Chapter 8

"That reminds me of Ryusei." Hamada said with a bitter smile on his face.
"What's with him?" I asked.
"Ryusei always thinks that his life is not his own." He replied with such a painful smile on his face. "And he doesn't even notice it himself."

I felt really empty.The words that Hamada told me is not something like casually to be heard. I might be feeling the same idea that he has but the weight of the feelings that he is enduring if far worst than mine.

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Ryusei's story

Ryusei was seven when he first handled a sword. It is a culture of the Hatakeyama Clan that a son should start learning swordsmanship as soon as he reached that age. His father, known as one of the best samurais, eargerly taught his son his own style of fighting. Ryusei tried his best to adapt the way of fighting of his father.

He was eleven when he mastered the full techniques of a Hatakeyama swordsmanship. A genuis perhaps, no one could do that in three years except Ryusei. When his father realized his growth, he appointed his son as a samurai of a princess of one of the noble clans of their family's alliances. A good way to start a career.

The princess' name is "Hoshi". A timid, soft and kind maiden from a well-known province. He guarded her as a sign of friendship of his clan towards Hoshi's family. For two years, he took care of her until he himself fell in love with Hoshi.

Their feelings were mutual but they can't have a deeper relationship since it would be an issue between the two clans. They tried to prevent themselves to love each other more. But they were happy with it, they were so contented with their relationship and just promised that when they grow up, they should be married.

Ryusei's happiness suddenly became temporary. Without knowing, the family of Hoshi is actually facing an issue about owning lands from her province. There was a little commotion and Ryusei wasn't actually ready with the attack of the enemy. Their certain target is Hoshi and Ryusei failed to protect her.

Hoshi died within his sight. Even though Ryusei was covered with bruises and blood after he was captured by the enemy, all he thought was to save Hoshi who was bleeding from the pierce of a sword on her chest. He is still powerless he thought at that moment.

Ever since, he trained himself to be stronger thinking that he should be able to protect someone. He won't let anyone die in front of him. He is working so hard, neglecting the things that he wants to do. He became a slave of his past.