Jiyu and Rengo faced each other, bent forward with their swords draw. Jiyu held his lower side with his left hand as blood flowed from it. Rengo had both hands on his sword, but looked visibly drained, as if he would drop at any moment.

Jiyu straightened his back as Rengo did the same.

Well, shit. Jiyu said.

I sure wasn’t expecting someone like you to come along.

Rengo looked surprised.

You mean not a single shogun has stood to face you up until now?

I mean not a one has lived to tell the tale.

Rengo appeared visibly shocked, then angered, before responding.

A murderous bastard. That is what the Dynasties say about you. Who else would of murdered the southern Emperor, Xio Lang, in such a cowardly fashion. Killing a man of power when you were supposed to be defending him. Cutting him down when you were supposed to be helping him make his escape.

Crap. If I’d of known killing that old bag would of brought me this much fame, I’d of passed on the deal. But seeing as how it keeps bodies coming my way, I gotta thank the northern dynasty for helping me put my steel to the test this past year. Jiyu replied.

Disgraceful. The northern Dynasty of Yin may not of had the greatest relationships with the south, but even we respected the resolve of the Yan Dynasty. That is why our forces seek you out.

Jiyu smirked before speaking.

Is it that? Or is it for that juicy bounty people keep throwing around with my name in conversation?

I do this for the shogunate. Rengo said.

Shame.

What’s that?

Just bad luck that you’re on the wrong side of history.

What do you mean? Rengo asked.

Do you really think I just turned on the old emperor out of reluctance? Thinking I could run away to the north for an easy life? I was hired by the Yin Dynasty.

That’s a lie! Rengo screamed, charging at Jiyu.

Their swords clashed and swung three times until the force of both their blows pushed them back again. Rengo came to a rest and spoke again.

The Yin Dynasty is honorable. They would never resort to assassinations!

Then explain me! Jiyu retorted.

Jiyu ran forward this time, slicing away madly as Rengo blocked each strike. Again their blows deflected until they both found their footing, six feet apart from one another.

Jiyu laughed.

What’s so funny? Rengo asked.

Jiyu responded.

You sure can move pretty good for someone I’ve cut about fifteen times.

Rengo, giving into the situation, looked down and felt the intricate cuts Jiyu had placed all over his body during the duration of their fight. He grunted in pain.

Is that what they teach you when becoming a shogun? Jiyu asked, cockily.

Ignore all pain. Is that how your kind can pillage the weak and still stand proud? Is that the

As if I’d ever listen to the reasonings of a murderous rouge! Rengo cried.

Maybe it’s time you learned, cause this rouge is gonna kick your a—!!

Jiyu fell to the ground, paralyzed.

Rengo stood, sheathing his sword and stepping forward to look at the fading Jiyu.

My blade is coated with toxins that make all those who I cut with it go into a slumber. This toxin is not lethal, but it leans the odds in my favor. You’ll be able to listen this next part, so before you pass into the land of dreams, hear this. I am taking you north, to Yin, to be turned over to the Shogunate officials. If you attempt to escape I will kill you. Rengo said, just as Jiyu’s hearing drifted out.