The night went on as peaceful as they come, not even a mosquito belting like an Arabian opera singer, could be heard, No, sir, it was a good night to dream and for Nanashi, it was a great day to dream, in which, she was torturing every single member of the Zhou dynasty army, who went up against her and also the towns people, who dared to live happily, without her permission, were stripped naked and made to jump for their food which was hung from a tree, indeed this was the most exquisite dream for a divine comedy and torturing connoisseur like Nanashi, but like all things in life all good things have to come to an end!

As the first light of dawn gently filtered into her burrow, its warm rays delicately brushing against her face, Nanashi welcomed the morning with a sense of peaceful awakening. The soft glow of the sun brought with it a serene ambiance, filling her space with a comforting tranquility.

Amidst this tranquil scene, a faint shuffling noise drifted through the air, accompanied by the soft, melodic tones of a female voice. "You take care now," the voice whispered gently, followed by a tender farewell, before melting into the quiet stillness of the morning.

initially, she thought that it was Sauske, probably bored and lonely after his daily visits to the other spirits, now he is looking to be annoying for a little entertainment, so she thought that she would give him subtle, yet clear signs that she was not in the mood for him today, as she heard the him enter, she curled herself up and covered her face with her tail, but being the persistent bastard that he is, still continued to come closer but this time, had an odd strong smell of milk and dried fish.

Nanashi, thought she would add a little sound, since he seems to be a little dense, so she started growling with a low intensity but this dullard could care less, going so far as to softly stroking her tail, the heat from the hand was so gentle and delicate, in turn pacified her growling Yet, this tranquillity swiftly shifted into a searing sensation as she was suddenly struck on her thigh causing to spring up with a roaring intensity, ready to rip his face off.

"HOW DARE YOU SIR!" she roared.

But it wasn't a "Sir" sitting in front of her; it was her self-appointed daughter, Akiza Hashirama.

"You! You're turning into a real pest. I should just eat you before Sasuke sees you. Should I eat you?" she teased, her voice playful.

The little girl shook her head, her eyes wide with innocence.

"Well, I think I should! Here I come... nom... nom... nom!" Nanashi said, pushing Akiza gently onto her back and playfully pretending to bite her all over. Akiza burst out in the cutest giggle.

"Aren't you the sweetest thing? Ha! What am I doing? Do I have... maternal feelings? No... no... no!" Nanashi exclaimed, flustered. "Come on now... What is your name?"

"Akiza!" the little girl chirped.

"Where is your mother, Akiza?" Nanashi inquired, her tone more serious.

"Here!" Akiza pointed at Nanashi.

"You!" Nanashi gasped.

"Me?" Akiza tilted her head.

"Mama!" Akiza declared, with a bright smile.

"Mama? I knew it! You call me 'Mama'! Wait, why am I excited? No! This is wrong. And you, young lady, you must never ever call me that again. Do you understand?"

"Hai!" Akiza nodded obediently.

"Good."

"Ni-Mama!" Akiza said, her eyes sparkling.

"It seems I can't win," Nanashi muttered to herself. "I'll just take you home and relocate myself."

With a resigned sigh, Nanashi picked Akiza up by the collar and exited the burrow.

"Well, well, well, what do we have here? Just look at what the fox dragged out of her burrow," Sasuke said, standing above the entrance, his silver fur glistening in the wind.

"It's not—"

"What I think it is?"

"I—"

"Can explain, right?"

"If you would just let me—"

"Woof! Woof!" Akiza suddenly barked, interrupting them.

"Hey! I'm not a dog," Nanashi replied, perplexed.

"I think she means me," Sasuke said with a chuckle. "I've visited her village a few times... as a dog."

"Why? I thought you said we should stay away from humans," Nanashi said, her eyes narrowing in confusion.

"I went there for research purposes and I don't need to explain myself to you. I am the guardian here!" he said, then inexplicably jumped over them.

"I understand you're the guardian, but that's no excuse to expose yourself like that, especially ,IN FRONT OF THE CHILD MAN!" Nanashi exclaimed.

"You shouldn't be looking there in the first place! And why are you shouting?"

"I don't know, I'm a woman, I can do whatever I want. It's just the heat of the moment. Anyway, I'd love to continue this pointless argument, but as you can see, I need to get this little girl home. So, nice chat, bye!"

"Bye-bye, woof...woof!" Akiza said as Nanashi began to carry her away.

"Wait! She can't go back now," Sasuke called out.

"Why not?" Nanashi asked.

"Because her parents work in rice fields quite far from here. They won't be back until late afternoon."

"And how is that my problem?" Nanashi replied coldly.

"Seriously, have a heart. If you take this girl—"

"Akiza!"

"What?"

"Her name is Akiza."

"Okay, if you take Akiza back now, who knows what might happen to her. I think you understand, given how long you've lived."

"So, what do you suggest we do with her?"

"Play!" Akiza shouted.

"I wasn't talking to you, young lady," Nanashi replied sternly, then set her down on the ground.

"I have an idea. How about you two join me in my daily check-in with the other spirits that inhabit the forest?"

"Pass," Nanashi groaned.

"Yes!" Akiza protested.

"Don't be like this. Even Akiza is willing," Sasuke said, making puppy dog eyes.

"You know very well they don't like me, I don't like them, and I'm perfectly fine with that," she said with a smug look on her face.

"Why? Aren't friends good?" Akiza asked, looking at Sasuke.

"No, friends are very bad," Nanashi replied.

"What?" Sasuke exclaimed.

"But Okasa?" Akiza mumbled.

"Okasa? Ha! Let me not even get started on your Okasa. Your Okasa is very bad."

"Stop," Sasuke said firmly.

"No, she needs to hear this," Nanashi insisted. "My Okasa was a lady of the night—or more like lady of night, morning, and afternoon. Heck, sometimes all day, every day, twice on Sundays. But one thing she never would have done was leave me alone with her clients or with an apex predator like myself. So your Okasa is pretty horrible."

"I said, ENOUGH!" Sasuke roared.

The air crackled with electricity as blood-red lightning split the sky. The atmosphere grew thick and oppressive, making it difficult to breathe. Sasuke's eyes turned pitch black, vast pools of endless darkness. His size increased exponentially, towering over them like a living mountain.

His head split grotesquely into three, each more terrifying than the last. His hair transformed into razor-sharp quills, each one capable of impaling a man. Nine massive tails, each as thick as an ancient tree trunk, whipped through the air with impossible speed. They moved like writhing tentacles, crackling with barely contained energy. A blinding golden aura enveloped his body, scorching the earth beneath his feet.

The sheer power radiating from Sasuke was overwhelming, like standing before an angry god. The very fabric of reality seemed to warp around him.

Upon witnessing this horrifying transformation, Nanashi took several steps back and bowed her head. Akiza began to wail in terror.

"LOOK WHAT YOU DID!" Nanashi shouted, her blood boiling with rage.

"I am sorry," all three of Sasuke's heads said in unison, their voices an unholy chorus. Slowly, he merged back into one form, shrinking down to his normal size. "I did not mean to. I just got so angry."

"So, you can't control yourself? What are you, five years old? Come on, man!" Nanashi scolded. She turned to comfort Akiza, "There, there. The big, stupid monster is gone. Why are you just standing there with your mouth full of teeth? Apologize, now!"

"But how am I at fault here?" Sasuke protested.

"Apologize now!" Nanashi growled through gritted teeth.

Sasuke sighed heavily before slowly walking over to Akiza and mumbling, "I am sorry."

"What? I don't think she heard you. Open your mouth, man!"

"I am sorry," Sasuke said more clearly. "I promise it will not happen again."

"Good! Now let's get on with those dreadful visits," Nanashi said, rolling her eyes.

"Okay, come along with me into a world of magic and pure beauty," Sasuke invited, his demeanor completely changed.

They followed Sasuke to two large trees whose branches intertwined to form an arch, creating what looked like a gateway to another world.

"Now, close your eyes and enter into my world," Sasuke instructed softly.

As they passed beneath the arch's gnarled roots, a whispered sigh stirred the air, carrying with it a warm zephyr imbued with the essence of a thousand blossoms. It danced playfully, caressing their senses and coaxing forth a symphony of fragrances that wove through the very fabric of their being. Akiza, caught in the delicate embrace of these scents, couldn't help but release a sudden sneeze, disrupting the tranquility with a gentle burst of laughter.

When Nanashi dared to open her eyes, she found herself transported from the sombre depths of the forest into a realm of pure enchantment. Colours burst forth like fireworks against a canvas of verdant splendour, each hue more vibrant and alive than anything she had ever seen. The emerald grass beneath her feet seemed to shimmer with an otherworldly glow, whispering secrets of ancient magic long forgotten.

As her gaze wandered, she beheld a scene straight from the wildest dreams of a visionary artist. Trees stood tall and proud, their branches reaching skyward in joyful abandon, adorned with blooms of every shade imaginable. Creatures of myth and legend emerged from the shadows, their forms illuminated by the soft radiance of the spirits that danced like ethereal fireflies in the air around them.

In this wondrous tapestry of existence, it was as if the very essence of creation had been laid bare before them. Each breath carried the promise of untold wonders, each heartbeat resonated with the rhythm of the universe itself. And as Nanashi gazed upon this spectacle, she knew with a certainty that here, in this magical realm, anything was possible.

They marched through the forest accompanying Sauske on his visits, meeting various spirts and yokai, from the kirin to the snow queen to the bone lady, of course Nanashi making mental note of all there encounters and places they can be found.

As they wandered from spirit to creature, time flew by, and it was time to take little Akiza home. She lay fast asleep on Nanashi's back.

"I guess it's time to take her home," Sasuke announced.

"I think so. The poor thing is fast asleep," Nanashi agreed.

"She was playing with any and every creature willing to put up with her."

Nanashi looked at Sasuke inquisitively. "I must ask, why did you bring her here and show her all these spirits and creatures? Isn't your golden rule to stay away from humans?"

"Well, yes, it is, but she's a child," Sasuke replied.

"So?"

Sasuke's eyes softened as he explained, "Children embody innocence in its purest form, a radiant beacon of unconditional love and boundless curiosity. They see the world through eyes untainted by cynicism, embracing not only who you are but also the very best within you. In their gaze, there exists a profound trust, a belief in the inherent goodness of all beings.

"It's a marvel to witness their unwavering acceptance, their hearts open wide to the wonders around them. They dance with joy in the company of spirits deemed mysterious or foreboding by others. Take, for instance, the lion dog, whose fierce exterior belies a heart brimming with loyalty and courage. Or the red water baby, whose playful antics bring laughter to even the darkest of days.

"In the eyes of these precious souls, there is no room for prejudice or fear. They see beyond the surface, delving deep into the essence of each being they encounter. To them, even the wildest temple priest is but a kindred spirit on the journey of life, worthy of love and understanding."

"Ha!" Nanashi interjected. "She even brought some happiness to that gloomy Satori. Let's be honest, that thing needs help."

"Nanashi!" Sasuke chided, then conceded, "But that's true. Anyway, she didn't show any disgust or fear as she played with them. If a grown-up had seen all this, all hell would break loose on this island. They'd probably hunt us down to extinction."

"You, of course, but not me," Nanashi boasted.

"Why is that?"

"You forget that I am the strongest yokai to set foot on this earth."

"Of course you are. How could I forget such an important fact?" Sasuke said sarcastically.

Nanashi's eyes flashed dangerously. "You're sarcastic now, but you'll see. You and the entire Zhou dynasty will fall beneath my feet!"

"Quiet!" Sasuke hissed. "Or you'll wake her. Nevertheless, we're here." He transformed himself into a human form. "Give her to me."

"Why?" Nanashi asked suspiciously.

"What do you mean 'why'? I have to take her home," Sasuke explained.

"Why does it always have to be you?" Nanashi challenged.

"Because your shifting ability is limited. You haven't obtained enough power to sustain a full transformation," Sasuke said with a smug look.

"Well, we won't be sitting there for three weeks, will we? I can manage two to three hours, and that's more than enough time to hand her over and leave. No social visit."

Sasuke could see this was a battle he wasn't going to win and eventually caved in. "Fine, fine."

"Great. I also want to have a word with this girl's mother."

"We're not going there to start arguments," Sasuke warned.

"Yes, now just be quiet and take the girl."

"Alright, and please transform into something appropriate."

"What are you looking for?" Nanashi asked.

"Temple maiden."

"Why?"

"Because I'm a priest."

"You, a priest that wanders around in the woods?"

"I'm a wandering priest, and you're the temple maiden who attends to the grounds I walk on."

"I must respect you very much," Nanashi said sarcastically.

"Indeed you do. You're one of those energetic, devoted temple maidens," Sasuke replied, embellishing the story.

"Must be hard being you," Nanashi said, rolling her eyes.

"You know, every great priest has to face trials by the Gods, but I must PREVAIL!" he shouted, pumping his fist in the air.

"Be quiet, or I'll smack some sense into you!" she said, raising her hand above his head.

"When did you change?"

"While you were busy giving a speech to the heavens. Now give her here; I want to hand her over today."

"Okay, here," Sasuke said, carefully transferring the sleeping Akiza.

Placing the child on her hip, Nanashi marched down the hill into the village and approached the first woman she saw, ready to hand over Akiza.

"Here you go, miss, and please never ever—"

"Ahem!" Sasuke cleared his throat loudly.

"What?"

"This isn't her mother."

"Oh. Then where is her mother?"

"Calm down first. The house we're looking for is at the end of the village."

"Then give her back. Goodness, why are you holding her like you know her?" Nanashi said, taking Akiza back.

"She does know her. This is her grandmother," Sasuke explained.

"You look pretty young. Well done," Nanashi said to the grandmother. "Let's go, it's getting late." She stormed off.

"You've got quite a fiery one there, Sasuke," the grandmother remarked.

"Indeed, indeed," he said, bowing before running after Nanashi, who was walking so fast that pebbles on the road were shooting off like bullets.

Nanashi's heart hammered against her ribs as she reached the familiar porch. A wave of exhaustion washed over her, quickly replaced by a surge of anger. With a trembling hand, she raised her fist, ready to knock forcefully. Just as her knuckles were about to meet the wood, the door creaked open, revealing a face etched with worry. But the moment Akiza's mother saw Nanashi, her eyes widened, a flicker of pure joy replacing the anxious lines.

"You finally came. Please, come in," she said warmheartedly.

Just as Nanashi was about to step into the house, Sasuke ran up behind her. She looked over her shoulder and muttered, "I think this one has a few screws loose.

"No, just listen to what she has to say," Sasuke said, gently guiding Nanashi inside.

"Please, have a seat," Suzane gestured. "Some tea? Let me take her. I hope she behaved well?"

Nanashi hesitated.

"What are you doing? Give the woman her child," Sasuke whispered sternly.

"I don't think I should. She doesn't seem stable," Nanashi muttered back.

"It's her child. Give her back."

Nanashi sighed heavily, then reluctantly handed the child over.

"I apologize for that. My temple maiden here has a bit of attachment anxiety, if you know what I mean," Sasuke said, smiling awkwardly at Suzane.

"No, it's fine. Akiza is a special child. Whoever meets her instantly falls in love with her," Suzane said, laying Akiza down on the bed.

"You're not normal, are you?" Nanashi asked bluntly.

"Do you have to be so rude?" Sasuke chided.

"No, it's alright, Sasuke. Oh, I haven't introduced myself. I'm Suzane."

"I don't recall asking for your name. Just answer my question," Nanashi pressed.

"Nanashi!" Sasuke said sternly.

"It's okay," Suzane assured them. "Yes, I'm normal. I'm human. It's just that I can see spirits. It's been a genetic trait in my family for a long time. I can see you for what you truly are—I mean, your spirit, not just your physical form." She poured the tea as she spoke.

"Do you mean to say that you know Sasuke and I aren't human beings, but demons?" Nanashi asked, intrigued.

"Yes."

"So, why not tell the rest of the villagers?"

"Then my mother, child, and I would be classified as freaks and cast out of the village. Besides, you've done nothing to harm us. Why make a mountain out of a molehill?"

"I like you, Suzane," Nanashi said, taking a sip of her tea.

"Me too," Suzane replied warmly.

"What about me?" Sasuke asked with a glimmer in his eyes.

"Of course, I like you too," Suzane added, though her tone was less enthusiastic.

"Ouch, that sounded forced," Sasuke remarked, feigning hurt.

"Shut up. I've been around longer than you," Sasuke snapped, a hint of amusement in his voice.

"That doesn't mean she likes you," Nanashi retorted. "She just has to tolerate you. You're like an old piece of inherited furniture they have to keep around because it belonged to great-great-grandmother."

"Nanashi, would you like to take this outside?" Sasuke asked, cracking his neck.

"I would, but not just yet. Give me a little more time, then I'll take you up on that offer."

"So, when are you two going to get married?" Suzane asked innocently.

"Sasuke, please tell this woman to watch her mouth, or I'll punch her in the face," Nanashi growled.

"Um, Suzane, please don't make jokes like that. I don't like the taste of my own vomit," Sasuke replied awkwardly.

Suzune choked back a gasp, her eyes darting nervously towards Nanashi. The calming green of her companion's eyes had vanished, replaced by a chilling crimson glow that seemed to burn with an unnatural intensity. The air crackled with sudden tension, sending shivers down Suzune's spine. The transformation was swift and terrifying, a stark contrast to the Nanashi she had just met.

"More tea? This one is a little sweet," Suzane said, quickly getting up to pour Nanashi another cup.

"Tell me something, sister," Nanashi began.

"Sister? You just threatened to punch her in the face," Sasuke interjected.

Nanashi ignored him and continued, "Why did you leave your child with me, since you very well know what I am?"

"And what would that be, sister?" Suzane asked cautiously.

"An apex predator, a terror to men, a divine comedy connoisseur, torture expert, and the most feared and strongest yokai to ever exist."

"That's funny. That's not what your spirit reflects, nor does Akiza seem to notice. So I think this notion you have of yourself is not who you truly are, but what people have projected onto you," Suzane replied thoughtfully.

"Ah, no. Sasuke, would you listen to Lao Tzu here? You know what I just realized? I don't like you anymore," Nanashi snapped.

"Okay," Suzane replied plainly.

"I'm leaving now." Nanashi tossed the cup aside and walked out.

"A real firecracker you've got there, Sasuke," Suzane remarked.

"I know," Sasuke sighed. "Keeps my life interesting."

Walking through the village, Nanashi saw something peculiar, it was as if the village were preparing for some sort of welcoming or festival so she asked a man hanging up a banner of some sort at the village entrance.

'Hey, what are you doing?' she snapped, her blood still boiling from the incident prior.

"Evening, Miss, we are preparing a welcoming ceremony for the new high priestess and emperor, Himiko, but you should know, how is she?"

'I do not know, have not had that yet, I mean have not had the chance to meant her yet, been traveling with the priest Sasuke.' she said, the borrowed skin itching against her fur.

The man turned and asked, "You know, Sasuke?" his eyes burning with a strange admiration and passion, adding more fuel to Nanashi fury.

"I wish, I did not, what makes him and that woman so great anyway?"

'Excuse me?'

"Yes, no, good bye!" she replied and quickly ran off, as she started to feel the transformation wearing off, just as she got out of site of the man hanging the drapes, she transformed back into a fox and headed straight to burrow, to get a little rest before her big hunt, proudly sponsored by Sasuke.

Nanashi emerged from her burrow, feeling refreshed and revitalized. A wide grin stretched across her face, the promise of a successful hunt warming her like the morning sun. With a few limbering stretches, she set off towards the majestic arched root tree, her heart light and anticipation bubbling within her.

When she arrived at the tree, she jumped to through the root but the frost still seemed the same.

"Maybe, I should close my eyes and walked through not jump, you silly girl, I guess I got a little excited for the feast that lies beyond." She said to herself, then closed her eyes and slowly walked through the arch and opened her eyes but still nothing.

Went back closed her eyes span around three times and went through again, she got the same result, maybe she should spin around nine times, since he has nine tails and that is exactly what she did but nothing, so the thought maybe this time she should closed her eyes, then spin around nine times, drop down to the ground and roll through the arch, so she did but even this bright and creative idea, seemed to be in vain and it also did not produce result which she had hoped for.

"Trying to reproduce the magic that Sasuke brings with his presence, are we?"

As a whisper slithered from the shadows, her senses tingled with alarm. With lightning reflexes, she sprang to her feet, every muscle tense and ready for action. Her fur bristled, a cascade of sparks igniting the darkness, revealing a figure cloaked in mystery.

With bared teeth and glowing eyes, she confronted the intruder, her primal instincts on high alert. The figure emerged from the shadows, a specter of age and weariness, leaning heavily on a gnarled walking stick. His form stooped with the weight of time, his features etched with the wisdom of ages past.

"Look here, old man. Leave me alone, or I'll be sending you to your grave a lot earlier than you expected," Nanashi growled.

The old man chuckled, then answered, "My, you youngsters are quite fiery these days. But can I really say you're a youngster? Who knows, you might be older than me." He winked at her, sending a cold chill down her spine and infuriating her even more.

"Wow, you surely must have been a hit amongst the ladies back in your day," Nanashi sneered. "But unfortunately, I won't be entertaining pervy old rats like yourself any longer. Either you're going to leave, or I'm going to rip you limb from limb." She took a few menacing steps forward.

"Now, now, let's not get ahead of ourselves," the old man said calmly. "To be honest, I highly doubt you could take me at your current level. So I suggest we resolve this peacefully."

"I don't want peace. I only want problems," Nanashi spat.

"I don't think you know who I am," the old man replied, his voice taking on a more serious tone. "I'm the man who taught Sasuke everything he knows, the previous guardian of this forest. Hajimo."

Nanashi's eyes gleamed with malice. "That means I'm in luck. An even bigger power boost for me."

"I'll devour your power, old man!" Nanashi snarled, her body coiling like a spring. But Hajimo remained unfazed, cool as a tempered blade.

Just as Nanashi pounced, Hajimo tapped his gnarled walking stick against the earth. In an instant, twisted roots exploded from the ground, snaring Nanashi's legs in their vice-like grip and pinning her to the forest floor.

Though bound and restrained, Nanashi refused to yield. With a furious snarl, she shifted back into her human form, her muscles tensing with raw power. She raised her hands, ready to unleash a torrent of lightning upon her adversary. Yet, to her horror, no crackling energy answered her call, no sparks danced at her fingertips.

As she attempted to channel the power, a chilling emptiness washed over her. Her magic, once a vibrant torrent, was a stagnant pond, refusing to yield even a spark. Panic clawed at her throat, a chilling realization settling in her core, she was powerless.

"Missing something?" Hajimo asked.

"My lightning attack, why does it not work? Am I broken?" Nanashi replied, frustration evident in her voice.

"Ah, it seems that despite all the time you've spent with the current guardian, you haven't learned what makes him so special compared to the rest," Hajimo mused.

"What, that he's annoying, too trusting, and somewhat idiotically naive? A man-child, narcissistic, an airhead with a lack of self-control and an inability to make friends? Or perhaps it's the fact that he doesn't respect others' privacy or sleep, which further contributes to his social ineptitude?"

"Uhm, no. Wow, he does need help, but that's not my problem," Hajimo chuckled. "The special thing I was referring to is his ability to nullify anyone's technique or power. It's what binds everyone together in this forest."

Nanashi scoffed. "Interesting fact. Did you think I was wasting my time idly playing with my toes while gallivanting through China and India? No, no, no. I was far too preoccupied with matters of consequence, absorbing knowledge like a parched desert drinks in rain."

As she spoke, she elegantly stretched out her arm, effortlessly breaching the very fabric of time and space. With a flourish, she summoned forth the illustrious Urumi, known to some as the Indian whip sword, its every movement a symphony of crackling power.

"Allow me to enlighten you, old man, on the art of sophistication and dominance. For in this elegant dance of steel, I hold the reins of power, and you? You're merely a spectator to my grand performance."

"Intriguing," Hajimo remarked. "So, you can store objects outside the realm of time and space. Just who are you?"

"Your mother," Nanashi retorted with a smirk.

"Mama?" Hajimo replied in a childlike voice, feigning surprise.

"No," Nanashi said flatly, swinging the sword right at his face. The razor-sharp blade sang as it darted toward its target, yet Hajimo remained as calm as a cucumber, even resorting to putting his hands behind his back. The sword cut right through him as if he were a mirage. She struck again and again, her frustration growing with every ineffective strike.

"You're not the only one who can manipulate time and space," Hajimo said, casually dusting off his shoulder.

Nanashi's eyes narrowed. "We shall see."

Nanashi, a whirlwind of fury, launched another attack. The Urumi, a viper of steel, sang a deadly song as it lashed towards the old man's face. But in a heartbeat, the whip transformed. With a sickening snap, the gleaming metal dissolved into scales and fangs, a monstrous serpent replacing the weapon. Its emerald eyes locked onto the man's head, promising a venomous kiss.

Just as the fangs were about to sink in, the old man, serene amidst the chaos, flicked his wrist. His gnarled staff, seemingly innocuous moments ago, blurred into a whirlwind. The strike was impossibly fast, a whisper against the serpent's scales. Yet, with a sickening thud, the creature was sent flying. The air shimmered, and as the snake hit the ground, it morphed back into the Urumi, clattering at Nanashi's feet.

"As I thought, you can allow ordinary objects to pass through you but not magical ones."

"Seems, like you got me all figured out, young lady."

Nanashi, stuck her hand back into the fabric of time and space and took out a Spartan shield.

"That will not work."

With a defiant gleam in her eye, she snarled, "We'll see," and hurled the Spartan shield through the air like a discus of pure energy. It sliced through Hajimo's body as if he were a mere illusion before embedding itself deep into the bark of a towering oak behind him. As Hajimo turned to trace the shield's trajectory.

"Like I side, it is..."

As he turned to gloat in Nanashi's face, he heard the shied drop to the ground, he span around to find that she had ricocheted off the tree trunk in an explosion of wooden shrapnel, her hair elegant long hair opening up like a chinse fan, glistening in the moon light, the razor-edged weapon raised high to cut Hajimo's head from his shoulders. Time seemed to crystallize as his eyes widened in shock at the immediacy of his demise. But in that infinite instant, instincts as old as the first dawning of magic guided his hands.

With a resounding clap that set the air aquiver, two colossal golden skeletons tore free of the earth itself. Bony fingers thicker than tree trunks snatched at Nanashi's limbs with terrifying speed, halting her decapitating strike a mere hair's breadth from its fatal conclusion. The skeletons' eye sockets blazed with eldritch fire as they wrestled the thrashing warrior's body into submission, her boots gouging deep furrows in the ground.

"A magic-cancelling jade sword? I didn't know you had such weapons in your repertoire," Hajimo remarked, impressed.

"What can I say? I'm full of surprises," Nanashi replied with a triumphant smile.

Hajimo nodded thoughtfully. "Mhmm. Tell you what, what if I let you go, give your abilities back with a little extra, and you do me a small favor?"

Nanashi's interest was piqued. "Sounds intriguing. I'll take it."

"Good," Hajimo said.

The large golden skeletons unceremoniously dropped Nanashi on the floor like a bag of potatoes, causing her to belly flop hard on the ground.

"Ouch!" she cried out.

"Sorry," Hajimo winced. "I can't control them properly in my decaying state. Maybe you'll do a better job."

"What do you mean?" Nanashi asked, confusion evident in her voice.

Hajimo gave her a big smile and a thumbs up. "They're all yours now!"

"Really?" she exclaimed, jumping to her feet.

"Yep."

Nanashi's excitement faltered slightly. "Damn, just as I was about to attack you again."

"How unfortunate," Hajimo said dryly.

"So, what's this favor you need from me?" Nanashi inquired, her curiosity getting the better of her.

"I need you to protect the villagers from a threat that's coming in a few days' time."

Nanashi frowned. "Why don't you just ask Sasuke? He is the guardian of the forest, after all."

"Yes, the guardian of the forest, not the people," Hajimo explained. "As guardians, we must never interfere with human matters, but I've grown to love these people."

"Or maybe you've grown to love someone in particular?" Nanashi prodded.

Hajimo's expression softened. "Yes, maybe I have. But that was a long time ago, and I promised this person that I would always be there for her and her family."

Nanashi sighed dramatically. "This sounds kind of like a drag, and I don't have time to waste on petty issues like love. I have a dynasty to conquer and people to torture."

Undeterred, the old man walked over to her and placed his hand on her head, transferring half of his power to her.

"If you do this little favor for me, I'll give you the rest of the power I have and tell you where to find all twelve elemental kitsune. Trust me, you're going to need a lot more than this to defeat her," Hajimo offered.

Nanashi's eyes glinted with mischief. "How about you give me everything now, then I kill everyone and destroy the village? That way, you'll be with all of them in the spirit realm."

"No," Hajimo replied firmly.

"Come on!" she shouted, crossing her arms and puffing up her cheeks in frustration.

Hajimo chuckled. "So old, yet still such a child. Same time, same place tomorrow?"

"Why not," Nanashi shrugged.

"Alright, and no telling Sasuke. Bye." With that, Hajimo was swept up in a whirlwind of leaves and disappeared.

"I wonder who this great threat is?" Nanashi grumbled as she headed home.