HIROMI

Chapter 15

Hiromi's group has begun training in Oshiro. A large and flat area with numerous tents for them to live in while training.

Hiromi noticed that the emperor had also sent many men over eight teen years of age to join the training for protection and security against the enemy who would attack them.

Hiromi stood there looking at the many men preparing for the training. Most were men, and the emperor permitted only women to join.

Someone drew Hiromi's attention to the tent as she walked towards it when she heard calling her name.

“Young Mistress Hiromi!” yelled a male voice.

When she turned around, she was surprised to see Hanzo not dressed in ninja-yoroi garments. He wore a karuta armor that suited him well.

Karuta armor was a type of armor worn by samurai warriors and their retainers during the feudal era of Japan.

Samurai armor consists of a helmet (kabuto), mask (mengu), and chest armor (dō) paired with shoulder guards, sleeves, a skirt, thigh protection, and shin guards. A complete set might weigh between twenty and forty-five pounds in total.

Although Hanzo is smiled brightly at Hiromi, she can feel his sadness.

Hanzo's smile slowly faded at Hiromi's question, "Hanzo, aren't you glad to be one of the samurai?"

“We've done this before, but this is how you want us to go back to Oshiro Palace. If you're not happy with what you're doing, you can retreat, but when we make us both retreat, it's like we don't have a single word to the emperor," Hiromi said.

Hiromi noticed that Hanzo had removed his kabuto samurai helmet.

Ancient Japanese warriors were the first to utilize the kabuto kind of helmet, which subsequently developed into a vital component of the traditional Japanese armor worn by the samurai class and their followers in feudal Japan.

Hiromi is perplexed by what is happening to Hanzo because she can see his tears falling, but Hanzo continues to try to be strong. Because a samurai warrior, according to Hanzo, never cries.

“Hanzo-san, what is going on? Aren't we delighted that we have achieved our goal of becoming samurai?" Hiromi enquired.

When addressing a samurai, you'd use "name then add -san" or "sensei”—teacher, but also other figures of authority.

In Japanese, "san" is a title of respect added to a name. It can be used with both male and female names and surnames or given names. It can also be attached to the name of occupations and titles.

She couldn't understand why Hanzo seemed so tense when he spoke.

Despite his tears, Hanzo said, “Hiromi-san, I'm glad to meet you. I'm thankful for the brief time we spent battling the enemies together, for the time you made me smile when I lost my mother. Sometimes I don't understand you, but I try to comprehend everything from you."

Hiromi noticed that Hanzo seemed off in some way. As a result of what his friend was saying, she instantly felt anxious.

Until...

"It's like we're best friends. It's not pleasant or taboo for others, but I don't care, from being a shinobi who got along with the shogun's daughter to becoming a samurai. Hiromi-san, this is our last meeting, so let's make the most of this day,” Hanzo said.

In Hiromi's mind, Hanzo was saying goodbye. She suddenly felt sad because Hanzo was the only one she had been friends with and could understand, but she never thought this would happen.

Hiromi's game no longer proceeds with the following destiny. Even though the course of the game has changed completely, she cannot predict what will happen next.

She wants to know why Hanzo is leaving. What is Hanzo's intended destination? Is he on a mission?

So he got a little out of line because he was about to leave for his hometown, Hanzo explained.

Hiromi asks about the status of their investigation. Is Hanzo's plan to leave her?

Hanzo gave Hiromi a friendly smile. He tells her that they will meet again but that this time it is imperative that he return to his hometown.

"We'll see each other again, but I'm not sure when," Hanzo said, smiling at Hiromi.

"How about I accompany you?" Hiromi suggested.

“The investigation depends on you and shows your father that you are brave and bring honor as a samurai,” explained Hanzo.

Hanzo took out a katana and gave it to Hiromi.

"The crest symbolizes love, honor, and loyalty to show everyone that you are a brave samurai warrior," said Hanzo.

Hiromi said nothing further. Hanzo says, teaching her how to defend herself against her opponents. They both made the most of their time together because it was likely their last.

Hanzo teaches Hiromi step by step. But she couldn't focus because she was sad, and he couldn't stop himself. Hiromi was shocked when he unexpectedly hugged her.

"I felt his hug as if he was sad. Why can't we meet again? I don't understand him, either. Where is Hanzo's hometown? It's like he's going to the planet Mars. It's hard to reach," Hiromi reflected.

Hiromi and Hanzo carried on with their training after their emotional exchange. She received sword fighting instructions till they engaged in a sword duel.

Yumi tells Hiromi that the training is about to begin as soon as she regains consciousness.

Hiromi answered Yumi, "Okay, I'll follow."

It turns out that after Hanzo left, days passed, and everything is now in the past.

As long as she could, Hiromi didn't take a break from her workouts. She is also skilled in using the sword, spear, and archery.

When Hiromi was about to give up during a training session, she suddenly felt like a true warrior who belonged in her game.

Hiromi believed that becoming a samurai was difficult, especially during training. She is a woman, but she is capable of doing everything a guy can.

She halted briefly while panting as a man abruptly walked before her.

A masculine voice exclaimed, "Hiromi-san, I want to duel with you!"

Hiromi focused on the speaker.