I

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Arc I Chapter 3

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Clad in her usual black kimono, Asami returned to her playground and her favourite sandbox, her eyes sparkling and her heart beating rapidly with anticipation. Okaa-san was at her side, holding her tiny hand.

It was her playground and her sandbox, although it was, in theory, located in a public playground, so open to everyone, which was, however, just a minor detail. Nothing but a mere formality. Nothing but a trivial nuisance. Certainly nothing that would stop her and her hereditary claim on her favourite sandbox, fairly and squarely acquired though the age old and honoured right of conquest! It was her sandbox! Hers alone! Nobody else was allowed to enter her kingdom! After all, she was a princess, and every princess needed a kingdom.

Naturally, it took some time and effort to expel certain undesirable individuals, such as other children, from her sandbox, but ultimately she succeeded through the skilled use of intimidation, coercion, and persuasion. Her glare sufficed to convince the remaining unwilling. The troublemakers were forever banished, forever exiled from her little kingdom, their names purged from the annals of history! The sandbox was now hers, her imperial authority unchallenged! Now, she ruled over her sandbox with an iron fist, much to her delight!

Armed with her own two hands, a cute little shovel, the great shovel of imperial authority, and an appropriate bucket, the bucket of bountiful opulence, Asami proceeded with her construction works on her grand sandcastle that she had built all by herself. Her Okaa-san was watching her work from a nearby bench with a happy smile across her lips. Okaa-san loved watching her little treasure.

Asami clenched her fist, determined to continue her work. Her goal for today was to complete the inner ward. The walls had to be strengthened, and the towers had to be reinforced, and the keep had to be raised.

Thus, Asami commenced construction, humming. Her shovel performed its duty diligently, shovelling plenty of sand into her bucket. “♫ ♪♩♪ ♫ ♬ ♩♫ ~. ♫ ♪♩♪ ♫ ♬ ♩♫ ~. ♫ ♪♩♪ ♫ ♬ ♩♫ ~.”

Yet unbeknownst to little princess Asami, grave danger loomed on the horizon, threatening her peaceful kingdom and her magnificent castle alike. With all her attention focused on her construction works, she didn’t notice the ominous group of boys approaching her and her sandbox.

“Hey, you ...”

“Eh, ...” Asami reacted, surprised, turning her head. A large group of boys greeted. They were numerous, seeking safety in numbers. For some reason, they all looked angry and displeased ... with her. “...”

“...” The boys glared at her without exception.

Asami tilted her head, pointing at herself. “Are you talking to me?”

A boy nodded, his arms crossed and his glare unyielding. The boy represented the group, being their spokesperson. “Yes, we are. We are here to talk, girl, and we are not alone.” The group scowled at her, their hostility palpable.

Asami beamed, unfazed by their antagonism. “I notice. What do you wish to discuss then, my friends?”

The boy frowned, gritting his teeth. “We are not your friends!”

Asami smiled. “And yet here you are, standing before me, clearly wanting something from me. So state your purpose, or stop pestering me.”

“...” The boy clenched his fists, a vein appearing on his forehead. “Right, we are here to take our sandbox back.” The group of boys nodded in agreement. “This is our playground, and you have no right to keep it all to yourself! The sandbox is for everyone!”

What? His venomous words almost made her sound like a villainess! As if they were here to end her terrible reign! As if she was the mean bully, and not them! Outrageous! Of course, they were the evil enemy besieging her castle, and she the brave and noble heroine defending her kingdom! Their roles were clear!

“Ah, I see, so you intend to reclaim my sandbox?” Asami narrowed her eyes at the opposition, realisation finally hitting her. Among them, were some of those she had previously exiled. It all made sense now. It all came together.

The boy nodded, pointing his finger at her. “Yes, we do. And we want you to leave right now. Leave this playground and never come back! We don't want you here! I asked every other kid in the neighbourhood, and nobody likes you! You scare everyone! They think you are an evil spirit! But listen, we are not afraid of you! Not any more, weird girl!”

Asami smirked, evil glee crossing her lips and her eyes glimmering with a dangerous shade of purple. “Oh my, how brave of you. I commend your courage. But tell me, my friend, what reason do I have to abandon my sandbox?”

“...” The boys gulped. One of them whispered, “I told you so, the girl is an evil spirit! If we stay any longer, she will curse and hex us!”

“Shhh, be quiet! Don't say that aloud!” their leader silenced the doubter before returning his attention to her. “Don't think you can scare us!”

Asami giggled, the sleeve of her kimono hiding her lips. “You say so, and yet your knees are shaking. I can sense your fear. You are afraid, aren't you?” Her icy stare petrified them.

“...” The boy clenched his fists in a display of false bravado. “We aren't. And now leave! We are serious.”

Asami laughed, amused by his words. “Or what? What are you going to do, if I say no? What then?”

The boy fumed, his blood boiling. “... ... ... Don't think that we won't hit you just because you are a girl! We will do what needs to be done, if necessary.”

Asami giggled, playing the dying swan. “Oh my, so you are going to use violence on an innocent, defenceless little girl? How outrageous.”

Asami rose from her sandbox, approaching the group of boys directly. She halted right in front of him, her eyes looking up to the taller boy. Their stares met, interlocking. “Do you really have what it takes to hit a girl, boy?”

“...” The boy hesitated, but his resolve hardened. “Don't underestimate us.”

Asami smirked. “Oh, so you are going to hit me?”

The boy nodded. “Yes.”

“Right here, right now?”

“Right here, right now.”

“Right in front of my Okaa-san?”

“Right in front of your Okaa-san ... What?”

Asami tilted her head innocently. “Yes, didn't you know that my Okaa-san is here with me? She is watching me~.”

Asami waved at her mother with a happy smile. “Okaa-san~. =^.^=”

Her Okaa-san waved back, beaming at her. “Asami-chan~.”

“... ... ...” The boy fell silent.

Asami grinned, her plot revealed. “If you hit me, I will cry. And then you all will get into trouble.”

“... ... ...” The boy clenched his fists, his anger rising up. “It's not over yet, girl.”

“It is. And now begone! As things stand, you have already wasted enough of my time.” Asami gestured dismissively, returning to her sandbox and her castle.

“...” The boy boiled, his knuckles turning white. “Mind my words, we will be back. Your Okaa-san can't protect you forever.”

Asami halted, an ominous, sinister giggle escaping her lips. “Do you think so? If the day comes, you are, of course, welcome to try your luck.” A flaming purple aura surrounded her like a veil of fire, her eyes shimmering vibrant purple.

“... ... ...” The boys froze solid in terror, all blood drained from their faces and their words stuck in their throats. They were whiter than white, white than snow, their fear palpable.

Asami tilted her head cutely, a beatific smile gracing her lips. “...”

“Aaaaaaahhhhhh!!!” The boys ran, fleeing in all directions as if their very lives depended on it. Asami meanwhile returned to her sandcastle, her shovel and bucket in hand ...

“Asami-chan~.” Her Okaa-san appeared, a worried look on her face. “What were the boys up to? Were they bullying you, Asami-chan?”

Asami shook her head. “Oh, no, not at all, but I think that they wanted to play with me and help me with my sandcastle ...”

“I see, but why did they suddenly run away then?” Okaa-san was confused.

So was Asami, tilting her head. “I don't know, maybe they had something better to do. Maybe they are playing hide and seek. Okaa-san, do you want to help me with my sandcastle? You can either wield the bucket of bountiful opulence, or the shovel of imperial authority.” Asami offered Okaa-san her beloved shovel and bucket.

Okaa-san beamed, her hand accepting her shovel. “Of course~.”

And thus her construction works continued together with Okaa-san at her side. The sun stood high, and the sky was a clear azure blue. It was a happy day, one of the happiest days in her life.

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I

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Arc I Chapter 3.5

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

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

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

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

The second present was a porcelain doll. The doll was dressed in the same kimono just as she.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Okaa-san beamed. “Yes, Asami-chan?”

Asami deployed her feared kitten eyes. “Okaa-san, can I get a sword~? Pweashe~.”

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Fumes of molten steel permeated the air. Smoke and ash were everywhere as the furnaces burned day and night without respite. The forges never ceased their work, as Konoha was always hungry for more steel, more iron, more weapons. The comforting smell of industry in the morning was a beautiful sight.

Asami bounced in joy with Okaa-san holding her hand. Okaa-san was accompanying her, being protective as usual. After all, a foundry was a dangerous place, and Okaa-san didn't want anything to happen to her precious treasure, but she didn't mind. Okaa-san's hand was soft and warm. They had come to explore the foundry area, visiting workshops and forges. They were looking together for a sword.

As it turned out, the foundry belonged to her family. It was rather obvious, but she wasn't born into a poor family. Quite the contrary. The name Minami carried weight within Konoha. Her family amassed immense wealth, wealth that was only rivalled by the most prestigious clans.

This made the heiress of a vast fortune and large empire built by her grandfather and his father. Since the founding of the village by the First Hokage, her family was Konoha's principal steel manufacturer. They were producing the steel that Konoha needed to grow.

It was their steel Konoha was built upon. It was their steel that Konoha's wars were fought with. Kunai. Shuriken. Swords. Armour. It was her family who armed Konoha's ninja ever since the First Great War.

And yet her family were merely civilians. They were not part of a clan. They were not ninja. In the end, it was the major clans that held all political power within the village. The influential ninja clans and their army of bootlickers controlled everything. They controlled the administration, the military, the police, and even the economy, ever eager to maintain their power.

Eventually, Okaa-san and she arrived at their destination, entering a dimly lit workshop. Two people greeted them, a man and a young boy, a smith and his apprentice. The old man evaluated her, examining her. The man lowered his head. “Greetings, Kurano-sama, we have been already awaiting you. We have been informed that you are interested in acquiring a blade for your daughter. We are, of course, glad to oblige.”

“Greetings, Mitsuzuka.” Okaa-san bowed in return, before introducing them. “Asami-chan, this is Mitsuzuka. He is one of the best sword smiths in the village, a true master of his craft. I have no doubt that we will find here what we need.”

“Oh ...” Asami mumbled, her interest piqued and her gaze drawn to a table with a number of swords and metal bars lying on it. “What is this?”

Mitsuzuka wore a proud smile. “This is a collection of my finest products. I am not considered without reason one of Konoha's best sword smiths, although I have my doubts that my services are required.”

Asami raised an eyebrow. “How so?”

“...” Mitsuzuka hesitated. “With all due respect, Your Ladyship, but a lady of your age shouldn't wield a sword. A sword isn't a mere toy. It's a dangerous weapon. A blade isn't meant to be wielded by a child. That is why I urge you to reconsider, Your Ladyship, you should rather go playing with your dolls instead.”

Okaa-san merely giggled. “Well, I told her so, but Asami-chan was quite adamant about her needing a sword.”

“...” Asami clenched her fist, pouting. No, even Okaa-san betrayed her! “But I don't to play with my dolls. I want a sword.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mitsuzuka raised an eyebrow. “Such as?”

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

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

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

...

...

...

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

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

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