Musashi strolled through the streets of ancient Kyoto, right hand settled securely over the shaft of his katana. He stops before the entrance to the prestigious samurai academy before slowly sliding the paper panel doors open.

Musashi was a decisive young man, oftentimes rather cocky. However, his devotion to the sword and battle are unmatched. He was never trained by any true sensei growing up. Musashi was a disciple of the forest, a demon child, he was often named. To conquer or die, that was the samurai way of life and today, he believed, it was his duty to duel the most prestigious school of Kyoto, Yoshioka Academy.

However it seemed someone else was after the same goal. Right upon entering, Musashi’s gaze fell on the two figures dueling furiously upon the bloodied tatami matts. He was late, someone had already challenged the legendary Master Seijuro, founder of the academy. The challenger’s face was hidden beneath a straw hat, figure rather slender and petite, quite the unusual sight.

Unable to interrupt, Musashi stood amongst the many other samurai, staring in awe at the two fighting people in the center of the room. His eyes widened as the mysterious warrior found a weak spot in Seijuro’s movements and struck with the blunt end of her blade. The sword master fell down and the challenger smiled a bit under her hat.

“I expected better from such a renowned school. Perhaps you should cease playing in those little pleasure quarters of yours and brush up your skills,” she smirked then swept past everyone, bumping Musashi’s shoulder as she exited the scene.

Musashi was in awe, he had never saw anyone he deemed an equal until now. He ran after her, a cocky grin on his face. It seemed she didn’t hear his calls. Finally, she stopped by a riverbank and removed her hat. Musashi was dumbstruck. All along he had assumed her to be a man, never really considered she was a woman—a stunning woman too.

“Oi! What’s your name?” Musashi demanded, watching as she turned back and raised a brow at him. “Let’s duel.”