>>6084413Still on the subject of fated encounters.
Mizuchi deflects and counter-strikes, a perfect stroke that bypasses the guard of his more inexperienced foe. Another blood spray, another collapsed body. Life-or-death battles have forged the pretend assassin into a real one. Whatever his humble origins or imagined fantasies, Mizuchi has in truth become one of the deadliest killers of the city.
But there's always other fish in the pond, hungry for a bite.
The sudden appearance of another man in a suit makes Mizuchi raise his blade in defense, but the other guy doesn't make a move. His stance is relaxed, hands in his pockets, blade in its sheath. He's the same height as Mizuchi, same build, same attitude. Same shape of sword at his side. He doesn't say anything for a moment after the greeting, or look directly at Mizuchi, he just casually observes the situation.
"You going to throw down for this loser?" Mizuchi says, indicating the fat guy in the suit who this has all been about.
"Who, me? Nah." Orochi gives the informant a swift kick to the leg, knocking him over. The Sumi clan member shouts something, enraged, and swings his blade. A skillful strike. He doesn't stand a chance. Orochi ducks and steps underneath the path of the blade, and swipes upwards as he stands. The Sumi's neck is neatly severed, head and body tumbling separately to the ground.
"Nah," Orochi says again, as if nothing had happened. He spins the katana to flick blood off, then wipes the rest off with a cloth. Still with his back turned, he says "I'm here for you, Mizuchi. Heard a lot about you. Wanted to see for myself if you were the real deal."
Orochi turns around, and his eyes meet Mizuchi's for the first time. His killing intent slams into Mizuchi like a physical force.
Mizuchi tenses to meet an attack, but the sensation dies away before anything happens. Orochi shakes his head. "Not now. This would have no meaning. Heal your wounds, Mizuchi. Grow strong. When you're ready ..." He makes a swift movement with his arm. A throwing knife pins a note to the wooden wall near Mizuchi. "You'll know where to find me."
Orochi walks away, giving a casual wave as he does. "Seeya."
