From the Shadows (SAYUMI AND REINA)

[Sayumi Michishige]

Sayumi nodded, exactly how she thought about how it could not work. "Right, that's what I considered... While the number of rogue Shinobi these days is even more scarce, and even so I'm unsure if I could truly welcome someone who abandoned their previous way of life so effortlessly." Sayumi sighed, "This is but one of many challenges I must face, but I shall overcome it. If I cannot, then I will be unable to prove my own worth to the other Clans--more so attempt to re-establish the greatness of the Ikazuchi-Arashi."

[Yami no Yaiba]

Yami smiled as she went and patted Sayumi on the shoulder, "That's the spirit, that attitude will go far in this line of work, not all shinobis are about sterness and silence. Sometimes a little passion is needed to make things work, you have that in spades Sayumi-san," Yami said.

[Sayumi Michishige]

Sayumi couldn't help but get a bit flustered from her compliments, she cleared her throat as she closed her eyes. "I-I thank you for your compliments, Yami-chan." She put her hands on her hips, "I must after all operate as the Ikazuchi always have, sudden yet deadly--much like a Thunderstorm." She opened her eyes, smiling.

Although the smile faded moments after, she remembered her partner. Frowning as she looked to the side. Why couldn't she get a hold of her? 'Although... I wish my partner had been here to see this... Someone from a Higher Clan actually respects us--and believes in me--Reina, you're in good hands.' She thought to herself, exhaling.

[Yami no Yaiba]

Yami simply gave a small laugh, "Indeed," she said simply, "I look forward to how the Ikazuchi operates and grows...it would be quite a sight to see," she said, "all the Higher clan leaders will be watching," as she leaned closer as she whispered, "but beware of treachery from other clans...there will be some who will try to take you out, you are not the only one with dreams of becoming the best."

[Sayumi Michishige]

When Yami told her this, Sayumi could do nothing but innocently smile. "Oh I'm full aware. If anyone thinks they can try and off me or my partner, they'll find themselves stricken down by the thunder of the Ikazuchi Style." She giggled.

"I won't let anyone take from me; nor will I permit the endangerment of my Partner."

[Yami no Yaiba]

Yami nodded, "Indeed you need to be careful, I have been in this situation before, clans coming after me after I had assumed position as head. It is a dangerous time, but the longer you survive the stronger it sends the message: you cannot be beaten, you are the rightful lord of the clan, and it shows to others that you are worthy of being a shinobi leader."

[Sayumi Michishige]

"I'm not worried for my own safety. I will strike down any who try to take my head and with it the lifeline of the Ikazuchi Style." She told Yami, "As long as I have belief in what I was taught and my Partner, I won't let myself be beaten."

[Yami no Yaiba]

"Good encouragement, but words can only take you so far, make sure you train your body and your mind. That way you will be prepared for any trials that life may put before you, I am glad that the Ikazuchi style has returned, and it would be a pity if I cannot see it in action soon," Yami said.

[Sayumi Michishige]

Sayumi smiled, happy to hear those words. It added more reason to possess the determination to bring back the Ikazuchi Style to its fullest. "I promise you, I won't disappoint you and I won't let myself be taken out so soon before you have the chance to see Ikazuchi at its finest."

[Yami no Yaiba]

Yami nodded, "Excellent, I look forward to the day that one day you, your friend, and I can fight it out to see who is the best shinobi clan. I truly do, until then I shall observe you..." as she paused for a moment and then smiled, "to be quite honest you are the first person I have ever taken an interest in...you intrigue me Sayumi-san."

[Sayumi Michishige]

Sayumi smiled at her words again, although at the end she blushed faintly. "A-ah, I do?" She smiled, "To be honest I suppose I should say the same about you--except, I grew interested in my Partner first." She giggled mischievously, "I look forward to what the future brings--I don't think I would accept anyone but you to be my rival." She spoke, seeming still confident in herself.

[Yami no Yaiba]

Yami laughed, "I did not mean it in that way, though it is close enough to such a feeling, I simply meant that I have never taken an interest in a clan's development before. I found the others too boring, but you on the other hand interest me greatly, and I accept you as my rival," she said noticing how confident the other girl was, that could be interpreted as a good sign, or a bad one depending on what she does with that confidence.

[Sayumi Michishige]

Sayumi's face got even more red, "H-huh?! N-nonono, I didn't take it like that I just meant that I--" she grew completely flustered as she flailed around in place. Her normal usual--much calmer--persona had now but melted away completely. Oh poor girl.

[Yami no Yaiba]

Yami laughed again as she saw the girl become flustered, it was amazing what a few choice words was able to do to a girl, she was like that once before she managed to control her emotions. However she sometimes do let it out, it was a good way to relieve stress and anxiety, "I was only teasing you Sayumi-chan, though you do look cute when you are so flustered."

[Sayumi Michishige]

Sayumi only got more red, "You're mean Yami-chan!" She exclaimed, burying her face in her hands, trying to regain her composure. This never usually happened, maybe it was because she felt that her calm cool image portrayed before of her as the new leader of the Ikazuchi-Arashi Clan was destroyed in only a moment through one little misunderstanding.