid and beautiful, built into the river, there was water on all sides and it could only be reached by one entrance, the main entrance. The castle, Matsumoto's castle is also known as Karasu-jo, or Crow Castle, because its structure is all black.

Sasuke ran across the black and red bridge to the main entrance. He could see even in the dark the stone building that gave the castle its entire base in the water. He glanced quickly at the place full of guards, but he didn't want to talk to guards, it would take forever. He disappeared into the darkness and a guard still looked in the direction where Sasuke had been seconds ago.

Sasuke leapt over the wall deftly and leapt into the castle courtyard. It was easier there, he could hide among tree shadows and even other minor constructions. He ran from shadow to shadow, building to building until he reached the main building.

He crept in, climbing the castle and hiding on the first floor as he entered the window. Inside the castle, he quietly leaned against the bamboo wall. He waited in the darkness. He didn't hear footsteps at that moment, so he decided to check as he opened the edge of the shoji door. Seeing that there was no one, he quickly left the room and ran down the corridor lit with andon lamps.

He moved silently down the corridor to the stairs, his body slightly bent forward, his knees slightly bent, and up a flight of stairs silently, but also swiftly. Arriving at the next flight of stairs, he looked around the corridors and saw only one girl entering a room.

Hastily he headed for another flight of stairs and climbed to the top floor. Then he heard voices and slipped quickly into one of the rooms, in the shadows as they crouched and stood there silently. Luckily the room was empty, he realized it was the room where Nobutsuna's clothes were.

For a while he was silent there, so as he opened the shoji door slightly he saw some men, probably samurai judging by the gestures coming down the stairs, Nobutsuna stood before the stairs with his arms crossed. Sasuke snuck out of the room and approached him, kneeling beside him and taking the letter from his shozoku and offering it to the Lord of Shinano.

Nobutsuna looked at Sasuke with a serious expression and took the letter while still looking at Sasuke, serious, crouching, to make his damn jokes.

"I sent an army early, it will arrive to Masayuki by 2 am. I am sending another now. I will go with this army to find my brother. If this letter was about that, fortunately this fort we give good visibility of what's going on around."

Nobutsuna spoke opening the letter. Sasuke looked at him reading the letter and was silent. Nobutsuna was wiser than Masayuki, but Masayuki was better at war strategy, smarter than brother, so maybe both worked well together.

"I'm leaving now. Just tell him I'm coming by 5 am, it'll be all right, we'll have time to discuss the war strategy. Has he sent anyone to negotiate with the Hojo clan?" he asked.

"Sent a letter, he himself wishes to negotiate with the clan." Sasuke answered looking at Nobutsuna.

"Good. Let's hope this happens. I need to go. Go back to your lord's side and say we're done."

And saying that Nobutsuna turned away from Sasuke and returned to his room. Sasuke had accomplished his mission, but needed to get back to Yukimura and Masayuki's side. He continued to kneel, one knee resting on the hardwood floor, then bending over he got up and ran toward the window of that floor and jumped out, disappearing into the darkness.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ueda Castle was already lit with Andon lamps, the night had arrived, Masayuki was sitting in his room looking at the map and drinking sake. Masayasu opened the revolving door and looked into the room and met Masayuki's eyes, he realized that he was worried.

"Come in, Otsu-sama. Did you bring your lovely wife?"

He asked as he saw Masayasu enter the room, followed by Ina and Ryouma, who closed the door. Ryouma was trying to behave well, not talking too much or giving his opinion randomly to avoid trouble for Ina and Masayasu and also to prevent them from getting mad at them.

Ina bowed to Masayuki who looked at her intently. She was so young but so intelligent, it made him have a great admiration for her. Masayasu and Ryouma sat down and Ina knelt beside Masayasu. Yukimura opened the door and brought more sake. When he saw the guests he made to go back to fetch more masu.

"It's okay, Yukimura-sama, we just came to talk, let's not drink."

Masayasu spoke looking at his face and then saw Ryouma show that he brought his own masu. Masayasu sighed when he saw this, Masayuki smiled, Ryouma was a man without any embarrassment, this was sometimes important to a man. Yukimura then sat down and served sake to his father and then to Ryouma and looked at Masayasu and Ina.

"Well, did you think of anything about this war?" Masayuki asked Masayasu.

"I'm sorry to interrupt, but my husband told me about the letters." Ina started talking and Masayuki looked at her.

"In fact I exchanged letters with Ujimasa-sama and I think he used those letters to gain Ieyasu-sama's trust."

Masayuki spoke and Ina nodded in agreement with his words. Yukimura was looking at her, intent on what she could bring to the conversation. Ryouma took a sip of sake and Masayasu just watched her face fully.

"If this has happened, I fear the Lord of Mikawa may not send you help but an army to pressure you to apologize, perhaps to humiliate you before the Hojo clan." Ina said.

"I'm aware of that, unfortunately I agree with you."

Masayuki spoke with a sigh. Yukimura looked surprised at his father. He knew that his father was too proud to ask for forgiveness because of letters he exchanged and did not even get the desired alliance.

"When you suggested asking the Tokugawa clan for help I already figured this could happen, so I wish to negotiate with the Hojo clan first. I don't know what Ieyasu-sama asked Ujimasa-sama, but he must have offered something to the Hojo clan, this clan does not enter into an alliance and a war without winning anything. What could it have offered? My war fort? " Masayuki spoke.

"Perhaps." Masayasu answered. "Or maybe Shinano. I've heard that Shinano has one of the country's most fertile lands, great horses, and still has the war fort that gives visibility to approaching armies in the distance."

Masayuki agreed to touch his chin while thinking about it. Shinano was once a province disputed in wars, but that may not have changed even after the wars waned over time.

"But Shinano is not a province of the Tokugawa clan." Yukimura spoke looking at his father. His tone showed that he completely disagreed with this idea. "How would the Lord of Mikawa offer a land that is not his own?"

"That's why the war." Masayasu spoke and Yukimura looked at him. "If the Hojo clan invades Ueda and takes here, it's a step to take Shinano, so we need to contain the army, make them refuse. I don't think a negotiation will help, but it's worth it to try, at least find out what was offered to the Hojo clan."

Masayuki nodded a few times and looked at Yukimura and saw in his eyes that he was angry, but he understood, after all his clan could be destroyed because of a war fort, probably.

"Yukimura, I know you don't agree with that, but this is a war strategy, in my alliance with Hojo I offered to share the war fort with them. They didn't answer me and allied themselves with Tokugawa, so something bigger was offered to them, probably Shinano."

Masayuki spoke. Ina can see that Yukimura was trying to manage this idea, after all he must have known the Hojo clan and did not imagine there would be such a betrayal, but this was an era of war, your ally could be your enemy if you could not satisfy the desires their.

"Yukimura-sama, I know you're disappointing both Hojo and Tokugawa, but think we're going to have this war, this is going to happen and there's no going back. We need to plan how to get Hojo's army back and wait for Tokugawa don't attack the rearguard that just requires your father to apologize. Otherwise the clan will be destroyed. And we need to avoid that."

Ina spoke looking into his brown eyes filled of angry. She can see his hands clenched in anger. He had a kind heart and couldn't believe such a betrayal, she could see it clearly in his eyes.

Masayasu watched Yukimura, young and perhaps a bit unexpected for wars, but he had experience as Inahime had, but her vision was natural, she knew Ieyasu, so she knew war closely, Yukimura must have engaged in few wars after all his lord had died not so long ago.

"Well...I have a suggestion of attack. Since our army is outnumbered, we can push that part of the army into this forest."

Masayasu pointed at the map, making everyone pay attention to his plan. Masayuki looked up at Masayasu, meeting his cold blue eyes now.

"But here we will lose many men, the forest will make both sides difficult." Masayuki spoke. "For now I have divided our army into three parts each will attack on one side and the larger army ahead, but we will try to push the Hojo clan out of our lands."

"I understand your strategy, but just pushing out of here won't be enough. You won't put your army in the forest, I'll need the help of Sasuke, Chiyome and Nadeshiko. Let's try to take down that army. So it would be ideal if they came in late in the evening, we'll have an advantage here."

Masayasu spoke looking at Masayuki and he saw a shrewd smile appear on his lips as he crossed his arms. Ina knew that Masayasu would say he was a shinobi, she was in favor of helping the Sanada clan. But would Masayuki accept help from an unknown shinobi?

"So you are a shinobi?" Masayuki asked.

Yukimura looked at Masayasu in surprise, but he saw that Ina and Ryouma seemed calm with that question, so it must be true. Then he saw Masayasu nod.

"Yeah, you know a shinobi needs to walk undercover. I pretend I'm a samurai, it's easier since Chie is a samurai."

Masayasu stated and Masayuki rubbed his own chin as he thought about it with a smile.

"So Chiyome looked at you, I realized she saw strength in you, so she realized you were a shinobi. Well...I wouldn't accept the help of an unknown shinobi, but if you were here to kill me you would have done for sure."

Masayuki smiled at Masayasu and then looked at Ina. He may realize she didn't want him to reveal it, but she accepted, perhaps so that he could help his clan.

"I apologize for not saying anything, but it is important that no one else knows that he is a shinobi, just the two of you, Sasuke, Chiyome and Nadeshiko."

Ina spoke and Masayuki nodded.

"Alright. This secret I'll keep with me." Masayuki spoke smiling at Ina.

"Well, I know I'm kinda quiet at this meeting I don't understand anything about wars and I've never been to one, but handsome I'm going with you. I'm skilled, you still haven't seen me fighting, and..." Ryouma raised a finger index as everyone stared at his proud smile. "I see very well in the dark, I'll be of great help to you!"

Masayasu sighed and nodded. "Okay, I'll take you, but don't disturb us." he spoke dryly.

"Okay, I will accept your help. Usually I try to plan my strategies without help, but I will accept your plan, Otsu. You're going to lead a group of shinobi to kill as many of the enemy army's warriors as you think you are capable of it?" Masayuki asked.

Masayasu looked straight into Masayuki's eyes and smiled wryly.

"Killing is my greatest skill."

PS: The picture is Ujinao Hojo.

[lady-inahime]

Book - The Princess and the Shadow

Chapter 18: War

The morning came, and it came with a gentle breeze. The sun was still rising slowly, shyly, when Masayasu woke up and looked at Ina lying beside him. It was the first time in three days that he could wake up before her. She slept peacefully beside him, so he didn't avoid a smile.

He sat and stared at her, so many sleepless nights, surely she had not slept well because of him. He should be more straightforward and talk to her about these things, after all, just as he didn't usually talk about thoughts and feelings with other people, she wasn't so different from him in that matter.

He slid out of the futon carefully, he didn't want to wake up Inahime. He looked into his kimono, pulling at the fabric a little and looked straight at his wound, strangely that wasn't hurting. So this is what Devil Matcha did? After a big pain healed instantly?

He put on a black kimono over his white kimono and then put on his black hakama. He was completely silent, his abilities now completely resumed after his wound looked good and he no longer felt pain.

He walked to the shoji doors and opened carefully and left the room, casting one last look at Ina. He closed the doors behind him and looked at the shy morning. The sun was still weak, but the weather was good, he felt it was the right time for healing.

He sat on the engawa and looked across the courtyard and over the ryokan walls. Although the morning was beautiful, he felt in his mind that the day would not be completely good, his senses were telling him to be careful, something would happen that day, and maybe not a good thing.

Ryouma came out of his room and approached Masayasu, who looked at him and saw the mercenary sit beside him and look at the courtyard with a sigh.

"You look better, handsome. Yesterday...when I saw you passed out I wondered why you went after Milady and after spending the night thinking I had an answer."

Ryouma rested his hands on the engawa, leaning back a little, resting on his arms. Masayasu looked at him, had he really understood why that gesture of his?

"Someone approached Milady, right? You felt it would happen."

Ryouma spoke still looking at Masayasu. The shinobi smiled wryly and stared at the sky in silence. Finally Ryouma had managed to reach him somehow.

"That may not make sense to you. But I've been trained more to follow instincts than to think about what I should do. The truth is that over the years I've spent a little time thinking about decisions, but that's not the basis, sometimes I just need to follow instincts to get an answer. I felt that someone would approach her. I didn't feel it would be bad for her, but I don't know what consequences it can have for her."

Masayasu spoke in his husky voice, while Ryouma watched him speak in his always low voice.

"Do you speak of Yukimura Sanada? Did you know about him?" Ryouma asked.

Masayasu looked at Ryouma and nodded with a slight smile and then looked at the sky again. He knew Ina's beauty could make men fall in love with her, but he didn't want to be on a mission where it could happen.

"Yeah, and I know he brought her here. She told me last night. She didn't say anything about it, but I know he liked him, she was avoiding talking about something. She didn't want to bother me, I realized that."

Masayasu spoke and Ryouma was a little surprised. He always thought that Masayasu was the kind of person who didn't realize the feelings of the people around him, but he did, just didn't talk about it.

"Do you think she liked him too?"

Ryouma asked quickly and Masayasu stared at him coldly. Was he stupid up or did he really play dumb and pretend not to see his around?

"I trust her. Do you think she's what kind of woman? Who is enchanted by all the men around her? Look at her, she's a samurai, she knows what she wants, maybe she knows more than you and me together."

Masayasu spoke seriously, still staring at Ryouma and then looked up at the sky and saw that the sun had already risen, but the weather was still strange. Why? It wasn't a rain season, but could it have an unexpected rain?

Ryouma stared at Masayasu, he knew Ina well, although he had only been with her for a few days. That means he could see the people around him, know who they are and what they want, just doesn't say anything about it. Was that why he didn't like him? Did Masayasu suspect who he really was?

"Yukimura comes to have tea with us later. Don't talk nonsense, we need any important information he tells us. We'll try to find out what his father's relationship with Ieyasu-dono is like. That way we'll have clues if the Sanada are cheating on Ieyasu-dono."

Masayasu spoke seriously and faced Ryouma coldly. He hoped he wouldn't say any kind of foolishness to Yukimura, he couldn't spoil that chance, getting information from Yukimura would be important for this mission.

"Well...somehow I imagine she could use it to her advantage to get some information. Don't be offended, handsome, but you know that's true."

Ryouma spoke and Masayasu shot him a cold look.

"I know. You don't have to teach me that, did you forget that this is one of the functions of my class?"

He asked sharply and then looked at the room door and saw the shoji doors open. It was Inahime with a dazzling smile. Ryouma quickly looked at her smiling.

"Good morning, Milady! Sit with us!" he said with a smile.

Ina smiled at Ryouma and looked at Masayasu, he was fine, after three days in pain and sleeping most of the time because of Devil Match it was good to see him well. She smiled warmly at him and walked toward him.

Masayasu saw Ina approach him and kneel beside him. She was wearing a lilac kimono, beautiful as she was and also soft, every color seemed to match her. He smiled at her and when he saw her approach him and kneel, she touched his hands and pressed softly his fingers, her violet eyes bright with happiness.

"It's good to see you well, my love...." she whispered.

A growing smile appeared on Ryouma's lips and he shrugged and looked up at the sky.

"I was even jealous now." Ryouma spoke with a sigh.

Masayasu was looking into Ina's eyes so he looked at Ryouma just as she looked too and smiled at him.

"Jealous?" she repeated with an amused smile on her lips.

"Ah, love is beautiful, especially when the couple is beautiful. I was jealous!"

Ryouma spoke and looked at the couple with a wry smile on his lips. Ina started laughing at his joke and put a hand to her lips as she laughed. Masayasu stared at Ryouma in silence and then looked at Ina again.

Ina looked up at the sky and saw that the sun was shy behind some strange clouds, she had a bad feeling about this, not about an imminent rain but about a bad day. Masayasu noticed her gaze drifting across the sky and worry take over her gaze.

"So I wasn't the only one feeling the day won't be good."

Masayasu spoke and Ina quickly looked at him. He had felt it too, his instinct as shinobi should be saying something to him. But what could be so bad that day that seemed so ordinary. Masayasu had recovered, which could be bad that day?

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The morning was quiet and then the afternoon came, still with the shy weather. Nothing out of the ordinary had happened that morning and the afternoon had come quickly, Ina and Masayasu spent the morning on the porch. Masayasu tried a few moves with wakizashi in a few moments, now was resting in the engawa having tea with Ina. Ryouma sometimes kept company for them, he was excited to see Masayasu well now.

Ina observed Masayasu, he had a good morning, practiced a few with the wakizashi, he needed to train his muscles after 3 days lying down, he shouldn't be used to it, but she liked to see how well and until he was in a good mood. She smiled looking at him.

Nadeshiko appeared with a tray of tea for Ina and Masayasu and smiled at both of them. She looked at Masayasu and smiled shyly at him, although she was getting used to his presence she still felt that he was too dangerous for her to smiling at him.

"I brought tea and senbei." Nadeshiko set the tray next to Ina and smiled at her.

"Ah, Nadeshiko get a wrap on the chabudai please, it's senbei and mochi that Kaede-san made for Otsu-sama. He hasn't finished eating, let's eat now."

Ina spoke with a friendly smile and Nadeshiko nodded and got up and went to fetch the wrapper over the chabudai, it was the first time she had entered their room without them there, but she quickly came in and returned. She remembered what Chie said about Otsu not liking people messing with their things.

"On here." Nadeshiko set it on the tray and bowed to Ina and Ostu. "If you need more call me please." she smiled sympathetically at Chie and left.

Masayasu opened the white cloth and took a senbei and raised it to his lips and bit. Ryouma came to them and sat in the engawa and grabbed a mochi.

"Hmm...can I get one?" he asked.

"You've got it. Now eat it." Masayasu answered sharply.

Ina smiled when she saw Ryouma's expression of despair, he always exaggerated in his dramas. She took the tea and sipped, but saw Masayasu's gaze wander toward the courtyard on the right side, he stared there, so she followed his gaze and saw Yukimura arrive. She quickly looked at Masayasu, had he realized in her words last night that Yukimura had any interest in her?

Yukimura approached the engawa and bowed slightly to Masayasu and Ina and looked at the shinobi's face and smiled a little.

"Nice to meet you, Otsu-sama. I've heard a little about you." Yukimura spoke.

Masayasu bowed his head a little and invited with a hand gesture Yukimura to sit in the engawa with them.

"Ryouma, go order one more chawan, our guest has arrived."

Masayasu spoke gravely, a little gruffly, but Ryouma didn't notice any irritation or disgust. He nodded and got up quickly and looked at Yukimura to study him a little. He was a handsome man, as he had heard, and by his gestures and speech he was kind, or perhaps careful in what he said. He turned and walked down the engawa toward the ryokan entrance.

Yukimura went to the small stairs and took off his sandals and climbed. Ina knelt beside Masayasu and Yukimura sat facing both of them, he was avoiding looking at Ina, but it was hard to avoid that beautiful face. He looked at her and bowed his head to her with a smile. Ina smiled a little at him.

"Today is a strange day, the sun seemed shy but there was no rain, but my grandmother said this kind of sky is bad omen, I hope it's not bothering you on that strange day."

Yukimura spoke and Ina shook her head negatively.

"It's not bothering us. We were talking about this sky this morning. Your grandmother is right, it's a bad omen, but so far nothing has happened." Ina said.

"But it's still late afternoon, we still have the rest of that afternoon and the night." Masayasu spoke.

Yukimura looked at him and nodded. He saw that Masayasu had a better posture than he imagined, he seemed to be a really honorable man and strong personality, he could see it in his blue eyes. Maybe it showed some kind of rigidity in his gestures, but maybe it was his way of being, he was right not to trust everyone.

Ryouma came back with two chawan and placed one in Yukimura's hands and poured him tea while sitting next to him. Yukimura looked at Ryouma and thanked him with a nod. Ryouma served himself and looked at Masayasu. Had he disturbed any conversation?

"Chie told me she talked to you and your father yesterday too. I heard Masayuki-sama is a great strategist."

Masayasu spoke, raising his chawan to his lips and sipping green tea. Yukimura smiled at Masayasu and nodded a few times.

"My father was with Shingen-sama for many years, he served him as a strategist and then his son, Katsuyori-sama. I must confess that my father is very fond of wars and is good at strategy. He is currently allied with Ieyasu-sama, but it seems that Ieyasu-sama already has his own strategist."

Yukimura spoke looking at Masayasu, who took a senbei and bit.

"So your father wanted to be Ieyasu-dono's strategist?"

Ina asked showing curiosity in her violets eyes, Ryouma just listened to the conversation, he didn't know what exactly Ina and Masayasu wanted to hear, so he decided not to talk much about it.

"I'm not sure. The two are not having a good relationship. I visited Mikawa with my father last time, although Ieyasu-sama is an exceptional and grand man, I saw that the two are not having a good relationship. I know that it has something to do with the past, my father said something to Ieyasu-sama that he didn't like, after that my father did some things that didn't please the Lord of Mikawa either...so I won't know how to answer your question. But I know that my father misses being a war strategist."

Yukimura spoke and then smiled a little embarrassed at his own words and looked into Masayasu and Ina's face.

"I'm sorry to bring this theme to the conversation."

"No. I would like to hear more." Masayasu spoke. "Actually as a samurai I thought about going to Ieyasu-dono's castle and asking him for a job. I've heard that he treats his men as part of the family, he is fair and generous to everyone, but that he punishes those who betray his trust. I believe I am honored enough to work for him, but I wonder if there could be someone who could dirty our dignity before his eyes."

Ina looked surprised at Masayasu and raised a hand to her lips showing concern in her gaze.

"Do you want to do that? I'm not sure if that's a good idea. I know our lives would get better, but...I fear someone might create some awkward situation for you."

She spoke looking at Masayasu, who touched her hand and pressed his fingers gently. Yukimura saw his gesture and felt his heart hurt a little, but he knew he could see it, after all they were a couple.

"Don't worry, I'm smart enough to beware of the people around me. I know there are many allies of his who want to be closer and gain his trust and for that they want to show that there are unreliable people around him. But believe me I'll be careful."

Masayasu spoke and Ina still showing concern in her gaze nodded softly, still looking into his blue eyes.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Flashback - Last night. Ina was kneeling before Masayasu, he was sitting on the futon looking at her face. Both were ready for bed, dressed in white kimono.

"Tomorrow we will pretend that I want a job at Ieyasu-dono castle and you don't like that idea. We will try to bring up some theme about betrayal or about Ieyasu-dono allies who wish to overthrow others to gain their lord's trust. We will try bring up some theme about betrayal, maybe Yukimura will say something about his father."

Masayasu spoke in a low voice, almost whispering. He didn't want the walls to hear. He still didn't trust Nadeshiko and feared she might say something to Sasuke. Ina just nodded in agreement with his words.

"That's easy. I know a few stories and I can bring this up for conversation, maybe it'll make him talk, or make him question his father and with that we'll have planted the seed inside the Sanada and then we can reap the fruit of it."

Ina spoke in a low voice, almost whispering like Masayasu. The shinobi just nodded in agreement with his idea. That would not be difficult, especially after Ina said that Yukimura was a kind man and tried to be right in his actions.

Flashback end.

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"I have heard that some Ieyasu-dono allies sometimes ally with other clans also to preserve themselves and they can team up for a war against Mikawa. I don't know if it's true, but it's rumored that some clans are making alliances against Mikawa."

Ina spoke looking at Masayasu and then at Yukimura. Yukimura showed a little concern in his gaze. He knew his father was trying to ally himself with the Uesugi or Hojo clan. But there was a high probability that his father would ally himself with the Hojo, as they seemed to plan on attacking Mikawa.

Yukimura met Ina's eyes. He couldn't say anything about it, but he should say something about the subject she brought up, it was true he knew that. Now that he knew she was from Mikawa he felt a big grief in his chest. If the Sanada allied themselves with the Hojo clan they would attack Mikawa, she could die in that attack.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In the castle. Sasuke was feeling bored, he spent most of his time with Yukimura, often training, sometimes just having fun with him, but Yukimura had left to find Ina and Masayasu and he needed to do his daily vigil around the castle.

He sprinted across the courtyard and leaped over the wall and ran across the dry yellowed lawn of the time of year. The trees were yellowish and reddish, but the lawn was yellowish green. He didn't see any animals around, which seemed really strange. Ueda was known to have a lot of fox and deer, but he saw none as he ran across the valley lawn.

He ran away and then jumped over some trees in his path and watched all around him. Yellow and red were the colors of the day. He looked up at the sky and saw that the day was still strange, he had a strange feeling that something bad would happen that day, but what could it be?

He liked to do this daily vigilance and didn't usually see anything or hear anything out of the ordinary than peasant voices in the distance or just the sound of the wind. But that day was different, there was something strange. He smelled a strange smell, it was the smell of death, he could smell it.

Sasuke climbed a mountain in great speed and agility and from above he saw an army in the distance. His gray eyes peered, he recognized the flag, he recognized the army, and estimated the number of men, though it was far, perhaps a day and a half from the castle, but that was enough to devastate the castle and the people of Ueda, composed only of farmers.

He looked around he wanted to make sure there was an army coming from just that side, just from the Kanto region. He frowned and looked toward the castle, wouldn't his lord like this news, an unexpected war?

Sasuke hurried back to the castle, he entered through the secret revolving door of Masayuki's meeting room. Masayuki was with Nobuyuki, they were drinking sake and talking when Sasuke came in and quickly knelt before them, resting only one knee on the wooden floor.

Masayuki looked into his face and realized that there was something strange, usually Sasuke would enter his room only when he was called or when he returned with some important information from his daily vigilance.

"What happened, Sasuke?"

Masayuki asked holding the musu in his hand, Nobuyuki frowned when he realized that Sasuke was silent, he did not like it, his irony always reigned, but now he was silent, that was not a good sign.

"There's an army coming towards us. They come from Kanto." Sasuke spoke seriously.

"Kanto?"

Nobuyuki spoke raising his voice a little surprised to receive this news and looked into his father's face, realizing that he had just frowned, he didn't look surprised, but why? They were trying to ally themselves with the Hojo clan, but they were coming to attack them, why?

"How long till here?" Masayuki asked.

"A day and a half came at this rate. Many on horseback, but many on foot. I believe in the total of some 8,000 men."

Sasuke spoke looking into his lord's eyes. Masayuki put his hand on his chin and scratched a little. Nobuyuki was looking at him with a desperate expression.

"What do you intend to do? We need to call your brother...but I don't think it will be enough, we may lose, it's too many men."

Nobuyuki spoke with a desperate tone of voice and Masayuki just grabbed a scroll and pulled his desk in front of him and started writing using a brush. Sasuke waited in silence. Nobuyuki wrote the letter and quickly rolled it up and handed it to Sasuke.

"Take it to my brother. He needs to be here as soon as possible, we have a few men here. I'll think about how to bring in more men, or we'll lose this war."

Masayuki spoke while looking at Nobuyuki with a serious expression.

"Go get Yukimura first and then take the letter, I need you to get to my brother's castle as soon as possible."

Masayuki spoke and looked into Sasuke's face. Sasuke could see the tension in his gaze, he knew they could die any moment now, the castle didn't even have 500 men, they would be decimated. But even if his brother came to help, they would have just over 3,000 men.

"I'll be back today, my lord!"

Sasuke spoke and got up quickly, bowing and slipped through the secret door. Nobuyuki still scared by the idea of ​​a sudden war. He looked into his father's face and saw some uncertainty.

"I thought we were negotiating an alliance with them." Nobuyuki spoke in a desperate voice.

"I thought so too..."

Masayuki said and sighed crossing his arms. There was something wrong with that, the Hojo clan had to have some reason to attack them that way, they had had no disagreement. So what could it be?

Sasuke put the letter inside Shozoku and quickly jumped to the castle wall and out of it. He ran towards the ryokan and again jumped over the wall and jumped into the ryokan's courtyard.

Masayasu quickly got up and put his hand inside his kimono, he had kept two kunai there. He frowned as he faced Sasuke. What did he want there? Ina got up quickly and looked at Masayasu and then at Sasuke. Yukimura and Ryouma realized the tension between them, Ryouma knew the reason, but Yukimura had no idea.

"Sasuke, what are you doing here?"

Yukimura asked seeing the shinobi wearing his shozoku. He should be doing his vigilance route. But why he went to the ryokan? He realized that Sasuke wasn't making jokes or being wry it was weird.

"I can't linger, I have a mission to complete. Your father needs you. An army from Kanto will arrive here in a day and a half."

Sasuke spoke and saw Ina put her hands to her lips. So that was why the sky was so strange, it was really a bad omen, an imminent war. Yukimura got up quickly surprised by Sasuke's words.

"Hojo?" Yukimura said.

"I need to go." Sasuke answered.

Sasuke spoke and looked at Masayasu and smiled a little at him. Masayasu noticed a different smile than usual, was he already thinking that he would die in this war? What kind of mission did he receive?

Sasuke jumped over the wall and disappeared. Masayasu stared at the wall for a few seconds and then looked at Yukimura who was silent for a while and then looked at Ina, Masayasu and Ryouma and bowed his head a little and then looked back at them.

"Sorry, I need to go, we need to plan something to hold the army away from the castle. I apologize for not being able to stay a while longer."

Yukimura hurried down the engawa stairs and put on his sandals. Ryouma stared at the young man, he could see that his face looked full of concern. Would the Sanada army handle the enemy army?

"Hang on!"

Ina spoke and quickly looked at Masayasu who exchanged glances with her while Yukimura looked at both of them. Masayasu nodded, he understood Ina's gaze, he saw Ina's concern in her eyes, he knew that as a samurai she would want to help even though she knew she could hurt herself or lose her life. And somehow he wouldn't complete his mission if he didn't help the Sanada clan at that moment.

Masayasu and Ina looked at Yukimura, Ryouma looked at the still confused couple. Did they exchange glances and decide something with just those glances? He didn't understand anything about war strategy, but he could help if that was what the couple was determined to do.

"We can help. Take us to your father. Let's plan this together."

Masayasu spoke looking at the Yukimura's face who had a surprised look now, he did not expect two travelers to wish to help his clan, they could die in this, this war was not theirs.

"Count on the three of us!" Ryouma spoke with a mischievous smile.

Ina looked at Ryouma and smiled a little and then looked at Yukimura who still seemed undecided about whether to involve them in this.

"I know what you are thinking, Yukimura-sama. But we are in your land and here we have been well received, we cannot just get out of here and let an army attack you. We three know how to fight and we can help in some way."

Ina spoke in her soft voice. Yukimura looked into her violet eyes that looked bright, but there was concern in her gaze and he could not deny that any help at this time would be ideal. He felt his heart pounding, his clan could be destroyed any moment, any help would be good, but he didn't want to involve innocents in it.

"Okay, but this war is not yours, if you give up and want to run away we won't be upset with you."

Yukimura spoke and saw Ina shake her head negatively and smiled at him.

"We won't run away, don't worry about us. Take us to Masayuki-sama."

She said that and went down the stairs of the engawa and put on her sandals. Masayasu followed her and put on his tabi and looked at Ryouma.

"Come on, first the meeting, then come back to get our weapons, the war won't be today, we still have a brief time."

Masayasu spoke looking at Ryouma and realizing that his gaze denied entering a war, although he said he would, but he knew he accepted it only because he swore loyalty to Inahime.

Ryouma quickly descended the stairs and almost fell, he put a hand on Masayasu's shoulder, and began putting on his sandals. Masayasu cast him a cold look and then looked at his hand and pushed his hand sharply off his shoulder and almost toppled Ryouma with the fright.

"Hey handsome, I needed a brace to put on my sandals." Ryouma spoke.

"I do not care." Masayasu spoke dryly.

Yukimura looked at Ryouma and then at Masayasu and smiled a little, the two must have a very complicated relationship. He looked at Ina and saw that she was looking at Masayasu and Ryouma with a smile, but seeing Yukimura look at her, her violet eyes met his.

"A-Ah come on!"

Yukimura spoke allowing a slight blush to appear on his cheeks upon seeing Ina's kind gaze. He began to walk quickly. He didn't want her to notice his embarrassed, much less her husband. Masayasu looked at him and then at Ina, he approached her and with a nod towards Yukimura the couple followed the Sanada. Ryouma ran to them.

"Hey, wait for me!" Ryouma said, almost shouting.

Nadeshiko appeared in the engawa wiping her hands on her own apron and looked at Yukimura and the others. She bowed to Yukimura, who recognized her and smiled. Quickly Nadeshiko looked at Chie a little confused.

"Where will you go?" Nadeshiko asked as she noticed a worried expression on most people's faces.

"Let's go to the castle, Nadeshiko. Come with us, we'll need your help."

Ina spoke looking at Nadeshiko with a soft countenance, but the kunoichi realized that there was concern in her gaze.

"I will. But what happened?" she asked.

"The Hojo clan will attack us in a day and a half."

Yukimura answered. He knew Nadeshiko, had seen her with Sasuke, but didn't know much about her, but he figured she was his friend's lover, since he had seen them kissing more than once.

"War?"

Nadeshiko raised a hand to her lips with a startled look. She was never in a war, would this be her first war, would she be able to fight one? Her fighting skills have never been more than a one on one fight.

"I appreciate it if you can come, Nadeshiko-san."

Yukimura spoke looking at her. He knew she was a skilled kunoichi, his father had already used some of her services, so he was sure his father would definitely use again.

"I will, my lord." Nadeshiko bowed to him and then untied her apron and threw it over the engawa and walked down the stairs putting her sandals.

"Where are you going, Nadeshiko? Are you going to find that damn shinobi again?"

A voice came from inside the ryokan, everyone looked that way and then saw Kirisu appear at the door. She was quickly surprised to see so many eyes looking at her and was even more surprised to see Yukimura.

"Oh my lord, I'm sorry, I didn't know you were here." She bowed to him.

Yukimura looked at Nadeshiko who kept her eyes down, he wasn't sure what Kirisu said but she didn't seem to like Nadeshiko and Sasuke's relationship.

Masayasu looked at Ryouma and then at Nadeshiko. He saw Ryouma look at her with a worried expression, he knew something about her that he had not shared with anyone, he could see it from his gaze.

Ina stepped forward and smiled at Kirisu in a friendly manner.

"Sorry, Kirisu-san, but we'll need Nadeshiko's help at the castle, she'll be back when everything is ok."

Ina spoke and saw Kirisu look at her. The woman looked at each of the faces, all looking serious except Nadeshiko who stared at the floor with an empty stare. The kunoichi looked at her mother and just quickly bowed and started walking.

Everyone looked at her, Masayasu exchanged glances with Ina and then looked at Ryouma again. Had he ever seen a scene like this between Kirisu and Nadeshiko? His eyes said yes. Without saying anything, everyone walked back toward the castle.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Yukimura led everyone into the castle, everyone walked in the engawa one after another following Yukimura to his father' secret room. Yukimura opened the door and each one entered and finally he entered and closed the door. Everyone bowed to Masayuki who looked at Yukimura's face a little confused and then looked at the four companions he brought.

Nobuyuki looked at Ina and for others, and then Yukimura, he shouldn't show his father's room that way, what did Yukimura have in mind? Sometimes Nobuyuki thought that Yukimura was too naive to trust people so quickly.

"I'm sorry my father for bringing everyone here. Sasuke told me about the Hojo army and the four offered to help us with the war."

Yukimura spoke and saw his father look directly at Masayasu, he saw his interested gaze on that mysterious man. Was this Chie's samurai husband? If he was, just by looking at his face he could see that he was a man full of hidden abilities. Masayuki smiled at everyone and with a wave of his hand invited everyone to sit down.

Everyone sat down, with the exception of Ina and Nadeshiko who knelt down. Ina looked at Masayasu and saw that he was watching Masayuki warily. They were in his secret room, so now she could discreetly see what was in that room. Her violet eyes scanned the room, seeing that there was a low table and a small cabinet behind it. There should be his secret letters.

"Nice to meet you, Otsu-sama." Masayuki spoke. "I was hoping to meet you."

Masayasu bowed his head a little and then looked at the Sanada clan leader with a serious expression.

"It's my pleasure. Sorry to come to the castle without your permission. But we hear about the army and want to help with anything." Masayasu spoke.

"Thank you. All help is welcome at this time. I explain the situation to you."

Masayuki answered and then pulled the map of Nagano and put his finger on Ueda, and looked into everyone's face.

"We're here. The army is coming from this direction."

He pointed at the map and Masayasu and Ina's eyes traveled the path of his finger. A day and a half was a short time to organize an army or find allies. Masayasu looked into Masayuki's face, always a serious expression..

"How many men are there today?" he asked.

"8,000 men. And when my brother gets here we'll be just over 3,000." Masayuki answered.

Masayasu stared at the map silently thinking about this big difference, they needed a great strategy or would be massacred. Yukimura looked at Masayasu, did he have experience with war? Judging by his look, it seemed so.

Ina looked at Masayasu's face thoughtfully, she knew he was looking for a strategy for this big difference of army. Then she looked at Masayuki.

"I have two suggestions." she started and everyone looked at her. "First, send a messenger to Mikawa, There is your closest ally, ask the Lord of Mikawa for help, I am sure he will help an ally who is going to war."

Ina spoke and saw that all eyes were on her. Masayuki was interested to know the second suggestion. He studied her eyes, skillful and intelligent, like a samurai.

"The other would be to send a messenger to the enemy army requesting that the Lord who is leading the army accept that you go there to negotiate before a war begins and innocents are wounded."

Ina spoke and Masayuki put his hand on his chin thoughtfully, it was a good suggestion to hers. The first one wasn't sure if Ieyasu would help, but the second was a great idea. He nodded looking at her and smiled.

"Your wife has a great war strategy." Masayuki looked at Masayasu and smiled at him.

"I know, she's a very smart woman." Masayasu replied looking at Ina and smiled at her.

Yukimura realized that his father had liked the suggestions, but he imagined that his pride would be hurt if he requested Ieyasu Tokugawa's help, would he accept to swallow his pride and do so?

"So we need two shinobi for these two missions."

Nobuyuki spoke looking at Masayuki who nodded quickly and then saw his room door open. Everyone looked that way and a beautiful woman came in and bowed to everyone with a seductive smile. She was wearing a black shozoku, but her face was not covered.

"Hello, my lord. I didn't know you had so many visitors."

The woman spoke and Ryouma looked at her with delight. She was beautiful. She was short, but she had a soft and pale face, her lips had a red lipstick, and her eyes were gray and fascinating. She crouched down and rested one knee on the floor and looked into each other's faces with a charming smile.

"Nobuyuki-sama remains serious as ever."

Chiyome spoke as she looked at him with a seductive smile, a blush appeared on Nobuyuki's cheeks and her lips delighted in that in another seductive smile. She then looked at Yukimura sitting on the other side and smiled seductively at him, looking at his physical build.

"Every time I come here you look more handsome, Yukimura-sama."

Chiyome spoke and Yukimura smiled shyly at her, looking at Ina's face and then at Chiyome again. Being praised by a woman in front of everyone was a little embarrassing.

"Thank you, Chiyome-sama." Yukimura spoke.

Masayuki noticed the look of his children and a shrewd smile appeared on his lips, Chiyome's presence always embarrassed both of them. He then looked at the kunoichi and smiled at her.

"My visitors will help us with the Hojo. Ah this is Chiyome Mochizuki."

Masayuki introduced her to everyone. Chiyome bowed her head gracefully and Ryouma stared in delight. Ina caught his eye and smiled a little, he couldn't see a beautiful woman who was going silly.

"Welcome, Master."

Nadeshiko bowed to Chiyome, she gave Nadeshiko a small smile. Masayasu looked at Nadeshiko and then at Chiyome. He knew her fame, a woman who trained several women to be kunoichi. These women are everywhere the frequent nobles, brothels, castles, inn, they were courtesans, geishas, ​​maids. All very dangerous women.

He never thought he would find her in the Sanada clan. He really thought she had died along with her Lord Shingen Takeda, but she must have been hiding, as her knowing mind requires. She caught his gaze on her and then winked at him. Quickly she looked at Masayuki. Masayuki saw that Chiyome looked at Masayasu and his shrewd eyes shone at that.

"You asked for my presence, I came. What is my mission, my lord?" Chiyome asked.

"You came faster than I expected. Sorry to ask for your help, but I need you to bring a letter to Ieyasu Tokugawa." Masayuki spoke while looking at Ina.

"Hmm...Interesting mission. I will complete my mission."

Chiyome smiled at Masayuki with a seductive smile. He smiled back and quickly Masayasu realized that there was something between them much more than just friendship. Really this kind of kunoichi was dangerous, he thought. He looked at Ina who was looking at Chiyome, he wasn't sure what she was thinking at that moment but knew that later she would talk about kunoichi with him.

Masayuki took a scroll and began writing the letter. Chiyomi looked back at Masayasu, her instinct saying he was a shinobi, a handsome and skilled shinobi, but she didn't know him. She studied his handsome face and saw Ina look at her and then realized that they must be a couple. Ina was beautiful, if she had been trained by her she could surely be a beautiful geisha. She smiled at that idea.

Ryouma felt like talking to Chiyome, but he knew this moment was not appropriate. Nadeshiko noticed Ryouma's enchanted look for Chiyome, she knew her master could cause it in men, she was beautiful and dangerous.

"Here, Chiyome." Masayuki rolled the scroll and handed it to Chiyome, who placed it inside her shozoku and looked into everyone's face.

"I'd love to talk, but now we don't have time, but I'll be back and we'll win this war, my lord."

Chiyome looked at Masayuki and smiled seductively at him. Masayuki nodded looking at her and smiled back, showing a concerned look but trying not to show it so much to her. She got up and bowed to everyone and left the room quietly and disappeared into the night.

Masayuki knew that Chiyome's beauty would be attractive to the Lord of Mikawa, so he wanted to send her on this mission. He needed someone with a great presence to help right now, and he could only think of her, beautiful, dangerous and seductive.

"Nadeshiko, I need your help. My idea has changed a bit at Chie-san's suggestion, so I would like you to take the letter to the Hojo clan. It will be a dangerous mission, but you will take my letter to Ujinao. I'm sure he's the one in command of the army."

Masayuki spoke looking at Nadeshiko, who said nothing, only bowed in thanks for the mission. Then looking at the face of the Sanada clan leader she smiled a little.

"It is an honor for me to help you, my lord. I will complete my mission and arrange your meeting with him."

She spoke in her low soft voice. Masayuki nodded and pulled out another scroll and began writing the letter to the Hojo clan. Ryouma looked at her a little worried, Masayuki said it could be dangerous, he should go along with her.

Nadeshiko caught his eye and then looked into his crimson eyes and smiled at him. She found his hand on the wood floor and squeezed it hard and smiled again, she wanted to reassure him, she wasn't as weak as he might be judging.

"It's all right..." she whispered to him.

Masayuki looked up quickly and looked at Ryouma, he didn't know what kind of relationship he had with Nadeshiko, but that could be a problem for him if Sasuke did. He looked at the letter again and wrote again.

Masayasu looked at Ryouma and Nadeshiko and realized that the two of them had indeed already been intimately involved, but he knew Sasuke, if she was his lover this would surely be a big problem for Ryouma, he didn't like sharing his lovers with anyone.

Masayuki finished writing the letter. All around in silence just waiting for his next command, after all he was the clan leader. He folded the letter, put it in an envelope and handed it to Nadeshiko who accepted it with great honor and bowed to him again.

Masayuki looked at Nobuyuki and nodded to him to follow Nadeshiko.

"Follow her to Chiyome's room, I'm sure it's more practical for her to change her clothes here than go to the ryokan. Nadeshiko, be careful."

Masayuki spoke as he watched the kunoichi stand up with Nobuyuki, they both bowed to Masayuki. Ryouma stared at her in silence, he feared for her life. Nadeshiko glanced at him and smiled a little and followed him out of the room with Nobuyuki.

Masayuki looked at Chie and smiled at her shrewdly, he wasn't sure if her idea would work, but it was a good idea in a desperate moment of war.

"My lord, how can we help?"

Ina asked looking at Masayuki noticing his gaze on her. She could see that he still admired her idea. But it was still a mystery as this man thought. Her father said to be careful with him and she needed to keep that in mind.

"I wish you would come stay at the castle with us. Yukimura, you follow Chie-san and her cousin to the ryokan, take some men and bring their things. They will be our guests here at the castle."

Masayuki spoke and Yukimura nodded and got up quickly. Ina looked at Masayasu and then at Masayuki.

"It's fine, go with them. I'm fine, Chie."

Masayasu spoke upon seeing Ina's gaze, Masayuki didn't mention his name, so she quickly deduced that he wanted to talk to Masayasu alone. Ryouma looked into Ina's face and saw concern, then he looked at Masayuki, would he be such a dangerous man that she didn't want to leave Masayasu alone with him?

Ina nodded as she looked at Masayasu and touched his hand over his leg. Masayuki noticed the gesture, it was a loving couple, he could tell by the exchange of glances and the gentle gestures between them. Ina then looked at Masayuki and bowed to him with a smile.

"Thank you, it's an honor to welcome us to the castle, we'll be back soon."

Ina got up and with a hand gesture called for Ryouma who got up quickly and glanced at Masayuki and then Masayasu and smiled at him. Then he headed out of the room with Ina and Yukimura.

Masayasu remained seated with his hands resting on his legs, he studied those eyes full of cunning. Had he noticed anything? Or had any gesture from Chiyome brought doubt into his mind?

"Otsu-sama. I realize just looking at you who is a strong man. I will need your help in this war very much. When my army arrives I will ask you to lead a group. If it doesn't work out our idea of ​​talking with ujinao-sama I'm going to attack, but to get Hojo's army back we need to attack from the front and both sides. Do you agree?"

Masayuki spoke looking into Masayasu's blue eyes and then served sake to him.

"My kids are young, I'll send you both to lead both sides and you will attack from the front. I'm sure you've been in battles, I can tell that and Chiyome realized you're strong. You'll be a big help here."

Masayuki continued to talk as Masayasu watched him and then took the masu and brought it to his lips to take the sake in one sip. He looked straight into Masayuki's eyes wondering why he wanted to trust him that way, he was a stranger, was there any test on that?

"I agree about your plan. But I've never led an army before, I've fought in battles, but I've never led an army, this is going to be a big ordeal, after all I don't belong to your clan, will your men follow me?"

Masayasu asked and Masayuki allowed a shrewd smile to appear on his lips.

"They will because I will order. My brother and I will support you if you need to." Masayuki spoke.

Masayasu found this idea strange. What Masayuki really wanted from him. Maybe he should talk about it.

"Is this a test, Masayuki-sama? I have great skills for fighting but not for leadership. I can accept this as your order, but I can't guarantee to be a great leader, your men can die with my leadership because this is not my ability."

Masayasu spoke and Masayuki put his hand on his own chin and thought about it, losing too many men in this war would be inevitable, but he didn't want to lose men by bad leadership. He studied Masayasu's gaze; he really seemed to be sincere in saying he had no leadership skills.

"Okay, I'll put my brother's son to lead the army, I wouldn't want to see a guest feeling guilty about losing so many men in the war. But tell me, what are your best skills?"

Masayasu was silent for a few seconds looking into Masayuki's eyes. Had he noticed anything about him that denounced him as shinobi? Or did it have to do with Chiyome again? What kind of relationship did they have to the point that he understood how she thought?

"I am skilled with katana, but especially with wakizashi, I need closer fight, I am agile for that."

Masayasu answered and Masayuki nodded with a smile.

"It's a great skill if we consider that few like to fight wakizashi. Do you intend to take your wife into battle? It can hurt her." he asked.

"She would be upset with me if I didn't take her. She's skilled, she can take care of herself."

Masayasu answered and saw a glint in Masayuki's gaze. Definitely those questions were a test for him, maybe he suspected something, but he wasn't sure what it was, so he was trying to figure it out with his answers.

"I know fighting in a battle is different from training, but she can surprise you with her skills. Besides, even if I forbade her to go to battle she would follow me, she wouldn't allow me to go without her."

Masayasu answered in his husky voice and saw Masayuki serve sake again and then take his own sake in one sip.

"I do not wish to make you uncomfortable here, I wish you would feel at home. I apologize for asking you so many questions. You are a strong couple, it caught my attention. And it seems that you married for love, it is a rare thing for a samurai."

Masayuki spoke and Masayasu smiled a little and took his masu and looked at the sake inside it. He thought about Masayuki's last words, that was really rare, if he can really marry Ina someday this will become something rare, an onna bugeisha marrying a shinobi and for love.

"I didn't think we were going to have a war like this. I must confess I appreciate a war, I'll plan every detail for that war, but I didn't expect the Hojo clan to attack us."

Masayuki spoke while filling his masu with sake and taking.

"Is the Sanada clan an ally of the Hojo clan?" Masayasu asked.

"No. But I was exchanging letters with Ujimasa-sama. We were almost allied. But I learned that he allied himself with Ieyasu Tokugawa and after that he didn't send me any more letters. I don't know what happened, but it would be a good alliance. I think Ieyasu-sama knew that I wanted this alliance and first teamed up with the Hojo clan."

Masayuki replied looking at Masayasu. Masayasu thought about Masayuki's words and looked straight into his eyes, maybe he was thinking that Ieyasu sent the Hojo clan. Would it be possible?

"So you think it was Ieyasu-sama who sent this attack? Do you think that's why the Hojo clan was silent?" Masayasu asked.

"Yes, that's what I think. So sending Chiyome to Ieyasu-sama and asking for help with this war will give me the answer to that. If he denies I will make sure he sent the Hojo clan to end my clan, if he help I know he sent the Hojo clan to test me, test my loyalty to him."

Masayuki responded by taking another sip of sake. Masayasu thought about Masayuki's words, both alternatives led to Ieyasu sending the Hojo clan. But what he didn't understand was why? He had given this mission to Ina and he, a mission to find out if the Sanada clan was cheating on the Tokugawa clan, so why the hurry? Why start a war without this answer? Or did he have that answer?

Maybe...the alliance between Hojo and Tokugawa came after Ujimasa handed Ieyasu the letters he exchanged with Masayuki. Would it be possible? He looked straight into Masayuki's eyes, he sure had already imagined that, surely he must think that the Hojo clan betrayed his trust and handed the letters to Ieyasu, but what was in those letters?

"Tell me. If Ieyasu-sama sent the Hojo clan to attack you, it was for some reason, and it certainly wasn't simply because you exchanged letters with Ujimasu-sama. Was there anything important in those letters?"

Masayasu asked and Masayuki looked up and met his blue eyes in silence, judging by the way he looked into Masayasu's eyes he can see that there was something important in these letters, maybe some secret. A confession of betrayal?

"In one of the letters I said I wanted to ally with Ujimasu-sama because I didn't trust Ieyasu-sama to be the best alliance choice. I said I needed to ally with the Tokugawa clan, but that wasn't my real wish. But Ujimasu-sama said the same in his letter."

Masayuki spoke and sighed crossing his arms as he considered this betrayal of both the Hojo clan and the Tokugawa clan.

"But you were already Tokugawa clan ally when you wrote this to Ujimasu-sama. So....if Ieyasu-sama reads he will know that you cheated on him with that letter, right?"

Masayasu spoke seriously and saw Masayuki nod a few times. He rarely regretted a decision and now he regrets sending this letter to Ujimasu, after all Ieyasu only read Masayuki's letters, not Ujimasu's letters.

"Well, in short, Ieyasu-sama must be thinking I'm a traitor for sending this letter to Ujimasu-sama, but I did nothing against the Tokugawa clan, I promised to follow Ieyasu-sama's orders, he knows that. I know....I should not have sent this letter, even though I knew Ujimasu-sama shared with my ideas." Masayuki spoke.

"You had no way of knowing that Ujimasu-sama would betray you. But...Do you know the lord of Mikawa well? I've heard that he always tests those he doesn't trust, maybe that's his test. But it's a risky test, since if the Hojo clan advances his clan can be destroyed forever." Masayasu spoke.

"I know...."

Masayuki looked into Masayasu's face, he always seemed calm, but he could see that although those blue eyes seemed empty at times, he was a man who fought for ideals if needed, just like him. He wants to hear his opinion, maybe that could help in his decision.

"You from Mikawa must have heard of the things your lord does....I'm right to think that because of a letter he wants to kill me and my family right?"

Masayuki stared at Masayasu as if he just expected a trust for what he already knew. Ieyasu wanted to kill him and his family over a letter, considering the Sanada clan's betrayal.

So now he needed the letters that Masayuki had from Ujimasa to reverse it. Maybe Ieyasu reading Ujimasu's letters will realize that they both cheated on him and gives Masayuki a second chance. Or did he already know that, so he sent the Hojo clan to attack the Sanada clan? Both traitors, maybe he wanted them both to kill each other? That was most likely, knowing Ieyasu's reputation for suspecting traitors and playing games with them.

Masayasu looked at Masayuki and thought about his words. They both cheated on Ieyasu, surely he wouldn't let it look like this, he would make both of them pay for it and maybe that was the way he found it. Sent the Hojo clan to attack the Sanada clan to show their loyalty to the Tokugawa clan. But how could Masayuki show his loyalty? Was there any way?

[lady-inahime]

Book - The Princess and the Shadow

Chapter 17: Yukimura Sanada

Ina watched Kaoru talk to Kaede. Kaede began to show the kimono she had made at Kaoru's request, beautiful and silky kimono must be expensive. Ina watched her gestures, she tried to mimic the gestures of the typical hime, but there was something forced on her, maybe Kaoru wasn't a real hime, maybe she just wanted to be one. A slight smile appeared on her lips as she watched this.

A maid came to bring tea for three and knelt beside Ina with the tray and began to pour the tea. Ina looked at her, the girl was young must have been a little older than her, but looked tired or sick, she wasn't sure. She smiled at the girl, who was surprised by her smile and smiled back.

"Thanks for the tea."

Ina spoke softly to the girl who just kept her smile and nodded. She was in front of Kaoru and didn't want to make any mistake in front of her, so she was avoiding talking to Ina, she wasn't sure who she was, so she decided not to talk to Ina in front of Kaoru.

Kaoru looked at the girl, she bowed after pouring tea, got up and left the room. Ina watched her a little confused. Was Kaoru picky with her employees? Ina thought about it, even her father, who had a higher status than she was kind to his employees, was the least he could do.

"Don't worry, Chie, she's just a little sick today."

Kaoru spoke and Ina looked at her and smiled nodding and picking up her tea and bringing it to her lips. She smelled the green tea and then the taste was good tea. Maybe grown on Sanada land.

"Where are you from, Chie?" Kaoru asked bringing the tea to her lips.

"Mikawa. This is next, sometimes I travel to other provinces, but my father asked me to try here because he heard about the beautiful fabrics it had here."

Ina smiled sympathetically at Kaoru, that nodded as she looked at Kaede's kimono, agreeing they were beautiful, and then looked into Ina's face.

"Mikawa. The Daimyo from there, Ieyasu Tokugawa is our ally. In fact my husband made an alliance with him a few months ago, this castle he built for us. He's a good man, but for some reason my husband doesn't trust him, maybe because he's ambitious."

Kaoru smiled to see that Ina was listening to her words, maybe she liked politics, so the interest.

"I didn't know him in person, my husband did. I'm not sure, but they both don't seem comfortable with this alliance. Since my husband went to Mikawa, he took our two sons. The boys were dazzled by the place, it seems that the castle is big and beautiful. Yukimura was interested in learning to fight a yaru for the first time when he saw a man training with such a weapon."

Kaoru spoke in his deep voice, a little odd at times, as if forcing herself to speak in the best language he could.

Ina sipped her tea and gracefully put it on the tatami and looked at Kaoru after hearing everything her family thinks of her father. Was Ieyasu right to distrust the Sanada? What kind of rivalry was there between them? She had heard that Masayuki Sanada was a great strategist. Did Ieyasu see this as a problem?

She smiled at Kaoru and studied her gaze, she didn't seem to understand much of politics, but she couldn't let her realize she knew Ieyasu, so she needed to comment superficially, but to get more information.

"I heard that Ieyasu-sama is very shrewd, currently he is a man close to Hideyoshi Toyotomi-sama. Maybe your husband has noticed something about Lord of Mikawa, which is why he doesn't trust him."

Ina spoke and Kaoru put a hand to her lips as she thought about what Chie had said. The girl seemed to understand a little about politics, but she didn't know her lord, so she must have said only what she heard about him.

"Maybe you are right. But my children liked Ieyasu-dono very much. Both Nobuyuki and Yukimura spoke well of him, I think it may be a personal matter of my husband with the Lord of Mikawa. I would have to ask directly, because no I know the real reason. But despite that, our house will always be open for your visit. You're a lovely girl, too bad you're already married."

Kaoru spoke and Ina blushed a little. She felt an embarrassment at Kaoru's words, it seemed that she longed for her to be her daughter-in-law. She then bowed in thanks, also trying to mask the blush on her cheeks.

"Thank you, ma'am." she said.

Kaede smiled to see that Ina and Kaoru had gotten along, Kaede knew that Kaoru would like Ina because of her appearance, and luckily Ina was polite and demure, as Kaoru liked a woman to be.

Kaede showed Kaoru a beautiful pink kimono, Ina smiled as she saw the woman's eyes sparkle when she saw the kimono, but something stronger than the sparkle in her eyes caught her eye. She felt a presence, a little soft, but she didn't know where she was from and wouldn't be discreet to look for, but it seemed to come from the ceiling, she could feel someone looking at her from the ceiling of that room. Then, unexpectedly the presence vanished. Something said it was Sasuke. She didn't know if he used to watch Kaoru or Masayuki's visits.

Kaoru slid into a low dresser and opened a drawer, Kaede and Kaoru talking Ina could hear the conversation and realize she was talking about kimono and fans. Then she saw Kaoru open a drawer and looked in that direction. The woman was looking for something, so she pulled a hairpin of sakura from there and closed the drawer.

Kaoru approached Ina and with a smile she put her hairpin on Ina's bun and nodded with satisfaction at the result. Ina was slightly surprised and touched the hairpin.

"Oh, it's beautiful, Kaoru-sama!" Kaede spoke with a friendly giggle.

Ina smiled kindly, that gesture took her by surprise, she was trying to focus on the presence of the ceiling, then got lost in the conversation and was surprised by a gift.

"It's yours now." Kaoru said with a friendly smile, resting her hands on her own lap.

Ina bowed to her with a smile. "Thank you, ma'am, that means a lot to me!"

She then looked up and startled when she saw Sasuke standing in the doorway with a wry smile. Kaoru put a hand to her chest. Sasuke used to scare her. Kaede stared at him without realizing why they had scared, then saw the young man.

"Milady!"

He bowed to Kaoru and then looked at Ina, she still looked more beautiful now by day, he thought that Masayasu had really gotten lucky.

"Don't scare me again, Sasuke!" Kaoru complained in a slightly shrill voice now. So she cleared her throat. "Sasuke, you already know Kaede, this is Chie." Kaoru said smiling.

"We already know each other." Sasuke replied crouching down and looking at Kaoru with a friendly smile.

"Oh, already? Where did you two meet?" Kaoru asked showing a little surprise under so much white powder on her face.

"Through the village. Looks like she's married to a man taught her how to fight, I saw her skills."

Sasuke spoke leaning one arm on his knee, still looking into Ina's face. Kaoru and Kaede were surprised by the news. Did Chie have fighting skills? Ina stared at Sasuke without looking away, she was serious now, but not afraid, but defensive. What could she expect from him?

"Oh dear, did your husband teach you how to fight?" Kaede asked touching Ina's hand.

Ina looked at Kaede and nodded with a gentle smile, and then looked at Kaoru because she realized she was surprised by this news.

"Yes, I can defend myself with some weapons. That's the advantage of marrying a samurai." Ina replied smiling and looked at Sasuke.

Samurai! Sasuke thought. She was smart, after all she knew her husband was shinobi but should keep it a secret, never reveal to anyone that this person was a shinobi. He smiled at her, pleased with her answer and her shrewd gaze.

"Yukimura is training, how about showing us some of your skills with him, Chie-san?"

Sasuke asked with a sharp smile. Ina realized he was testing her. What should she do? If Kaoru agreed to this she would have to join Sasuke's game. She then looked at Kaoru.

"Oh Chie, I would enjoy seeing this. I'll take you to Yukimura!"

Kaoru quickly got up, so did Kaede. Ina looked at both of them and then at Sasuke, she could see a smug smile appear on his lips. She then stood and bowed to Kaoru.

Kaoru passed next to Ina, shuffling in the engawa, Kaede looked at Ina with a smile and followed behind Kaoru. Ina looked at Sasuke, he stood and looked her. He smiled wryly. She had the impression he was trying to figure out who she really was.

She stepped beside him and walked behind Kaede, but she didn't shuffle as most women did, she walked with elegance and an excellent posture, Sasuke realized that. She didn't look like an ordinary woman, she had a natural elegance, different from Kaoru.

Another wry smile and he walked down the engawa and walked beside her. Ina looked to the side and saw him by her side. It was as if he were studying her steps, her gestures. She didn't like it. Could he discover the truth with just that?

She then looked ahead and saw Kaoru gesturing for her. Ina walked faster. She saw after a few bushes in the courtyard someone training right in front of it. The courtyard area for training was large, there was a young man, he had a yari in his hands, and had his back to her.

The movements of his strokes with the yari were strong and precise, he seemed to be training hard, even with rain or with sun.

"Come on, Chie!"

Kaoru called him and then Ina saw the boy stop and turn to her leaning the yari cable on the floor. Ina suddenly stopped. His gaze met hers. Sasuke looked back and forth and a wry smile appeared.

Yukimura must be a little older than Ina, he was nineteen in fact. A gentle breeze moved his smooth and black hair. His eyes was brown like chestnuts. He was tall and handsome. Ina was silent looking at him. He had a hakama strapped to his ankles and was wearing a short, simple and white kimono for training only. He was sweaty from training.

She can see his surprise in his eyes. He blushed a little. Ina walked slowly to where Kaoru and Kaede were, she kept looking at Yukimura. Yukimura didn't take his eyes off her and Sasuke was finding it fun, he had never seen Yukimura react that way around any girl.

"This is Chie, she is a new friend. Chie this is my youngest son."

Kaoru spoke as Kaede bowed to greet Yukimura. Ina quickly bowed, he bent a little to her and let out a soft smile when he noticed her quick gesture. She was beautiful, very beautiful, he thought. He had never seen such a beautiful girl like her!

"I am Yukimura Sanada. At your service!" Yukimura spoke quickly, bowing slightly to Ina.

"Nice to meet you, Yukimura-sama!" Ina said with a smile.

"My pleasure, Chie-san." Yukimura smiled as he looked at her.

Sasuke approached and laughed at the sight of Yukimura's face, he could still see a slight blush on his cheeks. Yukimura looked at him and tried to smile. No, it was too late, Sasuke had noticed, now would be days full of jokes about it.

"Chie has learned to fight, can she show her skills with you? But be careful not to hurt her."

Kaoru spoke frowning to see Yukimura's disoriented expression. He looked at his mother blinking in confusion at the information and then at Chie. Did she know how to fight?

Chie saw a servant bring her sandals, she put on herr sandals and down the steps of the small stairs of the engawa and walked toward Yukimura. She stopped before him and bowed again. She could feel his gaze on her, as well as everyone else's. But he looked differently.

She looked up and met his brown eyes and smiled kindly at him. Yukimura saw her smile and smiled back. Her presence had taken his focus a little, but quickly he looked at his mother.

"Don't worry, I won't hurt her."

He spoke and looked at Ina. She was tall by the standard of women, but still small near him.

"What do you want to try? I confess that I'm reasonable with yari."

Yukimura spoke and gestured with a hand for Sasuke to approach. Sasuke approached with a wry smile when he saw Ina look at him. She looked at Sasuke seriously.

"A naginata, please." She asked.

Sasuke went to pick up the naginata in spear-holder against a wall in that courtyard. Yukimura felt his heart pounding, he had never trained against a woman, he was wondering if he would be able to not hurt her.

Sasuke handed the naginata to Ina, she caught it while giving him a serious look. A wry smile appeared on his lips. She couldn't see the wound on his shoulder, but she could see a slight gash in his neck that she made with the katana blade last night.

He was wearing hakama, looked like a samurai in black, like Masayasu. His gray eyes watched Ina and Yukimura as he moved away to make room for the two to fight. Kaoru and Kaede were watching closely.

Ina spun the naginata swiftly with her hands and then grasped with both hands, blade up, her right foot back, her legs apart. Yukimura noted that she had a good base.

Ina glanced at Yukimura's base quickly, his feet wide apart, his knees bent, the yari in his hands leaning forward. He was not a man of defense but of attack, probably he would attack first. Without thinking much more about it, Yukimura gave a first push forward attacking with the yari.

Ina defended herself by using the cable of naginata, she turned her own body and counterattack elegantly by taking the blade of naginata quickly to attack the side of Yukimura's body. But he was quick and used the yari cable to defend himself.

Their eyes met. She was skilled. He was strong. A brief smile from her, it confound him a little and she pushed him back and moved the naginata up and down shifting sides quickly, left and right as fast as her hands could, and finally she turned the naginata to a blow at the height of his abdomen. The blade almost hit Yukimura, he needed to take many steps back to dodge.

Kaoru and Kaede were surprised. Kaoru covered her mouth with one hand. Sasuke just smirked. She wasn't an ordinaryl girl, Masayasu wouldn't have had time to teach her how to fight so well, she would need years of training. She was the samurai's daughter, definitely.

Yukimura looked at Ina's face, she had great concentration. Now she was at her initial base again. Even in her kimono she moved lightly. Her violet eyes were watching him, any movement of him. Yukimura thought she could teach him a few moves, the naginata in her hands seemed so light and so fast.

Sasuke studied Ina's base, she had quick and graceful movements because of her base. She had the right base to fight a naginata, she could move the naginata at full speed and make hard thrusts against Yukimura if she wished, but he saw that she was holding her blows, or maybe....maybe avoiding showing that she was really very skilled.

He smiled wryly. She should have been trying to hide that she's a samurai's daughter, but now she couldn't help it anymore, good eyes with hard training for years and years as his would easily notice her movements. Last night she wore a katana, now a naginata. She was a samurai.

Yukimura turned his yari quickly and tried to slap Ina on the shoulder. She was surprised by the quick and agile blow, he was good at that. Then just raised the naginata to defend herself, the impact of the weapons made a loud sound and a voice came from their side, from the engawa.

Ina and Yukimura looked that way, there was a man in black hakama and brown kimono standing there, looking a little confused at the scene, a raised eyebrow. He looked at Ina and then at Yukimura.

"What's going on here?"

He asked and Kaoru shuffling over approached him and grabbed his arm and showed Ina with a cheerful smile.

"This is Chie, this lovely girl has great fighting skills, she just wanted to show us along with Yukimura."

Kaoru spoke looking at her husband. Ina hurried away from Yukimura and laid the naginata base on the ground and bowed to Masayasu. She had already seen his face, she recognized him from a meeting with her father, but he didn't know her.

"Nice to meet you, my lord."

Chie spoke and Masayasu crossed his arms and then smiled at her. She was young and very polite, his eyes seeing that her posture was that of a samurai. She must be the daughter of a very skilled samurai, since she seemed skillful too.

"I'm Masayuki Sanada, but I think you already noticed that, young lady."

Masayuki spoke with a smile as he looked at Ina. He looked at Yukimura and saw that he was sweaty from training, but the young woman with him didn't seem to bother.

"Are you the daughter of a samurai, Chie-san?"

Masayuki asked and Ina looked up a little surprised and looked into his face. She must have imagined he would notice, her father had said that Masayuki was very intelligent and that she needed to be careful only with him.

"Yes my lord. But my father was living in misery and so decided to relinquish samurai status and live from commerce."

Ina spoke softly but kept a serious look at Masayuki who was watching her. She was so young, but so skilled, he never thought he would meet such a young woman.

Masayuki noticed yukimura's gaze on Chie. He had never seen Yukimura look at a girl like that, he had liked her. Well, he had good taste in women, he had to admit, he had chosen one who knew how to fight.

"Are you married Chie-san?"

Masayuki asked and Kaoru looked at him, but before she could answer, Ina nodded and smiled warmly.

"Yes, my lord. I am married to a samurai."

Ina answered. He had asked this question so randomly that she wondered what he wanted with that question. Then she watched Masayuki and he was thoughtful with one hand on his chin.

"Too bad. If you were single I would say you were welcome in our family. But welcome anyway, a skilled samurai daughter like you is welcome in our home."

Masayuki spoke and Ina showed surprise and then bowed in thanks.

"Thank you, my lord. I am honored by your kind words."

"Are you staying for lunch?"

Masayuki looked at Kaede and smiled at her. He deduced that Chie was in her company. Kaede bowed to Masayuki and smiled at him.

"We just came to bring the kimono that Kaede-sama requested, I can't stay for lunch, I don't know Chie."

She spoke and Ina looked at Kaede with a kind look and smiled softly and then looked at Kaoru and Masayuki.

"Sorry, I can't today. If you wish I come another day, but my husband is sick and I can't take too long." She said.

"Ah, Sasuke told me that a samurai with a beautiful wife and her cousin had arrived in the village, so are you. What does your husband have? If you need some medicine Kaoru has some here."

Masayuki spoke and Ina smiled in thanks.

"Thank you, you don't have to, I brought one. But I appreciate your hospitality and goodness."

"Can we train together when he's better? You...can you come another day?"

Yukimura suddenly asked and Ina looked at him. She didn't think her presence would draw so much attention from the Sanada clan, it was good for her mission, because she could come to the castle more often, but that would be a problem in the future.

She met Yukimura's eyes and saw a twinkle in his gaze, she quickly realized that he was a little anxious about her presence so his sudden question. She thought for a few seconds and then nodded.

"Yes, but allow me to bring my husband, he would surely be uncomfortable if I came alone."

Ina spoke and cast a quick look at Sasuke, who smirked at her. Bringing Masayasu was all he needed.

"It would be an honor for me to meet the samurai you married, if you have great skills he should surely be even more skilled."

Masayuki spoke and Ina nodded in thanks. She looked at Yukimura and smiled at him kindly. He kept looking at her, beautiful and kind, but strong like a samurai, he wanted to know her more, wanted to talk to her more, but maybe it wasn't possible.

"Kaoru, go with Kaede to see your kimono, I'd like to talk to Chie-san some more, we'll go here."

He spoke as he looked at his wife and touched her hand on his arm. She nodded, looked at Chie, and smiled.

"We're going nearby, Chie darling. If you need anything just tell me."

She smiled at Ina who smiled back and bowed in thanks. She looked at Masayuki confused. What he wanted to talk to her? Would he have noticed anything about her? What would it be besides knowing she was a samurai?

Kaoru left with Kaede and went back to the tea room. Kaoru looked back at her husband before entering the room with Kaede.

Masayuki sat on the engawa and gestured for Ina to approach. She walked over to him and stood before him with still a little confusion in her eyes. Masayuki noticed and then smiled at her.

"Don't be afraid. I just wanted to know what happened to your father. Tell me his story. If you are such a skilter, surely he was a great samurai."

Masayuki spoke and then looked at Yukimura and Sasuke.

"Sasuke, ask a maid to bring sake and tea to Chie-san, then you can join us."

He asked, and Sasuke nodded and bent out quickly. Yukimura approached the engawa, but stood next to Ina, still resting the yari on the floor.

Ina stared into Masayuki's eyes, he wanted to know about her father. Why? What did he really want to hear in this story? She thought about that for a moment and then looked at the naginata and Masayuki again. Yukimura took the naginata from her hand and smiled at her.

"I'll save it, join my father, I'll be back soon."

He spoke still looking at her face. She noticed the same look as before, he had liked her, she could realize that. He stepped back to place the yari or the naginata on a wall stand while Ina took off her sandals and climbed the stairs to kneel on the engawa facing Masayuki. She looked at him and smiled.

"My father was a great samurai. Very skilled and was in many battles."

She wasn't lying about it really. She thought. Tadakatsu was a great samurai and was in many battles. His physical strength and wisdom was known on the battlefield. Anyone who has had the honor of fighting alongside or against him will never forget his strength and abilities.

"He gained the attention of a daimyo, but over time he felt that the country was heading towards the end of the wars, to the meeting of peace and life as a samurai was no longer giving so much money. He gave up being a samurai to become a merchant. He likes craftsmanship, he always liked it. So he decided to devote himself to it. He always said that a samurai to be complete he needs to know the art of the sword and the art of painting."

She spoke with a soft laugh. Masayuki watched her speak, her voice was soft as a silk and crystalline like a real lady's. Her gestures were elegant, she had a beautiful upbringing, her father must be a brilliant and very respected man.

Yukimura approached slowly, but he could hear all of Chie's words. She was proud of her father, he could feel it in her words. Somehow he wanted to meet this man who had raised such a brilliant and radiant daughter.

"I can see in your eyes how proud you are of your father. But I imagine he is proud of you too."

Masayuki spoke while Yukimura sat next to his father. She looked at Masayuki and smiled gently and nodded.

"You're a special girl. Although many daughter samurai's daughter learn to fight not all have your skills, you seem to train a lot, I'd say you have experience with that, maybe with a lot of daily practice, am I right?"

He asked still looking at her and Ina nodded again. Ina noticed Masayuki's keen interest in her abilities, but was it because she was a samurai's daughter or because she was a woman? What did he want with these questions? To meet her? Or just be kind? Ieyasu always spoke of Masayuki as a great villain, but he was being kind to her. She could not deny that.

"Did you decide to continue training even after your father give up on being a samurai?"

Yukimura asked looking at Ina and she nodded to him, looking into his eyes.

"A samurai puts his title aside, but all his philosophy and training remain." Masayuki spoke while looking at Yukimura. "Even if her father stopped using his sword in a war, his heart is still samurai, so she still trains, am I right?"

Masayuki looked at Ina and she nodded with a friendly smile.

"Yes. Your words are wise. And I married a samurai, he also teaches me how to fight. Working in commerce is not easy, especially for a woman. There can always be looters or bad guys, I need to defend myself."

She spoke softly and Masayuki nodded as he listened to her words. Sasuke returned, but no maid came along, Masayuki looked at him and saw that he was carrying a tray with sake and tea.

Sasuke looked at Ina and smiled at her. Masayuki noticed his look and his smile on her. Do they already know each other? He thought. But he waited for Sasuke to put the tray in the engawa before asking.

"Do you already know Chie-san?" Masayuki asked raising an eyebrow.

Sasuke looked at him. He liked Masayuki, not as much as he liked Yukimura, but admired that man who allowed him to join the Sanada clan. A wry smile appeared on his lips.

"How dare I not know a beauty like this?"

He spoke playfully and looked at Ina. She didn't blush, she was looking serious at him. The compliments coming from him were all pure irony to her. She didn't like to dislike people, but she had no sympathy for Sasuke, especially after he did with Masayasu.

"Oh! I see you are not embarrassed by any compliments."

Sasuke joked with Ina and laughed seeing her serious look at him. Masayuki looked at her and realized that there was some bad weather, he can imagine that Sasuke flirted with her, as she is married she got annoyed. And he was doing it again.

"Sasuke, I wish you didn't flirt with her in front of me, she's married, respect that, she's not showing interest."

Masayuki spoke seriously and Sasuke's smile didn't disapped, but his gaze met his lord's and he bowed to him.

"Sorry. She is very beautiful. But her husband too. I am looking forward to seeing you both here at the castle soon."

His irony reached Ina's mind and heart. How could he be so cynical about his Lord? In fact she couldn't imagine how a clan that looked so distinct had a shinobi like him.

Yukimura noticed the tense mood between the three and then began to serve sake for his father and tea for Ina.

"Let's have a drink and talk." He looked at Sasuke and smiled a little. "Sasuke, leave us alone, please." he spoke softly.

Sasuke looked at Yukimura and nodded smiling at him. It was not a wry smile, but a simple smile. Ina can tell that his smile for Yukimura was not ironic, that only meant they were friends.

She then looked at Yukimura as she thought about it. But how had Sasuke become friends with Yukimura? They were very different, Sasuke was ironic, fake, while Yukimura seemed correct and smooth. She could not understand that.

Masayuki took the sake cup and raised it to his lips as he looked at Ina. Sasuke bowed to all and walked away quickly and Yukimura sighed a little. He didn't approve of certain jokes from Sasuke, but he knew that was part of his personality.

"I know what you are thinking, Chie-san."

Masayuki spoke and Ina's eyes met his. Yukimura looked at his father as well. How could he know?

"My lord?" Ina spoke confused.

"Ask, I know you want to know who Sasuke is."

A mischievous smile appeared on Masayuki's lips, Ina stared at that smile and then looked into his dark brown eyes. How could he know? Was he suspicious that she knew Sasuke was a shinobi? Should she ask?

Ina thought about Masayuki's words. Maybe she should ask, after all he was allowing her to ask. The most she could hear is a negative to her question. She then continued to look into his eyes.

"Is he a shinobi?" she asked.

Masayuki's lips curved into a smile. Yukimura looked at him and then at Ina. She sure knew a shinobi when she saw one, or some gesture from Sasuke might have denounced him.

"Your eyes are good at realizing what kind of people are before you. Yes, he's a shinobi, Chie-san."

Masayuki respond by watching Ina's face, which didn't look surprised. Maybe she had already confirmed it, but she needed someone to tell her that.

"How did you notice?"

Yukimura asked looking at Ina. She looked at him and smiled softly.

"I knew some shinobi in the past, but I didn't think I'd find another one on my way. Besides...my husband had already said that, he suspected he was a shinobi, since he was always watching over both of us."

She spoke in a soft voice and a gentle smile appeared on her lips.

"Ah, Sasuke always watches who arrives in village just to let us know what kind of people they are. But I'll ask him to get away from you and your husband. You've already come here and I already know what kind of person you are. Yours husband is welcome too."

Masayuki spoke with a smile and Ina bowed in thanks.

"Thank you my Lord."

Kaede left the room with Kaoru. Ina saw her hand gesture calling to her. Ina looked at Masayuki and Yukimura and bowed with a smile.

"Sorry I need to go, I have to go back to take care of my husband. But I'll be back here the day you want."

She quickly got up and went down the small stairs and put on her sandals. Masayuki nodded to Yukimura.

"Follow them, they are our guests."

He spoke with a smile and looked at Ina.

"You can come back when your husband is well, I will warn the guards who can release your passage."

Masayuki spoke and Ina looked at him with a little surprise. He had been really kind to her, and seemed to have believed her story, apparently. She bowed to him in thanks.

"Thank you, my lord. I will come with my husband when he is well."

She then smiled at Masayuki, who got up with the tray with tray and walked into his room. Ina went to Kaede and then bowed to Kaoru in thanks. But from the corner of her eye she can see Masayuki enter a room disguised as a wall. It was a secret room. What would that room be?

"Oh, my lady, I appreciate all the hospitality. And I was delighted with your castle."

Ina looked up and looked around admiring the place. Yukimura approached with a smile as he looked at her. She seemed to be very sweet and graceful indeed, and by her surprise she must never have stepped on a castle before.

"You come back when you can, my dear, and bring your husband, the samurai."

Kaoru said and Ina nodded with a smile and then looked at Kaede and then at Yukimura, she knew his father had asked him to accompany them.

"Yukimura-sama will accompany us." Ina told Kaede.

"Oh, what a lovely company we'll have." Kaede smiled at Yukimura.

Yukimura blushed a little with Kaede's compliment, she always complimented him a lot, somehow he always enjoyed her company, was a fun and kind lady.

"My mother, I'll be back soon."

Yukimura bowed to Kaoru and then looked at Ina and Kaede who started walking across the courtyard toward the first gate. Kaede handed Ina's straw hat, which she quickly put on her head and pinned it to her chin.

"Chie dear, you are very skilled with a naginata. Are you really a samurai's daughter?"

Kaede asked walking and looking at Ina and who nodded softly and looked at Kaede with a kind look.

"Yes, my father was a samurai, today we are just a family of merchants." Ina said.

"But your husband is a samurai, so you are still well regarded inside a castle, for example." Kaede said.

Ina looked forward, toward the gate, there were guards there, she knew that more guards were always needed, the Sanada clan was small, and although the castle was large for a small clan, they seemed not to have as many guards as a Daimyo would have. This could be dangerous if someone wanted to attack. Did they have an army to defend the castle?

Ina wondered for a few seconds about her own words, then looked at Kaede and smiled softly at her. Their eyes meeting.

"Maybe, but it was the first time I was in a castle, so...I don't know if I would be welcome in any castle, I think the Sanada Clan is very kind."

She said and looked at Yukimura. He watched her with a smile as he walked beside her.

"Thank you for your words, Chie-san. It's a pity you can't stay longer. My father and my mother really liked you. In fact after Kaede-san was the first time I saw you both like visit so much."

Yukimura spoke looking at Ina. She noticed his gaze on her. He was looking discreetly, but there was something intense in his gaze. This was not good. It could help with her mission, but it could be a terrible problem. Especially if Masayasu noticed. Ina didn't know what to expect from him if he found out Yukimura's interest in her. Would he try to kill Yukimura?

She smiled softly at him and looked away as they walked through the first gate with the guards bowing to Yukimura and greeting him. Ina realized that everyone always smiled at him and treated him with great affection, he must be someone very dear in the clan.

Ina looked at Yukimura who nodded to the guards with a happy smile on his lips. He was charismatic and kind. Why hadn't he married yet? She was sure a lot of samurai's daughters would be happy to have Yukimura by their side.

Kaede looked at Ina and then at Yukimura, she smiled a little and looked up at the sky. It was blue, the day was clear and warm and there was a gentle warm breeze. It was a typical autumn afternoon, but when it started to get dark the temperature dropped a little.

"Chie-san. The village has a doctor. If your husband doesn't get better, let me know. The doctor is my friend, I'll let you know that you can look for him sometime. I saw your husband and he's a strong young man, get by his physique, but don't play with a disease, even today young and strong something bad can happen."

Ina looked surprised at Kaede, hearing her speak like that was a little scary, although she knew she was right. Kaede caught Ina's worried look and then smiled softly at her.

"I don't want to scare you, my girl. I just don't want your husband to be hurting, and so do you. I lost a son about your husband's age because of blood disease..."

Kaede spoke with a sad look, but she smiled kindly at Ina. Ina could see in Kaede's eyes that there was suffering, she could feel the pain she carried for losing a young son, she would not allow anything to happen to Masayasu.

"I'm so sorry for your loss, Kaede-san. And thank you for helping me with my husband. I'm grateful for all you have done for me and him."

Ina smiled softly, bowing as Yukimura watched them both. They continued walking and through the second gate and started down the path to the village.

"Let's take Kaede-san first, it's the least I can do for everything she's done for me."

Ina spoke while looking at Yukimura and he nodded to her with a smile. Kaede smiled at Ina, she thinks she was a very gracious and generous young girl, she liked that in Ina.

They continued walking, Ina walked between Yukimura and Kaede. Ina looked at Yukimura and wondered for a moment if she should ask any questions about what she saw from the castle. Would he find that strange?

Yukimura caught Ina's gaze and blushed a little. He was still feeling a little embarrassed in her presence, she was very beautiful and very intelligent, he didn't want to say anything stupid to her.

"Yukimura-sama, may I ask you a question about your clan?" Ina asked and Kaede looked at her.

"Yes you can." Yukimura answered.

Ina caught a curious glint in his eyes, maybe he had no idea what she was thinking. She looked at the castle walls over her shoulder. Kaede and Yukimura did the same.

"I see you don't have many guards in the castle. I know everyone in the village knows each other, but isn't it dangerous? I mean...if anyone tries to attack you? Maybe a shinobi or an army."

Ina looked at Yukimura. Kaede saw that Yukimura looked at Ina a little surprised and then laughed a little at her.

"I understand your concern. True, it seems dangerous. But my uncle's castle is in a town near here, and he can come with the army."

Yukimura replied with a smile. Ina was surprised. Next? So if someone attacks them, will they have to fight the warriors in the castle until his uncle arrives? Her heart pounded at the thought. Her father could not know that, or he would try to hurt the Sanada that way.

She looked forward in surprise, trying to calm her heart. Kaede caught the look on her face and was worried.

"What's up, my girl?" Kaede asked worriedly.

"I was just worried about that. It takes a few hours for an army to get from one city to another. I hope if..." Ina looked at Kaede and then at Yukimura. "...your clan has any enemies, let your uncle's army come before. It is dangerous for you not to have an army here."

"We have, but it's not as big as it is in another city. All are an Sanada clan army, but we live in a smaller area and so we don't have more than two hundred men here."

Yukimura spoke and Ina looked at him. Two hundred is little, just enough to hold the castle and for the clan to escape some secret path. Ina realized that maybe it was some kind of Masayuki strategy, but it was risky for his family.

"Besides, we have never been attacked in Ueda, so there are few men here."

Yukimura spoke looking at Ina realizing her worried look. She seemed to understand about war strategy, about castles and army, he was curious about that.

Kaede was surprised by the conversation, it was a policy issue, it was strange to see a young woman talk about politics, but perhaps it was common for a samurai daughter to understand the subject.

They stopped in front of Kaede's house and she went in and went to fetch senbei and also some mochi for Masayasu. She brought it wrapped in a white cloth and handed it to Ina.

"Thank you for your kindness, Kaede-san."

Ina bowed to her with a smile. Kaede smiled kindly at Ina.

"Take care of your husband, Chie-san, and if you need a doctor anytime come home, I'll take the doctor to you."

Kaede spoke in her kind voice and Ina stared at her fondly and then bowed again in thanks.

"Thanks, I'll let you know if he needs a doctor. Thanks for everything you done for me. Rest now."

Ina spoke with a smile and then saw that Kaede was still holding an umbrella, and saw her open it for Ina and hand it to her as Kaede lowered her straw hat.

"I promised you an umbrella, it's my gift to you. I knew you would look beautiful with an umbrella, like a hime!"

Kaede laughed a little and Ina smiled shyly, a blush appearing on her cheeks. Yukimura stared at her, delighted with her beauty. Kaede caught his eye and smiled a little, somehow feeling sorry for him for liking Chie, she was already married and loved her husband very much.

"As soon as my husband gets better I come to visit you with him, Kaede-san, thank you."

Ina bowed once more, turned and began to walk, now with the umbrella, her straw hat now on her back. Yukimura looked at Ina and smiled shyly.

"You..." he started and Ina looked at him. "Have you been married for a long time?" he asked.

"No, I got married a few days ago, not a month yet. But I feel like I've been with him for months."

Ina looked at Yukimura as she spoke and then looked forward with a loving smile. He noticed her smile and then think that even if he longed to have her by his side, she would never want the same, she loved her husband, he could see it in her smile.

"I know we talked a little. But I'd like to talk to you some other time. I feel like my path crossed yours not by chance, but for some special reason. And maybe knowing you I can understand that."

Ina spoke walking beside Yukimura, who looked at her in wonder, showing surprise at her words, his heart pounding. Even if she didn't feel the same way about him, she still wanted to talk to him, that already satisfied his heart.

Yukimura smiled kindly at Ina.

"I'd love to talk to you more, Chie-san."

Ina walked beside Yukimura toward the Ryokan. It was late morning, and lunch should already be served, she could not invite Yukimura for tea, but she could make the invitation for tomorrow. She then looked at him.

"Come tomorrow for tea with me and my husband. Maybe late afternoon if you can."

She spoke and Yukimura nodded with a smile on his lips.

"I will, for me an invitation like this is an honor, and I will be able to meet the samurai, your husband."

He spoke and Ina nodded with a smile and then stopped in front of the Ryokan and bowed to Yukimura gracefully, he bowed to her and smiled a little while still looking at her beautiful face.

"Thank you for accompanying me. Come tomorrow, my husband will be better, I'm sure of that. And I apologize for my questions about your clan army. My father taught me a little about war strategy, I just thought it dangerous."

She spoke and Yukimura nodded with a soft smile.

"I understand your concern, but we have never been attacked, to get here most pass through the other cities, but I know that across the river has Mikawa province and I know that although my father and Ieyasu-sama are allies, there are still something unresolved between them. But I don't think we would suffer his attack, Ieyasu-sama is very fair."

He spoke with a smile and a determined expression. Ina could see that there was admiration in his eyes as he spoke of Ieyasu. And surely if Ieyasu knew him closely, he must have admired him, he was young but a sign of being a samurai.

Ina nodded softly and smiled a little looking at Yukimura's face. At that moment a woman passed and bowed to Yukimura.

"Yukimura-sama!" she greeted and Yukimura smiled at her.

Ina smiled at that gesture and looked into Yukimura's face, he was definitely dear to everyone. His heart was kind, she could feel it.

"You're right. I've heard he's fair, but I just don't want anything bad to happen to your clan or you. You received me very kindly, I'm so grateful for that."

Ina said bowing to Yukimura who smiled a little embarrassed.

"Oh, you don't have to say thank you. You got my mom's attention, this is very rare, especially since it's a woman."

Yukimura spoke and a slight blush appeared on his cheeks. Ina couldn't help but giggle, so she covered her lips to send even more embarrassment.

"I need to come in, my husband needs me. See you tomorrow, Yukimura-sama."

Ina bowed to him again and started walking through the courtyard of the Ryokan. Yukimura stared at her. He couldn't help it, his heart pounding for her in a way that would never beat anyone else.

Ina went to the engawa facing her room and took off her sandals as she closed her umbrella the door opened and she looked up in surprise, it was Ryouma.

"Milady! Come on, he's been sleeping since the time you left and I'm worried about him!"

Ryouma spoke in a voice of urgency and Ina felt her heart skip with fear, maybe it was Ryouma's exaggeration, but she couldn't play with that.

She quickly climbed the small stairs and entered her room, leaving the umbrella and her straw hat beside the door. She walked over to Masayasu and knelt beside him, placing the candy Kaede made beside her.

Quickly she put her hand on Masayasu's forehead and saw that he had no fever, she looked at Ryouma quickly.

"Did he have a fever today?"

"Yeah, earlier today, when he left and tried to follow you, sorry Milady, I know I shouldn't leave him alone, I went out to get sake and he went after you!"

Ryouma spoke in an extremely desperate voice, while Ina felt Masayasu's pulse in his wrist and neck. She looked into his face and saw that he just slept without any pain.

"He's just sleeping, he's still exhausted, I'll catch the opportunity he's sleeping to pass Devil's Matcha. But believe me, I knew he would come after me, so I asked you to stay here and watch him."

Ina spoke seriously, but didn't seem angry or upset with Ryouma, she knew he had done his best and not left Masayasu's side all this time.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Masayasu opened his eyes slowly and then acknowledged that he was in his Ryokan room. He sat down and saw Ina beside him, already touching his arm.

"Ryouma, ask Nadeshiko to bring him food, he has been without food all day."

Ina ordered and Ryouma just nodded and hurried out of the room. Masayasu saw that he almost tripped, so when he saw him open the bedroom door he saw that it was already night. His eyes could not believe it. How can he sleep all day?

"How do you feel, my love?"

Ina asked, touching his loose hair and sliding her fingers gently through his black strands. Masayasu looked into Ina's face, she looked calm, but he saw concern deep in her violet eyes.

"I feel good...I think." Masayasu spoke.

"You slept all day when I arrived. Ryouma told me what happened. You've been trying too hard when you just need to relax. But I know you'll feel better tomorrow."

Ina spoke and Masayasu touched his own wound, he felt something moist and realized that she had passed Devil's Matcha.

"You now need to eat better, your beautiful face is pale, you must have lost weight these days, but I know you will recover quickly."

Ina brought her face to Masayasu's cheek and kissed softly. He smiled a little with her gesture, seeing her right beside him was the most important, she went to the Sanada clan and came back well, that mattered to him.

Ryouma came into the room with a tray full of bowls, Ina was a little surprised seeing so much food, but she knew he was worried about Masayasu too. Ryouma sat next to Masayasu and placed the tray on his legs and served sake for him. Ina watched Masayasu take the cup with sake and then she held his hand.

"First you eat, then you drink. I don't want to see you faint or your stomach sick again."

Ina spoke looking into Masayasu's eyes and he nodded. Ryouma smiled happily since Masayasu had not yet sent him out of the room, he was worried about shinobi, but knew that shinobi would not thank him for taking care of him all morning.

Masayasu took a bowl and looked at his hand and saw that it still trembled a little, but was hungry, he had only eaten breakfast, oversleeping was never something in his life, he was already tired of sleeping all day. Ina handed him the hashi and smiled warmly looking into his eyes.

"How was it in the castle?" Masayasu asked starting to eat.

"It was quiet. The Sanada clan welcomed me kindly and they even invited me back with my husband."

Ina spoke with a smile and saw Masayasu look at her a little surprised, his blue eyes watching her violet eyes, she was really focused on the mission, but without losing sight of him or her mind and heart.

At that moment he realized that his sense of smell was better after so much Devil's Matcha and that damn strong smell, now he could smell white carnations coming from Ina again.

"They know I'm a samurai and I can fight, Sasuke said something and I had to show my skills."

Ina spoke and saw Masayasu's gaze, he nodded and chewed again before speaking.

"I knew he would do that after seeing that you knew how to fight."

"But I did well, I even talked to Masayuki-sama."

Ina spoke and then Masayasu and Ryouma looked surprised at her. She had met the leader of the Sanada Clan. And she said the clan was kind to her, so does that mean it was okay with her and him?

"What's he like?" Ryouma asked. "I never saw him, but I've heard that he's a very smart man."

"What did you talk about?" Masayasu asked.

"He asked about my father, the samurai who taught these skills I have. I made up a story about my father being a samurai but who left the title to become a merchant. And yes, Ryouma, he is an intelligent and very sharp man. I'd say you need to disguise who you are anymore."

Ina spoke as she looked at Ryouma and then at Masayasu went back to eating thinking about her words, did Masayuki believe that? He had heard of that man's intelligence, it was at the level of Ieyasu Tokugawa.

"You did well. Do you think he distrusts you? What did you tell him?"

Masayasu looked at Ina with a serious expression and she touched his hand and pressed her fingers around his hand.

"He believed me, don't worry about it. He didn't suspect anything, he even scold Sasuke for trying to tease me in front of him. Don't worry I took a right step toward that clan. I made friends there."

She smiled warmly at Masayasu and he stared at her face. She noticed his worried look as he tried to disguise her, but she saw that it was easy for her to interpret his hidden feelings.

"When you're better we'll go to the castle. But I don't know if it's a good idea because of Sasuke. Do you think he would be able to say you're a shinobi? I told everyone that you're a samurai and everyone believed it."

Ina spoke, stroking Masayasu's hand with her thumb. She feared that Sasuke might end their whole plan, their entire incenation.

"I'll go with you. Let's plan something. But he doesn't have to say I'm a shinobi, or I can do the same to him around city."

Masayasu looked straight into Ina's eyes, she hadn't thought about it yet, but he was right, they knew he was a Shinobi but not the city, so they were both in each other's hands.

"Did you meet their children? I heard the two guys are very smart, but one of them likes fighting more and the other likes strategy."

Ryouma spoke and Ina looked at him nodding softly.

"Yes, I met them both. Nobuyuki-sama I didn't see much and I can't say much, but Yukimura-sama likes to fight, he was training when I arrived at the castle. He looks skilled with a yari."

Ina spoke and Ryouma smiled widely. He had heard of Yukimura's great combat ability, now he knew it was with a yari, he even thought it was with a katana, as samurai usually prefer katana or naginata.

Ina then looked at Masayasu's face with a mysterious expression.

"I saw a secret passage."

Ina spoke and Masayasu looked at her as he chewed.

"So is there really a secret passage in that castle?" Ryouma asked surprised.

"Every castle has it." Masayasu answered. "One or more secret passages."

Ina nodded looking at Masayasu and Ryouma.

"The entrance looks like the wooden wall, but when running with hand it has an invisible rotating door, I saw Masayuki-sama enter this room, so I imagine it is the room he uses for war meetings and keeps the allied letters."

Ina spoke looking into Masayasu's eyes. She could see by the glint in his gaze that she could be right and he had been thinking the same as her, Masayuki probably had secrets in this room that he didn't even show to his wife. Did Yukimura and Nobuyuki know their secrets?

"When I'm recovered I'll go into this room, you can show me on the map."

Masayasu spoke and Ina sighed and shook her head negatively.

"You're not going, it's dangerous now. We'll think of a way. I feel Sasuke is going to be more alert now in the castle, after all he must still be thinking about what you were doing in the castle."

Ina said pressing her fingers to Masayasu's arm, who continued to eat as if he were carefree, just interested in the food. Ina knew that if she blinked he would be in the secret passageway of the Sanada castle.

"Maybe this time we should tie the handsome in the room, Milady!"

Ryouma spoke with a wry smile on his lips, but his smile faded quickly as Masayasu cast a cold look over him. Ryouma shrugged at the sight of his gaze.

"You don't have to be offended, after all I'm on your side."

Ryouma spoke and Ina laughed a little, covering her lips with her hand.

"Do you think that because I'm hurt I can't kill you? Be careful when you're sleeping."

Masayasu spoke in a dry tone looking into Ryouma's face. Ryouma looked really surprised and Ina couldn't help but laugh again. Masayasu was recovering as he was returning to his usual bad mood with Ryouma.

PS: The picture is Yukimura Sanada.

[lady-inahime]

Book - The Princess and the Shadow

Chapter 16: Love and pride

Masayasu was walking in a forest, he recognized that forest, it was the forest near Ieyasu castle. What was he doing there? It was dark, but he could see the moon by looking at the sky.

Looking around he felt a presence, but it was not the presence of a samurai, it was a weak, almost imperceptible presence. He knew then that he was a shinobi. Ally? Enemy? Who was?

He slid his fingers to his back to reach his wakizashi, he unsheathed it and slid his left foot back a little and left the wakizashi in a defensive position before his own body. His blue eyes searched for the presence, he wasn't sure where it came from.

Shuriken were thrown, and for fractions of seconds, he managed to jump back and dodged it. He was prepared to attack, but he didn't see who his target was. Then, like a strange demonic presence, a shadow came walking toward him, as if it didn't care about a sudden attack.

Masayasu tried to see, he could see clearly. He had trained his eyes to see in the darkness, to quickly get used to the night. He saw, it was a shinobi. He saw the scar on his left eye. Sasuke!

He saw a still body as if seriously injured or dead in one of his arms. His wakizashi in his free hand dripped blood. Masayasu recognized the body and was surprised. Inahime! Did he kill Inahime? Not!!!

Masayasu frowned, his teeth chattered, his blue eyes cold as winter. He couldn't accept that Sasuke had hurt Ina, even worse if he had killed her. He could see blood on her kimono. He jumped on Sasuke with the wakizashi in hand. His eyes completely cruel and lackluster going towards Sasuke.

Masayasu suddenly woke up scared and sat down quickly. But he put a hand on his own wound. A moan escaped his lips. It was a damn dream. A damn nightmare. He put a hand on his forehead and then looked around the room looking for Ina. Inahime!! Then looked behind him and saw that she was kneeling before the chabudai, writing something.

Ina's violet eyes looked at him and then a warm smile tightened on her lips. But quickly her smile faded as Masayasu looked a little sweaty, the day was hot, but not too hot, so she guessed he had been in pain while sleeping or had a nightmare.

"Are you alright, my love? Do you need something?"

She started to get up, but Masayasu gestured with his hand to stay where she was. He wiped his kimono sleeve over his forehead to wipe off the sweat, then stood up and walked slowly to Ina and sat beside her.

He noticed the concern in her gaze, he knew that because of this injury she was always worried, he didn't even know if she was sleeping well, because Devil's Matcha wouldn't let him stay up to check it.

Ina touched Masayasu's face and gently stroked his cheek as she looked at him. She noticed a huge concern in his gaze, he had another nightmare, she had noticed it.

"Another nightmare?" she asked.

"Yes, but I'm fine."

Masayasu replied looking into her beautiful face and touched her hands over his cheek and pressed softly between his fingers. Ina knew the nightmare was with her. Another nightmare with her.

"I'm starting to think that either you've always had nightmares and I'm slowly discovering it, or I cause you nightmares."

Ina spoke and Masayasu let out a dry laugh as he shook his head at her.

"No, you don't cause me nightmares, but I think maybe I'm overwhelmed with some thoughts."

He answered and Ina nodded softly, leaning toward him and smiled softly as she looked into his blue eyes.

"Forget my father now, get it out of your mind, let's focus on the mission one thing at a time, or you'll get really overwhelmed. I'm not thinking of my father, I'll leave it to think of it when we're traveling back. So forget it these days. Imagine it's just the two of us, you and I, a couple, traveling together, that's all."

A warm smile appeared on her face. Masayasu stared at that beautiful face, she seemed sincere in her words, and the truth was that she had not shown to be worried about her father, not yet. Maybe he had to stop worrying about so many issues at once.

"How is your wound?"

Ina asked looking still into his eyes, she wanted to make sure he would stop thinking about her father and stop to worry about it, not the time now.

"With pain." Masayasu responded by touching the wound, still looking into Ina's face. "But better, thanks to you."

Ina shook her head as she smiled at him.

"No, thanks to Hanzo-sama. If he hadn't given me this medicine maybe you would have a fever today. Fortunately I brought it with me."

She smiled softly at him and nodded toward the lunch tray.

"Nadeshiko left your lunch, but it must be cold. But I'd rather she let it, I knew you'd wake up hungry. If it's too cold I ask her to prepare something for you to eat."

She spoke in her soft and quiet voice. Masayasu realized that she spoke of Nadeshiko in another way, she seemed to know something he was not aware of.

"I'm going to eat cold anyway."

Masayasu fetched the tray and then returned to Ina's side. She watched him, just to make sure there was no blood on his body or he showed too much pain as he walked.

She watched him sit beside her, and then she opened some of his kimono and looked toward his wound and then to his face and smiled at him.

"It looks like it's stopped bleeding completely. But don't push yourself, you still have today and tomorrow to rest, then you'll be recovered."

She spoke and Masayasu nodded. He was feeling fine, just a little dizzy, but he understood that it must be the medicine taking effect.

He grabbed a bowl with rice and began to eat and then saw Ina lean over the parchment, pick up the brush, wet the paint and draw again. Now he saw that she was drawing. He was surprised to realize what she was doing.

"Is that Ueda? I mean are you drawing the village and the castle?"

Masayasu asked and Ina nodded to look at him.

"Yes, I'm making a map of the place, remembering what is here, not just the houses, but the shops in between. There is the nearby farm and also the ryokan and the castle."

Ina spoke and Masayasu nodded as he ate. She smiled at him to realize that he was really hungry. She set the brush on the wooden stand and poured sake for him. Masayasu liked to know it was sake, not cold tea.

"Why the map?" Masayasu asked.

"My father will ask. I wish you would later describe the castle outside and inside for me, I'll draw the castle too."

Ina spoke and Masayasu stared at her. Ieyasu was really smart about sending her on this mission, she drew maps well and judging from what she did, she really understood war strategy. With the map from Ueda and castle Ieyasu could invade and take the spot for him.

"We can do it together. But there's something in the castle that I didn't find and I imagine it's some secret room that the ceiling doesn't have access to. The war meeting room. Every lord, even a local lord like Masayuki Sanada, must have one to discuss with his allies and even his children. I imagine the whole family is samurai."

Masayasu spoke and Ina nodded as she looked at him. A secret room. That would be impossible for her to find on her visit, she would not be alone at any time. For her to find a room like this would have to walk through the castle, but how could she do that?

"Maybe this room we won't have access to, not yet. And I don't want you in that castle anytime soon. Sasuke is watching us all the time."

Ina spoke and Masayasu took the masu and brought it to his lips to take a sip of sake, while looking at Ina, she looked serious, so saw her gaze now watching him seriously, he knew she needed to say something serious with him.

"Nadeshiko told me everything. She's a kunoichi."

Ina spoke and Masayasu frowned and when he went to get up, Ina grabbed his arm, her heart pounding, she didn't want him to get hurt behind Nadeshiko to kill her.

"Calm down. Stay. I'll talk about it. Stay Masayasu-sama. Trust me, that's all I ask of you."

Her violet eyes watched his blue eyes. Masayasu sat down and was silent looking at the food. Everything looks bitter now. He was sure she was a kunoichi and now he wakes up and learns that Ina knows this and has done nothing with her.

"I'm sorry. She came to me and talked about her mission. I can't trust her. But I can use her for our mission. She wants something."

Ina spoke and Masayasu looked at her with cold eyes. She realized he was cold with her. She moved the tray away from him and approached him, touching his arm fondly. He realized that she didn't want to disgust him, she was trying to reconcile everything.

"She wants to leave Ueda, I promised to get her out of here if she worked for me. So I give her missions and test if I can trust her."

Ina spoke softly, looking into Masayasu's face, he kept staring at her coldly. How could she try to trust a kunoichi?

"I know what you're thinking. That I shouldn't trust her." A brief smile appeared on her lips. "I don't trust, but I can trust if she proves useful to me. I can't distrust everyone by my side, if I live distrusting everyone I'll live always scared, always tense, I can't live like this, a samurai needs believe, we need to think that there are still people with honor, even if it's not in our class."

She said still looking into Masayasu's eyes. He didn't look so cold now, she understood he might be disappointed, but she had to do something, she needed Nadeshiko against Sasuke, she knew shinobi.

"You could have had this conversation with me before you made a decision." he said dryly.

Ina smiled a little. "I knew your answer. I decided to make that decision on my own. Don't worry, if I make a mistake I make all the mistake for myself."

Masayasu was a little surprised. What was she saying? Assume every mistake? He touched her hand on his arm and sighed deeply.

"Since I met you you have been surprising me. Today you have made a dangerous decision, she can try to kill you, or kill both of us, or bring Sasuke to do that." Masayasu spoke.

"I know. So if I'm wrong I take all the blame. You always tried to alert me, open my eyes, if I closed my eyes to something the blame will be all mine."

"That's not the point. I know you're smart, you may have seen something about her that I didn't see. Sometimes the difference between us is because you're a samurai and I'm a shinobi, we see the world and the people in a different way. You might have seen qualities in her that I didn't see, but I can still say that your heart is pure and innocent, I fear someone might hurt you someday because of it."

Masayasu spoke seriously, a little dryly. Ina stared at him as he spoke. Maybe he was right, she was still innocent to the world, but maybe because she was young, but she wasn't afraid to risk learning from the world, learning from her own mistakes.

"I know you are so much more than you show yourself to be, your innocent face and your sweet eyes can deceive those who do not know you. You are a brilliant woman with great intelligence and wonderful abilities. You have an observant look, you can tell things that others would not realize, have quick thoughts and make good decisions, but don't trust everyone."

Masayasu spoke looking into Ina's eyes, pressing her hand with his long fingers. She looked at their hand and then at his face and nodded softly.

"I understand your concern, Masayasu-sama. And I appreciate your words. But I still have a lot to learn, but that doesn't mean I trust everyone, but I give a vote of confidence to those who deserve it. I'm here with you now, if I hadn't let my guard down when we met, have you ever wondered what our relationship would be like today?"

She asked looking into his eyes and saw that he was slightly surprised. Maybe he hadn't thought about that. Or maybe he had simply thought she would change over time.

"I tried to give you a vote of confidence, even though I knew you were a shinobi, even though you were working for my father just to watch me. When I asked you and you said it wasn't your job I trusted you."

Ina smiled a little and then quickly wrapped her arms around Masayasu's back in a tight hug, leaning her head against his shoulder. He wrapped his arms around her back and hugged her back. Her words brought thoughts to him. From the beginning she has taken steps toward him, he has not done the same for her. He just let himself get involved with her. She always took all the risks for her from the start.

Masayasu thought he never asked how she felt about this mission. If she was afraid, if she was scared, after all she was still very young and it was her first mission away from her father. He didn't know how she felt about anything. He just knew she loved him.

"I'm sorry. I'll trust your decision. I know you are in a difficult situation and will have to make decisions that I often can't do anything. In fact in my position I should just quietly accept your decision, that is the work of a shinobi."

Masayasu spoke and then Ina looked at him and laughed a little while holding his face with both hands.

"You're not my shinobi, you're my beloved, we'll always make decisions together, but yes, some I'll have to make the decision alone, like this one. I don't think killing Nadeshiko would be the best solution. Sasuke would know it was you."

She spoke looking into his eyes and he nodded. She was right about that. If Nadeshiko died Sasuke would try to do something, probably hurt Ina to tease him.

Ina touched her own forehead to his and smiled softly, closing her eyes. Masayasu stared at her. She hid how she felt, maybe it was natural to her position, Ieyasu's daughter, an onna bugeisha, a hime, was too much for her. But he would like to know under so many layers where Ina was.

"Inahime...I want to ask you something." Masayasu spoke.

"Uh?" Ina opened her eyes and turned away her face to get a better look at him. "What is it?"

"Just as you asked me to share my feelings and thoughts with you, I want you to share it with me too."

He spoke and Ina was surprised. Her cheeks were a little flushed. He was asking her to say what she thinks and what she feels to him, she didn't expect to hear that, not at that moment.

"Why this now?" she asked still surprised.

"Because I see that you often hide your thoughts and feelings from me. I am not here to judge you, I am here to be your partner. I cannot allow you to suffer in silence, or to be overwhelmed with thoughts and worries. You can share with me."

"Masayasu-sama..."

Ina whispered still in surprise, looking into his eyes. She smiled, but in her eyes tears began to well up, she was happy, happy to finally get him to stop acting shinobi with her, and just act like her lover.

"I will, I promise." She spoke still with tears running down her cheeks.

Masayasu slid his thumb to wrinkle her tears. He could see she was smiling, so she wasn't sad. He could see her happy smile. Then a big hug from her. He liked it when she set all protocols aside and flung herself into his arms. That was when he could see her fully, free from everything and everyone.

He hugged her tightly and leaned his face into her hair and smiled softly. He could feel his own heart pounding, he could feel the happiness in that moment. She was his happiness.

Ina rubbed a hand over her face to wipe away her tears, she was glad to see that Masayasu was beginning to walk toward her, trying to understand her, forgetting that she was Ieyasu's daughter, just remembering that she was Ina.

"You need to finish eating and I need to finish my map."

Ina spoke with a smile appearing on her lips as she touched his face softly. Masayasu stared at her and touched her hand fondly. He didn't see tiredness in her eyes, but she must be tired, taking care of him, planning the mission.

Ina smiled warmly and turned to return to the map. Masayasu still stared at her for a while, always so serious about her mission, maybe she just wanted to finish this mission as soon as possible, or maybe he didn't know what she was thinking.

He pulled the tray to himself again and returned to eat. But something came to mind, she would be in the castle the next day, alone. What should he do to protect her?

"Inahime." he started talking.

"Uh?" Ina still holding the brush looked at Masayasu.

"It worries me that you're going to the castle tomorrow without my presence."

He spoke and a broad smile appeared on Ina's face, her eyes softened.

"I can protect myself, my love, don't be so worried about me. Besides, Sasuke can't do anything against me inside his own house along with the Sanada clan. I worry more about you going alone here."

Ina answered and Masayasu thought about her words. True, Sasuke could not hurt her without reason before the eyes of the clan who welcomed him, but he could come and attack him, who was still wounded. He sighed deeply and looked at the cold food. He would have to be prepared for that.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

That morning Ina had got up early to take a shower, Masayasu woke up and didn't see her by his side, but he deduced that she had gone to take a shower. He sat for a while and then looked at his own wound as he slightly opened the upper part of the kimono. There was no blood anymore, just the pain, a throbbing ache that wouldn't leave his body.

He saw the shoji doors open softly and then saw Ina with a white kimono, she looked up at him and smiled fondly when she realized that he had woken up early. She closed the doors behind herself and approached him and knelt beside him and touched his face fondly.

"Good morning my love. How are you feeling today?"

She asked and Masayasu gave a weak smile, she realized he was still in pain, but she knew it was a mixture of medicine with the pain of the wound. She slid her hand lovingly over his cheek and brought her lips close and kissed him softly.

"Rest, Nadeshiko should bring breakfast in a little while. I won't pass Devil's Matcha now in the morning for you to stay awake. You'll still feel a little sleepy, but you shouldn't sleep I think. You better stay up or I'll be even more worried about leaving you hurt and alone here."

She spoke quietly, touching her forehead to his. Masayasu looked into her eyes and then his face changed a little to pain.

"I feel terrible, my stomach is a little sick..."

He whispered putting his hand on his stomach and Ina looked worriedly at him. He needed to eat more, he had eaten little these days, slept more than he ate.

"I'll stay here for a while with you, then I'll meet Kaede-san."

She spoke touching his hair and starting to stroke softly. She saw his face twitch in pain and felt sick. He was not well, but she would only leave his side when he felt better. She heard a soft sound of footsteps and knew it was Nadeshiko.

"Come in, Nadeshiko."

She spoke before she announced her arrival and opened the shoji doors, and bowed. She saw Ina kneeling beside Masayasu, he didn't look well. She came in with a tray and placed next to Ina and then fetched the other and placed next to Ina's tray and knelt next and put her hands on her lap.

"Isn't he okay? Is there anything I can do?"

Nadeshiko asked as she noticed Ina's gaze a huge concern, her loving touches showing that she would take care of him, but maybe there was something she could do. Ina looked at her and smiled a little.

"Do you have mint? Could you make some chamomile tea and mint for me to give him? That will help a little."

She spoke and Nadeshiko nodded. Ina pulled Masayasu's tray and took a bowl and hashi.

"Eat a little, if you throw up what you ate is better than throw up water. Come on, I'll take care of you, my love..."

Ina whispered and Masayasu looked at her. He saw in her violet eyes that she was really worried. He would do what she asked, but wasn't sure if his stomach would like the food.

Ina spent most of the morning with Masayasu, when he started to feel better, she got dressed. Ryouma then entered the room and Masayasu just stared at him coldly, but he was so tired that he didn't want to try to kick out him of the room.

Ina approached Masayasu again and knelt beside him and nodded towards Ryouma.

"I'll leave him with you. I know you don't like him, but ask him to help you with whatever you need. I'll try not to linger at the castle."

Ina spoke and Masayasu touched her hand and looked straight into her eyes.

"Don't worry about me, I'll be fine. Don't be in a hurry to come back, I'll be fine, just be careful. Sasuke will definitely try to play some game with you, ignore him. He saw your skill and knows you're not a fragile woman."

He spoke looking into her eyes, Ina nodded, she knew Masayasu knew Sasuke well enough to know how he would react to meeting her.

Masayasu then looked at Ryouma with disgust. Ryouma looked at him with a big wry smile. He would have a few hours to try to approach shinobi somehow.

"I'd rather be alone than with his company."

Ryouma made a false hurt expression and Ina grinned and sighed a little.

"I'd leave you alone. But you woke up feeling bad. If I leave you alone I'll keep thinking of you all the time and won't pay attention to my visit to the castle."

She made her thoughts clear. A little exaggerated, because she realized that at that moment she had to force Masayasu to accept Ryouma's company, it wouldn't be for so many hours, but enough for her to visit the castle.

Masayasu frowned and looked at Ryouma with that damn fake upset expression and then looked at Ina with a worried expression. He then sighed deeply and muttered something. Ina smiled, a grumble meant he felt better.

"I'll be right back!"

She spoke and got up quickly. Masayasu stared at her with the new kimono she bought from Kaede, she wanted to impress her new friend or maybe Lady Kaoru. He didn't know, but her beauty was even more gorgeous.

Ryouma smiled when he realized that Masayasu couldn't take his eyes off Ina, in his mind he thought Masayasu had dirty thoughts, but in fact Masayasu was just admiring her, her unique beauty.

"I am leaving...."

Ina spoke opening the shoji doors and bending down to grab her sandals and hat by the door. She glanced at Masayasu and smiled brightly at him. He smiled a little at her, so much care of her this morning, and just now she managed to get on with her mission, he hated the thought of getting in the way.

"Take care, and don't fight."

She spoke with a soft laugh. She knew they would fight for sure, she knew Masayasu very well to know that he wanted to kill Ryouma. She closed the shoji doors behind her and put on her sandals on the stairs, put on her hat, stepped down, and walked across the lawn toward the ryokan exit.

Ina walked out of the ryokan and to her surprise as she adjusted the hat on her head she saw Kaede waiting for her with a umbrella. Ina smiled at her and quickly approached and bowed to greet her.

"Sorry I'm late, my husband hasn't been well since that day. Today he woke up feeling bad and didn't want to leave his side. Sorry."

Ina bowed her head in apology and Kaede smiled at her while shaking her head in negative.

"No apologies, he's your husband and I saw that he was not well that day, I brought senbei to him, I make some delicious, when we come back I would like to deliver to him."

Kaede spoke in her kind and cheerful voice. Ina's eyes widened in happiness and she smiled at that kind lady.

"Thanks, he'll love it. He likes senbei."

Ina stated and Kaede laughed a little. "I imagined that and mine is delicious." she laughed again.

Ina watched her, a kind and generous woman not knowing she was lying about who she really was, she hoped one day she could apologize for lying to her. A gentle smile and then joined hands in front of the kimono itself.

"Then we should go, I wouldn't want to leave Kaoru-sama waiting any longer."

Ina spoke and Kaede nodded and started walking with her toward the castle. The day was hot, there was a soft but warm breeze that touched Ina's face gently. She looked at Kaede in her elegant red umbrella and smiled a little, she knew the ladies liked umbrellas.

"Oh my girl, I'll give you an umbrella as a gift, you're beautiful, you'll look like an elegant lady with an umbrella."

Kaede spoke to look at Ina and smiled sympathetically at her. Although Ina looked calm she could see in her violet eyes that she was still worried.

"I know you're worried about your husband, but your cousin stayed with him right? If they have any problems I'm sure he'll come to the castle to call you."

Kaede spoke and Ina nodded softly.

"Sorry, he's special to me, but I promise to have some fun. And I thank you for wishing you give me a umbrella, that's very kind."

She smiled kindly at Kaede, who smiled broadly at her.

The two finally arrived at the castle, the guards already knew Kaede and knew that Lady Kaoru was waiting for her, so they quickly opened the gates for both of them. As Ina walked through the gates she looked around. Was this the castle her father built for the Sanada clan?

The ground was still dirt, but she could see the elegant trees in the courtyard just ahead as they walked into the courtyard. There was grass everywhere, but a rocky path that led to the castle. It was a beautiful castle, simple but beautiful. It color was what caught Ina's eye. Had Masayuki chosen the colors?

Kaede noticed Ina's gaze wandering through every detail of the castle, marveling at the two floors building. Kaede smiled. Ina looked at the roof of the first floor and imagined that was where Masayasu had fought Sasuke. But it must not have been where he was injured.

"Hello, Kaede-san!"

A male voice came toward Kaede and Ina quickly looked that way, he was a handsome young man, probably in his early twenties. He had a serious but kind voice.

"Ah Nobuyuki-sama, what a pleasure to be received by you!"

Kaede bowed to greet Nobuyuki who smiled at her and then looked at Ina, immediately he couldn't hide his surprise to see such a beautiful young woman, never in Ueda had he ever seen a girl like her, maybe not even in Nagano.

"Ah, this is Chie-san. This young girl is the daughter of a merchant, she came from far away to do business with me, but was curious to meet her mother."

Kaede smiled as she introduced Ina, who quickly bowed to Nobuyuki and then looked up at him with a gentle smile.

"Nice to meet you, Nobuyuki-sama." she said.

"My pleasure, Chie-san."

He grinned that he couldn't stop looking at her, especially when he saw her take off her hats and left her beautiful face visible. He lost focus for a few seconds and then looked at Kaede who had a wide smile.

"Her husband can't come, young lord, but believe me, she's married to a samurai."

Kaede spoke proudly, since Ina seemed to show no pride at Nobuyuki, in fact she seemed shy and silent, perhaps intimidated by the castle.

"Ah, a samurai." Nobuyuki spoke in surprise and then cleared his throat. "Well, come on, my mother is waiting for you."

Kaede then started following Nobuyuki and then Ina followed close behind, holding her own hat. She looked around in wonder at the place, looking so alive, with an energy different from the energy of her father's castle. She smiled at the thought, maybe they were a really close family.

So before she could admire any other details Kaede had taken off her sandals and climbed the stairs and Ina did the same. She has seen Nobuyuki's gaze on her before stepping away and gives her way to pass. She smiled at him and walked after Kaede. His gaze on her wasn't a big bother, but she knew it would be sometime.

Nobuyuki passed Ina's side watching her as they walked by the engawa and then went to her mother's tea room and knelt down, the doors were open as the day was hot.

"My mother, Kaede-san has arrived and brought a friend."

He spoke and looked toward Kaede and Ina. Ina was a little bothered by his gaze now, but she knew he was probably not going to be there when it was just women.

Kaoru was kneeling drinking tea and fanning herself in a long blue kimono with an orange obi and a pink and orange haori. She looked toward Kaede and Ina and smiled, waving them in.

Then she showed some surprise when she saw Ina come in with Kaede, kneel and bow to her. She stared in wonder at Ina's face, which when looking at her blushed a little at the sight of her gaze. Kaede noticed Kaoru's surprise and smiled widely.

"This girl is beautiful, isn't she?"

"Very pretty indeed."

Kaoru replied looking at every detail of Ina's face, that looked down shyly, it was kind of embarrassing so many looks on her at that moment.

"What's your name, girl?" Kaoru asked.

"Chie, ma'am."

Ina answered and looked at her with a kind smile, she can see that Kaoru must have been around fifty years old, she was an elegant woman, a bit overdone but elegant. But she can't help but smile at her kindly.

"Chie is a merchant's daughter. Her father sells fabrics and kimono and she came here to buy some of me." Kaede spoke looking at Ina.

"Chie, you are welcome in my house and I apologize because my foolish son is still here admiring your beautiful beauty!"

Kaoru spoke with a wave of her hand to shoo Nobuyuki who was still in the doorway looking at Ina. He blushed a little and nodded quickly, got up and left.

"You're so pretty you could be mistaken for some hime."

Kaoru laughed, covered her lips with her sleeve of kimono as she laughed. Ina blushed a little at her words. In fact she was a hime, but she didn't realize Kaoru could think that only the hime were beautiful.

"If you were a hime I would make a point of marrying you with one of my boys!"

Kaoru said laughing again and then Ina was surprised at her words. That woman didn't even know her and wanted to marry her child just because she was beautiful? It surprised her.

Kaede realized that Ina was embarrassed and so decided to intervene to help.

"what a pity, if Chie-san were single I would tell you to marry her with Yukimura-sama, they would make a beautiful couple. But she has a husband, a samurai." Kaede said smiling.

"A samurai?" Kaoru asked showing an exaggerated surprise.

Ina nodded and smiled gently at her. "Yes, I'm married, my husband is in the ryokan, he's sick, so I came alone. Sorry."

She bowed and Kaoru waved her hand so she wouldn't apologize for that.

"It's okay, you don't need to apologize. But I believe that after I need to introduce you to my other son, he must be training now, this boy has been training a lot after he found his calling with the spear!"

Kaoru spoke raising the proud chin of her youngest son, Yukimura. Ina saw her proud mother gesture and then she smiled a little. Yukimura must be her favorite son, she couldn't deny her proud mother gesture. Ina smiled at that. And thought it might be nice to meet Yukimura, she had heard about him, a bold young man in battle.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Masayasu watched Ina leave the room, she was so beautiful, so elegant, he couldn't take his eyes off her. Seeing her face smile at him before closing the shoji door was something that made his heart warm.

Now he would have the unpleasant Ryouma's company. He quickly glanced at the mercenary who was smiling at him as if they were going to have a fun day with friends. Masayasu snorted and then got up and went to get dressed.

"You should lay down, handsome."

Ryouma spoke as he saw Masayasu get up and go to a part of the room to change his kimono, he knew that for shinobi to have his company was one of the worst things that could happen to him, but he had promised Inahime that he would not leave his side.

Masayasu looked at his wakizashi and then a thought went through his mind. He looked at Ryouma, yes, he needed to get Ryouma out of his way, he couldn't leave Ina alone in this castle, he needed to go after her.

"Do you want to be helpful? Bring sake to me, I feel my mouth tastes terrible."

He spoke dryly and Ryouma smiled broadly and stood up quickly.

"Sure! I'll bring it to you! Do you want something to eat?"

Ryouma asked with a smile on his lips, but he saw Masayasu's cold gaze and realized that he only wanted sake.

"Yes, bring something to eat, I feel I need to eat better."

He spoke dryly and Ryouma nodded several times, walked quickly to the doors, slipped it and quickly left the room, closing the doors behind him.

Masayasu kept looking in that direction just to make sure Ryouma wasn't behind the door, he knew he could vanish his presence when he wished. He quickly put on a kimono and took the katana and wakizashi and attached it to his obi and quickly left the room, putting on his hat by the door.

He put on his sandals and walked silently out of the ryokan. He didn't see Ryouma, he should be in the kitchen with Nadeshiko. He quickly reached the village street, looked this way and that, just to make sure Sasuke wasn't there and walked toward the castle.

Masayasu quickly moved down the street, he felt the pain in his wound as he walked, it was not for him to feel so much pain yet, a slight dizziness took over the moment. He stopped walking and put his hand on his forehead. His blue eyes looked toward the castle, it was so close, he needed to walk some more.

His stomach was sick again, perhaps because of dizziness, he could not longer say why he was feeling so dizzy, maybe he really needed to eat better, since he spent more time sleeping. His wound throbbed with pain and he put a hand over it, moaning in pain.

He then heard voices and feet running towards him, he knew these steps, not from adults, from children, he knew that children were coming towards him. He heard a few laughs right behind him.

"Samurai-san!"

Some kids called. Masayasu considered turning to look at these children. After so long in the room it was good to see other faces, it was good to have the company of these children, but he needs to find Ina. He could not leave her alone.

Then he started walking slowly, he looked back and smiled a little at the children, then looked forward, the castle was so close, so close. He felt everything around him darken, the sound of the children's voices sounding too low, even though he knew they were close to him.

He held out his hand, he couldn't see anything, he couldn't make any steps. Then his body fell to the floor. The children startled. Some covered their startled lips, others ran to Masayasu and crouched beside him to call for him.

"Samurai-san! Samurai-san! Wake up! Are you ok?" Some children spoke.

"Did he die?" Other children asked.

Ryouma went to Ina and Masayasu's room, holding a tray with sake and some rice. He opened the doors and was surprised to see that the room was empty. His eyes quickly darted around the room behind the katana and wakizashi, both were not.

"Damn! You're very stubborn!"

Ryouma set the tray on the bedroom floor and ran out of the courtyard out of the ryokan, upon arriving at the entrance of the ryokan he saw Masayasu lying on the fainted floor, around him the children calling for him or crying.

Ryouma was surprised and ran to him. Some children watched Ryouma approach quickly, others stood crying crying for Masayasu.

"Hey hey, he's fine, just sick. But let's get him to the bedroom!"

Ryouma bent down beside Masayasu and looked at the children around him. They were local kids, they seemed to like Masayasu. But how? What kind of child likes someone like him? That was surprising to him.

"Uncle...will Samurai-san be all right?"

Asked a girl who looked about six or seven years old, wiping tears from her eyes with her kimono sleeve as she looked at Ryouma.

"He will. But I need your help. Go to the ryokan and look for Aunt Nadeshiko, you say I need her help."

He spoke and the children seemed to show hope now, the samurai they had met days ago would be fine because he would have help. They smiled and nodded and quickly ran toward the ryokan. Ryouma hoped that seven or eight children would not bother Nadeshiko.

He then looked at Masayasu who had not woken up yet. He really was not well. Ryouma wrapped Masayasu's arms around his shoulders, leaving his chin on his shoulder as well and stood with him. Ryouma grimaced as he lifted Masayasu. Masayasu was definitely heavy.

He walked backward towards the ryokan, Masayasu's sandals dragging on the floor. He can see some women in front of their homes and other people in front of their trades watching this. They must think Masayasu was a drunk samurai. It seemed so.

Nadeshiko appeared in front of the ryokan wiping her hands on the apron that was tied over her kimono, the children around her looking at Ryouma dragging Masayasu to the ryokan. She was concerned to see Masayasu passed out.

"What happened to him? Why did he leave?"

She asked and Ryouma passing her and the children he just looked at her with a smile.

"It's called stubbornness. But now he's going to be all grumpy because he couldn't go after Chie. When he wakes up I swear I don't want to be near..."

He spoke forcibly to bring Masayasu into the bedroom. Nadeshiko and the children watching the scene. A girl began to cry again worried about Masayasu and Nadeshiko touched her head.

"Do you want to help Uncle Otsu?"

Nadeshiko asked the children who looked at her with their big bright eyes, nodding fervently. Nadeshiko could see hope in their eyes. They seemed to like Otsu, which she considered odd, since he always proved to be a rough man.

"Bring the most beautiful flowers you can get, he'll be very happy to see that you care about him."

Nadeshiko spoke smiling at the children, they nodded and ran to pick flowers for Masayasu. She just watched the kids run out of the ryokan and then ran through the engawa to help Ryouma with Masayasu.

She lifted Masayasu's legs over the engawa and took off his sandals and wiped his feet and his kimono so he wouldn't lay down dirty. She then looked at Ryouma and nodded.

Ryouma quickly pulled Masayasu into the bedroom and laid him on the futon and knelt beside him with his hands behind his back in pain.

"Is he too heavy, how does Milady handle him?"

Ryouma asked and Nadeshiko came into the room with a bowl with water and a cloth. She smiled at Ryouma's comment as she approached Masayasu and knelt beside him.

"Well...she is his wife, and you can see in her eyes that she loves him, I think his weight is nothing, although you can tell he is heavy because he has many muscles, typical of those who trained much."

Nadeshiko spoke, seeing Ryouma look at her. She quickly looked up at him seeing his surprised expression.

"What is it? It's true, I'm just saying what I think. Although he's not a nice man she loves him, that's what matters, right?"

Nadeshiko asked Ryouma and then looked at Masayasu, wet the cloth in the bowl, twisted it out and wiped his sweaty face. Ryouma watched her, she seemed to be the kind of girl who believed in love, but maybe she didn't believe that love would come to her.

"They were lucky in love I guess. Some people don't marry for love, they marry because families make a deal for it. In the samurai class it happens."

Ryouma spoke looking at Nadeshiko. She just nodded and looked at Ryouma with her soft gaze, trying to hide her sadness.

"But he can choose who to marry, I think. Or did they marry and fall in love?"

She asked curiously. Ryouma let out a laugh and then went to fetch Masayasu's tray and sat next to him and poured himself some sake and drank.

"They fell in love before they married, so I said they were lucky. Few people know the taste of love. Sometimes loving someone means nothing, you may never be in the arms of the loved one, but they were lucky."

Ryouma took the sip of sake looking at Masayasu. Nadeshiko looked at Ryouma while holding the damp cloth. She had a feeling he was saying this as someone who had never found love in his life. Maybe they were alike because of it, she never found love either.

"I'm happy for them, especially for Chie-san. She seems like a special girl, she's kind and fearless, delicate and strong at the same time. Not every woman can handle that balance. And he's lucky to have her."

Nadeshiko wet the cloth, twisting it again and placed it on Masayasu's forehead. Ryouma kept looking at her, she definitely never had a love in her life, but she was young would surely love someone in the future.

"Life can go round and round, have its ups and downs, life is a surprise, we never know what to expect from life."

Ryouma winked at Nadeshiko who smiled at him. He had been kind to her so far, she was attracted to him, but it wasn't love. If he wanted to sleep with her, she would definitely sleep with him again, but she didn't love him.

"He needs to eat more if he wants to recover quickly."

Nadeshiko spoke while looking at Masayasu's pale face. She then realized she didn't know what he had. She looked at Ryouma and he realized in her curious look, she wanted to ask about Masayasu.

"What does he have? He doesn't look like the cold. At first he had the mask on and I thought so, I think Chie-san confirmed it, but...he looks in pain."

Nadeshiko spoke and Ryouma looked at Masayasu and nodded a few times.

"He had a bad cold, but I think the fever and also the poor diet worsened his condition. He needs to eat better. He has been sleeping a lot, but he needs to eat. I need your help, let's help him. Can you make food to him when he wakes up? I know your mother's rules..."

"Yeah. Ignore her rules. I'll make him omelette and bring hot rice, this one must be cold. I'll bring some vegetables too. He needs to recover, or he'll always be worried about his wife."

Nadeshiko spoke and then realized that Chie had gone out with Kaede.

"I saw Chie-san with Kaede-san, did they go to the castle?" Nadeshiko asked in a low voice.

"Yes, but I hope she'll be back soon. She was looking forward to meeting the lady of the castle."

Ryouma spoke and saw Nadeshiko's eyes widen, she stood up covering her lips with both hands.

"W-What is it?" Ryouma asked looking at her showing surprise.

"She's in danger! Sasuke is there!"

Nadeshiko responded by thinking what Sasuke could do to Chie if he met her there at the castle, it was his area, he could play games with her, could hurt her, even before the eyes of the Sanada Clan.

[lady-inahime]

Book - The Princess and the Shadow

Chapter 15: New team member

Masayasu began to sweat cold from Devil's Matcha. Ina noticed his gaze and sweat, she quickly dipped the cloth in the water, wrung it and began to run over his forehead and face and down his neck.

"I'll prepare the futon for you, Masayasu-sama. You need to lay down. Even if you want to talk about what happened at the castle right now, you will lay down."

She spoke softly, not disapprovingly, but she showed concern and affection in her voice.

Ina got up quickly and walked smoothly to the small closet and picked up the items to set up the futon for Masayasu. Ryouma looked at her and then at Masayasu and saw his pained expression. He could see that this Devil's Matcha was consuming his strength, he never thought he would come across such cruel medicine.

"Handsome."

He spoke and saw Masayasu looking at him trying to focus on his face so as not to think about the pain he was feeling.

"What happened between you and Sasuke at the castle?" he asked.

Masayasu was silent for a while and then looked back and saw Ina preparing the futon, he knew she was listening intently to the conversation, it was her natural.

Masayasu looked at Ryouma again and tried to contain the pain to speak.

"I was checking the castle.....how many people live there....so I came across Sasuke.....when I was leaving the castle....he already knew it was me.....he knew I would visit the castle....he was waiting for me....We fight...."

He paused to try to contain the pain of his wound. Ina kneeling before the futon, arranging the comforter over it, looked at Masayasu in silence. She realized the danger of it. If Sasuke knew he would be there, maybe he was suspicious that he was on a mission.

"Does he suspect what you're doing here?"

Ina asked in a serious voice, still looking at Masayasu. He turned to look at her and shook his head negatively.

"No. He wants to understand....what I'm doing here...I think he's trying....to complete the puzzle...."

He spoke a little breathlessly and Ina slid still kneeling down to him and touched his face affectionately. She can feel his cold sweat. Her eyes showed concern, but Masayasu couldn't tell if that was because of what he said or the pain he was feeling. Or both.

"Come on, I'll help you lay down..."

Ina helped Masayasu slide onto the futon to lay down, Ryouma made a gesture that would help, but Ina made a gesture with her hand for him not to help, she knew Masayasu would not like it.

After being able to sit on the futon, Masayasu lay with Ina's help, he felt the wound throb in pain, as if he had just injured himself now. Ina sat down beside him, took the bowl of water and the cloth, and began to wet, wring, and brush his forehead and face.

"Rest...if we can to talk about what happened in the castle and here tomorrow, today the priority is for you to rest to heal your wound."

Ina spoke looking into Masayasu's face as she ran the cloth over his skin. He kept looking at her, despite the pain, his heart was light and happy because she was fine, she hadn't been hurt, although Sasuke had tried to hurt her.

Masayasu looked at Ryouma and he understood from his cold and hard gaze that he would ask for something from him.

"Do what Inahime told you to do. You have one day to get important information about Nadeshiko. I'm sure she has some intimate involvement with Sasuke. I think they're lovers."

He spoke in his low voice, now seemed lower perhaps by the pain he felt. He saw Ryouma's eyes widen a little. He must be thinking that Nadeshiko was in love with him, poor Ryouma, he was always a fool. Masayasu could only think about that.

Ina looked at Ryouma and saw him nod several times.

"I'll do it tomorrow morning. I promise not to fail you again."

Ryouma spoke and Ina nodded to him.

"Do this, I have a mission in the castle in two days, so I need you to get information for us, just as Masayasu-sama did."

She spoke in a low voice, she didn't want anyone to hear anything. After Masayasu said that Nadeshiko was a kunoichi she had been worried, so her eyes quickly wandered over the wooden ceiling.

Masayasu caught her eye and then smiled a little. She still had a little innocence about it, although living with shinobi she still couldn't identify one if she saw one of them.

"There's no one here, Inahime. I can guarantee that..."

He spoke and Ina quickly looked at him a little surprised. Her cheeks blushed slightly, he must have been thinking she was a fool for looking for Nadeshiko on the ceiling, but she had been really worried about that.

"The Sanada clan has many members in the castle. Counting family members, servants, and soldiers. I believe it had allies present that night, or visiting."

Masayasu only told Ina to be aware, to try to find out how many members actually belong to the Sanada.

"I counted at least ten family members, but it could be a little more."

Masayasu spoke seeing Ina's eyes looking into his eyes. He felt a stab of pain and she touched his face and began to caress with affection.

"Rest. Let's talk about what happened today over breakfast tomorrow. What happened is past, so we can't change anything, now we need to plan for the future."

Ina told Masayasu. He nodded and then Ina looked at Ryouma, she didn't smile. He was missing her beautiful bright smile, definitely he had destroyed everything with her.

"Go rest. Let's have breakfast together, okay?"

Ina told Ryouma, he nodded and then looked at Masayasu who stared at him in silence. He wasn't sure if he should say good night to shinobi, his mood was calmer, perhaps from the pain, but he still feared dying in his sleep.

"Good night to you both then. Tomorrow at breakfast I'll come to talk better."

Ryouma grinned. Ina just stared at him, she didn't smile, her gaze was neutral, she wasn't serious and not angry, but there was no smile. He got up quickly and headed for the door.

Masayasu watched him open the shoji door, leave the room and close the door after that. The shinobi closed his eyes and moaned a little in pain.

"This Devil's Matcha can only be from the devil...!"

He murmured and Ina's lips curved into a slight smile at his joke. She leaned a little over him. Masayasu opened his eyes and saw her violet eyes watching him, he was so afraid he couldn't see those eyes again. She had a calm look, but he could see the concern in her gaze.

"Rest, tomorrow we need to have a long talk after all the events of that night. But now rest..."

She whispered and released his hair and began to slide her fingers through his long black hair. Masayasu closed his eyes and tried to relax. He needed to relax, that night had been a nightmare. Pain. Despair. Fear. So many bad feelings that night. The only good thing was seeing Ina alive.

Ina bent and brought her lips close to Masayasu's lips and kissed him softly. He felt that kiss warm his body that felt cold from Devil's Matcha.

He then opened his eyes and saw Ina's face pull away gently and then she covered him with the comforter. But she kept sitting beside him and caressed his hair again as she looked into his face.

Masayasu felt the pain finally win and fell asleep without even realizing when it happened. Ina was by his side, the only important thing at that moment.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Masayasu woke up scared and sat down quickly. He looked at himself and saw that he was naked seated on the futon with his body covered with the comforter. He didn't remember if he took off his own clothes, in fact he didn't remember what happened after he fell asleep. He put his hand on his face, still a little breathless.

"Good morning my love..."

Ina's voice came from behind him when she had finished putting on her kimono and then approached him and knelt beside him and touched his face. He looked at her a little confused at what had happened. He saw her comforting smile.

"I took off your clothes while you slept. I wanted you to sleep comfortable because I knew this would be the first night you would sleep all night."

She spoke and Masayasu's eyes widened a little. Did he sleep all night? How was this possible? Ina realized his surprise and quickly put her index finger to his lips as she looked into his blue eyes.

"You deserved to rest after so many sleepless nights, Devil's Matcha provided it for you."

She spoke in a soft voice, a warm smile appeared on her lips and he saw that she was already dressed and with her hair stuck in a bun, she should have woken up early to dress herself and stuck her own hair.

"I haven't slept all night in many years..." he whispered.

"I know...But you needed to, you will see that later when I go through Devil's Matcha again you will see that the wound is much better. Devil's Matcha has its quick benefits, but it consumes energy and causes pain. But you can only use it three times in a row, it's time for healing."

She spoke in her sweet voice, Masayasu seemed to be hearing her voice even softer than usual, perhaps complete rest made his senses even sharper.

He touched Ina's face and looked at her lips. She smiled at him and when she saw his face approach hers, Nadeshiko appeared behind the shoji door and he looked away and looked toward the door.

"Good morning. Sorry to bother you. Can I come in to leave your breakfast and your clean clothes?"

Nadeshiko asked and Ina looked at Masayasu and then at the door.

"Come in, Nadeshiko." Ina said.

Nadeshiko slid the shoji doors and put his hands on the tatami and bowed to them. Although she thought Ina was the daughter of a merchant, Masayasu was supposed to be a samurai, or she would pretend about it, she must have known by now that he was not a samurai.

She got up with the first tray, then gently and placed it on the tatami, some distance from Ina and Masayasu, then returned to fetch the second tray and did the same. She took the clean clothes and put them on the chabudai.

Ina and Masayasu watched her closely. She sure should had contact with Sasuke since yesterday, so she knew Masayasu was a shinobi, he didn't need to cover his face anymore.

Nadeshiko went back to the door and knelt down and looked at Ina and Masayasu and again bowed and then put her hands on her lap and smiled at them.

"I hope breakfast is to your liking. I put in more omelet today because I realized that Otsu-sama likes omelets."

She then saw Masayasu staring at her coldly, it was the first time she saw his face, a slight blush appeared on her cheeks. He was an extremely handsome man, but he had a cold and cruel look. Was he cold with Chie? Or was it that way just with the other people around them?

"Thanks, Nadeshiko."

Ina answered with a kind smile. Nadeshiko noticed that Ina's hand was on the comforter, probably on her husband's thigh. No. They should be a loving couple in intimacy. She couldn't imagine that he could be rude to such a gentle and kind wife.

Nadeshiko smiled kindly and bowed a little.

"If you need anything else tell me. Ah, I made the special tea for Otsu-sama. Ginger, lemon and honey. It's best for the throat."

She spoke in her soft and low voice, as if she had shyness to speak, but there was sympathy in her gestures and gaze. Ina nodded her thanks.

"Thank you, Nadeshiko. You are kind."

Ina spoke with a smile. Masayasu said nothing, just stared at the supposed kunoichi. He was sure she was a kunoichi, he looked straight into her eyes and she looked away, showing a little shyness, in his opinion false shyness.

If she was avoiding his gaze it was because she knew he was a shinobi and would recognize her as kunoichi. that was his opinion.

"You can go out!"

Masayasu spoke abruptly to Nadeshiko who was taken by surprise. He realized she was waiting for Ina to start a conversation with her to get some information from Ina, but he preferred to avoid that, although Ina was smart, maybe Nadeshiko could somehow fool her.

"A-Ah, sorry. Have a nice day."

Nadeshiko spoke in a slightly shaky voice, as if frightened by Masayasu's tone, put her hands on the tatami and bowed. Then she left the room, still crouching and slid the shoji doors to close it in front of her. She got up and began to walk along the engawa gently, shuffling her feet.

Masayasu continued to stare at the door. Ina noticed his hard look. He had been hard on Nadeshiko, but she understood the reason. He quickly looked at her.

"She's a kunoichi. I'm sure of that."

Ina looked straight into Masayasu's eyes, he was serious, she didn't doubt his words, if Nadeshiko was a kunoichi she needed to be careful with her, she didn't know if the girl would try to get information or attack her at any time.

"I believe you, but relax a little and eat..."

Ina pulled the tray with more omelet for Masayasu and set it before him so he could eat. Masayasu looked at the omelet suspiciously, for some reason he did not like the Nadeshiko's idea. What does she want? Poison him? Or please? He frowned and Ina realized that.

"Do you think she might have poisoned?"

Ina asked as she looked at the omelet, the taste of the egg would surely disguise any poison. She then quickly picked up the bowl with omelet and set it on her tray and picked up her omelet and set it before him and smiled softly.

"Eat mine, it's better this way."

She spoke and saw Masayasu look at her. She was getting more and more careful with so many spies around her, that made Masayasu's heart quiet a little. But only a little.

He took the hashi and began to eat while watching Ina pour tea for him. She had gentle gestures, he looked at her hands and then at her beautiful face and smiled a little.

"Are you still in pain?" she asked.

"No, I'm fine, don't worry, the pain is gone."

He answered and saw Ina go behind him and wrap her arms around his shoulders and put her face against his.

"Rest today, I don't want your wound to open, it needs to finish healing, so just rest today..."

She whispered in his ear. He felt her soft voice enter his mind like a bird's song, he smiled a little as he realized he was allowing himself to feel more and more feelings for her.

Ina kissed his neck fondly and Masayasu felt his body relax a little. Her gestures of affection made him forget the pain at least for a while. He smiled a little as he felt another kiss on his neck, more and more tender kisses.

"I'll send a message to Naoko-san that I'll visit her tomorrow when we go to the castle. I'll say I'm taking care of my sick husband, she'll understand."

Ina smiled a little and Masayasu nodded. For him, they would find Naoko, keep up the normal routine, but he didn't want to worry Ina even more about this damn wound, he needed to rest to heal, he hoped that Devil's Matcha really would heal after so much pain.

He went back to eating and then felt Ina comb his hair gently and then pin it in a ponytail. She did it so fast, maybe she had gotten used to pinning her long hair into a ponytail that his hair was easy to pin.

He grabbed his tea and sipped as Ina slid the wet cloth down his back, then she touched every scar there. Masayasu felt his touch and looked at her over his shoulder. Her violet eyes met his.

"I hope to have a peaceful day in the future so you can tell me how you got each of these scars..."

She spoke softly, still sliding her fingers over his warm skin. Luckily it was warm after being so cold last night.

"I'll tell you. There's a lot I'd like to know about you, I hope I get a chance to ask too."

Masayasu spoke and a tender smile appeared on Ina's lips. He could see her eyes sparkle looking at him.

"I'll answer whatever you wish to ask. But for now I have a question."

Ina spoke still sliding the cloth down his back, shoulder and neck, wiping off the last of the cold sweat last night. Masayasu raised the tea to his lips and then looked at Ina again.

"What did Sasuke mean by the proposal he made for you? He said the proposal extends to me. What does he mean by that?"

She asked looking straight into Masayasu's blue eyes, she can see a little surprise in his gaze. He then sighed and grunted a little. She smiled at his grumble.

"Sasuke is proud to have everyone he wants in his bed. He has always been seductive in his way, used his words to convince men and women to sleep with him, either on missions or beyond."

He then took another sip and tea and stared at the liquid in silence. Ina just listened, she already wondered what he would say, but she wanted to be sure about that.

"He wants me as his lover. This comes from when we were younger. He never managed to seduce me, and yesterday I saw in his eyes the desire he felt for you. I feared for it, but I have nothing to do about it."

He sighed and looked at Ina. She didn't seem surprised by his words, maybe she had noticed something last night in some gesture from Sasuke.

"But he doesn't love me and he doesn't love you. He just feels desire."

Masayasu spoke upon seeing Ina's gaze. He couldn't know what she was thinking as he watched her hold his face with both hands and look straight into his eyes.

"Don't be afraid for me, you're the only one in my life. If for some reason it bothered you forget it, it doesn't matter to me, let him think or wish what he wants, I don't want him, I just want you..."

She smiled tenderly and looked into Masayasu's lips and then into his eyes and saw that his gaze now seemed to glow, perhaps hearing it clearly from her lips had made him feel less worried. She could be honest with him, they were lovers after all.

And she knew he didn't feel insecure beside her, but she knew he cared about her so much, maybe he was afraid Sasuke might hurt her. She knew every woman outside the castle needed to be careful, and she would be careful.

Masayasu smiled at Ina, she smiled when she saw his smile. He was smiling more and more natural, each time she noticed a lightness and a happiness in his smile, even if it was still a small and shy smile.

Ina slowly approached her lips to Masayasu's lips and kissed him. He can feel her warm lips on his. Ina kissed his upper lips and then his lower lips and nibbled on his lower lip a little and smiled at him.

"Eat now...,later..if you're better....I promise to ease your stresses from last night...."

She whispered and Masayasu just stared at her. She was a perfect lover; strong, fighter, loving and hot. He didn't expect all that, so for him it was more than perfect. He smiled at her words and then ate again.

"The food is great?" she asked as she pulled her tray close to her and left the bowl with omelet in one corner of the tray.

"The tea is awful, but the food is good." he replied.

Ina laughed as she looked into his face drinking tea, he turned a tea that was supposed to be medicinal into something horrible. She can't help but laugh.

Masayasu then stopped eating and looked toward the door, still holding the hashi in his hand.

"I called him to have breakfast with us and talk about yesterday." Ina quickly justified. "Come in Ryouma."

Ryouma was surprised behind the door, he was crouched holding his tray. He then opened both shoji doors and looked into the room and laughed a little.

"Good morning. You were quick, Milady." he said.

"Good morning Ryouma. Come sit down, we need to talk seriously."

Ina spoke every word seriously and Ryouma froze at the thought. He hadn't done anything from yesterday to today, in fact he just slept and grabbed his breakfast today. He wanted to talk to them before any step he took.

Ryouma closed the shoji doors behind him after he entered and then walked over to the futon and sat there, facing Masayasu and the futon. Ina was on the other side of him. Masayasu sat on the futon, covered with the comforter, although it was not cold, he was not yet dressed.

"What do you want to say Milady?"

Ryouma asked looking at Ina, he looked at Masayasu and smiled friendly at him, but Masayasu didn't even look at his face, continued to eat as if he didn't exist or the food was better than his presence.

"I need you to do two things for me today. It's two missions."

Ina spoke gravely looking at Ryouma who just took his pair of hashi and looked into her face.

"The first one, I want you to go to Kaede-san the fabric dealer and say that my husband is sick and I'm going to be by his side today, but I will meet her tomorrow to go to the castle together."

Ina spoke and Ryouma's eyes widened. He was not aware that Ina was going to the castle. He was so surprised that Ina nodded with a sigh.

"Yes, I was invited to the castle tomorrow. The details I can only tell after I return from the visit."

Her voice sounded as if she was suspicious of Ryouma, and she still was. Her trust in him had not been regained, and those missions she was giving him were the chance he had to gain her trust again, if Nadeshiko or Sasuke knew she would visit the castle she would know he was the informant.

"The other mission...I need you to get important information about Nadeshiko. Her relationship with Sasuke. And who she is."

Ina looked into Ryouma's eyes just to make sure he understood what she wanted. Clearer only if she drew him what she had said.

"Did you understand?"

She asked and Masayasu now looked at Ryouma with a scornful look. Ryouma saw Masayasu's gaze and then looked at Ina and nodded.

"Yes, Milady. I will not fail in these missions. I promise you!"

He spoke firmly, showing seriousness in his gaze. Ina still stared at him for a while longer and then began to eat.

Ryouma felt the tension in her words, but he would do what she told him, only then would he gain her trust again. He didn't like this terrible weather among the three. He then looked at Masayasu and smiled to try to mask the tension in the air.

"Are you better? Yesterday you seemed to be in so much pain with that Devil's Matcha that I didn't know if you could sleep or felt pain all night." he said.

"I slept well." Masayasu answered dryly.

Ryouma who had a smile on his lips, withered, the smile completely disappeared from his lips when he realized that Masayasu did not want to talk to him. He then looked at Ina, who seemed to focus on her food, but looked at him.

"Milady..." he began.

"Huh?"

Ina chewed as she looked at Ryouma waiting for what he wanted to say. He seemed bothered by something, although he used to disguise well, she had his crimson eyes not bright, they were opaque.

"Forget..."

He shrugged and sighed looking at his own food. What he needed to do to get information from Nadeshiko, he would do it one way or the other.

He then suddenly got up and Ina and Masayasu looked at him. Ina was a little surprised by his gesture and Masayasu had a cold winter look.

Saying nothing, Ryouma turned and walked toward the bedroom door and left. Ina and Masayasu exchanged confused looks at his gesture. She thought maybe she was being too hard on him, but that was what he deserved for betraying her trust, unfortunately.

"This is drama."

Masayasu spoke picking up his tea and taking the last sip while Ina still looked toward the door. She still thought she was being too hard.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ryouma knew that Nadeshiko was busy with homework, she needed to clear the ryokan in the morning, he had not seen her mother help, in fact he had not seen Kirisu for some time. But that wasn't important right now, he was determined to help Nadeshiko with the ryokan and maybe win her trust.

He walked around the ryokan's engawa to the entrance and then as he entered the main room he looked around. He had not had a chance to enter the ryokan and look better. Even the other times, after all he only remembered having Kirisu when he came six months ago.

The place had a counter on the left, on the right was a sumie of tiger pinned on the wall, probably in honor of the late Shingen Takeda, the daimyo that the Sanada clan served. Behind the counter was a hallway, perhaps leading to the stairs. The room was large and spacious, but had almost nothing. A jug of flowers on the counter and a shelf just behind with some items.

Nadeshiko dragged her feet with a basin full of water and a cloth to clean the wooden floor, but was surprised to see Ryouma and nearly knocked over the basin with water.

Ryouma laughed a little at the sight of her gesture of surprise.

"Sorry Milady if I scared you." he said.

Nadeshiko shook her head negatively and smiled kindly at him.

"It's fine, I just didn't expect you here, but...you're welcome."

A soft look and a shy smile showed that she was being honest with Ryouma. He could tell that. He quickly took the basin of water from her hands and the cloth and winked.

"I'll help you clear the ryokan today. I woke up full of energy and not knowing what to do with so much energy I decided to help you."

He let out a cheerful laugh. Nadeshiko was a little surprised while touching her own cheek. He was so energetic and cheerful, maybe it was really good company. But if her mother saw him, she might not like his presence helping.

"My mom may not like it..." she whispered to him.

"It doesn't matter, I'll help, then I'll talk to her if she doesn't like it."

He winked, letting a charming smile appear on his lips. Nadeshiko saw his smile and blushed a little, still keeping her hand on her own cheek she looked down. He was being kind to her and that was pleasant coming from a man. Usually the men who attended the ryokan were not kind as Ryouma.

Nadeshiko looked up and then smiled shyly at Ryouma, but nodded to him with a gentle nod.

"It's okay, you can help me, but then let's start upstairs, so my mother won't find you here, she's in the kitchen right now."

She smiled shyly. What was she doing? Was she inviting him to be alone with her in the upstairs bedrooms? Her cheeks blushed hotly and she looked away quickly.

Ryouma noticed her gesture and then smiled. He liked that shy way about her, real or not he would find out soon. Better yet, if she had invited him upstairs, they would have complete privacy.

"So come on, I can't wait to see what the luxury rooms look like here."

He winked at her, keeping a seductive smile on his lips. Nadeshiko saw his smile, her cheeks remained red, but somehow she wasn't afraid of him, in fact his presence made her want to know him even more.

Nadeshiko with a shy smile waved Ryouma to follow her. She shuffled softly across the wooden floor of the ryokan toward the stairs. Ryouma looked around the corridor, he could see a closed shoji door and a half-open one ahead, probably leading to the kitchen.

He followed Nadeshiko up the stairs to the second floor of the ryokan. He was looking at her in front of him, beautiful and shy. Was she pretending to be shy? He didn't know, anyway he would try to get even closer to her.

When they reached the second floor, Nadeshiko turned to Ryouma and smiled softly at him, her eyes were gray blue and had a shy glow, but he enjoyed looking into those eyes. He smiled at her, aware that she was looking into his eyes and then at his smile.

"Let's start at the last room until we get to the stairs."

She spoke and started walking down the hallway toward the last room. Ryouma carried the basin with water and the cloth was inside it. He saw that all the shoji doors were closed, there were six rooms in all, three on each side. There was no one there, definitely just him, Masayasu and Ina.

Nadeshiko approached the room and opened the shoji doors and came in turning to look at Ryouma. He has found a chance to be alone with her and needs to enjoy it. He enters the room, sets the basin on the floor and closes the shoji doors.

She blushed a little when she saw him close the doors behind him. She quickly looked away and smiled a little as she looked at the wooden floor. She didn't expect him to close the door, after all they could clean the room with open doors.

"Have you always lived here, Milady? I mean...don't you have any relatives far from here? Maybe in another city or another province?"

Ryouma asked looking at Nadeshiko, who continued to slide the cloth across the floor in a rapid movement, driven by her legs, but still down.

"No. The few times I've been away was when I was traveling with my father. But I've always lived here and have no other relatives, just my mother."

She answered. Ryouma found it strange. How did her mother or father have no relatives?

"Do your parents have no relatives here or out here?"

He asked a little surprised, his voice showing such surprise that Nadeshiko looked at him and smiled a little.

"My mother has no relatives, they died when she was a child. My father had relatives in a nearby city, but they have always been jealous of my father for having the ryokan. My father even invited them to work with us, but they did not accept and I never had contact with them again."

Saying this she stopped mopping the floor and looked at the water in the basin. In the end she only had her mother, Kirisu, even if she knew other people maybe her mother is the only one she can call familiar.

She was then surprised to feel Ryouma touch her hand. She looked at him, he was crouching beside her, resting one knee on the floor. Her eyes met his. She looked down at his hand squeezing hers. Then again looked into his eyes. He looked concerned and kind, but there was also something she couldn't decipher.

"Milady...I'm a traveler, I never stay with my family for a long time, but...although I have a family I feel that we are alike sometimes. I feel that you feel lonely here, even with your mother around."

He spoke and then touched her face with his other hand and ran his fingers over her soft skin. Nadeshiko just stared into his eyes hearing his words and then slowly closed her eyes. The touch on her cheek, the caress, that was something that pleased her, although she didn't have it often, after all her mother was not affectionate.

She no longer trembled in Ryouma's company, in fact although she still felt shy, she was comfortable with him. She didn't understand how he could cause that feeling in her, but somehow he had made her like him. He was kind and gentle to her, she never had the company of someone like him.

Ryouma looked into her face, soft and beautiful, he could see sadness in her face, even with her eyes closed. Maybe she never had love, maybe she never felt happy. Her father seemed to be someone she loved so much and after he died she feels alone.

He touched her lips with his index finger and softly she opened her eyes and looked into his eyes. He circled her lips with his index finger and slowly brought his face close to hers. He knew she could reject it, but he would try anyway.

Nadeshiko saw his lips approach hers, otherwise she would reject, but did not want to reject at that moment. She could feel her own heart pounding, she could feel Ryouma's lips touch hers softly.

Nadeshiko felt Ryouma's warm lips touch hers. For a few seconds she still wondered if she should deny his kiss, but as she felt him give her another kiss, she wrapped an arm around his neck and grabbed his kimono and kissed him back.

Ryouma felt that he had finally managed to take a big step toward Nadeshiko, maybe she had a crush on him, maybe she was attracted to him, it didn't matter much what mattered was that he could feel her in his arms.

He wrapped an arm behind her back and pulled her close to him as he slid his tongue into her lips, deepening the kiss between them. He could feel her panting breath, he could tell she was enjoying that kiss.

He kissed her, sliding his tongue in a dance with hers, their tongues intertwining sensually, his kisses getting deeper and sensually. Then he felt her break the kiss and they both opened their eyes slowly.

Nadeshiko looked into Ryouma's eyes, it was eyes of such a strong, crimson color. They were silent just looking into each other's eyes. She then began to untie her own obi. It was a simple white obi with a red ribbon over it. She was wearing a simple yellow kimono without any detail.

He watched her untie the obi and drop it as she looked into his eyes. Ryouma just watched her gestures, without helping to take off her clothes, he didn't want to force her to anything.

Nadeshiko took off the obi and then slowly sat on the floor with her legs sideways and slowly opened her kimono, still looking into Ryouma's eyes. There was a slight blush on her cheeks, and she smiled a little at him, as if saying that all was well.

Ryouma touched her skin near her neck and slid his fingers down to find across her chest and then one of her breasts. They were medium-sized breasts and had beautiful rosy nipples.

He looked at her breasts and then at her eyes, as if asking permission to touch, then without saying anything, he put his hands on her back to hold her and leaned her body back a little. His lips searched directly for one of her nipples, wrapping his lips and sucking.

Nadeshiko closed her eyes as she felt his lips surround her nipple and moaned a little. It was a warm sensation of his lips touching her nipple, Ryouma always had warm and seductive lips.

She could feel his tongue sliding on her nipple, swirling around, playing. She moaned low again, she didn't want to make much sound. Her mother was busy in the kitchen and knew she wouldn't be leaving all morning. Then she could enjoy the moment with Ryouma.

Nadeshiko gets carried away by Ryouma's touches and kisses and slowly lay down on the floor, allowing his lips to slide down her naked body. If she was afraid of Ryouma before, that fear was completely gone. But what did she feel for him? She didn't know, but it didn't really matter.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Nadeshiko was wearing her kimono while Ryouma was still watching her, sitting on the floor of that room. He was naked and enjoyed watching her quick gestures wearing the kimono. He watched her skillfully get dressed herself and then looked at him with a smile.

"What happened?" she asked.

He propped his elbow on his thigh and his face in his hand and smiled at her.

"Nothing. I'm just enjoying your beauty. You're beautiful, Milady."

Ryouma spoke allowing a naughty smile to appear on his lips and Nadeshiko upon seeing his smile blushed a little and smiled at him.

"I saw you talking to a man two night ago. Is he your lover?"

Ryouma asked still looking at Nadeshiko's face as she finished tying the obi. He then noticed her gray blue eyes were surprised and looked straight at him.

"A man?" she asked.

"Yeah, I didn't see him very well, but he looked handsome and had a red strand in his hair. If you have no relatives here I imagine he is your lover, right?"

Ryouma asked with a smile appearing on his lips. Nadeshiko was silent and looked the other way. Ryouma realized that her gaze was thoughtful, maybe she was simply wondering what to answer.

"Milady. If he's your lover that's fine. I just wanted to know not to make any gaffes of talking to him. He doesn't need to know what happened between you and me. That could be our secret. No one needs to know anything."

Ryouma spoke and Nadeshiko looked at him and then approached him and bent down in front of him and held his face with both hands. Her eyes looked straight into his. He could see a certain sadness in her eyes.

"So let it be our secret. Don't tell him that. I don't know how he can react to that. I don't really care what he can do to you, but I don't want him to hurt you because of me."

She spoke looking into his eyes. Ryouma was a little surprised to hear her talk about Sasuke hurting him. So would he be able to do that? Yesterday he saw that he tried to hurt Ina to tease Masayasu. Then he wrapped his arms around her back and pulled her to sit on his lap while he hugged her tightly.

"He won't know anything. I don't want you to get hurt..."

He whispered next to her ear. Nadeshiko was a little surprised to hear this, so she smiled a little and hug Ryouma tightly, as if it were the last time she was in his arms.

"If he does anything to you tell me. I won't allow him to hurt you, Milady..."

He kissed Nadeshiko's neck, she hugged Ryouma tightly. She didn't want to involve him in it, but now he was involved more than anything. She just needed to keep her relationship with him a secret.

"Be careful with him."

Nadeshiko spoke and then looked into Ryouma's face. She knew Sasuke very well, but didn't know what could tell Ryouma about him.

"He who saved me in the past from being abused by that man. After that my life has changed. He loves no one but himself. He is an egoist. He seduces and then only plays with people and their feelings."

She spoke as if she had a long regret for getting involved with him. Ryouma touched her cheek and started to caress softly as he looked into her sad eyes.

"I can't talk much, sorry. But just be careful with him. I owe him my life, I have this debt to him, so..."

She paused and was silent for a while. She could not and should not delve much into this conversation. She knew Sasuke was watching Otsu and Chie, she herself needed information from both of them to pass on to him. But he never shared the information with her. She didn't know what he wanted from those two.

"Just stay away from him, it's for your sake, Ryouma-san."

She spoke suddenly, as if out of a thought and just remembering to say that. Her eyes showed that she was a little scared about it. She had involved Ryouma in some way and that was not her intention. But she had never been treated that way, she wanted to feel what it was like to have a man like him in her arms.

Nadeshiko smiled shyly and touched Ryouma's lips. She saw his smile, he was affectionate, how to resist something she doesn't have? She thought about it and smiled a little.

"Nadeshiko!"

Nadeshiko startled to hear her mother, Kirisu's voice calling for her, rising slowly the stairs. She looked at Ryouma and stood up quickly. He quickly grabbed his clothes and ran into the closet and hid, closing the door.

Nadeshiko quickly grabbed the basin with the cloth and slid the room's shoji door closed behind her and opened the next room and entered by placing the basin on the floor and twisting the cloth.

"Yes my mother."

She spoke and then turned to hear her mother's footsteps approaching. She watched her mother stop by the door and look at her with the cloth in her hands. Kirisu noticed that her face was a little red and then frowned.

"Why are you red? Thinking back about that shinobi? You should be ashamed on your face and get a husband, not rubbing yourself against that man!"

Kirisu spoke sharply, staring at her daughter. Nadeshiko was a little surprised and then looked at the cloth in silence. Her mother came up with the same speech as usual. Husband.

"You're about to get married, you need to stop rubbing yourself in this shinobi if he doesn't want to marry you and find a husband! A correct woman doesn't have to be acting like that, you know you can get badly spoken in the village if they know right?"

Kirisu spoke staring at her daughter. She spoke in a way as if her daughter had no shame, as if the way she led her life was disrespectful. Kirisu put her hands on her hips, staring at Nadeshiko with disgust, as if she were the biggest disgust of her life.

Nadeshiko was silent just staring at the cloth in her hand. Her heart was beating fast, but she could not cry, neither with sadness nor with anger. She just listened quietly, because nothing she said could make her mother think better of her.

Kirisu looked around the room. "And clean up this place faster." she spoke and walked down the hallway toward the stairs.

Nadeshiko was silent listening to her mother's dragging footsteps toward the stairs, coming down and muttering as she did so. Then she bent down and put the cloth into the basin. Her eyes burning with anger. She couldn't stand living like this anymore, being humiliated by her own mother.

Ryouma entered the room, already dressed in his slightly faded clothes and then looked at Nadeshiko, he had heard it all, heard the way her mother treated her, as if she were a courtesan, not like her daughter.

He approached Nadeshiko and bent down beside her and wrapped his arm around her back and pulled her, touching her nape with his other hand. She put her hands on his chest and laid her head on his shoulder, closing her eyes slowly.

Ryouma could feel her heart racing, he knew she was mad at her mother, he could feel it, could hear her panting breath. How many times has she heard this from her mother? How could she stand living with a mother who always humiliated her because of Sasuke? He wants to protect her.... somehow, he just wanted to.

"I'll find a way to get you out of here, I promise you..."

He whispered to her. If she was a kunoichi he didn't know, but he knew that she was Sasuke's lover, that he used her for information and that she was abused by her mother always. It needed to have an end. He needed to help her somehow.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A few hours had passed, the morning was coming to an end. Ina had helped Masayasu bathe and then passed Devil Matcha on his wound again. Now he was sleeping with his head in her lap. He was wearing a black kimono with soft greyish stripe, the kimono that Ina bought him, now he really looked like a samurai.

She stroked his hair while he slept. She watched him sleep, there was still some cold sweat on his forehead and neck. The pain had made him fall asleep, but somehow it was good, he was getting rest after a long trip and so much tension.

Ina began to think that she could take care of and protect Masayasu against Sasuke, and she would do that, even if she didn't tell him that. Her wish was to see Masayasu well again. She would protect him, just as he protects her. Her love for him made her make that decision. He didn't need to know that.

Ryouma approached the shoji door and crouched down. He had a lot to talk to Ina and Masayasu, but feared is bothering them at that time. Ina noticed his presence behind the door, so she smiled a little because he was still afraid to bother her and Masayasu.

"Milady, sorry to bother. Can I come in?"

He asked behind the door. The weather was hot that morning. He had spent most of the morning with Nadeshiko, but had not forgotten to go to Naoko's house to give Ina's message about sick Masayasu.

"Come in, Ryouma."

Ina's voice reached his ears low and soft. He then realized that maybe Masayasu wasn't with her, at least he didn't feel his presence. Where was Masayasu? He thought.

Ryouma slid the shoji doors and looked straight at Ina, so he saw Masayasu lying asleep with his head in Ina's lap. This was a bit of a surprise, after all Masayasu would wake up if he heard his voice, but was he really sleeping?

"Come in and close the door."

Ina spoke looking at Ryouma, judging by his sweat, or he was running, or making a lot of effort, but she decided not to comment, that would be rude, and she would rather not know what he had done.

Ryouma entered the room and slid the shoji doors and approached Ina and Masayasu and sat before him. His crimson eyes still watched Masayasu waiting for him to sit down and say something, or treat him coldly.

Ina noticed his gaze on Masayasu and then allowed a slight smile to appear on her lips. He must be suspicious, at least now Ryouma was doing better, not just making silly jokes about Masayasu.

"He's sleeping heavily. He won't wake up quickly. Devil Matcha has caused him a lot of pain again."

In saying this, Ina touched on Masayasu's kimono, Ryouma judged that this was about his wound. This Devil Matcha was really cruel, even to a shinobi accustomed to pain.

Ina looked seriously at Ryouma. She knew that although he had betrayed her and Masayasu's trust, he really did like Masayasu and cared about him, if he didn't care he could have left them after his mission was over, but he stayed, he stayed with them.

"What do you want to tell me?" Ina asked.

Ryouma quickly looked into her face. Beautiful and soft, but he'd already seen her fighting, she could be lethal when she wanted to be. He feared her more than Masayasu, after Masayasu he knew what to expect, but did not know what to expect from her.

Ina's eyes were serious, she didn't want to show any other feelings to him. Her heart had concerns, especially with Masayasu, her mind thought Sasuke could come back, but she didn't want to show those thoughts to him.

"I gave your message to Naoko and well .... I was with Nadeshiko."

Ryouma spoke watching those violet eyes, which did not seem to have changed her expression until he continued to speak.

"Nadeshiko is Sasuke's informant. She herself talked for me. In fact more than that, she said he saved her life in the past and after that she became his lover, but that he doesn't care about anyone but himself."

Ryouma spoke looking into Ina's face and saw that she frowned at his words.

"How are you sure about all this?" she asked suspiciously of his words.

"I think she who loses out by assuming she is Sasuke's informant, I don't think she would lie about that. She didn't tell me if she's a kunoichi, but she is Sasuke's informant and lover. And she still said she passed information about you and the handsome for Sasuke, but she doesn't get information back."

Ryouma spoke still looking into Ina's eyes. But this time he saw that she believed his words. Why would Nadeshiko assume to be a spy for her enemy? What is she getting out of it? Ina thought about it. It must have a reason, but she still didn't understand what that reason was.

"Call her to talk to me. I want to hear from her lips what you just told me."

Ina spoke looking into Ryouma's crimson eyes. He can tell by her serious tone that she was inclined to believe what he reported if Nadeshiko herself confirmed every word he spoke.

Ryouma nodded and grinned at Ina. He was starting to get excited about the idea that this information could make him gain her trust again. But what about Masayasu? He looked at the sleeping shinobi. Would he earn his trust with that?

Ryouma looked at Ina's face with a smile.

"She should be here soon with lunch. I said I'd be with you and Otsu."

He winked at Ina, but she continued to look at him seriously. He seemed happy with this information. What was he thinking about all this? If Nadeshiko confirms that she is a kunoichi this is going to be a big problem, after all they are under the same roof with a kunoichi and Sasuke's lover!

As if by magic, or as if Nadeshiko were listening to the conversation from somewhere behind the walls, she approached the shoji door, Ina saw her shadow behind the door. Having Masayasu asleep can be a danger when shinobi were around, they could hide their presence and Ina was not yet fully aware of them.

"Hello Chie-san. I brought lunch." Nadeshiko spoke in her soft voice.

Ina nodded and looked at Ryouma and once again toward the door.

"Come in, Nadeshiko."

She said. Ina still had a strange feeling about this girl. After Masayasu made sure she was a kunoichi Ina came to think about it a lot, she didn't have much time talking with her, but she would like to know what signs indicate that she is a kunoichi. How did Masayasu know?

Nadeshiko heard Ina's voice, then slid the shoji doors and entered with the first tray, she looked at Ryouma and smiled at him, then she looked at Ina and instead a polite nod to greet her.

She placed the first tray near Ina and saw Masayasu sleep. She thought he was still very sick, and he really should be, it wasn't common for a samurai to sleep late in the morning.

She went back to the door, fetched Ryouma's tray and set it before him. The two exchanged glances and Ina realized that. It was not a common look, there was complicity there. She frowned at that.

Nadeshiko then turned the door and took the tray from Masayasu and set it next to the tray and Ina. She knelt, placing her hands on the floor and bowed to her. When she made to get up, Ina gestured for her to continue where she was.

"Nadeshiko."

Ina started talking and Nadeshiko looked at her face and then at Ryouma. For some reason she was afraid Ryouma had talked about what happened between the two earlier, that would be embarrassing for her. A slight blush appeared on her cheeks and she stared at the floor.

"Yes, Chie-san." she said.

Ina watched her shy gesture, that was a little weird, but judging by the exchange of glances between her and Ryouma something had happened between them, she was sure of it. But she could not be harsh with the young woman or would not get the information she wanted. She then smiled sympathetically.

"I'm sorry, I don't wish to scare you. I'm just curious about you." she said.

Nadeshiko quickly looked up and met Ina's eyes. She didn't know what Chie wanted, but for some reason her heart started pounding, so she remembered what she said to Ryouma, about her passing on information to Sasuke. She quickly looked at Ryouma in silence. Her blue gray eyes a little wide.

"Don't be afraid. I told my cousin what you told me about Sasuke. She's just curious about that."

Ryouma spoke in a soft voice, trying to comfort Nadeshiko, since he had witnessed the way her mother treated her, she deserved to be treated courteously, which made her comfortable and talked about her.

Nadeshiko then nodded to him and looked at Ina, but her eyes found Masayasu still sleeping, he did not eat his omelet earlier, perhaps he had suspected her goodwill in just pleasing him. She didn't think that was bad, showed that he was an experienced man and didn't easily trust people.

Then she looked at Ina and met her violet eyes, soft and beautiful. Chie was a very beautiful girl, so perhaps the samurai had wanted to marry a merchant's daughter, even though he knew she was of a lower class than his.

"Ryouma told me that you are Sasuke's informant, and that he asked you to pass on information about us. Why? Who is Sasuke? And what does he want from me and my husband?"

She asked in her still soft voice. She didn't want to demonstrate that she knew Sasuke, she wanted to test Nadeshiko, she needed to do it, only this way could she understand if she was a kunoichi or not.

Nadeshiko stared at Ina as she wondered how to answer her questions. She initially just nodded, resting her own hands on her lap.

"Yes. I'm sorry, I've been passing information about you and your husband to him. But I apologize, I don't know why he asked. At first I passed because you were new in town, whenever anyone gets here I have an obligation to leave he is aware of who they are. But then he asked for more information."

She paused while still looking into Ina's face, she could see concern in her eyes. Ina nodded at her words and made a movement with her hand to continue talking. Nadeshiko noticed this gesture, it seemed the hand gesture that some nobleman made.

"He was especially interested in the samurai, at first I thought he knew Otsu-san, but then I let it go away in my mind, as he didn't give me his reasons and didn't tell me why he was so interested in him. So...yesterday he came here."

She paused, still looking into Ina's eyes. Ina frowned, Nadeshiko knew that Sasuke had come to the ryokan last night. But to her surprise she saw Nadeshiko put her hands on the tatami and bend over to touch her forehead in it.

"I know he came....because this is my job. I know you know I'm a kunoichi, your husband realized that, I realized in his look that he had realized my role here. But I never wished hurt you. Forgive me if I hid that from you and him."

She spoke in a slightly shaky voice, as if she feared something. Ina realized she was scared, but she couldn't tell if it was her or Sasuke, probably Sasuke's, she didn't know what he was capable of and she had no chance to talk to Masayasu about Sasuke and last night.

Ina watched Nadeshiko, so she quickly looked at Ryouma, who had not yet started eating, he seemed to be waiting for her decision. She looked back at the kunoichi and sighed. She wanted to trust, but couldn't, she was a kunoichi, she could betray her and Masayasu anytime. She had no loyalty to her or to Ieyasu.

"How can I trust you?" Ina started. "First you say you passed information about my husband and me to Sasuke, now you say you're a kunoichi. You know I can't trust you exactly for telling me you're a kunoichi, right?"

She stared at Nadeshiko and saw the young woman nodded in agreement, so she looked up and met Ina's eyes, there was determination in her gaze, but Ina could see sadness, as if this was not the life she chose for herself.

"I didn't choose to be kunoichi. After I was saved by Sasuke, he introduced me to someone, and that person said they could train me, that I could become strong, not having to depend on someone to defend me. I accepted and this person became my master. But when I came home, Sasuke started forcing me to work for him, and I can't deny that, since my master is his friend. And he saved my life in the past, I have a debt with him. But I...."

Nadeshiko's voice came out of a great sadness, Ina realized that, she could feel Nadeshiko's pain, she saw it in her eyes. Was she faking it? Was Nadeshiko playing a character to fool her and Masayasu? What should she do? Should She test Nadeshiko? Test if she would betray her and Masayasu?

"...Let me prove that I don't want to hurt you and your husband. Let me help, I've known Sasuke for years...Please give me a chance! "

Nadeshiko spoke and again bowed, touching her forehead to the tatami before Ina who was looking at her while still confused about what to do.

Ina stared at Nadeshiko, she looked desperate wanting to earn her trust or maybe work for her. But although she had been honest in saying she was a kunoichi who worked for Sasuke, she still couldn't trust her, couldn't just trust everything she said, after all she was still a kunoichi.

She touched Masayasu's hair and looked at his face sleeping peacefully in her lap, he looked so peaceful in his sleep that he didn't even seem to be always so tense when he was awake, thinking of the mission, thinking of Sasuke, thinking of Ieyasu.

She ran her fingers through his long black hair, watching him with a softer look, but loaded with worry, concern with him, with the mission, with the decision she needed to make. What would Masayasu do? What would he think about that? She would surely he kill Nadeshiko if he knew she really was a kunoichi.

She then looked at Ryouma, as he was eating his breakfast now, he was happy, she could see, but she could see a sparkle in his gaze when he looked at Nadeshiko, he was involved with her. Had they slept together? She thought about it. She knew that a man could change his behavior toward a woman if something had happened that he longed for. He would definitely side with Nadeshiko.

She looked at Nadeshiko still with her forehead against the tatami. How far could she trust her? She needed to make a decision. And she had an idea.

"Before I make my decision I need to know....what do you know about me and my husband?"

Ina asked looking at Nadeshiko and then saw her look up and look at her. Ryouma looked at Nadeshiko as he ate, he never said who were Ina and Masayasu to Nadeshiko, but did she know? Or still believed to be Chie and Otsu?

Nadeshiko was silent for a while. Was there anything else for her to know about those two beyond what she already knew? She wasn't sure if Ina was talking about it, or if she meant she wouldn't have the money to pay for a kunoichi's service.

Nadeshiko smiled a little at Ina and then stood with her back straight and looked into the beautiful hime's face.

"I just know you're the daughter of a fabric merchant, that you took a trip here because you heard that there were beautiful fabrics here and that they were cheaper, in fact it may be true, although Naoko-san sometimes charges very expensive in some special fabrics she sells to the Sanada castle. I also know that your husband is a samurai and came here sick. But I'm not sure if he was already sick or sick on the trip."

She looked at Masayasu asleep, he must have been exhausted, but Chie seemed to take good care of him, don't leave his side, he should recover soon. But what did he have? That she didn't know.

Ina stared at Nadeshiko, she saw that she was being honest, or at least she saw no lie in her eyes. She nodded a little and looked at Masayasu and continued to stroke his hair.

"That's right. My husband won't like my decision, I'll warn you. But I'll accept that you help me. But I have no money to offer you for your work."

Ina looked at Nadeshiko and saw her shake her head in negative and then smiled softly at her.

"I do not want money, I want to get out of here. I would like to ask that when you return to your city take me with you. I know how to sew and know a lot about fabrics, let me be of help, I promise not give you work, please."

She put her hands on the tatami again and bowed. Ina nodded looking at her. She would test her, but she will not tell to Nadeshiko nothing about it, she needed to test her confidence, test how far she was lying and where she was being true.

"Fine, I accept that condition. But how are you going to deal with Sasuke? I'm sure he'll still ask questions about my husband and me. He came here yesterday, you know that yourself."

Ina spoke looking at Nadeshiko, who was looking into Ina's eyes. She realized she was very young but very intelligent, she didn't miss anything, maybe Sasuke was judging that young woman as weak and he didn't know how strong and smart she could be.

"I'll lie to him. No matter what I say to him, as he never tells me why he needs the information. So I can just lie. I don't mind doing that, I don't trust him."

Nadeshiko spoke still looking at Ina. Ina was a little surprised. Was she Sasuke's lover and didn't trust him? So...maybe she had become his lover for survival? This was common but terrible.

"So...don't you like him?"

Ina asked unsure of what she could hear. But if Nadeshiko felt something for Sasuke she could see it in her eyes. As much as a woman tried to disguise, she could always see a twinkle in her gaze when she spoke of her lover.

"No. I became his lover for convenience. I didn't choose that, he chose it for me."

Nadeshiko then realized that never in her life did she choose something, always someone chose for her, first her father, then her mother, and now Sasuke. It was the first time she was making a choice for her, helping Chie and her husband out of that place.

Ina could feel a sense of frustration in that look, maybe Nadeshiko might not be an expert at completely hiding her own feelings, or maybe Ina might be feeling what kunoichi was feeling at that moment.

"Tell me what you want and I will do everything you send, Chie-san. I just want to help you and your husband and get out of here with you and... Ryouma."

She looked at Ryouma, who couldn't help but a charming smile appear on his lips. Ina saw the exchange of glances, now she was sure they had slept together. Maybe Nadeshiko was in love with Ryouma, or using him to get out of that place. Could Ryouma realize that? Certainly not.

Ina then nodded to Nadeshiko and smiled a little at her.

"I want you to tell me everything you can about Sasuke. My husband was attacked by him last night, when he wakes up tell him everything you know about Sasuke. I'm sure he has questions to ask. But be careful....Otsu-sama has a strong personality, but try to ignore if he's rude please."

Ina spoke and Nadeshiko laughed a little as she heard her words letting soft nod join as she proceeded with her words.

"I already realize he's a man who doesn't trust anyone, maybe just you. But I understand him. As kunoichi I can't trust anyone either, I've been trained for that. But if I can't trust you I'll keep stuck in this place, stuck in Sasuke's rules, I don't want that. And I'd rather trust a woman, you look wise, I've liked you since the first moment I saw you."

She smiled softly. Ina caught a look of kindness in her eyes, it showed that either Nadeshiko interpreted her character well or she was really being kind to her.

Ina then took a bag of coins from her trunk next to her body and took three coins from inside and put it in front of Nadeshiko and smiled softly.

"And I'm paying three more days here. Tell that to Kirisu-san. Let's stay three more days. I can't just finish my business with Naoko-san and hit the road with my sick husband. I'll wait for him to recover, he should be better in the next two days. I beg your understanding and apologize for that."

Ina bowed softly. Nadeshiko took the coins and then smiled at Ina.

"No need to apologize, he just needs to recover. Whatever drink or food he needs to tell me, I'll prepare for him to recover faster."

Nadeshiko spoke looking into Ina's eyes. Ryouma could see that she was being honest with Ina, but maybe she was just thinking that Masayasu needs to recover soon so she could get out of that village faster than she expects.

Ina smiled gently with a nod.

"Thank you. As you yourself realize he is a suspicious man and you bring more food, like him knowing that you are a kunoichi he will always be suspicious."

She smiled at her trying to fake an embarrassed one. Nadeshiko laughed a little and showed the tray with omelet to Masayasu and then looked at Ina.

"I made more omelet for him again, it's not poisoned. I swear. I can't do this or I'll lose the only person who reached me here, you. So believe me I didn't do that."

She took a small piece of Masayasu's omelet and brought it to her lips and ate to show it to Ina and then smiled at her.

"Saw?"

She wanted to prove to Ina that she did not wish her and her husband badly, but she understood the distrust, after all Sasuke attacked Otsu last night. She still didn't understand why. Did he consider Otsu dangerous? But he seemed too sick to offer danger at the moment.

Ina just stared at Nadeshiko and then looked at lunch, she needed to eat, or the tea would cold, but first she had to continue taking care of Masayasu, he had slept on her lap, she couldn't move much, and didn't want to wake up. him.

"Do you want help, Milady? I say, to get the handsome off your lap?"

Ryouma asked looking at Ina, so she shook her head in negative and smiled a little.

"It's fine, I can eat with him here." she said.

Nadeshiko set Ina's tray in front of her and poured her tea. Another kind smile crossed the kunoichi's lips. Ina saw her smile, Nadeshiko was a beautiful young woman, but her eyes hid suffering, she could tell that.

"Thank you, Nadeshiko." Ina smiled a little.

"I need to go, unfortunately I can't spend much time talking to you, the night is better, especially after my mother goes to the bedroom. But if you need anything tell me. I'll be back later to collect the trays and bring the afternoon snack."

Nadeshiko spoke. Ina realized that she seemed more comfortable now, she wasn't afraid to displease as at first, maybe talking about who she was brought a certain release to her.

Nadeshiko bowed to Ina and then looked at her face with a smile. Her first real ally. She would do her best to help Chie, she needed this, needed to get out of that place.

Then she got up and went to the shoji door, Ryouma watched her walk over to her, he realized her behavior was a little changed, she seemed a little more confident, maybe because Ina would accept her around, or maybe because she could follow her own way.

Nadeshiko then left the room and left Ryouma and Ina having lunch. Ryouma looked quickly at Ina and smiled wryly.

"I don't think the handsome will like it."

"I know he won't like it."

Ina said picking up a bowl and a pair of hashi and starting to eat her lunch while looking at Ryouma with a calm look.

"And you shouldn't get involved in this conversation with him. I know what he's going to do, what he wants to do. Let me handle it. You should worry about yourself, after all you decided to get involved with her, this will bring problem for her later, you know that."

Ina kept her gaze up at Ryouma. He was quiet looking at her. How did she realize that? He laughed a little and went back to eating.

"You're very observant. I didn't think you would realize that, after all Nadeshiko didn't show anything." he said.

"But you showed it."

Ina answered and went back to eating. Some men were terrible at disguising it, especially men like Ryouma who his weak were women. She wouldn't give her opinion on that, it wasn't her problem. But she knew that this could be a problem for Nadeshiko in the future when she finds out what kind of man he was.

Ina had another concern, preventing Masayasu from killing Nadeshiko without giving her a single chance. And worse, keep him from wanting to go with her to the castle next day. She knew he wouldn't want to leave her alone, as much as the Sanada clan didn't know her true identity, she knew Masayasu wouldn't allow it.

She looked up at him and smiled a little as she realized that he was sleeping soundly, but that would be very good for him when he finally healed, he would be very energetic and that would make him more alert and perhaps less concerned about her for being fragile at that moment and not being able to protect her.

[lady-inahime]

Book - The Princess and the Shadow

Chapter 14: The Monkey

The night was dark, perhaps because the moon looked shy, hidden behind some clouds. Though it was autumn and it was hardly raining, there were a few reddish clouds blurring at the darkness of that starry sky.

The street was quiet, had already the curfew. Even the ryokan was dark, all the lights were off, but in the distance he could see that the castle was not completely in the dark, maybe some people were still awake, drinking sake as Ina had suggested.

Masayasu glided through the dark streets of the village. He had been soft, without sound. He could hide in the shadows of the houses. No one would notice his presence but another shinobi.

Although he was running and jumping quickly to hide in the darkness of the houses, he was still alert, looking around for Sasuke, or perhaps any other shinobi that might exist in that village or castle.

Ina was alone. It was the first night since he went on this mission with Ina that he left her alone. Even if it was for a few hours it worried him. What if Sasuke knew that? Or maybe Nadeshiko? He shouldn't be thinking about that, Ina was an onna bugeisha and before he was a part of her life she knew how to defend herself without him.

Masayasu hid in a tree that was at the beginning of the path to the castle walls. He looked at the wall, it was tall, but he could leap quietly and get in, he just needed to make sure the guards weren't looking.

The guards were holding spears and looking straight ahead, as if no enemy could come from the side, just from the front, which was merely impossible since the street came from the side, not the front.

But Masayasu waited a few seconds to see if they would look to the side. Nothing. He thought that maybe that's why Sasuke should do night rounds, surely he should do, which would lead him to think that he could find him in one of his rounds.

He looked at the wall and with one big and swift leap he reached the wall, clinging to the top of the wall and jumping in, as if the wall were low, but in fact it must have been about four or five meters. He slipped into the castle courtyard, quietly and crouched down quickly into a corner.

Masayasu looked toward the path that led to the second gate. Ah the second gate. He saw some guards talking before the main gate. Fools, Ieyasu's guards didn't play on duty like the Sanada's guards.

His blue eyes roamed the other wall, he needed to be more careful with this one but judging from what he saw inside the walls, there were trees in the castle courtyard, he could hide in a tree, just need to jump to the other side.

Masayasu stared for a while at the wall, his silence still, only in the distance could he hear the guards' voices coming through jokes about some maid of castle that one of them seemed to have a crush.

He slid swiftly down and against the wall surrounding the castle, by the way to the main wall that led to the main courtyard of the castle, when he reached the other side there would be no turning back, he would be inside the castle.

Silently he would sneak in without making a sound. His skills have always been good, and one of his greatest skills was to sneak in without being seen or heard by anyone.

Reaching the wall, he did not want to wait, if he waited too long he could have seen, or at least a shadow near the wall. He climbed and leaped over the wall nimbly, using feet and hands, and leapt across, crouching down, touching one hand to the floor. On instinct he reached for the wakizashi on his back.

His blue eyes roamed the main courtyard. He was calm, cold. His breathing was calm, he knew what he was doing. There were beautiful trees in the middle of the courtyard, surrounded by stones that led the way to the main building, the Sanada castle.

The floor was not completely paved, just in that part of the courtyard. When he looked ahead he could see part without asphalt or just with stones. There was a beautiful fountain in a part of the courtyard where he could hear the sound of falling water.

He could see a thick grass a little parched with the season because of the autumn, but there was a vast grass all around the castle. Stone paths led to several castle entrances, toward several shoji doors. There were several rankei, stone lamps across the courtyard to better illuminate the surroundings.

The castle was divided into a main building, tall and beautiful all dark as night, but the roofs were clear, all white and blue, and some smaller, probably for some vassals and armaments.

His eyes darted to the tall, beautiful main building, two floors. He looked at the windows in second floor, there was no light in any of them, he didn't know if it was used as a bedroom or not, but he would try to start at the top of the castle.

The second floor was smaller than the first, narrower and had windows on all four sides. Usually the second or third floor, depending on the size of the castle used to be the clan, the lord's chambers.

Inside the courtyard were not many guards, just a few, perhaps the Sanada clan thought no one could enter the castle, perhaps because of Sasuke's presence?

Masayasu managed to move quickly in the darkness on the left side of the castle, with a quick leap where he seemed to jump in a truly supernatural way, he reached the first roof of the castle and kept low, looking in all directions. His hand quickly reached the wakizashi, he was constantly alert.

His blue eyes scanned the courtyard over, now he could count how many guards there were, a total of twelve, counting the two who stood guard at the main gate. The others were scattered near the main building.

The engawa on the first floor was dark wood like the all of the castle, the whole castle was dark except for the roof, but had a traditional and discreet beauty. The shoji doors were all closed, everyone should lay down, or almost everyone.

The shoji doors were dark too, but their paper was white, which gave a certain contrast and brought elegance to the place. The castle was elegant, not too big, but elegant and beautiful.

Masayasu could watch this place for hours if necessary, but he had no time. He searched for some Sasuke's trace, but he saw nothing, he didn't know if he should be relieved or worried about it. He saw a man leave the main building and go talk to one of the guards. He kept low and using the night to his advantage to keep himself hidden.

Masayasu can see that the man was young, he talked to the guard as an equal, regardless of status. Judging by his posture and clothes, this young man must be a samurai. Maybe a Sanada?

Masayasu was able to hide his presence with great training, but it was a fact that the clear roof did not help to hide easily as in Ieyasu's Castle.

The man looked across the courtyard, Masayasu saw where he was looking, was another young man, like him, but a little taller, the two of them must be brothers, or have some kind of relationship judging by their appearance. Maybe they were the Sanada brothers he heard earlier.

He backed away from the edge of the roof against the wall of the castle building, it was dark and it was better for him to hide. From there he could hear the conversation, crouching down.

"Yukimura, it's late."

Masayasu heard the voice of one of the men speak. Então um deles era Yukimura. At once he remembered that he was one of the Sanada brothers.

"I know, I think I've drunk too much, but it's always fun to play shogi with you."

The other spoke with a cheerful laugh. A nearby guard laughed at him.

"Go to sleep, sir. The curfew has already been done. Everyone should rest." the guard spoke.

Yukimura laughed. Masayasu wanted to get a better look at his face, but perhaps he should expect him to sleep first. And the other one who talked to him, who was he? Masayasu glanced sideways over the roof and saw that some servants were turning off the lamps in every castle. They stood over the engawa, scattered all over it.

The castle began to get dark, now only the guards had lamps to see the night. Some set it aside, others held and moved the lamp to get a better view of the night.

"Okay, my brother, I'm going to sleep, but so do you, you know our father wants a meeting early tomorrow."

Yukimura told his brother. Masayasu was even more alert when he heard the word meeting. What would it be about? He was silent thinking about it, while at the same time alerting, after all even on the roof he could be seen by Sasuke. He didn't want to meet him tonight, that would ruin all his plans with Inahime.

Masayasu heard good night words from the Sanada brothers and the guard. Then the tone of footsteps returning to the castle. The castle had a first floor where there were several shoji doors and then one more floor, which was above Masayasu's head. He was thinking of going in there and looking for secret passages he might wander around to know who was inside the castle.

He slid into the second floor of the castle, leaping into a square window, all dark, but it was open, he didn't know if by luck or custom of that clan.

Masayasu bent down and looked around. The place was just the top of the castle, not used for anything, maybe meetings, but there was nothing there. The floor was slick and looking up he could see the wagoya, several wooden beams nailed together to support the roof.

The place was empty, not large, but he knew that this place was often used by the clan leader as his own room. But that was not what happened in that clan.

He glided quietly across the room, his eyes accustomed to the darkness watching every detail until his feet stopped and he saw a staircase leading down to the room below. Which room did this staircase lead to? He thought for a few seconds before deciding to come down slowly and quietly.

If a careless man was awake he could see a black figure coming down the stairs carefully. Masayasu was slowly descending, grabbing a kunai from his holster, he needed to be alert.

His blue eyes moved quickly as he tried to see if anyone was there. His ears seemed even more sensitive to the slightest sounds. He could hear the laughter of some couple in some room of the castle.

Touching his foot on the hardwood floor, he looked everywhere. It was the main room, maybe the room they used to gather the family together or maybe used as a dining room, since there was a chabudai.

The room was organized, had a chabudai on the tatami, some red pillows around it. On one of the walls Masayasu can see a painting of a tiger. There was a vase with flowers in one corner. He leaned against the wall next to the painting and just listened for a while.

He could hear voices in some of the nearest castle rooms. From the left side of the room he could hear the voice of two women talking, perhaps two rooms later. But he could hear that they talked about Yukimura, they talked about him going to the village in the morning, this would be an opportunity to know better who he was.

On the right side he could hear in a room a couple at an intimate moment. He remembered Ina, thought she must be awake waiting for him. His heart pounded a little harder at the thought of her, her smile...her kisses.

He smiled a little under the mask and then tried to focus on his mission again. He then looked up at the ceiling and saw the wooden boards attached to the nagoya, he could try to walk over the rooms. He jumped toward one of the way plates, letting it go.

He touched his feet again in the tatami and fell silent again, he could hear only the sound of his breath and the couple somewhere in the castle. In one leap he clung to the nagoya and climbed in, closing his way with the wooden boards again.

Masayasu was silent in the darkness. All around him were the tightly held wood that supported the second floor and the roof. He had done this several times and it was firm to walk through the woods.

With great agility he began to crouch, but without having to use his hands, only his feet touched the wooden beams. He seemed very adept at moving this way. In his right hand the kunai. His eyes watched around him.

It was an open space above the ceiling of the rooms, where the shinobi used to move around. Masayasu counted the steps walked for some time until he heard the sound of a breath. He stopped over a room and in the corner opened one of the wooden boards and looked inside. He saw a young man sleeping, he could see his face and the room. He quickly put the board in place and went to the next room and did the same.

It took him almost an hour to visit every room and see who was in each of them. If all members in nearby rooms were from the Sanada clan he would say that the family was supported by many members, but he thought that perhaps there were some samurai who served the family and stayed inside the castle.

Masayasu stopped over a room and opened a wooden board and leaned forward to look inside, there was no one, but there was a futon, this was someone's room, but that person was not present. Was it Sasuke's room?

That idea hammered into his mind, maybe it was. His blue eyes scanned the room to find any trace that might make him recognize Sasuke. His eyes found a lingering painting on the wall, a sumie with a man standing in a boat, wearing a straw hat in the moonlight.

He frowned. Yes, that room was Sasuke's, he could identify from the painting on the wall. His eyes still looked a little closer, there was no trace of shinobi weapons or anything that could identify him as a shinobi. He remembered Ryouma's words that Nadeshiko had been saved by a samurai in the past. Was it Sasuke?

He heard footsteps toward the bedroom and then quickly closed the hole with the wooden board. He was silent just listening over the bedroom. He heard the sound of the shoji door open. A silence reigned for a few seconds that seemed like an eternity and then the shoji door closed.

Masayasu's instinct asked himself not to look inside or he could come across Sasuke staring at him. He slid quickly over the wooden beams to the dining room, he needed to get out of the castle since Sasuke was in his room or somewhere in the castle.

Walking all the way back to the castle roof, Masayasu crouched over the roof as he jumped silently the second floor window and then heard a voice from the dark.

"I knew I'd find you here. I searched for you all over the castle, but on feeling you could be in my room I knew you'd try to get off the second floor."

The voice came from Masayasu's right side, he looked in that direction. His blue eyes were now even colder and crueler, his left hand touching the wakizashi on his back.

The moon was shy, but he could see a man's silhouette, and he had recognized the voice, it was a voice that never left his mind, since the past has always haunted his mind and now stood before him. Sasuke.

Masayasu stared in Sasuke's direction. He kept crouching, his hand touching the wakizashi on his back. Silence reigned over them, but he could see Sasuke's face, he was wearing a shozoku but no mask. His blue eyes stared at him, he would wait for Sasuke's first move.

Sasuke stared at the crouching shinobi in front of the castle's second floor window. His lips curved into a smile when he saw those blue eyes in the darkness. Eyes he would never forget. Masayasu.

"So....did you come here by someone's order or just come to visit me?"

Sasuke asked in a wry tone. His hair was in a ponytail, black as night, but he had a red lock in his hair. His eyes were gray and there was a scar on his left eye.

He was a very handsome man, about the same height as Masayasu, but not as physically strong as he was. The way he looked at Masayasu was friendly, there didn't seem to be a grudge or a rivalry or even hatred for him in the Sanada clan's castle.

"Come on! What happened? Did you lose your voice on some terrible mission, Kasasu?"

Sasuke asked. His voice was a mixture of softness with a playful tone. In fact he could be quite friendly with what he wanted to be.

"I don't know what you're really calling now, Otsu maybe? Well...anyway I better call you Karasu."

He spoke with a friendly smile still fixed on his face. Masayasu realized by his friendly tone that he could simply attack at any moment, or just talk. He knew Sasuke well enough to expect any action from him at any moment.

Masayasu stood and stared at the one who had always been his rival, his only rival since he began his training as Koga, even now after years of training he was still his only rival.

"What do you want from me, Saru?"

He answered coldly. His tone like a splinter of ice being hurled toward the other.

Sasuke raised his eyebrows a little in surprise and then crossed his arms as he let out a funny laugh.

"Ah, Karasu, as always you are always suspicious. I really want to know what you came here for. As far as I know you recently married a beautiful fabric dealer daughter and you came with her here to buy tissues. Am I right?"

Sasuke spoke in a quiet voice, as if this story was completely convincing to him. Although Masayasu didn't know if he really believed that. Then he just stared at Sasuke silently waiting for the next step. Maybe an attack?

"You thought I wouldn't recognize you in the village? I could hardly recognize your eyes, blue as the ocean."

Sasuke spoke still looking at Masayasu. His gray eyes never seemed to blink, he was in full alert, especially because Masayasu had his hand on the wakizashi and he saw a kunai in his other hand.

"So...will it be like this?"

Sasuke asked raising his eyebrows a little discredited by Masayasu's coldness as he found a familiar face again.

"I expected our meeting in another way. You know...that proposal I made in the past is still standing. If you wish to accept it you will be welcome."

Sasuke's lips curved into a friendly smile, while Masayasu just frowned. Again he had spoken of the proposal of the past. He had no interest in that, when would he understand that?

"I have no interest in that, you should know that."

Masayasu replied sharply, his blue eyes were cold as an iceberg, Sasuke could feel the coldness in his words, he had changed nothing, at least not with him, perhaps with his lovely wife.

Sasuke sighed a little, his eyes quickly looking at Masayasu's kunai, which within seconds it was thrown at him. Sasuke jumped sideways quickly, but felt the kunai pass close to his face.

He was now staring at Masayasu, his gray eyes always looking calm. A line of blood ran down his cheek and he ran his thumb over his face to wipe it off. His lips curved into a mysterious smile.

"Always very fast. I confess I like that about you, Karasu..." Sasuke said.

Masayasu pulled out his wakizashi and played skilfully from left to right hand and positioned himself on a base preparing to fight. He kept his gaze cold, his breathing calm, he was not afraid to fight Sasuke, he knew his own abilities and trusted it.

Sasuke touched his bloody thumb to his own lips and passed his tongue as he looked at Masayasu. It was exciting to see Masayasu before him wanting to fight. Maybe he should accept the fight, after all it was boredom in this place without someone his height for a fight.

Sasuke pulled his wakizashi out of the scabbard on his back and stared at Masayasu as he positioned himself for combat. His eyes watched the blue eyed shinobi closely, he knew that although he was heavy he was fast, in fact he knew how to use his weight and speed very well.

"Looks like our meeting wasn't very friendly. I sincerely thought you could personally introduce me to your beloved wife. She's really beautiful, you surprise me appearing married here, after all I thought your heart was stone."

Sasuke spoke smiling, but he was barely done speaking and Masayasu had already jumped on him with a swift movement with his wakizashi. Sasuke just used his own wakizashi to defend himself by feeling the pressure of Masayasu's force pushing down him.

Many years ago he had not had a fight, the last time they were eighteen, they were still boys finishing their training as shinobi. The rivalry between them was great because among the koga shinobi they were the two most skilled.

Sasuke smiled, Masayasu could see a twinkle in his eye, he looked happy, maybe because they were fighting again, as in the past.

Sasuke quickly used his right foot to kick Masayasu's stomach, but he knew he would try that, so he quickly dodged, twisting his body to the side, trying to cut Sasuke with the wakizashi during the spinning movement.

Sasuke quickly moved the wakizashi toward his own abdomen to fend off the quick blow. A smile. Masayasu seemed even more skilled and accurate.

"You have improved your skills, Karasu."

Masayasu answered nothing. Sasuke smiled a little and then jumped back, spinning in the air and falling onto the roof with one knee and one hand on it. He stared at Masayasu with a smile still with his wakizashi before yourself, ready to attack or defend himself if necessary.

"You seem quieter than usual, Karasu. I imagine that after we finished our training and each one took a path each had their life experiences, but it seems that yours made you even quieter. A shinobi doesn't have to be mute, never forget that."

Sasuke spoke wryly. Masayasu continued frowning, he was standing in combat position, holding the wakizashi in front of his body. His blue eyes studied Sasuke, he seemed to be using this combat for fun, he didn't like it.

"Each one made choices in their own life. I chose to be discreet and quiet, it helps my ability to enter places and not be perceived is better than your ability, after all you still have the big tongue."

He spoke dryly. Sasuke has always enjoyed talking, has always been friendly and seen as fun by some shinobi colleagues. Masayasu has always been more discreet, sarcastic at times, but not fun.

Sasuke laughed at Masayasu's words and then nodded.

"You're right. But you know that I can convince anyone to do what I wish, I've always been good at it, except you. You never get carried away by my speech skills, you're an amazing shinobi, Karasu. You know I've always admired you."

He spoke and Masayasu didn't let him say anything else, he ran towards him with a blow over, Sasuke smiled a little but then was surprised to see that Masayasu whirled over him without striking him. Touching his feet on the roof, he spun around and tried to strike Sasuke with the wakizashi.

Sasuke surprised at his speed, rolled forward on the roof, and raised the wakizashi to defend himself, and stood up, trying to push Masayasu backwards.

Masayasu shifted one foot back and using the force of his leg to support himself, he lowered the wakizashi, using the full force of his arms. Sasuke tried to keep hold of the wakizashi and smiled at him.

Masayasu held the wakizashi in one hand and quickly pulled a kunai out of his holster. Sasuke followed his gaze at his gesture, then leaped backwards onto the roof again with one hand and knee on it.

Masayasu shot the kunai at him, but Sasuke used the blade of wakizashi to defend himself and quickly got up and ran towards him, he tried to strike with the blade next to Masayasu's chest, but he raised his knee before the wakizashi reached him and hit Sasuke's stomach as he quickly jumped back with a laugh and his hand on his stomach.

Sasuke then stopped laughing and leaped at Masayasu with a blow with the wakizashi at the neck, Masayasu raised wakizashi as fast as his ability allowed and defended himself with his blade, and tried to elbow his opponent's face, but Sasuke raised his arm to defend his face and he tries to knee Masayasu in the stomach, who raised his knee, causing one knee to hit the other.

His blue eyes coldly staring at Sasuke, his movements were easy and well coordinated, he just needed to defend and counter. He turned the wakizashi in his hand and tried to cut Sasuke's face with it.

Surprised, Sasuke dodged his head, throwing his body to one side and bringing Masayasu's knee to his stomach again. Sasuke looked into Masayasu's eyes and smiled a little and with one swift movement, punched his stomach and spun around almost slashing Masayasu with the wakizashi, if he had not jumped back quickly and dropped to the knee-high roof and the hand.

Masayasu stared at Sasuke a little breathlessly, using quick moves in a fight against him was always tiring, and he wasn't fully recovered yet. His wound was throbbing with pain, making sudden movements made the pain come with everything.

Sasuke gasped less and then realized that Masayasu looked tired, which was unusual. What had happened? Was he injured? He thought about it, it was a hypothesis, after all he had always fought with Masayasu in the past and never saw him panting that way.

He smiled at Masayasu and then put the wakizashi in the scabbard behind his back and bowed politely to him. Masayasu frowned suspiciously at his gesture every time he acted this way, as a very polite person he would do something next. But what would it be?

"It was a pleasure fighting you, Karasu. You don't know how long I waited to meet you and warm my bones again."

He laughed a little at his own words and then touched his lips with his thumb, in his eyes there was cruelty, Masayasu was sure he would do something, he knew his polite gesture followed by some cruelty.

He quickly put the wakizashi in front of his own body and positioned himself to defend himself. His blue eyes prepared to any sudden movement of Sasuke's body, he did not know if at that time he had learned any new technique, it was likely, every shinobi perfected their techniques.

"I think I'll pay a visit tonight, enjoy it's a beautiful pale and cold night. I rarely have interesting nights like this."

Sasuke spoke and his lips curved into a cruel and growing smile. Masayasu thought of his words. Visit? Who? His eyes then widened at the thought of who Sasuke was talking about. Inahime! But before he could attack Sasuke, he had jumped to the wall and ran over it quickly.

Masayasu jumped after him and ran quickly over the wall just behind him, his wakizashi in hand. He ran as he pulled a shuriken out of his holster and hurled at Sasuke, followed by two more shuriken taken off as fast as he could and thrown as fast as he needed to.

Sasuke jumped and dodged, but one scraped his arm. Masayasu approached him and as he was about to reach his shozoku to pull, Sasuke with a swiveling leg kick hit Masayasu's face and knocked him off the wall. Sasuke chuckled as he disappeared into the darkness of the night.

Masayasu, who had fallen off the wall, fell between trees and some plants and cut himself a little on his face, thigh and arms in the fall. But he didn't worry about it, he looked up at the wall, searching for his target, then he saw that Sasuke was gone.

His blue eyes widened when he realized Ina was in danger. He got up quickly and then ran through the darkness. The path he had taken was behind the castle, running down the side to reach the village, but it would come from behind, it was faster and more practical.

His heart pounded as he felt he could lose Ina at that moment, that Sasuke could kill her just for fun. He ran through the bushes, feeling these plants hit his body and sometimes his face, injuring himself as he ran to reach the ryokan.

Masayasu felt his heart beating faster than he had ever felt in his life. He was panting, his wound throbbing with pain, but it didn't matter just she mattered. Inahime! He couldn't lose her as he had lost his wife in the past, he didn't want to see this story repeat itself again.

He reached the ryokan from the back of the wall and jumped over it as fast as his body could at that moment. He ran fast toward his room, he could see his room in the dark. His heart beating even harder.

Reaching the room's shoji door he slammed it open, knocking a little, and looked into the room. His blue eyes widened, he was surprised by the scene he saw. Inahime!

Sasuke hit Masayasu's face with a spinning kick in the air and knocked him off the wall. He laughed, was enjoying this game, Masayasu would surely lose to him.

He ran over the wall and jumped out of it, falling elegantly with one knee and hand on the floor. The guards at the first gate looked surprised at him, but seeing Sasuke looking at them and smiling sympathetically they recognized the famous Sanada shinobi.

Sasuke got up and quickly ran through the street that led to the village, almost everything was dark if it wasn't for the pale moon in the sky and the light of the rankei coming from the front of the Sanada castle.

He disappeared into the night and quickly arrived at the ryokan. It was all dark, everyone should be sleeping. He stopped running and moved smoothly without making a sound until the back room, he knew this was Masayasu's room sleeping with his wife.

He walked along the grassy courtyard in the ryokan and as he approached the room, he climbed the three steps before the engawa and walked to the shoji door while touching his holster and pulling out three shuriken, then slid softly the shoji door, making no sound, closing the door behind himself.

Ina was kneeling on the tatami of the room, she had felt a presence before the door, not Masayasu. And as she saw the shoji door open she saw the reflection of someone in front of the door. Her violet eyes looked up and her hand sought the katana that was beside her.

Sasuke saw a shadow that was kneeling on the tatami get up so fast that he hurled the shuriken. Ina quickly rose with great agility and used her katana to fend off the shuriken, hitting the items on the wall behind her and one on the tatami, and she made a quick bow with the blade that slid sweatily across Sasuke's face and remained on his neck.

Sasuke was surprised to see Ina in front of him, holding a katana pointing straight at his neck. A trickle of blood ran down his cheek and he couldn't hide his smile as he saw the beautiful lady holding that katana. The truth was, he didn't expect it.

"Who are you?"

Ina asked gravely as she faced Sasuke, her frown, her violet eyes dull at that moment. Although she recognized the clothing in the dark of the room, she didn't recognize Masayasu's presence, she knew it wasn't him since Sasuke arrived at the engawa.

The room was dark, Ina preferred to keep the andon lanterns off, so it was better for anyone in the ryokan to know that she was awake or that Masayasu had gone on a mission.

She was wearing only her white kimono to sleep and Sasuke realized that, but he knew she wasn't sleeping, was ready to attack anyone who entered her room without being invited. Another smile crossed his lips as he watched that beauty before him. She was definitely very beautiful.

Ina frowned further, she realized she would have to force him to speak, but then realized he had a scar on his left eye, he was Sasuke! But if he was there, where was Masayasu? Had the two met at the castle? What had happened?

"Tell me! Who are you? What do you want here?"

Ina asked again, reaching forward for the katana blade to touch Sasuke's neck. He could feel that the blade was quite sharp, had probably touched his flesh and cut a little. His gray eyes played with a smile. She was beautiful and brave. Now he knew why Masayasu had fallen in love with her.

"I'm Sasuke Sarutobi, my beautiful girl."

He replied still looking at Ina. She didn't do any other kind of expression, didn't look surprised or scared, Sasuke could tell that, and he had liked it about her.

Masayasu finally reached the ryokan, he was in pain from his wound, a pain he had not felt since the day he woke up after being shot in the forest. But he didn't want to think about it.

When opening the shoji door he was surprised. He saw Ina pointing her katana at Sasuke's neck, luckily she had the katana next to her. But he didn't know she could use one.

He was panting looking at her. Ina glanced at him quickly and realized he was in pain and then looked back at Sasuke, keeping her stance steady. She shoved the katana toward Sasuke and he stepped back.

"Your wife is brave trying to face a shinobi. Even more without knowing my skills."

Sasuke's lips curved into a wry smile, so he looked at Masayasu, who had already entered the room and pulled his wakizashi again. He could tell he was not well. Maybe he was really hurt, as he imagined.

"I don't think we should destroy the ryokan by fighting inside the room... maybe outside?"

Sasuke suggested and Ina started to step forward to get Sasuke out of the room. She could see his smile of satisfaction, but she didn't want to give him that pleasure, so she quickly turned the katana's blade down and slapped his shoulder, injuring him.

Sasuke was surprised and put a hand on his shoulder, feeling a stab of pain. He felt that sharp blade enter his flesh and the pain come unexpectedly. He didn't expect that from a girl who looked so innocent. He looked down at his hand after touching his shoulder and saw blood. His eyes quickly met hers.

"Get out, Saru!" Masayasu missed. "I believe that for today you have had your pride very hurt."

He had a smug smile on seeing his wounded rival, but he knew Sasuke couldn't see his smile under the black mask.

Sasuke looked at Masayasu and then at Ina, studying her serious face, could he see she wasn't kidding, could she fight? But how did she learn? Did Masayasu teach her?

Sasuke made a gentle movement with his hand, Ina wasn't sure if he would reach his holster with kunai and shuriken, but before thinking about it she moved her katana in an arc toward his hand. Sasuke reflexively jumped back, falling to his feet in the courtyard facing their bedroom.

Ryouma opened the door of his own room and left with a surprised expression upon hearing voices and laughter. He saw Sasuke who had looked at him with a smile and then saw Ina walk softly in a posture he had never seen her have, holding a katana in her hands.

She really looked like a samurai. Masayasu was right behind, stopping right beside her with the wakizashi. Ryouma saw that he was wearing a typical shinobi costume, the shozoku. So he had gone to the castle.

"Looks like we woke up your cousin. I think it wouldn't be fair to have a three-on-one fight. Although I think I could handle all three of you."

A smug smile appeared on Sasuke's lips as he looked at each other's faces in the engawa. Ina had surprised him the most. He needed to know her skills. She seemed skilled with the katana, he realized from her posture and her cousin he didn't know if he was useful or just a burden on her and Masayasu's life.

"Let's finish for today, but....the conversation isn't over yet."

And saying that Sasuke smiled at the three of them and looked at Masayasu once more.

"See you, Karasu!"

He looked at Ina and smiled at her sympathetically.

"It was nice meeting you, Chie-san."

He looked at Masayasu again and with a nod toward Ina he smiled broadly.

"My proposal for you extends to her. She can be part of it."

Saying this he put his hand on his shoulder and leaped off the walls into the darkness. Ina was still prepared on base to attack if Sasuke returned. She couldn't let her guard down, fortunately she felt his presence this time. She had a feeling about tonight and was right about that.

Masayasu sheathed the wakizashi and looked at Ina who was still holding the katana, she lowered the katana and looked at Masayasu, her violet eyes were full of concern. She didn't know what had happened in the castle, but the fact was that Sasuke had recognized Masayasu.

Ina returned to the room and sheathed the katana and left it on the tatami, then left the room and went to Masayasu and pulled his mask and saw that his face was bruised. She touched his face and then the wound in his abdomen.

"Come on, I'll take care of your injuries while you tell me what happened at the castle."

She looked at Ryouma and made a hand gesture calling for him.

"Get me some water and a clean cloth, I need to clean his wounds."

She looked at Masayasu and wrapped her arm around his back and walked into the room with him. Masayasu must have defeated Sasuke, but he realized that his injury had not yet completely healed, which made him slow down a little during the fight.

He looked into the bedroom wall and saw two shuriken stuck in it then saw one more on the tatami, when Inahime lit an andon and knelt before her trunk to pick up the items to clean and bandage his wounds.

Masayasu sat next to her and stared at her, looking for any injuries, but she had none. He was afraid. For the first time in his life, he was very afraid of losing her.

He touched his neck with his thumb and Ina looked at him. She can see something different in his blue eyes, he seemed a little disturbed by what happened, but she didn't understand why.

"What happened? You look different." she said.

Masayasu smiled a little and looked down, he never thought he would be afraid, he had never enjoyed that feeling since his childhood in the countryside. He looked up and looked into her eyes and then wrapped his arms around her body and hugged her tightly.

Ina was a little surprised, she could feel his heartbeat pounding. Something had definitely happened! She wrapped her arms around his back and hugged him tightly as well.

"Hey...it's fine, I'm fine...what happened? Tell me....please..."

She whispered in a very soft and comforting voice as she caressed his back. Ryouma was coming back and then stopped at the door to see the two hugging. He realized that Sasuke was really dangerous. He didn't hear his approach the ryokan, thankfully Ina knew how to defend herself.

Masayasu turned away from Ina a little and looked into her face meeting her violet eyes still a little confused. He saw her blink, her eyes mesmerize him, there were so many feelings in those violet eyes. He then smiled a little.

"I'll tell you what happened in the castle."

He answered to change the subject, he didn't want to tell her that he had been afraid, that was humiliating to him. Fortunately she was very skilled. He looked at the katana and then at her.

"I didn't know you knew how to use the katana."

He said and Ina laughed a little and then began to untie the sleeves of Masayasu's shozoku.

"I'm an onna bugeisha, I can use bow, katana and naginata. You should imagine that."

She then looked at Ryouma and gestured for him to enter. Masayasu looked at him and saw for the first time concern in those crimson eyes.

Ryouma sat next to the couple and placed a bowl of water in front of him. Inside was a clean white cloth. He looked at Masayasu and saw scratches on his face.

"Are you all right, handsome? What happened between you and that shinobi? Did you fight at the castle?" he asked.

Masayasu was silent for a while and watched Ina lower the top of his shozoku to bare his torso. He looked at his wound, there was blood and Ina quickly took the wet cloth and twisted it and took the wound. Masayasu made a slight pained expression and Ina saw it as she looked into his face.

"It didn't open, but it was close, it's bleeding. I'll clean and prepare an ointment for you, it'll keep you from getting inflamed. It can't inflame, or we'll need to open and clean."

Ina spoke seriously as she took her small box from the trunk and opened it. There were little bottles of herbs and Masayasu saw a green bottle, she took it and looked at it for a while and sighed.

"i didn't want to use this, it will cause you pain all night, but this will prevent inflammation and stop the bleeding."

She opened the bottle and pointed to Ryouma to get the sake bottle over the chabudai.

"Get that sake for me, please."

Ryouma slid a little to the side and picked up the bottle over the chabudai and handed it to Ina. He was curious to know what she was doing. Masayasu frowned, he didn't know what that green powder was, but he saw Ina put some sake inside and mix it with her finger. That became a ointment.

Ina looked at Masayasu's face still worried and then looked at his wound and again at his face.

"It will hurt. This is Devil's Matcha. You must know. Hanzo-sama gave me a little, he has a lot with him."

Ina spoke and Masayasu was surprised. Devil's Matcha was a medicine from Iga, few knew closely, said it was a medicine that healed quickly but caused great pain to the one who used it.

"I didn't know you had it. Few have access to this medicine, only the Iga."

Masayasu spoke and Ina nodded with a slight smile.

"True. Hanzo-sama has left me this box with some items I can use if anyone gets injured, Devil's Matcha was with it. He has been teaching me a little about poisons, antidotes and medicines, but I don't know everything."

She spoke softly and ran her finger over the green ointment and placed it over Masayasu's wound, at the same instant his blue eyes widened, he felt a big pain, as if that medicine was squeezing his wound, as if it had been scratching his flesh .

Ina saw Masayasu's face contort in pain and he let out a soft moan, as he pressed his fingers into his shozoku pants. Ryouma was surprised, he had never seen Masayasu make such an expression of pain, he could feel that this Devil's Matcha was a medicine that really had its pros and cons.

Ina touched Masayasu's face with a clean hand as she saw his face in pain. He bit his lower lip as he felt Devil's Matcha enter his wound.

He never thought that this medicine could cause so much pain, although he had heard of the fame of this Iga medicine, but many Iga shinobi used to quickly heal wounds.

Ina began to caress his cheek fondly, regardless of Ryouma's presence. She never used Devil's Matcha, but she knew the description Hanzo had given her, it must cause terrible pain.

"Do you want to lay down? Maybe it's better. I'll just bandage the wound and prepare the futon for you."

Ina spoke and began to wipe her fingers on another cloth she had in the trunk, this one would have to wash, because now was dirty with this mysterious medicine.

"No...I don't want to...lay down now..."

Masayasu whispered in his husky voice as he watched Ina bandage his abdomen over the wound. He could see her eyes worried about him. He knew he shouldn't have fought this wound, but he couldn't help it, since Sasuke had discovered him.

"I know I shouldn't have fought...." he began. "But....Sasuke found me at the castle....in fact he seemed to be waiting for me...as if he knew...that I would be there..."

Ina looked at Masayasu's face a little surprised. How did Sasuke know that? It was impossible, only she, he and Ryouma knew that. She didn't believe Ryouma had passed this information on to Nadeshiko. Could he do that?

She looked at Ryouma instantly. He saw Ina's eyes look at him seriously. Instantly he understood what she meant by that look.

"No Milady. I didn't say anything to Nadeshiko. In fact I knew the handsome would go to the castle, but he didn't say when. And I would never do that to him!"

Ryouma spoke quickly and looked from Ina to Masayasu. He was a little surprised that she distrusted him. He really had completely lost her trust. He would never betray her and Masayasu like that, especially since their lives would be at stake.

Masayasu looked at Ryouma with a pained expression. Devil's Matcha seemed to consume him, so he couldn't get mad at Ryouma, but if he had cheated on him again that would have no turning back, he would kill him as soon as he was better.

"Do you think I would do that?"

Ryouma asked quickly as he noticed their eyes. A frustrated smile appeared on his lips.

"I know I messed up a lot with you guys, but I'm planning how to help you, I'm not bothering you anymore, I said I'll follow your rules and your orders. I would never cheat on you both. Although you may not believe it, but I like it of you and consider you both as my friends."

Ryouma looked at Ina, she could see he was being honest, she didn't see irony or any other kind of joke in his gaze, he wasn't lying, not this time.

"Ok, I'll believe you."

She answered and Masayasu looked at her without understanding. But maybe she had noticed something in Ryouma at that moment that he couldn't quite understand because the pain wasn't allowing him to think perfectly.

"But then how did Sasuke know that Masayasu-sama would be in the castle tonight?"

Ina asked thoughtfully.

PS1: The pic is Sasuke Sarutobi

PS2: Karasu means crow, and Saru means monkey.

[lady-inahime]

Book - The Princess and the Shadow

Chapter 13: Spy

Kaede came back with the comforter in her hands and showed Ina, her eyes were surprised by this item, it seemed to be really wonderful to warm up. The nights were always cold, a comforter would be great for those nights.

Ina touched Masayasu's hand and Kaede saw her gesture and smiled gently. She knelt before the couple and touched their hands and looked from Masayasu's blue eyes to Ina's violet eyes.

"Be happy. You're still young, enjoy life together, have confidence and loyalty to each other that your marriage will be forever."

Kaede spoke with a big smile coming to her lips. Ina was a little surprised by her words and then looked into Masayasu's face and smiled tenderly. Even though he wasn't her true husband, she already felt that way about him, she hoped this relationship would last forever.

Masayasu looked at Ina when he realized she was looking at him and then smiled a little. She could see his smile and then smiled warmly and looked at Kaede, placing a hand on her own cheek.

"Thank you for your kind words. Otsu-san and I have been married recently, but we have been happy together. I hope you are right and our marriage is forever."

She smiled allowing a slight blush to appear on her cheeks. It was the first time she was walking with Masayasu as a real couple, and the feeling was good. Her heart filled with happiness at having him with her.

"Did you choose the kimono my girl?"

Kaede asked showing the kimono to Ina. As she watched, Masayasu looked at her, at that moment he could see her hime's side, delicate and smooth side, while choosing a kimono, but she was still unlike any hime he had ever met. The others would surely be yelling at Kaede to show them the kimono, and to dress them up while choosing the kimono. Ina was unlike any other, gentle as a breeze and strong as a rock.

"I liked that red kimono, it's beautiful. And I'm going to have the black men's kimono. As you can see my husband likes black."

Ina smiled at Kaede who nodded several times as she looked from Ina to Masayasu and met his blue eyes now watching her. Kaede can tell that he was a quiet man, typical of most samurai, although there was always a very different samurai from the class.

"I'm going to roll up the kimono, but hang up as soon as you get to the Inn so you don't wrinkle ok? And take it easy tomorrow to have some tea with me and see the fabrics. Your husband is welcome if he's feeling better."

Kaede looked at Masayasu and smiled at him. He just nodded and looked at Ina, she was taking her bag of coins out of the kimono, and took some coins and put them in Kaede's hand.

"Oh darling is a lot, I need to give back the change." Kaede spoke while looking at the coins in her hand.

"No, please stay. I'll be back tomorrow anyway. Thank you for your hospitality, Kaede-san."

Ina spoke with a cheerful smile, although she got precious information, she had liked Kaede and would definitely come to visit her whenever she could.

"I'll take you to the door, but come back, I'm sure you will calmly look at the fabrics and like them."

Kaede stood up with a smile. Ina and Masayasu got up and took their hats. Ina pinned her hat to Masayasu, he was lifting the comforter and the two rolled-up kimono. Ina put her hat on herself and followed Kaede to the door.

Ina bent to put the tabi on Masayasu, Kaede observed her careful gesture, few women were as careful with her husband, only those who really loved her husband, as she saw that this girl loved.

Ina put on her own sandals, stood up and bowed to Kaede with a cheerful smile. Masayasu bowed too.

"I'll be back tomorrow."

She gave another smile and left the Kaede's house with Masayasu by her side. He looked at her, Ina looking happy to have made a friend and got precious information. She looked at him and smiled happily.

"I must congratulate you, you were magnificent inside."

Masayasu spoke in his husky voice, but there is a smile. She could tell from his blue eyes that there was a smile on her face. She smiled proudly at him.

"Thank you, your words mean a lot to me."

Her eyes turned to tenderness, Masayasu could kiss her right now if they weren't in the middle of the street and in the middle of the mission. She was really lovely.

"Let's go for another hiking, we talk about what I got when we got to the ryokan."

Ina spoke in her soft voice watching Masayasu carry the items she bought.

"No, let's talk here, we plan something later. But you got a visit to the castle. Ryouma said he'll try to get information, I'm not convinced of that. But I know you can, even after what I saw today."

Masayasu looked at her. She had shown herself to have the same ability Ieyasu had, the charisma, she could get whatever she wanted with that charisma. She got his heart, which was impossible to get, she could achieve anything. She could make friends inside the castle, that would be a great asset to them.

Ina looked at Masayasu as they walked together down the street toward the street leading to the castle. She noticed that he was looking at her, but he was aware of everything around him, especially sometimes he would look back to make sure they weren't being followed.

"You saw him earlier. Is he still here?"

Ina asked in a low voice and then looked discreetly at the houses and the space between them. The day was clear, but between the houses was a good hiding place, she thought. But she saw nothing, but dared not look back and show that she was suspicious of being followed.

"I'm not sure, a shinobi can erase his presence, if he is erasing him, as I imagine he would, I would say he is following us."

Masayasu spoke in his low voice and then looked at Ina with his blue eyes showing indifference to what he said. It was as if he had accepted that Sasuke could follow them and he could do nothing at that moment. And he couldn't, I would reveal who he was.

"I'll need to visit the castle at night, just to know the place, study its walls, roofs and entrances. I need to find out how many people are in there, just so I can plan something with you."

He spoke quietly and looked toward the castle, they were coming up the street leading to the castle, the street was also dirt, though it had a steep slope, but it was not so steep.

When they reached the gates they saw that they were tall and thick, made of wood, like Ieyasu's castle in Mikawa. From there Masayasu would have no idea of the castle at all, the walls did not allow the visibility of the place. He needed to visit the castle that night.

Ina was silent thinking about it. Even if she visited the castle with Naoko she would not have certain information that he needed. She trusted him, knew he was very skilled, but still her heart was pounding hard at the thought. She didn't know Sasuke. What if Masayasu came across him?

Masayasu noticed Ina's worried look, he knew she was afraid he would come across Sasuke, but he would avoid it if possible, he knew Sasuke enough to try to predict his steps.

"Don't worry, I'll be fine."

Masayasu spoke and Ina nodded trying to smile at him, confident in his abilities. He knew his opponent, she was sure he would be careful.

The two stopped in front of the first gate of the castle, the walls were high and stones, there were guards, they looked at the two suspicious. Ina quickly stared at the walls in surprise as if it were her first time seeing a castle. Then she looked at the guards.

"Oh I'm sorry." she bowed quickly. "I've never been to Ueda, and I've never seen a castle up close. It's very beautiful."

She looked at the guards with a friendly smile. Masayasu approached her holding the kimono and comforter and looked at the walls and then at the guards. They saw the swords he carried and quickly bowed to him as they realized he was a samurai.

Masayasu just nodded to both of them, his eyes quickly wandered over the castle walls and then out of them all the way. His eyes slowly found a shadow on the top of a tree near the place, a little away from the walls.

He quickly looked at Ina, he saw that she was watching the castle closely, but at that moment the walls would not be of help, he was determined to visit the castle at night, with Sasuke or without Sasuke, that was his decision.

Masayasu came back to walk again. Ina looked confused at him, then quickly looked at the guards and smiled sympathetically bowed to them again and followed Masayasu closely. She walked to his side and looked to him.

"What happened?"

She asked worriedly, trying to understand why he gave up looking at the walls any longer. Would he have seen Sasuke?

She glanced back over her shoulder, searching where Sasuke was. Her eyes showed nothing, though she felt some gaze on her, directly on her. She saw a tree some distance away and then turned to look at Masayasu. Her heart restless at the idea of a spy so close.

"Do not look back..."

Masayasu whispered. Ina felt her stomach go cold, her violet eyes surprised. Yes, Sasuke was right behind them. But would he have recognized Masayasu? That was her only concern.

Ina moved closer to Masayasu and grabbed his arm, she needed to pretend that everything was fine, that she suspected nothing. But her heart had a strange feeling that she was being watched closely, so even though she wasn't sure where it was coming from, she just felt someone nearby.

"Relax...he will not talk to us. He will wait when you are alone."

Masayasu spoke in a low voice as he looked into Ina's tense face. Her eyes met his. In fact, she wished Sasuke wouldn't talk to her when she was alone, but if that had to happen she hoped that even Masayasu would be around. She wasn't afraid of Sasuke, but she didn't want to be alone with him.

They walked down the street that led from the castle to the village. Ina felt her heart lighten, she looked around and can see the people again, the street that led to the castle was just minutes from the village, but there was no one there, just the castle guards.

"He stopped following us. Maybe he was just checking who you were up close."

Masayasu spoke and saw Ina's eyes look at him with some concern. Masayasu laughed a little, it was a husky and quick laugh.

"I knew he would come to see you closely, after all you're new to the village, and everyone must be talking about your beauty."

He spoke watching Ina's lips twitch as if she were going to question something he said. He smiled a little, she could see in his blue eyes a wry tone.

"Wherever we went I could hear some whispers about your beauty. And I didn't see any beautiful girls like you here. So believe me, he must have heard all the people talk about your beauty, Inahime...."

Ina sighed a little. Beauty was coveted by many women, many wanted and would do anything to have her beauty. Ina wasn't a hypocrite, she knew how beautiful she was, but she knew that being very beautiful could also be a curse. How many daimyo have sent letters asking to marry her just for her appearance, not knowing her, not wanting to know what her personality was like or her true wishes and dreams.

She looked at Masayasu, he was different. Although she knew he must have appreciated her appearance, she knew that he appreciated her personality, that was more than important to her.

Ina saw that Masayasu was looking at her, his blue eyes were soft now, maybe he was worried about her, but he showed affection in those eyes that are usually cold. Affection. He could just want her, her appearance, her body, but he loved her, she needed nothing more, just him.

"I'll be careful about that, after all I can't change my appearance, but I can avoid problems."

She said consciously that at some point she would have trouble with that. If in Mikawa she used to have, imagine in a place she had never stepped before. She smiled softly and walked toward the ryokan with him.

On instinct she glanced back over her shoulder. Masayasu looked too and then their eyes met.

"Relax, but tomorrow if you go see your new friend alone he should talk to you. Maybe I should go with you, I don't want to leave you alone by the village. In fact I could ask Ryouma to accompany you, but I don't trust him to." no way."

"You come with me."

Ina spoke with a growing smile on her lips showing her affection for him. But although she was showing affection for him, her mind was full of thoughts and worries. She was used to the presence of shinobi, she always lived with them, but as allies. Now she was faced with a threat she could scarcely feel, an invisible but dangerous threat that the blade of a katana.

Again she looked over her shoulder around her as she stopped with Masayasu in front of the ryokan. Her eyes trying to find a way to see any hidden shadow, her heart full of worry at the mercy of an invisible enemy.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ryouma was walking through the village, he enjoyed this weather, hot during the day and cold at night. In fact he liked hot weather, warmth, sun. And he even liked to walk around the village looking at the women. No matter if they are young or older, all women were wonderful to him.

He would greet all the women with a charming smile, the more charming women he would come closer to talk about, sometimes touch her hair, or just enjoy the scent of her skin as he brought his face closer to her neck.

The women didn't get angry or offended at him, they actually enjoyed being treated that way, he came up with flirt and praise, most didn't have it at home, so Ryouma got their attention easily.

"Good morning, Milady! Nice kimono!"

He spoke with a smile, giving them a wink. As he flirt the women he watched his return. The men were not present, perhaps they were in the fields at that time, but not having men around was an advantage for him. A wry smile crossed his lips.

"Ryouma?"

He stopped when he heard a female voice. He knew that voice. He widened his crimson eyes and turned back to find a young woman in her early twenties. Hands on hips, serious expression, frowning. Her eyes were black as night.

"You promised to take me with you on the last trip, you left me behind!"

She spoke in an annoyed tone that Ryouma quickly identified as a danger to him. He quickly put his hand on the back of his neck and laughed playfully.

"Ah Sue, I didn't forget you, the trip was too dangerous to take you! But look I'm here for you, Milady!"

He cast her a seductive look. A smile appeared on his lips and he quickly touched her lightly soiled face. She stared at him seriously, but when she heard him say he was back for her, a smile appeared on her lips and she grabbed his arm. A slight blush sprang to her cheeks.

"Let's go home, my parents are in the fields, I was taking care of the house today."

Sue's eyes twinkled as she looked at Ryouma. He smiled charmingly and leaned toward her to look closely into her eyes.

"I go where you wish, Milady..."

His eyes had a mysterious glow, Sue loved his eyes so unlike anything she had ever seen. She pulled him to her house. Ryouma just looked around as he followed her, on his lips there was a naughty smile. His morning had started well.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ryouma left Sue's house, she was still fixing her kimono when she led him to the door. He smiled seductively at her and touched her cheek with his index finger and slid down, looking at her lips seductively. Sue sighed a little.

"I'll be right back, Sue."

He winked her and she let out a funny giggle and hid behind the shoji door and watched him walk away quickly until she closed the door. Ryouma needed to go back to the ryokan, he had arranged with Nadeshiko to have tea with her in the late morning, and it was late morning!

He quickened his steps, taking faster strides. His loose black hair fluttered in the soft breeze of that morning. He watched some women whisper about him and giggle. He knew what they were thinking, he wouldn't deny it, he got involved with many women at the same time, he never denied it was that way. His weakness was women.

He entered the courtyard at the ryokan and came across Nadeshiko holding a tray of tea, walking in the engawa. She looked surprised at him. For a few moments she was silent just staring at him.

Ryouma approached her quickly, taking off his sandals and leaving in the courtyard and took the tray from her hands while looking into her eyes.

"Is this our tea?"

He asked placing a charming smile on his lips. Nadeshiko looked at his smile and was a little surprised and then smiled a little.

"Yes, my lord, this is our tea. Do you still want my company for a few minutes?"

She asked, clasping her hands at waist level. She was moving her thumbs quickly on top of each other, looking a little nervous. He didn't know if she was really nervous or playing a shy girl, but he leaned forward a little and smiled at her.

"Yes, I still wish to have tea with you, come on. Don't be afraid, I won't hurt you."

He allowed a seductive smile to appear on his lips, Nadeshiko realized that this must be his usual smile. She took a slightly loose strand of hair from her hair in a simple bun and let it fall behind her ear as she looked him a shy look.

"I'm not afraid of you, my lord."

She spoke and Ryouma allowed a fun laugh.

"Come on, you don't have to call me lord, just Ryouma is enough for me, I'm not a samurai and not a nobleman."

He fixed a sympathetic smile on his lips and nodded toward his own room. Nadeshiko walked with him. He could see that her steps were fast, but her feet took short strides, as if her kimono were extremely attached to her body. Her footsteps were silent.

They reached the bedroom, and she slid the shoji door from his bedroom. Ryouma entered the room and looked around. He had left his things scattered around the room before leaving, but it was all neat and clean.

He looked at her as Nadeshiko closed the shoji door behind them. She looked at him and saw that he was a little surprised, she bowed a little and looked at his handsome face. He was handsome and attractive, she couldn't deny it, but she had to be careful with him, or her mother could be mad at her.

"You did a good job here, Milady. Now I felt really taken care of by you."

Ryouma spoke allowing a glint in his eyes to show that he really appreciated this care of her. He smiled. Nadeshiko looked at his lips and then at his crimson eyes and smiled shyly at him.

Nadeshiko took the tray from Ryouma's hands and knelt down placing the tray on the tatami. She looked up and saw him still looking around him. Maybe he wasn't really used to it, she wasn't sure, but she smiled softly.

"Sit down, Ryouma-san."

She spoke and quickly he sat before her. Nadeshiko poured tea for him and then for her in kobachi. She enjoyed tea, she often mixed some herbs to check the taste and see if they worked well together.

"Green tea with chamomile, I hope you enjoy it."

She took the kobachi and raised it to her lips and sipped the tea, enjoying the aroma and then the taste. Ryouma watched her, her face was soft and beautiful, but her eyes showed a certain hidden sadness. He picked up the tea and took a sip and set it on the tatami while staring at her.

"May I ask you a question, Milady?"

He asked seriously. Although Ryouma was always ironical, sometimes he could talk about serious topics without joking. Nadeshiko looked into his eyes a little surprised, he looked serious, maybe it was a personal question. She thought for a moment and then nodded softly.

"Yes you can." she replied looking into Ryouma's crimson eyes.

"Be honest. Are you happy working here with your mother?"

He asked directly and saw Nadeshiko a little surprised, she was expecting any kind of question but didn't expect that one.

She put her joined hands on her lap and stared at her tea. Happiness. She wasn't sure if she was happy. In fact, it was very difficult to be happy in the world she lived.

Nadeshiko looked up and noticed that Ryouma was looking at her. Those crimson eyes, even seriously she could see a gleam of happiness in that look, Ryouma might be happy, she wasn't sure.

"Sorry...it's hard to answer that question."

She smiled shyly at Ryouma. He realized that her gaze now seemed sadder, perhaps she was pondering his question, perhaps thinking about the life she was leading.

"I wonder...if you could be free, if you didn't have to work here, would you be happy?"

He asked and Nadeshiko thought about his question. He was talking about happiness and freedom, she didn't know where he was going with this conversation. Then she was surprised to feel his hand touch hers. Immediately she looked at his hand and then looked up and looked at him.

Her blue-gray eyes showed how confused she was. He was kind, though he didn't seem to be very polite, or have a proper manner, but she saw concern in his gaze, or anything like that.

"I'm not sure, Ryouma-san. I never leave Ueda. I know other villages... but short trips when my father was still alive."

She spoke seeing a soft smile well up on Ryouma's lips. He was a mystery, she couldn't understand his gestures, but his presence was comforting to her. It was the second man she knew that caused that sensation in her. Comfort. The others caused a little discomfort, she knew she shouldn't feel it, but that feeling was even stronger inside her.

"Forgive me, can we change the subject?"

Nadeshiko asked and finally let a smile appear. With Chie she was easier to talk to, she was a woman, although she talked to men there was big discomfort. But Ryouma smiled at her and took his tea and took another sip.

"Sorry about the serious matter. I think you're a beautiful girl, maybe you could work in some castle, or maybe be a geiko."

He let an amused smile appear on his lips as he winked at her. She was surprised and then smiled a little, so much compliment, she didn't expect it, but she should wait, after all he seemed to be the profile of the flirt guy.

Ryouma moved closer to Nadeshiko and she cringed in fright, her hands were a little shaky, he couldn't help but notice that, so he touched her face gently, looking into her eyes.

"I won't hurt you, Milady. And I won't do anything you don't want. But I confess that you're the most beautiful girl I've ever seen in Ueda..."

He slid two fingers down her face, Nadeshiko slowly stopped shaking, she took a few deep breaths and calmed her heart. If he would do nothing she could be at ease.

Ryouma smiled charmingly as Nadeshiko's frightened eyes softened. He wasn't sure if she was afraid of men or if she was playing some character who was afraid of men to avoid his approach. Perhaps.

"I'd like to get to know you better, calmly. My cousin and her husband are always busy with married things, just married you know....so I feel a little lonely here."

Ryouma watched the Nadeshiko's way looked at him, her eyes were beautiful, very light, she had pink lips and looked soft. She seemed to take good care of her appearance, perhaps one of her few amusements.

"Tell me...with all this boredom in Ueda, what do you do for fun here?"

He asked with a growing smile as she tried to avoid a laugh, but she laughed anyway.

"Ryouma-san, Ueda is a quiet place almost completely of the countryside, but it has a brothel not far from here, if that's what you're looking for, maybe you're looking for fun. I'm not that kind of woman. Sorry."

She pulled back a little and bowed apologetically. Ryouma put his arm around his knee and smiled wryly. She was fun, but in that moment he realized she was hiding something. He was curious to know what it was. After all she said she wasn't that kind of woman. But he hadn't thought of doing anything to her yet. What did she fear? Did she have a lover? Sasuke? Perhaps...

Ryouma laughed a little at her gesture and ran charmingly a hand through his hair as he looked at her. Strangely, Nadeshiko had the impression of seeing a strange sparkle in the eyes of this mysterious man. She felt a slight chill. She didn't frighten him, he caused her some sensation, but she couldn't describe what it was.

"I don't usually visit a brothel, Milady, although the ladies there are kind." he let out a funny laugh. "I prefer the company of ladies like you, soft and often shy."

He winked at her and Nadeshiko blushed a little. She was shocked at her own cheeks flushing at him. Why? Okay, he was attractive, but she had no intention of falling for his charms.

"I find it strange that I came here about six months ago and did not see you, your mother I had already seen, but not you. Where were you? If I had known you for sure my stay in Ueda would have been much more interesting!"

Ryouma laughed and winked at Nadeshiko. She stared at him and blushed a little at his words, somehow that should be a compliment. Then she smiled sympathetically at him.

He was here six months, what kind of person was he? A traveler? But if he was here six months ago and realized she wasn't here it could cause problems for her.

"Sorry to ask, Ryouma-san. But what kind of traveler are you? I mean.... you came here more than once. Why?"

She asked and Ryouma smiled wryly. He wanted her to be interested in him, that would make him more open to asking about her. He was pretty sure what she was, but he still needed a few more questions.

She hadn't made up any story of where she was six months ago. He already suspected what she would be. But....did she suspect him?

Nadeshiko picked up her tea and took another sip as she looked at Ryouma. She could sense something mysterious in those crimson eyes.

Ryouma watched her intensely. So beautiful, it would be a waste to be an enemy. He propped his elbow on his own thigh and rested his face on his hand as he looked at her. His eyes had a mysterious glow.

Nadeshiko saw his look and blushed a little. What did he look at her so much? Was he suspicious of her in any way? What did he think?

"Sorry, Ryouma-san, you didn't answer my question."

She smiled a little at him and Ryouma made a mouth movement as if to say 'oh', but no sound came out. He let out a funny laugh and put his hand behind his neck.

"Sorry, I got distracted by your beauty!"

He spoke and Nadeshiko allowed a slight smile to appear on her lips, but the blush on her cheeks remained, Ryouma could see that.

"Sorry, I'm just a traveler. Sometimes I'm hired by travelers to guide them in less dangerous places, or just to guide if they don't know the way. I also helped with bonfire, luggage, and things like that."

He smiled sympathetically at her and saw Nadeshiko's eyes smile a little. Less sadness then, that was good for her. He didn't like to see a sad woman.

"You seem kind after all...although you earn your money as a travel guide, you help people in some way."

Nadeshiko spoke and poured more tea for Ryouma. He watched her gesture, he could see that her hands were still shaking a little.

"Tell me, Milady. Why are you afraid of me? Or...are you afraid of men in general?"

He asked and saw Nadeshiko's gray blue eyes widen in surprise. She looked up to meet his crimson eyes. He had noticed!

"Sorry, I...I didn't want to be afraid of you, but...in the past..."

Nadeshiko made a pause and stared at her tea for a few seconds as she wondered how to tell this story to him without seeming overkill.

"I was just over 13 years old. I helped my family with the ryokan, served the guests, tried to be nice and kind to everyone, but..."

She looked up to look at Ryouma's handsome face.

"One night I went to serve three men who came to stay here, I took sake for them and one of them pulled me by the arm to his lap. He tried to get up and struggled, I tried to pull away, but he grabbed me for strength and kiss me and...touched my body...."

Her voice almost faded as she spoke it to Ryouma, her face downcast, her eyes sad, her cheeks red with embarrassment at sharing this with someone she didn't know.

"But...a Sanada's clan' samurai was nearby and heard my screams and went to save me. If not for him that man would surely the man have me...."

She couldn't finish the sentence, but Ryouma also allowed her to finish, he touched her hand and pressed a little while looking at her face. She looked up at him with teary eyes. She saw kindness in his gaze, he wasn't like that man, she could tell that.

"I'm sorry to bring a painful subject to our conversation, I don't think I'm making you smile, just crying or being embarrassed. I'm sorry..."

He then pulled her into a hug, surprising her a little. But it wasn't bad, he had been kind indeed. His strong arms wrapped her in a strong, soothing hug. Maybe he wanted to make her feel good, he wasn't a bad person, just as she thought Chie wasn't a bad person.

Ryouma touched her gently tied hair and slid his fingers to her nape and stroked her soothingly.

"Calm down...I won't hurt you, Milady, I promise..."

He whispered feeling Nadeshiko slowly relax in his arms. She had stopped shakering, which indicated she was beginning to trust him in some way.

Slowly she wrapped her arms around his back and hugged him. She knew she shouldn't trust quickly, but he didn't seem to want to hurt her, it was a relief to find a man who didn't want to hurt her, like that man of the past.

Nadeshiko looked away slightly, but then she looked at Ryouma and smiled sympathetically.

"Thank you, you really are a kind man, like your beautiful cousin. You are welcome here. And as far as I can help you I will do."

She smiled back at him sympathetically and Ryouma touched my cheek softly and smiled seductively at her. Nadeshiko saw that smile full of seduction and was not afraid, not this time.

Nadeshiko smiled at him and moved away from him softly as she looked at him a little shyly. She didn't believe she had hugged him, she had always been afraid of all men. But not him.

"Thanks for listening to me and calming me down, this subject is always very delicate for me."

Nadeshiko spoke and then smiled shyly at Ryouma, placing a hand on her own cheek, trying to disguise the embarrassed one.

Ryouma wanted to ask who saved her, a Sanada's clan' samurai. Or maybe Sasuke disguised as a samurai. But he didn't want to bring her more pain, he liked to see women happy and smiling. Ina was with Masayasu and was happy, he wanted to make Nadeshiko happy too, even if it was for a few minutes.

"When I was a child I sometimes traveled with my father to some nearby village to sell baskets and umbrellas. Although we have this ryokan sometimes lacking money, after all people do not always travel to Ueda, and when next they get a maximum of two days, here's not much to do here."

Nadeshiko smiled sympathetically at Ryouma, who was watching her closely, she seemed more comfortable with him now, that was good, he needed to get closer to her and get more information.

"I helped him make baskets and umbrellas, I liked and still like handicrafts."

She took the tea and brought it to her lips and took a sip and smiled at him. Ryouma realized that she had a beautiful smile, she was beautiful as the pale night. He smiled sympathetically at her as he listened to her words. He picked up the tea and brought it to his lips for a big drink.

"You seem to have some fun stories to tell about yourself and your father. But what about you? Today do you still do handiwork to sell? Do you still like it? I wonder why..."

Ryouma looked around the room, it was a beautiful room, a very good ryokan, one of the best he had ever been to, but there weren't many guests he saw. He met Nadeshiko's eyes and he can see that she had understood what he meant.

"I mean...it's a beautiful place, but there are no other guests here, just me, my cousin and her husband right?"

He raised an eyebrow pretending to be a little surprised, or maybe curious. Nadeshiko smiled briefly and nodded.

"Yes, there are only three of you here. I still make umbrellas to sell. I try to at least help my mother with the expenses. I know she wants me to get married soon and have a man to take care of the ryokan with us."

Nadeshiko gave Ryouma a shy look. She wasn't sure how he would interpret her words, but her mother had already suggested his name. But for some reason she didn't think of him as a good man for marriage.

Ryouma was a little surprised by her words. Was she suggesting he should marry her? His crimson eyes stared into her gray blue eyes and then he saw Nadeshiko look away shyly, placing her joined hands on her lap and pressing her fingers together.

He can't help but smile. Her shy manner made Nadeshiko so irresistible, if he really was the kind of man who would like to marry and have a family he would accept to marry her, but he knew himself and he enjoyed traveling, being free, not attaching on to anything.

Ryouma cleared his throat a little and looked at the tea and then at Nadeshiko with an amused smile.

"I loved your tea, you really are good at combining tea, but I think next time we can have a sake together, what do you think?"

He winked at Nadeshiko as he touched her hand on her lap. She was a little surprised and looked at him shyly, then smiled softly at him nodding.

"I agree with that. But...I need to go now. I'd love to talk to you more, but I need to help my mom back."

She spoke with a smile. Ryouma can see that her behavior had completely changed since she arrived and started talking to him. She seemed more comfortable now, he wanted that.

Ryouma smiled widely and gave her another wink.

"Fine, but come see me later, I'd love to have more of your beautiful company!"

He touched Nadeshiko's cheek softly and saw her cheeks redden. But she didn't look away, she looked shyly at him and smiled.

"Ah, when you serve the couple next door..."

Ryouma nodded toward the next wall, Nadeshiko looked it, it was the wall that divided Ryouma's room from Chie's, so she looked at him.

"Be careful, they are a young couple who have been together for a short time, sometimes they can be.... busy..."

A naughty smile appeared on his lips as he looked at Nadeshiko, but he can see that she understood, after all her cheeks turned red and she nodded a few times.

"I can swear I'm hearing both of they now."

He let out a smug laugh and Nadeshiko smiled a little, still embarrassed with Ryouma making a joke about it, but she would be careful, she didn't want to disturb the couple.

"I'll be back later with your lunch."

She bowed a little and arranged everything inside the tray and stood gracefully and quickly. Ryouma stared at her. He didn't find out much, but at least he got some information. He needed to know some important information. Who saved her when she was younger? Where was she when he came six months ago and she wasn't present? In training? On mission?

His crimson eyes watched her move to the door and slide the door out. But first, she turned to look at him and smiled sympathetically and bowed quickly, stared at him for a few more seconds, then left the room and slid the door closed.

Ryouma sighed. He knew he should have said his name was Ryu, as he had been agreeing, but that would be a problem, since there are girls in the village who knew him by the name of Ryouma. Would that be a problem for Ina and Masayasu?

He put his hand on his head he thought about it he was sure it could be a problem. Then let his body fall on the tatami, he looked at the ceiling feeling that Masayasu would not like some information.

But what could he do? He could not force Nadeshiko to speak without trusting him first. He thought it would be easy to get information from her, but she looked defensive, shy, and perhaps harmless.

Ryouma looked toward the wall that divided his bedroom from the couple's room and let a naughty smile appear. He needed to wait a little longer or upset the couple, he didn't want to have more problems with Masayasu, maybe more than he already had with him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ina and Masayasu had returned to the ryokan. They went straight to their room. Masayasu placed the items Ina bought over the chabudai and then removed the scarf from his face.

Ina who had entered behind him and closed the shoji door, took off her hat and left it by the door and approached Masayasu and took his hat off his head and left it over the chabudai and hugged him from behind.

"You look tense. What happened? Does it have to do with our spy?"

Ina asked in a low voice, kissing his shoulder and then placing her chin over Masayasu's shoulder and watching his serious face. He turned his face to her side and nodded.

"He now knows what you look like, but I'm not sure if he recognized me."

Masayasu spoke gravely as Ina's violet eyes watched him with concern. He put his hands over hers that was on his chest. He then turned to her, still looking into her eyes.

Ina could see that this was making Masayasu worried, if Sasuke recognized him they would need to improvise on the initial plan. Had he been thinking about that?

Masayasu touched Ina's face with the back of his hand and slid his fingers over her skin gently, sometimes he had the impression she didn't fear danger, not for her life, maybe for him, but not for herself.

The bushido code was still a big enigma for him, never to fear death, to live in the present, never to think of the past or future. He slid his fingers up to touch her lips and then saw her smile fondly at him.

"Seat down. I'll give you a massage, maybe that can make you relax a little while we talk about our plan."

Ina spoke in a soft voice, her eyes bright. Masayasu just smiled a little and nodded. He bent down and sat on the tatami and looked up straight at Ina. She came around him and knelt behind him and with her hands began to press his shoulders.

"Are you going to the castle after curfew? Or are you going to wait a little longer? I imagine that in the castle not everyone goes to bed early, especially the samurai, they usually drink sake late before bedtime."

Ina said as she squeezed Masayasu's shoulders, she felt he was really tense. He didn't complain of pain, but it must hurt since it was stiff.

"I'm going out an hour after curfew. I figured maybe there are people awake, but that's no problem, I've been on missions like this before."

Masayasu spoke and looked at Ina over his shoulder. His blue eyes watched her beautiful face focused on the massage, but then he saw her look at him. He saw concern in her eyes, and he knew the reason, not the castle, but Sasuke.

He touched her face fondly, he no longer had to hide his feelings for her, not after everything they are living together, with her he could show affection, he could let her warm his heart.

Ina felt her heart pounding and suddenly she was pulled by Masayasu, who put his arm around her waist and pulled her into his lap and held her close to him, looking into her violet eyes. Her eyes looked straight into those beautiful blue eyes.

"I won't hurt myself, I promise. I'll just check the location, and how many people there are, I'll come back to you, don't worry... Inahime..."

He whispered and brought his lips close to hers. Ina closed her eyes slowly and felt her lips touch a soft kiss. But slowly the kiss became more intense and passionate.

Masayasu's tongue slid into Ina's lips, intensifying the kiss between them. He felt her cling to his kimono while his tongues danced sensuously together. There was so much passion between them, so much contained love, they just wanted to expose it to each other.

Ina let out a soft moan and broke the kiss and then her eyes met his eyes fondly and smiled warmly. She touched his cheek and slid her fingers down his cheek and brought her lips closer to his and nibbled his lower lips.

Masayasu liked her teasing, he could see her violet eyes staring at him as she nibbled his lips and pulled gently between the teeth. She slid her tongue over his lips as he touched her tie of obi and untied it.

"I know how to make you relax a little for your mission tonight..."

Ina whispered, wrapping her arms around his shoulders and bringing her lips to his neck, she nibbled on his skin gently and then kissed it. Masayasu smiled a little and finally untied her tie of obi and began to loosen quickly, leaving her kimono free.

He laid Ina on the tatami and leaned over her looking into her eyes.

"That way I won't be able to keep my hands off you...." he whispered.

"You don't have to keep your hands off me, you can touch me whenever you wish, my love...."

Ina spoke touching his face and smiling warmly. Her eyes sparkled as she looked at Masayasu.

"Make me yours again....my love..."

She whispered seductively and Masayasu smiled a little and brought his lips up to her nibbling throat gently, as she tilted her head back, clutching his shoulders.

Masayasu slid his lips from Ina's throat to his chest, opening her kimono. She looked at him as she bit her own lower lip and clutched his kimono tightly.

Ina felt her whole body warm, feel the Masayasu's lips and hands in her body excited her body completely. She could feel her whole body wanting his body, and more and more she wanted him.

A moan. Masayasu looked into Ina's face and saw her face twitch in silent pleasure as his lips touched one of her nipples. So round and smooth, so beautiful and rosy. He mouthed it and sucked. Another moan. Masayasu liked the sound of Ina's moans, they were soft.

Masayasu thought that Ina really knew how to relax him, end the tension in his body. He then saw her turn over him and ride him, her kimono open, leaving exposed her beautiful body.

Masayasu's blue eyes roamed over her beautiful body until she met his gaze. He smiled a little, he knew it would be an intense moment, like the other times.

He watched her open some of his kimono and slide her hands down his muscles, and then leaned down to kiss his chest and pressed her breasts against it. Masayasu felt his whole body on fire, he looked at Ina with an expression full of pleasure, his blue eyes glowed incessantly.

"Inahime..."

Masayasu grabbed Ina and again laid her on the tatami and stood over her as he brought his lips close to hers, and quickly stole an intense kiss from her lips.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ina leaned over Masayasu, both were naked on the tatami, still a little sweaty. She laid her head on his chest and with her free hand slid her fingers over his chest.

Masayasu was looking at her, his expression now calmer and softer, the tension he felt earlier from being followed by Sasuke had left his body.

He touched her long hair, now loose after lying down together. He slid his fingers through her hair lovingly, she was beautiful and was showing him the best of life.

Ina looked at Masayasu and smiled fondly. He could see a happy glow in her violet eyes, that was happiness, he knew that. He touched her lips and felt her kiss his fingers. He smiled at her gesture.

"How many hime have you laid down yet?"

Ina asked curiously, still looking at Masayasu and saw an eyebrow rise.

"Just you. I haven't slept with any other woman since my wife died. I lost interest in it until you appeared and entered my heart. I know some hime tried to seduce me, but I showed that I had no interest being always indifferent to them. Maybe that's why I couldn't stay long with their bodyguards. They should be upset about that."

He smiled a little, seeing Ina's lips smiling. She was wonderful, even in small gestures, and he needed to control his heart and his desires, or when they returned to the castle it could become a big problem.

"Well, I guess they charmed you, after all you're a handsome man."

Ina spoke touching Masayasu's face. He stared into her eyes and smiled a little at her words.

"Maybe. Never mind, I was never interested in them. You were the one who aroused feelings in me."

Masayasu spoke seeing Ina's lips smile happily. He liked to see her smile, he wanted it more than anything in his life.

Ina sat naked on the tatami, slid her hands seductively into her own hair then pulled on her white kimono to wear while looking at Masayasu. He watched every curve of her body, every gesture of her with bright eyes.

"You were the first to touch me, but....I think you noticed that."

Ina spoke with a slight shy smile, Masayasu sat up and touched her face while looking into her eyes. He felt his heart want one more kiss from her. She touched his hand and brought her lips to his and kissed softly.

"Maybe we should get dressed, it's almost time for lunch and Nadeshiko should come any time now."

Ina whispered, her heart longing to be with Masayasu a little longer, to enjoy every second by his side, but she still had to talk about the plan now that he was less tense.

Masayasu nodded and then took another kiss on Ina's lips and got up to get dressed. Ina took his hakama and began to fold. He saw her gesture as he put on his own kimono and then watched her open her trunk and pull out a handsome male obi.

Ina got up and went to tie the obi in it. Masayasu looked at her turning around behind him and starting to tie the obi.

"It's a gift, just like the kimono I bought you. You'll be more comfortable while we're here."

Ina said finishing tying his obi and seeing Masayasu turn to look at her. He looked at himself and then at her. She took care of him, in everything.

"Thank you, Inahime..."

Ina smiled warmly and took her kimono over the tatami and started dressing, Masayasu started helping her, then looked toward the door, he already knew it was Ryouma, he had a perfect time. Sometimes he wondered if he kept listening to what they were doing before he came.

Masayasu frowned and quickly grabbed a kunai from his bag. Ina saw his gesture and her eyes widened, just with the look she followed Masayasu walking to the door.

He slammed the door open and grabbed Ryouma's clothes and pulled him into the room, placing the kunai around his neck. He had a cold and cruel look now. Ryouma realized that he was mad because of his presence. Ina held her own kimono still surprised by the scene.

Ryouma widened his eyes and raised his hands still confused by the sudden attack.

"What the hell are you doing here, mercenary?"

Masayasu growled in an aggressive tone.

"Easy, handsome!"

Ryouma spoke wryly and Masayasu threw him down hard and closed the shoji door abruptly and threw the kunai between Ryouma's legs. He was startled to see the kunai hit the tatami next to his body and then looked at Masayasu who walked to Ina and went to help her with the obi.

Ryouma was silent for a while, his jokes with Masayasu had crossed the line, he didn't seem to put up with his jokes anymore, maybe he needed to slow it down, but it was fun to see him annoyed.

"You are forbidden to come here. You will only come here when you are called."

Masayasu spoke coldly. Ina felt his hand freeze, she touched his hands and gently stroked his skin. She knew Ryouma could be annoying at times, but he could still be of some help, although she agreed that he should only come to their room when he was called.

"Okay, handsome. I will accept your order if Milady agrees."

Ryouma's lips had a wry smile, Masayasu can see that, he stepped forward and Ina held his hand and shook her head in negative as she saw his blue eyes look at her.

Ina finished tying her obi and went to kneel in front of her mirror to tie her hair back into an elegant bun.

"Don't come to our room anymore. You always seem to be on the lookout for what we're doing here, I don't like it. I don't like to be watched."

Ina spoke seriously and looked over her shoulder at Ryouma, sitting on the tatami near the door. He saw her ever bright violet eyes now dull. He knew she was mad at him too. Big mistake his, it made her angry.

Ryouma sighed deeply as he looked at Ina, his crimson eyes now gentler.

"I'm sorry Milady, I won't do it again."

"We have been living this episode countless times, but now I will end it my way. If you show up here uninvited I will allow Masayasu-sama to kill you."

Ina spoke in a serious and authoritative tone. Ryouma was surprised, he had come across a side of her he didn't already know, she could be harsh and cruel when needed. If she could be that, surely her words were true.

"Okay, sorry. I've been bothering you a lot, I know, but it's fun to see the handsome mad. But it wasn't my intention to piss you off, Milady."

He spoke and saw Ina cast an indifferent look at him and then looked back into the mirror. Masayasu standing next to her, so he sat on the tatami and crossed his arms.

"What do you do here? I hope it's important."

Ina then asked, glancing at Ryouma over her shoulder. She was tired of her invasion of privacy. She didn't like that way of playing, everything had limits, and it had surpassed all.

Ina stared at Ryouma, waiting for him to speak, but he said nothing, so she raised an eyebrow and sighed a little.

"Ryouma, I know you're working for my father, you said he hired you to be our guide, I think that's a lie. For me he hired you to watch over Masayasu-sama and me. What we do together and apart."

Ina spoke seriously and Masayasu looked at her, he agreed with her in every word. His wish was to end Ryouma at that very moment.

"I think you should be trying to gain my trust, since you broke it. So you should act as our ally, not our enemy. As long as you keep an eye on us it will only increase our suspicion and unfortunately you will not be able to reach my father to pass on such information."

Ina put her hands on her lap as she spoke. Her voice was soft, but Ryouma saw the seriousness of her voice. He looked at Masayasu who cast him a cold look. He could see that his desire was to kill him.

Ryouma put his hand on his own nape and rubbed as he tried to smile. He was in a complicated situation, but the truth was that he didn't want to continue their distrust. He looked at Masayasu's face and then at Ina.

"I'm not going to say anything about you to your father, Milady. My role here now is to help you, and yes Milady I'll gain your trust again!"

He smiled as he said that. Ina just stared at him silently, her face completely serious. Then she patted the tatami in front of her.

"Come over and tell me if you got any information."

Ryouma slid down the tatami to sit in front of Ina and Masayasu. The shinobi stared at him with such coldness that Ryouma realized that any information he might bring Masayasu would question.

"I talked to Nadeshiko a bit."

Ina stared at Ryouma waiting for him to continue. Sometimes she didn't understand why he needed to dramatize when he was going to say something, which was not ideal when in a hurry for example.

Ryouma looked at Masayasu and then at Ina and saw that they were waiting for him to continue. Masayasu still stared at him coldly, any mistake from him from now on he could lose his life. And he needed to gain Ina's trust again. He smiled at her.

"Well, I asked her a lot, but we didn't have much time to talk, but...." he paused. "The fact is, she said she was saved by someone from the Sanada clan when she was 13. She called him a samurai, but I don't know if he really was a samurai or if she just wanted to hide the person's identity."

Ryouma spoke and saw Masayasu take the kunai on the tatami. He swallowed hard and looked at Ina a little surprised. She had a serious expression, watching him, waiting for him to continue talking.

"Well...she wasn't here six months ago, she said she was on a trip, but she had previously stated that it was rare for her to make trips after her father died."

Ryouma spoke tightly and looked at Masayasu and saw him spin the kunai quickly in his hand, he was very agile, he could see it, his earlier warning said it to him too.

"She's...she's a little shy, I'm still getting her confidence to get more info. She's lovely, but I'll get more info."

Ryouma smiled proudly and then saw Masayasu frowned at him and held the kunai in his hand.

"Shy? Lovely? I see she tricked you and manipulated you and you fell for her game."

He spoke dryly and looked at Ina with a serious expression. Ina sighed as she realized Masayasu was right. She looked into his blue eyes to hear his opinion.

"He is no serve getting information from her. It was clear to me that she is a kunoichi and he didn't realize it and fell into her game. Who knows what he said to her."

Masayasu spoke and Ina looked at Ryouma who was now surprised. Had he been fooled? Impossible! No woman has ever fooled him. He was always smarter than them!

"Ryouma, you stay away from her, if you let her know who I am or Masayasu-sama our mission will have a bad end. If she's really a kunoichi she can come try to kill me and can still warn Sasuke about us here. You are taking everything in joke. This is a mission, not a joke!"

Ina spoke gravely, a little gruffly, leaning a hand on the tatami. Masayasu stared at her, he enjoyed seeing her facets of how she could change her way of acting soft and sweet with him, to a respectable and intelligent onna bugeisha.

"We're in danger here and if you can't take it seriously, you better get away from the mission, don't try to help anymore, or you'll make things worse!"

Ina continued to staring straight into his crimson eyes with her violet eyes and now so serious that he could see that he had been wrong with her.

"If the Sanada clan knew about Masayasu-sama they could kill him, and about me they could kidnap me and blackmail my father. If that happens, it will be his fault for thinking this is a seduction game and a child's play. This is an attempt to avert a war. But the way things are going my father can start a war with this clan because of you!"

Ina spoke and sighed deeply and then looked at Masayasu still serious, meeting his blue eyes that had not stopped watching her and how she had acted harsh with Ryouma.

Ryouma felt that he had failed her again. For the first time he put his hands on the tatami and bowed before Ina, it took her attention and Masayasu's.

"Forgive me, Milady....I promise that from now on I will follow your strategies. Allow me to help, I don't want to fail you! I thought it's helping in some way. I didn't say anything about you to Nadeshiko besides what she already knows, that you are a couple, that's all."

He spoke seriously. A few times Ina heard Ryouma's voice speak in a serious tone. Masayasu frowned, still suspicious of him, even though Ryouma tried to help, he could still make serious mistakes and end their mission.

Ina looked at Masayasu and realized he was doubting Ryouma, she then looked at the mercenary and started thinking about his request. He could cause problems, but what he was causing. He wasted time bothering Masayasu, it got in the way of the mission.

"I'll give you one chance. But you'll have to earn my trust with this one chance, otherwise unfortunately I'll get you off the mission. And don't bother Masayasu-sama. Don't bother us when we're in the rooms together. Don't talk nothing about us to anyone! "

Ina spoke seriously, a little gruffly. She then sighed and saw Ryouma nodding still with his forehead resting on the tatami. He lifted his head and met her violet eyes. He can see disappointment in her gaze. He had so disappointed her that it was hard to think of a way to earn her trust.

"Milady, if I fail you again I put my life at your disposal, you decide what to do with me!"

Ryouma spoke looking into Ina's face. Masayasu raised an eyebrow, he doubted Ryouma wanted to die, but it was Ina who had to decide whether to accept his offer or not, after all she had the power there.

"Ok." Ina spoke seriously. "I accept your words. But don't fail this time. If you want to help get better information. And be careful what you say to her. I've seen that you can't see a woman who loses track of the danger."

Ina spoke with a slight smile appearing on her lips and Ryouma put a hand on his nape and rubbed showing that she was right and he had no words about it.

Ryouma looked at Masayasu and smiled at him, it was a smile of truce, friendlier, without irony. Masayasu just stared at him with a cold expression.

"Handsome, if you need help you can count on me!"

He grinned broadly. But Masayasu ignored his words and his smile, he just leaned close to Ina to speak in her ear.

"Be careful with him..."

He whispered, Ina just nodded softly.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

That night Masayasu was wearing his shozoku, his black ninja outfit that covered his entire body, only his eyes were uncovered. Ina helped him get dressed because he had too many details to tie up.

The clothes were comfortable to move, more comfortable than a hakama because it pants were loose and strapped from knee to ankle. The top of the clothes was like a kimono but it was tied from elbow to wrist.

She'd pinned his hair with a bun and put on his hooded cowl to cover all of his black hair. Masayasu had fastened his holster with shuriken e kunai inside, on the waistband of his waist and looked at last put the wakizashi holder on his shoulder, leaving it on his back.

Ina had finished put on his tabi and then stood up and looked straight into Masayasu's eyes. She knew these clothes well, so many shinobi served her father. She ran her hands over his chest to adjust his clothes as she stared at it.

Her heart and mind were full of worry. She still didn't know how skilled Sasuke was, and although she knew Masayasu knew him well, she feared something bad would happen to him. She wanted to disguise her concern, but couldn't.

Masayasu noticed her worried look, she couldn't help it, she knew he could come across Sasuke, she just hoped they didn't have to fight, after all Masayasu wasn't fully recovered from the other wound yet.

"Don't be so worried, Inahime...trust my skills..." he whispered.

Ina cupped Masayasu's face with both hands and looked straight into his blue eyes.

"I trust your skills, I know you are a great shinobi, but....Come back, please...."

She whispered and Masayasu smiled, touching her cheek softly and then leaning in to give a soft kiss on her lips. Then he moved away a little from hers and saw those violet eyes full of love for him.

"Don't worry so much, go rest, I'll be back later, I don't know how long it will take." he said.

Ina shook her head in negative still looking into his eyes.

"No, I'll wait for you here, awake. I won't be able to sleep with you in that castle."

She whispered and tried to smile, though her smile seemed so weak from the worry in her heart. Her heart was with bad feeling, but she didn't want to worry him any further.

"Be careful, please...."

She whispered and finally brought her face close to his and kissed his lips softly and turned away from Masayasu still looking at him. Masayasu smiled once more and covered his face with the mask below the hooded cowl and walked to the shoji door.

Ina stared at him, her heart uneasy with worry, she put a hand over her own heart as if trying to calm it down. Masayasu looked at her once more, slid the shoji door, looked out, all around and with a leap into the night, he vanished before Ina's eyes.

She went to the door and looked out for some trace of her beloved, but he was simply gone into the darkness, his natural habitat.

"Come back to me...."

She whispered once more with her worried violet eyes staring at the stars of that night, and it shy moon hidden behind trees in the distance.

PS: The pic is Nadeshiko.

[lady-inahime]

Book - The Princess and the Shadow

Chapter 12: Friendly people

The morning came heat. The sun was bright outside, the sky was blue and clear, nor did it look like the night had been cold. The ryokan usually began to move early, Kirisu and her daughter Nadeshiko stood up early to prepare breakfast and to clean up the place.

Masayasu had woken up and was watching Ina sleep. He had touched her hair and was gently caressing back. Her face always looked is smiling, always looked soft and tender. He liked to see Ina sleeping, she seemed to fear nothing, she seemed to trust her own safety.

Ina opened her eyes slowly and saw Masayasu's face, for her it was the best thing to wake up and see his handsome face in the morning. She smiled tenderly at him, her violet eyes sparkling as she saw his lips twitch into a smile. She touched his face fondly and began to caress.

"Good morning my love...."

Ina whispered. Masayasu felt his heart warm just to hear Ina call him lovingly. It was the first time he was called that way, it was a new sensation to his heart.

She slid her own body over him and laughed a little while looking into his eyes.

"I hope you slept well after what we did last night..."

A slight blush appeared on her cheeks. Ina's long hair slid down her back and shoulders. Masayasu touched Ina's cheek softly, looking into her eyes, it was incredibly different to wake up beside her in this way, he could really feel that they were living as a couple.

"Good morning. I slept well...And from what I see in your eyes you slept well too."

Masayasu replied seeing a bright smile on Ina's lips. She was beautiful, even more beautiful with that smile that touched his heart in a special way.

Ina brought her lips close to Masayasu's lips and kissed him and then smiled again and quickly sat down and took her kimono of sleep and got up to get dressed. Masayasu watched her, so beautiful, her body was beautiful, Inahime was beautiful, there was no doubt.

Ina saw Masayasu watch her wear the kimono, she could see a new glow in those blue eyes. She felt her heart warm as she realized he looked comfortable and happy beside her, that was all she wanted.

"We need to get dressed, it's nice to meet the village in the morning to get an idea of ​​how we start the mission."

Ina spoke and smiled warmly at Masayasu as she watched him sit and run a hand through his long black hair. She walked to a basin on a low table and knelt in front and filled it with water from a jug next to it, and then began to wash her face.

Masayasu watched Ina's gesture, for some reason that morning his heart indicated that he wanted more from her company. She had touched him in a way no one had ever been able to touch, not even his late wife. Ina was special, she was definitely the perfect woman for him.

After washing her face, Inahime kneeling walked to her trunk and opened it, taking a mirror and placing it against the wall, there was no dressing table in the room, but that was no problem for her. Ina grabbed a comb and began combing her hair carefully so as not to pull and hurt. She looked at Masayasu.

"Get some more rest. I'll hold my hair and then hold yours and wear you, lay down some more, I know you don't sleep all night."

Ina smiled a little and Masayasu looked at her and saw her soft smile. She was right, he couldn't sleep all night, but he didn't feel tired, she had made him relax like he couldn't in years in last night.

"I'm fine, Chie."

He smiled a little at her and then got up and put on his kimono of slee and started picking up the items on the futon and arranging for storage. Ina watched his gestures and then looked into the mirror and began to slide her fingers through her hair to secure a bun.

"I had the impression that I heard Ryouma's voice last night."

She spoke and Masayasu threw a look to her, a slight wry smile on his lips.

"We were careful not to wake you up, we spoke quietly."

Masayasu spoke and Ina giggled.

"And it worked, I don't know what you guys said, but I heard his voice here with you."

She answered and Masayasu walked to the closet and opened and began to store the items, and returned to pick up the futon and roll up to store.

"I'll tell you what he came here to do, but I'll tell you in your ear."

Masayasu put the futon inside the closet and Ina stopped to mess with her hair and turned her face to his side to check his face, the shinobi looked serious, what they had talked about must have been very serious.

"Alright, just don't kill him before we get home."

Ina tried to break the heavy weather her question brought. Masayasu smiled, he knew she didn't want to see worry on his face, at least not right now.

Masayasu sat next to Ina crossing his legs and letting his feet under his own thighs. He watched her finish her hair in an elegant bun and put a flower hairpins on it to show she was a married woman.

Ina looked at him with a gentle smile seeing that Masayasu was watching her hair.

"In the castle like hime I wear taregami, you haven't seen me with this hairstyle yet, and for battles and training I wear ponytail, but here I need to look like a married woman."

She touched Masayasu's face, seeing a smile appear on his lips. He touched her face and ran his fingers over her warm and smooth skin. Ina watches his gaze, he was more affectionate with her, that was pleasant.

Masayasu brought his face close to Ina's neck and kissed softly, bringing a smile to her lips and a touch on his shoulder. She closed her eyes and let him kiss again. Her body shived with kisses, she gasped with excitement. He slid with kisses softly for her neck then slid with kisses to her shoulder, then heard someone approach the door and looked in that direction.

Ina opened her eyes when she realized he had turned his face away. She looked at Masayasu and took the scarf for him to put on his face. Ina looked toward the door.

"Good morning, Chie-san, Otsu-san. Sorry, I hope I didn't wake you up."

Nadeshiko spoke from behind the door, kneeling with two trays.

"No, it's fine, you can come in, Nadeshiko."

Ina asked, Masayasu had pinned the scarf in his face and looked toward the door as well. Nadeshiko slid the shoji door and got up into the room with a tray and put the tatami while she knelt down.

Then she took the other tray and made the same gesture and finally put her hands on the tatami while kneeling and bent down to touch her forehead on the tatami. She needed to be cordial, she was in front of a samurai, same class as the lords of Ueda.

"I hope the first night here was pleasant. I apologize for not bringing the dinner yesterday. Your cousin told me you were rested and Otsu-san was sick and needed sleep. If you need anything you can ask me."

A cheerful smile appeared on Nadeshiko's lips. Masayasu stared at her, studying her gestures, her sympathy was exaggerated in his eyes looking like she was trying to be sympathetic just to maintain her mask.

"We appreciate it. Otsu-san is hoarse, he can't speak very well, I think it was the cold of the trip that made him sick. Do you have any tea for hoarseness?"

Ina asked sympathetically, watching Nadeshiko, she always seemed simple and sympathetic, but after Masayasu said she could be a kunoichi her mind went over it.

"I'll do my best to get some flu herbs."

Nadeshiko spoke to Ina with a smile. Ina put a gentle smile on her lips. Although there was distrust, she couldn't show it, she didn't want to show it.

"Thank you for your hospitality. After a long trip this was the first cozy place we found."

Ina bowed her head to Nadeshiko. Otsu was silent with a cold and indifferent look. Nadeshiko noticed his look and she was a little embarrassed, it was a cruel look because there was a sharp coldness in that look, but she understood that he was a samurai and was also sick, it was natural that he was that way.

"I'll get the herbs." Nadeshiko spoke quickly, bowing again.

"Take your time, my husband and I are going for a walk. I'm a fabric merchant's daughter and I came here to Ueda because I heard about wonderful fabrics here. Could you tell me where these merchants are?"

Ina asked with a curious countenance, as if she was really lost in this new place for her, and indeed she was lost.

"The last house on second street, the couple has the best fabrics in the village, he always travels to sell the fabrics in big cities, but his wife always prepares others, she must have plenty to sell you."

Nadeshiko smiled softly, seeing in Ina's face that she was very young, just as she had to work early to maintain the family, probably. Each woman needs to have her strength to get on with her life or get lost in it. That was what she always thought when she came across some young woman, like Ina.

"Oh sorry, I'll let you guys get dressed and eat. Then I'll come collect the trays and arrange the room."

Masayasu frowned at his words. He knew any hosting would do that, but he didn't want anyone messing with his stuff. He thought about saying something, but Ina anticipated.

"Don't worry, we're not a couple dirtying the room. I'll leave the trays out of the room, don't come in, my husband doesn't like people to mess with our stuff."

Ina spoke with an awkward smile, acting as if Masayasu was very authoritative husband at times and that she didn't want to cause trouble for Nadeshiko.

Nadeshiko looked at Ina's face and then at Masayasu and widened her eyes to realize that he was staring at her with a lethal look.

"O-Oh!" Nadeshiko put a hand to her lips and then quickly bowed to apologize. "Forgive me, I won't come in then, I'm sorry, Otsu-san."

She bowed once more and then got up and went to the door and crouched down and slid the shoji door. Quickly she looked at Ina feeling sorry for being such a beautiful young woman with a probably controlling husband. She left the room and closed the shoji door and got up drying by the engawa, away from the room.

"You did well to have this conversation with her, I'm not sure, maybe she gets confused about who you are."

Masayasu spoke taking the scarf off his face, and looking straight into Ina's eyes. She met his eyes.

"Last night Ryouma came here to talk about Nadeshiko."

Masayasu spoke close to Ina's face in his usually low and husky voice. She widened her eyes. So did Ryouma suspect Nadeshiko too?

"What did he say about her?" she asked.

Masayasu paused and then looking into Ina's violet eyes saw concern, he couldn't help it, the mission had really begun, from that moment anything could happen.

"He saw Nadeshiko talk to Sasuke." he said.

Ina's eyes widened and she covered her lips with one hand and looked away thinking about this information. Now this visit from Nadeshiko should be to trust something, probably to know she was or maybe Masayasu.

"The fact is, we now know she's a spy, but we don't know if she's a kunoichi, so be careful with her. Try not to be alone with her, just like shinobi a kunoichi is paid to spy and kill."

Masayasu spoke seriously and Ina looked up to meet his blue eyes. Now that soft look she saw earlier was gone and in its place were cold eyes, but she could still detect worry.

She smiled a little and touched his face softly, looking fondly into his blue eyes.

"I'm an onna bugeisha, my love, if she tries anything against me I can defend myself, don't forget that, stop worrying about me so much."

Masayasu was silent for a while, looking into her eyes full of life and calm. She showed no fear, even though she knew that Nadeshiko could be a kunoichi. But he couldn't get that feeling off his chest, he didn't want anything bad to happen to Inahime.

She slid her fingers down his cheek softly and smiled fondly at him.

"Relax, nothing will happen, so far so good. You always try to predict the next step, but often this can be impossible, even in a war strategy. We can predict several steps, but not one. So we need to too many strategies, not just one. For now she took the first step, I didn't back down, so let's wait for the next step before we plan something, okay?"

She spoke with great experience in strategy that Masayasu was surprised. But it was to be expected, after all she was an onna bugeisha, and she must have learned from Ieyasu how to formulate the best strategies for attack and defense.

"Ok, I'll trust your words, you seem confident about it."

Masayasu spoke and Ina let out a laugh, trying to cover her lips with her hand quickly.

"Yes, I learned from the best, so wait one more step, let's not rush. Trust me."

Ina said smiled warmly at Masayasu and then touched his hair and slid her fingers through his hair.

"Let me take care of your hair and get dressed and get to know the area."

She spoke confidently and feeling Masayasu's hand touch her face, their eyes met, she touched his hand and smiled brightly at him.

Ina grabbed a ribbon and comb and came around kneeling behind Masayasu, she began combing his hair to pin it. She decided to braids one side and pin it to the ponytail.

"I need to talk about Sasuke to you."

He started talking and Ina just listened as she pinned his hair.

"He's very shrewd and charismatic. He's exactly the kind of shinobi who uses charm and words to gain information. I wondered if Nadeshiko could have gotten involved with him that way. I don't know...I still think she's a kunoichi. But believe me, Sasuke is very quick with words."

Masayasu spoke as he felt Ina pin his hair in a ponytail.

"Let me dress you up and then you help me dress up."

She got up and Masayasu did the same. Ina was thinking about those words from Masayasu when she went to get his black kimono. If Sasuke was so skilled with words he was dangerous, the only shinobi she knew to be very skilled with words was Hanzo, and he was lethal.

Masayasu had already taken off his own kimono of sleep and was wearing his fundoshi. He looked at Ina, he didn't know what she was thinking.

"You will recognize him as soon as you see him."

Masayasu added and Ina turned to look at him holding his black kimono, she approached him and dressed him and then came around to stand in front of him to tie.

"How do you know I'll recognize him so quickly?"

She asked looking up at him. Masayasu met her worried eyes, he couldn't take her reason.

"He has a scar on his left eye, he was injured by his own master in training. He also has a lock of red hair, no one knows the story about it. And he has a good presence, you will see."

Masayasu spoke as Ina took the hakama and dressed in him and tied it carefully. She'd seen his wound and didn't bother to put on a bandage, but maybe she still needed it. So much in mind, but she couldn't neglect Masayasu.

"Do you think he'll look for me?" she asked.

"I don't think so, I'm sure about that." he replied.

Ina looked into his blue eyes, she was serious about that, Masayasu was sure Sasuke would look for her, she needed to keep her interpretation as Chie quite convincing and she knew how to keep it, that would be no problem for her.

"This could be a problem, because if he comes to me now, I'll be with you."

She spoke while adjusting Masayasu's kimono and hakama, sliding her hands across the fabric and then she quickly opened her own kimono and let it slide down and put on another simple white kimono and dressed, then took a blue kimono with white and yellow flowers. Masayasu helped her dress.

"If he comes to talk to you now I'll have to disguise him, he would surely recognize me easily, even wearing the scarf."

He spoke helping Ina into the obi, her eyes would fall on Masayasu's face. He had concern in his voice, but he was trying to disguise it, after all he had promised her that he would wait a second step before they planned anything.

"We just need to keep our roles, I'm Chie, a merchant's daughter, you're my husband, a samurai currently without a lord. Let's keep that up and act naturally. Nadeshiko must have already told her mother that you're a very cranky man."

Ina spoke biting her own lips trying to hide a laugh while she fixed her own obi. Masayasu stared at her. She was even more beautiful wearing a kimono. He couldn't stop looking at her gestures by fixing at the kimono on her body. He smiled a little.

"I'll do my part well, cranky husband, samurai and sick."

Masayasu spoke quickly and Ina looked at him and then laughed. She realized it was a terrible role, but it was better that way for him. Then she approached him with charm, wrapping her arms around his neck. She smiled warmly at him.

"Just to them, to me you're wonderful...a loving and kind man...you've been that way to me, and it makes me really happy, my love...."

She spoke in a soft tone, almost in a whisper. Masayasu watched those beautiful bright eyes of happiness. He knew that although he had the mission to balance time, at least the time they were together and not to mention mission they were really very happy.

He wrapped his hands around her waist and bent a little to touch his forehead to hers. His blue eyes twinkled as he looked into hers.

"Your wound, I didn't bandage, do you think you need it? Does it still hurt?" she asked.

"It hurts a little, just when I make an effort, like last night."

Masayasu spoke and saw a blush completely take Ina's cheeks. He can't help a little laugh. She was lovely, no doubt.

Ryouma opened the shoji door, sliding quickly and saw the couple in a romantic moment, at the same moment he smiled at them.

"Good morning, lovebirds! Can I join you for breakfast?"

He asked showing his own tray. Ina looked at him and smiled, he understood that her smile was a yes, so he closed the door behind him and approached of their trays.

Masayasu looked at Ryouma and muttered something. Ina looked at him and bit her lip again to prevent a laugh. Masayasu's mood changed completely around Ryouma.

She saw him move away from her and sit before his own tray, so she walked over to him and knelt beside him and put a hand on his leg. Ryouma saw the gesture and smiled at both of them, looking at one face and the other. Although they tried to be discreet, he could see the happiness they felt in being together.

"Ah, you guy look very pretty. Handsome I liked your hair."

He spoke and Masayasu ignored him, he took the pair of hashi and began to eat. Ina looked at him and then looked at Ryouma and smiled a little, she knew Masayasu would try to avoid talking to him to the full, he didn't trust him at all.

"Milady, you look very beautiful!"

Ryouma spoke with a charming smile appearing on his lips. Masayasu looked up at him and stared at the mercenary with all the coldness in his heart. Ryouma saw Masayasu's gaze and smiled wryly, then looked at Ina again.

"Thank you, Ryouma." Ina smiled happily at him.

"Tell me, did you take good care of the handsome last night? He said the wound was hurting, it looks like he made a lot of physical effort."

Ryouma spoke and stared at Ina with his crimson eyes full of malice, again her cheeks turned red, she couldn't help it, it wasn't a subject she needed to talk to Ryouma, it was her intimacy with Masayasu.

"Eat, or you will eat alone later."

Masayasu spoke cold and dry and then returned to eat again. Ina looked up at him and smiled softly at the sight of his face, he tried to protect her in every way possible, even in awkward conversation. He was a wonderful man, she had no doubt.

She took the teapot and began pouring tea for Masayasu, then Ryouma and herself. While Ryouma looked at Masayasu with a wry smile. Then Ina took the pair of hashi and began to eat.

"Masayasu-sama told me about yesterday."

Ina tried to change the subject and put an end to the weird mood that was in that moment, Ryouma wanted to bother Masayasu, and she needed to break it.

Quickly Ryouma looked at Ina and raised his eyebrows as he brought the omelet to his mouth.

"Hmm...so he said...about the girl...right...?"

Ryouma spoke with his mouth full. Masayasu looked at him and shook his head negatively, he must have a little education at least in front of a lady, but education seemed not to be a strong feature on Ryouma.

"Hmm ... I offered to use my charm on her."

Ryouma for end spoke after swallowing the omelet. Ina smiled a little embarrassed at his words, but she didn't think so, she knew it was more than usual, to use beauty and charm to get information, somehow maybe she had to do it herself on this mission.

"Have you talked to her today?"

Ina asked looking at Ryouma, studying his expression to know if he was serious or cynical. She saw him nod a few times.

"Yeah, she's going to be a little busy this morning, but she agreed to have tea with me after lunch, she said she gets less busy."

He spoke as he looked into Ina's face and then looked at Masayasu.

"The handsome may not believe I can do that, but believe me, Milady, I'll get some information for you."

He smiled charmingly at Ina. She just nodded allowing a smile to appear on her lips and then picked up her tea and raised it to her lips as she looked at Masayasu. He seemed to be eating better, maybe recovering.

He had a good physical recovery, that was good for him, but maybe that was why he could overdo it a bit, get into missions hurt just by thinking he could recover quickly.

"Masayasu-sama and I are going to know the territory. Do you already know a little bit right? Maybe I need some information later, but for now we'll see what the place and the people are like. Otsu and I have a lot to do."

Ina looked at Masayasu, he met her eyes to realize that she had looked at him. He nodded and then looked at Ryouma and frowned.

"Don't you dare betray us again. I didn't forget that."

Masayasu spoke dry and cold, and Ina touched his arm and began to caress gently, then she stared at him, she had nothing to say, Ryouma had betrayed their trust more than once, if he cheated again she could not ease the situation. But she also didn't want to see Masayasu thinking too much about it.

Ryouma was silent, he looked from Masayasu to Ina, they were right, he had betrayed their trust more than once, but if he wished to be with them during the mission he would have to at least follow Ina's orders, after all she was Ieyasu's representation at that time. He was sure Masayasu thought so too.

Masayasu put his hand over Ina's and looked at her. She could see into the deep blue of his eyes that he was still worried about Ryouma's future betrayal.

Ina looked at Ryouma, she hoped he wouldn't cheat, but after all, she wasn't sure anymore, she couldn't trust him 100%, unfortunately.

"Well, let's finish our breakfast, we have a lot to do today."

Ina spoke allowing a smile to appear on her lips. Ryouma realized that she did not want to talk about it, he had lost her trust, and would need a lot to achieve again, after all she followed the bushido code, and like every samurai, they cherished honor, courage and honesty.

He tried to disguise his thoughts and smiled charmingly at her and then looked at Masayasu and smiled at him.

"Handsome, keep an eye on her, I'm sure your wife will be harassed by some men, she's too pretty to walk alone, be careful."

He winked and then picked up his tea and took it in one sip and got up quickly and stretched. Masayasu stared at him coldly, he realized that Ryouma was trying to hide something from them, he hoped it was not other betrayal, or this time he would kill the mercenary without hearing a single explanation.

"Leave your tray out of the room, Ryouma, I asked Nadeshiko not to come in here."

Ina looked at him as she saw that the mercenary was preparing to leave. Ryouma looked at her and shrugged, taking the tray. A wry smile appeared on his lips.

"Good luck to the lovebirds today."

He spoke and walked to the door, opened and slid out closing the door behind him. He set the tray by the door in the engawa and then went downstairs, put on his sandals and walked his way away from the rooms.

Masayasu stared at the door for a few seconds and then looked at Ina with a serious expression. Ina realized by his gaze what he wanted to say.

"I know...I don't completely trust him either, but we'll need his help. If he cheats on us he knows he's going to die."

Ina spoke, touching Masayasu's cheek softly and then nodded toward the food.

"Let's finish and leave too. We can't waste time, we need to enjoy this morning."

Ina spoke in a soft voice, looking into Masayasu's blue eyes showing affection for him, although her mind was filled with ideas about betrayal and mission, she couldn't hide her feelings for shinobi.

They finished breakfast and got up, Ina went to leave the trays outside the room and went back inside and saw Masayasu pick up the wakizashi and put in the hakama.

Ina approached him and took the katana and held it together with the wakizashi and then looked into his blue eyes, though they looked serious, she knew he was reflecting on the place. She smiled affectionately to try to soften his feeling of worry.

Masayasu noticed her smile and look, he knew she was worried about him, but at that moment both would have concerns but needed to go on with the mission, that was a fact of no return.

She took the scarf and handed it to him as he tied it to his face, he saw her take his straw hat and put it on his head and smiled again.

"Come on, let's get to know the place..."

Although they were on a mission, being with him in a place she was not known for was comfortable, she could simply be Chie, Otsu's wife, and her heart warmed at the thought.

Masayasu nodded to Ina and left the room with her. He didn't see if she was carrying a tanto, or any other weapon hiding in the kimono, but he hoped so, she shouldn't walk completely unarmed.

Ina put the straw hat on her head and put it on her chin and Masayasu watched her take her sandals and his tabi and helped him put on the tabi and then put on her sandals and walked across the ryokan's courtyard.

Ina looked at him, it seemed he had gotten used to covering his face, he didn't seem bothered about it, maybe because when he was on mission he kept his face covered, he had gotten used to it.

Masayasu looked around, he studied the height of the roof of the ryokan and also the way to the entrance and exit, which was a single place. The ryokan was surrounded by a low high fence as high as his waist and some trees around it from inside the courtyard. He needed to memorize each one, he needed to know every detail of the environment he was in.

Ina grabbed Masayasu's arm, he looked at her, being taken out of focus and smiled a little at her. They were a couple there, so it was only natural that she wanted to act as one, although they were really a couple and he always wanted to show it.

Ina looked around, the village was not large, but the houses were neatly arranged side by side on three streets. The streets were of ground, the houses almost the same, some slightly larger than others. There were people walking on the streets.

Then she realized that there were some people talking in front of their homes, or walking together in the streets, it seemed a quiet place to live, maybe the Sanada clan had simple rules of order, so they felt comfortable.

She looked both ways as she walked to Masayasu and saw a group of children run towards them. She smiled kindly and saw these six children approach Masayasu with admiring expression. A boy in a blue but dress with a dirt kimono points to the Masayasu's katana.

"Sir, are you a samurai? Can I be a samurai too?"

Masayasu smiled and bent down to talk to the children. He nodded to the boy, although he had smiling the boy could not see.

"You can, just get strong and learn to fight, I'm sure you will become a samurai."

He spoke and the boy smiled happily. Ina watched this gesture from him, her heart filled with warmth and happiness, as always he could surprise her, he was kind to children, although he used to be cold and hard with people, with children he did not act that way.

A disheveled little girl looked at Masayasu in wonder as she saw his face covered with the scarf, her eyes widened.

"Sir, are you sick?" she asked.

Masayasu nodded. "I have the cold, and I don't want my wife or anyone else to stay either."

He spoke in his typically low voice, but not in a cold tone, it was softer now, Ina could hear that. The children quickly looked at Ina, some admiring her.

"Is this pretty girl your wife?" asked another child.

Masayasu looked up to meet Ina's face, their eyes met and he could see her soft features, a warm smile on her lips. He smiled, still admiring her beauty.

"Yes, she is my wife."

He answered and saw Ina's lips curl into a tender smile. She bent down to talk to the kids as well. The children seemed amazed at her beauty.

"Were you kidding?" Ina asked and the children nodded quickly.

"From kendama, pretty lady!" answered one of the boys.

"Then go play!"

Ina spoke with a big cheerful smile on her lips. The children nodded and ran to play kendama again. Masayasu looked at Ina, he could see the happiness overflowing on her face, she never showed is afraid, in fact she was very happy to be in Ueda.

Masayasu smiled a little and saw Ina still looking at the children and then getting up, he stood with her and continued to look at her face. She looked at him and smiled happily. So much happiness, he couldn't help feeling his warm heart near her.

Ina touched Masayasu's hand with her index finger and smiled warmly and then grabbed his arm and pulled him gently with a cheerful smile on her face. He just allowed himself to drive, walked with her. He needed focus, she was taking her focus off a little.

He looked around again, studying the structures of the houses, the roofs, he looked over his shoulder towards the castle, they needed to walk in front of the castle too, he needed to have a view of that place. But for now he just had to play her role as samurai and Chie's husband. He knew she would walk to that spot later.

People looked at them, but especially to Ina, he knew that her appearance would draw a lot of attention, her beauty was above what people called beautiful. He wasn't sure if that could be a problem, maybe.

He saw some women whispering something to each other and then looked at Ina, she didn't seem to bother with that, he realized she was studying the place with her eyes, maybe a simpler place aroused several thoughts in her, since Mikawa is much richer than Ueda.

"It's here on this mission with you is the best thing that ever happened to me...I feel free by your side..."

Ina whispered softly as she looked at Masayasu with a tender smile, then looked around her again. Masayasu listened to her words and looked at her, allowing a faint smile to come to his lips. He knew she couldn't see, but he touched her arm clinging to his own arm.

Free. Beloved. Maybe that was just what she wanted. Masayasu thought about it. If Ina could have more freedom, maybe if she were just an onna bugeisha she wouldn't feel so trapped and suffocated. But as hime she can't feel completely free, she lived in complete dilemma between being a hime and an onna bugeisha.

He wanted to comfort her, make her feel free and loved in his arms, it was the least he could do for the woman who showed what love is to him. The one that made him feel good feelings in his heart again.

"I found the house that Nadeshiko said."

Ina pointed to a house just ahead. There was a sign on the front that said 'sell fabrics and kimonos'. Masayasu looked where Ina had pointed, they needed to keep the role, so Ina had to see the fabrics, she needed to play her role as Chie.

"Let's keep the role, and then we take another walk and head to the castle. I know you need to know your surroundings first."

Ina whispered glancing at Masayasu. He nodded and walked the path with her. He still looked around, he saw people still staring at them, new whispers, he couldn't know what they were talking about, maybe his scarf, maybe Ina, he couldn't tell.

His blue eyes followed Ina closely, her hand holding his as she pulled him. His eyes fell on a shadow he saw quickly hiding between two houses. He still stared in that direction for a few seconds. Sasuke. He was sure of that.

Then he looked at Ina and met her worried violet eyes. She had realized she had stared somewhere, he could not deny that. He said nothing, though her eyes waited for any explanation.

"He..."

He just answered in a very low voice. Ina understood immediately, but couldn't look at the place now, or it would be a little suspicious. She would simply trust Masayasu.

A woman left the house with a big cheerful smile and took Ina's hands.

"Ah, you must be Chie-san! Nadeshiko told me you would come looking for me!"

She spoke happily. Ina just smiled a little confused and surprised, Nadeshiko was really very quick with this information, that means the information came to Sasuke quickly too.

"Ah I am, Kaede, come in I will show you what I have."

The woman spoke. Ina nodded, realizing she was a woman in her early fifties, with small eyes, a pretty and yellow kimono with orange and blue vertical lines all over it. She herself was supposed to do her kimono, judging by care she must have been a pretty demanded seamstress even outside of Ueda.

"Ah, this is my husband, Otsu-sama."

Ina showed her husband to the Kaede, who upon seeing the katana she quickly bowed to him.

"Oh, forgive me, Samurai-sama, Otsu-sama. We don't usually get merchants from abroad, we usually go to other cities, so I'm happy to welcome you in, I'll pour tea."

The woman pulled Ina into the house, she took off her sandals and left in the genkan and came in taking off her hat. The woman looked into Ina's face and was surprised by her beauty.

"Oh my dear! You're gorgeous!"

Kaede said putting her hands on her own face.

"Thank you, ma'am."

Ina blushed a little and bowed in thanks with a gentle smile on her lips. Masayasu entered the house after taking off his tabi and leaving on the genkan and looked at Kaede so astonished at Ina's beauty. He took off his hat and looked around.

The house was small but very clean and organized. There was a chabudai and pillows on the wooden floor of the room and Kaede led Ina and called Masayasu to sit there. Masayasu looked around again and then went to sit with Ina on a pillow.

Kaede went to the kitchen to make some tea while Ina knelt on a pillow next to Masayasu and set her hat beside her. She looked up at him and saw his eyes roam the house.

Ina watched the house too, there was a low cabinet in the living room, on the wall was a beautiful fan pinned as a ornament. The house was very organized, maybe because they worked with clothes they had decorations, maybe they had more income to buy it. Or maybe they did it themselves.

"People are very friendly here."

Ina told Masayasu, but he didn't answer anything, just looked at her, maybe some, he couldn't generalize, he was sure that people here could still cause problems for them, after all know each other, any wrong step between them all must stand against.

Kaede returned with a tray of tea for three. Ina and Masayasu looked at her. She saw that Masayasu's face was covered with a scarf.

"Oh sir, are you sick? Is it a cold?"

She asked, kneeling down and placing the tray on the floor and pouring them tea before herself. Masayasu nodded a little.

"Yes, but I'm careful, I got sick on the trip, the nights were very cold."

Masayasu answered and Ina took the tea and raised it to her lips for a sip. The tea was hot and delicious. She smiled immediately at the taste of tea. Kaede noticed and smiled back.

"My husband brought comforters and another province, I'll take you to the castle to sell, but I'll sell you one, after all it's very cold at night."

Kaede spoke looking at Masayasu and then Ina.

"Thank you ma'am." She bowed her head in thanks. "You can bring the fabrics and also some kimono, I'm interested in kimono too, my husband needs one."

Ina smiled graciously at the woman, then Kaede nodded and got up and walked to the other side of the house, probably to the room where she kept the items. Masayasu took the moment to untie the scarf and drink the tea in two gulps and quickly tied the scarf again.

Ina raised her eyebrows in surprise with his quick and thoughtful gesture. He looked at her with his blue eyes showing tranquility.

"You were agile." she said with a smile.

"The tea looked good by your expression." he said seriously.

Kaede returned with some rolls of fabric and then returned to fetch the kimono. Ina looked at the fabrics and they really were beautiful, they really should sell to many cities and even some other provinces.

Masayasu noticed Ina's gaze on the fabrics, she could play a good role as Chie, since she was noble and had good eyes for fabrics.

Kaede returned with the male and female kimono and placed it carefully on the fabrics while kneeling and looking at Ina. She was happy for her interest in her kimono too.

"My dear, I'm not going to have so many fabrics today, because my husband went on a trip three days ago and took almost all of them. We sell many especially in other provinces. But the Sanada's clan also buys from us, they like our kimono and hakama."

Kaede spoke in her cheerful voice. Ina nodded with bright eyes. Ina found a chance. She knew this was the best place to get initial information.

"Oh, they have good taste, after all your work is wonderful. Do you always go to the castle to sell them kimono and hakama? Or they who call you?"

Ina asked with a curious expression and Kaede laughed with amusement. She liked to talk about her work and how the Sanada clan admired her fabrics and clothes. She took the tea and put it to her lips for a sip before speaking.

"Ah, I can be proud of that, Kaoru-sama asks me to go every week. So I just make the best day for her. She buys her kimono and for her three children, the two boys and the girl, and also for the husband."

Kaede let out a proud laugh at her work for selling the castle to her Lords. Masayasu looked at Ina, she was smart to ask that, so she would know the family background.

"My father has been working with fabric, kimono and hakama for a few years and has heard that the lady of the Sanada clan is very demanding. So it is true that she chooses the clothes for her children."

Ina gave a slightly surprised expression and then giggled when she saw Kaede laughing with her. Masayasu realized that she was simply playing her character and making Kaede more comfortable talking about the clan, since she knew the family closely. Masayasu could tell that after this visit Ina already had a friend in Ueda.

"Her youngest son, Yukimura-sama is the one who has the most trouble choosing clothes, he is undecided. Kaoru-sama is afraid of his taste and chooses for him, but it seems he doesn't care much about having his mother choosing his clothes. Probably when he marries the wife who will do it for him."

Kaede laughed fun. Ina covered her lips with a little surprise at her words and then laughed at her. Her beautiful violet eyes shone with joy in this conversation.

Masayasu just watched Ina's resourcefulness, if she wasn't an onna bugeisha he would train her to be a kunoichi, she was good at what she did, uses her charisma for her benefit.

"Fortunately the Sanada clan has a tasteful woman for clothes. I confess that as a seamstress I was delighted to meet her kimono. Maybe one day."

Ina smiled kindly and Kaede nodded several times.

"Oh my girl, if you're here in three days I'll pay her a visit, so I'm running with some orders from her."

Ina clasped her hands in happiness, a big cheerful smile on her lips. This was the opportunity she needed. Knowing the castle better, although she knew Masayasu might try to take a chance before Ryouma and she got information about the castle.

"Please, I make a point of staying here just to see her kimono up close!"

Kaede nodded happily. "Then you go with me!" she looked at Masayasu who was silent just looking at both of them.

"Ah, your husband is so quiet, maybe he needs some rest."

Kaede spoke in a worried tone and Ina quickly put her hand on his forehead and nodded a little, her eyes showing concern.

"A little feverish. Let's go back to the ryokan, you need some rest."

She said looking at Masayasu and meeting his eyes looking at her. He nodded. She had acted brightly, had managed to get into the castle until one day, that would be important to the mission. Ina then looked at Kaede quickly.

"I'm sorry about that, Kaede-san, I should have left him lying down, but he wanted to come with me. But I'll take two kimono and also this comforter you said, I think it will be good for him now. Then I'll come back here without him and look at the fabrics calmly, what do you say?"

Ina smiled brightly, Kaede nodded several times. She was delighted with Ina's sympathy, she was a beautiful girl and praised her work, it was good to see one seamstress praising another's work.

"It's all right, my dear. Take your husband to rest, then we can have some more talk maybe tomorrow."

Kaede got up and went to get the comforter while Ina and Masayasu looked at each other. He smiled at her, although she couldn't see, she could tell by his eyes that he was smiling at her. She gave him a warm smile. She had achieved something within minutes, a visit to the castle, now needed to take another step.

[lady-inahime]

Book - The Princess and the Shadow

Chapter 11: Lovers

The woman moved forward, dragging her feet to the stairs with three steps. She came down and gestured for Ina to follow her. Ina and Masayasu exchanged glances, she knew that he had not trusted that woman, perhaps because of her timely gesture, completely changing her personality in the face of pleasure, money.

Ina followed the woman down the stairs, followed by Masayasu and Ryouma, they did not understand why they came down, but they would follow the rules of the woman. Ina went forward holding her bow, and placing the quiver on her back. She glanced toward the building.

It only had the ground floor, but it long and beautiful. The courtyard was filled with small stones and one had a stone path that led to the entrance. She could hear the sound of a shishi odoshi, a small Zen fountain, coming from behind the ryokan, the Inn. The sun was soft, and came through her ears to bring tranquility to her heart.

"I will show you the Inn. Here you can see that it is a beautiful ryokan, it was built by my parents and I inherited this."

She spoke quickly, seemed excited about having visitors who paid well. Ryouma watched her, he had never stayed there, so he did not know that woman, but she looked strange in his eyes. If she was a mercenary, a woman moved for money she would pass on information directly to the castle just to get money. He did not like that idea. He looked at Masayasu and thought maybe he'd already thought about it.

The woman turned to Ina and smiled at her by gesturing with her hand to follow her, she climbed the stairs again and Ina went behind, taking off her sandals as she did. But Ina took the sandals in her hand, this was confusing and she only wanted a room to rest. Ryouma and Masayasu did not go up, they decided to follow the two of the Inn's courtyard, so they would not have to go up and take off their shoes.

Ina looked at the two of them a little confused about that woman. The woman moved forward dragging the tabi socks onto the wood floor and then opened the shoji doors of a room and looked at Ina with a smile. Ina can see her gray eyes, her expression was not old, but she sometimes acted like one, she tried to smile at her.

"This is a magnificent room with a view the courtyard of the Inn, here you can have the morning sun in your room." she said.

"We want more hidden rooms, in the background. I wish rest."

Masayasu spoke sharply and the woman looked at him and frowned, she did not like his behavior, and still had not been able to see his face but saw the katana and wakizashi stuck in his hakama, then quickly she understood that he was a samurai. She bowed in apology and turned to close the shoji doors and walked again

Ina looked at Masayasu, he lifted a little of her face so she saw that he was watching her, he preferred privacy, it was better a room behind the Inn, not one that looked directly into the courtyard and entrance of the place. She understood, then followed the woman.

They skirted the Inn, the building was beautiful compared to Ueda's houses, the Inn was not only more beautiful than the castle, but after the castle was certainly the most beautiful building in that place, and that seemed to be the pride of that woman, or desire to get money from travelers.

"Breakfast is served between 7am and 8am in the morning, lunch is served at midday, you will have the right to an afternoon snack and sake, dinner is served at 7pm and curfew is 8am. Do not make noise after 9am, the village is very quiet."

The woman murmured and finally after turning another turn the Inn showed two rooms in the back and opened the door to show Ina, she liked it, got the afternoon sun and had a pleasant smell and flowers. Masayasu and Ryouma followed closely and looked toward the room. The woman looked at Masayasu curiously.

"The ofuro is on that side."

She pointed to a shoji door in the background, the rooms she had shown were close to the ofuro, which was comfortable for a shower and a nap after that tiring trip.

Masayasu glanced at the room Ina chose, she glanced quickly at him and smiled warmly. The woman noticed and then looked from Ina to Masayasu.

"I hope you guys do not make noise, I do not like rowdy couples here." she mumbled. "Well, if you have any doubts and need anything, call me, my name is Kirisu, or talk to my daughter, Nadeshiko."

After grunting a little, she made her way back, dragging her feet. Masayasu stared at her as she slowly walked away and then looked at Ina and walked towards her and placed the her trink in the engawa and sat down on the stairs to take off the tabi boots. Then he climbed up and picked up the trunk and carried it into the room.

Ina watched his gesture, Masayasu was quiet, but she knew it was because of the woman's presence. If she valued money above all else, she would surely pass information on them to anyone who paid.

She looked at Ryouma and saw him take off his sandals and choose the next room. He looked at Ina with a big and cheerful smile. He knew there was concern at that moment, but he just wanted to rest a little and then talk to them about that woman.

"Let's rest first, then we'll talk about..." Ryouma looked around and swiveled his index finger to signal that he was talking about the Inn. "...this."

"Yeah, rest, shower and dinner, we talk later, okay?"

Ina smiled at Ryouma and saw Masayasu coming back for his tabi. Ina bowed a little to Ryouma and walked towards the bedroom that would stay with Masayasu and closed the shoji doors behind her. Ryouma stared for a while, but knew what they needed and privacy. He then went to his room.

Ina left her sandals on the floor next to Masayasu's tabi and then looked around. The floor was tatami, beige and beige walls as well. The wood inside the room was also dark, not just the outside area. There was a small closet where she had to keep the rode and sleeping items.

Ina saw that there was a chabudai, a low table, of dark wood and four zabuton, that is black cushions. The room smells of flowers, so her eyes went through the place and she could see that there was a yellow ominaeshi arrangement in a corner, near the chabudai.

Ina put her bow up beside the closet and set the quiver together. She picked up her bag and left it on the floor and saw Masayasu open her trunk to get only a kimono for him.

"I'm going to take a shower, I feel like I need one."

He stated and looked at Ina who walked up to him with a gentle smile.

"It's okay, I'll organize things out here and then I'll take my shower."

Ina spoke as Masayasu stood up. She took Katana and wakizashi out of his hakama and looked up to find his blue eyes. He looked tired, he really deserved a break. At last she took the hat off his head and smiled.

"Go, for now we have quiet, then we need to talk about this place."

She spoke in a low voice and saw Masayasu just nodding and turning his back and following towards the shoji door. Ina stared at him, he could finally rest a little, his wound would appreciate, and his body would surely be happy.

Ina began to lower herself and began to take things out of the trunk, she folded the hakama carefully and took the kimono and hung on the kimono holder she had in the room, both her and Masayasu's. She kept the other clothes in the closet, and other items too, she wanted it to look like a comfortable and friendly room. Even if they were to spend little time in the place.

Ina then crouched down before the trunk again, touched the kimono she would wear to sleep, and slid her fingers through the cloth. A smile appeared on her lips, she knew what she wanted. She got up with her kimono in her hands and walked to the shoji door and opened it, after leaving the room she closed the door behind her and looked around, but saw or heard no one, only the Ryouma's voice muffled singing inside the room himself .

She walked through the engawa toward the ofuro and still looked back over her shoulder before opening the shoji door and seeing Masayasu inside the wooden ofuro. She slid and closed the door behind her as he watched her in silence. For some reason he imagined she would search for him.

Masayasu saw a smile on Ina's lips, it was a mysterious smile. Then he saw her put her white kimono on the wooden stand near the ofuro and begin untying her hakama. He watched it with a watchful eye.

Ina released her hakama and simply dropped it on the floor, she looked at Masayasu and then making a move with her hands on her shoulders, she slid her kimono back, letting it drop and leaving her body completely naked. Masayasu observed that beautiful body, every Ina's curve. She had a perfect body, full of curves, her white skin, her beautiful legs and big breasts, not so big but enough to take his breath away.

He continued to watch her approach slowly, her movements were soft but sensual, and put one leg inside the ofuro and then the other and then lower down to feel the cold water on her skin. She felt a shiver as the water touched her skin, but that was not a big bother.

She saw Masayasu glance at her without turning those blue eyes away from her face and her body. She smiled up at him and slid close to him, sitting on his lap and touching his chest with her hands and sliding gently upwards as she wrapped an arm around his neck and touched his face with her free hand.

Her breasts touched his muscled chest and she immediately felt an arm of his wrapped around her waist and his free hand slid down her arm and back. Masayasu saw a seductive glow in those violet eyes and so full of life and desire for him.

"You're even more beautiful than I imagined..." he said in his low voice.

A warm smile appeared on Ina's lips, along with a slight blush on her cheeks. She had never been with a man, but she wished she was with Masayasu. She felt a shiver run down her body as she felt his fingers slide down her arm skin and then her back.

Ina slowly brought her face closer to Masayasu's face, he smiled a little and looked at her lips and then felt her heart shaped lips touch his in a kiss full of fondness and tenderness.

Ina broke the kiss gently and pulled her body away a little and touched his chest and slid her hand down, feeling his strong and beautiful muscles. His skin was cold, perhaps because of the water. The water of the ofuro made her breasts partially sampled as they were sitting. He felt a shiver run down his skin at the feel of her touch, a touch of a warm hand, a touch he had not felt in so many years.

Masayasu's hands began to slide down the skin of her arms and her back, Ina felt her whole body shiver with these soft touches as she looked into his eyes with her lips slightly open. He slid his hands up her thighs to feel her in his hands, strong and beautiful.

Masayasu watched Ina's face, so beautiful, so sensual in her way. She took his hands on her thinghs and placed them on her breasts. She let out a soft moan and smiled at him. Masayasu let out a different gleam in his gaze and then gently pressed her breasts, watching her face contort with pleasure.

With his thumbs he played with her hard nipples, sliding gently around and over them. Masayasu heard another soft moan from those beautiful lips and Ina closed her eyes as she bit her own lower lips. These touches were making her body warm, a warmth coming between her legs.

Masayasu could not resist and grabbed Ina's back and brought his face close to her neck and gave a soft bite. A small moan escaped her lips as she closed her eyes and clutched at his shoulder. It was a unique sensation, her whole body seemed to respond to his lips to his bite.

He waited for this moment these days, he wanted to feel her body, her skin smooth...even after the trip he could still feel some of her scent of white carnations. His lips slid down her neck and throat with kisses and soft bites, then slid toward her shoulder.

Ina looked at him. Masayasu was the first man to touch her body, the first and only one if he wanted it that way. Her body burned in a mad passion for him, it was as if her body had a magnetism with his and she could not move away from one another.

Masayasu grabbed Ina's back again and tilted her back a little, his lips tracing the path to her breasts. Ina felt her whole body shudder, she felt an enormous excitement, especially coming there from under her body up. As she felt Masayasu's lips kiss one of her hard nipples she widened her eyes a little and let out a low and soft moan.

She wanted to feel his lips go through her body more often, perhaps entirely in another time. It was a wonderful and exciting sensation...that pleased her body. She wanted to feel those hot lips on her body more and more times....

"Aaah....Masa...yasu...sama...."

Masayasu looked at her, he felt her body get hot, he relished causing new sensations in Ina's body, he would cause others more now as he wrapped his lips around her nipple and sucked. Ina closed her eyes and let out another groan, grabbing the Masayasu's nape and biting her own lower lip to avoid another groan.

Ina could feel Masayasu's tongue slide on her nipple and he nibbled a little, she tried to avoid a groan, but it was impossible, her whole body now seemed sensitive to his touches. But she did not mind, actually she liked it. Then suddenly he lifted his face and stole a kiss full of passion, it was as if she did not know that man before her, so much passion, so much desire...

She tightened her arm around his shoulder now and kept her hand on his nape, gripping hard as his tongues slid into each other's mouth in a sensual dance.

They seemed to gasp with excitement, the kiss grew deeper and full of passion. A Masayasu's hand sliding down Ina's warm back, feeling how his touches could shiver her whole body. So beautiful... so hot... His body could not bear to stay away from her body...

The longer the kiss remained, Masayasu could feel his whole body respond with the kiss, with Ina's naked body in front of him, that moment would be special, though he was never a romantic man, he thought it would be special anyway.

The kisses intensified, Ina nibbled on Masayasu's lips, and she felt he did the same, it was such a sensual kiss, so private between them, no one needed to know that Masayasu had his intense side.

When they broke the kiss, they looked into each other's eyes, panting, trying to get air, an air they almost lost completely in that kiss full of passion. Ina saw fire inside those blue eyes and she touched his chest again and slid her hand down, reaching for his abdomen, then she touched his hard member and saw in Masayasu's face that he could not take much more.

Masayasu looked breathlessly at her, his lips half open, the touch causing sensibility throughout his body, especially in his member, that she had agilely touched perhaps to verify how he was.

She slid the tongue by her own lips as she stared at him, then lifted her own hips a little to let his member into her. Ina grabbed Masayasu's shoulder and groaned as she felt his member slip into her. Masayasu let out a small moan from his lips, grabbing at Ina's back as he stared into her passionate gaze.

Both started and moved their hips, while Ina held Masayasu's face in both hands and nibbled on his lower lip. Masayasu slid his hands down her back and tried to concentrate so as not to make a sound with his lips. Ina gently pulled his lower lips with her teeth as she looked into his eyes.

He began to increase the speed of the movements and Ina followed the same rhythm of that body, she began to moan, the sound that came from her lips made that Masayasu wished that moment had not end.

Masayasu then saw Ina's breasts move with the movement of their hips, swiftly, he brought his lips to the other breast and wrapped his lips around her nipple sucking. Ina quickly grabbed his hair and tilted her back and head a little, as one more moan echoed in the ofuro.

His tongue slid down her nipple and then he climbed up to her neck with kisses and gently biting her skin. Masayasu felt Ina wrap her arms around his shoulders and lean her breasts against his chest, she clung to him as the movements of their bodies accelerated, and she had lost control of their groans, her face contorted with pleasure. Each soft moan caused more desire for Masayasu's body.

She could feel their bodies as one, Masayasu inside her, she knew he could not hold on for long, she could hear his moans too, although she realized he was trying to control himself, he seemed to have freed himself with her, at least with her.

Masayasu slid his hands down Ina's back to her butt and squeezed tightly. He felt every movement stronger and full of passion, he wanted it, she wanted it. It was a passion that came from below to the top of their bodies naked and united.

He could hear her moans in his ear, she was teasing him even more... so he could not keep the fire from that passion he let himself be led by that moment.

Every moan, every movement, their bodies were one, warm, full of passion and desire. Ina had leaned her face against Masayasu's face and closed her eyes as she moaned in his ear, just trying to keep the moan low and soft so as not to attract attention.

That feeling between her legs, inside her, it was as if it had consumed her whole body, so she felt she could not take it anymore, but she seemed to feel that he did not either.

With stronger and faster movements of her hips, Ina clung tightly to Masayasu's back and moaned a little louder, tilting her head back a little, and he leaned his face against her shoulder to stifle a moan of greater pleasure of both...

So this was the feeling of the passion between a couple. Ina smiled breathlessly, opening her eyes slowly, if she knew how it felt, she would have surrendered to Masayasu longer.

Masayasu gasped at Ina's shoulder, she touched his hair as she stared at him. She knew he was trying to get air just like her. What was all that? He had allowed himself to be driven by his passion and desire for her. Ina appreciated that.

She slid her fingers through his wet hair. Masayasu looked up and met Ina's face and smiled a bit, finding a naughty smile. She had surprised him, a good surprise, an unforgettable surprise, that she should not stop at that moment.

Masayasu slid a hand to Ina's back and with his other hand gripped her nape and brought her face close to his, stealing another passionate kiss. That moment had been special to her, he was sure of it, and he could not deny that it had been special to him as well.

Ina let herself be led by that passionate kiss, after what had happened that kiss was just another complement of a wonderful day that still wanted to pass next to Masayasu.

Passionate and intense kisses, a wonderful sensation between their tongues dancing sensuously, then gently they broke the kiss and exchanged glances. Nothing needed to be said, but Ina wanted to say something to Masayasu.

"This moment was really special...You are a special man to me.."

She whispered and touched his cheek and began to caress softly, still looking into his eyes. She had a soft countenance, but still fond of him.

Finally they had broken all the barriers between them, now they could feel their feelings for each other intensely, they had freed themselves of any tension or doubt between them.

Masayasu touched his thumb to Ina's lips as he looked at her, at her beautiful and smooth face, she seemed calm, she had come determined for it, was not afraid to give in, and did not seem to have felt significant pain, it only meant that she longed for it.

"Did I hurt you?" he asked.

"Not..."

She whispered with a warm smile and then laid her head on his shoulder, wrapping her arms around his neck, while Masayasu hugged her tightly. Now there was no turning back, they had completely given in to these feelings, and he did not regret anything.

Ina then lifted her face and looked at Masayasu with a happy smile.

"Let me wash your back and your hair."

She put her hand on his cheek and kept smiling. Masayasu smiled at her. She got up and approached a small bucket where there was a bushing. She also took a small glass, took off the lid and used three drops in the water.

Masayasu stared at the glass in her hand, he had not understood what it was, but quickly felt the Ina's scent in the water, the essence that she carried, white carnations.

Ina saw her blue eyes understand what she had put in the water and then she crouched and stepped behind his back and knelt, put his black hair over his shoulder and begin to pass the bush on his back.

"Is your wound okay?" she asked as she remembered the wound.

Masayasu let out a small laugh and looked over his shoulder at Ina.

"It's okay, do not worry, I did not get hurt by it."

Ina can see his ever cold eyes now softer, maybe she had broken the last barrier to access his heart, he now had assumed his feelings completely for her. He had assumed to himself that he would stay with her, no matter the obstacles and the consequences of it.

Ina smiled warmly as she saw those blue eyes now alive, she wrapped her arms around his neck, touching in his chest and leaned against Masayasu's back and hugged him from behind, kissing his shoulder. She cast a warm glare at him as Masayasu smiled at her. He was in love and had no back.

"Inahime ... could you tell me a little about your father?"

Masayasu asked softly touching her arms, her soft skin was chilled because of the water, it would be nice to have a hot bath, but he knew that to get it in that place would have to pay more.

Ina met Masayasu's eyes and let a smile appear on her lips, then quickly she slipped the sponge back into his back, but she looked at his face again as if teasing him. He stared at her over his shoulder.

"Are you afraid of him?" she asked.

"It's not really scary...I need to get ready when we get back to the castle."

Masayasu answered, and Ina thought about it a little before answering.

"He can be gentle and hard sometimes, depends on the occasion and depends on the person." she paused. "I think we'd better keep our relationship a secret for now, try to win his charisma and trust him first, then reveal our relationship."

Ina looked at his face and saw that Masayasu looked very serious, he was worried about it and she understood his concern, but they could not be afraid all the time, they needed everything to look natural.

"I know that before you I am letting my feelings appear, but before him I will not allow him to perceive what I feel for you."

She slid the sponge down Masayasu's shoulder and arm as he looked into her face, she seemed very confident about not showing feelings, but would she really be capable of it? Does it seem natural as if the two were just princess and bodyguard?

Ina noticed his gaze as if he had been reflecting on what she said.

"If by chance he finds out about us somehow I'm going to defend you. I will not allow him to hurt you. He may not accept you at first, but then he will need to accept, there is no way he can deny it, that is my decision, I do not want another man by my side, I do not want another man touching me, just you, Masayasu-sama..."

Her eyes grew softer now and she giggled as a slight blush appeared on her cheeks. Then she bent and brought her lips to his ear to whisper.

"And after today....I desire to feel your body more often...."

Masayasu heard the whispered words in his ear and then smiled. He had aroused all desire in her. He quickly turned to face her and then pulled Ina to sit on his lap, making her a little surprised, but then let out a funny laugh.

Both looked into each other's eyes, she wrapped an arm around his neck and touched his chest, over his heart with her free hand, feeling the strong beats of his heart. She smiled fondly and then they brought their lips together, Masayasu placing his hand on the Ina's nape and pulling her face close.

Other Kiss. A completely passionate kiss. Ina again feeling her whole body ablaze. How to control this? Was that possible? Or every time Masayasu touches her from now on would she feel her body this way?

Ina put her hand on Masayasu's face and continued to kiss his lips, their kisses growing deeper, their tongues playing and dancing together. Then he broke the kiss when he realized that he was getting aroused again, it was hard to contain himself at that moment, Ina had completely awakened his desires for her.

He noticed her eyes fixed on his, so soft, so beautiful, there was a purity in those eyes, but also a flame of desire. She slid her hand down his face and touched his lips with her index finger, looking at his lips with desire, an intense gleam in her gaze.

When she looked up to meet her blue eyes, a tender smile appeared on her lips. He was really astonished at how strong and tender she was, fearless and soft at the same time.

"I love you....Masayasu-sama..."

She whispered looking into his eyes, her heart pounding so hard it seemed determined to leave her chest. She saw him touching her hand and kissing the palm of her hand as he looked into her eyes.

"I love you too...Inahime..."

A growing smile appeared on Ina's lips, Masayasu realized that there was a sparkle in her eyes too, she was happy, he was happy too, after all this time he had found love, true love, an eternal love. He would fight for this love.

Ina noticed in Masayasu's gaze that there was a different glow, she did not know what he was thinking, but she knew that that glow should have been with the moment, maybe it was his demonstration of happiness.

For her they could stay longer in the ofuro, but it was necessary to take a shower, or this cold water could illen them. Ina knelt down in the ofuro and leaned out to pick up a bottle made of bamboo beside the ofuro. She took up her nose to sniff and looked at Masayasu who was still watching her.

"Aloe vera. I'm going to wash your hair and give you a full bath, so you wash my back." she said.

"And your hair."

Masayasu said touching Ina's hair and let go of the hair. He watched her long black hair fall into the water, he knew she needed to hide those hairs, but he was sure she had thought about it.

Ina felt her hair free for the first time after days, it was a relief, though she was used to keeping her hair tied up, it was good to let go of it sometimes. She saw Masayasu contemplate her long hair and then she smiled at him.

"That'll give you a little work." she said.

"I do not care, we're showering together, and it's only fair that I wash your hair since you're going to wash mine."

He replied with a slight smile and then turned his back to her. Ina put a little aloe vera in his hair and began to rub slowly, feeling the strong smell of the aloe vera. But it felt good to smell like that.

Masayasu felt the full of aloe vera, the Ina's white carnation scent was lost, but he was sure he could still feel it after the shower, when he could have more time with her in the room.

He realized that he was wanting more time with her, this was something that a few days ago he would not have wanted or even thought of, but now he could only think to stay with her. Hear her laughter, see her beautiful warm smile, feel her caresses and her sweet kisses. He smiled a little at the thought of it.

Masayasu then felt Ina use her hands to throw water on the top of his head, he plunged in closing his eyes and ran his hands through his hair and then sat down running his hands through his hair and then down his face. Ina watched his gesture.

"Next time let's wash our hair before going into the ofuro, so we can just relax a bit and finish the bath in here."

She spoke and then saw Masayasu turn to her and just nodded.

"Turn around, let me take care of your hair."

Ina smiled at Masayasu and then turned her back to him, he put some aloe vera in her hair and beginning to rub it, feeling the strong smell of aloe vera.

It was different washing her hair, he had never done it before, never showered with anyone before, Ina was a good company in the bath, Ina was good at so many other things that he could not name everything at that time.

Masayasu started throwing water with his hands into Ina's long hair, but she did the same as him and dive to get the aloe vera out of her hair. She slid her fingers through her hair as she sat down and looked at him over her shoulder with a warm smile.

He saw that smile and smiled at her, touching her shoulder with his hand and sliding the back of his hand down her shoulder, down her arm, sliding smoothly, he still wanted to feel more of her soft skin, now very cold because of the shower .

He bent and kissed her shoulder fondly as she closed her eyes with a smile. After a tiring trip, full of surprises that was the first moment she felt her heart really at peace, beside him, feeling his touches.

Masayasu wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her closer to him, he nibbled on her shoulder and Ina smiled at that gesture. Now she knew it would be hard to keep the hands away from each other, that feeling inside her heart was growing stronger, she knew it, and she was sure he thought the same way.

"Inahime...I swear to you...."

He began to whisper giving kisses down her shoulders, sliding his lips to her neck, in which she tilted her head a little to the side to allow him to do as he wished while she touched his arms around her waist fondly.

"...nothing will get you out of me. Nothing. I swear to you..."

He whispered and Ina opened her eyes and smiled at his determined words, she was sure that this battle against her father would not be easy, but that Masayasu was determined to take the risk with her.

Ina felt a shiver through her body with Masayasu's kisses on her neck, she was amazed at that new sensation, her beloved kissing and touching her body.

Then she and he were surprised when the shoji door of the ofuro was opened. Ryouma looked at them and Ina quickly shrank with a flush appearing on her cheeks, Masayasu instinctively covered her breasts with his own arm and stared at Ryouma with a cruel look. He had frowned and stared at Ryouma in silence.

"Ooops!"

Ryouma raised his eyebrows at seeing Ina and Masayasu together in the bath, but he could not lose the chance to let a naugthy smile appear on his lips.

"Sorry, I did not want to mess up, I did not know you were here. I...I'll wait for you to finish."

And saying this Ryouma bowed exaggeratedly pretending he was being polite and slid and closed the shoji door. Masayasu growled a little, Ina was embarrassed by the moment, she did not care that Ryouma knew about her with Masayasu, but she did not want to be seen that way.

"We'd better leave and stay in the room, he's behind the waiting door."

Masayasu grunted and Ina looked at him and nodded quickly. He was right, in the room Ryouma could not enter without warning, after all it was her room and he would not be invasive in this way knowing that she would be with Masayasu.

Ina rose and carefully left the ofuro, followed by Masayasu. She took his white kimono and dressed him carefully and looked at his wound quickly, just to make sure he had told the truth and that the wound was well. She tied his kimono and then she dressed her own kimono, and was a little surprised to see Masayasu's gesture, he helped her to dress and tied her kimono to her. Her eyes watched him fondly and a smile overflowed her lips.

Ina stared at Masayasu, he had completely changed with her, was more at ease, and that was all she wanted. She smiled at him, meeting his blue eyes.

"Thanks." she said.

Masayasu took the bottle with the Ina's white carnation essence and opened the shoji door and found Ryouma behind the door. He quickly looked at Masayasu with a naughty smile, Masayasu understood the reason immediately, but ignored it. Ryouma nodded slightly at Ina, who still had a slight blush, and did not look at him, but headed toward her room.

"Be more careful, you have bothered me enough, mercenary!"

Masayasu spoke in his sharp voice and then turned his back to Ryouma and followed Ina into the room, entering just behind her and closing the shoji door quickly behind him. Ryouma laughed a little, he really was happy because the shinobi had given himself completely to this love, but now everything would be more dangerous for him.

Ina took the essence bottle from Masayasu's hand and went to save it in the trunk. She then saw in his gaze that he had bothered with Ryouma. She left the bottle on the trunk and picked up the comb and walked over to him and grabbed his hand with a warm smile, she wanted to take that expression off his face.

"Come on, let me to comb your hair. Forget him, we're alone here, just you and me again."

She spoke and Masayasu stared at her for some time and then allowed himself to smile, he did not have to ruin the mood between them because of Ryouma, she was right. He let himself be led by her and sat down on the floor and she knelt behind him to comb his hair.

Masayasu was not accustomed with such care, during all this trip she had taken care of him, since he was injured, and somehow he liked it, he liked her simpler gestures such as combing his hair or helping to get dressed. He could feel his heart warm with that feeling, she warmed his heart with any gesture from her.

Ina slid the comb carefully into Masayasu's hair, untangled and combing. He could feel the care not to pull his hair. He smiled a little and decided to tell her something, maybe it was fair to tell. Part of himself, part of his past.

"I've never had anyone take care of me like you care."

He spoke and Ina smiled warmly at his words.

"Even in the past. when I was a little older than you, I had just completed eighteen years old I had finished my training as a shinobi and started to conquer my own missions alone. I had a youthful love."

He spoke and Ina stopped with the comb and listened to what he meant. He noticed that she was still and then he looked at her over his shoulder.

"I lived with her for 6 months, she did not know I was a shinobi and died without knowing."

He spoke and Ina's violet eyes widened when he said she died. Masayasu turned to touch Ina's face, looking into her eyes. He saw the shock in her eyes.

"I went on a mission, she thought I was traveling with a friend to do work in the city and back two or three weeks later." he paused seeing at the sad look in Ina's eyes.

"When I came back I found her murdered. I believe it was looters who entered the village, because I found all of the village dead when I came back."

Ina covered her lips with her hands, her eyes filling with tears, she did not expect to hear that Masayasu had a wife and that she was brutally murdered. Death and more death. His life was full of death. She could understand why the lost souls spoke to him, he lost many loved ones and killed people. His life only had deaths.

"She was expecting my son when I left for the mission, so after that I did not get more involved with women, I blocked my heart and decided to live my life as a shinobi, that's all."

Masayasu saw the tears in Ina's eyes and then he slid his thumb to fill as they began to flow down her beautiful face. Although he had been talking about his past there was no pain in his eyes or in his face, but Ina could feel the pain he might have felt.

"I-I'm so sorry..."

It was the only thing Ina's voice managed to say choked with tears. She saw a smile on Masayasu's lips. He looked serene, he seemed to have left the past in the past, she could see it in his smile. But did this happen after he met her?

Now she could better understand his personality, not only because he was a shinobi, but because of the many losses he had in his life. And she could understand why he feared so much to find looters, he feared they would kill her, as happened to his late wife.

"It's okay, this is almost ten years old, it's part of my past, I can not change it, but I'm living in the present, and my present is with you."

He took Ina's hands from her lips and touched her lips with his thumb as he looked from her lips to her eyes. His eyes seemed gentle, though they were always cold, before her it seemed softer, warmer.

"Do not cry, you are all I have and I will not make the same mistake, I will not lose you for anything in this life."

Masayasu said this to Ina and then smiled a little at her. Loading by tears, Ina threw herself into his arms and hugged Masayasu tightly. The tears streaming from her sad eyes for knowing that he lost so much in his life, parents, wife, son...

But she could not stop crying with happiness too because he had chosen to live, to live with her, to live that love with her, to take risks at her side, that was all she needed to know, nothing more.

"Do not cry, Inahime..."

He hugged her and touched her wet hair with his hand. He stroked her beautiful and heavy hair.

"I needed to say this, maybe it's not important, because it was a youthful love, it's different from what I feel for you....but I wanted you to know that I'm not going to leave you, and that you're the one I want by my side."

Masayasu spoke in a way that Ina was surprised, he had been so sincerely kind, showing a part of his heart that he would not allow anyone to access. She pulled her face away a little to meet his eyes and tried to smile, her heart had a mix of good and bad feelings now.

Ina held Masayasu's face in both hands, she did not know how much he had suffered in his past, but she wanted to make him happy and that's what she would do. She smiled warmly at him.

"I'm not going to leave your side either, no matter the consequences. You're the one I want by my side, so believe me...I'm your ally and you can always trust me."

Ina said leaving a smile to appear. Masayasu smiled a little and then brought his lips to her forehead and kissed, then looked into her bright eyes again, still wet with tears.

"I know, I trust you."

He spoke, seeing a tender smile appear on Ina's lips. But he did not want this moment of peace to be destroyed by his past.

"Let me comb your hair."

Masayasu spoke and took the comb in Ina's hand and saw that she was surprised. He laughed a little at the sight of such surprised eyes.

"What is it? I can do to comb your hair."

Ina chuckled and then turned her back to Masayasu and looked at him over her shoulder.

"I want to see that."

Masayasu touched Ina's long hair and began to untangle carefully so as not to hurt her. Ina smiled as she realized his care. She was enjoying those moments alone with him, to know a little more about him.

It was good to hear about his past, but whenever he brought something from his past it was a pain. She could understand why he became so cold and harsh with people, it was his way of dealing with life after losing so much.

Ina felt her hair being carefully and slowly combed and then saw Masayasu looking towards the shoji door, she looked at the door as well.

"Excuse me. I am Nadeshiko, Kirisu-san's daughter, I brought the afternoon snack, it's late afternoon, but I heard you came to ryokan less than an hour ago. You must be hungry. And I brought tea to the samurai, my mother told me that he is sick."

A female voice sounded from the other side. The voice seemed soft as a breeze. Ina pulled her hair forward to hide a little and then looked at Masayasu quickly.

Masayasu took a scarf from the chabudai and tied it over his nose and mouth. Ina realized he wanted to pretend he was sick. Then he nodded at her toward the door.

"Come in." Ina said.

The door shoji slid a young woman with her late twenties entered wearing a sky blue kimono. She looked at the couple, and bowed quickly and then smiled at them and came in with a tray.

She knelt down and set the tray before Ina and Masayasu and went back to the door. Ina realized that she was different from her mother, seemed nice and discreet. She wore a bun and a white handkerchief in her hair.

Nadeshiko went back to the door and knelt down and bowed again and smiled at the couple. She had gray-blue eyes and a look soft and gentle. Ina realized that she was a very beautiful young woman.

"What you need can ask me, not my mother, she has a temper at times."

She smiled and Ina smiled back. Nadeshiko looked really nice, but since she was Kirisu's daughter she should not trust so easily. Masayasu just watched Nadeshiko come in and out with cold expression.

"Thank you, Nadeshiko."

Ina smiled at her again and the girl slipped and closed the shoji door and then got up and walked out of the engawa. Masayasu waited for some more time in silence just to see if the girl had left and then took Ina's hair and went back to comb.

"Do you suspect her?" Ina asked.

"Yes, she may be like her mercenary mother, or she may be a kunoichi."

Masayasu replied and Ina quickly raised her eyebrows in surprise. Nadeshiko? A kunoichi? She did not know many kunoichi in her life, she knew more shinobi, but Masayasu should recognize or at least suspect one.

"Why do you think she can be a kunoichi?"

"Even though she was friendly and smiling, her eyes stared at you, I do not know if she was studying you or she wanted to be sure who you were."

Masayasu answered and Ina touched her lips with her index finger to think about it. She knew that although she was in simple clothes her posture might reveal something about her, but she could be a simple girl and hoped that Nadeshiko had noticed that.

"But if Nadeshiko is a kunoichi it means she must pass information to the castle of the Sanada clan."

Ina spoke and then turned to Masayasu to look into his eyes as she pulled the scarf from his face. Her violet eyes showed a huge worry looking into his blue eyes.

"That can be dangerous for you."

"I know, her contact may be Sasuke, if he knows I'm here this can end the mission, so I'll wear that scarf on my face while I'm here on the ryokan."

Masayasu spoke with a fixed stare at Ina. She nodded, agreeing that it was the best way to handle this moment. If in ryokan had a kunoichi they would need to be attentive with the conversations, any information could reach the ears of the Sanada clan.

Ina looked at Masayasu and realized that his blue eyes seemed to reflect on having a possible kunoichi nearby. Even if Nadeshiko was not they should be suspicious that she could pass information to Sasuke, that was something they should consider.

She looked at the tea and then took the teapot and poured tea on the kobachi to Masayasu, he looked at her gesture, but she took the kobachi and sniffed the liquid just to be sure what was there. She felt only the scent of tea and then looked up at Masayasu.

He took the kobachi and also sniffed to see if there was poison, he knew Ina had checked, but all care was short.

While he was testing the tea, Ina served sake for him in a masu and took to the nose to fill, the sake seemed normal too, this seemed paranoia, but they had to be careful what they could eat or drink, at least until they were sure about who were really Nadeshiko and her mother, Kirisu.

Ina handed the masu to Masayasu and took her tea and took a sip. She started to eat using a pair of hashi, so she brought a sushi to Masayasu's lips. He opened his lips and accepted the food.

He chewed looking at her, so beautiful...a few minutes ago they had completely given up the passion they felt for each other. Ina noticed his gaze wandering over her, then quickly she touched his face worried.

"Are you okay? Are you thinking about your past? I'm here with you, you're not alone. No longer. You have me."

Ina spoke as she caressed his cheek with care, her violet eyes filled with concern. Masayasu realized that he had brought concern to her heart with his story, so he touched her face and smiled a little at her.

"I'm fine. I'm not thinking about my past, I'm thinking of you."

Masayasu spoke and a faint blush appeared on Ina's cheeks, she caught sight of those bright eyes as he looked at her. She smiled warmly, then let herself drift into the moment, drawing her face closer to his, her eyes glaring warmly at his, her lips parted.

Masayasu slid the hand that was on her face to her nape, he wished he had more of that moment of the ofuro with her, he wanted to feel her lips and her body again, but he also needed to keep his feelings calm, he could not let his body dominate his mind.

Their lips touched a passionate kiss, Ina slid her arms around his neck and felt him pull her into his lap. She allowed herself to be drive by him, their kisses getting more intense and deep, their tongues into a full hot dance, filled with desire for each other.

They broke the kiss and stared, still a little breathless. Their kisses were starting to have a greater urgency for each other. Ina laughed and leaned her head against Masayasu's shoulder, hugging him tightly.

"I've never dreamed of true love, it's always been something far from my life and thoughts, but now I have you and I long to live everything this life can offer me, by your side."

She lifted her face to meet Masayasu's blue eyes. He smiled a little at her, wrapping arms around her back, even now, in front of love, she does not dream, just hopes to have more opportunity for life to live next to him. She was a brave girl, he valued that much in her.

"Let's eat and lay down, this is our first night in Ueda, perhaps the only one really at peace, so let's rest early, we need to wake up refreshed."

Ina spoke and then saw a gleam in Masayasu's gaze and realized what he wanted. She laughed again, covering her lips with one hand.

"I understood your look, Masayasu-sama, be more careful, I know you wish for a night of love."

She spoke with a glare at him and a mysterious smile. Masayasu laughed a little, then smiled at her.

"I can no longer disguise this desire for you."

He spoke and Ina started eating again and looked back at Masayasu with a playful smile crossing her lips.

"You do not need to disguise when we are here, here I am your wife, Chie and you are my husband, Otsu, I want to have many nights or moments of love with you, many...."

She whispered the last part of the sentence and Masayasu spent some time looking into those violet eyes so full of life, he could easily say that he was bewitched by that young Hime, first taking his heart, now controlling his desires. But that did not hurt his pride, actually Inahime was his pride.

Again she began to serve food to his lips and sometimes softly kissed his lips. Masayasu thought that despite all the tension of thinking that he would have to face Ieyasu in the future, every moment was valid next to Ina, he did not regret anything at her side.

They finally ate, Ina was already kneeling again on the tatami and drinking green tea, she looked at Masayasu taking sake, it was good to have some comfortable and peaceful time. But her mind was already working with the idea of ​​a spy inside the ryokan, if Nadeshiko was actually a kunoichi Ina would have to interpret her role as a merchant's daughter all the time.

"What are you thinking?"

Masayasu asked as he noticed her gaze wandering in nowhere as she sipped tea. She looked at him, her eyes meeting his. Her lips touched the kobachi, she took the last sip of tea and placed the kobachi on the tray.

"I was just thinking about spies around us. I'm going to play Chie at all times, to talk to you away from our room, maybe I'll use some codes."

Ina said looking at Masayasu and when she saw him serve sake again, she took out the tokkuri, that is the sake bottle from his hand and also the masu and placed they on the tray and smiled at him in a warm way.

Masayasu watched as Ina got up and walked into the closet and grabbed the items to arrange the futon for them to sleep, it was not night yet, but they would not sleep immediately anyway.

He watched her care in arranging everything, unlike any Hime that requires anyone to view them or organize their things, Ina had no problem doing so, in fact it made her surprise even more. She was an onna bugeisha, and even as one has her servants who do it for her and dress her, but here, in Ueda, she was just a simple girl. He smiled at that thought.

Masayasu got up and went to help Ina with the futon, she looked at him and smiled cheerfully, problems and thoughts about the mission were to wait, that day she wanted to have only one thought: Masayasu.

She came up to him and untied his kimono, opening it and touched his muscled chest with her hands. She slid through every muscle, he had a perfect body, although she always found scars on his body as she slid her hands.

He watched her with bright eyes, she could seduce him with so little, with such simple gestures. He touched the tie of Ina's kimono and he started to untie, she looked at his hands untied and then looked at his face and smiled warmly, she wanted to see his eyes watching her body again.

Masayasu opened her kimono and looked at her body, beautiful and perfect, there were no scars or marks, if she hurt herself in battles no marks remained, or maybe her armor had protected her body. He touched her face and she smiled tenderly.

Masayasu thought it was impossible for him to have control near her, not while they were alone in this way, he just wanted to feel their bodies again, and that was what he would do at that moment.

He wrapped his arms around her waist and back and brought his lips to hers as Ina wrapped her arms around his neck and looked at his lips, longing for that kiss, another kiss, surely he could not take it any longer, after that kiss their bodies would yield the passion again.

A kiss, now more ardent than before, full of urgency and passion. Ina grabbed the Masayasu's nape as their tongues played together, dancing with excitement. As they kissed, Masayasu laid Ina on the futon and bent over her, their bodies touching.

A soft moan escaped from Ina's lips and then Masayasu broke the kiss plus slid his lips down her neck, Ina just tilted her head back, grabbing at his hair and smiled feeling her whole body ablaze again. She longed for this moment again.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Masayasu woke up and sat up quickly. It was night now, the room was in total darkness. He saw Ina sleeping quietly beside him. He covered her naked body and covered part of his own body as well.

He stared at her, sleeping soundly, relying on her safety. Perhaps she was fully aware that he did not sleep very well, so she trusted him and allowed herself to sleep through the night.

He did not want to wake her, she needed to rest, this trip had been really tiring, even more so for his wound that now just hurt a little, but maybe it was for the effort he did a little earlier with Inahime.

Masayasu heard a soft sound in the engawa and stared at the door. His hand slid up to his bag, from there he took off his holster with kunai and continued to stare at the door, his fingers already touching a kunai prepared to throw depending on whoever was behind the door.

"Handsome...."

A voice came from behind the door and Masayasu did not need to think too much about who he was, Ryouma. This mercenary never gave up. He frowned, his fingers still touching the kunai.

"You're awake that I know. Can I come in? I need to share something with you."

Ryouma whispered behind the door, his voice sounding urgent, and strangely trying to be discreet.

"Come in, but do not make a sound, Inahime is asleep."

Masayasu spoke in his low voice, but his tone was now cold and dry. He watched the door slide slowly with care, Ryouma entered the room and looked out still, for both sides on the outside, and then slid the door shut behind him.

He realized that the room was dark, but he could see well in the dark that did not make any difference to him. He approached silently from Masayasu, the shinobi staring at him suspiciously with this nightly visit.

Ryouma saw Ina asleep and then sat next to the futon and saw that Masayasu was half naked, a naughty smile appeared on his face instantly, he could not hide it.

"Oh good looking, good thing you're happy with Milady. I give my congratulations! But I did not come here to talk about her."

The mercenary looked toward the door as if waiting for something. Masayasu looked at the door and raised an eyebrow, then stared at Ryouma.

"There's no one there, say it or go away."

Masayasu spoke quietly and Ryouma looked at him and nodded.

"Nadeshiko...."

Ryouma started talking and Masayasu did not change the expression, but it seemed that Ryouma was finally being of help in some way, at least it was what it seemed.

"...I saw her talking to a man. I did not see his face, but he wore black like you, had a little messy hair and a red lock of hair."

Ryouma spoke in a low voice and looked at Ina, he did not want to wake her, it was not necessary at that moment. He looked at Masayasu who was now with his hand on his chin thinking, he knew who the man Ryouma was talking about.

"Sasuke..." Masayasu whispered.

Ryouma sighed, he had suspected, but did not know Sasuke, but when he saw Nadeshiko talking to him his instinct said it was a shinobi.

"Did you hear what they were talking about?"

Masayasu asked in a low, still cold voice. Ryouma shrugged.

"A little, they were in a dark part of the courtyard, Nadeshiko was whispering to him, I could only hear that she said that travelers had arrived and that one of them was apparently samurai."

"I suspected Nadeshiko from earlier when she came here. I think she's a kunoichi, if she meets Sasuke she may just be an informant, but my instinct says she's more than that."

Masayasu told Ryouma, who was watching him silently, if Masayasu suspected it was because she probably showed some gesture that he would recognize.

"I can help."

Ryouma spoke with an ironic smile appearing on his lips. Masayasu saw that smile and raised an eyebrow. What kind of help was Ryouma suggesting?

"Give me one day, I'll flirt with her, I'll seduce her and give you whatever information I can get."

Ryouma spoke and Masayasu sighed, he feared that this was the help, it seems that Ryouma only managed to get information using seduction, but if he trusted it maybe it was his skill.

"Ok, one day only. If you can not get information, then unfortunately I'll have to attack her directly. Sasuke already knows we're here, she's told of a samurai, maybe Sasuke still does not know I'm here, if he knows this can be a big problem. And be careful what you tell her, if she's a kunoichi will try to take information from you, remember you're Ryu, Chie's cousin, I'm Otsu, her husband."

Ryouma rested his hands on his thighs and nodded a few times. He knew he needed to be careful with the beautiful Nadeshiko, she could be poisonous, and not sweet like most women who cross his path.

"Hey handsome. Tell this to Milady only when she wakes up, I do not wish her to have a bad night's sleep, that's her first night here, and maybe she does not have any night like that here. Take care of her, she really looks happy at your side."

Ryouma said looking at Ina asleep. Masayasu stared at Ryouma with a frown, his lips creasing.

"Are you done? Go on, I'll still try to rest a little longer."

Masayasu spoke in a rough tone, his voice low and husky as his usual voice was.

Ryouma looked at Masayasu and leaned forward with an ironic smile appearing on his lips.

"It seems like you had a lot of fun today with Milady, so just relax, you seem to be angry at everything, she wants you, just you, so you do not need to be jealous of me."

He winked at Masayasu, letting another wry grin run down his lips. Jealous? Masayasu frowned.

"Who's jealous here?" He spoke in a dry tone. "If you do not have anything useful to talk about, get out! She needs to rest, and I need to rest too!"

Masayasu showed so much coolness in his tone that Ryouma realized that he was really serious. But he loved to tease Masayasu, it was great fun.

"Sleep well...with Milady..."

Ryouma said wryly and winked and quickly got up and went to the door, Masayasu staring at him cruelly. His blue eyes were cold as a glacier at that moment.

Ryouma wanted to laugh, but that might disrupt Inahime's sleep, he just smiled wryly and slid open the shoji door, left and closed the door behind him.

Masayasu still stared at the door for a few more minutes, Ryouma always irritated him and as much as he did not want to demonstrate it was visible. He looked at Inahime, she was still sleeping, he would not disturb her in trouble that night, he would tell Nadeshiko and Sasuke about her when she woke up.

He lay down beside her, turned to her side touched her hair and caressed, as he looked at her face, then he wrapped an arm around her body as he watched her beautiful face sleep soundly. So serene, he did not have that choice.

[lady-inahime]

Book - The Princess and the Shadow

Chapter 10: Ueda

Ina got up and looked at Masayasu with a smile. He could see that she was happy, perhaps because they would finally cross the river, he hoped Ryouma was right on the river, or it would be dangerous, since the current seemed strong.

Ina turned away toward the river to wash her face. As she walked looking around and saw that the morning was timid, the sun was weak, and there was a slight chill breeze.

She crouched down on the bank of the river and saw that the waters seemed strong, perhaps stronger than they had been last night, had it been with the wind? Or was it because of another reason? She looked around, even across the bank, and saw no one.

She then dipped her hands in the water and began to wash her face. Masayasu watched Ina for a while and also around, he wanted to make sure there was no one watching them. He spent the entire night napping and waking to check around.

Masayasu got up and went to prepare Haku and Mako for the trip, he had to make sure nothing would fall in the water. He did not know what was in Ina's trunk, it was not very big, but it was long, she must have brought clothes, but maybe something else by the weight, there are not only clothes there. But what would it be, besides the Katana she'd lent him for pretending to be a samurai?

He looked closely at the trunk, maybe one of her secrets on this trip was in there, he'd find a way to ask her. Meanwhile he started to fasten the trunk to Haku who seemed accustomed to the weight of the trunk, Ina was lightweight, so perhaps it was not uncomfortable for him to carry the two together.

"Handsome!"

Ryouma called and Masayasu turned to look at him while he was holding Ina's bow in Haku. He looked at Ryouma with a serious expression and Ryouma realized that there was a wall between them, it was difficult to approach that shinobi, he looked worse than everyone he had met, but he remembered that Ieyasu had some shinobi like Masayasu and then sighed deeply.

"Take fish to Milady, she must be hungry."

Ryouma spoke with a smile appearing on his face and quickly he saw Masayasu's face frosty as winter, he definitely did not like him. Another sigh and he lifted the stick with the fish.

"Are not you going to eat?"

Masayasu asked and saw a cheerful smile spring to Ryouma's face.

"No, I got this fish for Milady, I'm going to eat an apple, then I see what I eat on the way to the village."

Ryouma still smiled, even if he tried to stop smiling his crimson eyes still smiled at Masayasu. He was suspicious of all this kindness, and then Masayasu picked up the fish and headed toward Ina, taking a piece and experimenting. It seemed normal.

Ryouma watched him a little surprised, now Masayasu was thinking that he wanted to poison Ina? This was a cruel thought, he liked Ina and she trusted him, it was the least he could do for her.

Ina saw Masayasu crouch beside her and offered the fish to her. She looked surprised at the fish and then at his face.

"Is not he going to eat?" she asked.

"He said he got you. It seems he wants to please you."

Masayasu spoke in a serious tone and Ina smiled, touching his face. She realized that Masayasu was still a little pale from last night because the nightmare.

"I'm going to eat, but you're going to eat with me, do not forget that you're still injured and need to feed well."

She caressed his cheek softly and saw Masayasu's eyes meet hers. She smiled lovingly at him, then saw Masayasu take a piece of the fish and bring it to his lips. She laughed a little.

"I do not know if you're hungry or pretending to obey me. You're a very rebellious shinobi."

She spoke playfully and saw a smile appear on Masayasu's lips. They sat on the bank of the river to eat and took advantage to look across the other bank.

"I saw two kids running near the riverbank."

Ina said taking a piece of the fish and bringing it to her lips, Masayasu looked at her face, but she continued to stare at the bank. He quickly looked at the bank and stood up to check if anyone was watching them.

"No, I do not think they saw us, and if they saw us they were small, they might not understand well what we're doing here."

Ina spoke following Masayasu with her gaze. He started to walk along the bank watching the other side, his blue eyes staring. Ryouma noticed his gesture and then approached Ina and looked at her and then at the shinobi.

"What happened?" he asked.

"I saw two kids playing on the other side of the river, Masayasu-sama is checking."

She spoke and Ryouma crouched down to speak to her, his eyes crimson looking at her violet eyes.

"They have a house near the bamboo forest, they must be the children there, the couple know me, I've slept in their house at one time or another, they are harmless, they live near the river because they use the water here to do laundry and cooking. "

He spoke to Ina and then looked at Masayasu, he knew the shinobi had heard his words, but he was not sure he wanted to ignore it. Masayasu stopped staring at the other side, he saw the two children, one seemed to be about 7 years old and the other about 5 years old. It was dangerous small children near the river, even more so in a place like this, that's why innocent die. He thought.

Without a word he moved away from the bank and walked toward the horses to finish preparing them. Ina and Ryouma stared at him. Ina looked at Ryouma and smiled slightly embarrassed.

"Sorry, Ryouma, I can not make him trust you. He has his reasons, he's trained to distrust everyone."

She spoke and Ryouma looked at her and shrugged with a smile appearing on his lips.

"Okay, it's part of his personality, I still like him, although he does not like me." he gave a wink.

Ina smiled at Ryouma and offered him fish. He looked at the fish and took a piece.

"Thanks, but I got you. But ... I will not reject your offer."

"Thank you for worrying about me and him, Ryouma."

Ina smiled up at him and put her hand on his shoulder and then stood still with a smile.

"But come on, are they all ready?"

She asked and heard Silver's neighing. She raised her eyebrows and then brought a hand to her lips and giggled.

"I see that Silver is looking forward to a shower."

Ryouma smiled at Ina and shrugged. He looked at Masayasu who had finished preparing Haku and Mako, he walked towards Ina, and as he approached her, he stared at Ryouma coldly.

"Come on, let me help you ride on Haku."

Masayasu spoke and Ina raised an eyebrow. What had happened? She could ride alone. Does he want to talk something with her? Maybe...she would take his offer just to see what he wanted.

"Ryouma will guide us to the right spot on the river, okay?"

She turned her face to Ryouma and smiled at him and then followed with Masayasu towards Haku, she realized that Masayasu was bothered with something, she realized by his walk, she approached him and touched his arm and watched him look at she.

"What's happening?"

She asked in a worried tone and touched his wound just wondering if there was pain. Masayasu shook his head gently to say no. He grabbed her arm and pulled her carefully to Haku and began to help her ride.

"What's happening, Masayasu-sama?"

She asked as she rode, her eyes fixed on him. Masayasu looked into her eyes and saw that there was a lot of confusion, she wanted to know why he was acting like that, he saw her lean a little to his side, he touched her face and caressed her cheek with his thumb.

"I do not want to scare you, but I do not trust everything he says, I know he's still hiding something, and I know he will not speak easily."

Masayasu spoke in his low voice, Ina put her hand over his and pulled it to her lips and kissed the palm of his hand. She smiled at him and nodded. What could she do? It was his instinct talking, maybe he was right, she could not rule it out, but maybe it was just the instinct of a shinobi suspicious of everything.

"Alright, I believe and I trust you, Masayasu-sama. But then explain to me what you're thinking later, okay?"

She spoke and Masayasu stared at her in silence for a few more seconds and nodded, then turned and walked away going towards Mako and rode. Ina stared at him. The nightmare. What had he dreamed? That seemed to have messed with his senses, he seemed more suspicious now. When she arrived at the Inn she would try to talk to him about it, that was worrying her.

Ryouma was farther forward and waved at Ina and Masayasu. Ina realized that even with Masayasu's suspicions and cold looks, Ryouma did not seem to be upset about it, maybe it was better that way, Masayasu was still suspicious of him, it had become a cycle, Ryouma revealed something and hid another, it was kind of tiring, she hoped this would end quickly.

"I'll go ahead."

Masayasu spoke passing with Mako next to Ina, following Ryouma. Ina nodded with a smile, she did not want to question, after all he was trying to protect her, and if she decided to argue about it would be worse, she simply nodded and followed behind him with a smile on her lips.

Ryouma led the way toward the river. He followed on the bank first looking toward the waters. Ina was curious to see this, what was he trying to see? Then, suddenly and without a word, he began to enter the waters, as if he had simply found the place at random. Masayasu waited, he wanted to make sure it was the right one.

Ryouma looked back and saw Masayasu riding on Mako in the bank the river watching him. Ryouma smiled wryly, he knew the shinobi was suspicious that he was lying, but he did not mind that he would show he was right.

Masayasu watched each step of Silver entering the river, the waters were strong and the horse seemed to walk cautious. The water started in the middle of his legs and rose to reach his chest, after which Ryouma continued crossing the river without the water rising more than that.

The shinobi watched intently in silence and then looked at Ina and then nodded his head into the river. Ina nodded, although the river was strong she saw that Silver already knew the route, it should not be so difficult to cross.

Ina saw Masayasu following Silver with Mako. Mako stepped into the water and began to trot slowly behind Silver, following the same path as the silver horse. Ina waited for Masayasu to take some distance and followed shortly after him with Haku.

Ina began to trot with Haku into the river, first she saw the water low, but after she followed behind Masayasu the water slowly began to rise and touched her feet and almost reaching her knee. She was surprised at how high the water came. Looking out the river did not seem deep, how deep was the rest of the river?

She found herself watching the around, as if wishing to see the bottom of the river, but it was impossible, its waters were dark by the depth, but here was a river that could have been used to kill their enemies in the war. Would her father have thought of that? Probably.

The horses trotted slowly into the river, one behind the other. Ina felt her hakama get wet, but that was not really a bad thing, except for the terribly cold water. She felt a shiver as she felt the water cool, but that really was not a big inconvenience. She looked at Masayasu, he noticed her gaze and looked back at her and smiled a little.

Ina could imagine what he was thinking, that they were finally coming to Ueda. She smiled happily at him and then saw Ryouma ahead, almost reaching the other bank. It was not far, but she understood why they had not crossed at night, her clothes were wet, and the night was terribly cold.

She thought of Masayasu's wound, he had not shown any more pain, but she worried, last night it was cold and she felt him hold her to warm, but he needed to worry about himself too, unfortunately she knew he would always say that her life would come first. He was stubborn.

Ina could feel the strong water hitting against Haku and against her legs, although she felt the force of the water was refreshing and she was enjoying that sensation.

She looked at water and then so many thoughts came to her mind, good and bad thoughts, but especially good ones. She lifted her face and looked at Masayasu, they were following to Ueda, to an enemy province. What would happen from now on?

The breeze from the east made her ponytail move in waves. She looked around and smiled to herself, but only from her concerns was there something liberating on this path, it was liberating to cross a river, to go towards Ueda brought a sense of freedom to her.

There she would not be Inahime, and yes Chie, there she would not have to follow the rules of a castle, the aristocratic rules, she could be free for sometime. And she was with Masayasu. What else could she want?

Ina saw Ryouma reach the bank and wait for Masayasu and her. The horses trotted carefully, she knew it must have slippery stones for his hooves, any false step the horse could slip and knock her down.

Her eyes were watching Ryouma, he had his pants wet to knee height, but he did not seem to mind, he must be accustomed to this route, but maybe he and Masayasu had thought that for her being noble would have trouble crossing the river and staying with wet clothes. An amused smile came to her lips as she thought about it.

She saw Masayasu reach the bank and go down from Mako to twist the bar of hakama, at least to get some of the excess water out. In a few minutes she reached the bank as well and saw Masayasu approaching her to help her down, he was so helpful, she still had not understood why, but she smiled at him.

Ina started twisting the bar of hakama as Masayasu looked at her. She raised her face to see him and saw a serious expression, he seemed worried about something, but she could not imagine the reason.

"What happened? You look worried."

Ina spoke and Masayasu crouched down to talk to her. He watched her seriously, still with his serious expression trying to hide what he thought and felt as always. Ina stared into those eyes still wondering what was bothering him. The place?

"When Ryouma reached the bank the children saw and ran from here, I believe they went home, or I hope it's really that. I do not feel threatened to come back, but stay alert."

He spoke in his low and husky voice. Ina touched his face and smiled at him nodding.

"Okay, I'll follow your order, I'll stay on the alert."

She knew that his shinobi instinct would never betray him, so she believed him and decided to follow what he said, after all, they had arrived in Ueda, and the way to the village would be a great secret to them, only Ryouma knew the way.

"Ryouma, take us to the nearest village, we must hurry, I would like to sleep with a roof tonight."

Ina spoke with a giggle and saw Masayasu looking at her with a faint smile, his blue eyes full of mystery. He got up, took her hand and helped her up.

Masayasu knew that Ina wished to rest better to begin the mission, these days, sleeping in the open air, with cold winds and some tensions must not have allowed her to rest well.

"Let's go straight to the nearest village, we'll sleep there and head to the center, to the main village where Ueda's castle is located. Here is a luxurious province like Mikawa, here it's simpler Milady." Ryouma winked at her.

"Do not worry, Ryouma, being a noble does not bother me sleeping on the floor or in a simple place, I think I've shown it a few times."

Ina spoke seriously to Ryouma and allowed a faint smile to appear on her lips. She then looked at Masayasu and nodded to him to help her ride on Haku, Ryouma knew she could ride alone, but maybe Masayasu was suspicious of him again. He shrugged as he thought about it. Gradually this shinobi had to trust on him, or that mission would fail.

Masayasu understood Ina's call and approached her and Haku. Ina turned her face to look at him and put her hands on the cell.

"Listen to me..." she began, whispering. "Tell me if you feel any presence of danger, I do not feel anything now, but I know your instincts are more sensitive than mine, do not do anything before you tell me, I do not wish to see you hurt again."

Ina spoke in a low voice, almost in a whisper, as Masayasu's eyes watched her. He knew she cared about him, but even though they had feelings for each other, his job here was to protect her from everything. So if someone were to attack her, he would not have time to inform her before defending her.

"I'm going to try, let's see what's going to wait for us on the way. I hope I do not have to kill anyone until we get to our place of mission."

He spoke in a serious tone and Ina raised her eyebrows. He was thinking about having to kill someone before the mission even started. Would he be suspicious that some looters or some group might be watching them? She quickly looked worried around and Masayasu realized her concern.

"I still have not seen anything, no looters, but be alert, Hime, I'll ride beside you, we will not walk in a row, okay?"

Masayasu spoke and Ina nodded. She trusted him, if he was worried about looters she would trust in his concern, after all once he was injured because of this, she did not want to see him injured again.

Masayasu saw Ina make mention of riding on Haku, he helped her and stood looking at her face above his. He smiled a little, she was always calm in the face of danger, he did not know if that was part of her experience in battles or if it was his way of showing that everything could be solved.

He touched her hand as she took the reins, Ina looked at his face and smiled warmly, although she knew the dangers of this mission, she could not hide the happiness that came from her heart because it is far from her father with Masayasu, she would enjoy every moment with him, the utmost she could, after all everything would change when they returned, that she was sure.

She bent to kiss his cheek and then looked into his blue eyes and smiled.

"Come on, ride beside me, as you asked."

A warm smile appeared on her lips and Masayasu watched her for some time with a soft smile, then he went to Mako and rode quickly. Haku started to trot slowly and Mako followed her.

Ryouma saw that Ina and Masayasu were ready and then started trotting ahead, he wanted to keep some distance from the couple as he always did, maybe they wanted to talk more about them.

The path they followed had footmarks on the ground beneath the horses' hooves. The around had the bamboo forest on the left side and on the right side the river lay behind and on the road began to appear bush.

Ina saw that the bamboo forest was dense, Ueda was supposed to work a lot with bamboo. But ahead she can see from the left side a simple little house, she recognized the two children she saw near the river bank. The house really was near the river and the bamboo forest.

Her gaze traveled the way of the children running in front of the house, and girl was the smallest and the boy the largest. Next to them was a young woman with skin sunburned, cleaning fish, she looked up and recognized Ryouma and smiled at him waving.

She looked at Masayasu and Ina and did not acknowledge, but if they were with Ryouma they should be his friends. She thought that Ina was indeed very beautiful, she had never seen such a beautiful young woman, and imagined Ryouma was in her company, he was always in the company of women, especially the beautiful ones.

"Your husband went in the main village to sell fish? If I find him I'll tell you that you're getting more and more beautiful!"

Ryouma let out a chuckle and the woman smiled up at him and running his hands in his apron tied in her simple and yellow kimono.

Ina looked at Masayasu, he looked at the simple building, a small house for a couple and two children, and to judge by the age of the young woman it was probable that they had more children. Ina looked at his gaze and saw the simple house. She wondered if only they had comfort inside, if they could protect themselves from the cold of winter.

Her gaze was lost in that little building for a few seconds, a whole bamboo house, simple, small, but judging by the smile of the woman and the children, they were happy, even though they had so little.

Ina looked to the side and saw Masayasu glance at her, then smiled at him.

"Your gaze tells me that you are lost in thought. Do you want to share with me?"

Masayasu asked and Ina showed a little surprise, she did not expect him to want to hear what she thought, but that was nothing to worry about, she could share some feelings and thoughts with him.

She looked at the horizon with a smile and then turned her face to his side.

"I was just thinking about peasants' lives, the life simple people take."

She paused at the sight of Masayasu's blue eyes watching her, trying to understand what she wanted to say.

"Although they have little thing they seem happy, free to choose how to live. Not every person has the right to choose how to live, like me... like you."

Ina saw that Masayasu did not change his expression he should be thinking about her words. She smiled a little, looking away, looking around.

"I was born in a class where I do not choose how to live, I do not choose beside those I want to live in. And I know that as a shinobi you are often deprived of it."

She turned her face to look at him. He looked at the horizon, she could see that he was thinking about her words. She knew he thought the same way.

"Many times we wish to live our own way, but fate does not allow us. We often wish to follow an impossible path, sometimes we venture this way, sometimes not."

Masayasu spoke and turned his face to Ina's side to meet her violet eyes. He could see that although she was calm and thoughtful, there was some sadness within those beautiful eyes, he could see that. Had that been with the rules she lived? With the idea of love deprivation? Or was she afraid of losing him?

"But sometimes we're willing to risk everything on this path." she said. "Even if we do not know the consequences."

"I would like to have this answer, what would be the consequences, but I do not imagine." Masayasu replied.

Ina smiled a little and looked at the pale blue shy, the breeze was soft but still a bit cold, although she knew that the day could warm up a little more that morning.

"No one can know about the future, but I know of my present."

She lowered her face and looked at Masayasu with an enlightened smile. He may realize that she was confident, or even happy at that moment.

"My presentt is here, now, with you by your side...and on this mission. I'm going to live every minute beside you, not caring about the risks, because I do not know my future, but I can still trace my present."

She still spoke with a warm smile to him. Masayasu smiled. She was a spectacular girl, she was not afraid to take risks, she was not dreaming about the future, she just wanted to live the present, even though they could die tomorrow. He liked her vision about living, about life. Live it now, live everything that the now could provide to them.

Masayasu could feel the passion in her words, the desire she had to live the present, to live this present with him, nothing else mattered. He smiled at her words. Life. She brought him life, she was teaching him to live, feel alive in a world full of death. He wanted to make her happy, he wanted to see her smile more often.

The morning followed, the three of them riding in sinuous paths, it was not even eleven in the morning when they reached the nearest village. Ina could see that there was a small lagoon in the center where the children played. At some distance, maybe five or six meters, there were houses built near the small pond. It followed two narrow dirt streets on either side of the small side.

The houses were not as small as the one that Ina saw earlier, but they were still small, built with bamboo, she was right, they used a lot of bamboo utilize that they had a vast forest that propitiated the construction of houses. The roofs had straw and the village seemed busy. She counted as 20 houses.

Ryouma looked back at Masayasu and Ina with a smile and gestured toward the path that followed.

"Let's go, I think we can get to the main village earlier in the evening." he said.

"That's a great idea, we can rest and eat there."

Ina spoke in determined tone and they followed along the way. Ina liked to see that village. There were a lot of children, men were working in plantations some distance away in the little lagoon, but she saw that they made paths with the stuffed ones to the plantations.

She looked at Masayasu and smiled a little at him as he watched the peasants silently watch.

"Can you remember the time that I lived in the countryside?" she asked.

"Very little, sometimes a little play as a child, I sometimes vaguely remember my mother's face, a few days of rain, but I do not remember much."

He looked at her and saw her face become serious, she was not sad, but her eyes showed that she could understand, after all she lost her mother when she was a child, she should have the same feeling she rarely remembered anything. Ina moved her lips to speak again and then she was interrupted.

"Haa! I found food!!"

Ryouma shouted at the front pointing to the trees that were coming forward, full of apples. Ina and Masayasu were taken out of the conversation and looked around, they were passing through apple trees.

She was surprised to see the orchard. On both sides of the road they were filled with apple trees. Her eyes widened and she giggled. It was a beautiful sight of so many apple trees, it was exactly the time of year that had many, autumn.

Ina stood up in the stirrups, Masayasu watched her reach for the apples, that face lived, her lips smiling. Ina glanced at Masayasu with a warm smile and pulled some apples for herself and Masayasu and gave him two apples and got two to herself.

"Thank you."

Masayasu replied as he picked up the apples and then bit one, it was sweet and smooth. Sweet as Ina, he thought. Her lips must be as sweet as the apple. And her body too....How much longer could he stand to stay away from her?

He looked at Ina and saw her sit smiling and then saw her bite the apple. She looked quite natural and did not bother because she is in the middle of nature or a simple place, maybe he underestimated that she was braver than he imagined, and that really did not bother with simplicity.

Maybe Ueda could provide special moments between them, if she did not bother with simplicity, he had the impression of seeing in her violet eyes a mysterious glow, would she have thought the same? She just smiled at him warmly. That smile really knew how to get to his heart.

Every time he watched her, the more his heart yielded to his feelings for her, but he submitted to his desires for her. Live the present, she said. He would live his present with her in Ueda.

Ina smiled at Masayasu, in her smile there was a bit of mystery, perhaps her thoughts were similar to his, but the truth was that in her mind she had much desire to live everything she did not know by his side. Ueda would be the place idea for that.

Love. Life. Passion. She wanted to have it all with him, every moment, every minute, every second. Only that.

Masayasu noticed Ina cheerfully eating the apples. She looked like an innocent girl before him at that moment, it was as if that orchard had brought some memory of her childhood. He can not hide a smile from seeing her happiness.

Ina noticed Masayasu's gaze and looked at his face with a warm smile, she suckled her fingers after she had finished eating the apples, she got a brief laugh from Masayasu, so she raised her eyebrows quickly, tilting her head to the side .

"Are you laughing at me?" she asked.

"You look like an innocent child stealing apple in the orchard and eating happily, as if it were your best meal."

Masayasu spoke, still holding a faint smile on his lips, looking at Ina's face. He watched her change from confused to cheerful expression and then began to laugh.

"Well...this was a wonderful meal....and when I was a kid I stole apple in the kitchen, but in the orchard it looks special!"

She raised a hand to her lips to try to cover a giggle. Ryouma looked back and saw that Ina was glad that he had chosen the path to the orchard, it was good to see her laughing, she showed that her heart was calm even though she was on a risky mission.

"We have a professional apple thief."

Masayasu mocked, seeing Ina's happiness, hearing her happy laugh. Ina stopped laughing and smiled proudly at him and then raised her face and with an upright posture showed pride.

"You do not know all my skill." she said.

Masayasu smiled, he could not stop looking at that beautiful and delicate face, his heart burned with passion for her, he just had to keep calm, so she did not notice anything. Perhaps because she warmed his heart he had forgotten his wound and he had almost felt no more pain. Was it because of the love he felt for her?

"Ryouma!"

Ina called and Ryouma looked back, meeting her eyes gladly.

"No need to ask, I've already got apples to eat!"

He lifted his brown bag, was fat from so many apples he had caught. A growing smile appeared on Ina's face. He seemed to suspect she would like these apples. It seemed like she was an open book for Masayasu and Ryouma, that could be a bit embarrassing at times.

Ina looked at Masayasu, for a moment she had the impression that he wanted to say something to her. She looked at his lips and then into his eyes and smiled at him.

"You look better. Does your wound look okay? Do you feel any more pain?" she asked.

Masayasu put his hand on the kimono where the wound was and looked at Ina, for some reason she was right, he really felt better, but there was pain when Mako trotted faster, so he tried to keep her in a normal trot, he was not slow or fast, just enough to not feel pain.

"I'm fine, I guess I can not complain about the care I've had these days."

He replied with a soft smile appearing on his lips. Ina smiled tenderly, for some reason Masayasu's bad mood seemed to have left him for some time, that was fine, it was good to see him smiling on this trip.

Ina watched Masayasu for a little longer, she could see that from the day they met until now he had changed his way of acting with her, at least with her he would lower his guard and allow himself to trust and be happy. She smiled to herself, she knew she could make him happy, he did not have to say anything, every smile of his, every look of his to her, she could see his happiness for being with her.

"I was thinking..."

Ina interrupted the silence still looking at Masayasu and then looked forward, seeing Ryouma trotting some distance from them. Masayasu raised an eyebrow, his expression neutral, waiting for her next words.

"If Ryouma will be Ryu, my cousin...who are you going to be, Otsu?"

Ina looked at him and a broad smile appeared on her lips. He knew she was asking that question jokingly, but that had a real tone, they had to decide that.

"I thought you could be my fiancé...or my husband..."

A slight blush appeared on Ina's cheeks and she looked at Masayasu with a shy smile. He was silently absorbing her idea, looking at her shy smile and her flushed cheeks, this could be a wise choice, because they could be together at the Inn.

"I like your choice, I'll be your husband, Chie."

Masayasu replied allowing a faint smile to appear on his lips. He could see Ina's expression changing from shy to happy, but the blush still lingered.

"I heard that, lovebirds!"

Ryouma spoke from the front laughing. Masayasu stared at him, but this time he would not complain, the thought of being in the same room at the Inn together with Ina was more than comfortable. They would have the privacy to talk and be together, at least in a few moments. He looked at Ina and smiled at her.

Ina smiled warmly at Masayasu and then looked straight ahead on the way.

The sun got a little warmer, not so much, but she pulled on her chip hat to avoid getting any sun. She could feel that Haku was tired and hungry, maybe they should take a break, at least for about thirty minutes.

"Maybe we should stop, our horses need some rest, a break of 20 to 30 minutes is enough, what do you guys think?"

Ina asked and when Masayasu went to reply Ryouma turned back and then nodded in agreement.

"I agree, Silver needs to rest, and we can eat some more apples!"

His crimson eyes stare from Ina's face to Masayasu and an ironic smile appeared on his lips, Masayasu was not sure if this was a tease or not.

"Great, a break, it'll do them good."

Ina dismounted and grabbed Haku's reins and looked around. They were passing by a grassy hill, Ina can see Haku hitting the hoof happy by taking time to rest and eat, she saw Silver and Mako do the same.

Ryouma sat on the grass, resting his hands and looking around, those hills were beautiful and green, in the spring it was to be filled with flowers on all sides. He looked at Masayasu and saw him approach Ina.

Ina looked at the horizon and saw a castle in the distance, below the hill, it around should be the main village, since they did not have a city like Mikawa. She quickly looked at Masayasu by her side, he caught her gaze and looked toward the village.

"We're finally close." he said.

"I do not see the time for good food!" Ryouma said.

"I just want a shower." Ina said.

After the horses had rested, and they too, each one took the reins of their horse and started down the hill towards the village. Although the hill was a little sloping, they were still going down carefully, it was better to cut the way or they would actually arrive earlier in the night in the village.

The sun was strong and Ina knew it must be more than 3 o'clock in the afternoon, but there was a cold wind, which was empty with the weather not really hot or muffled, but she could see the sweat running down Masayasu and Ryouma's forehead and she felt her body sweating, more and more she wanted a shower.

Ina felt her body tired, but she still had enough energy for the rest of the day, she wondered how much Masayasu and Ryouma could be tired. No one talked about it, she never complains of fatigue, she rarely felt really tired, only in long battles and long journeys.

Ryouma slipped and slid down the grass, dropping Silver. Ina was surprised and leaned forward to look at him. Ina could hear his groans rolling down. Silver neighed as if reproaching Ryouma. Ina lifted a hand to her lips as she saw Ryouma at the bottom of the fallen hill on the lawn.

"Ryouma, are you okay?"

She asked and Masayasu grabbed Silver's reins and continued to descend. He looked at Ina seriously. Masayasu took Ina's hat and put it on himself and arrested it on the chin. She quickly understood why.

"He's fine, this is drama."

And as he said this he continued on from, Ina looking at Masayasu in surprise. If this was Ryouma's drama he was very convinced because he looked hurt. She still looked at Ryouma again and started to down again.

In a few minutes Masayasu had finished descending with Mako and Silver and saw Ryouma turn his face to look at him. Masayasu stared at him coolly.

"Get up, it was not time to rest, we're already in front of the village."

He spoke dryly and Ina came down beside him with Haku, she ran her hand over her face and felt the sweat. The descent was tiring, but perhaps because they ate little these last two days.

"Come on, no soft body!"

Masayasu spoke dryly to Ryouma and passed by him pulling Mako. Ina stared at Ryouma lying on the lawn, he looked at her and smiled broadly and then sat up without making any effort.

"Okay, handsome, I can not convince you with my dramas!"

Ryouma spoke up and stood looking at a smile on Ina's face, he had worried her, but now she seemed to enjoy herself because of him. He took Silver's reins and ran his hand over his muzzle.

"Come on boy, dear shinobi must be exhausted." he pulled Silver.

Ina looked at Masayasu, maybe he was exhausted and did not really assume it, he did not sleep very well last night, because he always kept watch, it would not be good to talk and share the lookout at night, he would not accept because he does not trust Ryouma and he would not let her stay awake while he and Ryouma slept.

She pulled Haku and followed behind Ryouma. The three of them entered the village, this one was much bigger than the other one, it must have some 6 or 7 streets, each street had houses and an Inn at the end of the street that they had entered.

The houses were almost all of the same size, made of bamboo only that these looked more resilient, but also had a thatched roof. In the streets the children ran, a mother screamed with a child to go back into the house, another child cried and an older child came to pick her up and carry her into the house.

Ina watched it all intently, she knew that Ueda was not a big rich province like Mikawa, but she did not think she would find such a simple village in front of the castle. That's why they called it a village, not a town.

She looked towards the castle and saw Masayasu looking in the same direction. She wondered if he was already studying the formation of the walls and gates to enter the night. As shinobi he should be thinking this, she would think if she was one.

Ina then looked at the houses again and saw that some people watched them arrive, it should not be so common to reach travelers in that village, she could see the gaze on them. Surely the Sanada clan would have known that 3 travelers had arrived.

"Home Sweet Home!"

Ryouma spoke and quickly Ina was taken from her thoughts and looked at him, they had arrived at the Inn. Her heart beat relieved, bath, rest and fresh food, that would be wonderful. That was what the three of them needed.

"Handsome, help me get the horses to the Inn's stable and get things off, Milady can wait for us here."

Ryouma spoke and Masayasu looked at Ina reluctantly to leave her alone, as her bodyguard should not leave her alone for a single minute.

"I'm fine, I'll wait for you."

She just smiled at Masayasu reassuringly, but she was not sure if that would reassure his heart. A little reluctantly, he nodded.

"Stay here."

Masayasu spoke and followed Ryouma by pulling the Mako and Haku's reins. He looked over his shoulder toward Ina, she stood in front of the Inn just waiting and looking at the village. Some people still looked at her. She looked at herself and saw that her kimono and were dirty, maybe that was the reason, at least she wanted to believe it.

A girl with a pink kimono and holding a doll made of straw waved to Ina with a smile. She saw her gesture and thought she was so innocent and sweet, she smiled at the girl and waved. The girl's mother left the house to get her daughter and saw Ina, she saw her daughter wave to her, then nodded also with a smile. Ina found it a little strange, but nodded to the child's mother as well.

A few minutes later Masayasu and Ryouma returned with the items, Ina rushed to help Masayasu, picking up her bow and quiver and her bag. He had his bag and her trunk. He saw Ina looking toward the house where the child waved to her, and saw no one, then looked at her.

"What happened?" he asked.

"A child and a mother waved to me." she said.

Ryouma let out a small laugh. "Do not be surprised, Milady, you are a beautiful woman, the children will wish to speak to you and consequently the mothers will find you beautiful and treat you well." he said.

Ina blinked in confusion, what appeared to be there with sympathy or empathy? She looked at Masayasu confused for a better explanation.

"I guess he means that this place does not usually see pretty women like you."

Masayasu smiled a little at her, but realized that she still did not understand the meaning of this, perhaps to her appearance was not important, so she was confused by this reasoning.

"Well, let's come in and accommodate us."

Ina spoke and move on, climbed the three steps that led to engawa, the wooden porch of the Inn, unlike the houses. The construction of the Inn was more fortified, the wood was firmer than bamboo. Ina saw that it was like the buildings in Mikawa.

Then she walked toward the shoji door and slid, she stepped inside the genkan and took off her sandals. She looked around, it looked like a comfortable Inn, a low rise, dark wood, the shoji doors was of dark wood too, with the translucent white papers. She can see that the place was spacious and big, it should have at least a 10 rooms.

Behind her came Masayasu and Ryouma. Masayasu waited for her standing in the genkan. He always wore a tabi boot, he did not want to lower it and take it out, he knew he would feel pain, so he preferred to wait with his face down, so the hat covered his face.

Ina looked at him then at his tabi and understood. "Wait here."

She came in followed by Ryouma and the mistress of the house, a small woman with gray hair appeared. She must have been almost 50, it was hard to know, she smiled at Ina and Ryouma and then saw Masayasu waiting in the genkan, she did not understand, but Ina stepped forward.

"Sorry, my husband is tired from the trip and he's sick, he's exhausted so I asked him to wait there. I would like two rooms."

Ina bowed after speaking. Ryouma smiled charmingly at the woman who only stared at Masayasu in disgust for some time, she did not like the idea of ​​harboring a sick man, but maybe it was just the cold, or he would not be standing.

"Okay, two rooms, the rate is paid in advance."

Ina lifted her face and looked at the woman and smiled embarrassed. She realized that the woman was not very friendly, but perhaps because she had already had problems with other travelers.

"I intend to stay for about 7 days, so I'll get you three days in advance and then I'll pay the others more."

Ina smiled amiably at the woman and took the sack of coins from inside the kimono and put some coins in her hand. The woman counted it one by one and then looked up at Ina as if studying her behavior and finally smiled gently.

"Okay, okay, honey, come on, I'll show you the rooms, that's enough for me to have all the meals, use of the ofuro, and right to sake."

She walked toward Masayasu, who dodged from her when he saw that the woman came quickly to put on her sandals and to show the rooms. Ina glanced at Ryouma who shrugged in confusion at the woman's reaction, looking like a mercenary.

Ina followed the woman and put her sandals on the genkan and looked at Masayasu under the hat, she could see from his expression that he did not like the attitude of that woman, he should have thought the same as her, that the woman was friendly when see money, she was a simple mercenary.

[lady-inahime]

Book - The Princess and the Shadow

Chapter 9: The relationship between shinobi and night

Ina pulled away from Masayasu, but still continued to look at his face, he seemed calmer now, she could feel all the tension in his heart. How did she get it? She could not tell.

She smiled warmly at him, realizing that he had stopped cleaning the fish to look at her for some time. But his moment of peace was hampered by Ryouma who approached with another fish.

"Hey! Sorry to mess up the lovebirds, but I'm starving!"

Ryouma sat on the floor and took a knife from somewhere in Ina's clothes that she did not identify and began cleaning the fish. Sometimes Ryouma looked really strange.

"I will not disturb you."

Ina smiled at them both and got up quickly and went to get a cloth in her trunk, leaning against a branch lying on the ground.

Masayasu observed her, he was still attending to the place and did not want to lose her sight, but when he saw the white cloth in her hand he deduced that she would wash the river. He watched her walk elegantly down to the river. Ryouma looked at him and laughed.

"You need to disguise her enchantment for her, make it perceptible, even if you do not say anything." he mocked.

Masayasu glared at Ryouma, studying that annoying smile on his lips. Sometimes he wanted to get that smile off his face somehow.

"Work and stop talking."

Masayasu replied and wiped the fish again, but for a few seconds looked at Ina kneeling on the bank of the river, wetting the cloth and running it across her face and then through in her neck and nape.

Ina was kneeling before the river, wetting the cloth and passing through her face, then did the same with the cloth, watering and passing on the neck and nape. The sound of the river soothed her heart. Finally she can see little of that landscape.

The river was wide, she looked both ways and then forward, if they would have to cross a horse for some shallow, she would not know where it would be. The water seemed strong but the atmosphere was quiet. She could see a bamboo forest on the other side of the river. If they had crossed earlier they might have slept through the bamboos, but that was just an idea.

Her eyes traced the immensity of that river, now the night seemed to have black waters, if that destroyed village wherever they went was here this would be a rather frightened environment with those lost souls and the dark river at night. But the sound of wind and the waters made the environment pleasant, and she could still hear the sound of the flames of the fire.

She wet the cloth in the river and looked at its waters. She wanted a shower, that was true, but those waters were strong and Ryouma was present, she could not do that with him around. She twisted the cloth and stepped inside the hakama to reach her back and shoulders. Then she made the same gesture to cleanse her chest and breasts.

Then she saw Masayasu sit next to her. He was extremely silent and despite the grass everywhere, she did not hear him approaching. She stared at him and then smiled warmly.

Masayasu rested his elbows on his thighs and looked toward the bamboo forest on the other side of the riverbank. Ina continued to wash herself using the cloth.

"I've been thinking on our mission in Ueda."

Masayasu started talking and caught Ina's attention, who immediately looked at him. He looked serious, his blue eyes looked bright from that night, or maybe it was just beautiful to see him staring up at the horizon with those beautiful blue eyes.

"What's bothering you?"

Ina asked and Masayasu turned his face to her side, meeting her violet eyes, he saw concern in her eyes now.

"Remember I asked you if you knew the Sanada clan?"

Masayasu said and Ina just nodded softly. Masayasu was silent for some time, seeming to organize the ideas to say it to her.

"They have a shinobi working for them. Actually I do not know if there's any more, but one I'm sure."

Masayasu saw Ina's eyebrows rise with a certain surprise, he immediately realized that he should exclaim as he knew about it.

"Sasuke Sarutobi was my colleague in Koga, we did not have the same master, but we had a lot of training together, I know some of his skills and he knows some of my skills."

Masayasu's eyes continued to show no emotion, it was as if he had simply made an unimportant declaration, but he knew that his words mattered to this mission, the presence of someone he knew had a great weight in that mission.

"I will not be able to walk with you through the village, he would recognize me. Unfortunately I will have to walk hidden."

He could see in Ina's eyes a great surprise, and also a great disappointment, maybe she had already planned something that included him. Or she just felt more confident about having his presence.

"Oh, that changes a lot, Masayasu-sama."

Ina sat next to him and looked toward the bamboo forest and was silent for a few seconds, then she looked at Masayasu demonstrating disappointment in her eyes.

"Then I'll have to figure out how to get into the castle or have access to someone there alone. Maybe you can get into the castle at night, but...I'm worried about having a clever shinobi around. Do you think he's capable of mistrusting me? And would not it be dangerous for you to enter the castle with him present?"

Masayasu stared at Ina silently thinking over her two questions. Having another shinobi around was dangerous, Sasuke could distrust spies quickly. He remembered Sasuke very well, was very perceptive and agile, maybe distrusting Ina, she would have to interpret a character convincingly.

"Well, for both of these questions the answer is yes. You can keep your idea about Chie, a traveler who works with your father selling kimono, came looking for different fabrics in the company of your cousin, but your cousin will not be me but Ryouma."

He glanced at Ryouma and watched him bake the fish carefully. Masayasu sighed with his own idea, he did not want to involve that man, he still did not trust Ryouma, but if Ina trusted him he should use Ryouma for something useful on the mission.

"Ryouma?"

Ina was a bit surprised, but as she looked at Ryouma and then at Masayasu she resorted to the idea that it would be the best way to keep a disguise.

"He's going to be Ryu, take him with you to all possible places. I'll be around, but hidden, never seen by anyone."

Masayasu spoke looking at Ina, it was a good idea, so she would not be alone, would not draw attention to being a young girl alone, she would always have her cousin around.

"I'll still be Otsu, when we get to the Inn I'll pretend I'm sick, so I'll have the excuse of staying in the room and not wanting to be bothered. But I go with you, no matter where you go, even if you do not see me I'm going to be with you, Inahime "

He spoke in a serious tone and Ina reached for his hand and touched it, squeezing heavily. Her violet eyes fixed on his blue eyes, she showed affection for him.

"I know, I trust you and your plan."

She spoke, getting a faint smile proud of him. But before she could say anything else, Ryouma appeared to be holding the fish and sitting down with their so everyone could eat.

Ina and Masayasu both looked at him at the same time and Ryouma smiled at them both, taking a piece of the fish with his hand to eat.

"Can I be part of the conversation? I heard that I'm going to be part of the mission."

He said, while eating a piece of the fish, savoring the sensation of something warm, near the river the night seemed a little cold, and eating a roasted fish was pleasant at that very moment.

"Masayasu-sama knows the shinobi who works for the Sanada clan, I can not walk with him through the village, so you will be my cousin Ryu. Miko and her husband are the only ones who know that I was traveling with my cousin and a friend to Ueda we will keep this, but you will be my cousin."

Ina took a piece of the fish and brought it to her lips, the taste was great, even more so after a day almost all without eating, where a simple apple only ended the hunger in the few minutes after being devoured, the fish was more than delicious now.

"I want you to accompany her everywhere, do not leave her alone. We do not know how the clan information network works, but I imagine a new face in the village will get everyone's attention and the matter will reach the castle."

Masayasu said looking at Ryouma, who seemed to pay attention to the plan as he ate.

"Where are you going?" Ryouma asked.

"I'm going to be close, but hidden. I can not be seen or recognized. For all I'll be in the sick Inn's room."

Masayasu spoke in a firm tone a little dry, while facing Ryouma, he hoped that the mercenary did not make any mistake, it would not be difficult to remain as Ina's cousin, he just needed to accompany her.

"Do not make mistakes, you owe it to her and me!" Masayasu spoke dryly.

A whistle came from Ryouma's lips and he shrugged, looking at Masayasu with an innocent expression.

"Okay, do not worry, I will not cause problems for Milady's mission and neither will yours, handsome!"

He smiled wryly and Ina stared at him seriously.

"I hope that, if I fail, Masayasu-sama can be fired and I'll be locked in that Mikawa's castle. Or worse, the Sanada clan can find us and kill us."

"I know, Milady, I am with you. After having hidden from you that I was a spy from your father I do not want to cause any more problems and as proof of this I will do what you tell me. If you need I can help the dear shinobi to enter the castle at night."

Ryouma smiled mysteriously and Ina raised an eyebrow, for some reason she did not like that phrase along with that smile.

"I can seduce some maid from the castle and get information from the inside. Changing shifts between guards, if there are many alert guards, how many there are, I can do it all. Although the shinobi here is the handsome one I know he would not do that to any maid, even more with you present, Milady."

A naughty smile sprang to Ryouma's lips and Masayasu stared at him coolly, his coolness so great that his gaze seemed colder than that night. Ryouma saw his blue eyes opaque as ice.

"I would not do it at all, with or without Inahime around!"

His voice snapped and Ryouma shivered just to hear that Masayasu's voice, so he understood that he did not submit this kind of work for a shinobi, although he knew it was too common for a shinobi to seduce and get information.

"Okay, handsome, without freezing me with your eyes, I'm already cold. I understand that you do not do this kind of work, but I do, and I can get information for you."

He smiled proudly and looked at Ina and then as he looked at Masayasu his proud smile vanished, the shinobi was still looking at him coolly.

Masayasu stared at Ryouma for some time coldly, he did not know if that was a good idea. Having a stranger looking to know about the castle was suspect. He knew Sasuke, he could know this information, Ryouma's presence would reach his ears quickly.

"How do you intend to do that? That's suspicious." Masayasu said.

"No, because I'm not going to ask one question after another, I'm just going to say that I want to see her more often and I need to know how to enter the castle without discovering that I want to see her, or that it can cause problems for her."

Ryouma replied and Masayasu thought it was a plausible answer. He nodded at that answer and took a piece of the fish, now without looking at Ryouma. But that was still suspect, Ryouma needed to be more careful if he did not want to be arrested by the Sanada clan or killed by Sasuke.

"So each one has your initial function. I want to investigate the village first, talk to people, maybe make friends, so I get information. Ryouma looks for information on how to enter the castle, and Masayasu-sama will wait for both information to enter the castle safely. "

Ina spoke with a confident smile and then remembered something and looked immediately at Ryouma. Sasuke. She could not forget him. That would be the biggest problem in this mission!

"Be careful with Sasuke Sarutobi, Masayasu-sama is the only one who knows him, he must signal us who he is, but until that moment comes, be careful. He is a shinobi and may be watching you too."

Ina spoke in a serious tone, watching Ryouma eat the fish as a carefree expression. He seemed to never take anything that was taken seriously, sometimes she understood why Masayasu was in a bad mood with him.

"Okay, Milady, I'll be careful."

He looked up to meet hers and a charming smile appeared as he winked at her.

"But what about being eat first now?"

After finally eating, Ryouma stepped away from the couple and went to lay down on the grass by the bonfire. The sound of the burning fire was almost hypnotic for him to fall asleep after filling his belly with fish.

The night was starting to get darker and the sky filled with bright stars. The moon was crescent moon, leaving the sky more beautiful that night. Maybe that night was more beautiful because finally Ina and Masayasu were coming to Ueda, or maybe because it was the first time they had a really quiet night since they left Okizaki's Castle.

Ina lay on the grass, still on the bank of the river, and stared at those bright stars. The wind was soft that night, but it was cold, perhaps because they were so close to the river. The sound of the river was something that could simply hypnotize, or cause someone to meditate in a few seconds.

She turned her face to Masayasu's side, he was still sitting next to her, watching around, always on alert. She could see his blue eyes searching for any trace or trace of anyone nearby, especially on the other coast, he did not want the enemy to see them before they reached the other coast.

"Why did you choose your shinobi, Masayasu-sama?"

Ina asked and Masayasu looked at her with a small smile on his lips. She could see that the night was his ally, he seemed to have a calmer countenance now at night, perhaps he would rely heavily on his own abilities to the point of preferring the night.

"I did not choose. I was chosen, Inahime."

He answered and saw an incomprehensible expression on Ina. He laughed a little and looked up at the sky. Some stars seemed brighter than others. He took a deep breath as if he wanted to feel more fresh air in his lungs.

"I lost my parents when I was 6. I was the son of peasants."

He looked at her face to check her reaction, but she did not look surprised.

"A group of looters entered the houses at night and killed the men and raped some women and then killed them. The children they wanted to sell as slaves or for brothels. But then a man dressed in black appeared and alone he killed all the looters."

He was talking now looking at the river. Ina sat up quickly and touched his arm. Masayasu looked at her and could see her eyes filled with sadness at the loss of so many innocent lives.

"I know....Then this man approached me and saw me try to injure a looter with a knife. He said he would take me with him, so I came to Koga shinobi school and I was quickly accepted and started to train, this man became my master."

As he spoke softly, Ina could not stop looking into his eyes, thinking that he had never had a long life outside of the shinobi rules. It was not so different from her, if she was going to think about it.

"I trained and became one of the most remarkable shinobi in the school. I got many important missions. And now I'm here with you."

He realized that Ina had a serious countenance, but he could still see affection in her violet eyes, and he knew that this was the representation of her feeling for him, there was sadness, concern, but affection. He knew she cared about him.

"I do not remember my parents, do not worry. My master was a good father."

He touched Ina's face gently and began to caress her cheek with his thumb. She closed her eyes and he smiled a little. So beautiful...he knew nothing about her, was just hanging out with her and trying to learn more about her, her personality and ideas.

"When did you lose your parents?"

He asked and saw Ina's eyes slowly open, her eyelashes lifting and her soft eyes looking up at him.

"My mother died when I was 4, I vaguely remember her, I remember some songs that she sang to me."

She smiled as she spoke about it, Masayasu watched her eyes seem to search for memories, she looked up to meet his eyes.

"My father died in the last year, was sick and died sleeping."

She paused, Masayasu saw her eyes shine as if at that moment she was going to show some weakness, as if tears were springing from her eyes.

Ina did not want to cry, she did not want to cry in front of Masayasu, but she missed her father. She always tried to remember him, his teachings, his words of comfort and wisdom, but she missed his presence, Ieyasu was a good father, but he was not like her real father, Tadakatsu Honda.

Her eyes met Masayasu's eyes again and she realized that he was watching her closely, studying, or trying to learn or understand more about her. She touched his face with her hand and smiled fondly.

"Ieyasu-dono has been a good father, do not worry."

Masayasu touched her back and pulled Ina close to his body, wrapping his arm around her tightly. She was a bit surprised by his gesture, but she could understand what it meant by that, that she was not alone, that she had him.

Ina hugged Masayasu heavily and laid her head on his shoulder, closing her eyes. The sound of the river, Masayasu' soft breathing, the cold night, all together could take hold of her heart and transform her sadness into joy. She should no longer cry, she lost a father, but she won a wonderful bodyguard, a companion...a love, a lover.

Masayasu could hear the sound of Ina's breathing, how long would they have to be together on this trip? The correct thing would be to do the mission and return, but did Ina think it took some time? Maybe for the two of them to spend more time together...He knew that returning to the castle would be nothing like now. They could not be affectionate like now.

He felt her touch on his nape and caress softly. Every touch of her aroused more of his feeling for her. He never thought he would find love in the arms of a hime, nor in the arms of an onna bugeisha. He smiled at the thought of it, it was ironic to think that a shinobi achieved something few would achieve, even a Daimyo.

He turned his face to her and found her violet eyes, soft as the breeze of that night, bright as stars, staring at him. Her eyes were gentle and there was so much purity, a purity he never should, a shinobi is a being corrupted by darkness, death, and destruction. And now he stood before someone as pure as light.

Masayasu approached his face slowly, looking into Ina's eyes, but he saw her close her eyes and then he kissed her lips gently. She corresponded the kiss, it was a romantic night, or she thought so, if it was up to her she would have been kissing Masayasu all night.

His tongue slid into Ina's lips, finding her tongue for a sensual dance. Their kisses grew more intense and deep. He could feel her grip on his kimono and a soft moan escaped her lips.

The kiss lasted for a while until their lips slowly moved away and they opened their eyes and looked at each other. Ina had bright eyes and a mysterious smile appeared on her face. Masayasu did not quite know how to decipher that smile, maybe because he'd never seen her smile that way, but then he knew what it was when her lips came up to his neck and she gave him a kiss and a soft bite.

Masayasu felt his whole body react to Ina's gesture. No, now he was sure she had power over him, he could not lose control of his body. But that tension between them, the kisses, the desires...he knew she felt desires, just like him, it was natural, especially because they were in love with each other.

Masayasu looked at Ina and met her eyes, if they had a little more privacy, but that was not the time, and she knew it too, he could tell in her eyes.

Ina cupped Masayasu's face and brought her face down to kiss his lips and then nibbled his bottom lips with sensuality. She knew she should stop, and she had to stop, or she and Masayasu could not control themselves.

She slowly pulled away from him and looked into his blue eyes, she can see a warm glow in his eyes, she can see desire in those eyes, then she smiled a little. There was a bit of embarrassment, but not for her gesture, but for remembering that they were not alone.

"I'm going to lay down, do not stay up all night, you need to rest, tomorrow we'll cross the river early, and I promise we'll have a moment just ours soon..."

Masayasu looked at Ina's lips as she spoke, and then her blue eyes met hers. She wanted to continue another time, he would wait for this moment, and he really wished it were soon. And he knew he did not have to say anything, she knew about his wishes, it was impossible that she had not noticed.

He touched his thumb to her lips and made the outline of her heart-shaped lips, and finally he felt her kiss on his thumb. He smiled at her, her gestures charming and sensual. They were soft and hot at the same time, she always surprised him.

"Rest...Inahime...I'm going to lay down next to you soon."

He spoke in his low and hoarse voice, but softly, almost in a whisper. Ina took his hand and kissed the palm of his hand and then stood up.

Masayasu followed with her eyes to rise and walk away towards the bonfire. He watched her walk, she walked with pride and elegance, he liked her posture, in fact there was nothing he had not liked in her until now. He was in love, his heart was weak for her, but he would be strong for her, always!

Masayasu saw Ina lying down, she must be cold, that night would be cold, they should have taken a blanket for travel or something to cover themselves, but if they took many things they could get attention of looters, he was sure she thought of that .

He turned his face to the sky to look at the stars, the night was always his only companion, but now he had Ina on his side, someone to trust, to share thoughts and feelings. He was not a man to show feelings, but perhaps learned from her, although young, she was already teaching the true meaning of love to him, he was sure he had much to learn from her.

The sky was really beautiful, Masayasu liked to see the stars and seldom had a quiet time for it. But he could not complain about it, he could not complain at all, this was the life he chose to have, to follow life like a shinobi, until death takes him.

Masayasu put his hand over the wound and made an expression of pain, he always felt pain a little, but did not want to worry Ina even more, he knew that any demonstration of pain she would be worried again. He was not lying to her, just avoiding more worry.

He opened the kimono a little and looked at the wound, it was all right, it was not bleeding, but there was a little pain, nothing in exaggeration, maybe it was the cold near the river or just the tiring trip all day, but he had sure he'd be better after some more rest.

"Are you in pain?"

Masayasu startled the question he heard and looked to the side and saw Ryouma sitting next to him. His blue eyes widened, Ryouma had made no sound and worse, how could he erase his presence? He was confused. Ryouma noticed the confusion in his eyes and then smiled proudly.

"You are not the only one who has the ability to erase the presence or vanish in the shadows my dear shinobi." he winked at him.

Masayasu snorted and closed the kimono. He did not answer Ryouma's question, he was silent and looked at the river, as if he had said that he wanted to be alone.

"Handsome...I just want to help. You love Milady, right?"

Ryouma asked and saw that Masayasu immediately looked at him, but with a cold, indecipherable look. He definitely had no obligation to talk about it with him. Ryouma noticed this and shrugged and continued to speak.

"I know you love her, and she loves you too. Take care, if you feel pain, tell her, she will not be angry or upset with you, she's over it."

He smiled a little and then looked at the river and took a deep breath, as if he wanted to smell the water. Masayasu frowned, Ryouma did not have to say what he had to do to Ina. He made to stand up, but sat down when he heard Ryouma continue to speak.

"You do not know Ieyasu-dono well, right?"

He looked at Masayasu and saw his eyes fixed on him, still without emotion.

"He is not an easy man, and Milady is his favorite daughter. If you wish to have her by your side find a way to conquer Ieyasu-dono, you will need to conquer him to have her as your. She loves you and will do everything to continue with you, but at some point you will have to face the temper of Ieyasu-dono."

Masayasu was silent, this Ryouma was right, he could not avoid Ieyasu for long, at some point he would have to tell him about his feelings for his daughter. But he imagined Ieyasu's reaction, maybe he was dismissed, or maybe imprisoned.

He looked at Ina and her soft breath, he knew she was asleep, she seemed to fall asleep fast when she was very tired, he had already gotten used to her way. Ryouma saw that Masayasu was looking at Ina so he looked at her and then at him again.

"He will not accept you, and I'm sure you and Milady know that, but find a way to conquer him. I heard you tell her that you're the peasants' son, do not tell him that, never! You're a shinobi, that's your social class."

Ryouma spoke and saw Masayasu looking at him with serious expression. For a few minutes Masayasu questioned Ryouma's intentions, he even heard his conversation with Ina, and it annoyed him a little, but he would not show it to someone he did not trust.

"What else did you hear from my conversation with Inahime?"

He asked abruptly. Ryouma realized that the tone of his voice came out sharply, as if he could only kill with his voice.

"Some parts, I was sleepy, but I did not hear everything, and even if I had heard I would not say anything, do not worry."

Masayasu smiled wryly and shook his head in negative as he stood up.

"If I know you're listening to my conversations with her again, I'll cut your throat, damn mercenary!"

His voice came out dry and cruel, his blue eyes had a deadly coldness, and Ryouma knew at that moment that his words were real, that he would die only by hearing a conversation of the two unwittingly.

Masayasu walked to where Ina was lying, crouched down beside her and then lay behind her and wrapped an arm around her. He felt her move a little and smile, probably acknowledging that it was him.

Ryouma watched them both in silence, for some reason he had hurt Masayasu's pride, but it was not his intention, he wanted to help the shinobi, he knew nothing about Ieyasu from what he saw, or the shinobi might be dreading for life in that time.

The night began to cold even more, a cold wind came from the east and Ina curled into Masayasu's arms, it took him some time to fall asleep, but he was alert and sleepy, awakened by any noise. But not that night.

A dream began to come into his mind, as if he had drawn out of nowhere, as if he were watching it, he felt as if he were part of it, he was inside the dream, he looked at his hands and saw that it was part of the dream, so real.

He saw Ina beckon to him, calling him somewhere, but then he looked around and could see nothing, only darkness, but when he looked at Ina she was clear to him, as if she had a light of her own.

He could not hear what she was saying, but his lips moved with her hand gesture calling him. She laughed, he did not hear the laughter, but he recognized her face when she laughed. But then when he reached out to touch her, she suddenly disappeared and a total darkness took over.

Masayasu looked everywhere and could not see anything, he tried to look at his hand but saw nothing. His heart began to accelerate, he called for Ina several times, but he did not hear any voice in response.

"Inahime! Inahime!"

Then he tried to walk, but his feet seemed too heavy and each step was slow and painful, but he forced himself to walk, to move on, step by step.

A noise, he looked to the right side, he was sure he recognized that sound. But what was it? Silence enveloped him again, and he walked again with slow, heavy steps. And again the noise. Yes, he knew that sound, it looked like a blade, maybe a katana.

A laugh. He stopped to listen trying to see in the dark, he felt his heart begin to beat harder. He knew this laugh, but...from whom? His mind might have been trying to fool him. No, it was Ieyasu's laugh, he was sure of it.

He looked to the left side and forced his eyes to try to see in the dark, then the sound came toward him and he startled as he felt a katana cross his chest. He looked at his chest, could not see anything, but he felt the cold blade in his flesh, blood spurting, he tried to touch the katana to pull, but he could not pull from his body, he felt an enormous weakness, as if he had no strength against it. Another laugh was Ieyasu's laughter again. Then he felt his whole body weaken and fall.

Masayasu woke up scared, sitting up quickly and putting a hand to his face. Ina awoke with him, sat quickly and hugged him tightly. She felt his breath heavy, she knew he had had some nightmare, it was the first time she had seen him having nightmares, even when he was mortally wounded he had no nightmare at all.

"Hey... I'm here..."

She whispered and felt Masayasu hugging her tightly. He had not a nightmare in years, he did not even remember that terrible feeling. He was trying to calm his heart, Ina could feel it was pounding, she had never seen Masayasu that way. She looked down at his face, her expression heavy with concern, then cupped his face with both hands.

"Sshh...it was just a dream..."

She whispered very softly and her eyes looked into his eyes. She could see something in his eyes, but she did not know what it was, maybe fear, she could not say. She did not know what he was feeling, Masayasu did not usually say what he thought and felt and it was often difficult to know how he was feeling.

She brought her lips close and kissed his lips gently and then looked into his eyes again. Ina can see Masayasu slowly calming down, she began to caress his cheek as she still stared at him. She had felt him move a little while asleep, and had the impression of hearing he had called her name. If this dreadful dream was with her, perhaps it was not the moment to ask what it was.

"It's okay....I'm fine...rest, you need to go back to sleep."

Masayasu spoke in his low and husky voice. But he saw Ina shake her head in negative, still looking into his eyes.

"I'll just lay down when you're okay and lay down with me."

Masayasu lay down pulling Ina to lay down with him and then wrapped his strong arms around her body. Ina laid her head and a hand on his chest. She could feel that he had calmed down. She looked up to see his face, he stared at the stars, she had no idea what his dream was, but this seemed to have stirred up a bit with him.

"Do you want to talk about it? About...your nightmare?"

She asked and Masayasu looked at her silently, maybe he could talk, but she should rest, she was exhausted, he knew it, she needed to recover the energies.

"Let's sleep, we'll talk about this later."

He answered and Ina just nodded. What could she do if he did not want to talk? Anything. He needed to rest, and she hoped he would not have any more nightmares like that.

Ina was silent looking at Masayasu, she was sure there was something bothering him, since they passed through those lost souls it seemed like he was always thinking of something. But what would it be?

"Masayasu-sama...when we were among the lost souls...what did you feel there?"

She could not avoid this question and saw Masayasu looking at her seriously. She can see his blue eyes dull, as if this theme were something on his darkest side of the soul.

Masayasu was silent watching those curious eyes, he knew that at some point she would ask, maybe he should talk, if he wanted to have a life next to her he needed to talk, he needed to talk about himself sometimes, although it was not his nature, but he knew she would be worried.

"I heard what lost souls wanted."

He paused as he saw Ina's eyes widen in surprise. He had not said anything before because he did not want to worry her even more, she already had many worries on this trip: the mission, their relationship, his wound, one more worry would be too much for her.

"What did these souls want, do they want something from you?"

Ina asked, demonstrating a mixture of surprise and concern in her voice. She could not imagine when Masayasu heard something. Maybe that's why he was pushing so hard not to sleep in that place. Her heart squeezed because she said it would be all right, and it was not all right for him, really.

"They told me that my hands are dirty with a lot of blood, blood of people of various social classes, guilty and innocent blood, that I deserved a painful death, and that I should kill Ryouma."

Ina was even more surprised. Her violet eyes were so wide open that Masayasu could tell she had not imagined any of this until he'd said it now.

"Why did not you tell me that? I insisted on staying and said that it would be all right because I felt that these souls would not hurt us, why did not you tell me that they really wanted to hurt you?"

She asked and a faint smile appeared on Masayasu's lips.

"They did not want to hurt you, but to me and Ryouma, but somehow they could not approach him and wanted to use me for it. If you were not there, if you had not stopped me I would have killed him and the souls they would kill me."

Masayasu spoke and Ina's eyes filled with sadness, for some moment he thought she would cry with this news, but to his surprise she just hugged him tightly.

"Do not hide anything from me, I'm by your side whenever you need to. I know you'll never tell me everything, but if something bothers you, tell me, I need to know."

Ina spoke close to Masayasu's ear and he hugged her and smiled a little. It was different to have someone who cares and wants to take care of him, wants to hear how he feels or thinks, hear what bothers him. He never thought he would find someone like her in his life, and he felt really lucky because she was part of his life.

"Okay, I promise I'll try to share more about myself with you. This is not easy for me, Inahime...but I'll try, I do not guarantee it will ever happen, but... I'll try."

Masayasu spoke and Ina's eyes met his and she could finally smile, everything he said brought great sorrow into her heart. He had pains and worries that he did not share with her, perhaps out of pride, perhaps because he always lived that way, but he needed to trust her more.

He smiled a little at her, still looking into her eyes, he saw so much feeling in those eyes, she had so much love for him. He definitely felt happy next to her, as he had never felt before.

"Rest now, Inahime, you said yourself that we're going to wake up early to cross the river, do not sleep too much."

Masayasu said allowing an ironic smile to appear in the corner of his mouth and Ina giggled at his comment.

"True, I have planned and need to fulfill this, I am an onna bugeisha and I will honor my word."

She smiled mischievously at Masayasu. He could see that she was able to let the mood light after a conversation about a topic like death, she was definitely his light, she could leave any bad moment good.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The morning came fresh, the sun was still pale in the sky, it was rising timidly. There was a gentle breeze, the wind kept coming from the east, but it was a pleasant wind and a timid morning. But Masayasu had already woken up and was watching Inahime sleeping in his arms.

For a few minutes he thought how she could quietly sleep outdoors. Maybe she trusted him so much that she was not afraid to sleep, he appreciated the way she trusted him, it was a blind trust, so he needed to share more of his thoughts with her, it was the only way to reciprocate such confidence in him.

The birds began to sing, Masayasu could hear that they had a nest nearby, perhaps in some tree near the place where they lay. He looked around and saw Ryouma in the river. He had woken up early too, again he remembered his silent gestures last night and frowned over it.

He felt Ina move a little, he quickly looked at her and saw she slowly open her eyes, Ina raised her face to meet Masayasu's eyes and smiled at him, as if that morning was the best morning of her life. Her smile was tender, caressed by him. Her eyes glittered at her face.

"Good morning, Masayasu-sama..." she whispered.

"Good morning, Inahime..."

Masayasu spoke in his low and rather husky voice. Ina liked to hear his voice, especially when she woke up and remembered that she was asleep in the open air, under a sheet of stars. She sat up and ran her hand through her hair to tie again, since her hair was messy.

Masayasu sat down and watched her tie her hair, her great ability for this, without look in the mirror. She looked at him as she tied her hair and smiled gently.

"Let me tie your hair too, are messed up."

Ina spoke and quickly knelt down and went behind Masayasu and began to run her hand through his hair and dropped his hair. She put the rope to her lips and then began to slide her fingers through his black and soft hair. He felt her fingers and it was a good feeling. He could stay like this for hours, it was reassuring.

"Good Morning!"

Ryouma appeared from the river with a fish in his hands, he saw Ina skillfully tie Masayasu's hair.

"Good Morning!"

She replied with a cheerful smile. He realized that Masayasu did not respond, but only to win a cheerful smile of Ina he was satisfied.

But his eyes met Masayasu's and he noticed his cold gaze on him. For some reason after the last conversation their relationship had taken a step back. Ryouma sighed and went to make a bonfire to roast the fish.

"Breakfast will be coming soon, and then we'll face the cold waters of this river!"

He spoke cheerfully, crouched down in front of the bonfire and then he looked towards Ina and Masayasu and witnessed a scene of affection between them, he saw Ina wrapped her arms around Masayasu's neck behind him and kissed her cheek. He can see the shinobi touch her arms with both hands and smile. It was a smile full of affection and there was happiness there, he had never seen Masayasu like that. Ina really was the one to touch her heart.

Seeing Ina and Masayasu in this way made Ryouma think what might happen during this mission, he knew that Ina had been sent to this mission to get information about the possible betrayal of the Sanada clan, how would she act with the clan? Is she going to seduce someone to get information? What will Masayasu think of this?

He did not know how she would act, but it was likely to be using her beauty and charm, since Ieyasu chose a woman for this mission. Had Masayasu already thought about that? Does he think about it? He wanted to see them together, but did Masayasu fully trust Ina, just as she trusts him? This came into his mind at that moment, the mission would begin, and what would their relationship look like?

[lady-inahime]

Book - The Princess and the Shadow

Chapter 8: Many secrets

Ina was taking pieces of the onigiri and eating distractedly, but then she realized that Masayasu was looking at her. She smiled at him and saw that he had finished eating his onigiri, he must be hungry. She realized he was still staring at her in silence, then she leaned toward him with an amused smile.

"What happened, Otsu?" she asked in a whisper. "Are you still hungry?"

She offered her onigiri to him and Masayasu took a small bite, he could not leave her hungry, she needed to eat well too. Ina smiled at the sight of those blue eyes still staring at her. Masayasu could stop her breathing looking at her like that.

"Chie..." Masayasu grinned, he did not get used to that name. "Have you ever wondered what you're going to do when you get to Ueda?" he asked in a low voice.

Ina got a little serious and nodded slightly as she placed another piece of onigiri on her lips. She chewed and then swallowed again nodding, looking at Masayasu.

"First let's rest, this trip is tiring for you."

"And for you. I know, I see." he spoke and saw a smile on Ina's lips.

"Yes, I want to rest better and then prepare for Ueda."

Ina stared into Masayasu's eyes. She could not speak much since Ryouma was around and he could hear, but she knew that Masayasu had understood what she meant.

"When we're alone I'll tell you my plan..." Ina whispered to him.

"Do you know them?" Masayasu asked.

"I saw them from a distance, from my room, I did not talk to them and they never saw me. But I know their faces and a little of their manners, my father described each of them very much for me."

Ina realized that there was something in those eyes, but she never knew what it was. Would that be a concern? Maybe Masayasu was worried about the mission or about her, but once they got to Ueda and they were alone they would talk better about it.

Ina took a hand from Masayasu and placed it on her leg and held it while he looked into her eyes, if there was concern she had to get it out of him, as shinobi was not good to be worrying about her all the time, she knew how to take care, defending herself, and she knew he was aware of it.

"Do not worry so much, you've already seen that I'm strong and full of energy."

She let a playful grin appear on her lips and Masayasu smiled at that. It was true she was surprisingly strong for a young woman like her and had a lot of energy, if she had been trained to be a kunoichi she would have been a magnificent kunoichi, she has agility, strength and above all great intelligence.

"Let me guess your thoughts." Ina smiled, playing with Masayasu. "You were thinking how could I be a good kunoichi. Oh no no no! I do not know how to make a bad face."

She started laughing and brought a hand to her lips to try to cover the laughter. Masayasu laughed at her, she was right, shinobi and kunoichi were reputed to be serious or bad looking. And it was good to see her laughing like that after the last night.

Masayasu touched Ina's face, she immediately stopped laughing and looked at him. She found those beautiful blue eyes looking at her. She liked those sudden touches of him, every time he touched her, even in her hand or face, she wanted more and more. She wanted his kisses ... wanted to wrap herself in his strong arms and be kissed by him...her heart was rampant with love for him, she had no more doubts.

Ina had promised that they would wake up early and would follow the way to the river as fast as they could, but now her heart asked to stay a little longer with Masayasu, but she decided to follow his idea and then she touched his hand and smiled fondly for him.

"We need to go, we need to at least get to the river today."

She spoke and saw Masayasu nodded. She knew he was worried because he still had a long way to the river, so it was likely they would have water at night, but not food, they would have to camp before the river.

Ina stood up elegantly, still holding Masayasu's hand, who stood up along with her, looking into her eyes. He saw her offer the rest of the onigiri, he accepted, he was already feeling better to eat and really needed that for a quicker recovery.

Ina watched Masayasu pick up the rest of her onigiri and eat. She looked around them, now by day she could see the whole field destroyed. There were few trees really, some crooked trees, others dried. Little grass was born there, perhaps some rebels and proud. The field practically had only ground, nothing else. But if they looked at the horizon they could see grass ahead and trees. That place was really destroyed...not, devastated by a battle.

She still felt the melancholy of that place, but the lost souls did not seem so present at that moment, perhaps because it was day. But she knew that place was devastated by ruthless people who did not mind killing innocents. And since it was still inside Mikawa, she feared that her father was involved in it.

Her eyes met Masayasu's eyes, immediately he understood that she was thinking about that place. He looked around as he sucked on his fingertips. He still smelled of death. Death of innocents who now wanted revenge.

He looked at her and touched her cheek gently. Ina quickly looked at Masayasu, her eyes were calm, she was loaded concern about Ieyasu being involved with those who killed the people who lived there. Maybe it was the time that served Nobunaga Oda, who knows?

"It's okay, let's get our horses ready before Ryouma starts saying we're delaying him." she smiled at Masayasu.

"He would not dare say that to me around."

Masayasu responded by taking Ina's trunk and leading to Haku to pin in him. Ina brought her hand to her lips to cover a smile as she heard him say it about Ryouma. Masayasu stared at Ryouma who was talking to Silver and then turned to put cell on the horse and adjust the trunk. Ina approached Haku and Masayasu and held her bow to pin in the horse's cell.

Masayasu could see her eyes fixed as she held the bow. He could see that she had good focus, maybe in the future he could teach some shinobi tricks to her, she was apt to learn. He smiled at this idea, it would be interesting to act as master for some time, even more so for her, it would be another way of being with her.

Ina noticed his gaze studying her, she quickly raised her own gaze to find his. She smiled gently. He seemed more curious about her, or maybe just enjoyed watching her while she was doing some task.

"Have you tied this trunk too much, or is that a new excuse to look at me?"

Ina joked with Masayasu allowing a giggle to slide out of her lips. He liked to hear the sound of her laughter, he liked to watch that happy face before him. More and more he enjoyed looking at her, looking at her beauty, her gentle and softly ways. She had his heart, maybe she knew it. He smiled with that thought going through his mind.

"When we get to an inn, we need to talk."

Masayasu spoke in a serious but there was softness and gentleness in his tone. Ina stopped laughing and looked at him, she realized that it was a serious matter he wanted to talk about, maybe it was about what was going on between them. Maybe he was wondering what to do when they returned to the castle. She also needed to talk to him about it, but when they were alone.

Ina nodded and saw Masayasu walking towards Mako and beginning to tie the cell into her. He was quiet, maybe what happened to him last night had scrambled with his deepest feelings. How many people has he killed on a mission? Her heart said that much, enough for him to fear those souls lost last night. Was he afraid? Maybe...maybe his pride will not let him say it, but maybe he was afraid last night.

Masayasu looked at Ina and saw her ride on Haku and caress his white hair. She was thoughtful and mysterious, he could see. Maybe full of secrets, or maybe she knew something for this mission that she still did not have time to share with him.

Ina looked at Masayasu and saw his blue eyes fixed on her, again he was studying her. What was he thinking? She was trying not to be so predictable with her feelings, she wanted to hide what she thought, since hiding what she felt was a little more complicated to do.

Ina heard Silver whinning and looked at Ryouma's direction and saw him ride Silver. The silver horse looked happy after a night's rest, it did not seem affected by the souls, indeed none of the horses, which might seem strange, since they must have felt, but perhaps the lost souls did not want to hurt any of the animals.

"Ready?"

Masayasu asked already rode on Mako. Ina looked at him and trotted to his side with a bright look and a smile full of mystery.

"I'm always ready for you." she winked at him.

Masayasu smiled at the sight of Ina's gesture. Yes, she was mysterious but seductive, she knew something he did not know, and he needed to find out before they reached Ueda.

Either way, it was good to continue traveling even after a bad night, even after bringing in his worst nightmares. So much a smell of death, he was no longer sure if it was the place or him that had this smell of death. He thought about it for a few seconds and then gave up thinking about it.

Masayasu looked at Ina again and began to gently trot with her straight ahead, Ryouma was coming back to start singing a strange song that neither of them knew.

Ina glanced over her shoulder at Ryouma and saw him singing happily sitting on his horse that seemed to shake his head listening to the music, it was a strange but fun to watch scene. She never heard that song, it could be from another area of Japan that she did not know, North or South, maybe.

"Where's this song from?" she asked.

Ryouma smiled charmingly at Ina and winked at her as Silver whined as if she were answering the music. Ryouma looked at his horse and then at Ina and laughed.

"It's old, I'm not sure where I heard it, but it's very old, maybe that's why you do not."

He allowed his best charming smile to appear on his lips. Ina saw the smile and laughed, nodding.

"Okay, Mr. Old Mercenary." she mocked and looked at Masayasu.

Masayasu looked at Ina and at once Ryouma sang the old song again. Ina smiled at Masayasu and looked at the horizon.

After spending the night in an unsettled place, they had now passed a place that although it had marks of which it was a road, there was still grass on both sides, a lawn a little dry because of the season, but it was still green .

Ina looked to her right side and saw trees spreading all the way, all with orange or red leaves. It was a beautiful view, maybe a mountain would be even more beautiful to see. A beautiful red colored all the way on the right side. A smile welled on her lips. It was good to see beauty after seeing that terrible place.

Ina closed her eyes for a few seconds and breathed in the clean air around her, it smelled of dry grass, but it was still pleasant to smell back. She opened her eyes and smiled a little. She felt free from the castle, free of rules, free of orders, free from being a princess. This sense of freedom was unique in her heart.

She looked at the left side and saw a lawn stretching out to find a meadow filled with rice fields. The view was beautiful, it should have several farmers in that area, so looking further up from the rice field she could see small wooden houses, men and women working with the crop, children running and playing near the rice field.

Her eyes softened with that view, it was beautiful, beautiful to see the people cultivate, to care for each other. She could see that there were several families, but all helped one another, the peasants could be very different from the nobles. The peasants valued family and food, the noble status and power.

Her eyes traced the way the children ran, one after another, in simple, dirty kimonos. She smiled at the simplicity. They were so happy with so little. And they was free to choose and love whomever they wished...

She met Masayasu's eyes looking at her and laughed at him. He was watching her most of the time and saying nothing.

"What happened? Is there something wrong with me?"

She asked and immediately looked at her hakama and then to her kimono and looked up to look at Masayasu with a confused look. She tilted her head a little to the side trying to figure out what was wrong.

"You're mysterious today." Masayasu replied.

Ina raised her eyebrows with a half smile. Slowly her half smile became a full smile and then a laugh. Masayasu raised an eyebrow without understanding the reason for the laughter. Ina lifted a hand to her lips to try to hide her laugh, but it was almost impossible.

Ryouma raised his eyebrows at the laughter, then smiled. She seemed happy with the shinobi, so no matter what the laughter was, he saw the young girl happy, that was all that mattered to him, since she liked to see the women around her happy.

"Mysterious, Otsu?" Ina repeated and tried to stop laughing at least for a moment.

"Maybe I have secrets, but I can share it with you, maybe when we get to the Inn I'll tell you anything you want to know about me, but I can not imagine what's mysterious in me. I have no secrets for you, and I will never have, just ask me what you wish to know....Otsu. "

Ina then smiled brightly at Masayasu. He saw that he smiled and then nodded a few times and looked at the horizon.

"Okay, so I'm going to look at the horizon." He spoke and Ina laughed again.

"I like it when you look at me, I like it when you think of me...then...yes...you can travel looking at me if you wish."

Ina spoke as she reached out to touch Masayasu's arm with her hand, their horses side by side. Masayasu looked at her and saw those beautiful violet eyes bright, still full of mystery and seduction. Or maybe he just saw her this way, since she had taken his heart completely.

Ina realized that as the three of them rode toward the path that led to the river, time and time Masayasu looked at her again. He must have sensed her concern or sadness amidst her thoughts of freedom. A freedom she did not quite have.

She wanted to sit with him and really talk about how she felt, but that was not right to do, he did not have to know she felt stuck to so many rules, maybe he knew, since he himself said he already protected other princesses.

Her eyes wandered over the plain, this mission was the best thing that ever happened to her. Her eyes darted across the horizon, and then they found Masayasu's face riding beside him. Now even better because she had HIM. She smiled fondly.

Her heart pounded so hard in his presence. She who always thought she would never know love. Intended to marry a man she does not love, she was now experiencing feelings she had never thought to feel. She wanted to experience all the feelings of love and desire beside him, as much as she could, after all she did not know what the future would be like. The future was uncertain.

The day had a strong sun, Ina wore a chip hat not to burn her skin, but it was not hot, it was cool, with a gentle wind touching her face from time to time. That trip had already had so many events, she was sure many others would come.

Masayasu looked at her and met her violet eyes. She looked serious, maybe she was thinking about her mission, or maybe thinking about them. Some moments he had been thinking of them, after all...What would they be after he returned to the castle? He knew, it was a forbidden love, impossible to exist. Their classes were different, her father would not let her stay with him.

He began to wonder if Ina had plans or ideas for it, all his ideas were risky, but if she really wanted to be by his side he would risk for her.

"Otsu."

Masayasu was taken out of his thoughts when he heard Ina's voice calling for him. He was silent looking at her, waiting for her to say what she wanted.

"I know what you're thinking, I'm trying to find solutions or even ideas for it, it's not that easy..."

Ina stared into his blue eyes. She knew he was thinking about their relationship. She felt her heart tighten as she thought about it.

"When we get to Inn I'll talk about my ideas."

She smiled warmly, trying to reassure him. She knew he must be worried, because the one who would lose the most would be him. He could be fired or... worse...

"I'll wait for this moment, because my ideas should not be better than yours, you know him better than I do."

Masayasu spoke still looking at Ina. They had a mission, but their minds also had this concern, after all they did not think they would fall in love, but it happened and they have to deal with the consequences of it. Hard consequences, because he was sure that even Ina bringing ideas to a conversation, nothing would be easy for them.

The trip continued at the same pace, the three rode in silence most of the time, only Ryouma who sometimes sang some music unknown to the other two. The sun began to get stronger, Masayasu realized that it must be around midday, he knew they would stop to rest for a while, but they had no food, the last one had eaten in the morning.

He looked at Ryouma, he seemed to never get tired of the trip, he was a strange man, sometimes he talked too much, sometimes he was mysterious. He still did not trust him. Ryouma looked at him with a wry smile. They stranger smile always seemed to hide something. What would it be?

Masayasu looked at Ina, she never complained of fatigue, the way she was trained not to make complaints was incredible, but that made him unable to tell if she was tired, hungry and sad about something.

The trip followed, they already rode in the middle of the afternoon, soon they would be in the place of the river. Masayasu looked around, the atmosphere was really calm, taking out some peasants who could sometimes see in the distance, looking to the right or left, there was no one else, only the three of them.

Masayasu saw that Ina did not ask to stop, maybe she was expecting him to say he was in pain and needed to stop, her strength and determination was great, but he was sure she was hungry like he.

Her violet eyes always seemed thoughtful, he did not know if it was because they were approaching Ueda and she was beginning to think about the plan, or if she was just tired and did not admit it.

He quickly heard the sound of Silver's hooves approaching and turned the face to watch Ryouma approach Ina.

"Milady!"

He spoke to her and her violet eyes met his, she smiled gently, and then she was surprised when she saw him hold an apple. For a moment she wondered whether she should accept it or not.

"Silver wants to share his lunch with you." he smiled charmingly at her and then winked.

Ina was surprised by this gesture and then picked up the apple and bowed her head to Silver.

"Thank you, Silver, you're really adorable!"

As she said this she saw the silver horse neighing and nodding proudly, earning a laugh from her. Masayasu looked toward Silver and then to Ryouma, he was very friendly with Ina. Why? When he started to be very friendly and helpful to Ina, he always suspected something. He always suspected Ryouma.

"You too, dear shinobi!"

Ryouma threw an apple at Masayasu who instinctively grabbed with his left hand and stared at Ryouma for some time in silence, his gesture slightly suppressed him, but he did not want to show it to the mercenary.

"Thank you, Ryouma."

Ryouma took another apple from his bag and bit, winking at Masayasu.

"You're welcome, handsome!" He quickly looked at Ina and smiled at her. "Eat, Milady!"

Ina looked at Ryouma and smiled warmly. He had a good heart, even though he was a mercenary, she had to believe that. Why would he help her if he did not have a good heart? She then nodded and bit the apple.

"We have a few more hours from here to the river, we should arrive in two hours..." Ryouma pointed toward the path. "But I do not think it would be nice to cross. The nearest village is still a few more hours, it would not be good to ride wet clothes while it is darkening."

Ryouma spoke with his mouth full as he chewed the apple. Masayasu listened to the mercenary and really agreed with him, it would not be good for Ina to ride the night of hakama wet, she could get sick. But he would have to find food for her.

"I agree, it's dangerous, and we're going to make the most of what we get before the river, tomorrow we'll be in Ueda, right?"

He glanced at Ina as if wishing to say that they were two votes against one. Ina took a bite of the apple as her eyes met from Masayasu staring at her, quickly realizing that he was meaning that she had lost, that even if she wanted to cross the river late in the afternoon, it would be two votes against one. She smiled at him and shrugged.

"Okay, you win, we'll rest on the river and cross tomorrow morning, but we do not have food, that can be a problem at night."

She bit the apple and looked at Ryouma's face and then at Masayasu with a look of serenity, but she was worried about the food they needed, or tomorrow they would be weak to ride.

Ryouma let a broad smile appear on his lips as if he knew something that Ina and Masayasu did not know. Masayasu raised an eyebrow, he did not like to see that silly smile, he knew that Ryouma was hiding something.

"Say it, mercenary!" he grumbled.

Ryouma laughed, tossing his head back. Ina's eyes widened as she bit at the apple, Ryouma's joy showed that he was being even more ironic, she had no doubt about it.

The mercenary looked at Masayasu and winked at him. "There are fish in the lake, I can get some, I have many skills, dear shinobi."

Ryouma smiled proudly and Masayasu just stared at him seriously. Then he bit the apple and looked forward as if he was not impressed, or was not interested in knowing about his abilities.

Ryouma pretended an offended look, as if Masayasu's disinterest had really upset him, but then a smile appeared on his lips and Ina realized it. For the first time she did not consider it as irony, she considered that he was hiding something. Maybe he was lying about something.

She looked forward and thought about it, if he was hiding something, if he had been lying about it, what could it be? He was a mercenary and even if he had not confirmed it was obvious by his tattoo. What could it be?

She looked at him out of the corner of her eye. Could he be a spy? Was Masayasu right to be suspicious of him? Not thinking that he would steal them, but hid something from them. He would talk to Masayasu about it when Ryouma went to get the fish in the river.

After eating the only thing they had as food, apples, they followed the path. The sun began to subside, the temperature too, and Ina tossed her chip hat back, staying on her back. Her quiver was attached to the horse with the bow.

Masayasu put his hand on the wound, Ina realized and looked at his face, raising an eyebrow as if to start censoring because he did not say anything. He quickly looked at her and looked at his wound and then at her again.

"It started to hurt now, I think it's because I've been sitting all day, we have not taken any breaks." he said.

"You and I are going to walk a little."

Ina pulled the reins and stopped Haku, who looked tired and hungry. Masayasu did the same with Mako and stepped off the brown horse carefully.

Ina came down from Haru and held his reins and began to walk next to Masayasu. Each pulling his horse. Ryouma next looked at them and smiled, as always Ina stayed with Masayasu, no matter what, this was what he called true love.

Ryouma wanted to give some privacy to the lovebirds, sometimes he could see in Ina's eyes that she wished she was with Masayasu, but his presence disturbed her ideas. He smiled slightly to himself and began to ride forward.

Ina realized that he began to ride further, and that was her chance. She grabbed Masayasu's hand, which looked at her calmly. He saw in her gaze that she wanted to talk about something. He saw her looking at Ryouma and then at him, he could understand that it was about him.

"What is it?" Masayasu asked in a whisper.

"I feel secrets there." she whispered to him.

Masayasu looked at Ryouma at once. He was always suspicious, if Ina started to suspect maybe he was right from the start. But what would it be? Maybe he was a spy. But from whom?

"He's lying about something." Inahime whispered.

Masayasu immediately looked at her, a strange gleam in his gaze acted, she knew at that moment that he would act as shinobi that night to discover the lies Ryouma's lies and secrets. She was right about that, but Ryouma's gesture showed that she was right about distrusting him.

The sunset came, Ina looked up at the sky and Masayasu looked at her immediately, seeing her smile, she liked the sunset, he needed to remember it for some special moment. A faint smile and he saw her look at him affectionately. Even with so much concern in mind she is very beautiful, she was even more beautiful in the face of the sunset, or perhaps he had a very soft heart.

As Ina walked holding Masayasu's hand they began to see the river ahead, a cheerful smile sprouted to Ina's lips, they were finally almost in Ueda, her heart filled with happiness at the thought that another night in Mikawa and the next night would be in Ueda.

Her eyes searched Masayasu's eyes, he smiled at her as he met her eyes, he saw that she was happy to finally get to the river, he just hoped it was not Ryouma's trick and found something bad in that place.

The sound of river water began to fill the atmosphere, the river was strong in that part, surely they should find a quieter place to cross, and he hoped that Ryouma really knew where the quieter, shallowest place to cross was. He saw Ryouma dismount from Silver and saw him looking back with a smile.

"We're coming from the place I said, a little further!"

Masayasu frowned at Ryouma, he still had not forgotten what he had done last night, taken Inahime and him to a place full of vengeful souls, he was already prepared to attack Ryouma had he taken them both into an ambush .

He pressed Ina's hand a little and she looked quickly at him a little surprised, for a moment she did not understand but felt his hand cold when she felt if his hand was cold was because he was very calm and prepared to attack case something bad was going to happen.

Ina watched Masayasu's face, he was focused on Ryouma, with each step and gesture of him, his shinobi instinct was alert, and she should be alert as well. She did not know that region, never traveled that way, it could be an ambush.

Then Masayasu stopped and Ina looked forward and saw Ryouma standing with a wry smile, looking at them both. Her heart pounded. She saw a strange gleam in his gaze, something she had never seen before and in his smile there was something mysterious. No! He would betray Masayasu and her!

Ina thought sadly that all this time she had trusted Ryouma, but she must have suspected that he might not want to steal, but maybe it was worse. So many times she heard that there were bands that kidnapped women and sold to a brothel. This was terrible, but if he were that kind of man he would have to fight her, and she was prepared to commit seppuku before being taken to such a place.

This time she would not hold Masayasu, she could not, if Ryouma had betrayed their trust there would be nothing for her to do, except to let Masayasu kill him. She knew he wanted this from the start, she looked at Masayasu and then back at Ryouma.

She looked into those bright eyes, Ryouma hid something, and he hid it well all this time. What would it be? She looked around to see if more men would appear, but she heard no other sound but just the river.

"So you're going to betray us?"

Masayasu asked huskily. His gaze was cold on Ryouma, his face never deceived him, from the first moment he knew there were secrets, he always smelled of betrayal.

Ryouma let out an ironic laugh and opened his arms and looked around quickly, then at Masayasu and Ina. He seemed to be showing his true face now, Ina could see that.

"How do you see we're alone. And Milady...or should I call you Inahime?"

His eyes fixed on the beautiful face of the young girl, who opened her eyes wide. Masayasu had not called her from Inahime at any point in the journey, how did Ryouma know her name? Not! He was a spy! Of the Sanada Clan? Maybe!

Masayasu frowned immediately and looked at Ryouma more coldly, Ina could feel his hand cold like death. She could tell he was ready to kill, and she knew he would if he had to. Depending on what Ryouma will say now, surely Masayasu would not give him another chance, and she had to accept his decision, after all, betrayal was not something she approved of in any way.

"I know you will consider this betrayal." Ryouma shrugged and sighed, putting his hand on his forehead. "I already knew who you two were since I joined you."

Ryouma saw Masayasu take a step forward and then he smiled wryly.

"Who are you, damn you?" Masayasu growled. He would not let that man cheat again, play with him and Ina.

"Calm down, dear shinobi, I know you were right to mistrust me, but I really did not want all of this to go that way."

He looked at Ina and saw that she was not disappointed, maybe she had suspected him after last night, he was not sure, but he needed to explain everything fast or the shinobi would kill him.

"Ieyasu-dono hired me to be your guide... He always hires me to get information for him. I've been working for him for some time, Milady." he can see her surprised eyes. "He hired me to report on the trip, he was worried about you."

"What?" Ina frowned at Ryouma. Did not her father trust her? Was that it? Report the trip? She could do it when she came back!

Ryouma quickly looked at Masayasu before the shinobi could think Ieyasu did not trust him or trust his skills.

"I must add that has not to do with confidence. He just did not want you having problems with bandits and as I know they all have that facilitate finding ways not to deal with it."

He put a hand on the back of his neck and before Masayasu spoke, he made a gesture with his hand for him to wait a little.

"I just did not expect us to be attacked in the forest, but... how can you see or brought you down a path where we have no more problems with attacks!" He smiled proudly.

Ina was understanding the subject, Ryouma had been hired for her father to be their guide, but why did not he just say that before? That would have prevented so much misunderstanding and mistrust.

"Why did not you say anything about it? Is there anything else you're not saying? Report the trip? Or report what happens to me?"

Ina asked in a serious tone and Masayasu looked at her. She was distrusting of Ryouma hiding anything more about the service he did to her father. She knew Ieyasu better, maybe she knew what he might be hiding.

Ryouma looked directly into Inahime's eyes and a faint smile appeared on his lips, she knew her father well he even imagined what she might be thinking. As Ieyasu said, he should be careful because both Ina and Masayasu were intelligent and could realize his mission if he did not have a convincing story.

"Yes, I have a mission to report everything that happens to you, Milady, and I see many things have happened between you and the handsome man, but...."

He paused and put his hands on his hips and met Masayasu's blue eyes and smiled friendly at him, as if the shinobi was a close friend of his.

"I'm not going to say anything about the two of you. I'm going to pretend I do not know anything, it's not fair, and I see you two really love each other."

He smiled at Masayasu again, though the shinobi stared at him coolly, not moving a muscle of his face, and then he looked at Ina and saw a cheerful smile on her lips and eyes bright with happiness. He thought he'd done the right thing, open up with them and talk about his mission, he could see that it took weight from Ina's heart and that made him smile.

"I could not follow you on this mission without saying that I was here as your father's spy. I liked you, Milady and my dear shinobi, I do not want to misunderstand you."

He shrugged, then smiled charmingly. Masayasu looked at him seriously. He was not sure if he could trust Ryouma's words, now that he knew he worked for Ieyasu he had his life in hand, he could just tell what happened between him and Ina and he would surely be dead.

Masayasu squeezed Ina's hand a little and she immediately looked at him, meeting his blue eyes. She saw that he still did not trust Ryouma, and she understood the reason immediately. Her father. If he had known about the two, he could kill Masayasu.

"Can we talk to each other alone, Inahime?" He asked and then saw Ryouma smile at them.

"I promised fish for tonight. I'll do a bonfire and catch the fish while you talk."

Ryouma bowed exaggeratedly and pointed toward the river, then turned and walked away from the couple, fetching fallen branches to prepare a fire. Masayasu stared at him and waited for him to push away as much as he could not possibly hear.

His blue eyes met Ina's violet eyes, though he did not usually show how he actually thought or felt through his gaze, she could see the worry growing.

"I do not know if I can trust him. He has my life in his hands. As shinobi I need to kill him."

He spoke in a low tone and Ina smiled softly as she touched Masayasu's face with affection. She knew that this would be the subject of the conversation and needed to find the right words for him to believe that he would be all right.

"No. He will not betray our trust again. He will not do it. If he knows my father knows what he would do to you, he will not say anything about us..."

Her voice was filled with affection, she did not want Masayasu to think he was at a disadvantage, that was not true, and she knew it was terrible for a shinobi. She released Haku's reins and cupped Masayasu's face with both hands.

"Look at my eyes..."

She asked and quickly Masayasu looked into her eyes, he saw that she was calm, confident that Ryouma would not do anything against him. He did not understand how she could trust Ryouma after he'd said he was working for her father all along. He could say anything about the trip, about them.

"You trust me, right?" Ina asked.

"You're the only person I trust in this life." he replied.

An enlightened smile appeared on Ina's lips and she brought her face close to his and kissed his lips gently, closing her eyes slowly. Masayasu was already missing her lips....of her kisses...He wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her close to his body and gave a soft kiss to her lips, and another kiss.

Ina smiled after the kiss and opened her eyes slowly and let their gaze meet softly.

"Then believe me, he will not do anything. He really likes you and me. I'm sure he wants to win our friendship, so he decided to tell the truth."

She spoke softly, Masayasu watched her lips move as she spoke, he could not relax, he could not stop thinking about it, it was his nature as shinobi.

"I will not let anything bad happen to you, Masayasu-sama...the life brought you to me, I will not lose you to death. I am with you, today, tomorrow and forever..."

Ina whispered and then a warm smile covered her lips in a way that made Masayasu's heart beat a little louder. She knew how to awaken every feeling in him. She knew how to show the way of love and passion. He always wanted to be by her side, no matter how.

Masayasu trusted Ina, but he still did not trust Ryouma, and maybe he would never trust, but for now he would accept Ina's words, his focus was on the mission they would have when he came to Ueda.

He touched her face with the back of his hand and rubbed his hand a few times on her cheek as he looked into her eyes, she looked fine with it, but he did not, he wished he was with her, but he feared dying for it.

This was the first time he'd felt happy in years, he did not want to lose it to death, he wanted more time with her, to enjoy moments that he never had. She was provided moments he never had in his life, as shinobi could not love, it could weaken his heart. But she did not weaken him, she gave strength to his heart, a desire to live to be with her.

But for all the desire he felt to be with her, they needed to avoid showing their feelings for each other in front of strangers, although Ina had done that, she always expected them to be alone, or in front of Ryouma, as if she did not care with his opinion. Maybe she was right.

"When we get to Ueda we will keep our disguises and be careful not to distrust us. I do not want anything to reach your father's ears, not before we plan something."

Masayasu continued to rub Ina's cheek and smiled a little at her as he watched her nod with a tender smile. She was so sweet and careful with him that many times he wondered if he deserved it.

He turned away looking at her, so many revelations today and so much to think about. He took a few steps back still without losing her eyes, and then took the Haku and Mako's reins and pulled them both close to what would be their camp, where Ryouma had made a bonfire.

Ina looked at Masayasu, she knew that he feared dying, but she would not let her father touch him, he was not to blame for falling in love with her, no one can avoid it, it's something that happens to the heart and it happened between them.

Ina looked at Ryouma inside the river, he had pulled his pants up to his knee and was in a part that looked shallow, he was leaning down watching something in the water, she figured it was a fish.

And in a heartbeat she saw that they quickly grab something in the water with their hands and lead to show a fish. He was skilled at it, as he'd said. Maybe he had many hidden abilities. Would he be trusted to be a part of this mission?

She saw Ryouma coming out of the river and approaching Masayasu, who was crouched beside the bonfire preparing a steak for the fish. Ryouma seemed proud to show his fish to Masayasu, who looked at him without showing any emotion. Ryouma just laughed at his lack of expression and handed the fish to Masayasu to clean.

Ina smiled a little at the scene, it seemed a friendly moment if she did not see Masayasu's mistrust. Even though she had known him a few days ago she had realized that he would never trust Ryouma, today his words confirmed this when he said she was the only person he trusted. She needed to think of a way to avoid misunderstanding or mistrust, she needed to avoid Masayasu's bad mood.

She silently approached Masayasu and saw that he had a kunai wiping the fish on a rock. He lifted his gaze as she approached, his fringe falling a little over his face. She came up behind him and knelt behind him.

Masayasu was thinking about what she intended with it, then looked over his shoulder and she put his fringe behind his ear so as not to bother while he cleaned the fish. Her eyes were filled with affection for him, he could see that. He watched as she wrapped her arms around his neck for a hug.

He could feel her strong hold from behind, she wanted to comfort him anyway, he knew the reason and knew she would be worried about him if he did not better his expression. Maybe he was in a bad mood again.

Ina brought her lips to his ear and Masayasu could feel her warm breath, that made his eyes wish to close, but he should not, he had to keep alert, but he could feel her lips next to his ear and her soft voice.

"I am yours, forever....never forget this...no matter the obstacles, I am yours...."

Masayasu heard that whisper and he smiled. It was a small but gentle smile. Her words seemed to have touched where she wanted to touch, in his heart. She was his, no matter the obstacles. And that was all he needed to know.

[lady-inahime]

Book - The Princess and the Shadow

Chapter 7: Enemy or ally?

Masayasu rode beside Ina, he looked at her face and saw a happy smile on her lips. She looked very happy that day, his mind trying to process this thought of what might have caused her happiness. Maybe it was because of the kisses they had last night. He smiled a little at the look of happiness on her face.

Ina noticed Masayasu's smile and looked quickly at him. She can not disguise a warm smile on her lips. Despite her concern for the trip, she was happy to see him well, riding up into so without complaining of pain. And she was even happier because she realized last night that he liked her, just as she liked him.

"You look happy."

Masayasu spoke with a faint ironical smile over his lips, his blue eyes fixed on her, so beautiful and soft, she looked more beautiful today. Was that about what happened last night?

"Yes, I am happy. I feel free traveling away from the house. And I am happy because I have you with me."

Ina smiled again at Masayasu, that was true, she really felt glad to be beside him, this trip was almost a release for her. She was far from the castle, away from Ieyasu, but she was with Masayasu, the only person she wished to have on this trip.

"Well, we're not alone, so maybe you should not be so happy." Masayasu mocked.

"I am listening this my dear shinobi. I have a good hearing, even here behind me!" Ryouma replied to Masayasu with an amused smile on his lips.

Ina looked back and saw that Ryouma seemed to amuse himself with Masayasu's words, she laughed a little and then looked at Masayasu and saw that he looked really better. After the scare when he was injured in the forest, his recovery has been quick, but he should not exaggerate yet.

"Well ... it was not the trip I thought I had, but having the company of the two of you has so much fun." Ina said with a laugh escaping her lips.

Masayasu looked at her seriously. She was having fun because of him and Ryouma. He saw it in her countenance and her cheerful laugh. Ryouma started to laugh as well and Masayasu looked back with a cold look on the mercenary.

"Why are you laughing?" he asked in a cold tone.

"Of you, my dear shinobi. Your bad mood amuses me."

Ryouma replied with irony, still laughing. Ina laughed again and realized that Masayasu looked at her seriously. She tried to stop laughing, biting her own lower lips, but it was a little hard to stop laughing when Ryouma was right about Masayasu's mood.

"Ah, now I understand, you just then against me."

Masayasu said ironically, looking at Ina. Realizing that she was actually enjoying herself, it was good to hear her soft and crystalline laughter. It was good to see her happy again.

"Maybe, dear shinobi."

Ina tilted her head a little to Masayasu's side and smiled at him, showing a playful smile full of mystery. Masayasu could not resist and smiled at her. It was the first time he'd smiled at her that way. His smile was beautiful, he had to smile more often, made her heart jump quickly.

The three of them rode until the sun began to set, they would still need another day and be in the river Ryouma mentioned. The heavens had a beautiful orange sunset with reddish clouds cutting through the sky. There was a soft late afternoon breeze, the night would wind up a bit, maybe it would be a bit cold.

Ina looked up at the sky. She knew that it would soon be night and they would have to stop to rest. She looked at Masayasu and he was riding in silence now his hand over the wound. Quickly she frowned. He promised that he would say if he felt pain, but his promise seemed to have been broken by his stubbornness.

"Let's stop!"

Ina ordered and Ryouma looked at her a little surprised, it was not night yet, but she wanted to stop. why? Masayasu looked at Ina and found a look of disapproval, at the same moment he understood the reason and sighed.

"I'm fine, it's only hurting a little, nothing that needs to stop ahead of time." he replied.

"You can not bleed again, so we need to stop if you're in pain!" Ina spoke in a serious tone and pulled on the Haku's reins that stopped instantly.

Ryouma decided to stop Silver from seeing that Ina was desiring to stop the ride because of Masayasu, if he was feeling pain it was better to stop or he would not be able to follow in the next day, the pain would only increase.

Masayasu saw that they both stopped and then pulled the Mako's reins and stopped as well, he turned back to look at Ina, her serious eyes made him realize that he should speak to her even if he feels a slight pain. He did not want to disappoint her, especially with a promise, he was never good with promises.

He then looked around and came down from Mako carefully, quickly put his hand on the wound again and took a deep breath. He felt a presence and he was surprised to look to the side and see Ina standing beside him, she dismounted quietly and went to his side.

"Let me see." Ina said worriedly looking at Masayasu's face, he looked a little sweaty, maybe the effort was big for him.

Masayasu turned to Ina and stared at her as she opened his kimono and looked in, toward his wound. She did not see blood apparently, if it had opened the wound it would be with blood.

But she put her hand inside his kimono and touched the bandage to see if it was wet with some other liquid. Masayasu stared at her, really she was very worried about him, he should appreciate it and accept her best care.

Ryouma hissed to see Ina putting her hand into Masayasu's kimono. The shinobi cast a cold look on Ryouma who did not seem to be shaken by a simple glance, he smiled wryly.

"Taking advantage of the wounded shinobi, Milady?" he mocked.

Ina did not feel anything, the wound was okay, it was dry, although she felt some sweat on the Masayasu's skin she took her hand out of the kimono and closed it, her eyes meeting Masayasu's eyes.

"You can not be proud in that moment, if your wound opens I will have to close it again and if that happens it will get an even worse scar."

Masayasu saw those worried eyes, he had to follow her orders or she would be really upset with him, he did not want them at all. He would not mind if it was someone else, but with her he did not want to be disappointed. Not her.

"I'm going to be careful, but we're not going to stop, I can keep going, we can get out of here, it can be dangerous at night, we do not even have a camping tree."

Ina heard Masayasu's words and looked around, she saw that it was an open field, until she recognized that she had fought in the past in that field, at that moment there was nothing, just dirt and a bit of dry lawn in some parts. She nodded as she met Masayasu's eyes again.

"Okay, but I'll walk with you."

Ina turned to Ryouma and saw that he was still mounted on Silver, that would be no problem, he could ride if he wished.

"I'll walk a little with Otsu. You can ride if you wish, we'll go a little further until you find at least a few trees to camp under."

Ryouma watched Ina for a while and then looked at Masayasu who looked moody again, or something very similar to that. He shrugged and smiled wryly at both of them.

"Just do not get too far behind, I'll go ahead so as not to disturb the lovebirds!"

He shook Silver's reins as he trotted gently, past Ina and Masayasu. Ina smiled at him in thanks. She took the reins from Haku and started to walk, she looked back to see if Masayasu would follow her. Masayasu could not protest at that moment, then took the reins from Mako and started to walk and quickly caught up to Ina, walking beside her.

Masayasu looked at her, his eyes still showing concern, but she was not angry or disappointed, he would have noticed it in her eyes, but he could not make a mistake with her, not after his promise, it was not fair with her.

"I know I should tell you, but the pain was not great enough to say I was in pain, or stop." he said.

But to his surprise he felt the fingers of her hand entwine his fingers. He looked at her face and saw that she was looking at him with a warm smile. She was definitely not mad at him, she'd just been worried.

"Forget it, okay? But just tell me, even if it's a minor pain, we can walk together like now."

Ina said as she felt Masayasu hold her hand firmly, as if he did not want her to go away for a single second. She smiled at that gesture and met his eyes again, now softer, without the strange mood of minutes ago.

Walking around holding Inahime's hand was something new for Masayasu, he had never felt anything like it, it was not a common gesture, but she did not seem to mind that, just wanted to hold his hand. And he wanted to hold hers.

He smiled a little at the sight of that kind face looking at him with affection, he knew what she was thinking, he could see by the glitter in her eyes, and yes, he felt the same, now he had certainty of it.

The night fell, there was a great silence, except for the sounds of horses' hooves and the gentle wind. The weather was nice, a low temperature, but still not cold. The sky was full of bright stars, some seemed to shine brighter than the others.

Their return was an earthy path with few trees, but there were trees all the way, and sometimes some dry lawn. The horses looked exhausted, so Ryouma stepped down from Silver as well and was walking forward. He looked back and saw Ina and Masayasu walking together, holding each other's hands. A brief smile appeared on his lips and then he stopped.

"I think we can camp on the right side of you. Unfortunately we have neither river nor lake here, tomorrow we will have a full river, but I hope you have water for you."

Ryouma said at the look on Ina's face, she seemed concerned about the place. Her eyes searched for something. He followed her gaze to all sides. Masayasu did not look very different, it was a strange sensation as if he were being watched. But the place was open, with few trees and saw no one around.

"Have you camped here before?" Ina asked.

"No." Ryouma replied looking at her worried face. Her eyes flickered with concern.

"Strange, I have the feeling we're being watched." Ina said.

"I feel the same." Masayasu confirmed.

But Ryouma knew he had a greater sensitivity than theirs and did not feel or see anything. Unless ... no they should not be feeling this. Or were they? Impossible! he has never known people so sensitive to the point of feeling THEM around.

Ryouma was silent, watching Ina and Masayasu. Maybe they were sensitive enough to feel maybe see what existed in that area. The road leading to the river was not desert because the river was dangerous, but because there was something else in that place, a place no one wanted, no mortal, no sensible person.

Masayasu realized that Ryouma was silent and his crimson eyes seemed lost in thought, he quickly realized that there was something with that place. Something very bad. He frowned and took a step forward, but Ina held his hand firmly a little surprised at his gesture. She had not understood what he wanted to do, but she preferred to keep him close to her.

Masayasu looked at Ina seriously and she could see a little concern in those blue eyes. They both looked at Ryouma. Masayasu realized that he was not smiling and this brought a great deal of mistrust to him.

He knew, he suspected from the beginning that Ryouma was not trustworthy, that when he had the chance he would betray Ina, he would betray him. But he did not think it would be in such a place, deserted, with strange sensations. And what sensations were these?

An ironic smile appeared on his lips as he stared at Ryouma.

"So will you to betray us now? After all .... are you an enemy or an ally?"

Ryouma looked at Masayasu's face, he saw distrust and cruelty in those eyes, Shinobi's eyes training not to trust anything or anyone. Masayasu never trusted him, and now he could never gain his trust.

In a matter of seconds, Ina felt Masayasu drop her hand and jump toward Ryouma with a kunai. He gripped his hair tightly and pointed the kunai to his throat, a small movement and Masayasu would cut Ryouma's throat.

Ina put her hands to her lips. She was surprised at how fast Masayasu jumped over Ryouma, she knew he would kill without any mercy. She was not sure if Ryouma was traitor or not, her mind was confused, the place left her mind confused.

Ryouma raised his hands and tried to look into Masayasu's eyes, he saw those cold blue eyes on him, staring into his face, his crimson eyes, he knew that any mistake and the shinobi would kill him.

"Calm down...please...I have nothing to do with this place. I brought you down this road because no one comes here."

Ryouma spoke in a whispered voice, trying to breathe, he felt the kunai lean against his throat, and a thin trickle of blood ran down his skin. He felt his throat dry, he tried to swallow the saliva but could not, he just felt the kunai at his throat. He could not move or knew he would die, and he did not want to die!

Masayasu smiled wryly, there was a bit of cruelty in his smile, his eyes looked like two icebergs, he had no relationship with Ryouma, killing him would be easy and in a matter of seconds.

Ina did not know what to do, she could not trust that they were safe in that place, Masayasu was right to distrust Ryouma, but he had the right to speak, at least try to explain himself. Her heart was pounding, she did not know how to react to it, a few minutes ago it was all right, but now everything seemed confused.

"Otsu, let him speak, I want to hear his explanation. I want to understand why he brought us to this terrible place!"

She spoke in earnest, looking at Masayasu and then at Ryouma, seeing his crimson eyes serious, perhaps afraid of dying. She saw the trickle of blood running down his neck.

"Otsu!" she called.

"Speak mercenary!" Masayasu's voice came out so dry and cold that Ryouma felt a shiver, as if that shinobi was death in person.

Ryouma swallowed and tried to look at Ina, perhaps finding her beautiful face would make him speak better. Her violet eyes had concern, but she was also doubting him, he could see it, and he did not want to lose her confidence, he needed it.

"I ... I brought you here because this route is not used often ... this place is cursed, they say."

He looked at Masayasu. "Many people, peasants were murdered here and they say they come here at night to kill anyone who crosses that road."

He tried to smile, but saw that Masayasu's eyes seemed even more cruel, he would surely die, the handsome shinobi would kill him, and he was right to kill, after all he put Chie in danger, but he had already made that route and never was injured, so he believed that the spirits that were lost there would not hurt generous hearts. They would not hurt Chie!

Ryouma saw Ina's eyes widen with his explanation, this was crazy! She looked around, felt a chill, and put her hands on her arms. She felt THEM coming closer, more closer, looking, listening, as if watching them.

"Milady, I'm sorry to bring you here...but they will not hurt you, you have a good heart, you're a good person, they're just curious, so they're so close..."

Ryouma spoke and felt Masayasu pull his hair more and felt the kunai press a little more on his throat. He closed his eyes, if he were to die so he would die at the hands of this shinobi, maybe it was his destiny. He has traveled so much, met so many people, but he has never met a man so obstinate in protecting his woman from this way. He would die with pleasure by his hands.

"Can you see them?"

Ina asked looking at Ryouma with concern. She felt as if they were so close they could touch her. Ryouma opened his eyes and saw Masayasu still staring at him, eyes crushed, eyes of death. Ryouma tried to look at Ina, she looked confused looking around now.

"Yes, I can see them, but I can not communicate with them, but maybe you can already have a kind heart." he tried to smile.

Ina looked at Masayasu, she saw that he was preparing for her order, as she asked to hear Ryouma was in her hands his life, she who would judge if he should die or live now. She looked at Ryouma, a mercenary, probably with no family, no place to go, no home, she did not want his death. But she still could not trust completely.

Ina looked around and then tried to concentrate on what she felt around her, as if she felt several people close to her, but she could not see any. Then she closed her eyes, Masayasu could see she was trying to focus her around, feel or hear something. Was she trying to trust Ryouma? Was she trying to give him credit?

Ina could not hear anything, but she felt sadness, she felt pain around her, but she did not feel badness, as if they did not want to hurt her. She opened her eyes and looked at Masayasu in surprise, Ryouma might be right, and he should not hurt Ryouma here, it would be more of a lost soul and dead without reason.

"Drop him, Otsu..."

She spoke softly. She did not want to be rude or give an order in a serious way, she wanted him to understand that everything was fine now, she had understood what happened around, lost souls, stuck to a place where they were murdered, she did not have much that to do, but he could not allow Ryouma to join these souls.

Masayasu did not question, he released Ryouma throwing him to the ground coldly. He did not trust the mercenary and would not trust him. He quickly turned the kunai in his hand and put it in the small bag attached to his hakama and stared at Ryouma on the ground. His eyes were cold and cruel, now more than ever he would be alert to him. Ina could trust him, but he did not.

Ryouma stayed on the floor and then sat up trying to catch his breath. He put his hand on his throat and looked at it, seeing some blood. He looked at Masayasu and saw him walking toward Ina. If she did not have a good heart he would be dead for now. Masayasu did not like him and did not trust him... this was fact.

Ina saw Masayasu walking toward her, she could see in his eyes that he was ice-cold the day they met and he seemed to want to kill that poor maid just for her curiosity. She knew she needed to touch his heart to bring him back, or he would kill Ryouma when she blinked.

Ina watched Masayasu approach and then stepped forward and touched his face quickly with both hands. Their eyes met, he knew she did not like to see his eyes that way, but unfortunately he could not change that.

"Hey, I know you do not trust him, but trust me, this place already has many lost souls, many people were murdered here, I do not wish you to be cursed by these lost souls..."

Ina spoke in a voice so soft it was almost a whisper. It was filled with good feelings for him, cared for him. Masayasu just stared into Ina's eyes, she was so kind, her heart so pure and kind, he could not help but think that his hands were too dirty to touch anyone like her.

Masayasu felt those souls around, he wondered if they would try to kill him, after all he did not have a good heart like Ina. What would become of him? That place was definitely not a good place to stay.

He saw calm in Ina's eyes, there was kindness and affection for him. She loved him, he knew it, even without saying he knew it. He should not touch her, should not have touched her from the start, would it be late for him now? Would it be too late for him to love again? Let his heart feel good feelings? Was it late for him to have good feelings for someone?

Those violet eyes staring at him, looking so lovingly and affection. Somehow she could soothe him, soothe his heart full of bad feelings, full of coldness and cruelty, this was the heart of a shinobi. A shinobi who has seen death close up so many times. Now he was facing life.

Ina ignored Ryouma's presence, she wanted to calm Masayasu's heart, she did not like to see that cold look that way, she caressed his face with one hand and brought her lips to his, kissing him softly. Masayasu only closed his eyes at the soft kiss. He knew Ina wanted to calm his heart, and she had found her way to calm him down.

Masayasu then remembered that Ryouma was around, probably watching the kiss, he opened his eyes and put his hands on Ina's hands and pulled his face away quickly, leaving her confused. She blinked at him a few times.

"We're not alone..." he said.

"I dont care..."

Ina smiled at him warmly and wrapped her arms around his neck and then kissed his lips again and hugged him next. He seemed calmer now, his heart seemed to calm all those bad feelings that only led him into darkness.

Masayasu smiled a little, thinking of her words, she did not care. She was assuming he was more important than all the rules of behavior around. He could not help but smile as he wrapped his arms around her waist and back into a hug.

Somehow this hug seemed to have pulled away the lost souls around them. Had she done it for that purpose? He was a little surprised. If she did this by thinking of driving them away, she was too quick to think of a show of affection for a person who had almost killed another in front of these souls.

Ryouma appreciated the way Ina could deal with Masayasu, she seemed to bring what he had best, how she managed that he did not know, but imagined that there was a huge connection between them, a very great love. He could feel it. They were discreet, though Ina had kissed Masayasu before his eyes at that moment, but they were still discreet.

But he could see how much Ina did well to the shinobi, he looked like another person in front of her, it was as if she was the only person for whom all his defenses were low. As if with a single breath of love his walls were destroyed. They loved each other, he could see that, it did not have to be said.

Ryouma got up and watched the couple hugged. His presence did not have to be a trammels for this love, for their gestures of love and affection. He liked to see the two of them together, they were a beautiful couple, after all Masayasu was a very handsome man, with a strong and serious physiognomy, but very handsome. And Ina was very beautiful and full of life and pure heart, and although there was a great age difference between them, they seemed to have been born for one another.

Ryouma thought of making a joke, but maybe it was better for Ina to deal with Masayasu at the moment, he should not be involved in it, he was not in a good position at that moment. He could see Ina looking at him and smiled a little, maybe....well maybe, she still trusted him, but Masayasu definitely hated him now.

"They will not do us any harm, okay?"

Ina whispered in Masayasu's ear. She knew he must be worried about being a shinobi and having already killed some people. But she would stay with him, she was sure that the lost souls would not approach him while she was at his side.

"Let's camp right here, I'm not going to leave your side a single minute..."

She whispered in his ear and then kissed his cheek before looking into his face and finding those beautiful blue eyes that knew how to seduce her just a look full of mystery, as he was doing at that very moment.

Ina smiled warmly as she looked into his eyes, Masayasu seemed calm now, his heart felt lighter, she could feel through his gaze, the mysterious way he was looking at her made her smile and want to find out what he was thinking in that exact time.

"What are you thinking now?" she asked.

Masayasu smiled a little at the sight of those beautiful and bright eyes curious to know what he was thinking. It was good to have such a curious young woman in his arms, especially since she was interested in him, in his feelings and thoughts. He liked that feeling.

"Thinking of you, how much your presence can calm me, you can touch my heart and bring me from darkness to light, You are my light...."

Ina smiled fondly at Masayasu's words, hearing that she was his light was the most beautiful declaration of love she could hear at that moment. She was his light, so she would always try to seek him in the dark, always try to take his heart out of the darkness, because that was her work. This was the function of light for a heart in darkness.

Masayasu looked into Ina's eyes, that place was smelling of death, and yet she did not seem to be frightened by it. But if this legend about those souls was true he would surely die while he slept. This would be a terrible night.

Ryouma cleared his throat and when he saw Ina looking at him, he smiled at her. Masayasu just turned to face Ryouma coolly, he was not interested in hearing his voice, he was not interested in knowing anything more about that place.

"Many years ago, maybe more than 20 years, here was a bloody battle, but the warriors and samurai who died here were willing to die. But here was a village..." He looked around as if he remembered this village. "The village was destroyed and all were murdered." he met the eyes of Ina and Masayasu.

"Here there were children, old men, women and men, but they were all peasants, they still tried to defend themselves using sausages and other tools they used in farming, but in the end all were killed."

As Ryouma spoke through Ina's eyes full of sadness, but Masayasu was still cold as if that did not affect him in any way, perhaps his heart was really cold, perhaps to him nothing or nobody mattered, just Ina. He smiled a little at Masayasu who ignored him completely and grabbed Ina's arm, looking directly into her eyes.

"Let's get out of here, let's walk a little more, here is not safe for you."

Masayasu spoke as Ina's eyes met his eyes. She seemed calm really, as if she had grown accustomed to the souls around her.

"You need to rest, and our horses are exhausted."

Ina answered and touched his face again, her eyes showing all the kindness and tenderness she could demonstrate at that moment.

"I'm not afraid, and I'm going to stay by your side, they will not approach you, I promise."

Masayasu was not trusting that these souls would leave him alone. What about Ryouma? He was sure that Ryouma also hid secrets, he certainly also had a dirty heart, after all he was a mercenary.

Ina began caressing Masayasu's cheek. He looked into her eyes and wondered if he should trust her. She seemed very confident that nothing would happen to him. If he died she would be unprotected and alone. He pondered it and then touched her hand to his face, his eyes fixed on hers.

"I'll trust your words, I hope you're right." he said and saw a smile spring to her red lips.

"I'm going to take the trunk and the weapons that are stuck on the horses and let them rest."

Masayasu told Ina, still looking into her face, she was definitely confident nothing bad would happen that night, he could only trust her, just that. He took a few steps back still looking at her soft form and then turned and walked to Haku and Mako.

Ina stared at him, was worried about how much these lost souls could influence the weight in his heart, but she would show him that along with her he would be fine. She looked at Ryouma, he could see that she was thoughtful, as if she had planned something.

"Make a bonfire, let's stay close to those three trees over there."

Ina pointed to three trees together straight ahead. She looked at Ryouma and then walked over to Masayasu to help him. She still had to take care of her wound, change the bandages if necessary.

Ryouma went to get some tree branches around the place where they were, he still needed to keep a certain distance from Masayasu, just for now, maybe he needed space and time. He bent down to pick up the branch and looked in the direction of Ina and Masayasu and saw that they were taking the travel items from the animals so they could rest better.

"This place is still bothering you, right?"

Ina asked, touching Masayasu's hand as he handed her trunk down to the floor. His blue eyes met hers. She had gotten down with him and he could see that her violet eyes were worried about him. He could not lie to her, and he would not do it.

"These souls around, I feel like they may wish to take my soul. I've never been a man of superstitions, but what I'm feeling here is death, this place is not safe for us."

Ina touched his cheek and continued to look into his eyes.

"I know it's not safe, but I feel like these souls will not hurt me, and I believe they will not do anything to you, after all, you're with me. I know .... it's weird to talk like that." she smiled a little. "But though I do not know what these lost souls are saying I feel they realize that you're with me. That you're important to me..."

Ina's eyes sparkled as she spoke of how Masayasu was important to her. He smiled a little, she was important to him too, perhaps the only important person in his life. He leaned his forehead against hers and smiled again.

"Okay, but I am a shinobi, do not forget that. I killed people. But...I believe your words, but I still have a strange feeling, my heart is heavy here, I've never felt anything like it, not even on missions."

Masayasu spoke looking into Ina's eyes, forehead against forehead. She touched his heart, the beats were normal, but maybe he was just talking about what he felt, how those souls might be trying to harm him. This she could not allow.

"My turn to protect you then. I promise no soul will approach you."

Ina smiled warmly at him. She can feel his heart beat a little louder at the words. Quickly he placed his hand over hers on his chest and stared into her eyes.

"Just do not say it loud, I do not want others to know that I'm being protected by you." he mocked and a smile appeared in the corner of his mouth.

After making a bonfire and eating some of the rice that Miko prepared for them, Masayasu and Ina lay down together near the fire. Ina slept peacefully with her head on Masayasu's chest, he had one arm around her body and one hand over hers, over his chest.

He could not sleep, he still had the strange feeling that was being observed, but Ina was right, he did not feel any soul next to him, maybe because she was in his arms and her pure heart made the souls not approach to to hurt her.

Masayasu looked at the stars. The night was dark and cold, but the fire would warm up a little and clear their around, at least a little. He looked at Ina and saw her soft face sleeping soundly, she must be exhausted, just she did not say anything about it.

"Can not you sleep, dear shinobi?"

Masayasu looked toward Ryouma, he was sitting in front of the fire with a piece of kindling in his hand, playing with the fire to burn the tip quickly and then took off.

"No, I still smell death. This is a lair." Masayasu replied in a serious tone.

Ryouma looked at him and nodded a few times. He agreed with the shinobi, that place smelled of death, but it did not affect him at all.

"I've been here several times, these souls do not affect me, I can see them looking at us now, but I can not hear them and they do not come close to me." he shrugged. "But I have seen how these souls have approached you and perhaps Milady has felt it."

Masayasu stared at Ryouma as he spoke, it was strange to know that these lost souls did not approach him, even though he was a mercenary, surely he had already done many things that he was not proud of in his life.

Ryouma laughed a little. "I thought you'd kill me."

"I wanted to kill you, but Chie would not let me." Masayasu replied dryly.

Ryouma stared at Masayasu, really he did not like him, unfortunately now even less, he never thought a shinobi was as suspicious as Masayasu.

"Do you just trust Milady?" Ryouma asked.

"Yes, only in her, in no one else. A shinobi must never trust."

Masayasu turned his face to face Ryouma and saw his crimson eyes shine and an ironic smile appear on his lips, even before death he did not lose that annoying smile!

"You did well training. Is your school Koga?"

Ryouma asked and Masayasu smiled proudly, it seems that the mercenary knew the schools, or at least had heard of them. There were several Shinobi's schools, but two were the best known, Koga and Iga. They were great rivals.

"Yes, I am from Koga." Masayasu murmured dryly. "Can you to recognize a shinobi for school?"

Ryouma grinned wryly as he shrugged, then set the piece of kindling in the fire again.

"I know little, you do not say anything about your training or your skills, but I've come across shinobi from both schools, I know that Iga usually serves Daimyo, not Koga, they usually take missions, so I figured you were Koga."

Masayasu allowed a faint smile to appear in the corner of his mouth, Ryouma was shrewd to realize this, the fact was that Koga seldom served a Daimyo, most preferred to take missions, contracts made him feel trapped that Lord, and most disliked. They did not like to serve or be loyal to a Lord.

"You should get some sleep, Chie promised me to get up early to go on the journey and to cross that river tomorrow."

Masayasu spoke as he looked at Ryouma thinking about why he did not sleep, since he said that lost souls did not approach him.

"I'd sleep, but I'm afraid I'll close my eyes and you'll kill me while I'm asleep." Ryouma mocked, allowing a smile to appear on his lips.

Masayasu did not reply, he grunted something and closed his eyes, as he hugged Ina fondly, she simply smiled in her sleep.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The sun had not yet been born when Masayasu woke up. He opened his eyes slowly and saw that Ina was sitting, leaning over him, caressing his hair with as much affection as there was in her eyes. Her smile was better than the sun, she seemed happy and he could not imagine the reason, it certainly was not for the comfort of the night, it was not very comfortable sleeping on the floor with souls around.

"Good morning..." Ina whispered with that dazzling smile that only she had. "Did you get some sleep?"

"Yes, a little, but always on alert..." Masayasu smiled a little, waking up and seeing that smile before him was the best thing that could happen.

"Let me take care of your wound soon and let's have breakfast."

Ina spoke and Masayasu sat up and placed his hand on the wound, sitting always causing pain, it was inevitable. He could see Ina's eyes fill with concern, then he quickly touched her face and smiled a little, trying to comfort her.

"It hurts a little to sit down, but I'm fine, okay?"

"Okay..."

Ina whispered, nodding, she wanted to believe it was just a casual pain. Then she pulled the trunk up close and opened it, grabbing the box with bandages. Masayasu opened the kimono and lowered his sleeves, taking it off, to leave his bare thorax.

"It's a really handsome shinobi!"

Ryouma spoke from the other side, lying looking at Masayasu and Ina. The shinobi looked at Ryouma and frowned, the mercenary was always ironic.

"He is, I must agree."

Ina commented and Masayasu looked at her and found those violet eyes staring at him fondly. For her definitely Masayasu was handsome, but never found a way to say it, but Ryouma had helped with his comment.

"I'd love a hot tea now and look how I love a sake!"

Ryouma sat down and ran a hand through his hair, while Ina removed Masayasu's bandage. Ryouma had long black hair that fell on his shoulders, he was a handsome man too, at least every woman thought of him.

He stretched and stared at the bonfire burned out. He wanted tea, but he would have to stay for the end of the day, he had no water around to make tea, and he did not want to use water from his gourd.

He got up and went to Silver. He did not have much to put on him, but wanted to brush his horsehair a bit, since the couple was busy with wound and bandage.

Ina had changed Masayasu's bandage and then he put on the sleeves of his kimono and closed it, looking at Ina, she was putting the small box in the trunk. He was still grateful that she saved his life, but there was more than gratitude for her.

Ina picked up a package and opened the cloth carefully, inside there were 3 big onigiri, that's what was left of last night. She put one in Masayasu's hand and then got up and took one to Ryouma and handed it to him. Ryouma, who was brushing Silver's horsehair, looked at her with a smile and winked at her while taking the onigiri.

Ina smiled at him and went back to Masayasu and knelt before him and began to eat. Masayasu was eating as he looked at her. Soon they would cross the river and soon they would be in Ueda. Ueda was a small province, unlike that of Mikawa, which was a great feud. Soon they would have to plan their mission. Would Ina have thought of something? What did she know about the Sanada?

[lady-inahime]

Book - The Princess and the Shadow

Chapter 6: Affection

She did not feel a weight in her heart, her desire to throw her bow to the ground and run toward Masayasu to help him, but that man had shot him, tried to kill Masayasu, she felt a rising anger in her heart, an anger that few Sometimes it sprouted in her heart.

The gang leader pointed the gun at her, but before pulling the trigger, Ina had already pulled the bowstring from her bow, it was so fast that the man did not see the arrow fly and cross his arm. A cry of pain and gun fell from his hand. Before he could make any other gesture, Ina had taken another arrow in her quiver and attached the rope of her bow and shot another arrow, striking the man's chest. He fell.

Ryouma looked at Ina in surprise, she looked so angry that he could not recognize the young woman sitting just a few minutes before the fire. To his surprise he saw her approaching the man with another armed arrow and shooting again. The man was agonizing on the ground and once more she took another arrow and attached it to the rope of her bow.

Ina looked at the man with contempt. Her eyes fixed on that dying man on the floor. He deserved it. He was dying in pain, he was dying, he would deserve the wounds, two arrows in his chest, but Ina did not seem satisfied, and then shot an arrow into the man's throat, who wided his eyes and died.

She gasped in anger as she looked at the dead man before her, but then she only seemed to have regained her senses, out of that moment of anger and turned to look at Masayasu on the ground.

She had tears welling up in her eyes again, she dropped her bow and ran to his side. Ryouma watched that scene startled, she was not one of the famous maiden in danger, she could be dangerous if she really wanted to.

Ina knelt beside Masayasu and saw that he was fainted, he touched her wound and saw her hand become full of blood. It was already night, the forest was not the best place to take care of this wound, if Masayasu were not to a warm place could die.

She looked at Ryouma with serious eyes, he quickly approached her. She should not trust that man, she knew nothing about him, and Masayasu did not seem to trust him, but she was the only person who could help her that moment.

"I need your help. Further along, near here, there is a small farm, I'm going to ride the brown horse and you help me put Masayasu-sama on it, I'll go there with him. You bring my bow and my horse, come after me."

She spoke in a serious tone, looking into his eyes, the forest was starting to turn dark, but the fire still lit around.

Ina turned to Masayasu and saw that he was pale, she needed to be quick, she needed to save his life. He had to be strong, he need to be strong. He touched his face, her eyes longing to cry again. Her heart feeling pain in seeing him badly injured. But then she got up and looked at Ryouma.

"Catch him, please!"

She went to Mako and passed all the Masayasu items that were stuck on the horse to Haku as fast as she could to make the horse free of more weight, he would have to take two people, he needed no more weight.

Quickly she rode and looked at Ryouma who with much effort lifted Masayasu in her arms. Ryouma realized that the shinobi was too heavy, such a man would be difficult for a young woman like Ina to lead. But that was her wish, he hoped she would.

Ryouma took Masayasu to Ina and Mako and then tried to ride him in front of Ina, she helped, and after some difficulty, they managed to get Masayasu sitting in Ina's front. She leaned him against her body and wrapped her left fist in the reins and hugged Masayasu with all the strength she had.

A quick glance at Ryouma. "Follow me!" and without saying anything else she hit her feet hard on the horse's body and sped out of the woods and through the darkness of the road to the little farm.

Ryouma saw Ina ride with Masayasu at full speed. She was so determined, he could not deny that she was an admirable girl. But could she save the shinobi?

Ina rode desperately, Masayasu was heavy and he looked even heavier against his body because he was unconscious. But she needed to get to the small farm, she was sure there would be a place to take care of him, even if it was in the barn.

She went her way, Mako doing her best. The tears on Ina's face sprouting again, she could feel Masayasu icy, her face pressed against his and she cried. She squeezed him against her body. Despair is taking over her heart. He could not die. Her heart could not bear to lose him. It was her fault, she had felt that it would happen and did not say anything to him.

Tears flowed down her face and touched his face, Masayasu was with a growing pallor, Ina could feel the blood spout from him on her arm and hands. But then to a slight relief, at least the smallest of them, she saw the little farm and ran there.

Ina crossed the field to the small farm and when she started to approach she began to scream.

"Help! Help, please!!"

She did not need to scream much because there was a woman pouring water from the well, she saw Ina approaching Masayasu in her arms, so she ran into the house to call her husband. Ina stopped with the horse in front of their simple house, the woman left with the husband of the house. The man came to help Ina down Masayasu. She dismounted quickly and helped the man carry Masayasu into the house.

The woman showed a room that used to store food, she quickly put a tatami to Masayasu, Ina and the peasant took the shinobi there and lay him down. The woman ran to get sake to clean Masayasu's wound.

Ina released the belt that Masayasu that had a small bag and placed next to. She took the gun out of his kimono and then opened his kimono. The wound was in the ribs, there was a lot of blood, the wound was bleeding badly, she had to cheer up to not hit his lung, or he would die.

The man went to fetch water for Ina and the woman ran back with the sake. A few minutes after Ina arrived, Ryouma arrived and brought Ina's trunk, he did not know if she would need it, but his instinct had said yes. And he was right. The house was busy, as the couple had never seen.

Ina saw Ryouma come in with her trunk while she wiped Masayasu's wound with sake. Her frosted eyes brightened a little at the sight of the trunk.

"Glad you arrived on time, I really need it!"

Ryouma put the trunk on her side and looked at Masayasu, he was very pale and bleeding a lot, but then he saw Ina open the trunk and pick up a small box with a few small glasses, it had tweezers. She set the box aside and then leaned against the wound and stuffed the tweezers inside.

Ryouma felt a chill when she did it, he had seen a lot in his life, but he had never seen it. He looked at Ina, but her countenance showed that she knew what she was doing. If she knew what she was doing Ryouma should not question. But it was a very strange thing. Just like the little glasses he saw. He only saw this with doctors, and yet it was a rare sight to see.

Masayasu seemed to feel nothing, Ryouma saw that his face did not move. Was he really alive?

Ina took the tweezers out of the wound, and along with the tweezers a small projectile, Ryouma recognized that, he knew how to shoot with firearms, and when he saw it, he knew it was the projectile that came out of the man's gun. Ina dropped the tongs out and picked up the threaded inside the box and a strange needle.

The man brought the water that Ina needed. She put the thread in the needle and wiped the wound again with sake, but now with a cloth, so as not to throw more sake into his wound. She began to sew Masayasu's wound. Ryouma and the couple watched everything. Ina needed to be quick, she had to stop that bleeding, and still hope not to hit the lung.

After finally sewing the wound, she wiped the blood from Masayasu's abdomen and washed her hands in the bowl full of water. She touched his face and felt him freezing. She bent her head to his chest and felt his heart beat weak, but he was still alive. Her eyes filled with tears again. But she swallowed the tears and looked at the couple. She could finally thank you.

"Thank you for helping us, it means so much to me. I will repay you for it."

She tried to smile. The woman saw that Ina had her clothes were soaked with blood and her face too. She realized Ina needed rest, maybe food, if she could do something for that girl she would try to do.

"I am Miko and my husband is Taichi. I will prepare food for you. If you want a bath tell me that we have a place for bath."

Ina shook her head in a negative and smiled softly. "I'm fine, I'll take care of him, then shower. But thank you for everything you're doing for us."

"My name is Chie, and my wounded friend is Otsu, and this is Ryouma."

She waved to show the other in the room. Ryouma smiled charmingly at Miko.

"I'll leave you resting and make rice for you." Miko bowed softly and looked at Ina with a gentle smile. She was a young woman, just over 25 years old. The man was a little older than she was, he must have been about 35 years old. Both had slightly burned skin from working in the sun.

They left the room to let Ina, Masayasu and Ryouma rest.

"I'll take the horses to the stable." said Ryouma. Ina saw his always smiling face staring at her seriously. She did not know if he was serious about the situation, or if it was his way of showing solidarity with her. She nodded and he left the room.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Masayasu woke up, it took him some time to figure out where he was, he looked around and saw a room, he was lying on a simple tatami, but he was covered with a blanket. He saw Ina at his side and felt a wet cloth on his forehead and then realized what had happened, he had been shot. But how did he get there?

He tried to sit down and then Ina forced him gently with her hands to continue lying down.

"No, laying still, you must rest..."

She spoke with a smile appearing on her lips. He saw that smile, and then he realized that he was not dreaming, he was alive. But where he was. He looked around again without acknowledging anything. There was nothing in the room, just a big sack of rice in one corner.

"Where I am?" he asked and his eyes met Ina's.

She could see that he was confused, maybe she should tell him how he got there, but before she did, Ryouma came into the room and smiled at Masayasu.

"Oh, it's finally awake, dear shinobi. We have dinner, we're all asleep." he laughed a little. "Hey, you're heavy, you know that?" he joked and sat in a corner of the room and leaned against the wall.

Masayasu looked at him and frowned. He did not trust Ryouma, so what was he doing there with him and Ina?

"Ryouma helped us. He put you on the horse, I rode you here and took care of your wound."

Ina spoke, and found a slightly surprised look from Masayasu. He could not believe she rode with him to that spot. How did she do it? He saw her hakama all dirty with blood. She did not leave his side in no time. She could have rested, but she was at his side. Ina was really incredible.

Masayasu then pulled his kimono to see his wound, he found bandages, but he could feel she had stitched his wound. She knew how to stitch, it was a good skill to save lifes. But who taught her?

Ina touched Masayasu's hair and began to caress softly, sliding the fingers to his black hair, then he realized that she had loosened his hair. He could not say anything at that moment, that gesture had taken him unprepared. She was being affectionate with him. More affectionate than she'd shown before.

She looked into his eyes and saw that he watched her intently, as quietly as ever. She smiled at him, her heart was glad now that he woke up, his heartbeat was slow before, but then with time they returned to normal, she was by his side checking from time to time.

"You must be in pain, I have something for pain if you want."

She said and saw Masayasu make a slight shake of his head. The wound was aching, but not as much as he'd imagined. He had already been wounded in missions, but it was the first time he was injured by a gun.

"How did you get the projectile out of my body?" he asked.

Ina smiled at him and touched his face. She was so happy to see him awake and talking to her that tears welled in her eyes. She tried to be strong all that time, but the relief of seeing him well brought tears to her eyes again.

Masayasu saw those violet eyes full of tears and then he could not resist, he touched Ina's face with one hand. She smiled at him, it was a smile of happiness, although the tears still ran down her cheeks.

"I learned from my father's doctor, he taught me some ways to save lives, although this is the first time I have used this ability."

She smiled at Masayasu again, her eyes trying to stop crying out, she put her hand over his, on her cheek, a cheery smile rising on her face. Masayasu can tell that she was happy to have saved his life, he must confess that if it had not been for her he might have been dead at that moment.

"Thank you. You saved my life."

Masayasu said, but he was taken aback with a hug from Ina, she cried close to his ear, but he can only let a faint smile appear on his face. He was lucky to have her. Lucky for being by her side, lucky to have her affection, lucky to have been saved by her.

Ryouma watched Ina hug Masayasu, maybe she had simply forgotten his presence, but he could not lose the chance to make some joke at that moment, after all they both seemed at one time.... romantic.

He cleared his throat and rested his elbow on his thigh and his face in his hand as he stared at the couple. "You look beautiful together, lucky your dear shinobi."

Ina blushed at Ryouma's comment, in fact she had forgotten that he was in the room, he was finally silent, did not seem to be his usual, but he seemed to be silent when it was convenient, as at that moment.

She moved away from Masayasu and put a hand on her cheek, looked from Masayasu to Ryouma and saw a wicked smile on his lips. He was literally watching them both in silence. She blushed and looked at Masayasu again and smiled at him affectionately.

Masayasu looked at Ryouma with a cold expression, what was he doing in that room? Would the three of them sleep in the same room? That sounded like a nightmare!

"I'll get you some rice, lay down, okay? I'll be back in a few minutes."

Ina spoke and Masayasu looked at her. She quickly stood up, both still looking at each other. Masayasu wanted to talk to her about some matters, but perhaps with Ryouma around it was impossible. He just stared at her in silence.

Ina realized that he seemed to want to say something, but would stay for later, he needed to eat something. She quickly opened the shoji door and left the room, closing the door behind her.

Ryouma followed her every move out of the room. Always graceful, he thought. Then after Ina left the room Ryouma looked at Masayasu and smiled wryly.

"Are you lovers? Or is there just sexual tension between you?" he asked directly.

Masayasu looked at him and frowned. He should not, but he sat down, making an expression of pain. He quickly put his hand on the wound and again looked at Ryouma.

"Listen, I do not know who you are, but stay away from her, okay?" he said dryly.

Ryouma shrugged and laughed a little. "I did not talk about myself, I talked to you about her. She's very beautiful and seems to like you. You did not see what I saw." He paused.

"This Milady crossed the field of the forest here with you, fainting in her arms. She took care of your wound, and stood by your side checking the beating of your heart and taking care of your fever."

He smiled wryly and then leaned against the wall. "I've never seen such a determined girl. She did not leave your side a single minute, and she must be exhausted, after all you're heavy, dear shinobi, carrying you here should not have been easy for her. "

Masayasu heard Ryouma tell him what had happened, but the way he counted it seemed he should do something about it, yes he was in debt with Inahime, but to pay his debt he would have to protect her even more. So he did not know where Ryouma wanted to go with this conversation. If he had any vague ideas, he preferred to ignore them.

Ryouma took his face from his hand and leaned forward, still watching Masayasu closely. He was a very handsome man, but he seemed a bit grumpy.

"And she was the one who killed the man who tried to kill you. I've never seen a girl so angry, she was ... cruel .. she hit four arrows on him, she was only pleased when she did not see him breathe anymore." he said with a growing smile.

Masayasu listened to everything in silence, Inahime in anger? He knew her in anger, he knew her like that. But the way Ryouma described it seemed worse, but ... What happened to her to lose her temper? His wound? He definitely needed to talk to her.

Before Masayasu had an answer to his own questions, Ina opened the door holding a bowl and a pair of hashi. She looked at Masayasu and closed the door behind her.

"I told you not to sit down." she scolded him and went to him and knelt beside him.

Masayasu felt her movements with his gaze, she looked so calm and so soft now that it was hard to imagine that she was angry in the forest. Ina noticed his gaze on him and then gave Ryouma a look of reproach.

"What did you tell him?" she asked.

"Everything." Ryouma said with a shrug. "He needed to know, I guess. I'll give you a few minutes to talk, I'll take my sake out."

After saying this, Ryouma got up and went out the shoji door and closed behind him. Ina waited for him to leave and then looked at Masayasu and felt him grasp her wrist. He had his gaze fixed on her. She did not want to talk about what happened in the forest.

"Are you okay? He told me that you were very angry and killed the leader with cruelty."

Ina was silent, holding the bowl with rice. She had been really cruel, but at that moment she could not think very well, just wanted to protect Masayasu. She looked at the rice and then looked into Masayasu's blue eyes.

"I've lost control, that's all." she stared into his eyes and then put a hand on his face. "When I saw you being hurt that way I lost control, I was afraid of losing you, I just wanted to kill the man who tried to kill you."

Masayasu saw in those violet eyes concern, mixed with sadness and confusion. She was being honest, he could see that. But why did she want to hide it from him?

"It's all right, but you do not have to hide it from me, Inahime, if you want us to be a team, trust each other, you have to share what you think and feel with me. You told me that yourself once."

He smiled a little, still feeling that warm touch on his cheek. He put his hand over hers. He wanted to feel the touch of her hand a little more on his cheek, he was beginning to appreciate every gesture of her affection.

Ina smiled at Masayasu fondly and nodded. "You're right, I'm not going to hide anything for you anymore. We're a team."

She continued to look into Masayasu's eyes, he was so handsome, although he was still pale because he lost a lot of blood he was still very handsome. Her heart pounded as he stared at her, her hand still on his face.

"I know you're in pain, but I'll help you eat some."

Ina took her hand from his face and picked up the hashi and took it to the rice. Masayasu looked at his own hand and saw that he was trembling a lot. He realized then that he had lost a lot of blood, he would have difficulty holding the hashi.

Ina saw his gesture, his tremors, and smiled a little. He would recover, he was strong, he had shown this, but fortunately his lung was not hit, or he would be dead now.

"I'll help you eat, I'd already thought of that."

She lifted the hashi and showed him smiling happily at him. She also wanted to smile again, after all the worst had already happened, and she wanted to show him that she was happy to be by his side.

Masayasu looked at Ina seriously. He wanted to tease her somehow and knew that with a serious expression it would work.

"Inahime, are you trying to pamper me?" he raised an eyebrow.

Ina giggled and grabbed a handful of rice with the hashi and brought it to his lips. "Who knows, after all, not every shinobi has the privilege of being pampered, am I right?"

She smiled happily. Her eyes coming back to life. Masayasu saw that bright, cheerful glow returning to her beautiful and sweet eyes. He smiled a little to see that face so beautiful and happy, she was so willing to take care of him. Why?

After eating the handful of rice that she carried to his lips he decided to ask.

"Inahime, why do you care so much about me? We met yesterday."

Masayasu saw those violet eyes look into his eyes and a slight blush appeared on her cheeks. When he saw this he realized that maybe she was not going to respond, maybe she still was not sure, but one thing he was sure of, there were complex feelings involved.

"Masayasu-sama, I worry about you. I do not know how to explain it, but...I do not want to lose you, so let me take care of you now, I can do this, and when you're better you come back to take care of me, like my bodyguard... But for now just rest."

She smiled in amusement, as if she was making fun of him. Masayasu stared at that soft face, a slight smile appeared on his lips and he nodded.

"Okay, let's do it your way, Inahime, but I can not allow you to get hurt, I need to protect you. And a shinobi never rests."

Ina heard his words and nodded and then smiled a little. "But it does not have to be that way. We will have time to talk about it later. But for now I introduced you as Otsu to the couple and introduced myself as Chie."

She brought more rice to his lips. Masayasu ate nodding. It was a good idea she did not give their real names, after all they could identify Inahime, she should be known even among the peasants.

"You had a good idea and thought fast. It is better to they do not know about us, not so much about me, I can change my name when you want. But you need to use a false name, nobody can know who you are, much less the mercenary."

Masayasu spoke in a serious tone. Now he really was serious. He was worried about Ina's safety, especially near Ryouma. He still did not like the way he looked at her, and Ina had realized that.

"Can I sleep with you?"

She asked and catching Masayasu by surprise. For a few seconds he just stared at her. Her eyes were kind and watched him with care and concern. Maybe she was just worried about him, but her question had surprised him.

"I know you do not want me near Ryouma, so let me sleep with you, besides being better, because I can take care of your wound if you need to."

Ina argued as she realized that Masayasu was struggling for an answer. She smiled a little, she understood his doubt, she was a noble, he did not know her, maybe he thought that later she would invent some story about the two of them for her father.

"Masayasu-sama, believe me, I just wish to be by your side. What happened here will not reach my father's ears."

She set the bowl with half the rice on the floor and grabbed his hand with both hands. He could feel her hand not so hot, it was cooling, she must be feeling cold, she must be exhausted. That day was long, a long trip that had a sudden break full of unforeseen events. He kept thinking, looking into her eyes, pondering her words.

"Okay, it's better this way. I'll keep an eye on him, and with you close to me I know he will not try anything."

He said and then surprisingly Ina hugged him tightly. He could still smell the scent of her hair. Even after that tiring trip, her hair still smelled of flowers. Ina always hugged him, what was he supposed to do with it? That scent, her heat ... Why was she that way?

Masayasu could feel her heart pounding against his chest. He knew she was feeling something, it was strange, but he was also confused. Her presence was so strong that his mind was confused. He suddenly wrapped his arm around her waist and hugged her back.

Ina was a little surprised, but then she smiled. It was the first time he'd hugged her, or half a hug, but it was already a step. She had so many confused feelings for him. She wanted his trust, his admiration, his friendship...but her heart seemed to beat harder and harder for him. Why?

Ryouma opened the shoji door and Ina startled, moving away from Masayasu quickly. Ryouma saw her face startled and red. He quickly looked at Masayasu who was looking at Ryouma with a cold expression. Ryouma smiled wryly and closed the door behind him.

"I'm going to bed, you can continue what you started."

He walked over to the futon and sat on it, then lay down and pulled the blanket that had been handed to him. Ina did not look at Ryouma again, she was silent, she picked up the bowl with rice and looked at Masayasu.

"You need to eat some more, then try to rest."

She spoke with a soft smile. Masayasu could still see the blush on her cheeks. She had a shy look, perhaps because she had shown affection for him and he impulsively hugged her. But he could not deny that he had liked to feel her in his arms. So soft and warm. But he needed to avoid such contact.

Masayasu was not hungry, he had eaten enough that night, but he agreed to eat some more just because Ina was helpful.

"Just a little more and let's go to bed, you need to rest too."

He looked again at her dirty hakama with his blood. She really had not left his side, she was an admirable girl, he owed his life to her. He would pay with protection.

Masayasu looked at her face again. The room was lit only with two lamps in floor, but he could see her face, the blush was gone, and she returned the food to him on his lips. Never in his life did he get food on his lips, but as she was he was not bothering about it.

He could feel his weak body, he had to fight now he could not, would not have strength and agility. He needed to recover, he needed to be quick, he wanted to protect her, not only because he had been hired to be her bodyguard, but because that was his wish from now on. Protect Inahime of everything and everyone.

When Ina brought the hashi back to Masayasu's lips, he made a gesture with the hand that could not take any more, she understood and nodded. She put the bowl and hashi in a corner and helped Masayasu to lay down. She could see an expression of pain. He must be feeling a lot of pain.

"Are you sure you do not want something for pain?" She asked at the sight of his countenance. She looked at him worriedly.

"No, I'm fine, I just need to lay down a bit." and saying that he managed to lay down, it was a relief to his wound and body. His body was weak and lying seemed to soften this strange sensation.

Ina took the lamps and turn off one by one, then left beside the bowl of rice and lay next to Masayasu and pulled the blanket over them. She stared at his face. The room was dark, but she had fixed her vision on his face and still could see him lying still.

She touched his face, Masayasu turned his face to her side and saw her eyes looking at him. She began to caress his cheek softly, it was a comforting sensation to him, her gestures gentle and loving. But to his surprise she moved closer to him and laid her head on his chest as she still stared at him still caressed his face.

He could see those eyes shining in the dark, every gesture of her made his heart quiver. He should not allow it, but it was happening and he could not control it. He wrapped his arm around her body. Ina smiled as she felt his arm, her heart racing with the thrill of being so close to Masayasu.

Masayasu was feeling a certain comfort by having Ina so close to his body, she was still warm, and it warmed his cool body. He was still chilled for losing so much blood, but her body next to his warmed a little. And her caresses were comfortable to rest the body. Her presence was comfortable to relax, even if a shinobi should not relax, she could do it with him.

Ina and Masayasu stared at each other for some time and then Ina touched his lips and slid her fingers through it, making the outline of his upper lip and then the lower lip. Ina felt her heart beat so hard she could hear the sound. Masayasu stared at her, he could not reject any gesture from her. What was happening between them? It was the only thing that came into his mind, everything was so fast, is it just attraction?

Ina slowly brought her face closer, Masayasu looked into her eyes, and he felt his face tighten with her hand. He wanted this, he knew what would happen after that, but he did not care. She was important, and with every step in his direction that importance increased even more.

He brought his face closer to hers, he looked at her lips and then felt her lips touch his. She had soft and warm lips, his lips must be very cold for her, but she did not seem to care. They let their lips touch soft kisses. Then he looked into her violet eyes so bright and smiled a little. She had touched him in a place no one else had touched in years ... his heart.

Masayasu slid his fingers through Ina's hair and loosened her ponytail while giving soft kisses to her lips, he did not want to pass that limit, he did not know what tomorrow would look like, but he felt she wanted those kisses too, but he would take it easy.

Ina felt him loosen her hair and then smiled at him. Her eyes glittered in the darkness of that room, they glowed with feelings so confused, but so sweet ... She touched two fingers over Masayasu's lips. Those soft lips that had touched her lips softly. She wanted more kisses, but he respected her, she could tell by his kisses, maybe she was the limit to his gestures.

She smiled at him, she needed to calm down, calm her heart to make no mistake with him. She laid her head on his chest again. She was pleased with those soft kisses, they were very soft, but enough to make her heart happy just to feel her lips touch one another. She would dream of this moment, she was sure of it.

Masayasu stared at Ina. There were so many confused feelings in his heart, fortunately she limited herself to a gentle kiss, or maybe she limited it to his wound. He smiled a little at that idea. She was sweet, even then she had taken care of him and put her wishes aside.

He felt her put a hand on his chest, then he placed his hand over hers. It was a simple kiss, but it was a long step, a step that could cause trouble for him and her. A simple kiss could cause his death, since he was of inferior caste to her.

Masayasu stared at Ina on his chest and then with his thumb he began to stroke her hand. He still felt her breathing trying to calm down, that was a long step for her too. Maybe the longest in her life. Kissing a man, a man of inferior caste to her, her bodyguard, a shinobi ... he imagined that her mind should be full of doubt. He could understand that.

Ina closed her eyes with a smile as the caress in her hand made her heart calm. She could not tell what was happening between her and him, but she did not regret anything she was feeling.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Morning came and Ina heard the sound of the rooster. The couple, owners of the little farm, had some chickens and a rooster and that sound was new in her ears, she had never been awakened that way.

She looked towards the shoji door and saw that it was clear the day, so she turned her face to Masayasu and looked at his face, to her surprise he was awake. She smiled up at him and then slid out of the blanket and sat down.

"Good morning .... Otsu."

A playful smile appeared on her lips. She needed to get used to calling him that way. Her long black hair fell down her back and a lock of hair on her shoulder. Masayasu looked at those long hair, it denounced that she was a noblewoman, but she certainly knew that.

Quickly Ina picked up the rope that bound her hair and slid her hands through her hair, expertly fastening on a ponytail. Masayasu watched her arrest with great skill and speed. He looked toward where Ryouma was, but he was not in the room.

"He is not here." Ina said as she realized that Masayasu was searching for Ryouma around the room.

Ina touched Masayasu's face, quickly he caught his sight on her, even tired she was still beautiful. More beautiful after the last night. He smiled a little at her and to his surprise she pressed her lips together and kissed him gently and moved away her face.

Masayasu saw a blush on her cheeks and then he saw her make a gesture that would lift, but he grabbed her arm.

"Wait, stay a little longer." he said and Ina looked at him with a gentle countenance.

"I'm going to prepare you a bath, I think you can have a shower today and I need one too, then I promise to do not leave your side."

A dazzling smile appeared on her face. He could see her eyes shine with happiness, he still had not seen her eyes shine so bright. Was that because of yesterday's kiss? If it was ... now he knew what she felt for him. Her eyes said for every word.

"Okay, I need a shower, my kimono smells like blood."

Masayasu stated, now seeing in the clear can see that he had really lost a lot of blood last night, Ina's kimono and hakama was completely dirty with his blood. As he survived after losing so much blood he had no idea, but he knew that she had saved his life.

"No need to get up. After the shower you'll feel more comfortable eating your breakfast."

Ina smiled at Masayasu tenderly. He could tell she would take care of him all day. He really was not accustomed to it, but he was enjoying that care, enjoying her sweet company.

Ina took the bowl of rice and stood up and left the room, closing the shoji door behind her. Masayasu tried to sit down and quickly put his hand on the wound and made face of pain. The pain was really throbbing.

Masayasu wondered where Ryouma was, he did not like it when that mercenary vanished from his sight. And now he needed to lay down, that would leave him at a disadvantage, if that man tried to get close to Ina he would kill him without mercy!

He tried to get up, resting one knee on the floor with one hand, his other hand over the wound still throbbing in pain. He got up carefully, but the pain was strong and he felt the body still weak. He dropped to the side and rested his hand on the wall, but quickly leaned against the wall and almost fell.

Masayasu hated feeling weak in that way, depending on someone to do things, even if it was Inahime, he did not want to depend on her, he wanted and needed to recover quickly.

He slid back against the wall to the shoji door and opened it and looked out, he saw Ina conversing with Ryouma, both had basin in their hands. Masayasu stared at Ryouma, he did not want to see him near Ina, but he was there talking to her.

Ryouma and Ina noticed the look that came from the porch. Ina's eyes widened as she let the basin fall from her hands and put a hand to her lips. She ran toward Masayasu and quickly wrapped her arm around his back to help him stand.

"You should not be standing!" she said reprovingly as she looked into his face.

Masayasu looked at her seriously. She saw his gaze and knew he was blaming her for talking to Ryouma, she should not, she knew, but Ryouma had only helped so far.

"He was helping me pour water into the ofuro for you, Masayasu-sama. He's only been helping, as much as you do not trust him, I have to admit he's helped a lot."

"I know he has helped, but I suspect he has done it for you to lower your guard, remember, he said you have something he wants."

Masayasu spoke in a serious tone. Ina stared into his eyes, he was right, she had forgotten that, but at that moment her mind was focused only to take care of him, not what Ryouma said or did not say.

"Okay, I'll be more careful. But since you're standing, let's go to the ofuro."

Ina helped Masayasu off the small stair with three steps and walked slowly with him. Ryouma saw that Ina was helping, feeling the weight of Masayasu, so he approached and smiled at Masayasu.

"Hi, dear shinobi, do you need any help?"

He asked, but Masayasu cast a cold and cruel glare at him. Quickly Ryouma raised his hands with an expression of falsely feeling wronged.

"Okay, cold shinobi, I just wanted to be nice."

He stood still, watching Masayasu walk with Ina. Masayasu was still feeling weak, he wanted to walk normally, but maybe he needed to eat better.

Masayasu stepped into the ofuro with Ina's help and looked around. She closed the door behind her and leaned him against the wall.

"You're still weak, but after eating well today you'll feel stronger, you lost a lot of blood yesterday. You can not imagine how much."

She bent down and took off his tabi then stood up and started to untie his hakama, Masayasu took her hands and looked into her eyes. He knew she wanted to help, but he still could do it himself.

Ina felt him hold her hand, she looked into his eyes, maybe he was offended because she wanted to help him get the hakama, but she understood that he wanted to do it alone. She smiled gently at him and walked away to give space to him.

"All right, Masayasu-sama, but if you get dizzy call me."

She turned her back on him, after all, he needed some privacy. Masayasu kept looking at Ina, she was very kind and careful with him, but he could not let her do it all, he could still do some things, even still weak.

He untied his hakama and let it fall to the ground. He looked at his kimono and then at Ina and took it out. In no time did she turn to him. He took the bandage off his body and saw his stitched wound.He looked at Ina, she had done a good job, but unfortunately it was more of a scar on his body. Then he took out his fundoshi and sat on the small seat, still feeling pain. He looked at the wound that Ina had taken care of and then took the basin with water and threw it into his body.

Ina heard Masayasu begin to wash. She turned only toward Hakama and picked up every item that was on the floor and folded to take to wash. Masayasu looked at her. She had a slight blush on her cheeks, he could see that.

Ina did not want to bother him with it, but she knew that at that point he needed help, even for a shower, or he could fall through the weakness and get hurt, or worse, open the wound.

"Inahime .... have you ever taken care of someone that way?" he asked.

Ina was surprised by his question, the blush rising on her cheeks. Masayasu washed his body and went into the ofuro alone, still feeling a little dizzy. Ina could hear him come in, then left his clothes folded in the corner and went to the ofuro and looked at Masayasu with a faint smile and shook her head in negative.

"No, you are the first one that I take care in this way, and I am always in the castle of nobles, lords, and warriors, I have almost no women except maids. I've never been so close to a man, if that's what you want to know."

A blush appeared on her face and she looked away to hide it from him. "Let me wash your hair and your back." she went to him and knelt behind the ofuro.

Masayasu smiled a little. Inahime really felt something for him, so she was taking such care. But he knew this could be a big problem for her. He felt her hands on his back, sliding with a sponge.

She could see scars on his back. She touched some of them and Masayasu turned his face to look at her over his shoulder. She wanted to ask about the scars, but maybe it was not the moment. She slid her hand over his scars and went back to wash his back.

"And you're the first woman to take care of me that way. I had never been treated that way. Your cares, your affection."

Ina met his eyes, she showed a little surprise and then smiled gently at him.

"I never imagined myself doing anything like this, but for you I do not mind doing it, Masayasu-sama. This is not offensive to me, although I am a noble, I have only done what my heart asked to do."

She said as she now washed Masayasu's hair, sliding her hands through his hair and pouring water over it. He heard her words so tender and smiled a little. They were not the care of a noblewoman, but of a woman who wants to take care of the one her heart chose.

"You have beautiful hair, it is not very common for a shinobi to take care of hair."

Ina joked with him and giggled. Masayasu laughed a little. It was the first time she heard him laugh, it made her a little surprised. His laughter was a bit husky, but she'd liked to hear it. He glanced over his shoulder at her.

"And it is not common for a noblewoman to bathe in a shinobi." a faint ironical smile appeared on his lips.

Ina smiled at Masayasu. He looked better now, was being ironic again, he looked grumpy when he woke up. She felt her heart pound for him now. She was happy to see him better. Happy because she was with him.

"Maybe you need to know this noble woman better, she can hide some secrets."

Ina spoke and laughed a little, bringing her hand to her lips, trying to cover her laughter. Masayasu watched her, was a noble, that was fact, her graceful gestures showed it, but she was so strong and so tender.

His desire was to stand beside her. He wanted to protect her from all the bad things life could have to show to her, because he still saw a certain innocence in that young woman, and that was rare in those days of war.

"Can you get out of the ofuro alone? I can help you."

The place of the ofuro was small, it was a bamboo building, it had only the ofuro and three seats. She used two seats to leave the clothes clean and some belongings. She got up and picked up a white kimono on a seat, her own kimono that she used for the shower and stopped beside the ofuro with it open. Masayasu saw the kimono and recognized that it was hers, but she did not seem to mind wiping his body with her own kimono.

"Come on, I brought your clean clothes too."

Ina helped Masayasu to stand up, a blush appeared on his face by seeing him naked, but she tried to ignore it and helped him out of the ofuro and wrapped him in her kimono. She quickly picked up her comb on a seat and started sliding through Masayasu's hair.

She still had a blush on her cheeks. He stood before her, half naked, she had never been so close to a man, yet a naked man.

He realized that she had already prepared the place for a shower, maybe she had left everything since last night thinking about the shower in the early morning. He felt the comb slide through his hair and felt the Ina's scent in himself. He recognized instantly.

"What's in the water?"

"Since I can not walk with flowers, I brought an essence in a small gourd, with white carnations, did you like it?"

She asked as she combed his hair carefully. So that was the scent he felt in her, white carnation. It was a delicate scent, as soft as she was. He could feel the essence of her in his own body, how could he not think of her even more now?

"I brought your two clothes, did not know what I would rather use, will you use hakama to look more discreet, or do you want to use your shozoku?"

Ina asked as she finished combing Masayasu's hair and watched him look at her. She looked at Masayasu, he looked better after the shower, her heart felt a certain lightness at the thought. It was a big scare last night, but fortunately that was past, he would be well soon. She smiled at her own thought.

Masayasu thought the shozoku would be better, but he needed to be discreet, he needed to use hakama, after all the shozoku he used only for missions. And at that moment his only mission is to rest and recover.

"Hakama."

Saying this he saw Ina take a fundoshi and his black kimono in the clothes she left on the seat and approach him opening the kimono. Masayasu took off the white kimono and saw Ina looking the other way with a blush in her face, so he dressed the fundoshi and let Ina dress him in the kimono.

Ina looked at Masayasu's face, the kimono open, she blushed again at the sight of his blue eyes watching her. What was he thinking? He did not seem bothered to be naked in front of her. She shook her head to get out of her own thoughts and picked up a new bandage and began to go through his abdomen and back.

Masayasu watched her gesture, looking at her face, calm and focused. The blush seemed to persist, but he knew it was the intimate moment he was sharing at that moment. Maybe she never thought she would have a moment like this, he never thought he would live something like that, especially with a princess.

Masayasu saw her finish with the bandage and close his kimono and tie it carefully. She was always so careful. She always helping, he knew that wearing a hakama was complicated, but he could dress alone sometimes, but he allowed her to help, maybe his heart also wanted him to allow her help. He smiled a little at his own thoughts. They were already sharing a certain intimacy after that day, it was strange to think about it, but it was not bad.

Then he saw Ina picked up the hakama and bent down to help him. Dressing the hakama was always more complicated than taking. After he dressed, she got up and tied his hakama and passed her hands to adjust the details. She met his blue eyes looking at her, she smiled at him affectionately. He smiled a little at her, all her care was more than comforting. Her presence brought comfort to him.

Then she moved away from him and took his tabi where he had taken them and returned to him, where she lowered and helped him to put on. All these movements and standing time it was making him tired, though he knew it was because he needed to eat. He put a hand on his face, feeling a strong weakness.

Ina noticed his weakness and dizziness and quickly got up and wrapped her arm around his back putting her other hand on his chest and looked down at his still pale face. Masayasu looked at her, he looked tired, Ina could see it in his face. He needed to lay down and eat some.

"You can rest and eat now. I'll take you to the bedroom."

Masayasu just looked at her. Those violet eyes showed concern. That moment was a good shower in her company, but really she was right, his body needed rest and food, or he would not recover quickly. He needed to be well for her.

Masayasu stared at Ina, still feeling weak and dizzy. She helped him walk, holding him tightly. Each step he felt as if he could fall, but Ina's effort to lead him into the room was again comforting. He struggled to walk with her.

Ina sensed his effort, each step seemed like a great fight, if he fainted there she could not hold on to him, he was pure muscle, very heavy.

Ryouma was chopping wood with a big knife just ahead, he saw the effort of Masayasu and Ina to reach the room, he knew that the shinobi was weak, so he did mention that he would try to help, but Ina saw immediately and made a gesture with the hand so he did not approach.

Ryouma understood that Masayasu did not like him, but he did not want to go on like this with the shinobi, there must have been something he could ease the bad mood between them. But helping was not something he could do, maybe Masayasu would feel really offended. He shrugged with that thought and set the knife to the side and ran inside the house calling for Miko, the owner of the house.

He was almost in the room, a little more, every step, every effort. Ina helped Masayasu up the stairs slowly, she looked at his face and he was pale, he could faint any moment. Her heart was filled with concern.

Masayasu saw the room so close, then everything began to darken, he thought he would faint, but he felt Ina's hands helping him to sit down and then lay down. She had been quick, quick enough to get him into the room and lay him down carefully.

He felt his heartbeat faint, but his vision began to return and he saw Ina sitting beside him, stroking his hair. Seeing Ina made his heart go back to struggling to hit harder. Her gaze was filled with concern, he did not want to leave her still worried.

"Rest, you'll eat when you're feeling better."

She put her hand over his heart. He saw her gesture and then looked at her face, she was feeling his heart beat back normal, for a moment she thought he might faint and have a relapse, but it was just a scare.

Ina found his eyes, so blue, they were calm, but there was something else in that look, she did not know what it was. She smiled at him affectionately still stroking his hair with affection.

Masayasu felt this gesture affectionately, each movement, her fingers running through the strands of his hair, it was so soft that he closed his eyes for a moment. He never imagined that someone would be so careful and worried about him, but there was Inahime.

Masayasu opened his eyes and saw Ina's face next to his. She smiled at him and then brought her lips to his forehead and kissed him softly. He felt that sweet kiss on his forehead and then smiled softly. As she moved away her face, their eyes met, he saw so much affectionate feeling in those violet eyes.

Masayasu was already feeling better, when something had made him moody again, Ryouma had entered the room with a tray in his hands. Masayasu looked at the mercenary and frowned. His presence always left him in a bad mood.

"Oh, you brought his breakfast!" Ina smiled happily as Ryouma entered the room with the tray.

"Miko-san apologized for not being able to bring her in person, but she'll be here soon to see dear shinobi. But she asked me to bring the stubborn man's breakfast!"

Ryouma smiled wryly at Masayasu and winked at him when he realized that his bad mood had returned to him. He looked like a magnet, he was approaching and bad mood reign.

Ina stretched her arms to Ryouma to hand the tray over to her, but Ryouma shook his head in negative and approached Masayasu and sat next to him, smiling at him.

"Milady, take your bath, I'll stay here, he'll eat and feel better, do not be so worried about our dear shinobi, he's strong."

He smiled seductively at Ina and winked. She stared at him confused, she did not think it was a good idea to leave the two alone. She quickly glanced at Masayasu to make sure he agreed.

"Go take your shower, I'll be fine, I'll feel better already." he said.

Ina stared at Masayasu for some time, he looked at her and smiled a little, showing that everything was fine, then sat down, putting his hand on the wound. He did not want to make an expression of pain in front of her, but the pain still persisted.

"Go, I'll stay here, I will not get up, I promise you." Masayasu said.

Ina was silent for some time and then smiled at him and nodded quickly. She believed and trusted his words. He just needed to eat and rest.

"Rest, I really need this shower, but I will not be long."

She stood up and Masayasu and Ryouma stared at her. Ina looked quickly at Ryouma.

"Do not make trouble with him, he needs to rest, okay?" and saying that she saw an ironic smile born in Ryouma's lips. She just sighed and then turned and left the room.

Ryouma placed the tray on Masayasu's legs, in fact the tray feathers were around his legs, he had a good height to eat while sitting.

"Now you're perfumed." he winked at Masayasu who stared at him coolly.

"What do you want from me, mercenary? Who are you?"

Masayasu pulled the tray closer, he got a couple of hashi and a bowl with omelet and began to eat. He stared at Ryouma as he ate waiting for an explanation for his question. It was obvious to him that the man was trying to piss him off.

Ryouma sighed heavily, as if he had disappointed with Masayasu's question, but was only mocking him again, he liked to tease the shinobi.

"I know you do not like me, but do not want to continue this way. The Milady trust me, maybe she did not say to you, because she does not want to disappoint you, but I do not wish harm to her, dear shinobi She's a strong and sweet girl, I like to talk to her, but I do not stand a chance with her, even if I try something she already has a man in her heart."

He smiled at Masayasu as he saw his blue eyes fixed on him. For the first time Masayasu seemed to be listening to him, it was just engaging Ina in the conversation that he got his attention.

"I said I'll help you, I'm not here to cause problems between you two, I have no such intention, Milady is quite determined and she knows what she wants, dear shinobi."

"Stop calling me that, I do not want people to know that I'm a shinobi!"

Masayasu spoke in a cold tone and turned his attention to the food. When he finished eating the omelet he placed the bowl on the tray and picked up another bowl, now with rice and began to eat. He pretended that he was not paying attention to Ryouma, but his words about Ina made him sure that she had feelings for him. If Ryouma had then realized the feeling existed.

"Otsu, right? Though Milady called you by another name in the forest."

Ryouma spoke as he tried to remember the name holding his chin. Masayasu looked up to face Ryouma.

"Forget the other name, as shinobi use false names. My real name is Otsu." he grunted and Ryouma looked at his face and smiled wryly.

"All right, dear Otsu, if that's the way you prefer to be called. Milady told me that you're her cousin, that you stopped serving a nobleman and went to visit her family while you could not get another contract. You offered to accompany her on her trip to Ueda to buy fabrics. Otherwise traders should be able to afford what I want."

A broad smile appeared on his lips and Masayasu stared at him coldly. That mercenary only thought of money and women. He hated mercenaries, They thought they were better than the shinobi, but they did not have the same skills and code of honor the shinobi had.

"You know too much about us. When did you talk to her about it?

Masayasu asked, raising an eyebrow, staring at Ryouma's eyes. Who created this story? Inahime? He needed to be sure of that. Or maybe Ryouma was testing him to know the truth, who he was, or rather, who Inahime was.

"You came here fainted and slept for eight hours in a row. Although Milady did not want to talk too much because she was worried about you, I wanted to distract her a little, she was very worried you. I did not do anything, we just talked. You can ask her this."

He raised his hands quickly, judging himself, then began to laugh. Talking to Masayasu was fun because he always kept serious and staring at him, he thought the shinobi had already figured out what it would be like to kill him in several ways.

Masayasu could not understand why Ryouma was amused at everything, he seemed to always have fun, even when there was no fun at all. Maybe he had fun seeing a weak and wounded shinobi. His lips twitched with that thought.

He was a shinobi, and every time he got hurt he recovered quickly, but he always had a sense of wounded pride and now he was standing before someone who was still joking about it, it was too much for his own pride.

He then heard the sound of footsteps in the old woods of the front of the room and then the shoji door opened and he saw Inahime wearing a sky blue, kimono without any decoration. Masayasu stared at her, the hashi in his hand, the bowl in the other. She was beautiful!

Her wet hair was tied in a bun, she preferred it to disguise her long hair. She smiled brightly at him. She carried his shozoku and the items she took to the bath. She probably took the dirty clothes to wash.

Ryouma saw Masayasu's gaze and then looked at Ina, she looked a little different from a kimono, perhaps more feminine. He smiled charmingly at her, but realized she had not looked at him at all, just for Masayasu. He noticed that they exchanged silent looks.

Ina entered the room graciously and walked to her trunk and bent down to guard Masayasu's shozoku. He can feel her essence of carnation as she passed him. She was so simple, but her beauty was so fast it seemed to color that room. And that scent of her almost inebriated Masayasu, he liked her carnation essence.

"Your other hakama I asked Miko-san to wash. She volunteered for it and I allowed it."

Ina spoke to Masayasu as she looked at him and saw him staring at her as she closed the trunk, then she approached Masayasu and knelt beside him and poured tea for him. She quickly looked at Ryouma and smiled at him.

"Thank you for keep company to Otsu." she bowed her head in thanks.

Ryouma smiled charmingly at her and then when she lifted her face and met his eyes he winked at her.

"I like the company of dear Otsu, he has a temperament ... somewhat." he laughed a little. "And your stunning beauty has already paid for the moments I've been with him." he cast a seductive look on her.

Ina blushed a little and put a hand to her lips and then looked at Masayasu to see what kind of reaction he had, but he stared at Ryouma coolly, then ignored him and put the bowl and hashi on the tray and took the bowl with tea and took a sip.

"Well, now that the three of us are here, we can talk about the trip."

Ryouma began, looking at Ina and then at Masayasu. It was a good opportunity, after all he rarely got close to Masayasu because of his incredible mood.

"Milady, how long do you think he needs to recover to go on the trip? Not that I care to stay here any longer, but the river is getting cold and the horses are going to feel cold when they go to it." Ryouma said looking at Ina now.

Ina looked at Masayasu, this question was not easy to be answered, the truth was he lay for at least 7 days, but she knew that as shinobi he would refuse it, that would be disgraceful for him.

"Otsu, this question only you can answer, you imagine my answer."

She spoke looking at him with a worried face, she feared that he wanted to return the trip tomorrow, that would be too soon, he needed at least to recover the weakness of losing so much blood.

Masayasu looked at Ryouma and took the rest of the tea and looked at Ina with serious countenance. He thought about her words. He had pain, still a little weakness, he was not sure if this night he would be fine, but he would risk giving her an answer, after all he always recovered quickly.

"Tomorrow after lunch we can continue the journey, we must reach Ueda in two days, you can not forget that we can still be looted and the nights are cold."

He spoke looking at Ina, imagining that she would be against his idea, but he was not thinking about himself but about her. He needed to protect her. Staying longer in that house would delay her mission. But he saw her looking at him with shuddering eyes of concern, he knew she would act like this, but it was necessary. For her.

Masayasu realized that Ina did not like his decision, he could see her eyes filled with concern, but he could not just stay 7 days lying down waiting for his wound to close, they needed to follow. His priority was to get to Ueda first, then if necessary he would take care of the wound again.

Ryouma heard Masayasu's decision and whistled in admiration. Either he was really strong, or stubborn, and he did not want to admit that he was weak at the time. Or worse, he must have his pride hurt before Ina. He immediately looked at her to see that she was really very worried about the trip.

"Well, that's decided. We're going to leave here after lunch and go down the left-hand side, as if to get out of Mikawa and get into Owari, but we do not go that far, just enough to take the river path."

Ryouma smiled at Ina to try to better the mood of the environment. She looked at him and tried to smile, but the worry was so strong in her chest that she could not think much of it, what he and Masayasu decide for her was ok, she trusted their decision.

Ryouma realized that Ina was not very interested in talking about the route, perhaps her concern was more evident now because Masayasu was still hurt and stubbornly wanted to continue the journey still in pain.

He sighed and took a hand from Ina, completely ignoring whether Masayasu would complain or not. His crimson eyes stared into those violet eyes now surprised at his gesture.

"I know you're worried about our dear shinobi, but believe me, your opinion is important to continue our journey. You are the lady of the journey, you say whether it's good or bad, if it's cold or hot, you're the boss here."

He smiled charmingly at her and then got a smile from her. Ina nodded, smiling at him and then looked at Masayasu who was staring coldly at Ryouma, how did he dare touch Ina before him? That mercenary seemed not to fear death!

"I agree with the route, we will go as if to Owari, go through a meadow and then follow the river."

She smiled at Masayasu and then looked at Ryouma and smiled cheerfully at him. Ryouma smiled seductively, maybe he managed to take a step toward Ina, she seemed to trust him, but he needed to be sure of that and that smile that he managed was enough for him to be sure now.

"See dear shinobi ... er ... dear Otsu." Ryouma can not hide a wry smile. "That is how a lady should be treated, be more attentive."

Ryouma joked, staring at Masayasu who seemed to growl, if that was not a growl he was very close to it. Ina brought a hand to her lips to catch a laugh. Ryouma saw Ina laugh and started laughing too. Masayasu snorted a little and pushed the tray away from him.

Ina realized that he was in a bad mood, maybe because of Ryouma, she would not be surprised if that was the real reason. She approached him and touched his hand in front of Ryouma. Masayasu looked quickly at her and found a warm smile. Even after so much worry she could still smile that way.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It was night and the house was all silent, everyone was asleep. The couple who owned the house barely had time to talk to them, had work to do in the vegetable garden, with animals and at home. They had a busy day, Ina does not blame them for not having time. The life they led was simple, but they seemed happy and had food to keep.

In the dark of the room the shoji door was opened and someone stepped out into the darkness, closing the door behind that. It was Ina, she looked up at the starry sky and sat on the porch and stared at the stars. The night was a little cold, with a soft and dry wind, but nothing that could cause much discomfort.

Her heart was filled with worry, she could not sleep thinking that following the trip with wounded Masayasu could open his wound, he could not make any effort and riding would be a great effort for him. But what can she do to change his mind? Could she argue with him to give up this absurd idea?

She heard the shoji door open behind her and then turned to look at who it was. Although it was very dark the moon seemed to bring some light into her eyes and she could see the Masayasu's shape. Their eyes met in the darkness and he sat down beside her.

"What are you doing out here?" he asked looking at her.

"Thinking." Ina answered to look at Masayasu. She could see those beautiful blue eyes staring at her. This was more than usual.

"I know you're worried." Masayasu looked at the stars, they seemed alive in the sky so bright it was that night. "But that decision was not taken imprudently, I know I can travel."

Ina stared at Masayasu as he spoke, she could not believe it was not a decision taken by imprudence. He was being reckless and proud! But what could she do? Whatever she said would not make him change his decision. Or would she?

She slipped a hand between his and wrapped her fingers around his. Masayasu looked at her as he felt her hands roll up together and closed his fingers against hers. He could feel her hand a little warm. Her violet eyes looked bright, or maybe it was the moonlight that was fooling his vision.

"Promise me you'll tell me if you feel pain, if you're tired, if you need to stop, if the trip is making you feel dizzy, anything, but promise me you'll tell me that."

Ina spoke softly. Although she was worried she could still keep a tone of affection for him, the night was conducive to it, the stars, the moon, everything created a mood that she wanted to have another type of conversation, but that unfortunately did not fit at that moment.

Masayasu found so much concern mixed with affection in those eyes that he could not deny her request. A promise. Shinobi should not make promises, they never knew the future. But he would make his first promise to her.

"I will, I promise, Inahime..."

He can see a warm smile shine on her lips. Lips he wanted to touch at that moment, lips he wanted to kiss again. What was happening between them seemed so natural, both seemed so comfortable with each other, it was strange to see how this was happening naturally.

Ina leaned over to his side, bringing her face closer to his. Her violet eyes glittered, now he could see that it was not the moonlight that fooled him were really her eyes. She smiled softly, but seeing those eyes and that smile together only made his heart even more confused.

"Kiss Me...."

Ina whispered to him as he looked at his lips and then at her eyes. She knew he wanted to kiss her, but he still seemed to expect her to say he could. He could. He really should.

Masayasu looked at her eyes and then at Ina's lips, as listened her, a faint smile appeared on his lips. Ina realized that she really was his limit, so she touched his face and stared into his eyes.

"You do not have to wait for me to ask, Masayasu-sama ... I want this and I know you want it as much as I do ... so just do it anytime you wish." she whispered.

Masayasu closed his face a little and then touched his lips to Ina's lips with a soft kiss. He saw Ina close her eyes slowly, she really wanted it as much as him. He placed his hand on the back of her neck and finally kissed her lips, sliding his tongue into Ina's lips.

Ina finally felt the kiss she wanted, Masayasu finally broke the limit and deepened the kiss. She felt his tongue come to her lips and find it with her own tongue. The kiss deepened and their tongues decided to have a sensual dance, a dance full of intensity inside their lips.

Every kiss made their hearts quiver. It might be too soon to think about it, but their hearts just wanted to be with each other, nothing more.

Their lips did not want to stop, their kisses, their tongues, the exchange of feelings that this kiss provided. Masayasu had not felt this for many years, and Ina was the first time she'd given her heart to anyone, the first time she'd felt a kiss. And that kiss sent shivers all over her body, it was as if she had the power to cause other feelings.

When they broke the kiss and pushed their faces away a little, they both looked into each other's eyes, everything around did not matter anymore, it only mattered them. Ina smiled tenderly, Masayasu saw that smile and could not hide a small smile. It was the first time in years that he felt happiness. Inahime made him happy.

"That should not happen ..." Masayasu whispered looking into Ina's eyes.

"It's already happened ..." she whispered back with a warm smile on her lips. She brought her lips together and kissed his lower lips and then looked into his eyes with the same warm smile as before.

"What are we going to do with this?"

Masayasu asked still looking into Inahime's eyes and feeling her soft kisses. She was able to wake up the best within him. A side that only she knew. A side that only someone like her could wake up. Someone with her strength and delicacy, someone who knew where to touch him.

"We think about it later, Masayasu-sama. I just want to be by your side, no matter what the consequences."

Ina slid the hand that was on his face to his nape and began to caress softly as she watched Masayasu look into her eyes as if he were trying to accept that there was no turning back in what they started.

"Let's go in and rest, the trip will not be easy for you from now on..."

Ina said she was still worried about going on a trip with that wounded, but he had promised her what to say when he felt pain or when he wanted to stop and she trusted his word.

"Okay, let's try to get some sleep."

Masayasu answered and got up, helping Ina to her feet. He would never forget those bright eyes that night, he would never forget that kiss before that place, Inahime knew how to provide unforgettable moments for him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The next day, after lunch, Miko and her husband saw Ina, Masayasu and Ryouma arranging their horses to return the trip. She quickly approached and bowed before Ina and Masayasu.

"Sorry if my hospitality was not the best, my husband and I work hard, but I hope that young Otsu-san is well." Miko said with a low look.

Ina took the small bag of coins from inside her hakama, took out some coins and put it in Miko's hand and smiled warmly at her.

"Your hospitality was the best we could have. You and your husband were kind and helped us a lot. I hope to meet you at another time. Thank you for everything you have done for us."

Ina bowed a little with a smile as she looked at Miko, the woman opened her hand and saw the coins, she was surprised and then looked at Ina with her wide black eyes. It was enough money to live for a month. Her cheeks flushed a little and then she smiled at Ina and bowed in thanks.

Masayasu bowed slightly in appreciation for the couple's hospitality and followed his horse and rode. As he made the gesture of riding, he felt pain in the wound and put his hand on it. Ina saw his gesture as she rode her Haku. Masayasu quickly looked at her and as she met his eyes he quickly spoke.

"I'm fine, do not worry."

Ina could not ignore the concern she felt for him, she could not ignore anything at the moment. He promised and she would take his word. Again she looked at the couple and bowed her head as Ryouma rode Silver and waved to the couple. A fun smile sprouting from his lips.

The couple bowed and watched the three of them move away from small gallops. Ryouma approached Masayasu's horse and stared at him.

"Dear shinobi, are you really well?" he asked.

Masayasu cast a cold glare at him and then looked forward to follow his horse to Ina's side. He had simply ignored Ryouma's question, his presence still was not welcome to him, but luckily after he reached Ueda they could dismiss Ryouma.

"Chie..." Masayasu seemed strange to call Ina like that, but it was necessary, since Ryouma could not find out who she was. Ina looked at Masayasu approaching with Mako.

"Yes?" she smiled at him gently. After so many kisses last night she was still trying to recover from the crazy feelings in her chest. Staying close to Masayasu only brought the sensation she wanted to be in his arms again, as on the last night.

"Tell me ... why do you trust him?"

Masayasu asked looking at Ina. He wanted to understand why Ina trusted a mercenary who could loot her, or was trying to help to get more than money.

Ina looked at Masayasu a little surprised at the question. She did not think he was bothering about it. She had promised to be careful, but he still seemed worried with this theme. She smiled a little at him and then looked straight ahead.

"When you were injured in the forest, as well he helping me, he stayed with Haku, my trunk and my money. I trusted him to take me to the small farm and he did."

Ina looked at Masayasu and smiled at him. "If he wanted to steal something from me he could have done it, I have a good horse, my trunk has valuables and my money was together, plus my bow and his wakizashi."

She pointed to Masayasu's wakizashi pinned to his waist. But now with a katana, one she had taken with her, he needed to look like a samurai, not a shinobi, and every samurai walked with a katana and a wakizashi attached to their waist.

Masayasu was silent for a while and looked back over his shoulder and saw Ryouma riding a certain distance from them, singing some melody unknown to his ears. Ryouma noticed Masayasu's gaze on him, then looked at the shinobi and smiled wryly and winked.

"Pff!"

Masayasu looked forward muttering. Ina only looked at him a little surprised, he was mumbling with a certain frequency on this trip. Or it would be because of Ryouma. She smiled as she realized it must be about Ryouma. Here was a very complicated relationship, but she was sure that at some point they could be good friends.

[lady-inahime]

Book - The Princess and the Shadow

Chapter 5: The stranger in the forest

Ina rode toward the forest, she looked in that direction, she wanted to see if Masayasu would send a signal to her telling how many men there were. She did not know which signal to receive, but that did not matter, she would know it was a signal at the right time.

It was late afternoon, the sunset was ending, in fact the sunset looked very shy that day, perhaps because it was cooling down a bit. She looked around quickly, just to make sure there was no one else around, and then looked at the forest again. Her violet eyes attended every movement, every shadow that appeared.

Ina felt her heart beat so hard she feared that anyone could hear. She released the bow of the mount and held it in her hand and was observed, in case she needed to pull a quick arrow from the quiver that was now on her back. This whole Masayasu's plan seemed very tense. She just wanted to get over it and cross the forest without concern, but her heart said there would be combat.

Ina had the impression of far from seeing movements amidst the trees, but it could be just the wind moving those red leaves. She was attentive, did not want to fail, especially because she felt that the Masayasu's life would be in danger.

She then began to approach the forest, her heart beating louder and louder. She saw some foliage move. Slowly she pulled an arrow from her quiver and pinned the bowstring and pointed in that direction.

Ina tried to calm her heart, she made a movement with her legs for Mako to stop, so Haku also stopped when realizing that the other horse had stopped. Ina was trying to breathe calmly, she looked and was about to drop the arrow and then saw Masayasu come out through the foliage and look around and then back to Ina.

"You do not have to shoot me, you know."

Masayasu mocked at the look on Ina's face who does not understanding what was happening. She lowered her bow and stared at Masayasu and followed his gaze.

"I did not see anyone, this is weird. Do you believe there's no one here?"

Ina looked toward the unbelieving forest that there was no one, something inside her said there was someone, somebody lurking to attack them when they were on low guard.

"No, there's someone in there, I can feel it."

She spoke and Masayasu looked into her eyes. She stared at the forest as if searching for someone, for some clue that someone was inside.

Masayasu followed her gaze, if she felt something and should take it into consideration. She was trained to feel the energies around her, as archer she could feel more than he might. Although as shinobi he managed to identify presences, she as an archer might feel energies or sensations, was her instinct.

"Do you feel any presence? Because I feel nothing and did not see anyone, Inahime."

Masayasu spoke and looked at Ina, she looked around, in whatever direction her eyes could penetrate into that forest, she felt something, but she was not sure if she would be able to tell what it was.

"I'm not sure I can say I feel a presence, but there's something inside that forest, something hidden, something that our eyes might not be seeing."

She looked at Masayasu. He watched her severely, then put his hand on his chin to think about it. Maybe she was right. But what could it be? Something that could erase his presence, because he could not feel anything, at least not in the same way as Inahime.

"My father, my real father, Tadakatsu-sama, once told me a story when I was a child. He said that oni still existed, and that they could hide their presence from humans. When I was a child I was charmed by this kind of story, but today I come across something unknown and strangely this story came to my mind after years and years without hearing."

Masayasu's eyes met Ina's eyes, it was weird to hear a story like this, she did not look like a girl full of superstitions, but this story came strangely to her mind. Why? Coinscidence? Or had the unknown simply touched her mind this way?

Masayasu noticed that Ina seemed to feel something, she aimed her arrow again, lifting the bow. He followed her aim, followed the movement of her arrow and then saw her shoot an arrow at a tree.

"Oops, it was close, Milady."

A male voice came from the trees. Masayasu did not feel that presence. How? He quickly pulled his wakizashi fastened on his waist and pointed toward the voice.

"I have not come to steal you, though I know Milady has something for me, but ... I will wait for time to get her to give me what I want."

A man came out of the forest with his hands raised to show that he was not armed. He wore only a brown hakama, no kimono inside. His back, arms, shoulders, and chest had a strange dragon tattoo all in blue, Ina frowned when she saw this, immediately she recognized him as a mercenary, only mercenaries used to wear tattoos.

She pulled another arrow from the quiver and attached it to the bowstring, Masayasu was also prepared to attack. No weapons were seen in the man, no katana, no spear, but Masayasu knew he was hiding something.

The man had black hair, loosened below his shoulders, he had crimson eyes and wore a red band on his forehead. A wry smile flickered from his lips, he looked at Ina, though he did not lost Masayasu from sight.

An exaggerated gesture to bow to Ina and then he looked at her with a charming smile.

"Hello, Milady, I'm not here to hurt you or yours...." He looked at Masayasu and scratched his head thinking about what he would be. "..Your bodyguard...I just want to help you."

Ina kept her sights, she did not need help, she had Masayasu, so she would want other help?

"I do not need your help! Get out, or I'll have to shoot you."

Ina spoke in a serious tone. Masayasu looked at her and saw that she had changed her posture, she looked dangerous now, and he could see in her eyes that she would shoot if the man took a single step.

The man put his hands on his waist and let out a laugh, that beautiful young woman was dangerous, he could see in her eyes. And the man who was with her was even more dangerous, he saw coldness and cruelty in his eyes. Masayasu could kill him in a single movement, by his posture he could see that he was a shinobi, maybe not everyone recognized, but he did.

"My name is Ryouma, I am a traveler. I usually travel from province to province, and I get money to help travelers like you, Milady."

He said smiling at her and then saw a kunai fly in the direction of his face, for a few seconds he dodged and looked at Masayasu, who was cold as a glacier, his look now looked like someone who wanted to kill.

"Hey, you almost hit me." Ryouma said complaining.

"Shut up!" Ina ordered and jumped off the horse with great agility, still looking at the bow and resting one knee on the ground to avoid falling.

She stood up and walked to the side of Masayasu and got very close to him, if they need to they would fight with that man, maybe they needed to pass him, but would not give him money at all. She could imagine how he got his own money.

Ryouma looked at Ina and then at Masayasu, both armed and ready to fight him. He shrugged and smiled wryly.

"Are you going to attack an unarmed man? As you can see I have no weapons." He turned so that both could see that there were no hidden weapons.

Ina did not know what to think, the man who claimed to call himself Ryouma stood before them, disarmed offering help. What kind of help? What did he want?

"What you want?" Ina asked in a serious tone.

"To help." Ryouma replied quickly and looked toward the forest and then to Masayasu.

"Your friend did not see me in the forest, I have my own way of hiding. As I said, I'm here to help, I can be a guide, I need money and I'm offering to be your guide."

He nodded toward the path that Masayasu and Ina were following with the horses.

"From one province to another there are bands of thieves, many of them, I know how to go through them unseen. But...I need money, Milady."

He looked at her and smiled charmingly. "If you do not trust me, I can take you to my camp and share my sake and my bonfire with you."

He kept his eyes crimson on Ina, she was beautiful, very beautiful...he had never seen such a beautiful young woman on all the trips he had made to Japan. Masayasu noticed his gaze and took a step forward, untangling his wakizashi.

"Your gaze on her does not help much to trust. I'm sure if I take my eyes off her you're going to attack her!"

Masayasu spoke coldly, his voice husky.

Ryouma raised his hands and smiled wryly at Masayasu, had he realized that he would protect the girl anyway, were they friends, relatives or lovers? His mind had that question.

"No, I'm not going to attack her, my dear shinobi. First because my view of the ladies is that they are flowers and should be treated with kindness and respect. For me no matter the status of the lady, I will always treat them good."

Ryouma smiled and looked at Ina with a charming smile. She did not understand that man. Who was he anyway? If he was a mercenary would treat her anyway, now...those words about respect and kindness. What was that?

"I do not believe you!" Ina spoke in a serious tone and pulled the arrow to shoot at Ryouma.

Ryouma's eyes widened and he swerved to the side as quickly as he could when Ina released another arrow on him. It was by millimeters. He still watched the arrow cross and hit a tree. Did she want to kill him? Ryouma looked at Ina and shrugged with a look from one who was not understanding so aggressively.

"Milady, let's do it like this. Let's go to my camp, we'll talk better there, your bodyguard can kill me if I'm lying."

He quickly looked at Masayasu, who was still wary of that man's gestures. What if there were others inside the forest?

"How can I be sure there are no others hidden? You say you want to guide us through a place without thieves. And who assures me you're not one of them?"

Masayasu took another step forward, holding the wakizashi in combat position. Ryouma sighed deeply and put his hands on his waist.

"Look, I do not know who you are and why you are going on a trip, a lady and a shinobi are calling attention. I know that not everyone will realize that you are a shinobi, but I have already fought with some, I recognize one from a distance. Do you think I would come to a shinobi if I wanted to die? In the forest there is my horse, my bag, my sake, a spear and a gun."

He stared at Masayasu. "Go look, if you want, I'll stay here with Milady. You can go straight down this path and find my campfire, I lit it before I came here, I came exactly because I saw you and Milady."

"Did you see me?" Ina asked in surprise. How could he see out of the woods if he was inside, not on the edge?

Ina lowered her bow slowly and looked at Masayasu. He looked at her coldly. She wanted to know if he had found this strange phrase as much as she had thinking. How could he see from that distance?

Her heart told Masayasu not to go, but for some reason Ryouma might have been telling the truth. She stared at him for a moment, then looked at Masayasu again. She met his blue eyes, he seemed to want to inspect the place again, but she did not want to let him go alone.

"Go, look at his camp, you're more adept than me to recognize hidden enemies. I'll stay here with him."

She raised the bow again and attached another arrow to the rope and positioned it, pointing directly at Ryouma's heart. Masayasu was in doubt whether to leave Ina alone with him, even more so after seeing the look of that man on her. But she was right, he could find out faster if he had someone hidden.

"I'll be back in 2 minutes." and saying that Masayasu vanished in the middle of the forest.

Ryouma looked surprised at the speed Masayasu vanished. "Woooow!" he then looked at Ina who was still staring at him seriously.

"Do you never smile, Milady?" Ryouma said with a wry smile. "So...just the two of us, can we talk about your lover?" he smirked.

Masayasu entered the forest and walked the path Ryouma had said, to his surprise he came upon a small camp. There was a fire burning, a fish was roasting on the fire. He looked around, saw the silver horse he spoke, the horse looked at him and whinnied.

A spear was leaning against a tree, and a sake bottle, a small bag, and a gun are placed near the fire. How could he leave his things that way? Masayasu frowned suspiciously. He looked around, then jumped through the trees and looked to see if there was anyone else.

He found a taller tree and jumped from branch to branch and came almost to the top and looked into the forest, he could see the horse and the fire. His eyes followed every way and then out of the forest he could see Ina and Ryouma. There was no one else but them.

With a leap to the ground he fell crouched and then quickly got up and ran towards Inahime, he did not want to leave her any longer alone with that man.

In exactly two minutes and he was back. He jumped next to Ina and Ryouma feigned surprise. Masayasu looked at him with a cold look and then approached Ina and leaned close to her ear.

"He told the truth, but I feel like there's something strange about it."

Masayasu spoke and then Ina just looked quickly at him, to meet his eyes and looked at Ryouma, who smiled wryly. He ran a hand through his black hair and kept his gaze fixed on his eyes.

"You look in sync, that's good. Are you .... lovers?"

Ryouma asked and saw Ina frowning again. He wanted to have time to talk to her about Masayasu, but he was too quick. He was sure he had seen Masayasu somewhere, he just had to remember.

"You talk too much." Masayasu murmured.

Ryouma shrugged and smiled wryly at Masayasu as if he were really mocking him. "Maybe you say little my dear shinobi."

Ina thought for a few seconds and looked at Masayasu with a look of concern, she needed to know whether to risk it or not, she had a weight on her heart, the feeling that something bad would happen to him was still throbbing in her heart.

"Let's hear what he has to say, but I'll stand by his spear and get his gun."

Masayasu spoke in a cold and dry tone. He did not want to give more holes for that man to speak. He knew a place to not be attacked, he wanted to hear, wanted to know if this was real and could be trusted.

When she heard Masayasu's words, Ina lowered her bow and put the arrow in the quiver. Ryouma breathed a sigh of relief and then looked at Ina and smiled at her. Masayasu did not like how that man seemed to look at Ina, he wanted something from her, and he did not like it.

Ina saw the look and Ryouma' smile and then ignored him, she was serious, but her face changed as she approached Masayasu to talk, Ryouma could see that she had a softer face, they had a good relationship and she trusted him.

"Okay, you go ahead where I can see you."

Masayasu spoke to Ryouma, who only shrugged. He did not have to talk about it, he knew they were both suspicious of him, but the shinobi was the one who most suspected it was his nature, his training, his instinct.

Masayasu grabbed Mako's reins and looked at Ina to make sure she was fine and agreed. Ina smiled at him and nodded. She trusted Masayasu and would follow her plan again. But she would be prepared for any kind of attack.

She took Haku's reins and held her bow tightly, if need be she would use the blade as a sword, for now it seemed tranquil, but nothing was predictable coming from a mercenary and a forest.

Masayasu stared at Ryouma, hoping he would understand that it was for him to walk. Ryouma looked at Masayasu and Ina and waited for someone to say something. Ina raised an eyebrow, or that man was sly or he really was not understanding the situation.

She looked at Masayasu who seemed a little impatient with Ryouma. She knew he could launch another kunai, and before that was necessary she intervened.

"Come on, let's go to your camp."

Ryouma smiled at Ina, his eyes were crimson, she had never seen eyes of that color, and there was a strange glow in those eyes, as if she were planning something, or as if he knew something that no one else knew. It was strange and it caused discomfort in her.

Ryouma turned and headed for the forest, walking among the trees, heading straight for his camp. Masayuki followed behind with Mako. Ina was coming after Masayasu, along with Haku. She watched closely for any strange gesture Ryouma had.

Her heart was still heavy with that bad feeling. Why? What would happen there? She did not want to see Masayasu hurt or worse. She felt a shiver run through her body, that forest was creeping in her, there was something strange in that place. She could feel it.

A cold wind swept down the path. Instinctively she looked back, then to the left side and then to the right side and back to the front, she saw Masayasu in front of her with Mako, but she could see Ryouma walking quietly, now in silence. He was a strange man.

Ryouma let Masayasu decide where to put the horses and pick up his gun and spear, he did not want trouble with the shinobi. Silver looked happy to see Ryouma, who smiled at his horse.

Masayasu took the reins from Haku and taking him and Mako to the side, he thought of tying them both, but then he thought that if anything happened they could flee. He left the horses side by side, away from Silver, who seemed to stare curiously at the two horses.

Then he went to the fire and took the gun to the floor and put it inside his kimono and stood next to the spear. He gestured with his hand to Ina to sit on a free trunk near the fire.

Ina looked at Masayasu, he was really suspicious of something, did he have the same strange sensation as she? Slowly she looked at Ryouma and then looked at the free trunk and walked over to it and sat down, putting the bow in her lap.

Ryouma nodded, there was silence, he did not like silence, but that shinobi looked like a strange shadow beside his spear. He walked over to the trunk opposite Ina and sat down.

"We have fish and sake, will you want a little?"

He asked offering and looked at Masayasu and then at Ina and smiled charmingly at her.

"Stop smiling at her that way and say. Which way best way to go without finding looters or thieves?"

Masayasu began to speak. His voice was so cold that the ears of the listener were harsh and hard. Ryouma before your words looked at him and laughed a little.

"Sorry if I've been looking too much for her, she's a very beautiful young woman, the most beautiful I've ever seen traveling around, you have luck, my dear shinobi."

Masayasu did not change his countenance, he was still cold and serious. Ina could see that he did not want to talk silly, wanted to get right to the subject that Ryouma had confirmed knowing.

Ryouma realized that Masayasu was still cold and serious, so he picked up his bottle of sake and offered it to him as a gesture of peace. Masayasu looked at the bottle and then nodded at him.

"Take a swallow first. I need to make sure it has no poison."

Masayasu spoke and Ryouma's eyes widened. Did he really think that? He laughed. He could not disguise that such distrust was amusing, but he could understand that, the girl must be valuable, so much mistrust.

"Okay, I'll take it first, that's no problem, best sake in Japan."

He opened the bottle and took it to his lips and took a big sip. Ina stared at him, she did not know what that man wanted, he was a mercenary, she already knew that, and she was sure that although Masayasu had not said anything, he knew it too.

After taking a long drink, he offered the sake to Masayasu again. He took the bottle and took it to his nose and sniffed first, even as he looked at the man, yes that was sake, just sake. He took a sip and looked at Ina, who shook her head in negative.

Masayasu handed the bottle back to Ryouma. He still stared at him coldly, still had not accepted it as a gesture of peace. Ryouma realized from his look that he would not lower his guard, so he just shrugged and picked up the bottle.

"Well, let's get down to business. As I said I know one way, but it's going to take one more day of travel, if you had plans for a 3-day trip, maybe it's 4."

He looked at Ina, thinking it might be tiring for her, especially since the night was getting colder and camping would be bad for her.

"We are going to have to cross one side near the mountains and the river. Few people go there because it is dangerous, the river is deep."

Ryouma began to explain, but was interrupted by Masayasu.

"Idea place to be looted." he said harshly.

"No, because it's really dangerous, there's only one part of the river that can be passed with horses, the rest is deep, I know what that part is, no one knows it, no one uses that area, I've done that way several times without being attacked is safe. "

Ryouma replied looking at Masayasu and then smiled and nodded at Ina.

"It's safe for her, you need to think about Milady. When you're alone it's easy to go on a trip, but when you have a lady you need to think about her safety and comfort."

Ina was surprised by his concern to treat women so carefully, this was new to a mercenary. As far as she heard most people beat and rape women, why was he thinking of gentleness and comfort?

She moved her lips to start talking, but a sudden sound made her stand up alert, her eyes fell over in Masayasu who had already pulled his wakizashi. Ryouma got up and pointed in the middle of the forest.

"There!"

Ina can not see right what he was pointing at, but it looked human, it looked like a shadow, maybe a man. It fractions of a second she pulled an arrow and armed her bow and shot at that spot. A cry of pain. It was the voice of a man.

She jumped back, so the tree trunk did not disturb. Her heart soared, it was terrible, the sensation that someone would attack Masayasu. That was what she feared, that was what she'd spent all afternoon thinking.

Masayasu looked at Ryouma, he did not ask for any weapons, but he had helped Ina, so he should not be with these men. But before he could draw any conclusions, a man jumped on him, Masayasu struck a side stroke with his wakizaki, hitting the man's stomach, causing the man to go dead.

In seconds they were surrounded, seven more men jumped on them. The men were wearing simple clothes like peasants, but their faces were covered with brown cloth. It could tell they used to plunder, so they hid their faces.

Ryouma saw a man in his direction and quickly defended himself with his arm so the man did not hit him with a kama, the weapon almost cut off his arm, but he in a quick blow, hit the man's chin with a knee and took kama of his hand and hit his back, making the man fall dead.

Ina began to step backwards, shooting arrows, she lost some because the men jumped with the kama, and her heart was heavy with concern for Masayasu. But she hit the chest of a man who fell dead, so she saw that Masayasu was fighting with either man. His wakizashi slid fast with strong and elegant cutting strokes.

She aimed the arrow at the man's head, he jumped, but Masayasu defended himself. When Masayasu held hit with the Kama with his wakizashi Ina saw her chance. She took a deep breath and shot, hitting the man's head, which falls dead before the shinobi.

Masayasu quickly looked at Ina and even before saying something, he had to defend himself against a hit of the kama, using his wakizashi to defend himself. This must have been some gang wearing kama. He noticed that all the members attacked with kama. But the members were a bit slow for him.

Masayasu jumped back and fell with a knee leaning on the floor. He quickly took two kunai from his little bag, strapped to the waist, and threw it into the throat of two men, both of whom fell dead.

Ina saw a man get close to her, was so sudden and he came with a jump, and a hit with the kama, that she only had time to use the bow. She used the blade of her bow to defend herself from the blow of the kama, she pushed the man and then turning the body at great speed and hitting the blade of her bow in the abdomen in the man, cutting him. Another dead.

Ryouma saw Masayasu slip through the shadows to strike a man with his wakizashi, when he lifted the wakizashi with both hands, Ryouma took a kama from a dead man before him and threw the man before Masayasu gave the final blow. The man just turned his body and felt the blood running down his back. He fell a few seconds later.

"It must be the Kama gang." Ryouma spoke quickly, looking at Ina, seeing her serious face, she was not scared, but serious, and to her surprise she really was skilful with the bow.

"Strange, the leader was not among them."

Ryouma looked at the dead on the ground. And then he felt something, but he realized that Ina and Masayasu had felt it, too. It was another presence. A man came walking out of the shadows. Yes, it was already getting dark, the forest was starting to get dark.

Ina pulled an arrow from her quiver and pinned it on the bowstring of her bow and lifted it, pointing in the man's direction. Before she could shoot him she heard a sound. One shot. She scared. Her violet eyes widened. She nearly lost her breath. That was a gun. Her eyes quickly traced where the shot had hit.

No. No. No. It was all that came into her mind. As she looked to the side, she saw Masayasu put his hand on the side of the body, on the ribs, his hand full of blood. He looked at Ina, he wanted to say something to her. The words fled from his lips again. The silence consumed him again. Pain. He felt pain. And he felt a strange sensation, and a loss of blood. He did not believe this was happening.

Ina saw his face pale, his hand full of blood, so he fell to the ground. Her heart grew heavy, she saw Masayasu being hit, being hurt, as her heart feared. This could not be happening.

She then looked at the man holding the gun. He was a man with a cruel look, and he had hit Masayasu because he knew he was the strongest there, what else had killed members of his gang.

"NOOOOOO!!" she screamed with tears.

PS: The pic Ryouma

[lady-inahime]

Book - The Princess and the Shadow

Chapter 4: The mission

Ina noticed Masayasu's earnest gaze and followed the path with him. Her room was downstairs while his was downstairs, but she could talk to him as she went downstairs, and that's what she did. She quickly stepped up to him and took hold of his arm.

"Masayasu-sama, I'm seeing concern in your eyes, even though your eyes often do not show me anything, I see that there is a concern. What are you thinking? If you do not share with me I can not help you."

She spoke, then paused in the middle of the stairs. Masayasu glances at her hand on his arm and then on her face and grabs her hand and begins to descend the stairs quickly. Ina was surprised and confused. But then she understood when he headed toward her room and entered with her, closing the doors behind him.

Masayasu was very serious, he turned to look at Ina studying those violet eyes full of confusion and mixed feelings to that. He would be frank with her, he needed to be in that moment.

"This mission is risky for you and me, I'm sure your father is testing my skills and yours, maybe testing something else." he said in a serious, almost hoarse voice.

"Anything else?" Ina repeated frowning. What did he mean by anything else?

"What do you mean by that?"

Ina asked to perceive Masayasu to begin to walk by her room and running the hand in the own fringe. She had already seen him make a similar gesture when he was thinking and worried. She wanted to understand what he was thinking.

"Share with me what you're thinking. Let's think together."

She spoke and Masayasu stopped in the middle of the room and turned his face to look at Ina. She was right, thinking alone would bring more and more ideas. She knew Ieyasu better than he did, maybe she could give an answer to his questions.

"I need answers, Inahime. You said you never made long journeys, but you've been on other missions, tell me about it."

Ina nodded quickly and approached Masayasu as she looked into his blue eyes.

"I've done trips, but not long, when they were long I was with my father, when we need to visit some other province I went with him. He used me as a spy in the castle, who will distrust the princess, right?"

Masayasu agreed with her words and put his hand under his chin. "So ... does not everyone know that you fight in battles?"

"No, some do not know me. On the battlefield I am always in armor, I may be mistaken for some samurai, some nobleman serving my father, or one of his sons."

"So let's take it easy, no Sanada knows you, even when Masayuki Sanada came here he did not see you?"

Masayasu looked into Ina's eyes, he wanted to see if this was really true, if he was not engaging in a suicide mission.

"No, my father did not allow me to take part in the meeting, I might have planned something, only some of his allies know me, not all of them."

Ina can see a little concern dissipate from the eyes of that shinobi, but something still bothered him.

"Masayasu-sama, my father would not send me on a suicide mission, if that's what you're thinking. If something goes wrong I know how to handle it, but I've never made mistakes in my missions, I will not commit now. I know that he is very clever clan, Masayuki-sama is an intelligent man, like my father, I just need to be careful. "

She smiled up at him. Her eyes loaded with kindness, Masayasu could see that. She seemed so confident, if she relied so much on her own abilities as a spy, then he would give her that vote of trust in her.

Ina watched Masayasu, he did not seem to trust her words, she could understand that, as shinobi he had experience going to missions where he needed to take care of only himself, but that was different, he would need to protect her too.

"Do not worry, I will not do anything stupid, I have experience with it, Masayasu-sama."

She spoke in a serious tone, still looking at him. Masayasu could sense her concern, she wanted him to trust her, he could realize it, but she was also being honest, he was sure she would not do any stupid things.

Masayasu looked serious, his blue eyes fixed on Ina's violet eyes, she was intelligent, and if she said she had experience with it he should believe it. He needed to believe, or they would never leave this beginning, they wanted to trust each other, that was all.

He sighed deeply and put his hands on his hips and kept his gaze fixed on Ina.

"Okay, organize what you need, do not take a lot, just the necessary, maybe two hakama and two kimono, it's better that way. We should not call attention. If you carry a lot of clothes it arouses the attention of others. No one can know that you are a noble on this journey."

And saying this, Masayasu walked to the door of the room and opened, but before leaving he looked at Ina. She was silent, had not complained about anything, just listened in silence. Maybe she had already thought about all this he said to her, but to avoid any misunderstanding he preferred to let her aware of everything.

Without saying anything, Masayasu left the room and closed the shoji door behind him and walked down the hall and toward the stairs, he needed to bring some clothes and weapons. Little, enough for an extra mission during the trip and to defend Ina from likely looters.

Ina stood in the same place, Masayasu had already left her room, but she could still see that serious, worried expression. She could not make him believe her, in her word, she wanted him to trust her, only that, if he did, he would have no doubt she could succeed in her mission.

She sighed and went to her closet to pick up a small trunk for travel, take only what he ordered, plus remedies and a hairpin case she needed at some point. He hid a beautiful kimono and a simple one. She would travel with the hakama and kimono she was wearing.

What did you expect in this mission? She could not know, but she would do everything to fulfill the best and would show Masayasu that she had experience and confidence in her own abilities.

Ina grabbed the trunk and opened the door, but to her surprise she came upon Ieyasu looking at her. He looked at the trunk and then at her and smiled gently. A servant quickly took the trunk from her hands and hurried down the hall toward the stairs.

Ina looked at the servant and again at her father. He was soft-featured, though she saw a little concern in his brown eyes.

"My father." Ina said.

"I need to talk to you." Ieyasu spoke and entered her room closing the door.

Ina quickly went to kneel in the tatami of the room. Ieyasu sat down in front of her and smiled again. He saw a glint of worry in her eyes, but she was not worried about the trip, but what could happen on the trip.

"Ina, you know I trust your abilities." Ieyasu began to speak and Ina nodded slowly.

"This mission will not be so easy, I want you to keep an eye on everything around you. You and Masayasu may run into bandits along the way, I know he will do anything to protect you, but listen to him too. Been out there many times, he's more experienced at it than you."

Ieyasu began to speak looking into Ina's eyes, she was serious, silent, just listening to every word said. Strangely she was beginning to wonder if this trip could be a bad thing, since he was talking about it all.

"I'm going to my father, I'm not reckless, do not worry, I'll always listen to Masayasu-sama."

She smiled at her father and then took her hands and looked into his eyes with a gentle countenance.

"I'll come back well, no hurt, you'll see, my dear father." she bowed her head at him.

Ieyasu was worried more about the bandits they could find than the mission theirself, he knew she would succeed in her mission. He needed to rely on Masayasu's abilities. He needed to trust that young shinobi. He nodded with a smile.

"I'll talk to Masayasu now. Give us a few minutes."

Ieyasu brought his lips to Ina's forehead and kissed her before rising. Although she was not of his blood he had a great affection for her. He saw her grow up and liked her like a real daughter.

Ina continued to kneel as Ieyasu stood up. She watched him walk away and walk to the door. She knew he needed a few minutes to talk to Masayasu. But she trusted Masayasu's abilities. Did not he trust?

Ieyasu left her room. He was worried about her safety, she thought it was natural, it was her first trip away from him, only she and Masayasu. Now thinking about it could be a bit scary. But she trusted Masayasu, he had shown confidence in training in the forest.

A smile crossed her lips at the thought of it. Masayasu gained her confidence so fast, but he did not seem to trust her too much. She hoped to change that perception of him during the trip.

Ieyasu went down the stairs and walked down the porch of the castle toward Masayasu's room. Masayasu noticed Ieyasu's presence before he even reached his room and then opened the door for him to enter.

Ieyasu entered Masayasu's room and looked at him with a friendly smile and then looked around him to see how the shinobi had arranged his room. It looked the same as before, the difference is that there were books on the shelf and a few walkways.

He saw Masayasu close the door and then turned to him and when he saw that Masayasu would already kneel, he waved and stood.

"I'll be brief." he began, looking into Masayasu's blue eyes.

"I know you have experience in many missions, Ina is a smart girl, she will not do anything without thinking. But if she does, please take care of her. I know I do not need to ask, but I know you can run into bad guys. Take care of her. "

Ieyasu spoke in a serious tone. Ina had gone down and was now leaning against the wall next to Masayasu's room. He had sensed her presence and looked quickly toward the door, but he saw that her intent was to just hear, not to enter.

"This is my contract, Lord Ieyasu. Nothing will happen to her, I promise you that I will protect her with my own life."

Masayasu replied and Ieyasu just smiled at him, nodding several times.

"She can be very proud sometimes, but show her when she's wrong, she'll listen to you, I'm sure of that."

Masayasu nodded. If he did not speak, Ina would not hear, he was in agreement with the trip and with the security measures, but he knew that something would happen on that trip, his senses told him that. He just did not know if it was something good or bad.

Ieyasu smiled at Masayasu in thanks and walked to the door and opened it. He saw Ina standing beside it and smiled at her.

"I've prepared it for you both."

And saying this he took a bag of coins from the kimono and put it in her hand and looked into her eyes.

Ina looked at Ieyasu for a while, he seemed calmer now, though his brown eyes still told her he was worried, but she wanted to show a reassuring smile. Then she smiled at him gently and nodded, putting the money in her own kimono.

Masayasu left the room and looked at Ina, he had only a bag of clothes and weapons. A trunk would be great to carry so little, but he had enough to survive the trip and that mattered.

Ina's eyes met with Masayasu and he nodded toward the courtyard. Ina bowed to Ieyasu and followed Masayasu to the courtyard. Ieyasu followed the two shortly after and saw them both organizing their horses.

Ina quickly mounted the horse, Masayasu looked at her and as of that moment he knew they would live a great adventure outside that castle, he just thought they should be very careful.

He rode his horse too, and saw that Ina had the quiver in the back and the bow in front of her. Ieyasu grabbed a big chip hat that was in the hand of a servant and handed it to Ina and smiled at her. She put the hat on her head.

"Take care." he asked and she just smiled confidently and gently moved her feet to touch the horse and start trotting toward the open gates. Masayasu put on his hat too and began to trot behind Ina, following up to her side and staring down at her face under her hat, determined and calm.

Masayasu knew that maybe she was not aware of so much danger, but he knew she was intelligent and had good vision around her, she had shown it in the forest, would do it again, for sure.

He believed her, believed in her abilities, she had already shown this to him once, though now it was different, real, they would be on a mission, but still he could see the same determined young woman he saw in the forest.

A faint smile. And they continued to trot away from the castle, side by side. Ina did not want to look back, so she just looked at Masayasu and smiled gently at him. It was a new mission, unlike anything she ever did, and her heart was pounding with the whole idea of being so far from her father.

Ina rode beside Masayasu. Her horse was white and she very much enjoyed riding with him. She showed respect and affection for her mount, she respected the animal that rode on journeys and on battlefield as a member of the family, his name was Haku.

Masayasu realized that she seemed calm on this trip, perhaps a little scattered. Or maybe she simply trusted him too much now and believed she would be safe and secure by his side. He did not know if she should trust him that much. Of course he wanted her confidence, but it was a trip and they did not know yet whether they could be watched from afar or if they could come up with looters any further.

Only he thought of all this? Was he paranoid and always thought something could go wrong on this trip? He continued to look at Ina, she smiled and ran her hand over the horsehair. When she realized that Masayasu was looking at her, she turned her face to his side and smiled cheerfully. He did not understand the reason for such happiness.

"Why are you happy?" he decided to ask, still observing her gestures with the horse.

"Ah, maybe for you to be natural to go out, to travel, missions alone, but for me this is new. My father never allowed me to go so far as to say that he trusts me and my abilities. For me it's good to stay away from the castle for some time, away from his controlling eyes where I always have to be Inahime."

She spoke with a smile and then giggled with amusement.

"You should not understand this because you are a man and a shinobi. As much as I am an onna bugeisha, as much as I follow the code bushido like every samurai, my father still sees me as a princess, and that suffocates me sometimes. It's nice to have a little freedom."

She now just smiled softly, her eyes soft and gentle as she looked at Masayasu. It was then that he could understand a little more about Ina, she liked being a warrior, being a noble was good for her, but it made her lose her freedom. He smiled a little at the realization that he had never thought about it. He always thought that every hime liked protection, but forgot that Ina was different from the other hime.

"Well, I do not know if you're tired of riding up, but we'll ride around until lunchtime and then we stop to eat and get some rest."

Masayasu spoke as he looked at his brown horse. He did not know his name, but he knew they would have each other's company for a few days. He had smooth strokes, and seemed to be a docile horse, good for travel.

Ina nodded at Masayasu's words and looked at him with a soft smile.

"It's all right with me, I brought food for both of us, water and tea."

She smiled again and realized he was staring at the horse. Maybe he had not had time to be introduced to his travel partner.

"Her name is Mako, she's sweet and good for travel, my father uses her on trips, not in battles, just for travel, she knows many provinces and many samurai."

Masayasu looked at Ina and then at Mako. She was right about being a good horse to go. He looked forward and also checked behind and from the sides, he was watching any strange movement. They were alone, climbing a meadow, but it was never too much to watch.

"I think it's hard for us not to see somebody here, but there's rock walls ahead, I know we need to be careful, but here, even at a long distance we'll see someone."

Ina spoke and Masayasu cast a serious look. She blushed at the same time. Maybe he did not like that kind of comment while he was doing his job. She averted her gaze still red cheeked, maybe she had offended him, but it was not her intention.

"I'm sorry I offended you, Masayasu-sama, I did not mean to."

She looked at him and quickly bowed her head, she was embarrassed at that moment. He smiled a little, he knew she was being honest with him, but it was good to tease her a little.

"It's okay, but I just need to make sure, even if we can hear someone approaching, we can still be attacked by silent shinobi, do not forget that."

Masayasu spoke, and immediately Ina's eyes widened in surprise. She had not really thought about it so much to learn on a trip. She thought only of mercenaries and robbers, but she never thought of shinobi.

"I have much to learn from you, Masayasu-sama. Thank you for being with me and teaching me one more thing."

She smiled gently at him. Masayasu saw that smile, it was so sweet and kind that he needed to look away and just nod, if he tried to say something nothing would come out of his poor lips at that moment.

Farther on, as Ina had said, there was a wall of rocks on the right side. Quickly Masayasu motioned for Ina to stand on his left side, and she quickly obeyed. They began to jog softer there, trying to make as little noise as possible.

Masayasu was looking up at the rocks. He tried to hear or feel some presence. Strangely there was no one, but he did not trust all that silence, that was too strange, it would be an ideal place for an attack, but he waited for the attack that never came.

Weird. Lots of weird. Maybe the looters had changed the plans and chose another location. He looked at Ina, she shrugged, not understanding either.

"Maybe they have planned to attack somewhere else in the future, there is still a forest on the way, but when it gets to the forest it will be night."

She spoke in Masayasu and he put his hand on his thoughtful chin. A forest at night would be more than perfect. Then surely the attack would come from the forest, he needed to prepare for it, because they could not completely avoid the forest, it was on the left side of the path they were using to cross the province.

Ina quickly realized that they would be attacked at night, near the forest, it would surely be the ideal place, they would be able to hide among the trees. She stared at Masayasu and realized that he was thoughtful, as if he were planning something in silence.

Masayasu was again thoughtful and did not share his doubts and thoughts with her. She picked up the gourd with water and took a sip, then turned to offer it to Masayasu, her expression was gentle, she wanted to begin that conversation with a gentle countenance.

Masayasu took the gourd and drank a long sip of water, it was a little cold for a trip, it was autumn, so it was not hot, but his lips felt waterless. But he caught Ina's gaze, an inquisitive look.

"Why do not you share your ideas with me? We're a team on this trip. If you plan something I need to know."

She spoke in a serious tone, Masayasu was a bit surprised and then allowed a small smile to sprout from the corner of his lips. As always Ina surprising him, he did not expect this comment, she had realized that he was already completing a defense for the future attack.

"You're very smart. Yes, I was already planning a defense for the attack that will come from the forest." he said.

"But if you do not share this with me I will not be able to help, I can not just try to help you without knowing what you want to do, or I'll disrupt your plans, Masayasu-sama."

Masayasu looked at Ina in silence. She was right, he could not be planning everything, attacks or defenses without dividing it with her. They were a team, although he never worked with partners, she would be like a missions partner for him now.

"You're right, but I'm going to use you as bait for the attack, looters will see you and they'll think you're defenseless, they'll attack you first, and you'll hit them and I'll attack them to defend you. I just do not know how many men there are."

Masayasu said and looked at the horizon as he rode slowly. It was not the best plan he ever had, but he would be hiding to fulfill his plan.

"I'm going to hide and leave you alone with the horses. I'm sure they'll try to attack you."

Ina raised an eyebrow. She did not like the plan, but would say nothing, she would let Masayasu plan attacks and defenses while traveling, since the main mission is hers and she will plan everything from her own way.

"And if .... it's a possibility, if it's about 10 men. Do you think you'll be quick enough to defend me? I'm going to be alone with two horses. I can use my bow and defend myself, but I do not know how many they're going to attack this defenseless young woman here."

Ina mocked. She did not want to confront Masayasu, but there was the possibility of being attacked by many men at the same time.

"You say you're going to hide, okay, I'm going to ride alone with two horses, they may suspect someone, or we can pass my trunk to your horse, so it will seem like I use both horses during the trip. Let me know if you see more than three men, so I'll be ready with my bow, or another more practical weapon in hand."

Ina smiled a little at Masayasu. "I just do not want to be unexpectedly surprised by many men."

Masayasu nodded in agreement and looked at Ina. She was right, she needed to prepare herself, he could not count 100% that his plan would work, so she had to defend herself as well.

"Okay, I'll let you know, do not worry."

He said and then looked toward the sun, the weather was a bit warmer, but it was still a bit chilly because of the wind. He hoped it would not be so cold at night, they would stop near the forest, there was no village nearby.

"Do you want to stop for lunch and rest?"

He asked seeing Ina's horse a little tired, they had ridden for hours without a pause. The horses needed rest.

"There is a river nearby, we can stop there, eat, rest and fill the gourd with water."

Ina looked at Masayasu and smiled happily at him. He saw that girly's smile and then smiled a little and nodded.

"Show me the way." he made a gesture with his hand for her to lead.

In a few minutes of riding to the left side, leaving a little of their way, they stopped by a river. The water was clean and the river was flowing. Masayasu and Ina dismounted quickly. Ina took the food she brought in on a cloth and opened the cloth on the lawn and sat a stone and looked at Masayasu.

Masayasu saw onigiri and some fruit to eat. Besides tea, tea was welcome in this climate, it would be better if it were sake. He sat on a stone before Ina and picked up an onigiri and bit as he watched the horses quietly approach the riverbank and drink water.

"I was wondering when the night falls, we're going to have to sleep in the moonlight, maybe it's very cold. Do you know of any doing in the middle of the road where we can stop? Maybe before at night if that's the case."

"No, there is a small farm after the forest, almost on the border of the provinces."

Ina ate her onigiri slowly as she looked at Masayasu. He was right, as it was autumn, it was likely that the night would be cold, if they would have to sleep in the open air they might get sick.

"What we can do is reduce the rest time and ride faster, as fast as we can get to the farm. We should arrive at the farm at night if we only take a short break here."

Ina said looking at Masayasu, she realized that he was thinking of her words and pondering what would be best for them.

"So let's do it, maybe we can get through the forest before nightfall and not be attacked."

Masayasu spoke and then took a sip of tea, it was already warm, but at least it was a little hot to warm his throat.

Ina nodded and took her tea. She had finished eating and then offered more onigiri to Masayasu, who gestured to save to eat later. She then nodded and got up and picked up the cloth with the onigiri and folded it to save in her trunk.

She approached Haku and stroked the horsehair and filled the gourd with water in the river. Masayasu watched as Ina bent down and filled her gourd with water. He may realize that she was already accustomed to travel, though this time she was far from her family.

Ina dipped her hand in the water and then passed her face and neck. Masayasu watched her gesture. Although the weather was pleasant, she still had the sun against her, Ina might want a shower. He watched her. So beautiful and soft. At another time he would have ignored it, but it was SHE. He could not ignore her gestures.

Ina noticed Masayasu's gaze and then looked at him with a gentle countenance, her face filled with a light he had never seen before. She was gorgeous, he could not deny it.

He allowed a small smile to appear on his lips. And though she was very beautiful, she seemed fearless and intelligent. She has taken the initiative to solve all the problems so far. He was enjoying traveling with her, he was a helpful person and although he sometimes seemed distracted watching the scenery was always on alert.

Masayasu went to Mako and ran his hand through her horsehair. Mako nodded to his side. Masayasu smiled a little, it seemed Mako liked him, although he knew she was Ieyasu's horse.

"Seems she liked you."

Ina said as she mounted Haku and fastened the gourd to the trunk. She looked at Masayasu and smiled at him gently. Again she smiled like that for him, Masayasu needs to get used to it, he was not accustomed to such kindness and smiles.

Masayasu mounted quickly and looked at Ina, who put on her chip hat and tied it to her chin. She really looked like a samurai in that hat, but she had kind eyes like a noble lady. But maybe her real essence was a good hearted onna bugeisha, just that. Fair and with a gentle heart.

Masayasu sighed as he realized that he was thinking about Ina again, this was starting to become costly. He picked up the reeds from Mako and turned her toward the road again. He glanced over his shoulder at Ina, and saw that she was ready, just waiting for his command.

A brief smile and then he stamped his feet on the Mako's body, who began to ride quickly. Ina smiled a little and then did the same with Haku who ran to reach Mako. Ina saw Masayasu riding fast. Her own chip hat hat almost came out of her head, lucky that she caught it on the chin this time.

They rode fast for hours, then more late in the afternoon they slowed down, it was close to the forest.

Ina took the gourd and drank water and put it to Masayasu who also drank water. He stopped his horse and went down quickly and then he helped Ina down, although he knew he did not need to help her, he wanted to show that the trip was comfortable for him in her company.

She came out with his help and quickly looked into her blue eyes and smiled a little.

"Thank you, Masayasu-sama."

Her cheeks flushed a little and then she picked up the gourd and attached it to the trunk.

"I'll ride Mako and pull Haku. Let me know if you find anyone."

She lifted her face to meet Masayasu's eyes. He still had a slight distance to the forest, but he wanted to go before, maybe check the forest or around it.

He saw those violet eyes looking at him and then he could not hide a faint smile. Ina raised an eyebrow at the realization that it was a sincere smile, she liked to see it and then smiled gently at him again.

"Go, before I change my mind about your plan."

Ina turned around and when she went to ride on Mako, Masayasu quickly approached and helped her. Ina was a little surprised and looked at the shinobi's face. He was surprising her with some gestures. Should she be afraid of this?

Ina took Masayasu's hand and stared at him softly. She wanted to understand what was going on in her mind, but she could only see missions, plans and contract. She wanted to see beyond that, she wanted to see the real Masayasu, no mission, no contract, only the shinobi, the man standing before her.

Masayasu felt Ina hold his hand then let his eyes meet hers, her hand was cold, maybe she was a little cold, it was late afternoon, soon night would fall. He felt her hold his hand firmly, as if she did not want him to get away from her, go on a mission.

"I promise to let you know how many are in the forest and I promise to protect you, Inahime."

He spoke, but he saw Ina shake her head in negative, as if it were not what she really wanted to hear.

"No, I want you to come back to me safely, that's all. Don't think that my heart is not afflicted with the idea of ​​you entering this forest alone. My heart is tight with this idea, I fear you might get hurt today, to be smitten before my eyes."

She spoke with her violet eyes charged with real concern for him. Masayasu was slightly surprised, he did not expect to hear it from her. To hear that she cared so much about him, what could he say? She really cared about him. With your safety. With your life.

He nodded with a faint smile appearing on his lips. His blue eyes watching her. He could see her expression really charged with concern.

"I promise to get back to you, alive."

And saying that he released her hand, took a few steps back, still looking at that beautiful face and turned and ran towards the forest and jumped, vanishing before her eyes.

Ina stood for some time, just staring at the forest, there was something wrong in that place, there was something wrong at that moment, she could feel her instinct screaming at her.

With a gentle gesture, she began to ride toward the forest, the path she had to cross passed right by. She felt her heart reluctant, her thoughts drawn away, to Masayasu. Only Masayasu.

PS: The pic is Masayasu

 #book #wattpad #Inahime #Masayasu

[lady-inahime]

Book - The Princess and the Shadow

Chapter 3: Princess Warrior

Masayasu noticed Ina looking at him, her eyes met, now would be the first moment they would be alone, together and alone. No servants, no maids, no nobles, no guards, only he and she, and the sound of the wind in the forest.

Ina saw those blue eyes looking at her, she smiled at him, she could not stop smiling at him, maybe she was happy that he was well, that he slept well and that he was with her there, towards the forest. She felt a bit foolish to think of it and a slight blush appeared on her cheeks, so she averted her gaze.

Masayasu noticed the slight blush and smiled a little, Ina felt a little embarrassed by his presence, maybe it was not because of discomfort, maybe it was just because she was getting used to his presence, he wanted to believe it was just that.

Walking together into the woods, the soft cold weather made their ponytails move with the wind. Ina still looked at Masayasu for a few seconds, he looked better than last night and it calmed her heart completely.

She then realized that they had stopped in front of the forest. Masayasu turned to her and let a brief smile appear on his face. He was not a man with big smiles, but she was getting used to it.

Ina saw in his eyes a lot of mystery. Why did they stop in front of the forest? What did he want to show she before? She glanced toward the forest and then looked at him again. Masayasu was making her a little tense. Was that intentional?

"What happened, why did we stop?"

She decided to ask and saw a slight gleam in his eyes. She then felt a chill, she knew, this training would not be easy today, perhaps the most difficult training she ever had in her life, although her real father, who was her master, trained her rigorously, but perhaps Masayasu was more rigorous, she could feel it by his look, by his posture.

Masayasu glanced toward the forest for a few seconds, then looked at Inahime. His blue eyes serious, but not completely cold, there was no coldness in his eyes, there was something, but she did not know what it was.

"I know you've never had a training this way before, so if you get hurt tell me, do not hide it from me, okay?"

He spoke in a serious tone, his eyes fixed on hers. Ina was confused, said nothing, just nodded in agreement with her words. Then he began to walk into the forest.

For a few seconds Ina stood in the same spot looking toward the forest, confused, her heart pounding. Masayasu's words had made an impact on her. Was that a dangerous training?

When she realized it he was gone through the foliage. She quickly followed him into the forest with long strides. Then she found him standing in an area without too many trees. He was with his arms crossed, looking at her.

Ina realized he now had a wakizashi on his back. What kind of training would that be? She quickly looked around, confused, looking for targets or any sign of a workout. Her violet eyes met his. He can see confusion in those eyes. A brief smile appeared.

"How's ... how's this training?"

Ina asked. Masayasu saw that she was tense. He uncrossed his arms, perhaps his gesture made her even more tense.

"Relax, I'm not going to hurt you. We're going to use the forest completely for training, you're going to need to hit me with your arrow."

He pointed at the arrows in her quiver. Ina glanced up at her wide eyed arrows and then looked at his face, was frightened, confused. Hit him? What does he mean by that?

"What??"

She took a step back and brought a hand to her lips to cover. Her eyes showed that she did not want to hurt him at all. How could he ask her to hurt him? Why?

Masayasu did not expect this reaction, he saw fear in her eyes, but was afraid to hurt him, not afraid of place or training, but she did not want to hurt him. He quickly approached her and for a moment he did not know what to do.

"Calm down, you're not going to hurt me, if you're worried about it, I'm very quick, you'll see. Your mission is just to hit an arrow at me, you do not necessarily have to hurt me, I'll defend myself."

He saw those desperate eyes staring at him. She did not want to hurt him. Inahime worried about him, worried about his life, maybe she was the only one to worry about him.

Masayasu still saw concern, Ina took off her hand from her lips, but her violet eyes were in shock. She thought she could hurt him. She was aware that he was very quick, but what if she hit him? Depending on where she hit him could kill him. This was not her wish. She could not do it!

"I can not! I'm sorry, Masayasu-sama, but I can not shoot you!"

She shook her head in negative, Masayasu grabbed her arms and steadied her to look into her eyes. She felt his hands in her arms, his gesture causing a slight blush on her cheeks. He had held her tight, he had not touched her that way.

"Trust me, Inahime. I promise I will not hurt myself."

Ina looked into Masayasu's eyes. He seemed determined to continue this training. What did he want? To win her trust? But that was suicide!

"Believe me, you will not hurt me. But I do not want you to get hurt in this training, either."

He was worried about her. She could see it in his eyes. She always saw empty eyes of feelings, but there was concern. He cared about her. By a sudden impulse she just hugged him tightly. Masayasu was surprised, he did not expect this reaction. A hug, a strong hug.

Masayasu looked at Ina, he did not know how to react, she was a noble, he was a shinobi. He should not touch her, he should keep away from her. But now .... this! A hug.

"Inahime ...."

Masayasu whispered looking at her. She looked frightened, he did not think she would act this way, maybe she did not really like the idea of wounding an ally. But in spite of being frightened, she was so beautiful, so soft. He could feel the heat of her body against his, he could feel her curves. She definitely should not wanted to lose him.

So many sensations passed through his body and through his mind. He needs to stand firm and ignore her presence for a moment. Then he felt her pull away and looked at him with her red faced. It seemed she had realized her action.

"S-Sorry ...."

She spoke quickly and put her hand on her cheek. It was an impulsive act, the fear of hurting Masayasu had made her act impulsively. But he did not seem bothered by her gesture, so not touching that might be better.

"How can I be sure that I will not hurt you? You are underestimating me, you do not know my abilities."

She was right, he did not know it, but he believed in his abilities above all else. He was not underestimating her, he knew she could hit him at some point. She was lighter, he was heavier, in some leap he could be hit. But that was her mission.

"Inahime, I'm not underestimating you, I believe in your abilities and I know you can hit me, but I'll be prepared to receive your blow to not hurt me."

Ina was even more suspicious with his words, how was he sure? She could not! She should not have accepted this training. She does not want to hurt him. She wanted to go back to the castle with Masayasu whole and alive!

Masayasu saw in her gaze doubts, she sure that he was not willing to give up the training. He could not allow it. He studied her, she had a faint pallor of the scare of her mission. But she was still calm, her hand trembling little. Her hand!

He took her hand and held it between his two hands. His blue eyes fixed on her. He was serious now, he needed to make her trust him, and that was the best way.

"Trust me, I promise to return whole to the castle."

"And alive!" Ina quickly added.

Her eyes fixed on his. He breathed softly, she could tell. He was calm, he was confident everything would be all right. To hurt him would be her greatest torture after her father's death. She did not want to lose Masayasu, not now that she was getting used to his presence.

She tried to calm down, breathing deeply and inhaling. Her eyes fixed on his, if he was calm and confident, she should act that way too. But how? How could he believe she would not hurt him? Or worst....

She felt her hand in his hands. His hands were not as cold as yesterday, there was heat, they were warm and somewhat warm. She felt his gaze on her, fixed on her and the touch of his hands were calming her heart. A heart that raged at the thought of loss. Death.

Masayasu seemed to have found a way to calm Inahime's heart, just as she managed to find a way to calm his, he had found a way to calm hers.

But her heart seemed so full of emotions. He can tell when she hugged him tightly, he could not forget her warm embrace, her perfume of flowers, and her eyes full of confused feelings.

He could see in her eyes that she was calming down, her hand had stopped trembling, her expression was soft now. He just wanted to know if she could trust him. It was a trustworthy training. If she accepted, he would know she trusted him.

"I'm going, I say .... I accept the training, but on one condition, do not let me hurt you, okay?"

Her voice was soft, but there was a concern and almost an appeal. Her desire not to hurt him was very great. He wanted to understand why. This was beyond what he thought, it was not just because he was her ally, she was hiding something from him.

"I promise, I will not let you hurt me."

So to make it clear that a contract was signed between them, he let a faint smirk appear in the corner of his mouth. When she saw that smile she smiled at him, a soft smile. Soft and warm.

Ina watched that face, those eyes, Masayasu was a handsome man, she could not deny it, and just think that they were completely alone her heart began to beat hard. But why? She was never impressed by appearance, it never caught her eye. So why did Masayasu get her attention? Maybe it was not just the appearance but the mystery around him. His gestures, his tone of voice, his secrets.

She nodded with a soft smile covering her lips. She would agree to this, he wanted to win her trust even though he knew it was a risky way to win it.

"Okay, we're going to agree with your idea of ​​training, I just need to hit you, I do not need to hurt you, but are we going to use the whole forest as a training camp?"

One click in her mind and then she laughed a little. Now she understood, it was not just hitting him with the arrow, it was being skillful and she needed to find out where he was. It would be a good training, she was sure of it.

Her eyes met his. Masayasu was still staring at her, a small smile on the corner of his mouth. He was not being ironic, it was a small but normal smile. It was a training simulating a fleeing enemy, interesting sight of him. It could be a chase to an enemy shinobi.

"Well let's see what your skills are, I'll let you get to know some of mine."

She spoke with a cheerful smile on her face. Masayasu felt her heart light now, maybe she was still hiding some concern, but she was willing to risk and trust him, she was willing to follow his training.

Inahime had a great heart, but she did not give up so easy a mission, even if it was to hit him with an arrow. Masayasu knew that she would try to target him in parts that did not cause much damage, she was a very smart girl and he liked it.

"Well, but before the training starts I'll teach you to jump higher and more agile, like a shinobi."

He pointed at her knees. Ina looked down and then up at his face. She wanted to pay attention to the smallest details.

"You will not be able to jump on the first try, just with training, but you can use that in today's training."

Masayasu said watching her, he saw that her eyes trying to capture every teaching, was a good disciple, for sure.

"You should flex your knees lightly, open your legs a little and put the weight of your hip lightly down, when you jump should put force on your knees."

Ina made the move as he had said and then looked forward and concentrated she jumped, but it was not a very high jump, for it made no difference with the heels she already had as ability. She looked frustrated at him.

"This is difficult ..." she said looking at him.

"The hardest is coming now, your training has begun!"

And saying that, Masayasu jumped high onto a branch of a tree, looked at Inahime with a faint wry smile and then turned and vanished into the trees.

Ina blinked in confusion, her training started abruptly. He did not give time, did not give rules, nothing, she just had to run, jump and hit him?

For a moment she was confused, but then she quickly drew an arrow from her quiver and pinned it to the bowstring. She looked at the trees, took a deep breath, and smiled.

"Do not underestimate me, Masayasu-sama ...."

Ina ran to the middle of the forest, she did not see Masayasu, she looked everywhere quickly and then up, searching for him in the treetops. If he is hidden she will hardly find him while her heart beat as fast as now.

Yes, she needed to calm down. Calm her heart. The excitement of a training like that. The fear of hurting him. All this was in his mind and heart. She was in constant conflict, fear and excitement. Desire to show her skills and fear of hurting.

She saw a soft movement and looked toward the foliage. There were some bushes among some trees, that might confuse her vision, and it could also be a great place to hide.

But she knew that if he was hidden it would not be in such an easy place to be found. She began to walk gently, carefully, without making any sound. One foot at a time.

Her bow was arched and she held the rope, ready to just raise the bow and shoot. Her violet eyes studied her around, every movement. The sound of the wind disturbed her a little, Masayasu could use that to advantage to him, after all he was a shinobi and had the ability to hide either day or night.

The tension of not seeing Masayasu and not hearing anything was great. She could hear only the sound of the wind and the rustle of the dry leaves of the autumn. She stopped and looked toward a tree. It was ancient and thick, perhaps the oldest tree in the forest. That would be a good hiding place.

Ina started to walk toward that tree, each step she tried not to make a sound, she stepped softly on the grass as she raised her bow. Remember Ina, shoot a spot just to scratch, not to hurt.

Ina jumped in front of the tree with her bow in her hands. An arrow pointed toward the tree, but there was no one. Just a huge silence. A silence she never had in a training session. But she was training with a shinobi, it is normal that there is such a huge silence between them.

She felt a presence and before even turning her body felt a breath in her ear, it was Masayasu's lips next to her ear.

"I like your silent and careful movements, show that you are experienced in this...."

She heard it with wide eyes. That voice in her ear. She felt her whole body shiver, but not in fear.... She could and should turn and strike him with the bow, but maybe he was waiting for it, for a bow attack.

She spun her body quickly, but before Masayasu fought back with a bow, she used a kick and almost hit him in the stomach. He jumped back and smiled wryly at her.

"Agile and smart, I like that."

And when he finished talking he jumped toward a branch. Ina threw an arrow, which passed beside his shoulder. Fast and deadly. She was amazing!

Before Masayasu could vanished from her eyes, she drew another arrow, fastened on the rope of her bow, aimed and shot him at the height of his shoulder. By millimeters she did not hit, he had vanished at that moment.

"I went wrong twice in a row!"

Ina complained to herself and then ran, but tried to run without making very much noise, she needed to find out where Masayasu was, whether he was hiding or just preparing for an attack. An attack, maybe he would attack her. She thought he could hide, but he had a wakizashi, of course he would attack her.

Ina saw a shadow jump over a branch, she ran in that direction pointing a new arrow. Yes, although the shadow moved very fast, it was Masayasu, she recognized his shape, she recognized that leap.

She glanced at the arrow and then shot the shoulder height again. But the shadow vanished. She was surprised and then stopped and looked around, but before she could check the entire perimeter, she felt a presence, this time she would not accept being caught by surprise.

Ina spun her body again, using the bow as a sword. The blades of her bow were made specially for her, they were not ordinary blades, they could cut like the blade of a katana.

Masayasu jumped, dodging her attack and smiled a little. Good girl. She did not have her guard down this time.

Ina used her elbow to try to hit Masayasu's face, but he used his arm to defend himself and looked directly into those violet eyes. She looked even more beautiful fighting, perhaps because of her fighting full of elegance, though it was fought very well.

They looked into each other's eyes, Ina could see that he was showing off his abilities, but maybe he was not using his full strength or his speed at all. She remembered his words about hurting her, that was not his wish.

Masayasu used his right hand open to try to strike Ina's shoulder, so she would lower the bow of her hand. But Ina lifted her leg at the height of her head and defended herself. Masayasu was surprised by her elasticity. Her father had trained her really well in martial arts.

Ina tried to knock him down hitting his legs, but he jumped right in, there was a sparkle in her eyes, he can see, then realized that she had cheated him with a quick blow, she lifted her knee and hit him in the stomach .

Masayasu was thrown back, but he did not fall, he jumped back and put his hand on his stomach. A faint ironical smile touched the corner of his lips, he watched Ina, she was standing, her right leg bent, her knee at the chest's height. The bow in hand. She was skilful, more than he could imagine.

He had never seen a woman like her. He knew kunoichi, the women who had trained in Koga and Iga, in the art of Kenjutsu and Ninjutsu, but Ina was amazing, bow, martial arts, great intelligence. What could he expect more from her?

Masayasu touched his wakizashi on the back and pulled, untangling it. Now he had to be careful to do not hurt Ina. But he wanted to know more about her abilities. He looked at her in front of him, serious and fierce, she was a great warrior, no doubt.

Masayasu vanished and appeared behind Ina, but she was already prepared for this attack and then raised the bow quickly, defending the blow of his wakizashi, blade against blade. She met his eyes and smiled a little. Unlike the castle girl, her smile now had a proud tone.

She spun her body quickly to try to strike his back with a elbow, but Masayasu sidestepped sideways and lifted his leg to try to use his knee to hit her elbow. But Ina suddenly jumped back, it was a big jump, he can see.

But before she touched the ground, he had pulled shuriken from his mall bag around his waist and hurled it at Inahime. She used the bow to defend herself, using as a shield, moving quickly. Then when she saw that he had stopped throwing the shuriken she saw him running towards her and jumping with a blow with his wakizashi.

Ina looked up, waited for him to approach and raised her bow to defend herself quickly, and with her foot, she kicked him at the direction of his stomach, but he lifted his leg to defend himself. He saw those violet eyes watching him seriously. But there was something mysterious about the glow of those eyes, he just did not know what it was.

Then he realized his failure, tanto. Ina released the bow and pulled the tanto from inside the sleeve and used it against Masayasu, striking him in the chest, tearing a bit of his kimono, but it had not hurt him. By reflection he jumped back and vanished.

Ina knew he would come from anywhere, from right side! She rolled onto the ground for forward, grabbing her bow and pulling an arrow from the quiver, and as she stood facing Masayasu, with one knee and one foot resting on the ground she shot the arrow, scraping his shoulder, tearing his kimono again.

Masayasu was surprised, she used a good tactic to distract him and get the bow on the ground, she knew that it was better for her to stand still and be attacked than to move and attack him, she would lose speed. Amazing girl!

Masayasu let a faint smile appear at the corner of his lips and saw Ina still in the same position holding the bow. Fast and smart. He glanced at his kimono and saw that it had torn, but she had not hurt him, she thought exactly how she could do it.

"Did you have to planned all this?"

He asked as she lowered her bow and stood up quickly. Ina looked at him and smiled, partly a mysterious smile.

"In part, I was not sure if it would work, but it was the only way I saw that I could hit you. If I were to chase after you I would lose in speed and jumps, so I preferred that you attack me. When I saw the wakizashi I thought you could attack me, so I decided to use this as an advantage for me."

She smiled proudly and put the bow over her shoulder. She then bowed to Masayasu and then looked at his face. Her heart calming with so many blows and quick movements.

"Thank you for this training, it was great, I had to use a quick strategy, it was a very dynamic training. You taught me a lot in just such a short time."

She smiled up at him. Masayasu can see that her smile was bright, was she happy? Happy to train with him? Something is surprising. Inahime was a box of surprises, every moment he was surprised more and more with her. But one thing he was sure, he had conquered her trust, he could see it in her bright eyes. Finally she trusted him.

Masayasu smiled a little, but it was a smile with pride, her pride, pride that she had hit him, and for thinking so quickly about how to defeat him.

"You're a great warrior, Inahime. Your father trained you very well, I must say that."

Ina was proud to receive those words from such a skillful, grandiose shinobi. He was chosen by her father to be the most skillful Koga's shinobi, so she should be proud to have a morning like this at his side. This training, what he had taught her. Think before she act. Wonderful training.

Masayasu took the arrow on the ground and handed it to Ina, watching her, watching her posture, she was definitely a Goddess of the bow. She could use it in several ways, she could hurt or not, it depends on the moment. She had kept her promise not to hurt him. And he had promised that he would not be hurt.

A faint smile as he stared into those dazzling, glittering eyes, catching the arrow. She confused his senses, confused his feelings. He never felt admiration for anyone, but he was beginning to feel admiration for her.

Ina smiled gently at Masayasu and as she held the arrow in her quiver, she heard a voice calling for her. The sound came from far away, probably out of the forest. She looked toward the sound and then looked at Masayasu, she was serious, he could see that. Maybe it was a problem.

Ina said nothing, just followed out of the forest, Masayasu followed closely. On leaving the forest there was a servant waiting for her and he was surprised when he saw her lady come out of the forest.

"Milady!" the young man knelt quickly.

Ina walked over to him with a worried face. Masayasu walked beside her, but stopped a little behind her and looked at the servant, was a warrior of the castle, he was wearing armor, so he recognized that maybe he was a guard who was on the walls.

"Milady, I'm sorry, Lord Ieyasu is calling you, Milady. He asked to hurry." He said "I'm sorry." the young man said.

Ina looked at Masayasu with a worried expression. She did not know if he imagined the reason for this call, but her father was urgently to talk to her, that was not a good sign. And then looked at the boy.

"I'm going to accompany you. Let's go back, Masayasu-sama."

She looked at him, Masayasu nodded, his blue eyes fixed on her, seeing the worry in her eyes. He did not know what that call meant, but soon he would know.

Judging by Inahime's gaze and urgency, he imagined that it was not an ordinary call, something had happened, something that had upset him. He could see it in Ina's eyes, she was worried about the reason. But he could not imagine why.

Ina walked up to Masayasu and looked into his eyes as she realized that although he showed no surprise or confusion in that look, she knew he was curious to know what was happening.

She smiled softly to try to reassure him and then brought her lips to his ear. She did not want the guard to hear what she wanted to say. Masayasu realized that her father's call was secret, so he just kept silent to hear her coordinates.

"Do not worry, he only calls me that way, unexpectedly when he wanted me to do something important to him, usually command some army in some war he's planning or .... go on a secret mission."

She looked at Masayasu's face, their eyes met. Now he understood why it was a secret. He understood that strange and unexpected call. He saw in Ina's gaze that she might know what Lord Ieyasu would ask of her. But surely she would not share him yet.

Ina smiled at Masayasu and touched his hand with her forefinger and nodded toward the castle. Masayasu felt the touch in his hand, she as always signaled him affectionately.

He still did not have time to get used to it, but it was not all bad. In fact he appreciated her gestures, somehow she made all his senses focus on her, only her.

Masayasu nodded and started following the path towards the castle beside Ina. The guard waited for them to take their distance and followed quietly behind. Masayasu looked back suspiciously. Ina saw his suspicious expression and then a smile appeared on her lips.

"He's just following the protocol, away from the princess. You do not need to distrust him. He works directly for my father."

Masayasu met Ina's eyes, which seemed to smile at him. She seemed too calm now, before she was worried, or maybe she was still but she was trying to learn to hide her own feelings from him. But he did not want that. He liked to look at those beautiful eyes and see how she really felt.

"You should try to stop reading my eyes, Masayasu-sama. I will not show you everything you want to see."

Ina commented in a tone of irony as they crossed the gates of the castle, which had just opened for them. She took out her bow and quiver and handed it to a servant to take. Meanwhile she cast a playful gaze at Masayasu.

"Do not think I did not realize it. You look into my eyes to find out what I think and what I feel."

She started to walk toward the main building. Masayasu let a brief wry smile appear on his lips as he followed Ina, she had noticed his strategy.

"That's part of my job, knowing how you feel, Inahime."

Ina stopped and turned to Masayasu and looked into his eyes. She stared at him for a few seconds in silence and then nodded softly as though she were thinking of something else, but she did not want to say what it was.

"Your work ... I understand."

She stared at him for more a moment with serious eyes. He seemed to treat her still as his job, she did not want it, but maybe one day it would not make him change his mind quickly. Maybe he needed time to get used to her.

Ina only looked at Masayasu for a while longer, he noticed something in her gaze, but he could not tell for sure what he had perceived in her eyes.

Ina turned and went up the stairs to the castle. And left the sandals in the foyer. She turned to see if Masayasu followed. He followed her but did not take off his tabi boots. She looked at him and then at the tabi and back at him and then smiled a little, a shinobi never seemed to separate from his tabi or his weapons.

She headed inside the castle, crossing the down building at first. The main castle had two entrances, one facing the courtyard, with small stairs, had a porch to greet the guests. And there was another entrance behind, with a long stone stairway, where the doors were open, but there were guards.

The main castle had many guards. The castle was white with black tiles forming a cone. The base was wider because there were balcony, rooms and rooms on the ground, first and second floor for relatives and people closest Ieyasu. And at the top was Ieyasu's beds, with a huge balcony.

Ina went inside the castle with Masayasu. The stairs inside, different from outside, were made of wood. The inside decor was all wooden, with bamboo shoji doors. Sometimes it was just white or beige doors, but some had paintings. The floor was all wood, and inside the rooms the floor had beige tatami.

There were luminarias, andon, for every castle, in each room. They were made of wood and stood on the ground in the corners to illuminate the atmosphere at night. By day they were out, most of the rooms were open, even the private rooms, because everyone liked to let the sun come into their rooms, either in the morning or in the afternoon.

Ina climbed the stairs gracefully. Masayasu was right behind her, looking at her every elegant move. How could she be so elegant and be a warrior at the same time? Only she could answer that.

As they reached the floor of her father's room, she walked toward the shoji door of her room and knelt behind the door. Masayasu followed her and knelt beside her and waited, she who had to inform them that they had arrived, that was the protocol.

"My father, we are here as you requested."

She looked at Masayasu and met his eyes fixed on her, he seemed calm as always, but she knew that there was curiosity, he surely had already thought of several hypotheses of the reason for this sudden call.

"Come in, Ina and Masayasu."

Tokugawa's voice sounded serious, but not angry, perhaps a little worried. Ina opened the shoji door and before entering, Masayasu could see Ieyasu sitting on a cushion, there was concern in his gaze, a concern relating the war perhaps. He had seen this kind of look before.

Ina bowed to greet her father and then got up and went into her room. Masayasu leaned forward and followed Ina. She closed the door. Ieyasu quickly with a hand gesture showed the place for both to sit. He looked at Ina and Masayasu with a small friendly smile.

Ina quickly went to her father and knelt before him and bowed again. Masayasu followed her and sat down beside her, as Ieyasu waved his hand to sit next to Ina, it was not the typical protocol, but he would follow Ieyasu's command.

"Good morning, I heard you two got up early for a training session in the forest, so you should not have eaten breakfast yet, I asked to serve breakfast for three in my room today."

Ieyasu smiled at Masayasu as he noticed his cold eyes on him. Masayasu looked the same as yesterday, nothing had changed, still good. He was certainly the right man to protect Ina. He looked at his daughter and saw a gentle countenance, although there was seriousness, after all she already imagined the reason for his call, certainly.

"Well ... Masayasu, I know it's your beginning still here, you did not have time to learn about our clan, about our ideas, but Ina can help you with that. What matters to me right now is your loyalty. I know you are a loyal shinobi, I see it in your posture and Koga told me a lot about your loyalty above all else."

Ieyasu began to speak, looking at Masayasu. Ina looked at Masayasu too, she wanted to see how his posture was in front of his father, it was a little different from his posture before her, he looked more serious and cooler in front of his father. In her presence he seemed to relax a little, less cold maybe at least in her eyes yes. It was strange to think he could smile at her, even ironically, and with her father he looked like a stone.

Ina looked at Ieyasu, she knew now that it was a mission for somewhere, she never traveled far from the castle, but since she now had Masayasu's company maybe Ieyasu should send her away, which would be great for her. She liked these missions, she liked the trust her father put in her.

Ieyasu saw Ina's eyes shine with excitement, so he smiled at her. He knew she had already realized it was a mission, but she was still unaware of her mission.

"Yes, Ina, I'll send you on a mission. Masayasu goes with you, I want you to go to Shinano. And yes, I know, it's from the Sanada's Clan."

He added as he saw the surprise in Ina's eyes. The Sanada clan had allied itself with Tokugawa, but he had suspicions that they were betraying him and would allied themselves with his enemy.

"What exactly is this mission? I can not make a sudden journey without knowing what I can find, Lord Ieyasu."

Masayasu asked still with his eyes fixed on Ieyasu, in no time he looked at Ina to know how she had reacted, he just imagined that she should be prepared for it. The details about how she was feeling about the mission he could have later. He was worried about the mission.

Ieyasu nodded, but before he could say anything, the maids came to the door of his room. The three of them looked toward the door.

"Come in."

Ieyasu allowed the maids to come in. The maids opened shoji doors and bring a tray for each with a breakfast. Ieyasu smiled at them and complied with each of his maids, but waited for each to leave and be sure of their distance before he began to speak.

Each tray was placed in front of each tray. Ieyasu was beginning to eat and then looked at Masayasu to answer his question.

"Ina will have to pretend to be a peasant woman passing through the province, invent any story about it, Ina, I know you can. I just need you to try to enter the castle somehow and get a letter or some attack plan against our clan. Some trace, some trace."

Ieyasu spoke in a serious tone as he ate and sipped his own tea. He saw Ina eating and then she nodding. She looked at Masayasu quickly.

"We can plan something, it's not a difficult but careful mission. It's a long trip, I know. But if we plan everything before, it will not do anything wrong, I think."

She smiled at Masayasu to show that she was accustomed to this type of mission. He looked at her and saw her smile, but that might not be so easy because she did not know the Sanada's clan very well.

He had heard it was a clan led by a very clever man, Masayuki Sanada. So if Ina was recognized in any way in that province, it would quickly reach Masayuki's ears.

"They have shinobi."

Masayasu spoke in a serious tone and tried to start eating, since father and daughter were eating. Ieyasu nodded.

"Yes, I heard, Sasuke, the boy's name, keep an eye on him. It seems like he is a friend of Masayuki's youngest son. I would only send you to this mission, Masayasu, but I know that if I send a woman one of Masayuki's sons can say something to her. Sometimes wearing a woman's presence is more than essential."

Ieyasu smiled slyly. Masayasu saw that smile and in that moment he realized that Ina could really take some danger, he would need to be completely attentive in this mission, if he failed, Ieyasu would surely fire him, was in his contract, any failure to protect Ina and he would be fired.

Masayasu had the impression that Ieyasu was hiding something. Maybe the mission was much more than that, a test for both. He did not know how to say it, but Ina did not question that, she was satisfied with the mission. She was content to leave the castle and be in danger.

Ieyasu met Masayasu's gaze, he realized that although he kept his eyes cold as always, he must be worried about the mission, it was easier for him to go on a mission than to have to protect Ina on a mission, he knew it was a good test for Masayasu. Ieyasu wanted to test his skills.

Masayasu realized that Ieyasu was testing his abilities by sending him with Ina on this mission. He understood that Ieyasu might distrust a little, it was natural for a Daimyo like him, who had many allies, but also many enemies. He would accept this mission, but knew the risks of traveling to another province with Inahime.

Masayasu looked at Ina, she did not seem concerned, at least not at that moment. Maybe she'd start worrying when she planned the trip and her own disguise. At that moment she just ate her breakfast and then looked at Masayasu as she realized he was looking at her.

Ina smiled at him and then poured tea for him, he did not seem to have much tea, but it was good to drink, they would need a good breakfast to get on the road.

"What time do you think we should go, Masayasu-sama? I've never traveled so far, should we leave in the morning?" she asked. "Or late afternoon?"

"Let's go now in the morning, we can travel until night falls, then we'll stop for sleep." Masayasu answered and then glanced at Ieyasu. "I hope you agree, my lord."

Ieyasu nodded and took the last sip of tea. "Yes, I agree, I'll prepare the money they'll need for lodging." A friendly smile appeared on his lips.

Masayasu saw that smile, he suspected very friendly smiles given after a sentence that even had money. Ina suddenly bowed to her father and stooped and looked at Masayasu with a gentle smile sprouting on her beautiful face.

Masayasu stared at her, she seemed to take very seriously the phrase we should travel now in the morning yet. She seemed excited to arrange everything and continue her journey.

"Come on, we need to get on the road as fast as we can then." she said.

Masayasu looked at Ieyasu and thanked him with a nod and then stood up.

"Let's get organized to get on the road in an hour."

Masayasu stated in a serious tone and Ieyasu just looked at him with an astute expression and nodded. "So before you leave, I will still meet you." Ieyasu said.

Masayasu had the impression of seeing a glint in Ieyasu's gaze that showed he still had something to say before he and Ina took the road together.

What would it be? Strangely he did not know. Ieyasu seemed very quiet in this breakfast, which aroused distrust in Masayasu. Maybe he wanted to talk to Masayasu away from Ina, he had that impression.

As he walked towards the door of Ieyasu's room, his suspicion was realized. He saw Ieyasu looking at him.

"I'll talk to you in your room, Masayasu, in thirty minutes."

Ina looked at her father confused and then at Masayasu. She just saw the shinobi nod and then saw him leave Ieyasu's room. Ina looked at her father once more, saw concern in his eyes. Maybe the mission was dangerous and she thought not.

She nodded to her father and left his room, closing the shoji door, with a big concern in mind now. Masayasu then turned to look at her and saw the concern he had foreseen appear at some point.

PS: This pic is Inahime.

#book #wattpad #Inahime #Masayasu