It was still morning when, suddenly, a summons order for her came.
A messenger found Malenia in the outer training yard, where she had been practicing footwork drills. She wiped the dust from her hands and followed without asking questions.
The clan hall was quiet when she entered.
Her father stood at the head of the room. Three shinobi waited nearby—two men and one woman, all experienced, their posture relaxed but alert. This was not a formal council meeting. No elders were present.
Malenia stopped several steps away and bowed.
"You called for me, father," she said.
Her father nodded. "Yes. Stand here."
She moved forward and waited.
"This is not a lesson," he continued. "This will be your first mission."
She lifted her head slightly but said nothing.
"There has been increased movement near our outer shipping routes," her father said. "Small groups. Likely smugglers or bandits. Nothing that you can't handle with your skills, but it's your first time, so."
He gestured toward the three shinobi.
"They are being sent to investigate and clear the area if necessary. You will accompany them."
One of the shinobi glanced at her, then away again.
Malenia's expression did not change.
"You will follow the team leader's order," her father said firmly.
"I understand," she replied.
"This is also not only about your ability," he added. "It is about experience. The field is different from training."
He paused, then continued, "You will carry your sword. No experimental techniques. No unnecessary risks."
"Yes, Father."
He studied her for a moment longer, then turned to the others. "She is under your authority during this mission."
The jonin in charge inclined his head. "Understood, clan head."
The ship left the harbor before noon, moving smoothly across the water. Malenia stood near the side, watching Uzushio recede behind them. The village looked peaceful from a distance—orderly, secure.
The jonin approached her after some time. "This isn't training , princess," he said. "for your safety If I tell you to fall back, you do so immediately."
She nodded. "I will."
They reached the island several hours later. The shoreline was quiet, but signs of recent activity were clear—disturbed sand, discarded tools, careless footprints.
The jonin raised a hand.
"From here on, stay close," he said.
They moved inland.
The first contact happened without warning.
A man rushed from behind a rock formation, blade raised. The combat specialist intercepted him, steel clashing sharply. Another attacker slipped through, moving faster than expected.
"princess," the jonin said calmly. "Now."
She stepped forward.
Her stance settled naturally. The sword came up—not rushed, not stiff.
The bandit struck first.
She blocked, the impact sending a dull vibration through her arm. He pressed forward, attempting to overpower her.
She adjusted her footing, let the pressure slide, then moved inside his reach and sliced through the waist of the man.
He fell.
It was really a short encounter but ,this encounter, of her first kill Malenia felt no disturbance. With a fluid motion, she sliced through the man as if she had done it many times before. It was instinctual, almost effortless, and she experienced a sharp clarity rather than horror or regret.
As she stood over him, there was no shudder of guilt—only an acceptance of her power. Returning to the others, she carried a newfound understanding: she was ready to confront the harsh realities of her world, and it felt undeniably right.
The remaining threats were handled quickly.
When it was over, the jonin looked at her. "Princess, are you alright?"
She wiped her blade clean and nodded.
On the return trip, Malenia remained quiet. She replayed the fight—not the victory, but the moment she felt the weight of another person trying to break through her guard.
This was rather addictive, she thought.
As they finally reached the Uzushio. Malenia and her team went to report on her mission and then she went to meet her father to inform him about her mission and experience....
The day passed like that...
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