The Moon Thief, Part 3

The Moon Thief, Part 3
A powerful strike 
A crushing force 
One single strike 
Is all I need to win
---
Hiroshima castle town. Sunrise.
A lone figure stares out from the top of the castle. The structure itself lay on the Otagawa River delta, and was only recently constructed and occupied by daimyo Mōri Terumoto. The town, too, once a humble fishing village, was only a few years of age, having been built in a short span of time to accommodate the castle.
The man looking from the main tower was not Lord Terumoto. He, like many of the lords of the time, was across the sea, participating in the conquest of Korea. He had left the rulership of Hiroshima to his most loyal retainer.
"Good morning, my lord. Enjoying the sight again?" a male servant entered.
"It's a sight I shouldn't be enjoying. I should be out serving alongside Terumoto-dono. But no, the Osaka fool with delusions of grandeur decided to hold us here to swat at flies." The man was wearing the uniform of the dreaded Gotei: a black kimono with a white haori draped over it, along with white tabi and black sandals. His hair, unkempt as it was, was dark, and he had a rounded, square-like scar on his right cheek.
"Governance in his lordship's stead is a high honor. It shows the amount of trust he has in your abilities."
"It shows the amount of use *his* lord has for me. A Ming and a Joseon cause a slight ruckus, and he puts all of us on killing duty. A *single* Ming and a *single* Joseon. Is he mocking our abilities with such a menial task? If I wasn't already insulted by his refusal to send me to battle, this minor errand of his is an even bigger affront to my honor."
"Try not to take it as a personal insult, my lord. This Joseon is said to have a feared reputation in his kingdom. Dispatching him quickly would surely bring you much repute."
"If he's as cunning as the rumors say, he wouldn't appear out in the open. It would be a waste to go looking." The man took a long object in green wrapping, and slung it over his shoulder. "I need some fresh air. I'm going for a walk."
"With *that*?"
"You never know when a fearsome army of two might come calling. I'll be back soon." The man walked out.
"Have a relaxing walk, Lord Tsutsugo."
---
The horse-drawn cart arrived just outside the town. "My, this does have the look of a newly built city. Not a sign of rust or rot to be seen." Mudan said.
"And it's built on the banks of the sea. The fishing here must be divine." Umeko commented.
"Perhaps that includes the mud-dwelling wormfish my friend here is so fond of."
"All I hear is criticism from a man that hasn't even tried it." Moon sniped back. "In fact, I'll make it a point to scour every single market here to find some. Better yet, I'll dredge them up myself."
"I would have to eat slimy wormfish?! Eww, no!" Umeko protested.
"You're going to eat the wormfish and LIKE IT."
"Alright, settle. We'll debate the culinary merits of slimy mudfish later. Right now, there's another matter that needs addressing." Mudan interjected. "Namely, whether or not we are fit to enter battle. You and I are set in the armor department, but our lady friend here is a bit..."
The two men looked at Umeko, garbed in naught but a standard robe and sandals.
"...lacking."
"Oh, ah...I guess you're right. Wouldn't be very dignified to walk into a battlefield dressed like this, would it?" Umeko replied, embarrassed somewhat.
"Well if your aim is to become an onna-musha, looking like one would be a good first step. But one thing, friend." Moon began. "Where are you getting all this coin to make these purchases?"
"You would be proud. I stumbled upon a sizeable caravan my first day in Nippon. While they were off foraging, I helped myself to their bank. They never even noticed." Mudan replied.
"Sensei, how devious!" Umeko said.
"I approve." Moon added.
"As you say, Sir Rogue, whatever is necessary to survive. Now, my lady, shall we attend to thy wardrobe?" Mudan asked.
"Yes, posthaste. Will you be joining us, Moon-Sensei?" Umeko asked.
"I'm going to get the horses situated. Then I'm going fishing. You will experience, you WILL experience." Moon said with a wry grin.
Umeko shuddered.
---
The Seto Inland Sea was a large body of water separating three of Nippon's four main islands. The open expanse that the Otagawa River emptied out into was known locally as 'Aki-nada', and was an active transport area.
On its shore was a single, determined man. Moon held his dagger, and possessed a small wooden boat (stolen) and net (also stolen). "Time to show those weaker stomachs what they're missing out on. The only issue now is..."
He looked out towards the water. "...actually finding some. The drunk didn't have a rod of any kind in this thing. So I suppose that means doing this the old-fashioned way. Going down and getting them myself."
His thoughts broke upon seeing the shape of a dark, gray fin coming out of the water, before sinking back under the surface.
"...the drunk might not be getting his boat back."
---
Back in the castle town, Mudan stood patiently waiting beside a shack. "Are you sure you need no extra help, my lady?"
"N-no, I'm quite alright. The fit is actually perfect this time. I'm just readjusting my ribbon..." Umeko replied from behind the shack.
She stepped out moments later. "Ta-da!" She was now garbed in a sleeveless black robe, with black leather underarmor covering her arms and legs. She wore black tabi along with her sandals, and a red cord was wrapped around her waist.
"That, my dear girl, is the look of a far more confident warrior." Mudan said.
"Isn't it?! I feel more powerful just wearing it! I could take on a whole army with how I'm feeling!"
"Settle there, young lady. Let's keep working on your fundamentals before we can think about taking on the samurai."
"Yes, yes, right you are! I'll train night and day to ensure I'm worthy! Oh, I can't wait to show it to Moon-Sensei! I'm sure he'll hand me his most optimistic grunt of approval!"
"How promising that you've already picked up on our good rogue's habits."
A commotion started up close by.
"Is that him?"
"It must be! Lord Tsutsugo, please pardon our casual demeanor!"
The citizenry all started bowing their heads, as the man in the white haori passed through. "Save your reverence. I'm only out for a walk."
"That uniform...!" Umeko uttered in surprise.
"Do you recognize that man, Umeko?" Mudan asked.
"Bow your head, Sensei! Don't draw in suspicion!"
The two followed the actions of the others around them, and bowed.
"...you there." Tsutsugo stopped next to them.
"Ah...!" Umeko flinched.
"I haven't seen you two around here before. Don't look like merchants to me. What's your business here?"
"Simply a training excursion, my lord." Mudan replied. "My student's parents have tasked me with teaching her various survival skills by traveling from Kyoto on to the west coast. I was simply purchasing newer armor for her while we were here."
"A training excursion, huh? You have your work cut out for you, friend. My saying two words in her direction caused her to react as if she'd witnessed a ghost."
"The most difficult harvests bear the brightest fruits. Her potential is far higher than it would appear. I welcome the opportunity to be her guiding voice."
"Spoken like a true veteran of combat. Go about your business, then. I would recommend the coast for any sort of diligent training. Much more secluded and peaceful. It's where I'm going. Do be careful on the roads. They've become substantially more dangerous lately. Good day." Tsutsugo walked away.
Umeko let out a sigh. "That was too scary! I thought he was going to recognize us!"
"So that is one of the feared 'Gotei'. Quite the imposing fellow. What is that object he's carrying? I know not of any man who would carry around a boating oar wrapped up in that manner." Mudan questioned.
"The Gotei of Hiroshima is said to be immensely skilled in the use of the kanabō. It sounded like he was off to train with it."
"We should steer clear of him while we stay here, then. That is not the kind of weapon I wish to be on the receiving end of."
"No, not at all. Let's get back to Moon-Sensei, and see if he's...ah!"
"What's the matter?"
"Didn't that man just say he was off to train on the coast?"
"Yes, and...mmh! Of course, how did I not pick up on it?"
"That's where Moon-Sensei is! He could be in serious danger if that man recognizes him!"
"Then we have not a moment to waste. Let us retrieve our weapons and make our way there. I pray we arrive before anything untoward happens."
The pair headed for their cart.
---
Moon's boat pulled up onto the shore. He plopped down on the ground, looking frustrated.
"How do these people do it? Is it really so impossible without a rod and lure? Not only have I not seen a single one of the wormfish..."
His boat was totally empty.
"Every fish I *have* seen has fled on sight! And the water makes my dagger so much heavier! Not to mention..."
He thought back to moments before. He was on the boat, looking cautiously over the side as that gray fin passed by.
"That white devilfish not leaving me alone! What other fish would stick around knowing that hulking monstrosity was in the area?"
He groaned. "I can't go back empty-handed. I have to retain some level of pride! How was that drunk doing it without a rod...there has to be some way to..."
He closed his eyes, trying to think of how to fix his predicament.
A shadow soon draped over him. "A frustrating day at sea, friend?"
Moon opened his eyes. A man in a white haori was looming over him. He immediately leapt to his feet, holding his dagger defensively.
"Hold back there, stranger! I'm not here for a fight. I'm just here to train for a bit, and I saw that you looked troubled."
"Who are you? And what's with the getup?" Moon questioned.
"Ah, you must not be from around here, then. Allow me to introduce myself. I am the acting lord of Hiroshima, Tsutsugo Ryūmon, a member of the empire's elite Gotei. And who would I be speaking with, stranger?"
"...!" "(The Gotei? So then, this man is...)"
"You a bit rattled there, man?"
Moon was put on alert. "(Act natural, Moon. Don't give him a reason to be suspicious and unfurl...whatever that is he's carrying.)" "Sorry, the sea is a bit distracted. I'm Lee, Lee M--Mū. Lee Mū."
"Bit of a simple name, isn't it?"
"My parents were not the most creative." "(With all apologies to them!)"
"Well, Mister...Mū, I noticed you don't have a rod. Were you trying to get your catch of the day with that knife alone?"
"Ah...yes, my lord." "(I want to vomit.)" "I don't have the funds to acquire one myself. I'm much more comfortable with the dagger, anyhow. That, and..."
Moon looked out, at the fin making its way through the water.
"An unwelcome visitor, eh? Let me handle it." Tsutsugo said, stepping towards the boat.
"'Handle' it? Do you have some way of making it flee?" 
"Not exactly."
Tsutsugo went onto the boat, rowing it out to where the fin was breaking the surface. The large fish began drawing closer. The man got up, and held up his possession in a way where its covering fell off. It was a lengthy club-like weapon, with rows of spikes along its top end. As the apex predator closed in, raising its tooth-filled head above the water, Tsutsugo made his move.
"Back to the hell that spawned you!" He brought the kanabō down, and the ocean seemed to erupt in a burst of red water.
Moon looked at the scene in complete shock. 
Tsutsugo returned, managing to wash the shark's corpse onto the shore. "Problem solved."
"You...you killed it in one blow..." Moon uttered.
"The finest blacksmith in all the land forged this weapon for me. Though, as you can see, I did lose a few spikes doing that. Back for repairs again, it would seem. But this should suit you for a meal just fine. The fins in particular make a great soup. Its hide and fangs would be useful for forging armor and weapons, as well."
"You really didn't have to go out of your way..."
"Don't fret over it. My lord tells me it's the duty of an acting ruler to serve the people of his domain. And you can consider this a gift for letting me test my swing. I'd recommend cutting out what you need now before the stench starts to attract more unsavory characters. A good day now, Mr. Mū."
Tsutsugo slung the kanabō over his shoulder as he headed back into town. 
"Ah...thank you." Moon uttered.
"Sensei!" Umeko ran over. "Is everything al--AAH!" She jumped at the sight of the shark.
"I heard a shriek, what's happe--oh, my word." Mudan arrived.
"I...wasn't able to catch any hagfish today. But it looks like we'll be having sharkfin soup, instead." Moon uttered. "Consider it a gift from the Gotei."
"So that man was here? And he...killed this fish for you?" Umeko asked.
"At least he failed to recognize you. You can tell us the story over lunch. We should harvest what we need, and quickly. Nothing here should go to waste." Mudan said.
"Right." Moon looked in the direction where Tsutsugo walked off. "(That weapon was as long as he was tall. And he swung it one-handed with no effort and killed that beast with a single strike. If the Gotei all have that kind of monstrous strength...then we might not even be able to defeat one...let alone thirteen! What a pain...)"
---
The trio sat by their camp, eating soup. "Our good Gotei had a point. The beast's skin and teeth could prove useful for armaments. At the very least, they could fetch a high price at the market." Mudan said.
"Mother and Father always tell me never to let anything go to waste. Everything has its use." Umeko chimed.
She noted Moon sitting ponderously. "Sensei?"
"...hrm?" the thief grunted.
"What do you think? How do I look?"
"Less like you're about to do laundry, for starters."
"You're terrible, Sensei."
"You'd think me ill if I wasn't."
"You were looking rather ponderous over that soup, friend. Something troubling you?" Mudan asked.
"Nothing save the man who bashed a large predatory fish over the skull to get it. I'm sure the weapon was largely the culprit, and yet...that had to have taken a considerable amount of strength to do that in one hit."
"I would not want to be the recipient of a blow from that weapon, that much is certain. The less we see of that man, sharkfin soup notwithstanding, the better. Though we may have little say in the matter."
"Are we really going to have to fight him?" Umeko asked.
"Him and his Gotei friends have probably already been ordered to kill us on sight. We won't have a choice." Moon replied.
"I understand that, but...he didn't seem malicious to me. They may be feared warriors, but none of them are necessarily evil people. These are acting lords of the land we're facing. To the people living in their territories, they may as well be gods."
"Your concerns are valid. The man seemed honorable enough. Even provided us with a suitable meal for nothing in return. And yet..." Mudan began.
"This is a time of war. Like it or not, we've taken out a number of Imperial soldiers since getting here. That makes us the enemy. In their eyes, we're as evil as it gets." Moon finished.
"But you aren't! You both have been extremely accommodating and patient with me. I know you aren't evil." Umeko replied.
"That may be true, young lady, but that is the reality of war. Each side thinks the other villainous because that is what they're told to believe. We are an evil force in their view. And so we will have to fight to stay alive. That is how the world is." Mudan lectured.
"And if we do have to kill them? What will become of the people they govern without their leadership?"
"Then another one will come around to tell them how to live. That's how it works. Their masters will return from pillaging my homeland, and that'll be that. They'll be seen as conquering heroes, striking down the 'other' from across the water. Millions dead, all for the sake of some land. And the people? Their lives will continue as if nothing happened. Because fixating on the horrors you've just witnessed won't help your 'glorious' empire thrive." Moon responded.
"Your venom towards the empire is showing, Sir Rogue." Mudan pointed out.
"Pardon me for having no sympathy for the dogs burning my home to the ground for nothing."
"Do you hate me, Sensei? I am of the empire. Does looking at me make you angry?" Umeko asked.
"You're not over there destroying villages and killing people, are you? No, I don't hate you. My hatred is for the ones directing this charade. War wouldn't exist without the wealthy overlords squabbling over land and old grudges. So we'll have to fight sooner or later. Because that's how the world is."
Moon stood up. "I'm going to check on the horses." He walked off.
Umeko looked somber. "Is your heart really so devoid of hope, Sensei?"
She thought back to that night in the shrine.
"(No. I know it isn't. You wouldn't be on this journey if you truly thought it was hopeless. But how does a man find peace when he believes that it's the world itself that he's fighting?)"
---
"Alright. Time to work off that soup." Moon stood up.
"Are we finally going to train, Moon-Sensei?" Umeko asked.
"What kind of method do you have in mind?" Mudan asked.
"Simple." Moon uttered.
He presented the two with a log suspended over two smaller logs. "Stand on top of that slab of wood with your naginata and try not to step off."
"Oh, a test of balance? Seems simple enough." Umeko said.
"I dread asking...what are you going to be doing, Sir Rogue?" Mudan asked.
"Everything in my power to make her step off." Moon held a small branch in his hand, slapping it against his palm.
"What do you intend to do with that...?" Umeko pondered.
"A gentle reminder that we're training her, not scarring her for life." Mudan cautioned.
"Alright, fair enough." Moon tossed aside the branch. "I'm going to get the paddle."
"T-the paddle?!" uttered a flustered Umeko.
Moments later, she found herself standing on top of the log, holding her weapon, a nervous expression on her face. A smug-looking Moon held a long wooden paddle, with the kanji for 'Sin Brings Punishment' being carved into its sides. Mudan rubbed his eyes.
"Hold that pose for a minute without falling off. I'll just stand here threatenly. You'll never know when the attempt comes--if it comes at all." Moon instructed.
"Is this a balance test, or a tool for your own amusement?" Mudan asked.
"Part of being a warrior is knowing when danger is coming. A quick reaction could be the difference between going unscathed and having a knife plunged into your backside. And you know, balance. That's kind of important."
"The lack of emphasis on that last part is what worries me."
"Relax, friend. It's all for her benefit in the end. She's already stood for about--"
Without warning, Moon moved the paddle up close to Umeko's face. "AH!" She lost her balance, and fell off.
"Always expect the unexpected. Don't just assume if your enemy is occupied that they can't redirect their attention at a moment's notice. Stay alert at every moment." Moon tapped her back with the paddle. "Get back up and try again."
"Y-yes, Sensei."
The process repeated itself over and over for the next several minutes. Moon would talk, mostly about mundane topics, and in the middle of a sentence would put the paddle up against Umeko. For the first several times, she would flinch and fall off.
"(I can't help but think that he's getting some enjoyment out of this.)" Mudan thought. "(And yet...)"
When Moon put the paddle up again, Umeko once again flinched, but managed to maintain her balance. "Ah! Sensei, I did--"
"No early celebrations." Moon moved the paddle again, startling Umeko off.
"(I am noticing some improvement in her reaction time, at least. The other thing is that despite his threats, he hasn't actually touched her once with that paddle. To knock her off her perch, anyway. Firm, but not threatening. Color me impressed, Lee Moon-bin. I was expecting a far more degrading approach.)" Mudan thought.
"Now what do you suppose would happen if I--" Moon held out his hand to supposedly help her up, only to pull it away and maneuver the paddle towards her.
"HIYAH!"
Umeko deftly swung the naginata, splitting the paddle in two and sending the one piece flying off.
"...!" The two men were shocked.
"Did...did I just do that?" Umeko looked just as surprised.
"....." Moon picked up the broken piece. "I liked this paddle."
"Uh...sorry, Sensei--" Umeko prepared for the angry look.
"Guess there's hope for you yet."
"...huh?"
"That's as clean a cut as I've seen. That wasn't just you flailing your weapon around. There's a purpose to it." He held out his hand to help her up. "I would call that progress."
Though elated, Umeko hesitated.
"Now I've really got you paranoid. Come on, the paddle's broken. You going to sit in the dirt all day?"
She reneged, took his hand and got up. "So what's next in the training regimen, Sensei?"
"I'm going to take a nap. Knocking you off a log is exhausting. If you need me I'll be by that tree over there." Moon walked away.
"As thoroughly motivated as a fed cat." Mudan shook his head.
---
Once nightfall came, the two men sat around the campfire. Umeko was fast asleep in their cart.
"Quite the entertaining day, wasn't it?" Mudan asked.
"It was a day. I can say that much." Moon grunted.
"At the very least, our protégé's training seems to be coming along smoothly. Even you should agree that she is in a better spot than when we first met her."
"The flinching is still a work in progress. But at least she's not flailing that weapon around like a scared child. We might actually get her home in one piece at this rate."
"I wonder. Surely she isn't expecting us to only train her until we get to Kyoto, is she? That isn't nearly enough time to mold her into a warrior."
"Oh, no. You don't think she's going to ask us to stay there, is she? Or...that she'll want to tag along until we get to where we're going?"
"Don't sound so disappointed, Sir Rogue. We both know you've taken a liking to her."
"I'm still holding my knife, you know."
"And I, my sword. I will take that risk."
"You really shouldn't."
Moon looked away. "...let me ask you something, my astute companion."
"Ask away."
"Her naginata...are they all constructed that way? With such pitch-black metal as that."
"Hmm...since you mention it, that does seem like extremely fine metal. Rather odd that our young friend here only just happened to come across it."
"Either she's putting on the greatest performance you've ever seen, or there's more to it than what she's letting on. But I'm more concerned with the construction of the thing. I've seen metal like that once before. Today, on the shore. That Gotei man's weapon had metal just like that. And it gave me the same eerie feeling that naginata is giving me now."
"I offer no deceipt." Umeko was up and awake.
"How much of that were you listening to?"
"I'm sorry. But I truly did find that weapon in the hands of a fallen warrior. But...I didn't mention one thing."
"And that would be?" Mudan asked.
"The warrior I came across...wore the haori of the Gotei."
"A Gotei? You said that they were this land's greatest warriors. And you just found one dead on the side of the road?" Moon questioned.
"It's the truth! She looked as if she'd been struck down by someone. I was in desperate need of a weapon, and this one was in such good condition that I couldn't just leave it. I felt horrible afterwards for not giving her the proper respect, so I went to put the weapon back later...but her body was gone. I assumed one of her comrades came to retrieve her."
"Did you kill her?"
"I'm only just learning how to pick up a sword properly! How could I have laid a finger on a Gotei?"
"Alright, alright, don't freak out on me."
"But that raises more troubling questions." Mudan brought up. "What in these lands could have slain a Gotei? And just what kind of weapons are these?"
"And why does looking at it give me the creeps?" Moon observed the naginata. "This material looks recently forged, and yet...it feels...ancient? It definitely isn't normal. What average weapon could have crushed a beast's skull in such a manner?"
"What kind of people are we dealing with?"
"....." Moon continued to observe. "That man earlier mentioned his kanabō was forged by the finest blacksmith in all the land. I don't know if I'd like to meet the kind of smith that made something like this."
The men returned to their seats. Umeko glanced at the naginata.
"....."
"(...me...)"
".....!"
She looked around. "What was that just now...?"
"What was what?" Moon questioned.
"You didn't hear that voice, Sensei?"
He shook his head. "Didn't hear a thing. You should get back to bed."
"Sleeplessness isn't conducive to a strong spirit, young lady." Mudan concurred.
"Yes, you're right. Good night." Umeko turned back over. "(No. That wasn't me imagining it. That voice...did it come from the...)"
She glanced at the naginata one more time with nervous curiosity, before returning to her slumber.
---
The next morning, the trio began their trek out of the city. 
"Doing this early was the right call. The sooner we can get away from kanabō man, the better." Moon said.
Mudan saw something in the distance. "You may have spoken too soon, friend."
Before them, Tsutsugo sat on a log, kanabō slung over his shoulder. Several of his guards were with him, hands near their swords.
"Oh. Doesn't look like he's here to deliver another shark to us." Moon surmised.
"No, no he does not." Mudan agreed as the men got down from their horses. Umeko looked on from the cart.
Tsutsugo got up. "Well, well. Off in a bit of a hurry, aren't we? Never would have guessed that the paid instructor and his young pupil would be traveling with a novice fisherman. Wartime makes strange bedfellows, doesn't it, 'Lee Mū'?"
Mudan looked unamused. "That's the name you came up with?"
"Shut up." Moon responded. "I take it from your tone that you know who we are."
"The messenger didn't arrive until after I returned from my walk. He brought tidings of the thieving Joseon and his devious Ming partner. Responsible for the massacre of several Imperial soldiers. Is that girl your captive?" Tsutsugo questioned.
"I am here of my own accord! They aren't--" Umeko protested.
Mudan motioned for her to stay quiet. "My good sir. We are trying to return her home, that much is no deception. We were forced to combat Imperial troops who, in my opinion, were far too aggressive for their station. I do not believe defending oneself is a criminal offense."
"And I should believe you because...?" Tsutsugo asked.
"Your men here are still alive, right?" Moon responded.
The soldiers, weapons drawn, looked at each other nervously.
"We mean you no ill will, Lord Tsutsugo. We are grateful for your aid with our meal yesterday. Our desire is simple passage, nothing more." Mudan explained.
Tsutsugo glanced at the cart. "...?"
He spotted the naginata's hilt. He gestured at Umeko. "What's that weapon?"
"Ah, uhhhh..." Umeko looked nervous. The men shot each other looks. They knew this wouldn't go over well. 
"Take out that weapon. Remove the sheath."
With a measure of trepidation, Umeko pulled the naginata from its cover, revealing its obsidian texture.
Tsutsugo was stunned. "That lance...!"
"My Lord, is that...?" one soldier asked.
"There is no mistaking it. That weapon once belonged to Kanebatsu Nadeshiko, a Gotei of the Hyōgo region. Until she was cut down by an unknown enemy. But as far as that last part is concerned..."
"Come on, you really think she could do that to a skilled warrior? She's just starting to learn the basics of combat, use some sense, man!" Moon retorted.
"All one would need is to catch their enemy when their attention is diverted. Nadeshiko was warned about putting her guard down. And here strolls a girl with her weapon, being escorted by a pair of fugitives."
Tsutsugo firmly tapped his kanabō on the ground. "Soldiers of the empire! Return to the castle. I will be carrying out their punishment myself."
"Yes, sir!" The soldiers fled.
"Listen to me. This girl didn't kill your friend. Think with your brain." Moon said.
"Even if that were true, she's stolen Imperial property by taking that weapon from a warrior's corpse. Along with freely traveling with a pair of men wanted for the murder of several soldiers. She will not go unpunished." Tsutsugo retorted.
Mudan turned to his comrade. "It seems he won't be party to our words any further."
"Doesn't look that way, does it?" Moon sighed, then drew his dagger. Mudan held his sword. "Umeko."
"Yes, Sensei?" she asked.
"Whatever you do, stay in that cart."
"But--!"
"Do not argue. This is not an opponent you can stand against. Let us deal with him." Mudan added.
"Heh." Tsutsugo chuckled.
"Something funny?" Moon asked.
"You really have no clue what it is you have there, do you?" The Gotei slapped his palm with his kanabō. "If you had even the vaguest idea what these weapons are capable of, you would urge her to use it without a second thought. Of course, not even Nadeshiko could use that thing to its full potential. So it wouldn't have made a difference."
"We're a little more nimble than that shark whose skull you fractured, friend. You'll need more than words to put us down."
"Of course, that is no ordinary weapon, is it?" Mudan questioned.
"Come and see for yourself." Tsutsugo held the kanabō diagonally. A strange, green aura began to surround it. Suddenly, the spikes all seemed to disappear from the weapon, leaving it hollowed out, as green winds visibly cycled through it.
"BLOW WILDLY, KAZEMATEKI."
"The spikes...vanished?" Mudan questioned.
"What's with the wind?" Moon pondered.
"The weapons we were bestowed with were born of forces even we cannot explain. The power you see comes from deep within my spirit. We call these sacred weapons 'Zanpakutō'. Now come, enemies of the empire. See the true depth of the force that stands against you!" Tsutsugo beckoned.
As more wind energy gathered around his weapon, he swung it at the men. A large gust flew out towards them, flipping them into the air, though they caught themselves before hitting the ground.
"Nimble gents, aren't you? Let's see how long you can keep this up." Tsutsugo launched another gust of wind towards Mudan. He leapt out of the way.
"Your aim could use some work, Sir Gotei." the older man chimed.
"You assume that you were my intended target, Sir Ming."
From behind Mudan, a tree had been cut by the wind, and started to fall towards him. Though he managed to evade the trunk, he was caught beneath one of the branches. The force of it caused him to let go of his sword, which remained just out of reach.
Tsutsugo quickly ducked as Moon took a swing at him from behind, dodging a few more slashes before swiping his weapon upward, causing Moon to be lifted up and fall onto the ground.
"Grr...how do you remove the spikes...and somehow get stronger?" the thief questioned.
"Kazemateki is far more than a simple weapon. These openings allow me to gather up the winds and control them as I see fit. The winds *themselves* are my weapon." Tsutsugo responded.
"Whatever magic trick you come up with won't make any difference. I'd wager you bleed just the same as anyone else."
"Quite a bit of confidence from a man of the shadows, standing in broad daylight where he's most vulnerable. It's not so easy when all ambush options are off the table, is it?"
Moon brandished his knife. "Come a little closer and find out how 'vulnerable' I am."
As Mudan struggled to get the branch off of him, Umeko appeared with the naginata, chopping up the foliage and helping the older man off the ground. "I told you to stay in the cart." he chided.
"I couldn't stay put while you two were being attacked! Let me try to fight!" she objected.
"It is out of the question! His weapon grants him abilities far beyond mortal men. We won't let you endanger yourself fighting against him when even we are struggling."
"Then how are we supposed to win? If his weapon has strange abilities, then surely this naginata must be the same. If I can find a way to draw it out--"
"By his own admission, its previous owner was unable to use it to its full potential. And yet--"
"And yet how is an untrained girl supposed to do it?" Umeko looked dejected. "I understand. You both see me as fragile and unskilled. It's okay. I wholeheartedly agree. But you both promised that you would help me change that. I feel like I'm more than I was before I met you two. I want to repay you. Let me try."
She ran towards the battle. "Stop, Umeko--gah!" Mudan stumbled. He clutched his side. "That blasted branch must have gotten me worse than I thought...damn it all..."
Moon was on his knees, bloodied. Tsutsugo put the end of his kanabō under his chin, holding the battered thief's face up. "How fragile you are, Lee Moon-bin. Without the shadows to protect you, you are just as vulnerable as a common earthworm. To come all this way, just to die in a land you clearly despise."
He drew the weapon back. "Farewell, Great Phantom Thief. Say hello to that shark for me."
"(Damn it. Is this really it?)" Moon thought.
"(You have to live. More than anything, you have to live.)"
"Jun...I..."
As Tsutsugo prepared to swing the weapon down on Moon...
"...hm?"
He looked back. The end of a naginata was now inside one of the kanabō's openings, stopping him from attacking.
Umeko stood firm. "I refuse...to let you hurt him any further!"
"How dare you...lay your hands on that weapon!" Tsutsugo forcefully swung his kanabō, sending her into the air. She managed to land on her feet.
"Idiot...what do you think you're doing?!" Moon demanded.
"I'm sorry, Sensei. But I can't stand the thought of people I care about being hurt as I stand by and do nothing. I couldn't do anything to save my brothers from the grave. But..." Umeko took on a stance. "None of us will die here. I promise you that."
"Damn fool...you're going to get yourself killed! Do you want your parents to bury the last child they have breathing? Get out of here!"
"Running won't do you any good, little girl. What can you do that your teachers here couldn't? You're shivering! The thought of swinging that lance terrifies you! Isn't that right?" Tsutsugo asked.
Umeko gulped, though she maintained her stance.
"Pathetic. There really is no way Nadeshiko could have fallen by your hand. She would have sooner died fighting a common cold! I won't entertain this charade for another minute. Out of my sight, weakling!" 
He gathered more wind into his weapon, then swung it in Umeko's direction.
Moon quickly got up, and threw himself between the two, taking the brunt of the hit. He was launched into a tree, before limply falling to the ground.
"Sensei!" Umeko exclaimed.
"So the Phantom Thief has some semblance of a heart, after all. It's almost commendable. But ultimately futile." Tsutsugo stated.
"....."
"Got anything left to say, little girl? Would you like me to put you out of your misery now, or wait until I've dealt with that senile old fool struggling to get back up?"
"....." "(I can't...I can't stand up to him. Mudan-Sensei...Moon-Sensei...I'm sorry I'm so weak. If only...if only I could...)"
"(...Umeko.)"
"...!" "(That voice again...)"
"(Can you finally hear me clearly? Good. I have been screaming at you since the moment you picked me up. None have heard my voice until now.)"
"(You...are you the naginata? You're speaking?)"
"(Indeed. And I have been waiting for a long time for someone like you to wield me. One who had compassion and determination in equal measure. Things that my previous wielder lacked. They were undeserving of the power I keep inside. Us Zanpakutō are forged by the spirit of those we choose to wield us. Will you walk a noble path with me by your side? Do you want to protect those you love, no matter the personal cost?)"
"(Yes...more than anything. To wield our lives for the betterment of the ones we love...that is my family's creed. Please...help me protect them. Help me protect everyone!)"
"(I will do as you wish. Call upon my strength. All you need do...is yell my name. I am...)"
"Can she...hear the weapon? No...I have to strike before--!" Tsutsugo began, but it was too late.
Umeko raised her weapon into the sky. "Illuminate!"
It began to glow vividly.
"Ōhirume!"
Bright, pure energy rose up around Umeko. Mudan watched, awestruck. Moon had raised his head up, and was also mesmerized.
"You released it..." Tsutsugo was in disbelief. "How...who are you?!"
Umeko regained her stance. "I am the one who will be defeating you. The future defender of Kyoto...Kubo Umeko!"
"Not in your wildest fantasies! Releasing it doesn't mean you know how to use it!" Tsutsugo started gathering wind around the kanabō. This energy began to expand outward, forming a tornado-like barrier around him. Blades of wind fired out towards Umeko.
She slashed at them, breaking them up.
"Grr..." uttered a frustrated Tsutsugo.
"This power I'm feeling...is this all coming from you?" Umeko asked.
"(I merely gave form to what was already within you. Your hands...they yet tremble. You needn't fear for your life any longer. Let us give His Lordship a demonstration.)"
The naginata glowed even brighter. She swung it around, launching a circular disk of light hurtling towards the tornado. It crashed against it.
"Throw whatever you want at me. Kazemateki's wind barrier is impenetrable. You're trying to combat one of our world's base elements. There's no--" Tsutsugo spoke.
Sparks. More and more sparks came out from the point of contact.
"Hm?"
The disk of light penetrated the wall of wind.
"What?! How is it--"
An explosion of light from within the cyclone caused it to disperse. The ones outside the wind barrier shielded their eyes as debris flew out.
Once the smoke from the explosion began to clear, Tsutsugo was left standing there in complete shock. He was damaged across his entire frame. His kanabō's handle was still in his hands, while the rest of it was lying in pieces on the ground. The Gotei collapsed to his knees, before falling entirely onto the soil.
Moon and Mudan were both speechless.
"I...I did it..." Umeko snapped out of her own disbelief and became ecstatic. "I did it! I did it, Senseis! Ah, I mean..." She held her naginata tight. "*We* did it."
"Un. Bloody. Real." Moon grumbled.
"You could say that again." Mudan helped him up.
"...nngh..."
"...!" The three were alerted. Tsutsugo had let out a groan.
"Are you kidding me? He's still alive after that?" Moon questioned.
"...finish me..." the downed man uttered.
"Hm?" Umeko replied.
Tsutsugo slowly pulled himself up. "Finish me...by losing I've brought shame upon all those I'm supposed to watch over. I cannot face Lord Terumoto or Lord Hideyoshi after this. My weapon has been lost to me, so in the absence of a proper sacrifice..."
Despite the men's clear trepidation, Umeko approached Tsutsugo, getting on her knees before him. "I won't execute you, Lord Tsutsugo."
"Why not?"
"Because I have no reason to. I do not believe you to be an evil man. Circumstance has led us to this point. My only desire is to leave here with my teachers. Slaying you here would serve no good. Especially for the ones you've been charged with governing. Your lord gave you the responsibility because he trusts you, did he not?"
"And how I have repaid him, losing in such embarrassing fashion to one who's hardly ever picked up a weapon."
"Leadership in battle is only one part of it. The people of this town look to you for guidance in their everyday lives. If you were to die, then who would they turn to? Most of all, though, I despise needless bloodshed. So long as you don't pursue us, I see no purpose in drawing this out any further. Get yourself medical attention, and let us be on our way. Please don't do anything rash." Umeko got up, and bowed. "Good day, Lord Tsutsugo."
"....."
She turned and walked back to the men. "Shall we be off?"
"A brilliant display, my lady. To show mercy and compassion to your enemy...you will make a fine onna-musha, indeed." Mudan said.
Umeko started blushing. "Oh, please don't get me started..."
"There's just one problem, though...'Kubo'." Moon pointed out. "You just spilled your family name and hometown right in front of the man you're sparing. That might be a little problematic, don't you think?"
"Ah...! You're right! I hadn't even thought of that! Oh, no no no, what if I've put Mother and Father in danger?!"
"You haven't."
The trio looked to see Tsutsugo, having pulled himself up and slumping against a tree. "I will not say a word of your involvement. When the daimyo's men arrive to question me, they will hear that it was two fugitives, and no one else."
"You would do that?" Umeko asked.
"Consider it repayment for sparing my life. You are right. It would shame this city even further if I were to die in pity. It takes a great amount of courage to know when a battle ends. The Zanpakutō chose you for a reason. Heed this one warning, though. My defeat here will put the other Gotei on high alert. And they likely won't display the same kind of mercy you have shown me. Take the utmost care."
"We will heed your words, Lord Tsutsugo. Thank you for your decision." Mudan bowed.
"Thanks for the meal, too, I guess." Moon added. The two men headed for their cart.
Umeko bowed once more. "Take care, Lord Tsutsugo. If we do meet again, I hope it isn't as enemies. Farewell." She followed after.
Tsutsugo was left to his own thoughts. "Heh...maybe I'm going soft. Or maybe that girl had a point. Fighting can feel so pointless. But if it's Kyoto they're heading to...then they will surely cross paths with that shady woman and that battle-crazed lunatic. They'll need to be careful from here on."
He looked upwards. "Compassion towards your enemies. What a revolutionary concept. I hope that spirit of optimism can survive your journey...Kubo Umeko."