Pushing her body back with a deft movement, Shiro intended to throw the enemy off. However, she was surprised as she felt no impact. The enemy, seemingly having anticipated her move, had jumped back and landed at the entrance of the room without even making so much as a thud. Shiro twirled around, half-naked as she was and grabbed her sheathed sword. She gasped as she had not expected to see this kind of enemy.
Before her stood a beautiful woman. Long, black hair cascaded down her back and the make-up on her face was flawless. She wore a light kimono, one that was wholly unsoiled. If anything, Shiro would have guessed she was a Geisha from Edo, so remarkably clean was her appearance. But that was probably proof of her grace and elegance. This woman was likely never even hit by an enemies sword once, and like swords, she did not even allow the dirt to touch her.
"You killed my boys and now you intend to fight me... oh, you have deserved a severe punishment, little girl.", the woman spoke and drew the blade that was at her side. Shiros eyes widened... why had she not noticed the sword hanging from her hip before?
The blade was so frail and light, Shiro figured that it was not intended for direct contact with other swords. The womans grip on it was so soft that she only took the barest of strength to hold it up, but even so, it was obvious that this woman was far more skillful in wielding a blade than any other of the ruffians that Shiro had killed so far. She was a real threat.
"Prepare yourself, my dear... or surrender right here, and I promise you that you won't feel pain... much.", she said with a cold smile.
Shiro gritted her teeth. She knew she had to protect Sakura, but she was not sure if she could defeat this woman... |