Short, simple words struck like a heavy hammer, landing squarely on the heart of the hidden listener whose guard was at its most fragile.
Izuna could not help recalling the brief time she had shared with her Shishou, the laughter that seemed to echo at her ears even now, the warmth she still carried to this day.
For the first time she had gained a gentle Shishou who supported her dreams, who trained with her as a ninja, and who might even be the Aruji-dono (Lord-dono) she could devote her life to. Two joys overlapped, and from that overlap came even more joy.
She should have already been living through something like a dream. So why had it become like this?
Was it not supposed to be like the Robin and Tharja of Fire Emblem: Awakening who, after settling their destined clash in the valley of fate, lay down their differences and live happily together?
Lied to Izuna? What did that even mean? Was everything a disguise, just like her first suspicions? Had he approached her with ulterior motives from the start?
Of course. How could a legendary ninja possibly take her as a disciple so easily?
He must have been trying to use her to complete his mission.
And she thought she had finally found someone who understood her dream.
Izuna let out a self mocking smile. Her mood sank and her fox ears drooped lifelessly. The narrow, cramped duct of dull metal seemed to close in around her, everything around her a dim gray.
As for the employer having lied to her all along, and the fact that he was a fake ninja, it surprised her a bit, yet compared to everything else it hardly even registered anymore.
Nothing could get worse than this. Izuna told herself so in silence.
But the conversation in the room had not yet ended.
"I lied to Izuna and told her I was a ninja too, in that sense I am exactly like you."
Oh? So it was true? And she believed it that easily, right? Hahaha, I knew that girl was easy to fool.
What? Lied about being a ninja… so that meant… Shishou…
He really was not a ninja?
The truth hit her like a blow. Her ears rang, her mind blanked, and it took a long moment before she managed to collect herself.
Strangely, after learning this, she did not give in to hopelessness. Instead something faint and inexplicable rekindled inside her.
Her Shishou's first teaching.
Listen, feel, think, only then can you find the answer that is truly your own.
If she calmed down…
Her Shishou had indeed asked about her employer, but he asked openly. And when she showed reluctance, he respected her choice, saying she did not have to reveal anything she did not want to.
Her Shishou's second teaching.
People stand in different places. Right or wrong, you push forward. Only then can you understand your own heart.
Then what was his heart?
Would someone gentle enough to speak those words to her even while they stood on opposite sides truly harbor malice toward her?
Could it be… no, there had to be something Izuna did not yet know.
For a ninja to despair without knowing the full truth would be far too hasty.
To seize the treasure she was meant to claim, Izuna began to think without self, as the ideal ninja in her dreams would.
Inside the room.
I too was dwelling on a question.
The Lion's Majesty I gained from clearing Serika clearly stated that the force of the pressure it unleashed scaled with my anger.
But this effect had never shown itself clearly in use. Perhaps I had never been angry enough for it to manifest.
"Then… what about now?"
"Had your laugh yet?"
I stared coldly at the thug who mocked my precious student and unleashed the Lion's Majesty upon him with nothing held back.
His laugh snapped apart.
Masamune's pupils blew wide. The fur on his tail stood on end. Driven by fear, he stumbled back, jaw hanging open yet unable to draw a breath.
He should be grateful that I could not maintain it for long and that I needed to conserve strength for any fight that might come after.
The invisible pressure faded, leaving Masamune frozen. Only after a long silence did he snort and pretend to continue the conversation as if nothing had happened.
"Hmph, in the end, you deceived that kid just the same as I did. What right do you have to mock me? The only difference is that you failed to make use of her."
While he accused me, cold sweat prickled beneath his fur.
That was close. What had gotten into him earlier, to be frightened by a young man who should have posed no threat at all? Thankfully he had salvaged enough composure to maintain his poise.
I looked at Masamune, who was clearly fiercer on the outside than within, and shook my head with a mocking smile.
"You misunderstand. I simply chose to give up on that idea."
What?
The difference between you and me was never about methods. For me, deceiving Izuna at first and later abandoning that plan came from the same intention.
I drew a deep breath and spoke firmly. "I want to guide that child onto the right path."
"It is because people like you exist, who use despicable means for your own gain, that Izuna is tempted toward the wrong path and must suffer your scorn behind her back."
"Izuna's innocence, Izuna's dreams, these are things I must protect as her Sensei. Even if I must use the same low tactics, I will do it."
"For Izuna to become the greatest ninja in all of Kivotos, just as she dreams, I will give her everything I can."
"If she is deceived by villains, then once she trusts me, I will reveal the truth. If she hesitates because of her kindness and her principles, then I will affirm her and fulfill my role as her Sensei."
"Masamune, you want to trample on someone else's dream, while I want to carry it for them."
"That is the real difference between us."
My voice rang through the sealed room, echoing again and again.
Masamune eyed me up and down, clicking his tongue, though the chill in his expression betrayed his true feelings.
"So you are also one of those fools who believe in childish ideals."
And I shot back. "Romance and imagination have always been a man's pursuit. The real fools are the ones who refuse to believe ninjas, gods, giant robots or a bunny girl senpai could exist."
"Talk all you like. But no matter what you say, you are the one who has become a helpless prisoner. Not me."
Masamune raised his voice. "This round goes to me."
I was about to argue back to buy more time when a thunderous crash exploded from above. Dust filled our vision and even the exterior shook.
Two of the lurking Street Mouryo delinquents rushed inside.
"Sir, what happened?!"
When the dust cleared, a ninja girl stepped forward, sharp and swift.
Ignoring her former employer and former comrades, Izuna's eyes settled on me alone.
My expression shifted. How long had she been listening?
"Shishou… no, that title can retire now. From here on, I, Izuna, will get you out of here."
With a calm face, using a form of address both familiar and strange, Izuna said, "Sensei."