[Graded][Plotboard Part 2 - Closed] Back to School

[ShinobiTruth]

As he promised himself, Hijikata was up well before dawn.

Having bathed the night before, he was still completely clean. Taking a small breakfast of dried fruit and nuts, he would don his keikogi and quietly descend from his apartment to gather the materials necessary for the students to clean the dojo. Even if they ended up not using it and going outside, it was important to start the day with the activity to get the muscles stretched and primed and get the blood flowing. He smiled fondly as he quickly tied his hair back in a high ponytail and tied the white headband to his head before beginning, grabbing the appropriate brushes, waxes, towels, and soaps. This was the tradition of Soji, the art of cleaning the dojo.

As much as he wanted to clean the dojo himself, he knew that to steal that responsibility from other students would not help them learn patience, discipline, and respect for one's work ethic and one's dojo. While he most certainly would clean it himself under most circumstances (he'd often cleaned dojos by himself when he first arrived to prepare for the arrival of students), this was not his dojo. He was not the master. He was the student, and he would act in a manner befitting his subservient station. In short order, he would have a line of buckets, brushes, and brooms assembled, awaiting ready hands as the students would arrive. The towels would sit on a wooden table, stacked high and neatly folded, after he had cleaned said table.

Awaiting Suzume's arrival, he would begin with his morning meditations and prayers, praying in particular to the shrine of the dojo's founder, likely Suzume's own sensei. Saying the prayers of his tradition in an undertone, he would not light incense, as such an honor belonged to the master of the dojo in his culture. The students were to give thanks to their predecessors through their master, the one that had earned the right to represent and pass down the traditions that said ancestor had originated.

His repetition of mantras would continue likely as Suzume or other students entered the dojo. If students inquired about his reason for being here, he would bow, introduce himself as their kouhai, and explain that he was a new student. If they began with Soji, he would commence as well.

[Willoria]

Suzume sat at the top of the stairs, her back against the door that led into her small apartment, with her position giving her full view of the front door as students began to enter. Today was a day one for a few she knew, so she watched carefully and without moving. Her takegasa hat was low over her eyes, hiding her face, and her lack of movement meant the bells didn't ring. She heard Hijikata moving things around and watched as students came in, most of them taking to the initial work rather quickly. But there was one that Suzume knew would be trouble, and with new students the woman wasn't against bringing a troublesome one in just to use as an example to the rest. Of course she hoped he wouldn't be as bad as advertised, but as he stepped inside she knew immediately he would be.

"Seriously? Cleaning? I thought we were here to learn to fight." He scoffed. He seemed to be about sixteen, not all that much younger than Suzume herself and this made the woman smirk from where she sat. He had black hair that was short and in his eyes, his haori was open showing off a strong physique that clearly lent to his ego.

But it all just made Suzume smile. She remained where she was for a few moments, letting him rant about how stupid he thought it all was, but it wasn't him she was waiting on. Students were still coming in around him, and just as the last couple of stragglers entered, she saw he was left alone standing in the doorway. Suzume moved fast, angling herself so she slid down the stairs and, with her momentum, she threw her shoulder into the boy's chest, sending him out the door and sprawling into the dirt. Suzume stood up straight and watched him scramble to his feet, a pipe in her hand as smoke curled up over her and she simply grinned at him. "In this dojo you will show respect." she said, watching the anger build in him. "You will do as you are told, or you will learn nothing." she added.

With a cry of rage he attempted to charge her, but Suzume sidestepped him as she drew her sword, still in its sheath, and tripped him up with it. When he landed on his stomach in the entryway she slid the weapon between his arm and his back, forcing him to lift his arm back and high as her hand slid down and held his wrist to it, one of her feet against the back of his neck as she did it. He groaned, but she grinned, pipe still in her free hand. "I also teach more than Yoshin, you do well to remember that."

[ShinobiTruth]

Hijikata couldn’t help but smirk at the sound of the belligerent student; his pride setting him up for one monster of a crash. Hiji resisted the urge to correct the student himself. It was not his place. He would not insult Suzume as a friend or master by presuming he had to step in for her. Instead, he would simply watch the events as they unfold.

He would not stop with his cleaning, even if other students stood to watch the beatdown. Demonstrating focus was key. An easily distracted swordsman was a dead one, and there was a reason he was still alive. Following the lead of his senpai, Hiji would prove an obedient and willing student. The only instance in which Hiji would step in would be if the enraged student threatened to use lethal force against Suzume or to hurt his fellow students.

While Suzume was busy tending to the foolish one, Hiji and the rest of the students would finish Soji. Taking their places, they would sir formally; awaiting her instructions.

[Willoria]

Suzume held the boy in place for a few moments, well aware of eyes on her as at least half of the students stopped to watch what was going on. When the boy finally stopped struggling, Suzume shifted and let him up. "If you want to learn from me, start helping the others clean. If you can't humble yourself enough to clean, then get out and don't come back." she told him, stepping away and around the other students. She noticed them all, even the one she had taken down, go to the task of cleaning. A smirk came to her lips briefly as she moved to the shrine and lit the incense with a few whispered words before she turned to observe. She hung up her takegasa hat on a hook nearby before moving upstairs to put away her pipe.

When she came back down she knew they'd be done and waiting and she looked over at Hijikata. "Would you take them outside and take them through the stretches I showed you?" she asked, a small smile on her face as she spoke. The stretches she spoke of she had gone over with him before everyone arrived, wanting to use the opportunity to observe the students and see what she may need to work on first, in case any were beginners to the point of having no idea how to move.

[ShinobiTruth]

Hijikata picked up the sage words Suzume offered to the resistant student. Though he would have probably phrased it differently, the lesson they would have taught would be the same. Shortly thereafter, the rurouni could hear an additional pair of feet walking across the dojo floors. It seemed that this youngster's heart was not so hardened yet. This was good. Through that humility, he would learn what it takes to get stronger. He was sitting right beside his other classmates once Souji was finished, his keikogi perhaps a bit dustier but otherwise not worse for wear save a bruised pride.

Hijikata was surprised at Suzume's request, not because he wasn't capable, but because he knew he was not the senior student here. Such a responsibility in his land would normally be entrusted to the more experienced students that the Sensei had taught themselves. The fact that she was entrusting this responsibility to him was indeed a sign of great trust. Giving a small bow, he would oblige. "As you wish, Sensei," he replied, the rest of the class having heard her instructions to Hijikata. Getting up, he would lead the students outside, waiting for them to line up before introducing himself. "I know many of you are already acquainted, but for those who aren't, my name is Hijikata, a fellow student of the sword as yourselves. I'm grateful for the opportunity to work with you all," he stated, bowing in respect to his fellow students.

Thus, the stretches would begin, Hijikata would start off boy performing each of the stretches himself to demonstrate. Then, as the students attempted the stretches themselves, he would walk along the side of each row and help any students who were slightly off form with light pressure, to coax their bodies and muscles into the right form, giving a brief explanation and commendation once they had achieved the proper form. This exercise alone, considering the number of students and the number of the stretches, would take around fifteen minutes.

He suspected that Suzume had an excellent sense of timing, as he would be waiting in line with the students once they were finished with their stretches. "The stretches are completed as you wished, Sensei," he stated, giving his report to Suzume once she arrived.

[Willoria]

Suzume stepped out just as things wrapped up, the woman having a wooden practice sword in her hand though leaning against her shoulder as she walked towards the front of the class. "Thank you, Hijikata-san." she replied, looking over the group. She saw at least one or two that were a bit more portly than the others, breathing fairly heavy but their eyes showed no sign of giving up. It brought a slight smile to her face as she turned to face the class. "Today we go over a few basic stances! No swords, not even practice swords yet." She thought she heard a couple of groans from the group but as her eyes searched for the source she found only students who had quickly straightened up. Even that made her smirk. If she could tell for certain who it had been she might have forced them to be her demonstrators, but if she couldn't she at least knew they realized that hell might follow if she caught them.

"Let us begin!"

It was truly a beginners class as Suzume would demonstrate a position and call it out by name, expecting the group to follow her. Step by step she went through each one once, and then twice, but after that she seemed to expect them to follow. She'd keep an order and then change it up halfway through, keeping them on their toes and keeping them moving. Normally she'd keep things going for at least half an hour before the first break but she could see the two more portly students from before struggling early on. After about fifteen minutes she stopped and turned to the group. "Water." she said simply, pointing to the building where, while they had stretched, she had already set up at least three places for them to get water and the group dismissed temporarily. When one of the two heavyset boys started to tip on his way out, Suzume moved to him quickly and helped him stay on his feet. "Water, sit, but don't let your head dip below your heart, okay?" she reminded him, helping him to the dojo where someone was already waiting to help him with the water.

[ShinobiTruth]

Ah, this was nice. Considering this was largely what Hijikata taught, this was practically like returning home to him. Hiji didn't care one bit that this was the most basic of katas, forms, and stances. One could never become too familiar with the basics of swordsmanship. The more one mastered the fundamentals, the more in tune they were with your own body and spirit. The rest of learning swordsmanship, particularly learning or developing one's own style, was simply adjusting those basic movements and changing one's mentality. If Suzume was curious about how the samurai would react to practicing drills that he could do in his sleep, her only observation would be intently focused eyes and a slight smile on his face. There was no irritation or arrogance, only peace and determination.

He also paid closed attention to how Suzume taught the class, making mental note of different teaching methods he himself could try with his students when he eventually traveled to the next dojo. He had his headband on, so even though there was a little bit of sweat on his brow, it was evident that he had plenty of energy to spare. When the students were dismissed for water, Hiji would make sure that everyone had received their ample share of water before he took any, if there was any left. He knew that these students, just starting out, would need more breaks and more resources than he himself, a fairly skilled swordsman in his own right. He would also check on each of the students, ask them how they were doing, seeing if they were having any trouble with the kata Suzume was giving them, offering suggestions that were within his authority to give. He would not overstep Suzume. This was not his place. He was not the master. He was the student. All he did was simply to try and ease the burden on the master's shoulders.

He would continue to show the same willing spirit throughout all of Suzume's lessons. Should she have a request, his answer would be the same: "As you wish, Sensei," and he would follow through without hesitation.

[Willoria]

Before everyone returned to position, Suzume would instruct them to get practice swords from the dojo, and so she began showing them the basic katas and movements that were more focused on Yoshin than other styles, before an idea crossed her mind. "Hijikata." She motioned for him to join her at the front of the group before taking a step back from him herself. She tossed the practice sword back and forth between her hands for a moment before settling on holding it in her right hand as she turned to look at her newest student.

"Attack me." she told him simply before speaking to the other students. "I'm going to show you several Yoshin techniques if I can. All of you take a seat in place and observe." she said, turning to face Hijikata once more before motioning him forward. "Let's show them."

Jutsu UsedShow

*[Yoshin • Ambidexterity]
D-Ranked Taijutsu Discipline
Prerequisite: 5 Instinct
After practicing for a long amount of time with the concept of using both of their hands with equal skill, the user has developed a level of ambidexterity that allows them to utilize their preferred weaponry without any sort of issue. This extends to other methods of combat or simple everyday life as well.

[ShinobiTruth]

Waiting for the other students to take their practice swords, Hijikata would eventually grab his bokken and line up with the rest of the students, continuing with the drills. He hardly looked any worse for wear, only a slight bit of sweat on his brow in comparison to the other students, who were likely already pretty well drenched in their keikogi, but his positive radiating energy served to drive the rest of the students forward. He had hoped for this, of course; having only a master as a goal to set made the end seem unattainable at times. He also very much enjoyed the new kata he was being shown. They were not outside of the scope of his abilities, but they did involve movements of his body he was not familiar with. He did not properly execute the kata right away, also showing the students that even skilled swordsmen were not perfect. Even they had to learn things from step one, even if they picked up on things faster due to experience. It was truly wonderful in its own simple way, practically being transported back to his childhood for a short moment.

At Suzume's behest, Hiji would bow. "As you wish, Sensei," he replied before coming up before her, taking a ready stance with his bokken. He deliberated on how he should attack Suzume, as he was still fairly confident that, in most ways, they were similarly matched. He did not want to insult her by holding back, but he also did not want to detract from the respect she would receive from her students by ruining her demonstration. Thus, he decided to hold back just slightly. Keeping to basic swordsmanship as an analogue for the students to watch, Hiji would wait for Suzume's signal before launching a few quick strikes. He prepared himself to be hit, having quickly come to understand that Yoshin's strength was not in raw power, but in exploiting natural weaknesses of the body.

[Willoria]

Suzume smirked as she watched Hiji come up into position, giving him a signal once she was certain he was ready. As he came at her with a strike she quickly tossed the bokken she carried from her right hand to her left and sidestepped him. She aimed a quick slash at his ribs, though light in touch, to simulate striking his flesh open before bringing the weapon down on his hands and tapping his wrists as well to simulate a strike against them as well. She stepped back and bowed to Hijikata once she was sure he had recovered. "Thank you." she told him before quickly turning her attention back to the students.

"Yoshin is full of quick and decisive movements. You must think and react faster than you ever have before, and a single blunder can end your fight." she told the students, turning to face them again now. "You also have to be flexible. Certainly each move I just did is exact to the technique I was taught, but you have to be ready to improvise so... today we start by learning how to use both of our hands, not just our dominant."

Jutsu UsedShow

*[Yoshin • Ambidexterity]
D-Ranked Taijutsu Discipline
Prerequisite: 5 Instinct
After practicing for a long amount of time with the concept of using both of their hands with equal skill, the user has developed a level of ambidexterity that allows them to utilize their preferred weaponry without any sort of issue. This extends to other methods of combat or simple everyday life as well.

*[Yoshin • Side Step]
D-Ranked Taijutsu Maneuver
Prerequisite: 5 Instinct
After stepping up beside the target or sidestepping an attack from the target, the user utilizes a quick striking method, drawing a very firm slash across the side, ribcage or arm of the target. The user slashes with the intent to both injure and startle the opponent, hoping to catch them off guard and disrupt the flow of their attacks. Unlike many other Yoshin techs that focus on shallow cuts that flare up in pain, this particular technique is meant to dig as deep as possible, many times slashing into bones to cause as much long term damage as possible.

*[Yoshin • Finger Snap]
D-Ranked Taijutsu Maneuver
Prerequisite: 5 Instinct
Using a quick striking method, the user of this technique quickly draws a very firm slash towards the hands of the target aimed towards the fingers or palm. The user slashed with the intent to injure the gripping portions of the opponent's hand to knock weapons free with the slash, though the attack itself is shallow. Typically the technique is only useful as a quick disarm method and unsuitable for long term disarming.

[ShinobiTruth]

Hijikata allowed his body to react naturally to the strikes he received from Suzume. They would not particularly hurt, but it was important for the students that know what effect they should normally expect the strikes to have. If he actively resisted right from the start, it would set an inconsistent expectation. Bowing back to Suzume, he retrieved his weapon and returned to his place among the students.

Hijikata admittedly had already learned how to use both of his hands equally. He could do anything he could with his left hand as efficiently and effectively as his right hand. However, he was not above a refresher, and Suzume’s method of teaching would likely show Hijikata a method of instruction that he could impart unto future students himself. Taking up the exercises that Suzume presented, he would submit himself without complaint.

The sun was beating down in full force. Hijikata had sweat glistening on his arms and face, but his eyes were full of energy and enthusiasm. This was perhaps one way in which he allowed himself to differ from his classmates: his strong will.

[Willoria]

Suzume would spend a good deal of time walking the students through various exercises to start getting them used to using both hands more regularly, but eventually she noticed how high the sun had become and the heat that beat down on them. She could already see one or two students who had neglected to protect themselves against the sun and made a mental note to ask and provide such a thing before the next session. She called out the commands necessary to end the practice before taking up her position up front and looking the class over. "Put your bokken away where you found them, get yourself some water, and you're dismissed." she told them. She watched them all gather up to do as instructed, and she took a moment to check on a student she'd noticed having a hard time. It was one of the boys from before and of course she quickly assured him the lessons would get easier with time.

It wouldn't be long before the students were dispersing and Suzume sat on the ground outside the dojo, her back against the wall as she finally took a deep breath and let it out slow. She was noticing the sweat on her own skin for the first time, sighing to herself as she took her own break and looked over at Hijikata. "I'm sorry if things are rather basic and dull to begin with." she said, having noticed there were very few challenges for him that day. "It'll advance rather quickly though, we seem to have quite a few quick learners in the group."

[ShinobiTruth]

Hijikata completed the rest of the lessons without complaint. Truth was, despite how simple they were, he enjoyed them immensely, and it was a humbling experience to submit himself to a master once again after having been a teacher for so long. Helping the students with putting the bokken away, he would see them all out, making sure to give each one encouragement for their hard work. For those that had difficulty with some of the stretches from earlier, Hiji would gently remind them of the small adjustments they'd need to make to properly execute the stretch and avoid hurting themselves if they practiced at home. Hiji himself would have sweat on his brow, but his positive attitude shone off of him almost as brightly as the sun.

It was because of this that when Suzume came to apologize to him, he shook his head, a wide grin upon his cheeks. "There is no need for apologies, Sensei. A swordsman that believes himself above continued mastery and refinement of the basics has failed himself and the sword. On the contrary, I very much enjoyed today's lesson. Yoshin's fundamental movements are much more precise than I am accustomed to with Iaido. Though they are not outside of my reach, there was something for me to learn even today," he reassured his interim master, giving a bow as he sat next to her. "I very much look forward to tomorrow's lesson."

[Willoria]

Suzume leaned her head back against the wall behind her, closing her eyes as Hijikata took a seat next to her. "I love these lessons. It's like a return to home, to a simpler life." she admitted, opening her eyes to look down at her own hand and the ring she wore for her symbol of Chishiki. "Sometimes I forget what's next door, the responsibilities I have. My father's gone, if I had really wanted to I could have left this all behind, I know that. But it would have felt like a waste." She frowned, looking down at the empty street a moment.

"I sent a letter to Yozei finally. I told him the truth, that we can't be. That I have a responsibility here." Suzume took a deep breath and shook her head. "I should have told him last time I saw him in person, and I feel like I tried to, but I don't think I could do it while talking to him. He was always good at distracting me... but I have to stop being the child with a crush and do what I need to do."

[ShinobiTruth]

Hijikata nodded, but for the time being, he would keep silent. Just as the day before, when Suzume opened up, he knew it was important to pay close attention. The fact that she'd told him so much in such a short span of time was a display of trust that Hiji had never experienced before. That she trusted him so willingly was an honor in his eyes, and it served as the basis of their friendship. He'd quickly come to realize that the facade of the calculating, outwardly cold woman warrior was only a very small part of her personality. She had a heart, a big one at that, and she had a desire to have people close to her. She also had her core motivation, to continue collecting information on the shinobi world and dissolve those institutions from the outside by empowering others to defend themselves when they otherwise could not.

Hijikata's main concern was that as his friend, her singular focus on her goal may come at the cost of everything else, her heart and soul included. "It is a sign of strength to put aside what you love to pursue a greater good. No one can fault you for that, Suzume-san," he reassured, offering a gentle touch of her shoulder as encouragement and a sign of support. "There is virtue in that choice and in that conviction. But do not forget that you, too, have needs. That includes your heart. The task you seek to undertake cannot be completed by your hands alone. Even you, strong as you are, would be crushed by its weight... Do not forget that you have at least one friend here to bear the burden with you. A true friend doesn't wish to only see you complete your work. They wish for you to be happier because of it, too."

The last bit was indeed a reference to himself, but it was not done in pride. Rather, it was a plea, that she might not forget she was not alone on this path and that she should not completely neglect the needs of her heart. Hijikata had seen what happened to those who excised their hearts in an emotional sense. They became cold, distant creatures, hardly recognizable. He did not want to see that happen to his friend.

[Willoria]

Suzume couldn't help a wry laugh and shake of her head as Hijikata spoke of her putting aside love for greater good. "I can guarantee you that Yozei doesn't see it that way. Bet anything he thinks I'm going mad or power hungry somehow... such is the indoctrination of these so-called great villages." It was probably the one thing she hated the most about the letter she wrote, the one thing that hurt the most. She knew that Yozei simply wouldn't understand, that he couldn't see things the way she did. For now that was a dull pain, a heartache she could live with, but one she hated to its core. Yet she knew one day that pain could increase. What would happen if his father ever saw her as a threat to the village? Would he send Yozei to kill her? In some ways, she didn't put it past him. She knew that would be a pain she would never recover from.

Suzume lifted a hand and rested it over Hijikata's as it rest on her shoulder. Her fingertips running over the back of his hand as her mind wandered briefly. "I know. Thank you. Honestly I think all this would be much harder without you here." she admitted, staring up into the blue sky as she spoke. "I think soon though I need to talk to Asura about my power... the gifts he offers are dark but... well, if I'm going to attain my goals I may need to darken myself just a bit for the sake of others."

[ShinobiTruth]

Hijikata hurt to hear the words that Suzume spoke. He hurt for her. Aside from the pain of her prior beloved being so unwilling to change his world view to see a truth Suzume clearly understood, it also hurt that she saw it necessary to possibly hurt herself to attain a goal so noble. His instinct was to plead with her that she reconsider taking this dark power she spoke of, that she didn’t necessarily have to sacrifice so much to reach that goal. But Hijikata knew that wasn’t reason talking. That was his heart, aching for his friend. As much as it killed him, he knew that in the end, if he truly respected Suzume and her mission, he would also have to respect her choices, so long as they didn’t result in needless wanton suffering for innocents.

Reaching over and smoothly taking her hand into his own, running the tip of his thumb back and forth lightly over the back of her hand, he chose his next words carefully. ”I know that I am still wholly ignorant as to the true power of these villages... and what it will take to fight them. It’s likely true that extraordinary measures will be necessary,” the fellow teacher admitted. ”I only ask that you carefully consider not only what you will gain... but the true weight of what it will ask of you. Not you, Suzume, the leader of this organization... but you, Suzume, the teacher, the person... the friend.”

[Willoria]

Suzume sighed as she felt Hijikata take her hand, her head leaning back and eyes closing as he ran his thumb over it. "I will have to eventually sacrifice everything that I am." she admitted quietly. "That is the way of things... the power of these villages... there's nothing I can compare it to. They're terrifying, their secrets not only keep them safe but keep them in military power for a reason. I wish I could gain the knowledge we need to even the playing field for the rest of us without taking them on in a fight, but eventually it will come to that. I will need the power to stand up to them, and so I build up the organization... but to really do it I will need to become something as terrifying as my father was."

She honestly hated the thought, but even as she said it her mind wandered to Asura and the gifts the man promised her. 'He seems convinced that he could do something for me... perhaps he can... I am the Daughter of the Oni, both my parents had bodies prime for greatness and I am born of that. It's possible I could come out of it looking no worse for wear and with a great gift...'

Suzume sighed again as she stood, using the wall to push her way up. "I'm going to make some tea."

[ShinobiTruth]

Hiji's heart fell just a bit as he heard Suzume's grim prediction, yet he remained silent. As a fellow of the sword, he felt he knew, to a degree, the kind of heart she had. Her drive to help others was so strong that she would give of herself... but what good would become of this victory she sought if she lost herself and who she was along the way? Did she simply not imagine life after her goal was complete? Would she even recognize herself at the end of it all? Many questions plagued her student's mind, but two, in particular, stood out amongst the rest of the rabble running loose in his mind:

What good was the goal she sought if she had to become what she hated to accomplish it? And would her goal truly remain pure if she paid this grim price?

As she rose to make tea, he would not stop her, letting her hand slip away gently from his grasp. Such a simple action alone felt so ominous. He could feel, in his heart of hearts, that she was determined to lose herself in this dangerous work of hers... and there was no telling what person, if any, would arise from that dark shadow. Would it be the same, caring heart as before? Or would it grow cold with fanaticism and a lust for power? Only time would tell. 'Beware the dark powers you seek, my dear Suzume,' he thought to himself as he watched her disappear into the dojo, his deep indigo eyes reflecting the torrent of thoughts and emotions running through his mind.

'The price they ask of you may be more than even you could possibly imagine.'